A New Blog by Me....."Alice Reviews Media"

I tend to want to review a lot of books and movies here (since I love them), but this blog is supposed to be my journal.  I use Good Reads to share my thoughts on books, but I didn't have a place to share my thoughts with friends about movies and TV shows.  I was lamenting this with a friend, and decided I might as well start another blog where I can review them all in one place.  It's mostly to make recommendations.... which I like my friends to do for me too.  :)

I don't give a synopsis (though I will link to one), just my impressions and rating.  There isn't much there yet, but I plan to post each time I finish reading or watching something.  (I might even go back and review stuff from a long time ago!)  If you are interested.....

Alice Reviews Media


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G.Q.

OK, it's not exactly Time or People, but look who is on the front cover of the January issue of a national trade magazine!

Yes, it's my amazing hubby.  Unless you are in the airport business, the article will probably go right over your head, but I think he is a darn handsome cover boy!

Granola

I love granola, but I buy it only rarely because it's pricey.... about as much as steak!  That is simply ridiculous.  What a rip off!


I don't know why I never made my own before.... the ingredients are pretty cheap and readily available, so I guess I figured it must be complicated and time-consuming.  Uh.... wrong.  It's way easy!

So, I made granola for the first time in my life, and it's delicious!  My family has been gobbling it up (guess I will be making more soon).   It's much cheaper than buying it, and healthier too.  (Some granola really packs the calories!)  I made this recipe up after looking at a couple and figuring out what my preferences are.  It's only lightly sweet, so adjust it to your preference.

ALICE'S GRANOLA (these amounts are approximate because I don't measure carefully)
4 c. rolled oats (not quick)
1/2 c. almonds, coarsely chopped
1/2 c. pecans, coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 c. canola oil
1/4 c. honey
1 tsp. vanilla

In a large bowl, toss together oats, nuts and salt.  In a small bowl, combine oil, vanilla and honey; drizzle over oat mixture and stir well (use your hands, if necessary).  Spread out evenly on a cookie sheet with a raised edge.  Bake at 325 degrees for 15; stir/rotate pan and bake 15 minutes more.  Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.  (Add dried fruit, if you want.)

Yes, the jar was almost full, and this is how much is left.

PHX Sky Train

My kids had one last day of vacation today before going back to school tomorrow, so Collin went to work with Jay.  Here they are touring Jay's project... the Sky Train at the airport.  Collin loves to hang out with his Dad.  Jay knows that won't always be the case, so he is glad to take advantage of it while it lasts.

Christmas 2010 & New Year's 2011

I love Christmas and everything that goes with it.  I'm always excited to decorate the tree.... but then I can't wait to take it down after New Year's.

My sister got me this gorgeous snow-globe tree ornament as a thank you for babysitting while she was in NYC.  I love it!

Christmas was great, of course.  I think everyone got what they wanted....

 ...including me!  I got a new lens for my camera (50mm f/1.8)... it's so fun!  Naturally, I spent the whole day taking photos of everyone and everything.

After opening our presents, we had our traditional breakfast at my parents' house (my dad always makes the best omelets!) and visited with my siblings and their families.  (We do a "formal" Christmas Eve dinner, and Christmas day is pajamas!)

The next day we went to the cabin and spent a few days.  There was a house full, but it was a blast!  The kids are always in heaven when there are lots of cousins around.

We went to a party on New Year's Eve, but ended up leaving early and heading to my sister's house to officially ring in the new year at the "kids' party."  It was FREEZING but we all went outside to let off fireworks (which are legal here now).  It was fun.