Baking: Banana Blueberry Streusel Muffins by Cooks.Com

After being inspired to watch Julia & Julie, I looked through the refrigerator to see what main ingredients we had...found Costco frozen blueberries and a bunch of apple bananas.  So, I typed those two ingredients into Google and found Cooks.Com Banana Blueberry Streusel Muffins to include all the other ingredients I already had in the house.  

In case you're wondering, Streusel, according to Wikipedia is a German word meaning 'something scattered or sprinkled' referring to a crumb topping of butter, flour and white sugar....(learned something new). 

I realize though, I didn't make my streusel correctly...didn't quite come out crumbly, but I know now what to do with the topping...none the less, got a thumbs up from hubby and family!  Bon Appetite!

 Yay!  Got all the ingredients!

Martha Stewart Mini Muffin pan (greased)

Yay Muffins to Share!

Movie Review: Julia & Julie

Kristen recommended this movie since it also involved blogging and a passionate hobby.  This was such a cute and inspiring film about 2 women of different eras rebuilding their lives post WWII and post 9/11. Based on two true stories of Julia Child and Julie Powell, actors Meryl Streep and Amy Adams do a wonderful job portraying and telling their tales.   With a passion for cooking and sharing food with those they love, this film was inspiring and heartwarming.  Both of their husbands were so supportive of their wives and had a blissful but also a real life relationships.   I admire Julie Powell for sticking through so diligently to go through 524 recipes in 365 days - she actually accomplished something from start to finish, something she has been known not to do by her mother.   Here's to rebuilding and finding our passions to share with those we love. 

Which leads me to my next post.

Crafts: Gift Bags

So, I thought to look around the house to see what supplies I had for a possible hobby and I found these in the closet from a craft hobby that I was attempting to start and expand.  Didn't get too far.   I was inspired by someone who gave a gift bag similar so I thought to use what I had a create these gift bags from the ribbons, paper and accessories I found. 

Using existing supply of papers

Using Existing supply of ribbons

Final product - 3 fun gift bags

Movie Review: The Karate Kid

Since I still think watching movies can be a hobby, I am writing about the latest movie in my NetFlix Queue, "The Karate Kid" with Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan.  Some of the key takeaways from this movie...
~"Even when you fall or get knocked down in life, only you can pick yourself back up."  You may have friends along the way helping, but only you can get back into the game. 

This also made me start thinking of another possible hobby...working out with discipline to be in great shape for martial arts (does Tae Bo count?)  To have a passion and desire to get through without giving up.  A lot of times I start a project and give up half way either due to a distraction from another possible hobby or not motiviated to finish...this film helps me to be motivated to finish things...hopefully it's not motivated by fear of bullies chasing after me at school in a foreign land.

Love Happens

NetFlix Summary:
Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston star in this romantic tale about life, loss and love.  When widower and self-help guru Burke Ryan (Eckhart) unexpectedly falls for Eloise (Aniston), his latent grief threatens his chance at romance.  Now, the best-selling author and expert on coping with loss must prove he's his own best teacher or risk losing love again.  Martin Sheen, Judy Greer and Frances Conroy also star. 
Rated PG-13   2009

So I have to thank Kristen for motivating me to start a blog...just last night one of my homework assignments was to start a blog and talk about anything...so since I just received my first Netflix rental (given as a gift from a cousin), I thought to write a NetFlix Queue Review blog since movies usually take me to places I've never been and open my mind to a world of experiences - I thought it appropriate to write as such. 

Love Happens - a tear-jerker and brought me back to a time when I lost someone dear to my heart, my brother, about 10 years ago.  I sort of ran away and lived in Florida taking on an internship and never had the chance to grieve with my family.   God does miracles and allows us to heal in our own ways...I did ask God why and questioned for a long time, my faith and beliefs.  I am thankful that He gives us time to learn and grow and hopefully share experiences so others may find ways to know who God is.  I hope that anyone else who has lost someone close to them can find healing and grieve and find the strength to continue living.

Other fun thoughts about the movie, thought it was cute that Eloise was a florist, so many pretty colors of flowers in Seattle, the scenery in Seattle is so beautiful!  Reminds me of when our church mission team went on a mission trip to the Seattle area - such a vibrant city with a lot of creative energy, fresh air and the heart of many innovated and successful companies.

The parrot was a cute addition to story, the hidden words behind the pictures...i was wondering how that was going to tie in their little romance.  It wasn't the typical romantic comedy, but thought it was cute flick and would highly recommend seeing it.