A dare, a promise and dessert

Sometimes we have quiet, restful and relaxing weekends and then other weekends the time flies past our eyes. This weekend was one of those super busy weekends. The best part was that the things we did were quite inspiring.

We kicked off the weekend by taking on a dare. We are joining the Bunch Family team and taking on the Dare to Draw challenge. Draw a picture, every day for 30 days, in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation. This is an amazing fundraiser that will truly involve our entire family...especially my daughters. The funds raised will go to support those people living in Sub-Sahara Africa who are fighting, living with, innovating and slowly but surely "turning the tide against AIDS."

My girls supplies are ready to go. A sketchbook, construction paper, pencil crayons, markers and their imaginations. And if that isn't enough, Bunch Family has created a list of inspiring ideas that can be downloaded. Our goal is to raise $100. We'll follow-up every Friday with pictures of our progress.

Now, on to the promise. Last week I injured my back. I woke up on Tuesday morning unable to roll over in bed. I have never had any problems with my back. So, what could have caused this? Well, it only took me a few minutes to remember the backpack full of library books I had trekked around on Monday...so heavy that the weight actually broke my backpack! Hmm, could that be the root of all this back pain? Probably. Why the heck was I carrying around a pack that was that full you wonder? Because I'm a sherpa mom. It only seems logical that I would end up with all the "stuff." I've been carrying around too full bags for the last 8 years. Not to mention the many overflowing strollers I have pushed up mountains...see sherpa. Well, no more. This last week of pain was my little wake-up call. It is time to hand over the load. But, to whom? My kids...I promise.

On to dessert. I had an amazing dinner with my best friends on Saturday night. The girls I have known longer than I can remember. The girls I've been through EVERYTHING with. After dinner we looked at the dessert menu and went for the best dessert...chocolate brownie with ice cream and caramel sauce. Simple, calorie packed and delicious. My one girlfriend said "why don't we ever make this at home?" Good question and good inspiration. Here is an easy way to get it done.

brownie mix
vanilla ice cream
¼ cup honey glazed peanuts

1. Prepare the brownies according to the box...that's right, a box...I'm was going for easy here. HOT TIP - When making brownies always line the baking dish with buttered parchment paper...makes it easier to life the brownies out when they are done.

2. Place the honey glazed peanuts in a small bowl, with the end of a wooden spoon, break up the honey glazed peanuts

3. Place a warm piece of brownie on a plate, with a scoop of ice cream on top and sprinkle with honey roasted peanut bits.