Antivite

Now I’ve seen everything. Well, maybe not everything, but we’re definitely into the land of “who ever thought this would be a thing?” You’ve heard of those “save the date” cards people send out. They want you to know, long before the invitations go out, that you need to save that date. You’ve go plans.

Well now some genius has invented the wedding “don’t save the date”. It’s for those who didn’t make the cut. Yup, it’s an anti-vite. Sort of the opposite of a “save the date” this is a “letting you know you don’t need to save the date”. It’s being marketed as a kindness, to let people know they’re free to make other plans that day. But kindness seems to have a different meaning from the one I learned. I mean, can I just say “ouch”?

But as I started to think about it, how many things have I wanted to anitvite people to? Is there really something to this whole “go ahead and make other plans” thing? So, in the interest of keeping an open mind, here’s my list of antivites. Because you may as well know now, you’re free on that day . . .

*To the African Princess who keeps sending me emails telling me that she needs me to send her all of my personal financial info so she can send me $10 million: I’ve blocked you from my email. When you decide it’s time to send out that letter for the 15th time, it won’t go through so find something else to do, you’re free that day.

*To the neighbor who seems to think that our lawn is his dog’s private bathroom: I’m filling up my kids’ water guns. Consider this your antivite. Cause if you don’t find your way to the empty field across the street the next time you take your dog out, I’d suggest you wear a rain coat.

*I’m well aware that there will be loud rejoicing at this antivite, but I’ve had enough. To anyone who can’t eat a meal without complaining, here’s your official antivite. Go somewhere else. Just to answer the next questions that I know are coming: no, I’m not paying for you to go out for fast food, and yes, dessert IS part of the meal and therefore included in the antivite . . . so think about it.

Choc-Oat Chip Cheesecake Bars

*To the person who keeps sending me private FB messages telling me that they have a guest post written up for my blog: I’m aware that you’re a company representative and that the entirety of what you’ve written is a promotion of your products. So whenever you’re expecting to read your free advertisement on my blog . . . let’s just say you’re free that day.

*To the cosmetic company representative who puts their catalog in a plastic bag, fills it with rocks and throws it onto my driveway: If you think a great marketing strategy is to make me walk out to the end of my driveway to pick up a bag of rocks, think again. When I’m ready to buy new makeup, you’re free that day.

*To the bees who seem to think that when I bring dinner out onto the deck it’s for them: I have bug spray and I’m not afraid to use it. This is a permanent antivite. You’re not welcome here.

*And finally this antivite I’m sending out to the New York Yankees. And it’s for the whole month of October. Make other plans, guys, ‘cause the World Series, you’ll be free those days.

I’ve reconsidered my position. There may just be something to this anitvite thing.

Choc-Oat Chip Cheesecake Bars
                                      ©www.BakingInATornado.com

Printable Recipe

 

Ingredients, Cookie Layers:
1 stick butter, softened
1 stick margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 cups quick oats
1 cup chocolate chips


Ingredients, Cheesecake Layer:
2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 egg yolk 
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup mini chocolate chips 

Directions:

*Grease a 9 X 13 glass baking dish. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
*Beat butter, margarine, sugar, brown sugar, egg and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda and cinnamon until fully incorporated. Mix in the oats, then the chocolate chips.
*Spread 2/3 of this mixture over the bottom of your prepared glass baking dish. Pat down.
*Bake 10 minutes (won't be fully cooked).
*Cool completely.
*Beat cream cheese and brown sugar. Beat in eggs, egg yolk and vanilla. Mix in chocolate chips.
*Carefully evenly distribute over the bottom cookie layer.
*With your hands, break off little chunks of the remaining cookie dough and drop on top of cheesecake layer.
*Bake for approximately 40 minutes, just until the center has started to set.
*Cool completely. Store in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature to serve.