Take Me Out to The Ballgame

Last weekend the boyfriend and I headed out the door to go experience an All-American ballgame on an All-American weekend. Unfortunately it got rained out. But that didn't stop me - my game face was already on and my bag was already packed. So instead of pitching (heehee!) a fit, I decided to blog about it. Let's play ball!


Our great state of Georgia has the Atlanta Braves baseball team...but we also have a minor league team called the Gwinnett Braves. Yes...it can get a little bit confusing. But the great thing about the minors is that the stadium is shmancy, still has that new-stadium-smell and they have a BERM...or a spot for blanketing at cheaper rates! Granted, you can't bring in your own food or alcohol but it is nice for those of us that only care about one type of pitcher...and it holds hydrangeas.



So here is the list of stuff that begs to be taken to ball games...whether it be your kid's teeball game or your nephew's little league or even your brother's highschool world series.

1. Eye candy. Nothing can get you through those long innings like drooling over the latest glossy mag.

2. Blankie. Cush for your tush, towel for damp bleachers, and a wrap for those sweaty jerseys - a thin mexican blanket will do it all and still fit in your bag.

3. Cash. Tuck enough in your pocket for a footlong, a tray of nachos, a pretzel, some Nerd Ropes, cotton candy and a water...because you are on a diet.

4. Wristlet. A little tote for your wrist can hold the cell phone, the keys, and a credit card...just in case you eat all your cash.

5. Extra Strength Excedrin. 25 kids + 36 arguing parents + 3 umps + 2 random guys that scream 'heads up' after every contact with a ball = 1 major migraine.

6. Meat product. Since they don't sell pork in a small tube...beef will do.

7. Lip Gloss. Because prepackaged meat can be messy. And because there is that crazy mom who documents every single person at every single game....and yes, I hope to be her one day.

8. Granola. So that you can say that you ate a well-rounded meal. Or have one on hand to give your kid after the 4 oz juice box isn't enough.

9. Pashmina. Take a bite outta the chill with a shoulder wrap. Also functions as a face cover when entering the car with a sweaty child.

10. Water bottle. To wash down the excedrin. Or for wiping off the bleachers.


And then don't forget to make sure it all fits nice and tight into an oversized tote. I like to stack things with the bag lying down...that way if I need something as I walk into the park, I can just grab it. Like if I see Will Ferrell running naked, I could whip out the cell phone. Sure, I could just google that later but the point is, make sure your accessories are accesible.


And here is me with my fake smile and my ready-to-go bag. Yes, I am a poser. Literally. And yes, I photoshopped that monster zit off my face while saying 'strike three - yur ouutta heyah!'.

So what would you add to your ballgame bag? Any good tips you wanna share? I am root-root-rooting for someone to pull a Madonna and say crackerjack....and A-rod :)

No-Cost Spice Shelf

Like many folks, I have a spice rack. But apparently I use spices that aren't included in said spice rack...like garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. I am Italian...we put garlic & onion powder in our cereal. And for every family event I get assigned deviled egg duty...hence the need for paprika. But somehow I have also acquired many other little bottles of flavor that have been jammed into the cabinet. But I can't see them.

My solution? Well, something like this -


Seems pretty simple right? Well for the low low price of $11 it can be mine. Is a dozen dollars too much? In this economy, you can betcha Beyonce's booty it is. So I decided to make my own. Crafty McSpiceshelf...that's your new name after you follow these simple instructions.


First, clean. That's right. Everytime you use pepper or garlic or tarragon (what's that for?!?!) a wee bit gets on the bottom of your cabinet...go ahead and wipe it up. Next, measure the width of your uber-clean space.


Next, cut three pieces outta a 2x4 to the exact width you measured. I had some wood laying around in the basement so this was no-cost to me. If you aren't the type to have studs hanging around ya, well I am sorry. Maybe a workout will help. jk. They cost under $3 at Lowe's or Home Depot.


Self explanatory. Stack em in the back em.


Create the 'step' by putting the first in front of the back two. Easy peasy booty squeezy. Now that they all fit, you could spice up your new spice shelves by yankin em out, givin them a nice new paint job or stain them to match your cabinets and reassembling. I didn't because I am too lazy right now...it's not on the goal list peeps.


Next, organize your spices on your new shelves. I put the bigger stuff in the back. It works on my body...thought it could work here too. I also put the most used spices up front so the next time I cook all I have to do is grab and shake it...like...a...salt...shaker...like...a...polaroid...picture.

So there you have it - my no-cost spice shelf. Uber-useful, right? So what about you guys? What's your spicy situation? Do you rack it, shelve it, or drawer it? C'mon, spill the salt.
Then make sure you throw a pinch over your shoulder, then brush your shoulders off. (any excuse for a dance move, right?!)