Bonjour! 

So today I want to talk about my favorite movie: "Beauty and the Beast."

I am an extremely big fan. Extreme. For example: I once sang to my nephew the entire "Belle" song while he was eating. You know, the "Little town… It's a quiet village" one. Yes, it included dancing and voice imitations. 

"There is the great lesson of "Beauty and the Beast" that a thing must be loved before it is lovable." ~G.K Chesterton 

I think there's a reason why we get a little struck when we hear "For who could ever love a beast?" Is it because it is harder to see the beauty within, but so easy to recognize the beast? The beast of anger, of bitterness, of lashing out because we're hurt.  There is a sense of hope for us all, then, when the Beast transforms because of true love. And that is why I deeply adore this movie… The hope and life that real love brings. 

~Happy Anniversary!~

When I heard that 2016 (September 20th, to be exact) was the 25th anniversary of "Beauty and the Beast," I was beyond ecstatic! Needless to say, I have reveled in all it's glory in just about every way possible. 

For starters, in April my parents and I went to Cincinnati to watch the Broadway version, a dream I have had for years! I laughed. I cried. I marveled at the beautiful sights and songs that came to life on stage. It was an experience I'll never forget!

This year, my sister landed the dream job of becoming a Disney travel agent, who offers free quotes and free planning services (check her Facebook page out here!) To help promote her business during a few days of a festival, I dressed up as Belle and had the time of my life! (Told you I reveled in it's glory every way possible!)

This year also brought to us the teaser trailer for next year's live action version of "Beauty and the Beast," starring a host of amazing actors! When I saw the teaser, I flipped! (And by "flipped" I mean I have watched it probably about 20 times by now… tearing up each time, of course.). You bet that I'll be the first one to buy tickets, the first one in the theater, and the last one to leave.

So September 20th was the official 25th anniversary. I promptly went to the store after work, marched straight to the "New Release"section, picked up a copy, grabbed a few things for my "Grey Stuff" recipe (listed below!), and went straight home to watch it with my mom. Of course, I have both a DVD and VHS copy, but this was the 25th addition with extra bonus features and a Blu-Ray copy…I couldn't pass it up. After I made the "Grey Stuff,"I promptly popped in the disc and fell in love all over again with the beautiful story. There is too many reasons why I love this movie… For starters, the music is gorgeous. The artistry is also beautiful and incredibly detailed. But it's the storyline that gets me. I relate to Belle's adoration of books and her longing for "adventure in the great wide somewhere!" Her kind but bold spirit is also something to be admired. She sees each character based on what is within their heart; aka not judging the book by it's cover. This is a wonderful reminder for children and grownups alike to practice.

 All the characters are fantastic, though! From dastardly Gaston to dashing Lumiere, they add just the right amount of thrills and fun to the overall romantic theme. But the Beast has to be my favorite of the entire movie. His character arc is incredible, and goes to show that love can truly change us. If for no other reason, he gave Belle a gigantic library as a gift. You can't get any better than that. 

This masterpiece will always be a beloved favorite of mine. "Beauty and the Beast" is truly a wonderful classic, and will forever be a "Tale as Old as Time."

Try the "Grey Stuff" It's Delicious! 

Grey Stuff: 

Ingredients: 

-3.4 oz box of instant vanilla pudding

-1 1/2 Cups of milk

-15 crushed (regular) Oreos

-8 oz cool whip

-1 TBSP instant chocolate pudding mix

Whisk box of instant vanilla pudding mix with the 1 1/2 cups of milk.

Set in refrigerator while either crushing 15 Oreos or pulsing in a food processor. 

Set the vanilla pudding mixture back out and mix in crushed Oreos. 

Add in Cool Whip and 1 TBSP of instant chocolate pudding mix. 

Mix thoroughly together, and then chill to thicken. Then, Viola! You have your "Grey Stuff" from the song "Be Our Guest" ("Try the Grey Stuff, it's delicious! Don't believe me, ask the dishes!") I hope you enjoy this delicious treat and be sure to take time to sit back and fall in love all over again with "Beauty and the Beast." 

-The End-

I love baking! I love baking even when members of my family are too lazy to bake for themselves and pass over the responsibility to me! That's what happened this past weekend when my sister needed a delicious dessert for her in-law's get together. And it is the same dessert I'm excited to share with you! Peanut Butter Bars!

This peanut butter bar recipe has been within our family for years! It is bound to show up at our yearly family reunion, and there are never ever leftovers to take home! These bars are quick and super simple to whip up! They are filled with oats and peanut butter, but the topping is everyone's favorite! Simi sweet chips and a peanut butter glaze. Need I say more?

First, get all your ingredients together (I bet you have practically everything already tucked away somewhere in your kitchen!): 1/2 cup of butter (or margarine), 1/2 cup sugar and the same amount of brown sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cooking oats, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking soda, and at least a cup of semi sweet chocolate chips.

In a mixing bowl, you'll want to cream together your softened butter, sugars, and peanut butter. A simple way of softening your butter is to either lay it out a few hours before making the bar, or softening it in the same bowl you'll use to mix your wet ingredients right before hand.

Next, add your egg and vanilla then mix well. 

In a separate bowl, combine your flour, oats, baking soda and salt; add into the wet mixture and stir thoroughly. 

Spread into a greased (or sprayed with Pam) 9 x 13 baking pan. 

Have a blast while sprinkling the top with semi-sweet chocolate chips! Just because the recipe calls for a cup doesn't mean you can't add more! Go for it! 

Bake at 350 F for 20 to 25 minutes. Our oven is fast and made our bars ready around 18 minutes, so be sure to check that your bars don't get too brown! Cool them for 10 minutes, then combine your glaze ingredients. 

The glaze is tempting to eat just by itself, and super duper easy to make! You'll need (at least) 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Whisk those ingredients together to get your yummy glaze! You'll want your glaze a little thicker so it'll hold well and not slide around all over your bars. To make a thicker glaze, simply add in more confectioners' sugar, and continue to mix ingredients until you reach your desired consistency! 

Once your glaze is whipped up, it'll be time for the final touch! Evenly drizzle your peanut butter glaze on top of your bars and voila!!! You have your easy peasy, yummy peanut butter bar! 

My mother did a wonderful job of evenly adding the glaze! 

Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients: 

-1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

-1/2 cup of sugar

-1/2 cup of packed brown sugar

-1/2 cup of peanut butter

-1 egg, beaten

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-1 cup of all purpose flour

-1/2 a cup of quick cooking oats

-1/4 teaspoon of salt

-1 teaspoon of baking soda

-1 cup (or more, you rebel!) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Glaze Ingredients:

-1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar (probably a bit more to get a thickened consistency!)

-2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter

-2 tablespoons of milk

Directions: 

In mixing bowl, cream butter, sugars, and peanut butter. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt; stir into creamed mixture. Spread into a greased 13 x 9 in baking pan. Sprinkle liberally with chocolate chips. Bake at 350 F for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle evenly over your yummy bars! Enjoy!