It's the most wonderful time of the year....

It's pumpkin time.

I am a huge fan of canned pumpkin. Once, I had ten cans of pumpkin in my pantry. No lie!

I feel that you guys, my faithful blogger readers, should be pumpkin fans as well. It would bond us better.

Today, I am posting some of my favorite recipes for this wonderful time of year. I hope that you will try them, and love them as much as I love them.

Spiced Pumpkin Muffin
This is a major staple in my house. I eat these things ALL the time. This healthy cupcake/muffin is super low-fat and delicious. Well, it's healthier without the icing but I couldn't find a picture without the icing. Feel free to put icing on yours to make it a cupcake, but I do not, because I'm a weird health nut, which is why I call it a muffin. Anyway, on the recipe. Are you ready?

1 can of pumpkin (regular size)
1 box of spiced cake mix
The End.

Seriously, that's all you do, two ingredients. You can do that, right? I know you can.

Pumpkin Raisin Scone

1.5 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons softened butter
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 box of raisins

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425.

Form dough into a ball, place on a greased baking sheet and pat down into a circle about 1/2 to 1/4 inches thick.

Sprinkle with sugar and cut into 8 segments.

Bake at 425*F for about 20 minutes or until edges are slightly crisp and the top is lightly browned.

I just discovered this recipe and it is fantastic. It rocked my breakfast routine for about 3 days. I highly recommend it for all your breakfast/pumpkin needs.

Pumpkin Oatmeal

Sorry...no picture. Please imagine a hot bowl of oatmeal.

Ok, so I don't really have a recipe for this, but I just add a couple tsp of pumpkin into my plain oatmeal. I also add a dash of cinnamon for kicks. If you really wanted to get adventurous, you could add some pumpkin pie spice, chocolate chips, a banana, or maybe raisins. It is really up to your imagination.

Pumpkin Yogurt

Again, no picture.

No-fat/Low-fat Vanilla Yogurt
A spoonful of Pumpkin
Mix together.
The End.

Easy as pie. You know, I never understood that saying. Have you ever made a homemade pie? I haven't, but it doesn't look easy! Well, folks it's time for me to start my day. Please enjoy these great recipes.

Confessions of a Blogger

Tonight, is my book club meeting.I have not read the book, nor have I ever read the book.

Stop judging me. I know it's a classic.

Friday, I found canned Pumpkin at Sam's. I was so excited I yelled YES in the middle of the aisle. Three people looked at me.

I've already cooked with pumpkin three times.

Friday night I was ditched by three set of friends. It was a very low blow to the ego.

Sunday it took me 2 1/2 hours to read one chapter in Finance.

I'm a slow reader.

My aunt recently sent me a postcard from FL, and it made my day.

I'm actually counting down the months until I turn 30.

Tomorrow

...is my first test in Intermediate Financial Management.

Are you worried?

I'm worried.

Throughout the day, I will be eating blueberries. It's my brain food.

It really is.

Please pray for me. I need to make sure I don't forget the formulas that are currently stored in my brain. There's a bunch.

Cupcake Ministry

Blogger World, have you met Tara? No?
Tara, meet Blogger World. Folks of the internet, meet my friend Tara.

Tara and I have been friends for many, many, many years. Ok, so maybe it's not three manys.

Tara and I met in college back in 1999. I believe our friendship came about because we had Accounting together. Although, it could have been because we lived in the same dorm freshman year, or it might have been a combination of both? However it started, we are still friends.

Tara is a pure delight. I mean, look at her picture. Isn't she cute? I think so. Guys she is single. If interested please send me your resume and financial background.

Sunday night Tara stopped by to give me a present. Like I said, she's a delight.

Look at what Tara brought me...
A Sprinkles Cupcake. She went to William Sonoma, bought the mix, and slaved away all afternoon to make a dozen cupcakes. I felt honored that she would share with me. It was a wonderful surprise. It made my Sunday. It pretty much made my weekend.

The cupcake was great.

It was chocolaty.

It rocked my world.

Yes folks, this cupcake rocked my world!

Friendly Reminder

I feel that it is my duty to keep you guys informed. Not just informed about my exciting life, but the exciting life of the entertainment world.

I know, some of you are too busy to worry your sweet minds about TV/Hollywood Gossip/Movies. I mean, sure, I can't always remember important Financial terms or formulas, but dang it I can recite ABC/CBS/CW/Bravo's Fall Schedule down to a T.

It's a talent.

The Cousin has the same talent. The Sisters do not share our talent. I find that odd....

Anyway, I say all this to remind everyone that Castle starts back up! Folks, you need to watch Castle. I feel very strongly about this topic. Almost as strong as my stance on the phrase blowing up my phone. And let me remind everyone of that stance, under no circumstances should you use the phrase. Ever!

Ok, so let's review this post....
1) Castle is back - ABC Monday 9pm
2) Castle is a great show
3) OK Chick knows a great deal of worthless information
4) Under no circumstance are we suppose to utter the phrase- blowing up my phone

Thank you for listening.

Tour De OKC Food-Part IV

Well folks this past weekend I tried another OKC establishment. This eating establishment wasn't on my original list of "Must Tries", but it is a place I've always wanted to try out.

Last Saturday I went to Deep Deuce Grill.


You can find Deep Deuce Grill in the middle of OKC's trendy downtown apartments. This whole area reminds me of a small scale NYC. Now, when I say small scale, please know that I mean SMALL scale. So for you folks that have never been to OKC, do not think our downtown is like NYC. It's not.

Ok, let's get to my review. First of all, you guys are going to be disappointed in my food selection. I ordered a Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tater Tots. I know...I could have ordered the same thing at Sonic for 1/2 the price. But you know what? I love Tater Tots, and a Grilled Cheese Sandwich sounded good at the time. When I saw Tater Tots on the menu, I couldn't resist. They were calling my name.

As you can imagine the food was ok. It was nothing fancy. Again, I could have ordered the exact meal at Sonic, and I'm certain that America's Drive-In might have made me a better sandwich. My co-eater ordered a Ranch Chicken Sandwich, and it looked good. He said his sandwich was good, but agreed that he's had better food.

I would say Deep Deuce is a great place for the people living in the trendy apartments. It's very convenient to those residents. But I do give the atmosphere high ratings. It is a great neighborhood place. It seemed like a place where everyone knows your name. You know, like Cheers. Also, there's a great outdoor patio, which I love. I didn't eat outside, because I didn't know there was a patio. However, I sat inside and watched the AL football game. This would be an ideal place to watch a football game. It probably doesn't get too crowded, and it's pretty small. You would be able to see a TV.

Overall, I rate Deep Deuce Grill a solid 6. Not horrible, but not my favorite. But again, I did order Grilled Cheese and Tater Tots.

Wednesday Wants

I adore Rachel Zoe. I love her job. I love her husband, and I am falling for her assistant Brad. However, tonight while watching The Rachel Zoe Project I realized something. I realized that my dear friend has it all wrong. Life, she has it all wrong.

If you watch the show at all you know that this season one of the topics of conversation has been Rachel and Rodger starting a family. Her husband, Rodger, is all for starting a family. But Rachel is not quite ready for mommy duties.

In tonight's episode Rachel and one of her make-up/hair stylist were having a heart-to-heart about Rachel and Rodger starting a family. During the conversation Rachel made a comment that made me feel sorry for her. She said that her clothes love her back. I realize the comment was probably half joking, but I do think that maybe some of it was an honest opinion.

Folks, Rachel is wrong. Clothes do not love you back. I don't care how much they cost, and how much you love them. You should expect no love in return. I know my Blogger Friends, the intelligent people that you are, know that materialistic things will not love you back. But if we all know this, why are we so materialistic? Why is our world such a materialistic world?

I'm mostly point the finger at myself. When did I become this way? Sure, I don't go around telling everyone that my Gucci purse loves me, because let's face it, we all know I do not own a Gucci purse. But I want stuff. I want to buy things for my abode, and buy new clothes. All things I don't need, they are just wants. Instead of focusing on "wanting stuff", I should focus more on the relationships I have with people. The people that will actually love me back.

So tomorrow, my Wednesday Wants is that I will stop wanting.

3 Truths and a Lie- Update

Well, let's see what lucky soul was correct on 3 Truths and a Lie.

1) I ran 3.5 miles: Truth
Last week I did run 3.5 miles. This morning, Saturday, I ran 4 miles. I was pretty pumped. TC let me know I'm still a freak of nature. It's good to see that hasn't changed.

2) My favorite color is red: Truth
This is one of the walls in my kitchen...
The whole kitchen is this color, and it looks awesome.

3) I bought new glasses: Truth
Check them out...

4) I'm dropping Finance: Lie
This is my Saturday...

I was really doing well on the homework until she showed up....

Congrats to everyone that was correct on my little game. Imaginary high-fives all around. Now if you would excuse me, I need to figure out how to draw a Security Market Line. I've been trying to figure it for over an hour. No luck.

3 Truths and a Lie

It’s time to play 3 Truths and a Lie. This is a little game I like to play when I have absolutely nothing to post, and there is not a creative bone in my body.
This is how the game works…you try to figure out the lie. It’s pretty simply, huh? Leave your guess in the comment section.

1) I ran 3.5 miles.
2) My favorite color is red.
3) I bought new glasses.
4) Tonight will be my last night of Finance because I'm dropping the class.

As always, I wish you luck. Imaginary high-five to the winner.

Wednesday Wants

Today, I'm going to try something new. It's called Wednesday Wants.

I just made it up.

This is my selfish side.

Please don't judge.

Gap

I never said my wants were life shattering!

This weekend

I was here for 12 hours....

AND

I rediscovered my love for hush puppies...

I had a great Labor Day weekend. Nothing like a nice visit with some of the family!

And the winner is...

Michelle! Her oatmeal suggestion was brown sugar and bananas. What a great combination! Thank you for everyone that left a comment. I enjoyed reading everyone's comments. I can't wait to try them in my morning oats.

Congrats to Michelle!!! I will be sending you two Justin's Nut Butter. I think you will really enjoy them.

My First Giveaway

No work day for me. I took off. Most normal people would have slept in and enjoyed the time off.

Not me. It's only 8:0am and I've already done two loads of laundry, swam for 40 minutes, and ran/biked a mile. Yes, I'm one of those human beings. I'm talking about the sick people that cannot enjoy a vacation day, unless it involves an airplane and H&M. But I'm ok with this sick side of myself. My mom told me it was one of the benefits of being A.D.D.

After I biked/swam/biked/ran I was pretty hungry. Afterall, it was 8am. My favorite time of the day, breakfast time. The prefect breakfast after a hard workout is oatmeal. It is for me. One of my favorite accessories of oatmeal, is peanut butter. I LOVE peanut butter in my oatmeal. Have you guys tried it? You should. Well, this morning I decided to try my new packet of Justin's Chocolate Almond Butter Pack.

Man, this stuff is tasty! I feel so strong about it, that I am going to give away two packets of Justin's Almond Butter. That's right folks, I'm going to run a giveaway!!! It's my first giveaway. Are you excited? I'm excited.

Here's how it's going to work.

1. You must be a member of my blog.

2. Leave a comment telling me your favorite oatmeal combination.

I will pick the winner Sunday @ 3:37pm. The winner will be posted Sunday evening. SO folks, you pretty much have ALL weekend to take advantage of this giveaway. Happy commenting.

Tour De OKC Food-Part III

Last weekend I hit up another Tour De OKC Food. A few friends and I went to The Prohibition Room.

Now if you are not from these parts of the woods, you don't know about the big gold dome. The big gold dome is in the heart of OKC and has been around forever. Well, all of my life. Back in the day, it's used to be a bank, but when times got bad the bank went under.


All these years the big gold dome has been sitting empty, which always made me sad. But not anymore. Some cleaver folks purchased the dome and decided to renovate this awesome landmark. One of the upgrades was a restaurant, The Prohibition Room.

Ok so let's get to the food. This will be a short review, because it's late and I'm tired. First, I went with two friends, one was a coworker so my camera was not involved. Sorry. I promise, the next place I hit up, my coworkers will not be involved. Wouldn't it be great if a blogger went with me? Bloggers where you at? I need eating partners. Anyway, moving on...

The food at The Prohibition Room was ok. I can't say this has been my favorite place. The menu is small, which I like because that means they cook those things well. But, the menu is kind of all over the place. I ordered a Lobster Club, without bacon. I'm not a huge sea food person, so I have no idea why I wanted a Lobster Club, but it sounded good. The sandwich was good, but huge! The sauce on the sandwich was tasty, not too heavy or over powering. The bread/veggies/lobster all seemed fresh. But, my toasted bread had a large amount of butter all over. I don't like butter on my bread. I know, so anti-American.

The best part of the night was our appetizer. We ordered Bruschetta. One thing I LOVE about this place is they give you a list of different Burschettas, and you create your appetizer. The following are the options...

Choose 4 selections below:

• white bean, parmesan and truffle oil
• crushed tomato and basil
• chorizo, manchego and cilantro pesto
• prosciutto and figs
• roasted garlic and artichoke
• fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil
• brie and fuji apples
• fig & shallot puree, olive w. feta
• tuna tartar, wasabe peas w. soy ginger & sesame

We tried the ones in red. I selected prosciutto and fig, which was amazing and my favorite! Great combo! My coworker said it was his favorite too. What can I say, I know how to order. Brie and fuji apple was my second favorite, but my friend Tara did not like this one. I wouldn't waste your time/money with the fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil. It's kind of boring. My suggestion, try something new.

Overall, I would say The Prohibition Room received a 6 from me. The service was not great. The restaurant was not crowded but yet we waited awhile for service. I did enjoy my time there and enjoyed the food, but I would recommend going to The Prohibition Room for appetizers or drinks. They appeared to have a large bar menu.

I do give major points for atmosphere. It is pretty neat/retro, because you are sitting in the lobby/office of an old bank. Not only is the outside gold, but so is the inside.

The Prohibition Room also have bands play during the weekend. This would be great place for appetizers, drinks, and listening to a band.