Coffee Break with Liz and Kate » Archive
(Almost) spring break – Liz’s rant
We thought you’d get a kick over Liz’s little spring break mishap from last year. Enjoy! The chaos began about 8:15 last night, with a call from my brother: “Is Colton still up? Why isn’t he in bed, yet?” First, I’d like to point out that even on school nights, Colton is never in bed by 8:15. But I played along. “He’s on spring break this week – burning the midnight oil.” “Uh… you may want to double check that.” What did … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Liz's Rants
Liz’s Top Seven ways to use boiled eggs
You know the drill. Easter is over. Chocolate bunnies sit in their baskets devoid of ears, pieces of shiny fake green grass are strewn from one end of the house to the other, and no fewer than two dozen eggs bide their time in the refrigerator, asking themselves but one thing: “Will we be eaten? Or tossed to the curb with all that shiny fake green grass?” Which is where I make a confession. As much as … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Let's Celebrate, Let's Eat, Liz's Rants
Liz’s rant: Confessions of a Lenten slacker
It’s pretty easy to write optimistically from carb-laden bloat. Easy to imagine giving up something for Lent – especially pancakes. But yesterday was Fat Tuesday after all. And while pancakes may seem an item I can give up for the next 40-some days, I must make a confession. I don’t like giving things up. Not by personal choice and not by force. But especially not by force. So when it comes to Lent, I start with ideas … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Let's Celebrate, Liz's Rants
Introducing KitchenKuffs – Liz’s Rave!
There are several statements that take place in our house over and over again: Pick up your dirty clothes Chew with your mouth closed Throw away your trash And my all-time least favorite: Can someone come push up my sleeves?!?! PLEASE!?!? Well, Kate, bar the door, those days are gone. May I present: KitchenKuffs!!! That’s right, people. It’s time to say goodbye to soggy sleeves! The brainchild of Barbara Doran, KitchenKuffs mean you’ll never have suds-soaked cuffs (or anything else, for that matter) on … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Let's Eat, Liz's Rants, This 'n That
Liz’s rant: 10 ways to just say no to the nail stalkers
Maybe it’s just me, but ever since the little nail kiosk appeared in the mall, walking from store to store has become more an obstacle course with one mission: Avoid the girls at the nail kiosk at all costs. Maybe you’ve run into them. They’re the ones who hunt down every person who passes by their booth with a seemingly innocent, “May I ask you a question?” Memorize this word, dear readers: No. Because should you answer in … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Liz's Rants
Get your party on: 1/17-1/23
We have an amazingly strange week of holidays this week, beginning with none other than Doo Dah Parade Day on Jan. 18. Oddly enough, there are several days of the year when this one is celebrated, and apparently Pasadena has quite the parade (not on the 18th…). but since I can’t figure out what the sam hill this one is all about, let’s all break out in a round of Camp Town Ladies sing this … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Let's Celebrate
Liz’s rant: Santa’s coming!
Can you believe this is the week of Christmas? That in only a few days, Santa – the man in the big red suit – will be coming down the chimney? Maybe it’s just me but it seems like those last couple of weeks before the most wonderful time of the year always fly by. Sometimes, even that ritual visit to see Santa gets put off until the last minute. So this year, I figured I’d be one step ahead and actually plan the day for our visit. We headed to Lexington Green before 9 a.m. on Saturday. The plan was simple: I’d pick up a few things from the bookstore, and by the time we were done there, Santa would be arriving, Colton would divulge his wishlist, and we’d be … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Let's Celebrate, Liz's Rants
Decorating the table: Veggie Candles
How filled with fear do you people get when I start crafting? Pretty fearful, I bet . Anywho, this week, I wanted to bring you super simple project to adorn the Thanksgiving table. Not sure what else to call them, so we’ll just call them Veggie Candles. Here’s what you’ll need: Desired number of candles Green beans (about a half-pound per candle) One bunch asparagus (that will do one candle, as well) Rubber bands Ribbon of choice Making the candles: Wrap rubber band around candle Slip the veggies under the band. You can cut the veggies to same height for uniformity if you want. Tie with ribbon And we’re done. Talk about an easy way to bring the harvest to the table! Not to mention a sure fire way to serve waxed green beans I’m JOKING! Kate and I hope … Read entire article »
Filed under: Get Crafty, Headline, Let's Celebrate, Liz's Rants
Liz’s rant: Turkey Day shoppers
Do you remember when Thanksgiving meant absolutely nothing was open, store-wise? As in, you could drive through Anytown, America on that day and it was as if the streets had been rolled up. You were lucky to see a passing car. My how things change. This year, a host of stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day. Theories are aplenty – perhaps it’s because lots of people want to beat the Black Friday crowds, or maybe stores are trying to generate the additional sales. Or maybe we’ve just lost touch of Thanksgiving all together. Is it that difficult to stay clear of the stores for one day? That difficult to stay at home, eat some turkey, watch some football and chill? I realize the movie theaters and bowling alleys are usually open Thursday. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Let's Celebrate, Liz's Rants
Liz’s rant: Pardon me! And other turkey tidbits
Yep, this is it – the day of days for the gobblers out there. The day when one lucky bird gets the ultimate gift: a pardon. Meanwhile an estimated 45 million will be landing on our dining room tables. For that, I am thankful. Anywho, the presidential pardon will be given today. This whole pardoning thing began in 1989 with the elder George Bush, and has continued since. And two turkeys are pardoned, not one. (Think of it like the Miss America contest or something – if the winner can’t fulfill her duties, the alternate takes over…). Until 2005, the pardoned turkeys were sent to live in the Turkey Barn at Kidwell Farm, a petting zoo located ironically enough at Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA. But not before enduring a … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Let's Celebrate, Let's Eat, Liz's Rants
Thanksgiving Craft – what else but… a turkey!
Call me sentimental, but this craft represents one of my favorite holiday decorations that Colton has brought home from school. Unfortunately, his is now old and faded, so he and I decided to recreate it! Let’s be honest. If we’re taking on this project, how hard can it be? It’s really a great craft for kids – and requires a relatively short list of supplies. Chances are, you already have everything you need on hand. What you’ll need: One paper grocery bag One small paper bag Old newspaper for stuffing bags Duct tape or other wide tape Glue (whatever you have on hand) Scissors Construction paper in colors of choice Instructions: 1. Begin by stuffing the large (body) and small (head) grocery bags with wadded up newspaper. You can gather the bag as you stuff to get a feel of how … Read entire article »
Filed under: Get Crafty, Headline, Let's Celebrate, Liz's Rants
We’re on vacation!!
That’s right, readers. After almost three years of posting to Coffee Break with Liz and Kate, we’ve decided to take a well-deserved hiatus so we can come back fresher and more exciting than we already are (please control the laughter from the peanut gallery). In the meantime, enjoy our fantastic quick and easy recipes, craft ideas and posts on life in general. Just search our categories or archives (over on the right) and the world will be your oyster! Thank-you for your loyalty over these past few years. Don’t worry, we’ll be back soon! Enjoy your Coffee Break (with Liz and Kate, of course) … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline
The Coupon Queen – Liz’s rave
No matter where I live, there’s always one drawer that’s devoted to the coupons. I’ll note one exception: that was when I decided I was done with coupons and would never clip another one. What, you may be asking, could possibly send me so far over the edge that saving money seemed more trouble than it was worth? Enter exhibit A. The coupon drawer. (You know you have one, too. Admit it. It will make you feel better.) Oh, sure, I’ve tried those little pouches with a slot for all the dairy and all the frozen and all the meats and all the beverages. But the fact of the matter is, I still had no clue what coupons I possessed. Just because all dairy was in one slot, that cute little coupon … Read entire article »
Filed under: Handy Dandy Tips, Headline, Liz's Rants
If the shoe fits – Liz’s rant
If you’re house is anything like mine, back to school means a new pair of shoes. It’s tradition, I guess. Fresh start to the school year, fresh shoes to walk into the new classroom. Something like that, anyway. Suffice to say, someone in our house got a new pair of shoes, yesterday. Hint: It wasn’t me. Now, while I know there’s nothing out of the ordinary about new shoes, I do find my child’s reaction something of an anomaly. I guess the story goes back to Christmas, when Santa brought Colton a pair of shoes. (That Santa is just full of exciting surprises, isn’t he?!?) Anywho. Colton fell in love with them. Why? That’s anyone’s guess. Let’s just say when we set out to get shoes, his quest was simple: … Read entire article »
Filed under: Headline, Liz's Rants

