I ate cheesecake without feeling guilty!

I did it... I ate cheesecake without feeling guilty...

... I can now cross it off of my 50 things to do before I am 50!!!

Cheesecake... It might be my favorite thing in the world... next to my fantasy of winning Lotto. I got this recipe from a 2010 Kraft Foods ad in the April edition of Ladies Home Journal. I think I tore it out at the Dr.'s office (I won't name which one since we frequent there often... and the back of the ad was a recipe for a weird looking veggie dish... so I figured it was okay).

I needed an excuse to make it. I certainly couldn't make a cheesecake just for fun. Do people do that?? So, I noticed a friend was having a birthday. I called her and asked if she liked cheesecake. She said she LOVED it. My plan was half way complete. Now I needed to have more people join us to celebrate. It has been a mission of mine to overcome my guilt while eating cheesecake. I mean, after all, isn't cheese a protein? So, the girls came. Three out of the four. One even brought her littlest daughter. We had salad, wine (don't tell anyone.... it was only a little bit) and then for the grand finale.... cheesecake! And I served it with a bowl of Trader Joe's frozen blueberries that I had refrigerated overnight. Everyone loved it. Even the littlest one of the party. And guess what???? NO GUILT!!! Just pleasure! I am listing the recipe below in case you want to gather a friend and have some no guilt cheesecake.

Enjoy!

- Tracy

Deliciously Simple

Philadelphia Vanilla Mousse Cheesecake

40-45 Nilla Wafers, crushed (about 1 1/2 c.)

3 Tblsp. butter, melted

4 pkgs (8 oz. each) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened and divided

1 c. sugar, divided

1 Tblsp., plus 1 tsp. vanilla divided

3 eggs

1 tub Cool Chip (8 oz.), thawed

Heat oven to 325. Mix wafer crumbs and butter; press onto bottom of 9" springform pan. Beat 3 pkgs. cram cheese, 3/4 c. of the sugar and 1 Tblsp. of the vanilla with mixer until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each egg just until blended. Pour over crust. Bake 50-55 minutes or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool completely in pan. Beat remaining cream cheese, sugar and vanilla into mixer in large bowl until well blended. Whisk in Cool Whip (I mixed it with mixer). Spread over cheesecake. Refrigerate 4 hours (I refrigerated overnight). Remove from pan before serving. Garnish with fresh berries if desired (I use Trader Joe's frozen blueberries... refrigerate overnight and serve alongside cake in a bowl and drizzle over individual slices).

Go for the GOLD!!!

GOLD...

Who doesn't love gold, you ask???? WSU alums prefer Crimson and Gray over Purple and Gold.... but that's irrelevant (sorry fellow Cougs). These are a few of my favorite "gold" items I wanted to share with you. The reason being is because the shoes are in stores now, but might not be in a few weeks. I am sure there are many that might question my shoe preference.. but those who really know me understand completely :). I just like what I like. It doesn't matter what the price tag says. I will try to explain the items and their importance. The first photo is clear... it's just all of them combined. Now for the other photos...

Gold Trophy... My kids gave that to me in 2003. Brooke was in Kindergarten and Mason was being potty trained (long process). I thought they'd stay young forever. We are now going to celebrate Brooke being on official teenager. Where does the time go??? I keep this on my bookshelf in my studio. I adore it and look at it every day. Especially the days I tell the kids "NO" and have to hear why I am NOT the best mom for various reasons. This is the point where I realize my kids have grown up. I now get Target gift cards and coffee cards.... and "best mom" cards from Hallmark. But I love them all the same.

My grandma's Gold medallion necklace... My mom gave this to me many years ago after my grandma Dorothy passed away. Everyone says I got my expressive, brown eyes from her. She was also an artist. I proudly own a few of her pieces and love her style of painting. She painted people and places. I paint words. We would have made a good team. This is the necklace she wore with all 13 grandchildren's names engraved on it. Two of the grandchildren are no longer with us.... which makes it even more special to ... since one was my sister. I wear this every once in awhile with her initials (opposite side) displayed. So I am not sure anyone actually knows all of the names are engraved on the back. It even has our birthdays... which she never forgot (now I see why).

My new Gold flats. LOVE THEM! I just bought them at Target. Sorry Greg, I forgot to mention I took the kids to target the other day. Mason had $14.00 and HAD to go! It was my responsible duty as a mother to take him. and look what I found!!! They were only $12.99. Seriously! They are cute and comfy and I think I might wear them today. I love Target.

Little bottles of wine with a Gold screw top. I love this wine. Bella Sera Pinot Grigio. I know it is cheap wine. But hey, I went to college at WSU. We drank MAX (it was super cheap) and LUCKY (because the caps had puzzles on them) beer back in the 80's. I don't even know if they make those beers any more. My taste buds like inexpensive alcohol. That is great for our family budget. I purchase these little ones and keep them in the refrigerator for those moments when you just need a little something at the end of a long, long, long day. It's also good to keep on hand for recipes that require a little white wine. I'll try to find one and post it in the near future. I should probably mention that I do like good, expensive wine too!!!!!!

So, with all of that said... I guess I like gold. I would have posted a photo of real gold coins and Fran's gold chocolate wrappers... but I don't have any. Keep in mind Gold does not have to be expensive to be enjoyed.

- Tracy

My kids favorite cookies... they call them homemade!

When my kids ask me to make "homemade" cookies I am so lucky. They consider "homemade" to be anything you cannot purchase at the grocery store. Technically they are right. But these favorites are made in the microwave and are ready to eat in less than 5 minutes. That's quicker than I can get to any store! We call them Cheerio M&M Cookies (yes, I know that is a very clever name... haha). It was my day to carpool to activities so I decided to make myself look like a good mom to my friend's daughter. I knew she would go home and tell her mom that Mrs. Fisher made homemade cookies!!! And in case you were wondering, there were plenty for Mason when he got home. I keep the ingredients on hand at all times. I suggest you do too. Here you go.... the recipe to my kids' favorite cookies.... Enjoy!

Cheerio M&M Cookies

3 Tblsp. butter

6 c. mini marshmallows

1/2 c. creamy peanut butter (I use Jif)

5 c. Cheerios

1 c. M&M's (seasonal colors are fun)

In microwave heat butter and marshmallows for about 3 minutes. Use a bowl that you can fit all of the ingredients in because you will end up stirring everything together in the one bowl. The marshmallows will puff up. While they are in the microwave, butter a 9x13" pan and set aside. When butter/marshmallows come out, immediately stir in peanut butter. It will collapse. That is okay. Then add Cheerios. Stir until half way incorporated. Then add the M&M's and continue to stir lightly until all mixed up. Put in greased pan. Press down (I use a buttered baggie over my hands... that trick works great). Let sit a few minutes before cutting into squares. I like to serve these with an ice cold glass of milk in my favorite Southern Living polka dot glasses.

This recipe originally called for dropping the Cheerio mixture onto waxed paper. I like to make them into bars so the kids can cut them as they eat them. Although I do have to admit the "drop" version is a little prettier. When I press down the M&M's do crack a little. Oh well, they taste the same!!.... What do you expect from a homemade cookie????

PS... on another completely different subject.... go to www.liveitupalittle.blogspot.com to see a super fun painting. If you follow that blog you will find a new recipe later this week. Yum!

New green purse

I am at home yesterday painting and I hear a knock on my door. It's my friend Bradie. She is here to drop off a disc of photos. As I walk her to her car, I notice the cutest green purse in the front seat. Of course I have to comment on it. I am really into the color green right now. She asks if I want it. I am sure! Of course I am not going to take her purse. She says "take it... and use it for awhile.. and give it back to me when you are done." Then she proceeds to empty it out onto her passenger seat. Are your kidding? I've never had anything like this happen to me before. I didn't know what to do. So I took it... and thanked her.... and hugged her.... and thanked her... and tried to give it back.... and realized she was not going to take it back.... so I thanked her again and again. I absolutely LOVE my new green purse! I am going to go buy a new top just to go with it. And one day this summer I will drive the purse back to her house and tell her it had a good time while it was with me. And I will thank her again for that great, new green purse.

- Tracy

Yes Andria, you get a prize!! You too Colleen...

Gracia won a prize. Now Andria, you said you want a prize? You got it! I think I'll give one to Colleen too for being a follower. Listen closely.... Gracia, Andria and Colleen... Your prize is this.... A mini wine box. It's just enough for one glass of wine. It's a 2008 Merlot from California. I got it at Target. It came in a 4 pack. I opened one of them for my spaghetti sauce last night and there are three left. They are for you. Now you can quit telling people you never win anything... you just won!!! I will give them to you next week. I've got to run.... it's a full day of painting for me!

- Tracy

An "APPLE" for Earth Day

An Apple for Apple ...

This is a painting I made in 2005 for Apple Paltrow Martin (daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin). This painting has been hanging in my studio for five years. I have tried to contact people that might have a connection... I have even sent a photo of it with a friend to a Cold Play concert in Chicago. It made it on stage, but the lead singer threw it back into the audience and people screamed thinking it was something from the band.... I do have to admit that was funny... One day I hope to give it to her. In the meantime it is for the the world to enjoy .... Happy Earth Day!!!! ... Apple, if you are reading my blog, contact me and it is all yours! www.tfisherart.com

- Tracy

Family photos

Who says family photos can't be fun????

Of course it started with an invite to a Sunday dinner at a friend's house. I asked "What can I bring?". They said "Just bring yourselves." Then I had this bright idea to offer to bring dessert. I said I'd bake a cake. What??? I can't even tell you the last time I baked a cake. I think it was when I was 8 years old and I had an Easy Bake oven. Again... what was I thinking???? That is what lead up to the cupcake story ... it's a long story... don't ask. Anyway, I baked cupcakes and a mini cake (the adventure can be found at www.liveitupalittle.blogspot.com). Now fast forward... the invite to dinner turned out to be a photo shoot for the blog I am doing with a friend. We are selling some fun things in the near future... will keep you posted. ... I know, I know.... you don't need to ask about this either. Although you will finally be able to order tshirts and art without having to chase me down in the grocery store or Little League fields. .... Back to the "family photo" story... About 25 minutes before we are supposed to leave I notice I am the only one dressed. Greg is mowing the lawn, Brooke is texting and Mason is nowhere to be found (didn't he come home from the neighbors yet???). I told Greg we had to leave. He asked, "Where are we going?". Seriously???? I replied, "To have our family pictures taken... in 20 minutes!!!". I can't believe we did it; but we were in the car in time... and in outfits that would match if I requested black and white photos. Bradie (www.bradiekphotography.com) was so kind. The kids loved her. She even managed to take some photos of Brooke and Mason... and Brooke and her friends. If you make an-almost-13-yr-old happy then everyone is happy... especially during family portraits. We did it. We smiled. And I can't wait to see the photos. I do love my family!!!!!

cupcake for dinner

Ever have one of those days? You just feel like having a cupcake for dinner? I mean really... how many calories are in dinner???? I am sure I ate far less just having a cupcake! I made a mini cake for a photo shoot I had with Ashlyn. We thought we should have some photos taken for our blog http://www.liveitupalittle.blogspot.com/... where we will be selling fun stuff. Thanks Bradie Kvinsland http://www.bradiekphotography.com/) for taking the photos. We had a blast. And I hope you liked the cupcakes we sent home with you.

This cupcake (the ingredients/directions below are for her "cake") recipe was from the April Redbook magazine. It's Trisha Yearwood's recipe.... Key Lime Cake. I made a mini cake for the photo shoot and the rest of the batter into cupcakes (see photo above.... only one bite taken at that moment). I followed her recipe but added toasted coconut to the top (my idea... hope you like it Trisha). I will list the recipe below. It is (or should I say "was") truly delish!!! And by the way, YES, I did finish the cupcake... the whole thing! As far as the cake??? Our husbands and kids helped with that. :)

Enjoy,

Tracy

Trisha Yearwood's Key Lime Cake

Cake:

1 3oz. pkg lime flavored jello

1 1/3 c. granulated sugar

2 c. sifted all purpose flour

1/2 t. salt

1 t. baking powder

1 t. baking soda

5 lg. eggs, slightly beaten

1 1/2 c. vegetable oil

3/4 c. orange juice

1 Tblsp. lemon juice

1/2 t. vanilla extract

1/2 c. Key Lime juice (from about 25 small Key Limes or 4 lg. regular limes)

1/2 c. confectioner's sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour three 9" round cake pans.

In a large mixing bowl mix the gelatin, sugar, flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Stir to mix well. Add eggs, oil, OJ, lemon juice and vanilla. Pour the batter into 3 pans (evenly) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Insert a toothpick to test doneness. Cool for 5 minutes then turn them onto racks.

While the layers are still hot, mix the lime juice and confectioner's sugar together and pour over layers. Pierce cake with a fork to allow glaze to soak in. Cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Icing:

1/2 c. butter, room temp.

1 8oz. pkg cream cheese, room temp.

1 1lb. box confectioner's sugar

Cream butter and cream cheese. Beat in confectioner's sugar until smooth and easy to spread. Spread the icing between the layers and on top and sides of cake.

My first follwer...

Thank you Gracia for being my first official follower. TGFF.... Thank God for friends! You win a prize.... keep following to see what it is....

Late Start Wednesday...

What is it about "late start" Wednesday that just doesn't work for me? Our schools start one hour late on Wednesdays. You would think that would give me an extra hour to have a cup of coffee, return emails, make a few calls and possibly watch the news or a little Bravo TV (gotta love those "Real Housewives"). It starts out that way... my husband gets up and gets going to work. It's a relaxing process. I get up and believe in the magic extra hour that is coming my way... and presto... it is now time to get to school.... Where did the time go? We rush and run around... and nobody can tell me what happened to "my" hour I deserved. This morning I assumed that extra hour would allow me time to take photos of my kids to post on my blog. My daughter informed me she needed help curling her hair. I told her I'd do it if she would let me take her photo. I guilted her into it by telling her I forgot to do it on the first day of school (months ago). She agreed. Next I tried my son. Not as lucky... he said no. I bribed him. He then said yes. I got the photos.... then we rushed to school just in time for the bell. Did I mention I had slippers on and my coffee was cold??? And I made it home to start my day of work... You gotta love Wednesday mornings. Happy Wednesday to you!

Day 1 of my blog!

Today is day 1 of my blog! I work with words all day long. I am an artist, a tshirt designer, a wife and a mom. And now I have to come up with something clever to say and I can't think of a thing. How is that? I guess I could start with how I came up with my blog name... once you get to know me, and my frenzied lifestyle, I believe you will understand. If life can't be "fun", then I don't want to get out of bed.... and believe me, there are those days. But there are tshirts to design, paintings to finish, emails to return, magazines to read, coffee to be sipped, friends to call, beds to make, flip flops to put on and lists of things to do.... Welcome to my world. I can't wait to share my story with you. Get ready for some fun!!!