Happy (belated) Birthday Mom and random other stuff

This is a little late but yesterday was my Mom's birthday. Yes, I called her on the actual day, I'm not a completely horrible daughter! I was going to back to visit this weekend but my Mom told me just to wait until next weekend when its my birthday (and the start of my VACATION!!!!).

For all of my fellow Barefoot Bloggers out there, forgive me for not commenting yet. I've been so tired after work everyday. That combined with lugging that boot around for my broken toe has left me even more exhausted. I hope since its the weekend, I'll be able to catch up.

The weather is starting to get yuckier. We are supposed to get some of Ike but the estimates of how much keep changing. First Dallas was directly in the path now its going to veer away somewhat. So far, its not that bad but the day is early. Its kind of strange that they are saying we will get some of Ike since Dallas is so far inland compared to Houston and the coast. To all of my fellow Texans who are/were directly in the path of the hurricane, my thoughts are with you!

If the weather is not too bad this afternoon, I'm supposed to meet a friend for a pre birthday celebration.  Since I will be in Abilene on my birthday next weekend, we decided to do something early.  She may have to carry me around though...that boot is a pain to walk in sometimes

I didn't get a good picture of it but I made a yummy Green Tea Latte this morning.  I used my matcha that I got from Matcha Source (I've ordered from there many times. Great product and service!), fat free milk, and a touch of chocolate syrup from Da Vinci Gourmet.  Normally, I would put sugar free vanilla syrup but I was out and nervously substituted the chocolate.  It was delicious!  The chocolate and green tea were amazing together!  I topped it with some low fat whipped cream and a drizzle of Hershey's chocolate syrup on top.  yum!

I love green tea frapps and lattes at Starbucks but my wallet doesn't.  So a few months ago I started making them at home using matcha powder and my own add ins.  I actually like them much better than the ones you pay $4 for at Starbucks.  I get to put what and how much I want in each one.  And most of them are virtually fat free and low calorie!  And they taste good as well!  Anytime I make fruit smoothies, I also like to add a tsp or so to the mix.  I'm on the look out for more recipes that use matcha.  I've got a collection going but if anyone has any must tries, pass them on!

Wow...from Ike to Starbucks...this really was a random post!

And because it just seems wrong not too, here is a picture of Charlie!

(My sister put that cape on him.  Strangely enough, he didn't mind!)