Gonna try something new for 30 days; Ohio State Fair final chapter

Living a Little Greener has invited us to join her in a challenge to "Try something new for 30 days," as inspired by Matt Cutts: Try something new for 30 days | Video on TED.com. I love the idea, so I'm IN!
   Maybe something new I do or discover this month will make this my BEST YEAR EVER.
   While I'm thinking of what my own "something new" will be, I'll just share a few of my favorite pics from the Ohio State Fair.

I love, love, LOVE this Best of Show rug!!

Best of Show in leathercrafts

Best of Show in its division

Best of Show in another division (age-based maybe?)

Civil war re-enactors.

LOVE old kitchen stuff, so this exhibit was eye candy to me!

My fav window box planting (Double click to enlarge photo)

   Okay, drum roll please, I've decided my "something new" will be ____________. Well, I can't decide! There are LOTS of things I've never done before but always wanted to do.
   For instance:

• Always wanted to try my hand at making these from scratch: pretzels (or German brezels), Challah, bagels, croissants, Danish pastries, doughnuts, jell-o. 
• Always wanted to cook enough in one day to "fill the table" with food (I've no doubt done this, but there's no picture to show for it). 
• Always wanted to see how much "spring cleaning" can be accomplished in one day (more of a curiosity question, NOT a fantasy).
• Always wanted to see what it's like to exercise for 6 hours in one day (that's how long the contestants on Biggest Loser exercise, which astonishes me!)
• Always wanted to sleep out in the open, under the stars.
• Always wanted to go hang-gliding.

   To make this easy on myself, I've decided that my "something new" will not be one thing, but instead will be a mind-set to do at least one new thing each day. Could be as simple as dipping a spoon into that jar of Mar-mite I bought but haven't had the guts to try.
   Whether I'm baking something new, trying a new craft or tasting something new, this should be an interesting 30 days. Beginning today. Now, anyone know how I'm supposed to eat Mar-mite?

Could 2011 be my best year yet...starting with semi-scratch banana pudding??

While reading the book Paris Was Ours: Thirty-Two Writers Reflect on the City of Light, compiled by Penelope Rowlands, I came across a story in which the author stated that his year in Paris was his best year ever.
   That line has been haunting me ever since.
   I have a couple of best years ever of my own, and it saddens me to think my best years might be behind me. So, I wondered 'WHAT would I have to DO to make 2011 my BEST YEAR EVER?'
   Do you have a best year ever??? I've got a few ideas, but what do you think it takes to make a year the BEST? Really, help me out here...why shouldn't 2011 be our best year yet?

 As for the Banana Pudding, this is my go-to super-easy recipe for feeding a crowd. As a person committed to reducing packaging waste, I'm kinda ashamed to be sharing recipes that call for packaged products. SO, I will be looking for ways to make these recipes completely from scratch--but still super EASY. Links below for scratch versions of some of the commercial products; I'll be trying these the next time I make banana pudding. Wish me luck!
    
Banana Pudding
1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 can sweetened condensed milk (Homemade version on Down-to-Earth)
4-5 bananas
1 box vanilla wafers, reserving a few for crumb topping (Homemade version on SeriousEats)
2 small boxes instant vanilla pudding mix (Homemade version on JoyOfBaking)
3 1/2 cup milk
16 oz. Cool Whip (Homemade version on E-How)

Mix the pudding mixes with the 3 1/2 cup milk, as directed on the box. Add the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk and mix until thoroughly combined and mixture is smooth, creamy and thick. Fold 1/2 of the Cool Whip into the mixture. In a 13"x9" pan, Layer half of the vanilla wafers, then bananas, then half of the pudding mixture. Repeat. Spread remaining Cool Whip on top. Crush reserved vanilla wafers and sprinkle over top of all. Refrigerate.