Time for New Shoes - Asics Cumulus Gel 10's

Okay, so after my son-in-law laughs at me for wearing the same shoes for several years, I decided to invest in a new pair. Honestly, that's not exactly how it went down, but he did laugh. After I called him for sneaker advice. My little feet have been hurting for about a month, new callouses, what appears to be the beginning of bunions, some new red spots and really sore soles between my arch and my toes. According to the Internet foot doctor website I needed new shoes. Wider ones at that. So I went to my local over-priced running shoe store and tried on some and chatted with the experts and then went to the BX and found this wonderful pair for $50 less. Of course, they were also available on Amazon as well for way cheaper, but then there's that pesky issue of size and color. Orange in a size 12 wouldn't work, so my purchase was still the best option and I can't wait to have my old feet back soon.

Fresh Raspberry Scones

I've been wanting to try these fresh raspberry scones from the May 2010 issue of MSL Everyday Food magazine and today was the day! They were so easy and so delicious. The picture does not even begin to do them justice. I can't wait to make them fresh for Jenny & Co. I took the leftovers to work and they were devoured. Here's the recipe:
Fresh Raspberry Scones
2 1/2 c. unbleached or bread flour
1/4 c. + 1 T. sugar
1 T. baking powder
3/4 t. salt
1/2 c. (one stick) cold unsalted butter
3/4 c. buttermilk
1 large egg yolk
1 1/2 c. fresh raspberries
Preheat oven to 400F. Pulse together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in food processor. Add butter and pulse until pea-size pieces form. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg yolk and slowly pour into processor pulsing until dough just comes together.
Transfer dough to lightly floured work surface and sprinkle berries on top. Knead three times to fold in berries and and pat into a 1 inch thick round. Cut into squares and bake in lightly sprayed dish. Sprinkle top with sugar.
Bake until golden brown, about 15-18 minutes. Serve warm.

I don't have a food processor so I made them by hand and it was still pretty quick and easy. I also used only half the recipe and it made a nice round cut into 8 wedges.

How to Get a New Vaccum Cleaner

On Saturday morning it was my turn to host the Relief Society birthday breakfast for all the sisters in our ward who have May birthdays. I think these breakfasts are unnecessary, but they are nice and it was already a ritual when I came on board. Friday had been very busy so Dick volunteered to vacuum for me on Saturday morning. On Saturday afternoon I had a new Oreck vacuum cleaner.

Let me clarify. I was not seeking a new appliance. I am very cheap when it comes to updating things for the house. But Dick has always hated our vacuum cleaner because it is very noisy, very heavy, and not so great. It was a cheapo Hoover from Wal-mart - need I say more.

So while we were strolling through Costco for something very insignificant, he spotted the Oreck's and bought one. He loves it. Now, after using it this morning, I love it. So much that I think it would make a lovely Christmas present for those who may need one.

I love it because:
1. The cord is long enough to vacuum the entire level of the house and even allows me to go up the stairs and into the laundry room before unplugging is necessary. A major plus with me.
2. It only weighs a couple of pounds. (It's hard to believe you are really vacuuming.)
3. It vacuums rugs without pulling them off the floor but still gets up all the stuff.
4. It lays down flat to the floor to get under even the lowest pieces of furniture.
5. It's narrower to fit in between all the chair legs.
6. It's quiet. Shhh!
6. And finally, it works!
7. And it came with another smaller appliance that you can carry around on your shoulder for vacuuming other things, which I haven't had time to try out yet. I'm sure it will be wonderful as well.

So there it is. I must give all the credit to my sweetie though. If not for him I'd still be using "the beast"!