Another baking adventure.......

Nope, I'm not Jewish, but

I saw this recipe for Challah bread online. It was posted here by Leslie at the Weighting game. I just had to try it out. It was a very simple recipe and easy to make. It was also very tasty. I love trying new recipes and feel especially rewarded when it turns out well. (The only negative to this bread is that it's best when fresh out of the oven. It doesn't taste nearly as good the second day.)

Challah Bread

• One package dry yeast


• 2 tsp. kosher salt


• 2 tsp. sugar


• Approx. 4 cups of flour


• 1 cup very warm water


• 1/4 cup butter


• 3 eggs, beaten


• Egg wash (1 egg mixed w/ little milk)


• 
  Preheat oven to 350.

Mix yeast, salt, sugar and one cup flour.
In separate bowl, mix water and butter until it melts.
Add liquid to dry mix and stir until well combined.
Add eggs and stir again.
Add 1/4 cup flour at a time to mix, stirring each time until well combined.
When mixture becomes stiff, put on floured surface and start to knead . Add flour as necessary to prevent sticking. Knead at least five minutes but longer if necessary. Put the dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap and lightweight towel. Let rise for an hour or two until big and beautiful.
Punch it on down and knead again for 1-2 minutes. Put back in bowl & cover for 20-30 minutes.
Portion the dough into three section and roll into ropes.
Braid the dough, pinching the ends and turning them under so the seam is hidden. Brush with egg wash then let dough rest 15-20 minutes and place in oven. Bake 30 minutes.

Gorgeous!

Have I mentioned that I love to bake?

Believe it or not my Christmas baking has begun.

Shhh…This may be my Christmas gift for family members who live nearby. They are all quite large and very heavy. They are extremely fragile, as everything is edible. There is no way to ship these. Sorry folks!

I was lucky enough to be invited to take a gingerbread house class about 10 years ago. My teacher, Linda Black, was amazing. She makes the most gorgeous, ornate structures you have ever laid eyes on. I later took a series of cake decorating classes from her. They helped my skill level tremendously.

I’m addicted…I truly enjoy the process. I guess you could say it's THERAPY. The biggest blessing is that I don’t enjoy the taste of gingerbread. (Now, if it were chocolate, that would be a different story. It’s hard enough not munching on all the candy laying around.)

I have made about three houses so far. My goal in the future is to make them look more “lifelike.” I've spent many hours searching for new and different ideas, and I've found four really good patterns to try.

I’m always open for suggestions on things to try or houses to copy. Someone recently suggested my house! That’s totally out of the question. 1.) I would never be able to move it and 2.) it would take me weeks just baking gingerbread. For those of you who don’t know, we live in a very odd basement home with many patios and stairs. It would be a very challenging creation. I would need a team of little elves to help with frosting production and tip cleaning. (That’s the worst part about the whole job.) Any volunteers?

Brownies anyone?

You can't judge a book by its cover. In the beauty industry you have the privilege of working with people from all walks of life. I have learned that no matter how "normal" I am or how hard I try to create a safe and comfortable working environment, some things are completely out of my control. A fellow stylist, let's call him Dave, often began each day with help from some mysterious substance. He had been to Hell and back, in and out of rehab, and was always trying to reinvent himself. Besides his on-again, off-again struggle with sobriety, it would be safe to say that he was no stranger to the wild side.

While at work one day, a new client -- very sweet, quiet and shy, the mother of two small boys -- and I were discussing how to make a particular no fail brownie recipe. We were talking when Dave interrupted to announce my client needed to hear his brownie recipe. He called them Heavenly Hash Brownies and proceeded to explain why the secret ingredient was the key to euphoria. You should know that my client had no idea what hash was or where to get it. She became very interested -- she had never made anything that brought one to euphoria. I shot Dave a few looks that could kill, but he just wouldn't stop. Finally I explained to her that I did not use or know how to get the main ingredient, which I warned her was illegal. That said, I was sure she didn't want the recipe. After all, she was a mom and as straight as an arrow.

Was I ever wrong! She thought it was brilliant and wanted to get detailed information on how to obtain this secret ingredient! (She couldn't wait to bake a batch for her bunco night.) Dave was more than happy to oblige! I never asked if she actually made the brownies, but she and Dave became the best of friends.

You can never judge a book by its cover.

Just another day in the life......

So very sad...

For those of you who haven't heard about Christian and Stephanie Nielsen, please read about this horrible accident and the strength that this family has to endure. Click on the "about Nie" post at the top and it gives the history.This family has incredible faith, compassion and will.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
If you would like to contribute go here.

First Haircut

I was lucky enough to give Hayden his very first haircut!

He was a bit apprehensive, but it didn't begin in the most enjoyable way.....

http://hayden-john.blogspot.com/

For those of you who have photos of me giving your child their first haircut,

I would love to add them to my "first haircut" archive.

Just send me a copy!

Today's Meme

I don't normally do this, but it I've been tagged. I challenge everyone else to do this on their blog! ( I can't wait to read them!) The challenge of this meme is that all the answers have to be just one word. Do you have any idea how hard that is for me?

where is your cell phone? desk

your significant other? Sean

your hair? straight

mother? kind

your father? sweet

your favorite thing? family

your dream last night? happy

your favorite drink? Diet Coke

your dream/goal? peace

the room you’re in? office

your hobby? many

your fear? loss

where do you want to be in 6 years? home

what you’re not? lazy

muffins? Chocolate

one of your wish list items? Europe

where you grew up? Oklahoma

last thing you did? work

favorite gadget? laptop

your pets? Callie

your computer? helpful

your mood? Lite

missing someone? Zach

your car? cute

favorite store? many

like someone? yes

your favorite color? purple

last time you laughed? today

last time you cried? weeks

Sob......

Here is a cute little ditty about an adorable little girl (not so little any more) named Emily.

Her mom would often bring kids she babysat with her to the shop while her girls would get haircuts. (I have toys for them to play with while they wait.) After cutting Emily's hair she would always like to see the sides and the back. She would shake her head and act like a queen--very cute! They way she studied herself in the mirror was priceless. I had given her a very short wedge (very Dorothy Hammill-ish). She hops down and walks over to Hunter, who is the same age as Emily. He was a very sweet little boy minding his own business, playing with a puzzle. Emily stands above him in a very firm tone and says, "Hunter (gets no response), Hunter!!! (He looks up annoyed.) What do you think about my hair?" (Then she twirls). He just shrugs his shoulders and says, "It's O.K., I guess." Emily tells him it looks beautiful and storms away,
"diva style."

Another cute Emily story.....

O.K., Emily is about 7 (a very grown up 7) , her sister Meagan is 3. Mom and grandma are in the front seat and all of the sudden they hear Emily sobbing in the back. Not just crying, but sobbing! Real tears, gut wrenching, body-shaking sobs. Grandma (GiGi) immediately turns around to see what horrible harm has come to her docile granddaughter. "Emily, what is the matter?" With a deadpan face, no evidence of emotion, she replies, "Nothing GiGi, I'm teaching Meagan how to sob!"

UPDATE--Emily is now in drama, symphony and piano. (Who would have guessed?)

Funny responses....

I have to begin by saying thanks so much for all the feedback on the blog. So encouraging! I have gotten most responses in my e-mail, not in the comments. Interesting......
Some of my friends/clients have shared very funny stories about their lives and some "want me to share", so they have requested that I use a pseudonym for them. I think it's hilarious. Unfortunately, a few of those clients may not have their stories published here, as this is a family friendly blog! :-) I would hate to give anyone a coronary. I'll have to figure out how to let them click to view the story or something. So much to learn....

College Bound

Many people have inquired about Zach going off to college! How am I holding up? How is he liking it? What's his little brother think?

Well, Zach is having the time of his life--loves, loves, loves it! He has only been home three times and those times were for just one night. (God forbid he miss any social action!) He seems to have met quite a few really nice kids. I think there is a group of 10. They are all Art and Theatre majors. He has started really enjoying the guitar. He has been teaching himself to play and I think occasionally writing a song or two.

(BTW...It's not the SCREAMO music/crap. Thank you GOD!!!!) Dylan is loving being "an only child." He was so mistreated before, you know!
I think he misses Zach. He gets wired and excited when Zach is coming home. As time goes on he will realize how much FUN it was to have his brother around. Dylan's birthday is Oct. 2 and he will be 16 and getting his license. So he too will be free...

My World has been turned upside down this year.

As for Sean (my husband) and I, we really miss having him around. You get used to seeing a person every day for 18 years and WHAM! they grow up!!! I am doing much better than I expected. I try and only call him every few days. Just needing a HEADS UP! Making sure he's O.K. I have noticed that he isn't as testy with the phone calls now. I guess he needed time to find his place and his daily routine.

OUCH..... It's hard letting go.

Sometimes I think this is harder on Sean. Sean tries to stay updated on the schoolwork more than I do. I have such a Type A mind set and no ability to control the outcome, so it's better that I don't obsess. The not knowing what he's doing is what kills ya!

I will say, the key is BALANCE, for everyone involved. So for all you parents out there, especially with young ones...No, it isn't easier when they leave! Just different. The heartache you feel when you are away from them stays for the rest of your life. On a lighter note! Take time to stop during the day and enjoy every minute you have with them. The time goes by so quickly.

Trying to figure this out.

It's been a while since I've posted, but I have been trying to figure out the best way to tackle this project. I've been trying to learn ways to make it perfectly easy to post and construct what I'm trying to say.- O.K. I know it won't be perfect, but God knows I'll try....

It's been a very interesting challenge for me. I have been a Lurker on many Blogs for so long, but I've never felt that I'm "computer savvy" enough to try it on my own. Huge step for me and I must admit, quite confusing. I had a couple computer classes in College, but that was ions ago and my husband has always been here to save me from myself and all my computer mistakes. ("Honey why is this so slow?.... What happened to my screen?.... I swear I didn't delete anything!... How would I possibly know how to delete a Modem?") He has had to endure my p.c. ignorance for so long. It's amazing to see how much faith he has in my ability to figure this Blogging thing out. (Thanks for the love honey!)

I have been behind the chair for 21 years and will share many of the funny and interesting stories that I have heard. The emotional, uninhibited, tangled lives we lead are no longer completely shocking. Every time I think I've heard it all I haven't. I think of my clients like family. They entrust me with so many feelings and truths. Together we have struggled, learned, loved and laughed. Their journeys have become , in a sense, my journey. I will change all names to protect the innocent and not so innocent..... I will forewarn you if the story is censored....
There have been more than a handful of those!

I will share my story and journey of finding my birth mother. And the most painful challenge I have ever had to endure, becoming pregnant at the age of 17 and giving up my son for Adoption.

I mentioned that I love to Bake and will try and share photos of my creations. I haven't been very diligent in taking pictures of my favorite concoctions, but I love to see a picture of what I'm going to attempt to make. Maybe it will take me out of my comfort zone. I tend to gravitate towards the recipes that contain Chocolate. Yep, I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!!! I also have this cupcake fetish. They are so adorable and I could eat one (or more!) daily. But, I have self control.... I won't do that....(-I keep repeating this Mantra in my head!)

I will share my thoughts on Health, Diet and Fitness. I have learned through many of my blogs that the key to true success is moderation and accountability. I will also add reviews of the workout DVDs that I use and love.

I have added the links of my favorite blogs below. -I'm not sure if I should get their permission first. (Maybe I'll shoot them an quick note and see if they have objections.)
Anyway, I find them quite enjoyable and I have learned so may things from these folks.

If your at all interested.... There is much more to come!

The beginning....

Wow, I finally did it. I can't believe I have finally taken the plunge to have a daily Diary-i.e.-Blog. I have spent the last year of my life lurking on sooo many blogs.
I love to see what people are saying and doing in their lives. I guess that's why I chose to be a "Hairdresser", is that a derogatory remark?
-O.K. Hair Stylist, Cosmetologist, Barber, Therapist, Instigator, Motivator. Shall I continue?
I guess I should give everyone ample warning that I usually say exactly what I'm thinking and I often don't filter my thoughts. I'm not the best speller or writer, for that matter. I will use my blog to share funny stories from the chair, musings that I have found on the web, as well as information that I deem interesting.
I have found that we all share the common threads of chance, insanity, humiliation, and love. If a person looks hard enough they can often find a piece of themselves interwoven in the humanity of another. We are all connected and I believe that in these connections we can help each other.
I have met so many interesting people in my profession. I can honestly say that every time I think I have heard it all, I haven't! It takes a lot to surprise me. I still love what I do, but have found that there are so many things I want to see and do in my life. And with this blog, I will share. Hope you enjoy!