☕ Just Get the Coffee ☕

 

Just get the coffee or WHATEVER keeps you sane through the day! 

[EVEN more so when you’re working a stressful job … cue up Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” here …]

Is this a “new” blog?

 

No, it’s one of several I started back in 2013. I had the idea for the follow blogs: 

 

🏁 NASCAR

🧶 Crocheting

🍽️ Food and Kitchen

❓ General Thoughts

💻 Writing

📸 Photography

 

That said … 

 

Somewhere along the way, my writing took over my life – and I am not complaining. Even as of this blog, I’ve been writing every day since late September. 

 

In early 2019, launch teams and the like did distract and ultimately derail the blogging. But, I’m definitely happy about that – not sure my home is with the mountains of books though 🤣

 As a result, I really didn’t have time to keep up the blogs unless something REALLY struck my fancy … or I felt a need to address it in something longer than a social media post.

 

I saw something on a public personality’s Facebook page and, for some reason, it resonated with me …

 

 

 

Before I continue … 

 

Those who know me know that my housing situation is sketchy. I’m not sure what is going on, and my mom has been in and out of hospitals and physical rehab (mostly skilled nursing/rehabs) since September. 

 

As a result, my life has been super stressful. I have cried a lot of days – between December and even today, there hasn’t been a day without tears, even if it is a brief 5-15 minutes. 

 

My mom is on a fixed income, and can’t earn any more money. I can’t work as I have to take care of her – which is now the insurance company’s goal. Get her surgical wound healed, skilled nursing with some rehab to get her to do some things, send her home to me to care for. 

 

And, it would be easier with a one-level home, which we cannot afford to buy. And, last year – we were looking at living in our car. This year? I don’t want to think about it … yet. 

 

And, I’ve also had to clarify that my mom is NOT AT END-OF-LIFE stage, far from it. I’ve talked with numerous doctors and her therapists. 

 

Also, she doesn’t make enough to afford a place like that to live in; she makes too much for Medicaid so they won’t help. 

 

That said, and out of the way … 

 

This blog isn’t about that particularly, it is more or less about those “thoughts” like:

 

➡️ You could afford a NEWER car if …

➡️ You could buy a home if 

➡️ You COULD get your glasses if …

➡️ You COULD get your car fixed if …

 

The meme dealt with Starbucks and a weekly purchase of a drink. 

 

Look, I’ll defend them when there is something good; and, I’ll ROAST them when something is bad …

 

But, in the example shown – the person is right! $252 a year can’t even get me a pair of eyeglasses. I know. I’ve bought glasses. Been wearing them over 35 years. I actually need three pairs – distance, computer, sunnies (doctor ordered due to my eye color and the EXTREME RISK of “burning” my eyes from the sun). 

 

I also need thinner frames due to the prescription (some y’all might remember the Coke bottle bottom joke).

 

I need polarized for night driving (y’all some of your LED lights look like a blob and are painful; also try seeing out of two sets of glass(es) – windshield and your glasses – with blinding streetlamps and oncoming headlights), and I need scratch resistant coatings. Those alone will run about $252 for ONE pair, and we haven’t touched durable frames! ONE PAIR. Add in computer glasses and the sunnies ... it gets expensive FAST.

 

Some people will say “go to Walmart” – if they fit your vision needs, fine. They don’t fit mine. I’ve had three bad examples, and like baseball – three strikes, you’re out. 

 

Let me put it this way: My Walmart glasses lasted only ONE year. My Lenscrafters? The pairs I got in 2009 lasted until 2015. I still have the sunnies! 

 

My 2015 Lenscrafters glasses? I’m still wearing my computer glasses, and they’re holding up; my sunnies? Need an adjustment, but, holding up. My distance pairs? 

 

My main pair officially died last year. I did sort of abuse them over the time I had them, and after one final toss when I was stressed – they’re gone. I’m working on my favorite backup pair (Vogue) – they’re solid, but of course I won’t throw them.

 

Three out of four pairs have lasted over 7½ years. So, yeah … I’m going with quality. I also get them sooner than a week, and the lenses are measured where I wear them, not according to someone who pushed them right to my forehead. That caused issues with focusing and they overall did not work well for me. Tried taking them back and Walmart refused to help.

 

Also, my vision is ESSENTIAL. It’s not a luxury. 

 

That said … 

 

$252 wouldn’t get much in the way of:

 

🦷 Dental Work (I need extractions, root canals, replacements/implants)

🚗🧰 Car Repairs

🚚 Moving Expenses

 

Here’s the deal … 

 

Even a $7 a day Starbucks at 31 days is $217. That’s less than my car insurance, wouldn’t cover a car payment (average is about $400, and my insurance would increase by $75), and … depending on how much you earn … not much in the way of the grande scheme (see what I did there).

 

Over 365 days a year, that is $2555 not even a month’s wages in some places. That’d barely get my car fixed and a rental to use. Cheapest tires for my car – tires, protection certificates (you need them where I live due to the road hazards), balancing, disposal fee, TPMS rebuild – run $700 a set. Add in other needed work, a rental ($200 deposit is given back AFTER vehicle is returned) … gas … etc … and, that $2555 wouldn’t cover it at all. 

 

And, that’s saying I HAVE the $7/day. I don’t.

 

But, let’s talk about the “you could buy a house if you weren’t buying Starbucks” fallacy … 

 

For my mother and I to get financing, we have to lower the debt to income ratio. So, higher down payment = a lower monthly payment, less financing. 

 

A $300K house would actually require us to have at the lowest, an 80% down payment ($240K). At $7 a day, that’d take 93.9 years to save for a $300K home 😬 I’m going to be dead in 94 years! Not being morbid, but even if I were 35 … plus 94 … I’d be 129. I won’t need my own home; I’d need a grave! 

 

Let’s go with … “you could buy a car if you weren’t buying Starbucks”.

 

To avoid a car payment and the interest (as I am not working so no income to qualify for financing), I’m going to pay the entire “sticker” price at the time of signing. 

 

Average NEW car is $48,000. Okay, let’s save that $7 per day. 

 

Taking $48,000 and dividing by $7, that’s about 6858 days. Roughly, 18.8 years.

 

It’ll take me close to 19 years to buy that car … but, wait … the price MIGHT go up between today and those 19 years. I’ll probably be needing a more accessible SUV given that I’ll be over 60. 

 

Now, that is also saying I BUY a $7 Starbucks every single day. 

 

Again, I don’t. Never have bought a DAILY Starbucks. Close, but no latte. 

 

From 1995 when they introduced the Mocha Frappucino to roughly February 2005 (when I started work at a soon to be stressful place) – it was a RARE treat. VERY rare. 

 

When I was working at this “place” between February 2005 and December 2006, I would work 4-5 days. There would be days I’d get one – other days, not so much. I really got them regularly between November 2005 and February 2006 – without that, I wasn’t likeable or I was really not tolerant to 🐎💩 

 

Most of the time, one tip would cover the drink so it was like a customer handing me a drink. My budgeted paycheck NEVER went for it. That went straight for a car payment on my mom’s car (wasn’t mine as I didn’t have my license yet, I was helping her with the payment), leftover went for bills or my lunch expenses. My tips were for me to use ANY way I wanted. I’m sorry, but I am taking SOME money for ME and my MENTAL health! 

 

[Watching my mom currently battle depression and severe anxiety, my heart goes out to her, and I want to take care of me as much as possible]

 

I didn’t go on my days off, so it wasn’t “daily”.

Between 2008-2009 I would get it as a bi-weekly treat when I got my nails done. That was my mom’s gift to me for helping out around the house.

 

In 2009, I went to work at another stressful place, but still didn’t do a daily Starbucks. It was usually when I’d go weekly shopping as either the Albertsons or Smith’s I went to had a Starbucks. I’m there, I have some money – why not? That’s what the meme is saying! 

 

I’d definitely get my birthday treat and freebies though.

 

FYI: just because someone is there once, doesn’t mean they go every day or every week either. 

 

Between mid 2013- early 2014, I usually went 1-3x per week when my mom was working (she worked 3x a week; 12 hours). Most of the time I’d hit the gym, and Starbucks was a reward and my “writing” treat, also a healthy lunch. 

 

But, to save up for a trip, I stopped going. 

 

At one point, just before my 2014 trip, my cousin sent me a Starbucks card to thank me for my help with a project (this would become a regular thing up until February 2015). I posted a picture with the caption – “thanks to my cousin for the gift card, I haven’t been here in a few months”. 

 

Thought that was PRETTY clear when I wrote it.

 

Let’s view that again – 

 

“thanks to my cousin for the gift card, I haven’t been here in a few months”

 

Someone (who was a friend at the time) ACTUALLY sent me the message “that’s why you don’t have money, quit going there every day”. I was stunned! I had to RE-EXPLAIN that I’d helped my cousin with a project and she sent the gift card to me. Their defense? “I didn’t know … you didn’t say that”. 

 

Um … I did. I don’t get how “thanks to my cousin for the gift card, I haven’t been here in a few months” was unclear in anyway, or not said at all.

 

The problem was, this person was FAR too wrapped up in their anti-Starbucks agenda, and spouted off BEFORE their brain could comprehend what I’d written. They saw the picture, got triggered, and sent the message. They then got upset with me for pointing out the caption. Yes, the person actually did get upset with me for pointing it out – “well, the caption wasn’t really clear what you meant”. So glad we’re not friends anymore. 

 

As of early 2015, the stops were rare. When my mom retired in March 2016, they pretty much had to meet a criteria:

 

🥳 Birthday Freebie

🎁 Win/Prize

💳 Gift Card (usually from surveys)

 

And, since about 2018, I’ve been making my own coffee drinks. Perfected in 2020. So, yes … unless it meets one of the three criteria, I don’t go. I don’t spend it from our budget. 

 

In either 2020 or 2021, I won $10 (two $5 egift cards) and a bakery item through their Starbucks for Life program. I used the “alternate entry” option every day, got a lot of plays. I never made ONE purchase to play. 

 

So, of course I went to Starbucks. Only place you can use a Starbucks gift card, and only place I could redeem my free bakery item. Like recently – I had a bakery item loaded to my account. Only place I can use it was Starbucks since it was from Starbucks.

One place on Instagram ended up emailing me two $10 cards. One for being one of the first few followers, one for being one of the first 25 for liking and commenting on a post. I used that in early 2022 when I took my mom to a doctor’s appointment. I had enough (with a few pennies) to get a drink, and three treats. I had a great time doing some book reviews and treating myself. Last time I was able to do that though. 

I did get a Starbucks gift card from JustRead Publicity Tours as a host prize a few times as I wanted a “treat”. Used it through the drive-thru. 

 

That’s the thing – if I want it – I do something extra:

 

❓ Survey

💻 Social Media Activity

🎉 Enter a Giveaway

 

But, that brings me to the final point here …

 

When I’m in the drive-thru, paying with gift card (or points), I’ll bet someone’s “judging” me not knowing I was sent the gift card or won the points for the items. I can almost hear: 

 

“Hey lady! You … if you’d skip the line, you could get that car washed. When I can see the layers of dust and dirt … it’s dirty you need to wash it.”

 

You’re right. But, I don’t think a car wash place will accept my Starbucks card or points as payment though. And, with the kind of wash my car needs, I SERIOUSLY reevaluate that $20 car spa. After all, I can get more Starbucks with the $20! ☕🤣

 

No, I’d end up getting something to eat and buying a book on Amazon! 

 

As of note – within the past month, I’ve done Facebook Viewpoints (1000 points/$5 per time) and gotten a total of $40 via PayPal (waiting on one $5 payment I redeemed today – 1/22/2023). So, even if I spent it at Starbucks – I took the time to do the tasks and earned it. It was NOT out of our budgeted income. It was unexpected, much appreciated money. 

 

To be honest, I actually spent it on other food. No Starbucks, no books. Food only. 

 

The point?

 

Those who have the expensive cars are the ones more likely to frequent Starbucks daily. Someone has a Tesla; a $7/day Starbucks habit is nothing to them. They’re not phased at all. 

 

If you’re talking about the lady in the banged up, dirty Chevy (that’d be me 🙋🏻‍♀️) – you might want to rethink your thinkings. Cause chances are – this was a freebie. Or, I took that survey money and am paying with that.

Some want other things in life. That’s fine. Whatever treat we want to practice a little self-care is good as long as it doesn’t impact our lives. Honestly, if it’s between a book and Starbucks, I’ll get the book.  

The point is ... 

If it is a big deal, then don’t get it (ie: between gas for the car and the treat). If it is a rare treat, don’t let anyone dull your sunshine or day. Also, if there isn’t a location close ... then, no ... don’t go out of your way. 

I have one three miles down the road. And, depending on where I am going for the day ... I could pass by at least FIVE (5) locations, one is not far from the hospital where my mom worked at (the one she’s been in since December 18th. There are some people that don’t have one for literally 30 miles one way. That’d be close to the speedway for me, so only for freebies. 

My hope is someone reads this and readjusts their thinking. Really think before you say something. Is it: 

 

Thoughful

Helpful

Inspiring

Necessary

Kind

 

Lift people up, don’t drag them down. We don’t know why someone might choose a treat like that (daily or otherwise) –

 

😣 Bad workday ahead (trust me, you know it, you just know it, you feel it)

🥺 Bad home life (kinda my situation in a way with the unpredictability)

🙏🏻 Abusive situation (don’t explain, you don’t have to; you do you to take care of you)

💔 Death of a loved one (the drink is in their honor/memory; this hits more than I can explain) 

 

A small item like that isn’t going to make a dent in covering the expenses for what someone needs: 

 

🩺 Healthcare

👓 Vision care

🦷 Dental care

🚗 Safe and adequate transportation

🏡 Safe, accessible, adequate, affordable home

 

The point is – be kind, understanding, and let’s all have a good day 😊

Better Eating

As I near a “milestone” age … I am trying to eat healthier. And, as my body rejects more and more types of food that I have been eating most of my life … I’m trying to find things it likes.

As a result … I’m slowly introducing new things into the household and cycling old things (and ways) out. Just like the cleaning and personal care products we use.

In May 2015 I became a customer of The Honest Company. I decided to do this because of our health. There are some products we just can’t use due to Asthma and sensitivities – that makes cleaning the house difficult.

That was one of the best ideas I ever had – choosing The Honest Company! I slowly started adding personal care items into the mix. That worked out better than I thought. There were a few bad experiences, but … I kept going.

Not only was it good for us, but better on the environment as well. So it was a two-for-one bonus.

And, I also took the same approach with food: slow and steady. I started weaning off McDonald’s and Taco Bell – those kinds of places. I would go to Panera Bread Bakery/Cafés and choose healthier options at Starbucks. I would choose wheat bread over white at sub shops, the best result being at Firehouse Subs. I’d choose healthier sides where I could.

At home, we’d opt for healthier versions of certain foods as well. The result? I was feeling better and not always sick after eating.  I chose better ground beef for enchiladas, tacos, spaghetti … those kinds of things.

This past weekend (March 4^th to the 6^th) at the NASCAR race (Las Vegas Motor Speedway), Nature’s Bakery (Danica Patrick’s sponsor) was handing out “samples” of their FIG bars and their BROWNIE bars. The “samples” were actually “full size” twin packs.

Not wanting to pass up freebies, I took a few the first day and each person that handed something out … I took them up on it. Unless it was the blueberry varieties as I’m allergic to blueberries (among other things that are “good” for me). Each day: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday … I’d grab the goodies. And, we got coupons for the items too! 

[Some of the Nature's Bakery items being passed out at Las Vegas Motor Speedway March 4-6, 2016. Photo: ©2016 Marie Edwards. Please do not use without permission]

So we bought a few varieties that we didn’t get at the track. And, each night, we’d try them out. They were SO good! Not only just yummy, but GOOD for us.

** Cholesterol Free

** NON-GMO

** Dairy Free

** Kosher

** 0 Trans Fat

So, on Monday (3/7/2016) … looking for better eats, and never finding a decent Mac & Cheese outside of Kraft’s blue box, I bought one: MOM MADE.

It looked (according to the outside picture on the box) just like Kraft’s blue box, but it was PRICEY! It was part of a “buy 5 save $5  promotion” so that was part of the appeal. And, it was Gluten Free. Not that I need to go Gluten Free, but when and where I can – I’m going to try.

Eager to try it, as I was putting my groceries away, I warmed it up in the microwave.

Now, it wasn’t just the taste I couldn’t “stomach”, it smelled bad too. Then again, just because something smells bad – doesn’t mean it is bad. But, the texture was less than appealing also. It was MUSHY. Almost like someone had put it through a food processor. Three bites and in the trash it went. Yeah, I sure hated to see that money go in the trash can. I couldn’t taste any cheese whatsoever, and the macaroni? Yuck! It didn’t have a taste at all.

The product looked NOTHING like the outside picture. I get the pictures are “dressed up”, but this was grossly misrepresented! Look at my pictures to get the idea:

[Looks almost identical to Kraft's Blue Box Macaroni and Cheese. Photo: ©2016 Marie Edwards. Please do not use without permission]

[This was the finished "cooked" product. Looks NOTHING like the photo on the package. The noodles are different, there is no "cheese" sauce or taste to it. Very mushy. Photo: ©2016 Marie Edwards. Please do not use without permission.]

And, I don’t think it was because it was “Gluten Free” either. I read some Amazon reviews for the regular product:

“I saw how this was made and packaged on the Food Channel last night and it looked pretty good. Organic. Check. Healthy. Check. Yummy ingredients. Check. So I picked up a box on the way home. The taste? YUCK! It was so vile tasting that I ended up drowning it in honey bbq sauce just to get it down. I would have just thrown it out but for $4.00 for a small portion I didn't want to do that.

No thanks. In the future I'll just stick with Kraft Shells 'N Cheese. It may not be as healthy or preservative free but it sure tastes good.” [from a one-star rating]

“But it does not taste like Mac ‘n Cheese at all but rather Macaroni in a vegetable/butternut squash sauce with cheese. As long as you are aware of this then you will be fine. The flavor, for me, was good but texture was mushy for a frozen entree.” [excerpt from a two-star rating – “Just don't think of it as Mac and Cheese”]

Link to product: http://smile.amazon.com/Mom-Made-Foods-Cheesy-7-Ounce/dp/B001M54X0A/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1457482474&sr=8-1&keywords=mom+made+foods

From the descriptions, I am guessing that there isn’t much difference between the gluten free and the regular version.

Today (3/8) I went to my local Smith’s (Kroger for some), and as I was in the “HEALTHIER EATING” aisle picking up some Horizon Organics milk (single packs were on sale) – I spotted Simple Truth Organic Deluxe Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese.  

[Simple Truth Organic. Sold at Smith's/Kroger for less than $2. Easy to prepare. Photo: ©2016 Marie Edwards. Please do not use without permission.]

Okay, I’m a sucker … I had to get it. The price was right, so … why not?

After Smith’s, I went to my local iHop for their “free” short stack to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (one of my many favorite charities). After a late breakfast – I headed home.

For a late lunch, I decided I’d fix up the new Mac & Cheese I got. And, it was simple to fix: I didn’t have to measure any milk or butter/margarine as it had a cheese packet much like Kraft’s deluxe version. That was another part of the appeal.

After cooking the macaroni and draining it, I put the cheese packet in. Stirred it up, and that stuff was “creamy”. But … was it good? Looks aren’t just everything:

[After adding in the cheese sauce packet. Looks creamy and yummy. Almost like the photo on the box. Photo: ©2016 Marie Edwards. Please do not use without permission.]

Not wanting to dirty a bowl for something that might go in the trash or drain, I took a small nibble. That wasn’t enough … I took a bigger bite.

WOW! And, that isn’t even an accurate reaction! That stuff was awesome! Not as “cheddar” cheesy as I’d like – but it was good, especially for less than $2 and it being “ORGANIC”. I put some in a bowl and had a wonderful late lunch.

[This was really appetizing, yummy, and filling. Definitely worth buying again. Photo: ©2016 Marie Edwards. Please do not use without permission.]

There’s still some left, so I’ll save that for my mom. Hopefully she’ll take it to work and let me know how well it re-heats, then I’ll update on that. That’s another thing to consider – how well does it re-heat in case of leftovers?

Would I buy this again? Yup! Absolutely would.

I do understand there is going to be a difference between microwave foods and stove cooked foods. But, should there be that much difference? And, shouldn’t the food at least resemble the package?

In the case of “MOM MADE” it doesn’t even resemble the package (look back at both pictures of that product). In the Simple Truth Organic case? It looks closer to the package than MOM MADE does, that’s for sure.

Anyway …

I don’t mind buying an “organic” product as long as it is “yummy”. After all, it doesn’t do my body (or my wallet) any good if it goes in the trash. 

Project Pie

[Signage of the MGM Grand Location; Las Vegas, NV]

I like pizza. Let’s get that out of the way. And, I’ve grown up eating all different kinds of pizza: Shakey’s, Pizza Hut, Straw Hat, Numero Uno, Domino’s …

Plus, new places: Sbarro, Villa Pizza, Grimaldi’s, and recently – Project Pie.

I can’t say I don’t have a favorite. I do. I haven’t had Shakey’s in 30 years. I left California in August 1985, and despite repeated returns – no Shakey’s. Maybe I should for nostalgia …

There are also no Straw Hat or Numero Uno locations where I am, so those are some I also haven’t had in 30+ years. 

Anyway …

I used to eat Pizza Hut and Domino’s quite a bit. But, lately, Pizza Hut has gone from the medium Pan to a personal one. It’s no longer a top favorite.

Domino’s … it’s a hit or miss. Depends on how I’m feeling to be honest. I love their Spinach and Feta Artisan (sans onions); and a Brooklyn with light sauce, double cheese (or mushrooms and beef) … that can hit the spot. 

Sbarro and Villa Pizza are two that I like, I enjoy – and if I get a good offer, I’ll go to. If not, I usually stay away. For some reason they’re both too spicy. And, since they’re usually pre-made, the quality is a bit iffy. I’m not saying they’re “bad”, but adding additional toppings or cheeses then re-heating them (even at the location) … it does something to the quality and taste.

Grimaldi’s – oh boy! I love it. Pricey, but I love it (base price, plus toppings). I love the old world (tiny) pepperoni. And, they use a coal fired oven. They only have one crust, so that makes it a plus. It’s not too thin and not too thick.

Then, the newest … Project Pie.

My mother and I discovered this on December 13, 2014. How do I know the EXACT date? We were Christmas shopping at the Coca-Cola store and parked in the MGM Grand’s parking garage. Heading in, we passed Project Pie and thought “that looks interesting”.

On the way back to the car … we decided to stop in. It was an “oh, why not try this and see what it’s about” kind of deal.

 .

[Photo collage of first visit. Was a picture of the day for Project: 365]

Am I glad we did! 

We got a pizza ($12+tax) and two Coca-Colas ($7 + tax) [FYI: drinks are only one size, but free refills, so … that equals out]. 

Now, let me warn you here: they are pricier than some of the other chains. You can order from one of the list or “BYO” (build your own). Out first pie? Pepperoni and extra cheese.

After having half of the pizza, we topped off the drinks and headed home. Whew! Was that a good pizza. I decided to follow them on Twitter and Facebook and I expressed my appreciation and admiration. They’re awesome people, just so you know.

My mom and I warmed up the leftovers later that evening, and this is where you know how good the pizza really is, well … in my opinion, how well does it re-heat?

I did the oven, my mom did the microwave. She likes her pizza a bit softer due to dental issues. Me? I like “as close as it can be to original”. Both ways worked for this pie! So, I definitely prefer microwave (faster the better).

The tip? DON’T NUKE IT. Depending on wattage (mine’s an 1100 watt), it takes only a few seconds on about 70% power. Yummy! For a ¼ slice I did 30 seconds on 70%. Warm, not hot or cold, structural integrity was close to original. Taste? Pretty good.

Now, this pizza isn’t very big. I’d say roughly 10”, but the good thing? The BYO is still only $12. Unlike some places that charge “per topping”, Project Pie wins here with that.

The crust is what I would call medium crispy, the bottom is soft (not soggy).

The reason I don’t go very often is finances (which I hope will soon improve) and the location. I don’t like the strip (Las Vegas Boulevard South), and parking isn’t too easy or accessible. But, the pizza is great.

I’ve gone back when I had a few promotions for a free pizza. One time I got a cheese (naked), and another time was a beef (meatball crumble), mushroom, and extra cheese.

With it being “Earth Day”, they had a great promotion: 50% of their proceeds to Earth related charities. How could I say no? And, I was feeling very hungry after doing a few things in the morning. So … I hit them up for lunch. 

[Earth Day 2015 promotion]

[My beautiful, charitable, and tasty lunch. Half of it came home with me though. This is a #2 (pepperoni, Italian sausage, meatball crumble), no garlic, extra cheese.]

Like the time with my mom, half of the pizza came home. Really, I think ¾ of it should have come home. One slice (it’s cut into ¼ slices) was more than enough. I got a bit greedy though. Had the original fill of the drink, got a refill, and left.

For a snack (some 4 hours later) I had another ¼ of the pizza and finished off the refill. I’m fine until dinner … much, much later on this evening. 

They also offer gluten-free, veggies, meats … almost everything to make the “perfect pie”. And the desserts? Pizza, of course! There’s a Nutella and Banana pie I’d like to try … some day.

I honestly wish there was a location a bit closer to me, but I’m happy there is one :)

Now, I need to go hide that last ¼ in the refrigerator. 

And, no ... I am not being paid for this. Though that would be nice. Get paid for eating and blogging :)

Strawberry/Brownie Kabobs

After getting a few replies about some “treats” I made … I thought I’d share them in this blog.

HISTORY:  Discovered around February 2010 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

RECIPE:     Variable (according to one’s own preference usually)

ITEMS:       WASHED/CUT strawberries, 1 box of brownie mix (prepared as directed on package), some Baker’s Milk Chocolate, Baker’s White Chocolate, kabob skewers, mini muffin pan (can be found at Walmart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Wilton-Bake-It-Better-24-Cavity-Mini-Muffin-Pan/32802018#)

[This is the EXACT pan I own. Mini-Muffin Pan for brownies. Photo is from Walmart's website]

YIELD:       Varies

It was in about 2010 that I tried these. They were being sold by the “Kabob Shack” at the racetrack. I believe the first time I tried these, they only had the strawberry/banana ones. Of course, I am not that wild about bananas. And, to be honest … I don’t know WHEN they started the strawberry/brownie ones.

Anyway …

In 2014, we were able to bring home some strawberry/brownie kabobs. And, I got this picture:

[Strawberry/brownie kabobs from the Kabob Shack; LVMS -- 2014]

This year (2015), while we want to have fun at the race, we decided that paying $6 for three (3) strawberries and two (2) brownies was a bit outrageous. And, also it was getting them home safe that was a concern. Then there was the fact that they didn’t wash (or cut) the strawberries. Having a few new health issues – I didn’t want to chance it.

What to do? Make our own.

Even in 2010, I scoured the internet for recipes. But, never got around to doing them. This year though? I decided to do them. Here’s the fun part: there is really no wrong way to do them. One-sided drizzling or two-sided. Placement of items? Totally up to one’s own preference.

We tried some strawberry/banana ones, but unless you immediately eat them … the bananas get a bit mushy and yucky. The brownies? They’re pretty solid.

The first few batches I had to “cut” the brownies into squares and I wasn’t able to use the entire brownie. Though the remainder did make one yummy brownie sundae treat (warmed it up, put some Blue Bell Homemade vanilla over it, and drizzled with Hershey’s … though I might try the Baker’s chocolate next time). 

[Baker's White Chocolate. You can melt this in a microwave safe container, use, refrigerator, re-use]

[Baker's Milk Chocolate. This microwave safe container is designed for use, refrigerator, and re-use. I got roughly 10 kabobs out of this container]

Even using only half of the brownie for the kabobs … I was still saving $3-$4 per kabob. That adds up (especially when you love these things). And, with summer coming up – what a great idea.

I decided to try a mini muffin pan for the brownies. And it worked. Though, yes … you have to use butter, shortening, or cooking spray with it so you can pop them out (or as I did … gently unscrew them out). And, the results? Not quite bad:

[Just before they went into the refrigerator. Roughly three (3) mini brownie muffins and three strawberries per skewer]

The chocolate is easy to do (so long as you follow the directions). I didn’t using a “piping bag” or anything fancy … I used a regular table spoon (the smaller one). And, the last batch? I shook the spoon over the kabobs to change up the drizzle effect.

Oh, and it’s best to use wax paper to assemble them on (make sure to also put them on a cookie sheet for easy transfer to the fridge). That way the residue chocolate? After it’s cooled you can pick it off and enjoy it:

[Interesting shaped residue -- still tasty]

I’ve been known to use the tip of the skewer to scrape off the residue.

So ...

There you have it. And, you can make as many as you like – however you like.

Here’s a hint: bake the brownies the night before. I’ve even put them in the refrigerator to cool (covered) to harden so they don’t fall apart when going on the skewers.

Last batch? I put the muffins in a Ziploc bag on the counter.

Now, if y’all will excuse me … one of these treats has my name on it …

[My well deserved treat. Was an odd one anyway]

The Art of Pizza – Delivery Times

As a hungry person, the last thing you want to hear from a pizza place is:  2 hour wait, heck even a 30-45 minute wait is almost intolerable. Does it really take 30 minutes to BAKE a pizza?  

That’s enough to make anyone vicious. And, I’ve been that hungry customer. I mean sometimes you’re close enough to walk and they are telling you 2 hours!

How dare they?!

[INSERT NASTY EXPLETIVES]

Here’s the catch:

Me, you, anyone – are not their only customer – not during rush hours. I know, it’s almost a tragedy. I hated admitted it and saying it, but it does need to be said.

Years ago, heck almost a decade ago – I worked for a major pizza chain. One of the top complaints was the delivery time (along with delivery zones, that’s another blog for another time). What would I hear?

“It doesn’t take 30 minutes to get across the street; I can walk over there in 10 minutes”

“What do you mean 2 hours? It doesn’t take that long – you obviously don’t know what you’re doing …”

Or things along that line … main thing – people had no idea why we had such long delivery times. Even as a customer, I didn’t understand it. I couldn’t fathom it.  

In February 2005, I got a job at one of the top #3 pizza chains in the nation. I was thrust from being the customer to be the one the customer yells at.

As of note, I NEVER threatened the life of or ABUSED any of the personnel at the pizza store. NEVER. That is above and beyond stupid.

Anyway …

As I said … most of the complaints centered on those who couldn’t understand the quoting of delivery times and length. And, I truly understood the problem, having been a problem for me. But, working there I soon understood.  

So what is THE PROBLEM?

The pizzas that are delivered are usually made scratch – from the dough ball/patty (shaping it), to saucing, cheesing, topping, and putting it into the oven. The goal is 1-2 minutes per item for “making it” – this even includes bread sides, desserts, and chicken items.  

Pizza crusts at the places I worked at started as a dough ball. It had to be stretched out to make the “skin” – then it was sauced, cheesed, topped, put in the oven, put it in a box, cut, and given to the driver. Then the driver has to take it to the residence (traffic time).

Now here’s the timetable:

2 minutes make

8 minutes bake

2 minutes cut/box

18 minutes route/transport (driver assigned delivery/ has to look up route on map/    in car/drives to location/parks/locates apartment or          house/ has to wait for    customer to open door)

Total time: 30 minutes

That’s the “ideal” situation. But, not everything is ideal. Not at all. Yes, if you live closer to the store – your delivery could be 20 minutes. But, it depends on the traffic – oh and for those in gated communities … if the driver doesn’t have the code, they have to wait for someone to let them in or follow another resident in. I’ve tried calling the customer (no response – either in bedroom or elsewhere) and had to wait 5-10 minutes for someone to enter and let me follow in. That adds to the delivery time.

So, why does it take 2 hours?

I worked at one store where EVERY SINGLE NIGHT during the “rush” (heavy, non-stop order period) was 100+ items down – in other words, we had over 100 items to make.

The customer ordering items 101-102 (pizza, bread side, chicken side) – saying the items took 1 minute to make – it wouldn’t be made for almost two hours! That’s right. 1 hour and 41-42 minutes – that’s with a fully staffed store.

Now, add in the bake time for items (7-8 minutes) and you’ve got one heck of a wait. Box, cut, and route the driver (meaning they have to be assigned the delivery and then “plan the route” to your residence) – it adds up.

When the driver finally leaves and finally arrives to the door – nearly 2 hours.  

Carry-out on those nights was just as bad – 30-45 minutes, sometimes an hour.

There was no end of requests of “hey can you please expedite it, how much does that cost …” other things like that. And, sadly we couldn’t do that.  

So, to answer  “does it really take 30 minutes to BAKE a pizza?” Yes ... and sometimes longer depending on if there are “timed” orders in the middle of the rush.

It was definitely a learning experience, and it wasn’t a job I’d EVER want to do again … however, I am extremely grateful for the experience and knowledge – so, I do try to share it.