Cookie Dough Reese cups! Delish!

I came across this recipe from a fellow blogger: http://www.yummly.com/recipe/external/Chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-peanut-butter-cups-333596

Here is my finished product:

I originally thought it would be a lot of steps and very time consuming but while at Wegman's I came across Reese's chocolate chip peanut butter cookie mix..in a box! Pefect!  Most of the steps would be eliminated!

So, it was still time consuming. From start to finish, I probably spent 45 minutes, but alot of that was due to the time it took for the chocolate to melt in a double boiler.  But the end result is AMAZING! As a lover of all things Hershey's Reese's, this recipe was right up my alley.

Here goes:

What you will need:
1 bag of dark chocolate chips (1.5 bags would have been ideal but you can get away with 1 bag)
1 box of Reese's chocolate chip cookie mix (I've only seen this at Wegman's but it may have more distribution in other areas)
Mini cupcake/muffin liners
Mini muffin tin
Pastry or basting brush
Makes 2 mini muffin tins

Begin melting chocolate chips in double boiler (or microwave in short increments).
Make boxed cookie mix as suggested on the box. Chill about 20 minutes.
Line muffin tin with the wrappers.
Brush thick coat of chocolate on the inside of the muffin wrappers. Chill 10 minutes.
Roll cookie dough into small balls an put in the chilled chocolate cups.
drip melted cookie dough over top the cookie dough.
Put in refrigerator or freezer until chilled.

I store in the freezer but the wrappers are easier to remove when thawed slightly.

My husband and I LOVE LOVE LOVE them.  I think I'll try mint chocolate chip next!

Nike Run D.C. April 2013

So the family went to Washington DC last weekend to cheer on my sister in the Nike Washington DC women's half marathon. She did terrific and reached her goal of running almost the entire thing.

It was extremely inspirational seeing all these women of various shapes sizes and backgrounds running this marathon through America's capital. 

We stayed at L'EmfantelPlaza Hotel. the hotel had a really great rooftop pool and it was clean and comfortable in the suite. the hotel and amenities could use some updating but generally it was a great stay.

Congratulations to the fifteen thousand + runners who completed the race.

Valley Forge Park Adventure

So, I've lived less than one mile from Valley Forge Park for over 5 years now and I've been there many times. However, yesterday was a first for me.  I thought I was utterly lost as my 8 week-old son and I attempted to enjoy the weather with an afternoon walk. The afternoon "walk" turned into a marathon. I was up for a long walk, and even welcomed the challenge that the hills provided in an effort to shed baby weight, but I was not ready to witness the park full circle (well probably 1/2 or 3/4). Heck, my body has not been challenged in over 9 months (not counting labor, of course).

I parked at a parking lot near Rt 23 near Washington Memorial Chapel, though I only realized I was near the chapel later. I excitedly set up the stroller and checked that the baby would be warm enough and I started on my journey. I thought about grabbing a map but I've been to the park enough that I thought I would be just fine.  I was enjoying the peace and the quiet, even relishing in the thumping sound of a galloping horse along one of the trails. The day was beautiful and the scenery was serene. Everything was calming to me, but after an hour of brisk walking I was excited for the burn from trekking a stroller up and down those hills (no wonder they call it Valley Forge Mountain) would be over.............................except, it wouldn't.  I made my way around the Visitor's center, sure that my car was ahead...somewhere.  I checked out a map at the center to see how far I was and it didn't seem to much longer. What the map didn't show was the insanely steep hill that I had to take to get there. Ugh. I took a deep breath and pushed on, literally. Luckily the baby was sound asleep and not crying to be done with this adventure, unlike the cry of my quads!  I took this photo when I got near the top:




You'll notice there's not much to look at but you will see RT 23 in the foreground and the town of King of Prussia in the distance.  I understand why this was an ideal place for an encampment; you will see the enemy coming at you from all sides and it was close to the river.  But, I certainly felt lonely except for the cars driving by. Finally, I notice a runner who passed me about an hour ago on one of the trails!  I didn't fret because I knew I wasn't too far gone and I was in the right direction since Rt 23 was on the correct side of the trail (and my car was parked near there). Just when I think I see the statue that resides in the parking lot where I parked, I realize it's a different statue. I text my husband, warning him I may have lost the car (what's worse, the wife and kid are lost in the park or that the wife and kid lost the car???).   He calls to say he can pick me up but I advised that I just need a little more time (though my feet and legs were screaming...pick us up, pick us up). 

Only about 20 minutes and another steep hill later...I see the parking lot and, eventually, my car. Deep sigh of relief and the baby is still sleeping like.....well, a baby :)  Total walking time was about 2 hours but it feel like many more! My post pregnancy body was not expecting that!

I called my husband to let him know we are no longer in distress. Lesson of the day: I should have grabbed a map. Surprisingly, my body is not sore the next day. Maybe we'll try this adventure again.

My Baby Boy's Nautical Nursery

Compass decal from ebay. Rug from Overstock, Bedding from Pottery Barn, Nautical Flags from Land of Nod, Rope Chair Rail from a rope website (2 1/2 inch rope). Paint from Lowe's (I think it is Valspar brand)