Her Royal Joaness

Florida Nature Coast Bloggers

2011-04-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I was invited by Connie Roberts to meet up with a few local women who also blog and all live in the area. Connie is very knowledgeable and I jumped at her invite, and also because she is a very nice lady and I loved the idea of meeting face to face!

The first meeting was in an Artsy Fartsy type restaurant run by a church and it was a really cool place. I think there were 5 of us there and this lunch meeting turned into the Nature Coast Bloggers! We laugh and have fun and share ideas and these women are becoming my teachers happily! Even though we all blog, we all have different themes. Most of us have several blogs like myself, but none have giveaway blogs, although one of the gals just joined Dove Chocolatiers and she is having one on her site.

Yesterday our group met at a local Dennys, actually 3 members missing as we are growing :)! We discussed some of the blogging conferences coming up and which ones were thought of as good, etc. We also talked about affiliates and making money with certain ones. I am really learning. I am so glad I was asked to join in the beginning by Connie and now we are good friends.

If there are any of you in the Nature Coast Area, we have been meeting in New Port Richey area, let me know and I will get you information. Warning, may be habit forming and cause rowdiness as an older man complained to our waitress in Dennys that we were too loud, and the waitress Brenda told him where the library is if he wanted quiet LOL! She fit in and we had so much fun with her we are going back there next month! So watch out Dennys, we shall return!

When I Die - Adult Joke

2011-04-17T16:23:00.001-07:00

My wife and I were sitting around the breakfast table one morning.

I said to her, "If I were to die suddenly, I want you to immediately sell all my stuff."

"Now why would you want me to do something like that?" she asked.

"I figure that you would eventually remarry and I don't want some other asshole using my stuff."

She looked at me and said: "What makes you think I'd marry another asshole?"

Wordless Wednesday!

2011-04-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

My Ultra-Ego Wonder Woman, Xenia Princess, Miss Piggy, "Hi-Yaaaaaa"

Photo by HC Noel

Cindy Ashton Fundraiser

2011-04-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

Check out this concert. I wish I lived closer but am on the other side of the state! Sorry Cindy!

Mom's Blueberry Squares!

2011-04-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

As I was growing up I used to love to help my mother and grandmother in the kitchen. They were awesome cooks! I would be sat on the kitchen counter with a mixing bowl and wooden spoon ready to help when summoned. Some times I would wait and wait and now thinking back my mom would give me a little flour and a bit of water to appease me, and I would sit and stir and stir. I always ended up with some sort of paste concoction that could probably be used to spackle a wall!

The older I got the more I was allowed to help and I graduated from paste to sitting and mixing all the dry ingredients needed for a recipe and then would hand it over for my mother to add her eggs, vanilla, and whatever else she had. This was a good lesson in team work! I remember it all so well.

My most favorite recipe I used to help her with was her now famous Blueberry Squares. She would always make this for me, well into my adulthood. I loved to come home and smell these baking in the oven just for me!

I would now love to share her recipe with you in her honor and memory!

Blueberry Squares

Ingredients:

4 cups Flour

1 cup Sugar

3 teaspoons Baking Powder

1 Cup Crisco

2 Beaten Eggs

½ Cup Milk

1 teaspoon Vanilla

2 Cans Comstock Blueberry pie filling (One can should be drained somewhat)

Directions:

Mix together the flour, sugar, and the Baking Powder.
Cut Flour mixture with Crisco using 2 knives or a pastry blender until pea sized
Mix together eggs, milk, and vanilla and then add blend well into the flour mix. Now take this mix and separate it into two piles.
Roll each pile between wax paper and then put one layer on a cookie sheet. After this then you will fill with blueberry filing.
Cover now with second layer of the rolled out dough. Sprinkle the top with both sugar and cinnamon.
Bake this at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes, until top is lightly browned. This should make about 20 – 24 servings!

Here are some serving suggestions:

Serve warm with Vanilla ice cream or blue berry ice cream. Refrigerate uneaten portions and eat as a morning danish! It is always a perfect time for Blueberry Squares.

I hope you enjoy this recipe of my mothers. You will be hooked after one bite.

I have also tried this with other pie fillings but non compare to the blueberry!

Dreams of Glass at 2 Classy Chics

2011-04-02T11:50:00.000-07:00

Wow I want to share a terrific Giveaway being offered now on the
Two Classy Chics giveaway site. They are giving away a $60 credit
towards the purchase of a piece of jewelry on Dreams of Glass
web site. I have to tell you it is all beautiful and it is really hard to
choose a favorite.
I am a total glass art freak and can look at their site for hours. I have
collected several pieces of glass art and have also stained glass! I am
totally enamored with Chihuly glass and can only hope to get a piece
some day.
In the mean time, I will close my eyes and wish to win this giveaway,
ends 4/12 so I have a lot of prayers to get in!
Thanks Shelly and Chris for this giveaway!

Sacred Springtime Ritual

2011-03-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome article written by Coach Joanna Lindenbaum, Check out her site with direct link and sign up for her inspirational and intuitive newsletters and check her programs that she offers as a coach! I just recently found this gem and it is quickly becoming one of my favorite blogs!

A Sacred Springtime Ritual to Help You Open Up to Your Potential

Each year, when the early Spring comes around, I get excited.

I get excited because this time of year symbolizes new beginnings, fresh energy, and the joy of birthing new things into the world.

You see it everywhere - the days are longer, the birds are chirping, there are even tiny little buds on the trees.

And I know it’s a powerful opportunity to bring new energy into my own projects, relationships, and life, as well as the perfect time to step more fully into bigger and better possibilities for myself and my future.

What I often find, though, is that it’s difficult to transition into Spring-time energy if you are still stuck in Winter-time mode, and feeling tired, unmotivated, and frustrated. This is especially common if you haven’t made the time to clear out the dust and stagnancy that can sometimes settle and take hold in the colder months.

That’s why it’s vital this time of year to intentionally cleanse out the emotional, mental and spiritual blocks that might have built up over the winter months, in order to then be fully prepared to open yourself up consciously to the curiosity, joy, and freshness that is so readily available to you this time of year.

Here is a ritual you can do to cleanse, renew, and then open up to your full potential to help prepare you for this magical season! In order to do this ritual, you will need paper and pen; a feather duster (optional); and a potted plant:

1) Take 10 minutes to journal on all of the things that have become stagnant and dusty for you during the Winter-time. Get clear for yourself where the cobwebs need to be swept away to make space for new energy. Consider all areas where you could bring new energy in, including emotional, mental, and spiritual areas: larger things such as particular relationships and work, and then details within those such as “making the same dinner night after night” or “haven’t created a new salespage in a long time.”

2) After you’ve gotten super clear on all the stagnant areas of your life, take some time to feel yourself under their weight. Really feel in your body what it’s like to be under the dust and cover of those stagnant things. You can close your eyes and visualize yourself covered with snow or dust.

3) Then, literally “dust” the stagnancy and old issues off your body. You can use an actual feather duster or simply use your hands. Start at the top of your head and dust off any old energy there, move to your face, and then your neck, removing and dusting off whatever got stuck during the winter season, then move down to your shoulders, and so on, all the way down to your toes. Really take the time to shake off, let go of, and release all that has become sluggish, inactive, and old, dusty weight.

(This can work really well with a partner too - you can have your partner clean the dust off of you, and then switch).

4) If you do the dusting and clearing to completion, you will feel an incredible sense of openness and freedom in your body. Now that you’ve cleaned out the old Winter energy, you can really align with and leverage the newness of Spring. Take some deep breathes in and deeply inhale the Spring air.

5) From this place, choose one thing that you would like to start right now. Perhaps it’s a certain project for your business, or perhaps you’d like to attract in a beloved, or perhaps it’s a certain lifestyle change, or perhaps it’s simply a new way of “being”, for example - abundant, or open, or healthy.

Whatever you choose, get very focused on it. Close your eyes and visualize this thing that you would like to plant in your life and in your mind’s eye, watch it grow and flourish. As you visualize this, hold the potted plant in your hands and let the plant come to symbolize this new thing that you would like to initiate in your life right now.

6) Water your plant, and as you do it, allow it to be a ritual of watering your new project, relationship, or way of being. Then place this plant somewhere prominent in your home so that you remember to literally and metaphorically water it and care for it consistently!

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Tags: business spirituality, joanna lindenbaum, new york women's coach, self renewal, self-help, soulful coaching, spring cleaning, spring ritual

This entry was posted on Sunday, March 27th, 2011 at 4:25 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

I Wish You Enough

2011-03-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me by my dear friend Ray!

Recently, I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure of her plane.

Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the father said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.'

The daughter replied, 'Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Dad.'

They kissed and the daughter left. The father walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'

'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?

'I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is...the next trip back will be for my funeral,' he said.

'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'

He began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.' He paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

He then began to cry and walked away.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; an entire life to forget them.
TAKE TIME TO LIVE....
To all my friends and loved ones,
I WISH YOU ENOUGH.

In Grandpa's Hands

2011-03-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

Be sure and look at your hands after you have read this . . . .

Grandpa's Hands

This is good. I'll never look at my hands the same!

Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat, I wondered if he was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK.

He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice.

"I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to him.

"Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making. Grandpa smiled and related this story:

"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled, and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.

As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer.

They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.

They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.

They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.

Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

They trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle.

They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.

They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.

And to this day, when not much of anything else of me works real well, these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life.

But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home.

And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ."

I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandpa's hands and led him home.

When my hands are hurt or sore I think of Grandpa. I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

When you receive this, say a prayer for the person who sent it to you and watch God's answer to prayer work in your life. Let's continue praying for one another.

Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both.

Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would have done.

Be sure and look at your hands after you have read this . . . .

Chihuly Art Glass

2011-03-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

Dale Chihuly, Neptune Seaform Dale Chihuly,
Wild Poppy Persian Pair

Dale Chihuly, Fiesta Macchia Dale Chihuly,
Azure Blue Seaform Pair

I don't know what kind of art you like but I personally get goosebumps and excuse the bluntness, a little turned on when I see Art Glass, and more specifically Chihuly Glass.

Here are a few of his pieces that are soon to retire, what does that mean? They will soon jump up in price.

One must truly appreciate the art of Chihuly and I am seeing his work in more and more places such as in the Casino at Paradise Island in the Bahamas and as the Center of attention in the newer cruise ships. His pieces are not in my price range, except for a few token small pieces that really aren't worth the money and I am not sure he made them or his assistants.

So what kind of art are you in to? There are so many things to tantalize the art lover in you! From glass, to sculptures, to paintings, to architecture, what catches your eye?

AT&T Customer Service FAIL

2011-03-02T12:15:00.000-08:00

I cannot even begin to explain the frustration in my household for nearly a month waiting for AT&T to get their stuff together and hook up our home phone after we signed up with them to save money!

I thought my husband was going to have a heart attack! There were daily phone calls that

lead to being transferred and repeating our story to god knows how many customer

service reps! We were even given appointment times on several occasions for a rep

to show up at the house and then no shows and when we called no one had any

records of our call! ARGH! After 2 weeks or more we finally got

it straightened up but I gotta tell you that AT&T has the

WORST customer service I have ever seen!!!

Guest Recipe - Crock Pot Peached Pork Chops from Shelly Hill

2011-02-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

My 82 yr old great aunt has collected recipes over her the years and has now passed them onto me. Some are ones she clipped out of newspappers, magazines, given to her by others and so forth. I have thousands to sort through. I think the vintage recipes can be the best ones because they are usually simple to prepare and use ingredients you normally have on hand. Yesterday I decied to make the following recipe that she gave to me using my crock pot.

Crock Pot Peached Pork Chops

5-6 pork chops

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground cloves

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (29 ounce) can cling peach halves

1/4 c. vinegar

salt and pepper to taste

Lightly brown pork chops on both sides in a skillet. Sprinkle pork chops with salt and pepper. Pour off excess fat-grease.

Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, tomato sauce, 1/4 c. syrup from peaches and vinegar in a large bowl.

Arrange pork chops in your slow cooker (crock pot). Place drained peach halves on top.

Pour tomato mixture over them. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 4-6 hours until done. Makes 5-6 servings.

Now your finished product should look like this! Happy Eating!

Every Day is a Struggle

2011-02-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

Several years ago I got sick and was hospitalized because I was having small strokes and also had some small clots in my lungs as well. I had a hysterectomy while in there because of endometriosis and after the surgery the blood doctor, known as Hematologist, was getting me on a regime on blood thinners to keep my blood where it needed to be, without making me ill with the opposite problem. This disorder, known as Lupus Anticoagulant or Antiphosolipid Protein Syndrome had totally changed my life.

At the same time as I was in the hospital with all of this I was also diagnosed with Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue syndrome. This was all a little bit more than I could handle at the time mentally. So we then add Depression to that list! It has been quite a struggle! I am enough medications to choke a horse and was also taking injections of Lovenox, a blood thinner, twice a day because I am resistant to other medication for this issue.

I found myself at this point unable to work or do anything. I had several surgeries related to my disorders and bleeding, and bleeding issues also after a heart cath. I got paralyzed on my right side when this happened. I had apparently bled out of my femoral artery into my leg and the bleeding damaged all the nerves in my leg. I could not walk or do much for myself. I lay in an ICU bed being transfused with 9 units of blood and totally out of it. I had several more surgeries on the site in my leg and then put on what is known as a wound vacuum. Once I could walk with a walker I could go home. It took me several days still before I could break lose.

Once home I felt so much better. I could sleep in my own bed, be with the family, and see the dog! It was also Christmas time so that made things cheerful and I was so ill that the hospital had contacted the Red Cross and had my son sent home.

At home I also had Home Health Nursing and physical therapy visiting so I was in good hands. It took me several months to recover to the person I am today, not the same person at all. I now walk with a cane and fight pain daily in the leg that got injured and am unable to return to work. I have now ended up on disability and SSI. Before I was an active business woman and this was the hardest thing for me to do, as I loved my job!

So today my life is different. I am thankful to be alive and have more faith in God, but I cannot really drive and go out and do things. I have taken to blogging and writing articles and using my brain if not able to use my body! I am thankful I have a supportive family that understands my moods and pains and do what they can for me.

You never know what is going to happen to you. One day I was a productive member of society and the next day I became handicapped! Be thankful for what you have, as someday you may not be so lucky. Do not take anything for granted and whatever your faith is, stay strong with your higher being so you have that to fall back on when you are faced with life's trials and tribulations!

Nature Coast Florida Bloggers by Connie Roberts

2011-02-18T14:46:00.000-08:00

February 16th, 2011 by Connie Roberts

I’m part of the Nature Coast Bloggers Club. We’re a brand new local blogging group and are having our second meeting next week. We believe in sharing information, inspiring each other to think outside the box and becoming a social networking tribe.

It includes the following counties:

Citrus
Dixie
Hernando
Jefferson
Pasco
Levy
Taylor
Wakulla

We currently meet during the week for lunch once a month and then spend time talking. We keep in touch through email and have a Facebook page as well. As we grow, The Nature Coast Blogging Group plans to take on more projects to teach newer bloggers, to increase our earnings and to work more closely together.

If you live in the Nature Coast area, we’d love to have you join us! Just leave a comment and I’ll get in touch with you right away. If you know of a blogger in this area, or aren’t sure if they are in the Nature Coast, let them know about us, or leave a comment. All types of bloggers are welcome. The more the merrier!

Family Portrait

2011-02-17T18:10:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of myself and lovely family on the cruiseship

for Christmas 2010!

New Blog Giveaway Site - mylittlehouseoftreasures

2011-02-16T10:32:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I want to introduce you all to Little House of Treasures Blog Giveaway site. This is a new site started by my dear friend Darlene! Right now she is giving away a skin care set. I am going to repost some of her blog here for you to see:

I was also sent the Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish, the Moisturizing Body Lotion and the Vitamin E & Camphor Enriched Lip Therapy. All of these products gave me the very same satisfying results.
Now you can say "Sayonara" to Dry Skin all year long.

Thank you so much to Jim at yu-be for sending me some of their wonderful products to review and offer as a giveaway to you all.

Disclaimer-
I was provided a product in exchange for my review. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.
You can read more about my blog policies in my disclosure.

GIVEAWAY:
One lucky person is going to win the Yu-Be Super Value Pack $37

Value Pack:

(2) 1.25oz tubes of Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream ($32 retail value)
(1) Yu-Be Lip Therapy ($5 retail value)
(1) Custom Yu-Be travel pouch for FREE. This clear vinyl zipper bag is the perfect size to carry your personal care items, cosmetics or any other small items when you are on the go. WHAT A DEAL!

So check out her site and enter to win!

An Embarrassing Moment

2011-02-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a fashion faux pas? One so embarrassing that it causes nightmares? One so embarrassing it has taken you years to share the story, to share a laugh with others, at the expense of your own dignity? This is just one of several I have had happen and I think twenty years later I can finally tell the story!

Think back to the early 80's! Wrap around skirts were all the rage then and I owned several. I must admit they were comfy and easy to match with tops as all were solid colors. To wear one you would wrap a skirt around your midriff with a tie that went through a hole to meet up with another tie, and you would then tie the skirt closed and together! I just loved wearing there until.....

I was a college student at the time and I landed a great summer Intern job in Washington DC for the summer. I also joined a carpool where we all met at one parking lot to leave our cars. I was Sooooo lucky I thought as I would sit with Mike all the time and I had a tiny crush on him! TINY tiny crush LOL. I always made sure to look good for Mike in the mornings. I remember how he made my heart pitter patter! Yes I had this tiny crush!

One day when Mike was driving, I was the last out of the car. As we were gabbing about up coming concerts, special events, etc. and I was hoping he was going to ask me out. Oh please lord let him ask me I thought as I was getting out of the car! I really wanted a date with him!

Well I stood up and continued our chat and noticed his facial expression had changed. I looked down and in his car seat was my skirt and I was standing there in my panties in the parking lot! OMG was I embarrassed. My face must of turned every shade of red in the book! This would have been a perfect scene on a sitcom. It was absolutely mortifying to me, to expose myself to this guy I so wanted to date!

Now what, I thought. What am I to do besides crawl into a hole and die? This wasn't happening, please this wasn't happening! Finally I politely smiled, grabbed my skirt and rewrapped it around me and went to my car.I was almost in tears from embarrassment as this was probably the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to me in my life, at that time!

So what did my friend, my crush, my car pool buddy say? Nothing! He just smiled and wished me a safe ride home. Being the gentleman he was, he never mentioned a word of this to me (Everyone else maybe)! We never did go out but I often remember this incident and giggle to myself!

Joan Penfold http://joansproductreviewsandgiveaways.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joan_Penfold

Grandparents

2011-01-30T10:55:00.000-08:00

This came to me in am email and I just have to share!

Grandparents - as seen by their grandkids!!

1. She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she'd done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But Grandma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!" I will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper good-bye.... 2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He asked me how old I was, and I told him, 62. My grandson was quiet for a moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?" 3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse, took out her teeth and proceeded to wash her hair.. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, "Who was THAT?" 4. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own childhood was like. "We used to skate outside on a pond.. I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods." The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, "I sure wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!" 5. My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said, "No, how are we alike?'' "You're both old," he replied. 6. A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's word processor. She told him she was writing a story. "What's it about?" he asked. "I don't know," she replied. "I can't read." 7. I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it was. She would tell me and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, "Grandma, I think you should try to figure out some of these colors yourself!" 8. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects. Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy whispered, "It's no use Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us with flashlights." 9. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not sure." "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised "Mine says I'm 4 to 6." 10. A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother, "Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today." The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. "That's interesting." she said. "How do you make babies?" "It's simple," replied the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'." 11. Children's Logic: "Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a teacher. The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant." The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know what pregnant means?" she asked. "Sure," said the young boy confidently. 'It means carrying a child." 12. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties.. "They use him to keep crowds back," said one child. "No," said another. "He's just for good luck." A third child brought the argument to a close."They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants." 13. A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. "Oh," he said, "she lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go get her. Then, when we're done having her visit, we take her back to the airport." 14. Grandpa is the smartest man on earth! He teaches me good good things, but I don't get to see him enough to get as smart as him! 15. My Grandparents are funny, when they bend over, you hear gas leaks and they blame their dog.

Old Fashioned Taffy Pull

2011-01-17T17:23:00.001-08:00

Old Fashioned Taffy Pull

I think back to my childhood and wonder what my favorite memory is. The first thing that comes to

my head is the good old fashioned taffy pulls my mom would set up with friends and family when my grandmother came to visit. It became a given when my Grandma Jenny visited, we were going to have a fun time with a taffy pull!

It would all start with the knocks on the doors and friends and neighbors and a few family members would show up. That came with loads of smiles and laughter and I am sure now that I am an adult and think back, there was cocktails included!

While all the conversing and acting out went on, my grandmother was in the kitchen getting all the ingredients ready, 1 cup sugar, 1/3 cup water, 4 Tbsp. Light Corn Syrup, 1 Tbsp. Vinegar, and ¼ tsp. of baking soda. Next my Grandmother combined the sugar water and corn syrup and stirred over low heat until the sugar dissolved, all the while with me under toe, and probably in her way but she would never let on! She would then cook without stirring to light crack stage (270 degrees) and then removed from heat, added vinegar and soda and mix thoroughly. Next she would pour it onto a greased platter to cool.

Now came the time for the fun! The pull will begin! All the women would crowd into the kitchen, drink in hand, ready for the task at hand. My Mom would pass around some softened butter and the ladies would take just enough to grease their hands to keep the taffy from sticking. The women would then pull and pull on the taffy, until it was too hard to pull. When the taffy became too hard to pull, it was then twisted into a rope to desired thickness. Once cool Grandma would break into pieces. Each time making about 2 dozen pieces. The ladies would then refill their drinks and go into the other room while my Grandmother would repeat the process. This would be repeated over and over until all the guests and my Mom had their own batch of Taffy!

I really miss the good old days when a taffy pull would be a fun high light of the weekend, instead of all the complicated things of our tech filled world! Perhaps you should host a good old fashioned taffy pull with your friends and enjoy a day all together. It might just become a special highlight in your house!

Ezine Article Challenge

2011-01-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

Well call me crazy or whatever you want but I have entered Ezines challenge to write 100 articles in 100 days. Surprisingly I am a few days ahead of myself!

I have never done something like this before so please wish me luck!

Hola Mexico

2011-01-13T17:41:00.001-08:00

Like Mother like daughter as all that know me would say! This was taken Christmas day at Senor Frogs in Cozumel Mexico. I loved the Christmas Cruise we took this year instead of gift giving things that would never get used! I know the kids had a good time although there are a few photos of my daughter that I am not sure of!

You Have a Home Party Biz- Now What?

2011-01-11T16:52:00.000-08:00

So You Are Going To Start a Home Party Plan Endeavor

It is the end of the night and you are sitting at a friends home placing an order from her home party and you find yourself thinking, “I really like this product and if I sign up to sell it I can help out my friend and also buy at a discount for personal use!” Great! You just signed up on an impulse. Do you really know what it takes to do home parties? Do you have time for this business? Are you ready?

These are just a few questions one should ask oneself before signing on the dotted line and handing over a chunk of money for your starter kit!

Beginning a home party biz can be a little bit overwhelming. The first thing to do is look to your upline(your recruiter or a manager or team leader etc.) for support and guidance. If they aren't going to be there for you now is the time to learn this. There are many web sites, yahoo groups, and networking sights dedicated to home businesses so don't panic!

Sit down and make a list of people you know who will help you start off your business. I suggest your first party be your own! Ask these people to help you out and pin them down to a date and time if you can. Now check out and see if you have all your supplies you need in your kit. Read and learn and KNOW your product. Be prepared to answer questions. No one expects you to be an immediate expert but basic information is important to know.

Now it's party time! Here are some do's and dont's for your party. Don't serve alcohol at the party as it is not that kind of party! DO NOT set up an elaborate table full of Hor Dourves as a potential hostesses may think that would also be expected of her. The simpler the better when it comes to snacks.

You are ready to start. You need to take control of the room. It is hard your first few times but it will get easier! Stand up and announce you are ready to start your presentation. Hopefully the room will get quiet for you. If not, kindly let those talking that you are ready and would like to get started as you promised your hostess it would only take a certain amount of time to do presentation and get done as everyone's time is valuable.

Now you have finished your presentation. Find a quiet area where you can help each guest go over their order. You may be able to offer suggestions and do some up-selling when one on one with the guest. Ask this guest what they thought of the items and if they would help their friend out by booking a party. Also feel them out on having a home business, as they just may be your next recruit. Let the guest know you enjoyed meeting them and give them approximate time frame to expect order.

You are now done with all the guests and it is time to close out the party. The hostess says she has a few more catalog orders coming in. Be stern and let her know you need those by such and such a date to close out party. Total up sales and let hostess know where she stands. You may be able to get her to add to her orders more to get her hostess gift of choice!

Once you have her orders all in get the order in to the company as soon as possible so the orders will arrive quickly. Either deliver to hostess or if direct ships to her give her a call to make sure all is OK and see if there is anything you can do to help! Also let her know you would like to call her again in 6 months to see how she is doing!

These few tidbits will hopefully help you get on with your business and start out a success!

Hundred Articles Hundred Days

2011-01-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

Well I have done it! I am going to try my hardest to write 100 articles in 100 days for an ezine challenge!

I have submitted one I will share here and now I am off to write my next. Come on brain we can do this!

Happy New Years!

2011-01-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

I wish all of you a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year! May every day have beautiful fireworks to inspire you! Love Life and Love the Lord!

Happy New Year!!!

Dips for the Holidays!

2010-12-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank Shelly Hill for sharing these recipes. Her wonderful blogs are listed below where you can read all kinds of articles and also get more yummy recipes! If it has to do with cooking, Shelly is your girl. She is awesome!

Creamy Horseradish Dip

1 (8 ounce) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1/3 cup horseradish sauce
1/4 cup chopped green onion
4 Tablespoons finely chopped bacon

Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise & horseradish in a small bowl until well blended. Stir in the chopped green onion and bacon.

Artichoke Chili Dip

1 (8 1/2 ounce) can artichokes, chopped
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
1 (4 1/2 ounce) can chopped black olives
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

In a medium sized bowl, mix together all of the above ingredients except for the grated Parmesan Cheese. Place mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until done. This tip is best served warm.

Spinach Chestnut Dip

1 pkg. frozen spinach, drained and chopped
1 can slivered water chestnuts, drained
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 pkg. Knorr vegetable soup mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup low-fat mayonnaise

In a large bowl, combine all of the above ingredients together in the order that they are given. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Shelly Hill is a mother and grandmother living in Pennsylvania who enjoys cooking, canning and baking a variety of foods for her family. You can visit Shelly's online site at wahmshelly.blogspot.com for free recipes, cooking tips and menu ideas.

Look Out! The Moms are Coming!

2010-12-16T03:26:00.000-08:00

It was several years ago when a dear friend of mine tried to convince me to blog. I was reluctant to do so and it probably took me more than a year to be persuaded by her and others. After my first blog post, written about my fear of blogging, I was hooked. I enjoyed sharing my thoughts, ideas, recipes, etc. with other "Mommy Bloggers". It was exciting to see my thoughts in ink so to speak, and to to watch my number of followers grow!

Now, there are thousands of "Mommy Bloggers" out there and their voices are strong and being heard! It didn't take long in the world of blogging for businesses large and small alike to realize the power of our voices. RAWR! We offer honest thoughts and opinions regarding products, TV shows, politics, potty training and anything else you can think of. This all lead to the world of product reviews and giveaways. "Mommy Bloggers" are now being heard loud and clear in sales and marketing-PR. Businesses are now offering opportunities for the "Mommy Blogger" to obtain free product in exchange for a review on that product, often also adding a giveaway of that same product to a follower of that blog to entice the blog readers to read the review! I have to believe the businesses that are utilizing these blogs are saving a great deal of money in their advertising/marketing budgets!

The growth and popularity of social networks such as Twitter and Facebook have become valuable tools for "Mommy Bloggers" , assisting in expanding the visibility of their blogs/reviews. Many of these bloggers consider their blogs and product reviews as their jobs as there are ways such as advertising space and Google words to make money with the blogs. "Mommy Bloggers" spent a lot of time reviewing and writing true and honest reviews and they deserve some compensation through free products and the previously mentioned methods (I have yet to reach that point). It is a lot of work to build a blog and get a following.

I only see the world of "Mommy Bloggers" growing and their opportunities increasing daily. Just take a look at a few "Mommy Blogs" such as Two Classy Chics or The Adventures of Paul and Natalie or my own, Joan's Product Reviews & Giveaways (mine is only 2 weeks old) and see the offers available and the growth of Sales & Marketing through this method! I do not see an end to the popularity of blogging for advertising, only an unlimited growth of opportunity!

So all of you out there in Blog World, take a look around, check out all the blogs! You never know what you might learn, or win!

New Site - Joan's Reviews and Giveaways

2010-12-07T16:39:00.000-08:00

I have finally decided to take the plunge and start my own review and giveaway PR site. With all my years in medical sales and marketing I can use my sales knowledge to help promote. I am really excited to make this move and hope all of you will follow my new blog! Check it out and sign up. I already have some giveaways coming in January and I can't wait to share!

http://joansproductreviewsandgiveaways.blogspot.com/

Review - Frito Lay

2010-11-16T11:08:00.000-08:00

I was recently contacted by Frito-Lay and asked to review some of their products for them. This is the first review I have been asked to do so I was excited to jump on the chance and I was not disappointed!

I received a wonderful well packaged assortment of 3 Frito-Lay products. Inside the box was a nice tote bag and inside the tote bag were full sized bags of Lays Light Potato Chips, Sun Chips, and Tostito Chips. Also attached to the tote bag was a nice Chip Clip and also received was a stainless steel water bottle. I also received a coupon for any Frito Lay Product of my choice!

How awesome is that?

The first bag opened was the Light Potato Chips as my husband is a chip freak and he dug into them. I asked him what he thought and he said he liked the regular ones better. I disagree with my husband and enjoyed these lower salt chips better. Although he said he didn't like them as well it sure didn't stop him from snacking on these! I give these a thumbs up!

Next bag to be opened was the Sun Chips. These are now packaged in a new compost-able bag making them more environmentally friendly. The only issue I see is that this package is loud and you can't sneak any without being heard LOL! I loved the Sun Chips and my daughter and I ate them. I also like the flavored Sun Chips I have bought in the past. These also get my Thumbs up.

The last thing to get opened was the Tostito Dips. These chips are perfect for eating all kinds of yummy dips. Since I had these chips I decided to go ahead and make Chile' con Queso. These chips were yummy with the dip! I would definitely recommend these for dips or for just a snack!

I love Tortilla Chips.

Here is my recipe for Chile' Con Queso!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 stick butter

1 medium sized onion

1 Large can whole tomatos

1 jar Salsa of choice

1 Lg box Velvetta

DIRECTIONS

Melt butter in pan and then saute' onion until cooked

In Colander pour can of large tomatoes, drain and squeeze tomatoes until pulp and add to onion and butter mix. Then add Salsa. Once this is hot and cooking cut up Velvetta in pieces and add to mixture. Once Velvetta melts it is ready to serve and enjoy!

If you are concerned about salt intake here is what their website says about the sodium content:

Less Salt Than You Might Think

You probably think of corn chips and potato chips as salty foods, but the surprising fact is that Frito-Lay snacks contain less salt than you might think. For instance, a 1 oz serving of Lay's potato chips contains less than 1/12th of a teaspoon of salt. That's less salt than in a serving of wheat crackers. Our Tostitos SCOOPS! tortilla chips contain less salt than a serving of fruit yogurt!

It might sound strange, but it's true, because the salt in a Frito-Lay chip is sprinkled on the surface, rather than baked in, so it is one of the first tastes your tongue detects. This is why Frito-Lay chips taste saltier than some other common foods.

It's also important to know exactly what salt is, and the role it plays in your body. Sodium chloride, what we call salt, helps maintain our body's fluid volume and electrolyte balance. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines recommend that Americans consume no more than 2300 mg of sodium per day (about 1 tsp of salt)."

I give all 3 of these products the thumbs up in my household and highly recommend them when you have the urge to snack. I would like to thank Frito Lay for the opportunity to do this review and I was not compensated to do this review. I only received the products to review!

Disclaimer:
Joan Penfold has personally reviewed these products. I did not receive any monitary compensation and only received the free products to review and evaluate. All opinions are mine and belong to me solely. My thought and opinions may differ from yours.

Tip - Cleaning Your Pearls

2010-11-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I love pearls. They are feminine and beautiful and how they are created is fascinating to me. That little grain of sand in an oyster turning into a thing of beauty! Pearls have been adorning people for centuries and have been coveted by some as treasure years ago.

So do you have a lovely strand of pearls that have perhaps been handed down to you by a loved one or a strand that has sat in a jewelry box for years? It is time to get them out and wear them and enjoy them! Perhaps the pearls have lost a little luster and appear dirty so you have not worn them. Here is a simple solution without having to pay a lot of money to clean your pearls. Remember NOT to use harsh chemicals or abrasives on your pearls! I learned from a jeweler friend of mine to clean pearls with Olive oil! Thats right, house hold olive oil! It cleans them off and brings back the lovely luster of the pearls. Just put a little Olive Oil on a soft cloth and rub each pearl until clean and shiny

Pearls never go out of style so get those pearls out, clean with Olive oil and show off your lovely pearls again!

Travel Buddy

2010-11-09T10:55:00.001-08:00

Look at my Travel Buddy. This is a Giraffe Travel Buddy by Noodle Heads.

These can be seen at http://www.noodleheadfun.com/travel-buddies-giraffe-p-61.html and there are lots of critters to choose from.

Now I have to be honest and tell you I wanted it for myself! I was so happy to learn I won from the site Two Classy Chics.I have neck pain issues and wanted a crescent shaped pillow so if this would work then why not have a cute one? I just prayed it fit as these are designed for children!

Well my cute friend arrived and I fell in love with him/her! AND Hip Hip Hooray is worked for me! I am a big gal and it fit as a neck support pillow in my chair and I felt styling! I also now have a pink hippo one that I am going to give as a Christmas gift for my sister in law that has horrible neck issues.

So if you are an adult and want a cute neck pillow, don't be afraid to order one for yourself! Go for it! And Thanks to Noodle Heads and Two Classy Chics for my new pillow. http://twoclassychics.blogspot.com/ has lots of goodies to win so go check them out/

Betty Cooks - Pumpkin Bread

2010-11-03T09:16:00.001-07:00

It is that time of year when Pumpkins, squashes, and gourds are in abundance! I love the festive looks of these and to me they mean fall and holidays! I have to tell you that I absolutely detest pumpkin pie and the thought of it makes me gag! BUT I love Pumpkin Bread and other cakes cooked with pumpkin! Doesn't make sense to me.

My mom was an AWESOME cook and I would like to share her recipe she used for yummy

home made Pumpkin Bread! I can smell it baking now. Yum!

INGREDIENTS

3 1/2 C Flour

1 1/2 t Salt

1 t Cinnamon

1 t Nutmeg

2 t Baking Soda

4 Eggs

1 C Oil

2/3 C Water

2 C Pumpkin

3 C Sugar

3/4 C Nuts of choice

1 C Raisons

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350, Grease two loaf pans

2. In large mixing bowl cream eggs, oil, pumpkin and sugar. Fold in flour and spice mixture.

3. Add nuts and raisons

4. Bake for 1 hour, 15 minutes

ENJOY!

Wordless Wednesday! Happy Halloween!

2010-10-27T14:57:00.001-07:00

Home Tip - Window Cleaning

2010-10-25T10:26:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you but I HATE cleaning windows. If you don't use the proper cleaner or tools you end up with ugly streaks and windows that look worse that when you started!

Here are a few tricks to getting streak free windows!

Use a home made mixture of 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water to make a solution that cleans well. I personally hate the smell of vinegar so I let husband do this or I use Windex!

Wash windows with old newspaper, black and white to help get a streak free clean window.

You can also use coffee filters to get streak free windows but that can get expensive.

And my favorite is using a microfiber cloth to wash windows and other surfaces.

So don't depend on the squirrels to clean your windows for you, or the cute crows in the commercials, clean them yourself the easy way!

Wordless Wednesday! Joaness of Art Mosaics

2010-10-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

Tip - Keep Grapes Fresh

2010-10-18T13:29:00.001-07:00

Do you ever buy grapes and have them go bad? I find it frustrating when any food goes bad as it is wasteful in my opinion!

My lovely Sister In Law taught me this trick her mom used to keep grapes plump and fresh a long time and it is so simple!!

Take your grapes off their stems and place in a bowl of water. Cover the bowl and refrigerate! That's it! This will prolong the life of your grapes a great deal so you can enjoy them instead of throwing some away!

Betty Cooks - Homemade Kahlua

2010-10-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever made/had home made Kahlua? There is nothing better than the homemade stuff!

Here is my Mom's recipe for home made Kahlua. This is a good liquor to have around in the cold weather. Add a little to your coffee or perhaps use in a favorite recipe instead of water, etc!

I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does!

INGREDIENTS

3 Cups water

4 Cups sugar

1 Vanilla bean

2 Ounces instant coffee

1 quart 80 proof vodka

DIRECTIONS

1. Boil water and sugar for 20 minutes

2. Split vanilla bean lengthwise and add to sugar water. Let cool and add coffee (that has been dissolved in water)

3. Let cool thoroughly. Add Vodka

4. Seal in a half gallon jar for at least 2 weeks. Remove vanilla bean and enjoy!

Fabulous Fun Friday

2010-10-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

This looks like a fun blog hop that I have just joined! I would love to see you all here too! Check it out.

This blog hop is Brought to you by Fabulous Finds by NimblerGrove, very FABULOUS co-hosts Mrs. Southern from Southern Reflections and Michelle from New To Mom.

Male or Female?

2010-10-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

This came to me in an email and I just had to share here with all of you!

Male or Female? You might not have known this, but a lot of non-living objects are actually either male or female. Here are some examples:

	FREEZER BAGS: They are male, because they hold everything in, but you can see right through them.
	PHOTOCOPIERS: These are female, because once turned off; it takes a while to warm them up again. They are an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed, but can also wreak havoc if you push the wrong Buttons.
	TIRES: Tires are male, because they go bald easily and are often over inflated
	HOT AIR BALLOONS: Also a male object, because to get them to go anywhere, you have to light a fire under their butt.
	SPONGES: These are female, because they are soft, squeezable and retain water.
	WEB PAGES: Female, because they're constantly being looked at and frequently getting hit on.
	TRAINS: Definitely male, because they always use the same old lines for picking up people..
	EGG TIMERS: Egg timers are female because, over time, all the weight shifts to the bottom.
	HAMMERS: Male, because in the last 5000 years, they've hardly changed at all, and are occasionally handy to have around.
	THE REMOTECONTROL: Female. Ha! You probably thought it would-be male, but consider this: It easily gives a man pleasure, he'd be lost without it, and while he doesn't always know which buttons to push, he just keeps trying

Guest Blog from the Red Head Riter!

2010-09-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

"The greatest oak

was once a little nut

who held its ground."

~Author Unknown~

A walnut seed, if it could feel, might start off in a huge forest totally intimidated by the walnut trees that stand high and have lived many, many years producing beautiful nuts. The hard shelled, tiny walnut seed that can fit in the palm of your hand may feel overwhelmed with the task ahead.

There are so many obstacles to prevent the walnut from growing into a mature, fruit bearing tree.

Fire.

Drought.

Hurricane.

Tornado.

Bugs.

Flood.

Man.

Animals.

Mold.

The list might make the walnut feel like giving up.

We are not, however, walnuts.

Sitting in front of a computer monitor that shows a totally blank blog can be daunting. However, bear in mind that every blog, no matter how large or popular, began the same way.

Blank.

Empty.

Zero followers.

No readers.

The secret to succeeding with your blog is to keep things in perspective. When you were just a small child, you went to school and started at kindergarten. You might have thought, "It is going to take forever to graduate," and it probably felt that way too.

Each year, as long as you did the work, you moved up a grade until finally the day arrived and you graduated. There you stood, holding it in your hands...the coveted diploma.

Accomplishment.

Your day had arrived.

Writing a blog is not much different than growing into a fruitful walnut tree or graduating from high school. They all require the same attitude and action.

Perseverance.

To become a successful blogger, you must keep your eye on the goal and continue posting in spite of obstacles, difficulties, lack of knowledge, or discouragement. The main ingredient is to be steadfast while moving towards a blog filled with exciting, thoughtful, interesting, informative, and helpful information.

Don't worry about the lack of readers, the blunders you will undoubtedly make while typing or coding, or the continual negative or pessimistic comments by others.

Just keep blogging.

Keep your blog well watered with new material and before you know it...

You will have a blog filled with post after post of information that attracts many readers, enhances the lives of others and is an outlet that provides a source for your creativity.

Thank you, Joan, for the opportunity to be your guest blogger today, but most of all for your beautiful friendship.

The Redhead Riter authors multiple blogs, a successful forum, and has a weekly series of blogging tips entitled "Woo Us To Your Blog" where you can also link your blog as a helpful way to increase your own exposure on the internet.

Household Tip - Carpet stains

2010-09-25T12:08:00.001-07:00

Did you know that Baby wipes have other uses than wiping little tushies?

Baby wipes are great for cleaning carpet stains.

Next time you spill something on the carpet or you dogs leaves a mess or life just happens, try cleaning the stains/marks with a baby wipe and see how well it works! You will be surprised.

13th Wedding Anniversary

2010-09-21T15:43:00.000-07:00

September 21st 1997 I married my third husband on my parents 55th Wedding Anniversary! Since my first 2 marriages were disasters except for my kids, I thought this would be a great date because my parents made it so long! It is also the Wedding Anniversary of our friend

"Bad Bob" and his wife and Bob married Dennis and I! This had to be a magical day!

So as we celebrate our 13th Anniversary I have to say that I love my husband more and more every single day. He was a gift from God in my life and I don't know where I would be without him!

There is a 25 year age difference and so many people told me my marriage would never work! Boy were they SOOOOOO wrong! I am not saying it has been easy. We have had our bumps in the road but we work through those bumps and grow stronger for it!

So HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Dennis. You are my every thing!

Are You Ready For Some Football?

2010-09-19T09:18:00.001-07:00

So football season is upon us. My team is the Tampa Bay Bucs. This year we have a young team with a lot of players wet behind their ears! Coach Raheem Morris has done a great job so far with this young team!

I was ecstatic when we won our first game. That is so good for the egos and confidence of our young players. Unfortunately locally the home games are being blacked out due to poor ticket sales!

DH and I used to have season tickets! The owners kept raising and raising prices and priced themselves out of the market. My group of friends that tailgated with us have all given up season tickets. The owners need to take a look at things. Even a cold lemonade was $6! RIDICULOUS! If the Bucs want people in the stadium they need to take a look at pricing. I would think filling the stadium with lower pricing would be more profitable than it is now!

Today we are playing Carolina and I would like to think we will win but in reality I think they will kick our butts, but I pray for a win!

So, what team do you root for? Do you like to watch football? ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-09-15T15:36:00.001-07:00

Lets Talk About YOU Tuesday!

2010-09-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

List 7 Random things about yourself!

1 - I can kinda play the accordian as I took lessons as a kid

2- I chew on the inside of my lips if nervous

3 - I used to be able to out drink any man

4 - I can put my whole fist in my mouth

5 - I can talk to my deceased mother

6 - I used to be into Punk Rock and wore spiked hair

7 - I love snakes

Now it is your turn! Lets talk about YOU!

Tip - Cleaning out Tea Kettle!

2010-09-13T10:26:00.001-07:00

So do you have an old tea kettle that has build up inside and in the bottom and you just don't know what to do about it? Here is a trick my British Husband taught me!

Get a marble (yes a kids marble) and put it inside the teapot. Add some water in the pot and put on the stove and let it heat up and boil. You will hear the marble bouncing around! The marble loosens that hardened crust/lyme build up and you just pour it out with the water! You may need to repeat this a few times, depending how bad the build up is!

So don't throw that kettle away, spend a few minutes and clean it out!

9-11-2001 We Will Never Forget

2010-09-11T16:08:00.001-07:00

Where were you on this date in history? I was at my first day of work at a new job and it was very memorable to me. I spent the morning with the bosses wife trying to get news updates online and all we heard was the twin towers and the Pentagon getting hit.

Finally the boss brought in a TV which gave us a much better idea of what was happening! I know I was frightened and in tears as well is the bosses wife! All we could think of is something happening where we were and our kids. The boss told us both to leave and get our kids and go home and be with them. I am pretty sure that there was NO business going on anyway!

I first arrived at my Son's school and fortunately he was well known and was easy to find! He actually had NO IDEA what was going on and I had to fill him in while we were on the way to get his sister. I cannot believe the school wasn't watching this unfold.

I then went to get my daughter from her elem school, behind a line of concerned and frightened parents, to sign her out. My young daughter was very aware of what was going on as the classes all had the TV's on. I could not believe the elem school was more aware than the high school as far as the students were concerned.

After picking up my kids I got them McDonalds which is a special treat, and headed home. My husband stayed at work so myself and the kids sat and watched on TV all that was going on. I also spent some time trying to find my brother as his work took him to the Pentagon often. Once I knew he was safe I felt a lot better.

I am sure we all have our own unique memories of this day. For me I get nauseas now when I see in depth stories of this day in history! All that lost their lives are heros in my heart! May they all be at peace!

Kitchen Tip

2010-09-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a very simple tip I saw on TV a long time ago that I have been using! I hope you find it fun and helpful as well!

Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of an ice cream cone to prevent ice cream drips.

Hope you like this little tip! I will share some now and then when I remember them! And if you eat it out of a bowl my tip is to use extra hot fudge to fill up the spoon in the end when you are eating the melted bit!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

2010-09-06T07:58:00.001-07:00

My darling husband celebrated his Birthday this weekend. I have to share what a wonderful man he is.
I have been sick with a chronic illness for several years now and he has been my guardian angel, watching out for me and everything I do! Sometimes he does too much for me but if I try to tell him he gets offended as he wants to do for me.
DH is my third husband and I will have to agree that third time is a charm. I thank God every day for bringing him into my life.
So Happy Birthday Sweetheart! I love you more than words can say! MUAH!

Extra Extra Read All About it!

2010-09-02T17:12:00.000-07:00

I want to share a special giveaway with you all! Peaches Reviews and Giveaways http://peachesreviewsandgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/09/blogiversary-giveaway-20-amazon-gift.html. This is a Blogiversary giveaway so lets all show our support and enter for a chance to win!

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-09-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow

2010-08-29T12:24:00.001-07:00

Here is another beautiful email I received that I want to share with all my friends and loved ones!

In Case Tomorrow never comes.............................................

One day a woman's husband died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore". No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute." Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, say" I love you."

So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. This is true for marriage......And old cars... And children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.

Some things we keep -- like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.

Life is important, like people we know who are special.. And so, we keep them close!

I received this from someone who thought I was a 'keeper'! Then I sent it to the people I think of in the same way... Now it's your turn to send this to all those people who are "keepers" in your life, including the person who sent it, if you feel that way. Suppose one morning you never wake up, do all your friends know you love them?

I was thinking...I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or three words needing to be said.

Let every one of your friends know you love them. Even if you think they don't love you back, you would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile can do. And just in case I'm gone tomorrow.

I LOVE YA!!!

Live today because tomorrow is not promised.

Noodle Heads Travel Buddy

2010-08-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

Look at my new Travel Buddy. This is a Giraffe Travel Buddy by Noodle Heads.

These can be seen at http://www.noodleheadfun.com/travel-buddies-giraffe-p-61.html and there are lots of critters to choose from.

Now I have to be honest and tell you I entered on several sites to win this and I wanted it for myself! I was so happy to learn I won from the site Girl Gone Mom.I have neck pain issues and wanted a crescent shaped pillow so if this would work then why not have a cute one? I just prayed it fit.

Well my cute friend arrived yesterday and I fell in love with him/her! AND Hip Hip Hooray is worked for me! I am a big gal and it fit as a neck support pillow in my chair and I felt styling!

So if you are an adult and want a cute neck pillow, don't be afraid to order one for yourself! Go for it! And Thanks to Noodle Heads and Girl Gone Mom for my new buddy!

A Dog and Her Frog!

2010-08-22T10:57:00.001-07:00

They say a picture speaks a thousand words so above tells a story! A love story! A
story where a dog falls for a frog! And remember you have to kiss a lot of frogs to
find your prince!

About a year ago hubby and I were headed to Daytona to visit my brother and decided to take the long way and scenic route. So we got on SR40 and headed through the
Ocala National Forest. Here you will feel like you are in a different place and time
and not like you are in Florida. There are watch for Bears signs all through, but
I have yet to see one. The road is a 2 lane road with an occasional area for cars to pass on a special lane!

In the middle of the run through this area there suddenly appears a produce and
lawn/yard decor stand. Actually the area is quite large and we had passed it several times. At Christmas there are loads of lit up lawn decorations that call out to you
to come spend your money but I was always able to resist the temptation!
Well on this day as we were driving by I saw these frogs looking out at me calling my name, yelling come back, come back! I told my hubby to do a U turn and
go back to the store, as I had to see these frogs. Sure enough I had to have one! It
would look good on my patio around the pool! So I found the frog I liked and gave it
a good home on my patio.

Suddenly one day my husband decided to clean it up and put it by the front door. I
do have a menagerie of animals decorating my home so it fit right in with my gators, fish, Egrets, turtle, etc! Little did we know that was the beginning of a love story!

It seems our lovely little Basset Hound girl named Freddi (yes a girl named Freddi)
has become infatuated with Ferdinand the frog as I am calling him now. Freddi has
spent countless hours laying on the floor next to her frog friend. She stares at Ferdinand and also kisses him. If I had known she would love this frog, Ferdinand
would have adorned my foyer a lot sooner!

So you just never know what might make you happy. Keep your eyes and your heart open and don't be afraid to talk to others that are not like you, and you just might
make a new and unexpected friend!

Mowing Grass - Priceless

2010-08-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

This came to me in an email and touched me so much I decided to share on my blog! Please feel free to take and use this yourself if you wish! I support our soldiers 100% and this is heart warming!

Mowing Grass -- Priceless

Here is a soldier stationed in Iraq, stationed in a big sand box. He asked his wife to send him dirt ( U.S. Soil), fertilizer, and some grass seed so that he can have the sweet aroma, and feel the grass grow beneath his feet When the men of the squadron have a mission that they are going on, they take turns walking through the grass and the American soil -- to bring them good luck.

If you notice, he is even cutting the grass with a pair of a scissors. Sometimes we are in such a hurry that we don't stop and think about the little things that we take for granted.

Upon seeing this, say a little prayer for our soldiers that give and give (and give up) so unselfishly for us.

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us,

Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need.

Amen

My Mixed Nuts

2010-08-15T11:10:00.001-07:00

Recently I won 2 different bags of trail mix from Peaches and Cream Giveaway site and My Mixed Nuts. I am a big trail mix fan and eat some almost daily as a protein boosting snack. When I tried my first bag, Sugar and Spice, I could not believe how awesome and fresh this mix is. I was in heaven. And the Jelly Beans and Gummi Bears were the perfect addition to this mix.

I now have found that My Mixed Nuts is also sponsoring a giveaway on sugarpopribbons.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-mixed-nuts-review-giveaway.html and I am entering with the hopes of getting the chance to savor that flavor again.

If there is someone in your family that is a trail mix nut you have got to get them to try My Mixed Nuts. I promise they won't be unhappy!

Easy Lemon Cupcakes with Orange Surprise!

2010-08-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

I made these tasty cupcakes last night getting creative with the cake mix!

Ingredients:
1 Box White Cake Mix
3 Egg Whites
1 1/3 cup water
2 TBSP cooking oil
1/3 cup lemon juice

Mix all these together until smooth
fill cupcake pan lined with papers a little more than half full
Take pieces of Orange Slices and cut in half and put piece in middle of cupcake!
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
Cool on wire rack when done

Icing
1 can Vanilla frosting
2 caps lemon juice
mix together and frost cupcakes

you may decorate with whatever you like. I choose to cut Orange slices into 3 pieces and use on top to add decoration!

I hope you try these and enjoy them as much as my family has!

SMILE!!!

2010-08-08T15:00:00.000-07:00

This week is National Smile Week! That is what 1800-Flowers says so it must be true! Where do they come up with all these special weeks? I am all for having a National Smile Day so don't get me wrong. I will try to remember this as I am out and about and will smile and be nice!

Now that they got me smiling, I think I should pay it forward! Do you pay it forward? I wish more people did and the world would be a better place! I pay it forward every chance I get not because someone says I should, but because it makes ME feel good. I do it for ME, MYSELF, and I! So, does it make me selfish to help others because it makes me feel better? Hummmmh, I will have to think about that! What do you think?

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Guest Recipe from Natalie Ahotaeiloa

2010-08-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

I have made a wonderful friend on Twitter and that is Natalie from the giveaway site http://theadventuresofpaulnatalie.blogspot.com/. This sounds very yummy and I will be picking up some ingredients when I am at the grocery to try this diet friendly (LOL) dessert!

I was honored to be asked by Joan to write a guest post for Joan to post! I would like to thank Joan for taking the time to post this great recipe that I have found and love!

If any of you are a chocolate or banana bread lover then this recipe is absolutely perfect for you! If you are one that loves super moist baked goods then this recipe is also for you! I am a banana bread lover and of course I love chocolate so when Paul, my husband, made these one day, I was so in heaven! We left out the pecans and you can add them or minus them! We also added chocolate chips instead of the pecans to make them have more of a chocolate taste!

I hope you'll love them just as much as we love them!

Cocoa Bottom Banana Pecan Bars

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

5 ripe bananas, mashed

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1. Preheat over to 350 F. Grease 13 by 9 inch pan; set aside.

2. Combine sugar and butter in large bowl; beat until creamy. Add bananas, egg, and vanilla; beat until well blended. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Add to banana mixture; beat until well blended. Stir in pecans.

3. Divide batter in half. Stir cocoa into one half. Spread cocoa batter in prepared pan. Spread plain batter over cocoa batter; swirl with knife.

4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares.

Makes 15 to18 servings

Saturday Dog Blog Hop

2010-07-31T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here's how you can join the Pet Bloggers Blog Hop celebration:

* Link up your blog name and URL using the Linky Tool below. You only need to add you link once to be seen on all the Pet Blogger Blog Hop Linky Tools for that week.

* * Grab the Pet Bloggers Blog Hop button that our friends over on Life with Dogs made for us and include it in your Saturday Pet Bloggers Hop post so that your readers will know what is going on.

* * Follow your co-hosts listed in the first 3 slots of the Linky Tool and comment on their blogs to say hello!

* * Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like

* * Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from the Saturday Pet Bloggers Hop

* * Follow back when you get a new follower through the Saturday Pet Bloggers Blog Hop

Yuppy Pizza

2010-07-27T10:20:00.001-07:00

Here is a pizza I created one night years ago and has become a family favorite. I love this tasty pizza and I want to share with you all!

Ingredients

Pizza Dough or Boboli

1 pkg Feta Cheese

Fresh Tomatos

Fresh Spinach

Mozarella Cheese

Parmessan cheese

Toppings of choice (I use onions, pepperoni or bacon, pineapple or whatever is in the fridge)

Sprinkle the Feta cheese all over the dough. I like to use a lot and totally cover the dough!

Slice tomato thinly and cover Feta with the tomato slices

Add fresh Spinach if you want or you can leave out.

Cover with Mozarella and sprinkle with Parmessan cheese

Add any other toppings

Bake in 350 oven until Feta melts and Mozarella starts to brown

I hope you like this as much as we do. The Feta cheese melted makes this so tasty to me! Enjoy!

Joaness of Art

2010-07-25T10:34:00.001-07:00

Have you checked out my website www.joanessofart.com ? I have a small Etsy shop where I sell Mosaics I make. I would love for you all to check it out!

I have sponsored a giveaway on Two Classy Chics and today is the last day to enter so if you haven't enter check it out http://twoclassychics.blogspot.com/ and Good Luck.

While you are look around at their other giveaways! They have over 20 going right now and surely there will be things that interest you!

Have a great day and week!

Bea's Gift Baskets

2010-07-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

I would like to share with you my great experience with Bea's Gift baskets! I was fortunate enough to win a Father's Day gidt basket through Mommy's Memorandum Blog giveaway site at

http://jonbonjovious.blogspot.com . I was thrilled to win this as it sure made my job easier for DH for Father's Day as I have Lupus and usually DH drives when we go out and is always with me!

The Father's Day Basket arrived promptly and was very cute and attractive and I couldn't wait to give it to him! So Father's Day arrived and he was presented with his gift! He really liked it and immediately, like a school child, tore open the packaging. Inside the basket were various goodies. Some were tasty but there was an issue with several items being stale and just not good at all. DH was a bit disappointed.

I struggled with the idea of contacting Julee from Mommy's Memorandum about the issues as this was won and not paid for. But then on the other hand Bea may have an issue she is not aware of with some of her product so I sent Julee an email. Within minutes of Bea hearing from Julee she emailed me! She wanted to make it right for me and she said she felt really bad. I hesitated as she said she would send a new basket. I told her that wasn't necessary as some of the stuff was good and the packaging was adorable and that if she wanted to do something just send a few little goodies for my DH. She asked what we would like and I finally told her coffee or something similar would be good, expecting maybe a few small flavored coffee packets or something.

A few days later the doorbell rang and the replacement was here. Boy this is a big box I thought to myself! I opened the box and inside was an absolutely gorgeous gift basket full of coffees, creamers, biscottis, and other breakfast items. I was speechless. Bea had gone totally out of her way to make amends and I let her know that! She is such a sweetheart and said this was how she wanted to make it right. I cannot tell you how wonderful the experience was working with Bea and I can truly say I personally buy from her without hesitation as her baskets are lovely and she made things more than right. She truly cares about her business and it shows!

I feel like through all this with Bea I came out friends and I think she is wonderful! So when you get a chance check out her site! http://store.beasgiftbaskets.com/StoreFront.bok

Cauliflower Cheese Soup

2010-07-14T08:14:00.000-07:00

This recipe was given to me by my 83 year old aunt a few years ago and I just love to make it for my family. When choosing a head of cauliflower, you want to avoid any heads that have blemishes or mold on them. You can store it in the refrigerator in a special vegetable keeper container or loosely wrapped in plastic wrap. You should use your Cauliflower as soon as possible but certainly within 1 week of purchasing it.

Homemade Cauliflower Cheese Soup Recipe

1 large head of cauliflower
2 tablespoons of minced onions
2 tablespoons of melted butter
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of table salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
1 can of chicken broth (standard size can)
3 cups of milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley

Wash, drain and remove any leaves and/or blemishes from your head of cauliflower. Chop cauliflower into small bite-sized pieces. Bring a large pan of water to a boil and add in the chopped cauliflower and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook until it becomes fork tender, drain water. In another large pan, saute the minced onions in butter until onions become tender. Blend in the all-purpose flour, table salt and ground black pepper. Slowly stir in the chicken broth and milk. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring very frequently, until the soup reaches the boiling point. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring the soup until all of the cheese has melted. Slowly stir in the cauliflower and fresh chopped parsley. Turn heat down to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the stove and serve immediately.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Shelly Hill is a mother and grandmother living in Pennsylvania who enjoys cooking and baking for her family and friends. You can visit Shelly's online cooking tips and recipe site at wahmshelly.blogspot.com for free recipes and kitchen ideas.

Dog Days of Summer

2010-07-12T17:09:00.001-07:00

The Dog Days of Summer!!!

Wordless Wednesday! 6/30/2010

2010-06-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

Carrabbas - So Delicious!

2010-06-28T12:34:00.001-07:00

Friends I have to share with you my most awesome, wonderful, splendiferous, fantabulous, great experience Dennis and I had with Carrabbas! I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed a special evening out!

As most of you know I spend a great deal of my day on twitter talking to friends, entering giveaways, making new friends, and just having a good time reading. Well one day last week, probably Monday, as the older I get the more I forget, there was a tweet from Carrabbas. I don't remember HIS exact tweet, but I had to respond and tell HIM I had never been to Carrabbas!

Well HIM, HIS, HE is named Jamie FYI! Jamie could not believe I had not been. He told me how good it is and made me promise I would give it a try.

I discussed with my husband and he was willing to try and we decided Thursday would be good because we will already be out at appointments and ready to eat when done, and also my daughter had a date so we wouldn't have to bring her along and dish out money for her to eat as well! Yes I am cheap at times LOL!

I notified Jamie that we had picked Thursday to go and he told me to be sure to ask for the owner, Ben when we arrived. Jamie and I had fun bantering back and forth the rest of the week on twitter and by the time Thursday came I was hyped and starving now for some Carrabbas!

Dennis and I entered the restaurant and asked for Ben as we were seated. Within a few minutes, Ben the owner came to our table to introduce himself. Our waitress Tamela had also introduced herself! I explained to Tamela how our first visit to Carrabbas came about and she was wonderful.

The lighting in the restaurant was dim for mood lighting but my husband has difficult seeing then and he got a little frustrated trying to read the menu. I myself having never been was scrutinizing the menu as I had no idea what I felt like eating. The lovely Miss Tamela spent a LONG time going over the menu with my husband, especially the soups and salads, as he loves salads and that is what he orders 99.9% of the time, as he ended up doing! He started his meal with Homemade Tomato Basil soup and then had the following for his meal:

Insalata Carrabba which is mixed greens with Mozarella and Romano Cheese, black olive, tomatoes, and red onions in vinagrette topped with grilled chicken. You can see that in the first photo above.

I started my dinner with the Chicken Noodle soup that had a nice spicy flair to it and it was great. I have to backtrack and say that I ordered iced tea to drink and lately iced tea has not tasted right to me for some reason, but their tea was great! For my meal I ordered Pasta Weesie which was specially prepared shrimp sauteed and in a lemon white sauce over fettuccine noodles. I found that the shrimp was tough and overcooked so I sent it back and asked for Pasta Carrabba which is fettuccine alfredo tossed with grilled chicken, sauteed mushrooms and peas.

Now that was more like it. It was very delicious and as you can see in the photo above how much was left when I was done to take home! I mean I had to save room for dessert.

Normally Dennis and I don't order dessert but figured we were having a special night out together and what the heck are another 1000 calories. The following are the delicious splendors that we completed our meal with:

Sogno di Cioccolata “Chocolate Dream” For me YUMMMMMY!
A rich fudge brownie brushed with Kahlua, crowned with chocolate mousse, whipped cream and chocolate sauce

Limoncello Bread Pudding For Dennis
Brioche bread pudding baked to perfection, topped with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream and drizzled
with our Limoncello liqueur sauce

Once dessert was completed and we were waiting for our check, Ben came over to the table again (he had also checked on us several times and even had a nice chat with us) and graciously informed us that dinner was on him and Jamie and that they really wanted to do that for us! I was a bit overcome with emotion when I thanked Ben and Tamela our waitress. Before this even happen Dennis said he would definitely like to eat at Carrabbas again. I was thinking the same thing. So thanks again for the lovely meal

Ben and Jamie.

WE ENTERED CARRABBAS AS STRANGERS AND LEFT AS FRIENDS!

http://www.carrabbas.com/

A Tribute to Dad

2010-06-20T09:02:00.001-07:00

Today is Father's Day and I am finding myself sitting here reminiscing about some wonderful times I had with my Dad and thinking about what a wonderful man he was!

Dad passed away in 2000 and I am proud to share that he is in Arlington Cemetery and not only was he a war hero, he was my hero as well!

I am the youngest of 5 and also born later in life with 12 years between me and my next sibling! So when I grew up I was more like an only child! My father was able to provide for me and afford me a lot more than my brothers and sisters.

My favorite memories are all the traveling I did. My Dad bought a travel trailer when I was young and every summer we would take of on an adventure! I got to see a great deal of the United States with many a shared moment with Dad! He spoiled me rotten to say the least!

As I got older and out on my own I struggled for quite a long time, between 2 divorces and being a mom of 2, I never seemed to be able to get ahead. Dad was right there always helping me out. I look back now and don't know how I would of gotten by without his help!

After my first husband and I separated I moved back home, pregnant and my soul broken. I had a son and he was the light of Grandad's life! He spoiled my son so much I had to talk to him about it often and we would have disagreements and I would never win. I miss those disagreements now.

I have to smile now as my lovely daughter named Elise would talk her grandad's ears off and he would sit patiently (most of the time) and listen LOL! He also always called her Lisa as for some reason he could never remember Elise! I could go on and on with memories but then this would become a novel!

As Dad aged I watched him slow down and slow down and become just about bed bound. He was found to be suffering from a blood cancer disease and eventually he decided he had had enough treatments (hospitalizations and blood transfusions) and went on hospice. At this time I went and stayed with my Mom and Dad and a sister that was also here to be with him. I watched him decline daily. The night before he passed I went in his room and shut the door and laid next to him in bed and shared some quiet moments with him and also things from my heart with him. I told him how much I loved him and what a wonderful Father he had been to me. This was a lovely moment I shall never forget. I am so glad I did this when I did as there was no indication he was going to pass the next day. I have to say that I am so grateful I had that moment with him.

My Dad passed surrounded by family and I am sure he is up in Heaven looking down on me today and watching over my husband and kids. Dad I miss you loads and I look forward to joining you and Mom again someday but in the meantime know that you are so loved and missed!

Five Question Friday

2010-06-18T16:19:00.001-07:00

Rules for Five Question Friday: Copy and paste the following questions to your blog post, answer them, then c'mon back to link up!

If you don't have a blog, but think the questions are pretty fun and want to join in, feel free to leave your answers in the comments of this blog or any blog along the blog hop path!

Questions for Friday, June 18th: (Special thanks to Danielle, Sara, Pam, Linds, and Brittany Ciara for their question suggestions! If YOU want to be linked in a future 5QF, c'mon over to my community and offer up your bestest, goofiest, seriousest, or wackiest questions!)

1. What is your favorite thing about summertime? Swimming and BBQ's

2. What is your ideal retirement location (if money didn't matter)? The island of St Lucia in the USVIs

3. Do you live in the same town you grew up in? No. I grew up in Rockville, MD and live in Florida now.

4. What nervous habit did you have as a child that you kicked to the curb before becoming an adult? I sucked my thumb for years.

5. What is the most embarrassing thing that happened to you while on the job? My elastic snapped on my underpants under my Nurse Dress behind the desk where all the Dr's were hanging out. I must also add that I was about 7 8 months pregnant and huge and I wore my undies over my stockings to help keep the stocking up over the pregnant belly! Anyway, to my horror the elastic snapped and my underpants fell right down to my ankles. I was SO embarrassed as the laughter got louder and louder, I just stepped out of the underpants and went into the nurse's lounge to hide in a corner. I think for the rest of my pregnancy I heard giggling when the docs were around but after maternity leave they got over it. Not sure I ever will!

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-06-16T08:52:00.001-07:00

Betty Cooks - Pennsylvania Dutch Funnel Cake

2010-06-10T11:04:00.001-07:00

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/3 Cup Flour, sifted
1 TB Baking Powder
2 TB Sugar
1/8 tsp Salt
1 Qt Veggie Oil for frying
2/3 Cup Milk
1 Egg
Powdered Sugar for dusting
1 Funnel

DIRECTIONS:

1. Sift flour, sugar, salt, baking powder together in bowl.
2. Heat Oil in Frying Pan to 375 degrees F
3. Break Egg into medium bowl. Add milk and beat lightly with rotary beater.
4. Add dry ingredients and beat until smooth. Spoon into funnel.
5. Hold finger over spout of funnel. Let batter slide thru into pan, swirling into circles from center out. (3" dia.) Work close to pan so batter will not spatter. Fry until golden brown. Drown on paper towel, dust with sugar, and serve immediately.
Makes 9 - 10 cakes.

This was a recipe from my dear Mother! She also liked to add apple pie filling to the batter or when done spoon Cherry pie filling on top and spray with canned whipped cream! Yummy!

I think I will try them soon with Chocolate chips added! Be creative and enjoy!

Five Question Friday

2010-06-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

1. If you could go back to college would you change your major? Or, if you were to go to college right now...what major would you choose? I think I would be some type of therapist, like a Physical or Occupational Therapist. I have had to have both of these disciplines work with me and they all seem to love their jobs and I enjoyed the therapies and seeing the progress.

2. What do you love most about your home? I LOVE my home. It sits on a hill looking down over a lake (dried up now :( ). I have a screened in pool with spa in the back. My yard is full of lovely fruit trees. Inside the house DH and I redecorated the kitchen and I love our granite counter tops and new cupboards. The best feature inside the house is my fire place. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fireplace!

3. What types of books do you like to read (if you like to read at all)? I like mystery novels but don't read much. I do read all the Patricia Cornwell novels as she is my favorite author!

4. What is the grossest thing you've ever eaten? Sweet Breads or brains. ARGH! My sister was eating this and got me to try before telling me what it was. I didn't like it then and once I knew what it was barfola!

5. If you HAD to be a character on a TV show, whom would you be? Humm this is difficult. I think I would be Meredith in Grey's Anatomy as she is smart and on top of things and she has McDreamy! Yum!

Embarressing Moment!

2010-05-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

Well I was going through some small sites to enter giveaways and to join a giveaway on
http://sophisticatestyle.blogspot.com you had to talk about a fashion disaster. After typing it all out I decided to share this moment with you all!

Think back to the early 80's! Wrap around skirts were all the rage then and I owned several. I must admit they were comfy and easy to match with tops as all were solid colors.

I was a college student at the time and I landed a great summer Intern job in Washington DC for the summer. I also joined a carpool where we all met at one parking lot to leave our cars. I was Sooooo lucky I thought as I would sit with Mike all the time and I had a tiny crush on him! TINY tiny crush LOL.
One day when Mike drove I was the last out of the car as we were gabbing about up coming concerts etc. and I was hoping he was going to ask me out. Oh please lord let him ask me I thought as I was getting out of the car!
Well I stood up and continued our chat and noticed his facial expression had changed. I looked down and in his car seat was my skirt and I was standing there in my panties in the parking lot! OMG was I embarrassed. My face must of turned every shade of red in the book!
I politely smiled, grabbed my skirt and rewrapped it around me and went to my car.
Being the gentleman he was, he never mentioned a word of this to me (Everyone else maybe)! We never did go out but I often remember this incident and giggle to myself!

Pirates Booty

2010-05-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Ahoy Mateys! Arghhhhh, I got to tell you about my Pirate Booty, and I am not talking about my rear end! I was lucky enough to win a Pirates Chest of different flavors or Pirate Booty from http://shelleysswag.blogspot.com RRRrrrrrr.

I have to tell you, shimmer me timbers, that I LOVE this good and natural snack! They are puffed up goodness of rice and corn and gluten free. My favorite flavor is the Pizza flavor. I will definitely be checking out where I can buy Pirates Booty in my neighborhood!

If you get Pirates Booty and don't like it I will walk the plank!

What does a Pirate pay to get his ears pierced? A buc an ear RRRrrrrrr!

Onion Rings - Guest Blog

2010-05-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a yummy recipe for home made Onion Rings from my friend Shelly Hill! I hope you enjoy it! Her blog is http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com/ so stop by and visit her site for lots more recipes!

peanut or vegetable oil
1 sweet onion, peeled and sliced
1/2 c. flour
2 eggs
1 tsp. celery salt
2 c. bisquick baking mix
1 c. beer

In Dutch Oven, heat 4" of oil over medium-high heat to 375 degrees. In shallow pan, dredge sliced onion in flour; set aside. In large bowl: whisk together eggs and celery salt. Stir in bisquick and beer. (Batter will be lumpy). Shake excess flour from onion slices and coat in beer batter. When oil is ready, carefully slide battered onion slices into the oil. Fry for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on 2 layers of paper towels. Serve immediately.

Collar Crazy

2010-05-14T13:40:00.000-07:00

One of my recent giveaway wins was a Gift Certificate to Collar Crazy. It was just in time as my dog Freddi (Pictured above) had been wearing an old shabby and discolored collar.
I had a lot of fun looking through the website www.collarcrazy.com picking out a new collar
for my princess! DH and I finally decided on the one she is wearing in the photo. It has cute red and pink little hearts on it.
I ordered this custom collar from Collar Crazy and was pleasantly surprised in the promptness of my receiving the collar!
Thank you Collar Crazy and Hope's Cafe, http://hopescafe.blogspot.com for making my Freddi beautiful!

Mother's Day!

2010-05-07T15:27:00.000-07:00

It is Mother's Day this weekend I think to myself. I am supposed to be happy as my own children spoil me like they can do! But I cannot enjoy Mother's Day without remembering my dear Mom that passed 3 years ago. Oh I miss her so much.

My Mom was always the life of the party and I am told I am just like her. I have memories as a child of my Mom getting on top of a picnic table dancing and beating herself black and blue with her tambourine. Then she got cymbals later on and adapted them with elastic bands to bang between her knees while banging her tambourine on her hip. I need to add that she didn't really drink and was completely sober! Yes Mom you made us laugh!

My Mom was also the disciplinarian of the family and when you were in trouble you knew it! I swear she could reach from the front of the huge station wagon to the very rear to give me a whack for smart mouthing! She was also quite handy with the hair brush on my buttom. Yes Mom you made me cry.

My Mom was with me through the birth of my 2 children. When my oldest was born, a beautiful baby boy, she reached out and held him before I got a chance! She formed a special bond with this son and he grew up with Grandma as his best friend! She would do anything for him. She would take him fishing to the local fishing pier and would sit in the hot car reading a book for hours as he fished, never once complaining. Yes she made him smile!

My Mom was with me during the birth of my daughter. She also got to hold this beautiful baby but after me, I made sure! My favorite memory of my Mom and daughter were of a Xmas
where Dad was recovering in the hospital from an illness and Mom spent the night at my house.
By this time she had held my hand through divorce #2 so it was Mom and I and the 2 kids. We made hot cocoa and went out looking at Christmas lights. My cute little daughter looked at a lit up lawn decoration of Mary and Joseph as my daughter yelled out, look grandma it's John Smith and Pocahantus! My Mom laughed so hard she wet her pant. Yes she made me smile.

Mom ended up wheelchair bound and ill and had to go to dialysis 3 times a week. She still managed to get to bingo a few nights a week, driven there by my sister-in-law. When she got tired of the dialysis she called me and said she had had enough. I am the nurse in the family and all this fell on me. I told my mother that I would have to come visit and talk. I packed a bag and told my husband that I had to go to my Mom and would be gone as long as she needed me.
I got to my Mom and she said she wanted no more dialysis and was tired of it. I told her to think about that as she knew the outcome of stopping dialysis. Several hours later after she had a nap I sat by her side again and asked her is she still felt the same way. She said yes and that her mind was made up and no way, no how was she going to return to dialysis. Yes she made me cry.

I called Mom's Dr (this was a Saturday afternoon) and he promptly called me back, and when I
told him about Mom's decision he got choked up as he told me he would call in Hospice. A little later I was surprised as Hospice nurse showed up at house. Normally when someone stops dialysis it takes a week or two to pass. I called all my siblings and they immediately made way to Mom's house. As always when we were all together the house was full of laughter and I could see the contentment in Mom's eyes with all of us there. Within hours of us all being there she got tired and asked to go to bed and get a nap. Little did we know she would not get up again as we were only 1 day past dialysis and surely had another week to share with her. But as always Mom did things her way. On Monday afternoon the Hospice nurse came to visit and my Mom told her to leave her alone jokingly and let her sleep (I have to add that my Mom threw a few explicatives into her statement). We all had dinner that evening but Mom slept. She awoke for a little bit and asked for a cigarette. I sat with her as she enjoyed her smoke, 2 cigarettes one right after the other, as if she knew these would be her last! She then drifted back to sleep. This time it was a deep sleep and she never awoke again. Later that evening her breathing became a bit labored as all 5 of her kids stood around her telling her goodbye and when we all finished she mumbled "Look, what is that up there?" with a big grin on her face and she peacefully took her last breath and passed away. Yes she made me cry.

I miss my Mom so and I chat with her time to time. I hope she hears me and knows how missed and loved she is. I am often compared to her by the family and am told that I am most like her. I smile and take that as a compliment. Yes she still makes me laugh, smile and cry!

I hope as I live on my children love me and remember me as fondly as I remember my Mom.
So as my lovely 2 kids honor me on this Mother's Day I will feel proud and happy to be a Mom and a little bit sad. I think they will understand................................

Spinach Dip

2010-05-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

Here is another recipe from Shelly Hill. This is a delicious dip great for parties or tail gating! Shelly's recipe site is awesome and I highly recommend that you check it out - Shakin 'N Bakin Recipe Blog

Shelly is also one of the 2 Classy Chics on the Giveaway site that is quickly becoming my favorite for the awesome things she gets to share with us and that site is http://twoclassychics.blogspot.com/

One of my favorite appetizer dips to make for my family or if I am hosting a party is this delicious Spinach Dip which happens to be very easy to make. It goes well with veggie sticks, crackers or chips.

You can serve it in a hollowed out bread bowl or in a pretty ceramic dip dish.

Spinach Dip Recipe

1 pkg. frozen spinach, drained and chopped

1 can slivered water chestnuts

3 green onions, finely chopped

1 pkg. Knorr (tm) vegetable soup mix

1 cup sour cream

1 cup low-fat mayonnaise

Mix all of the above ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl. Once it has been completely mixed, place lid on your bowl and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. You can serve it in a dish along side your appetizers or in a bread bowl. This dip will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Shelly Hill

Hailey Angel Silent Auction

2010-04-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

Friends, this was copied from Heather's site to help promote the Auction. Please help if you can! I have donated a ring and earrings for the silent auction! Joaness

Well E-Friends, I have to say this has probably been one of the hardest years in my family's history. March 13 I received the most devastating phone call of my entire life and that is saying a lot since my mother and uncle passed away on the same day (unrelated causes) back in October. On March 13 my sweet 2.5 month old niece, Hailey, passed away in her sleep due to SIDS. It was completely unexpected and obviously heartbreaking. My sister and her husband had to wait a long time for this "miracle baby" due to fertility challenges, so it was so hard to see Hailey be taken off this earth so soon. The life insurance policy for Hailey was going to be effective April 1!! I can't ease the pain caused from the separation my sister and her husband feel and will continue to feel, but I can help the financial burden placed on them due to all the funeral and hospital expenses with help from you and some fabulous donations.

May 12 & 13 Fabulous Fun Finds will be hosting a special Hailey Angel Silent Auction. My goal is to raise enough money for Hailey's headstone (estimated cost $2800-$3200 OUCH!!). If for some miracle I am able to raise more the additional funds will be used for the ambulance fee and emergency room expenses.

Items that will be up for bidding during the silent auction will be placed on my right hand sidebar along with a link to each vendors' website. I decided to hold this auction just 2 days ago, so I will be busy, busy finding fabulous products that you will WANT to bid on. A special thank you to Eden's Bouquet, A Touch of Sunshine, My Dough Girl and LaTeeDaKids for submitting my first donations!! Voting is currently under way on the Fabulous Fun Finds Facebook Fan Page for which item will be donated from LaTeeDaKids. Voting ends Sunday night (4/25), so hurry and make your vote count!

Please mark your calenders for May 12 & 13, invite your friends to check out the auction and keep an eye on my right hand sidebar for other items that will be available for bidding during the Hailey Angel Silent Auction. Bidding will begin at 12:01 am on May 12 and end at 9PM PST on May 13. You must have a paypal account to bid. Feel free to check out and participate in Hailey Angel, a "pay it forward" website, set up by my sister and her husband in honor of their daughter. Yes, the picture above is a picture of Hailey, our sweet little angel! A special thank you to Kristin from My Two Babes for creating this special button for me!

**For the next two weeks I will be posting various items from vendors that have committed to donating an item for the Hailey Angel Silent Auction on my Facebook Fan Page. The item with the highest bid is the item that will be donated and up for auction on May 12 & 13. Join me on Facebook for some pre auction fun!

Joaness of Art

2010-04-27T15:14:00.001-07:00

After a lot of work and time I have finally got my website www.joanessofart.com up and running.
I have posted mosiac mirrors and some fun things up for purchase!
I plan on adding many pieces in the near future as soon as I get them grouted!
Check back often and if you have any special requests let me know!

Temptress

2010-04-25T14:37:00.001-07:00

I recently entered a contest to name this watch and am a finalist. Now it is up to the voters to determine who wins this watch! Please follow link and go vote for Joan! Thanks!
http://bit.ly/895ruD

Shelly Hill Guest Blogger! Awesome recipe blog!

2010-04-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

I have a special guest blogger here this week! Welcome to Shelly Hill from Shak'in and Bak'in Recipe Blog. If you do not follow Shelly and are a recipe hound you should follow her blog.
Living in PA and surrounded by the Amish she has a lot of their recipes as well as anything from cookies to crock pots! Thank you Shelly for sharing with my readers!

PA Dutch Shoo-Fly Cake Recipe

If you live in or have ever visited the Lancaster Country area of Pennsylvania, you will find that a lot of Restaurants, Bakeries and Farmer's Markets make and sell homemade PA Dutch Shoo-Fly cakes and pies.

Years ago when I lived down in Lancaster County, a local Mennonite woman shared her delicious Shoo-Fly Cake recipe with me. To this day, it's a family favorite.

Ingredients:

1 cup molasses

2 1/4 cup boiling water

1 Tbsp. baking soda

4 cups flour, unsifted

3/4 cup vegetable shortening

1/2 tsp. salt

1 lb. box/bag brown sugar

In a large bowl, mix together the molasses, boiling water and baking soda; set aside. In another mixing bowl, combine the flour, shortening, salt and brown sugar using a fork or pastry blender until crumbs form. Remove 1 cup of crumbs and set aside.

Mix together the rest of the ingredients (dry and liquid ingredients). Pour batter into a 9x13" baking pan. (do not grease the pan). Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 40 to 50 minutes or until done. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes and then sprinkle on the reserved 1 cup of crumbs.

You can find more free and easy recipes by visiting Shelly's Shakin 'N Bakin Recipe Blog at http://wahmshelly.blogspot.com