Peace, Love & Understanding

2012 Best Picture Oscar Nominations

2012-01-29T07:22:00.003-05:00

Here are the 2012 Best Picture Oscar Nominations:

War Horse
The Artist
Moneyball
The Descendants
The Help
The Tree of Life
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
The Help
Hugo
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Every year, I say that I want to see all the Best Picture nominations before the Oscars but I usually only see about half (it would be easier if there was still only 5 nominations like there use to be).

Remember...my one-little-word this year is "Completion" so this year is the year that I will see these movies before the Oscars

So far, from the list above, I've already seen
The Artist
The Descendants
The Help
Hugo

Other than The Tree of Life, which I never heard of before, I wanted to see all those movies anyway!

Of the ones I've seen so far, if I had to vote for best picture, I'd vote for The Artist.

~~Wish me luck - hope to see The Descendants today~~. Edited - I did see The Descendants today so added to the list above.

Adam Ant - Beautiful Dream

2012-01-28T11:43:00.002-05:00

It is no secret that I LOVE Adam Ant. I heard "Wonderful" on my drive home from FL earlier this week and I love that song so much - it is probably my favorite song of his and that is saying a lot because I love every-single-solitary song he sings - there isn't one that I don't like. Anyway...I was dying to see the video because it has been so long since I've seen it. So I went to youtube and watched it - you can see it HERE

But... after watching it, I found this wonderful little gem. I have never seen this video before until now - I didn't even know he had one for Beautiful Dream (which is off the Wonderful album, this album is terrific!!).

He is so adorable !!! I especially love his expressions at about the 2:10 mark.

♫ I think I'd like to carry on forever ♫

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By the way....Adam is going on tour in the USA - whoo hoo !!! Originally it was scheduled for February but his new CD (yes, his NEW CD) has been pushed back so he tour has been too.

North American Tour

Sept 13th - Los Angeles, CA, The Mayan Theatre
Sept 14th - Las Vegas, NV, Hard Rock on the Strip
Sept 15th - San Diego, CA, 4th & B
Sept 21st - Dallas, TX, Granada Theater
Sept 27th - Tampa, FL, Hard Rock Seminole
Sept 28th - Miami, FL, Hard Rock Pavilion
Sept 29th - Orlando, FL, Hard Rock Live
Oct 3rd - Norfolk, VA, NorVa
Oct 5th - Philadelphia, PA, Trocadero Theatre
Oct 6th - New York, NY, Best Buy Theatre
Oct 11th - Pontiac, MI, The Crofoot Ballroom
Oct 13th - Chicago, IL, Cubby Bear
Oct 14th - Milwaukee, WI, Turner Hall Ballroom
Oct 18th - San Francisco, CA, The Regency Ballroom
Oct 19th - Ventura, CA, Ventura Theater
Oct 20th - Anaheim, CA, The Grove of Anaheim

I need to decide where I will go see him - I could go to Vegas and hopefully Donny & Marie will be playing then too and I could see my 2 favorite singers in the same week !

I could go to Orlando, Tampa or Miami since they are a bit closer. I could go to San Francisco - been wanting to go back there. Decisions... decisions....

Funny Friday - Double Dose

2012-01-27T05:32:00.002-05:00

These two are along the same lines of each other so I thought I'd share both of them.

Have a great weekend !

Mini Pizza Bites

2012-01-26T22:33:00.002-05:00

I was browsing through a Paula Deen magazine a few weeks ago and found a recipe for a min pizza appetizer like this. It sounded kind of good so I stored it in the back of my brain until a later time. Note: I tweaked the recipe a little bit.

My brain is like a big filing cabinet up there - some of the drawers are very organized - such as the drawer that has all the 80s song lyrics in them. I can pull those out and sing the lyrics to any New Wave song, regardless as to how many years have passed since I heard it. ♫ Karma, Karma, Karma Chameleon ... ♫

Some drawers are not organized quite as well. The one that holds the recipes in my brain has them kind of shoved in the drawer and peeking out the top. They are not necessarily in order but some are kind of grouped together.

Since it is getting close to SUPERBOWL time. I decided to pull out some of those mini phyllo shell recipes that are stuff in the recipe drawer in my mind. Here is one of them - more will follow in the coming days.

Mini Pizza Bites

2 packages Mini Fillo Shells
4 oz cream cheese, softened (1/2 block)
1 package of mini Pepperoni (or you can used diced pepperoni too)
1/2 cup Pizza sauce
1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350. Using a mixer, mix the cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth, add Pepperoni, Mozzarella, Parmesan and Pizza Sauce. Spoon into shells and bake for 15 - 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Okay, doesn't look too tasty here before cooking but......

They come out looking very good.

Eat them up - yummy, yum, yum

I think it would be even better to add a little bit of chopped black olives or maybe some mushrooms. Will do that next time.

Panama City Beach - the Ocean's Healing Powers

2012-01-25T01:13:00.001-05:00

I usually try to keep my blog a happy and up beat kind of place. I haven't posted about the past 3 months and what has been going on because it has been anything but happy. On October 31, 2011, my dad was admitted into the hospital for what first seemed like pnemonia. But the doctor's soon realized the problem was really his heart and it was causing fluid to build up on his chest. He was transferred to Dothan, AL into Southeast Medical Center. He was in critical condition.

He spent almost 3 weeks in CCU. I was there the whole time. While there, he had a temporary pacemaker put in, 2 liters of fluid drained from his chest, a permanent pacemaker put in, they discovered an esophageal fistula, he had bells palsy (they thought perhaps a stroke but never saw signs of it). He couldn't have anything by mouth and so when we could go back and see him (only 30 minutes 4 different times per day), he would constantly ask for water and ice - it was hard not giving him any. He was placed on a feeding tube.

He had surgery to repair the esophagus and was eventually moved to a room right around Thanksgiving. I went home for 3 days to catch up on home and work items and returned Thanksgiving day. Mom was ready for a break. His mind was not as it usually was - he would become obsessed with one thing (either wanting to go home, or needing to go to the bathroom, or wanting me to move his head or feet). But he was in a room and seemed to be better physically. I returned home Monday after Thanksgiving and Wednesday he was moved back to his hometown to start rehab (to gain strength in his legs and learn to swallow and eat solid foods again).

But he developed an infection a week or so later and was moved into the hospital and continued getting worse so was sent back to Dothan and SEMC again. I spent Christmas and New Year's with him, during which he had more surgery to repair a problem with his esophagus. After the surgery, he seemed to look and feel a little better. When I left, I felt he was finally on the upswing. I remember when I left I told him that I loved him and he said, I love you too baby. That would be the last words he said to me.

They found a massive infection on his heart valve (mitral valve endocarditis) and moved him to Noland Hospital (which is attached to SEMC) for long-term care since he was going to need massive antibiotic for as much as 6-8 weeks since he was not a candidate for surgery. The antibiotics didn't really do much and he continued to get worse, his breathing became labored and on 01/12/12, my mother called us and told us we needed to come so we didn't hesitate and we went. He was sleeping when I arrived and would continue to sleep all night, although he was on oxygen, his breathing was very labored.

The next morning on Friday, 01/13/12 at approx. 7 am CST, the nurse removed the oxygen mask because it wasn't helping at all and with mom on one side of the bed and me on the other, he took a final breath.

I could go on and on about the emotions during that time and since then and about the kind of man he was and what the following days have been like but as I said I don't usually get into sad things and try to keep my blog more positive (too late, I know).

Dad's 78th birthday would have been 01/16/12, he knew how much I loved the beach and would take me there whenever I was visiting and wanted to go. So I just thought going to the beach that day was the best way to honor his birthday.

Plus...the beach has a way of healing me - I can feel stress leaving my body, I feel closer to God somehow. It was especially so this time since the beach was pretty much deserted (even though the temp was near 70 that day).

Here are some photos I took that day - on my dad's 78th birthday.

This is my friend, Susan, she doesn't know I took this photo.

I love how she has her hands stretched out. . .
like a child does when they are happy and carefree

Missing Thatcher

2012-01-24T15:25:00.002-05:00

Dear Thatcher,

Although it has been 7 years now since you left this earth, I still miss you EVERY single day. But I know that daddy is with you now and you are showing him around Heaven. I love you.

Love,
Mom

Funny Friday (a day early)

2012-01-12T06:40:00.000-05:00

Yarn Arrival

2012-01-11T22:18:00.000-05:00

I got home today and had a box sitting by the door - I was thinking to myself two things
(1) I just placed that order for that Joan Jett album yesterday ! How can it be here already?
(2) That is a HUGE box for a Joan Jett album.

Well... the thought of that being my yarn never occured to me (duh?!) so when I opened it I was like - oh yea!! Cool, my yarn !

It is even prettier in person than I thought it would be. I've seen this yarn at Michael's but they don't have very many color choices so I haven't seen all these colors in real life - they are really pretty !!

Bernat - Mystery Crochet-A-Long 2012

2012-01-08T17:36:00.001-05:00

On January 4th - I received an e-mail from Bernat saying they were going to have a Mystery Afghan Knit-a-Long (KAL) and Mystery Afghan Crochet-A-Long (CAL). I've never done a "mystery" pattern before but wanted to do this last year when they had one but I just did not have the time. Well.... it isn't like I have the time now either BUT I decided to give it a try. I was really going to challenge myself and do the KAL because I need to work on my knitting speed but I didn't want to get frustrated (I think I need to know up front what the knitted item will look like before I start) so I decided to do the CAL. One of the main reasons is because it is made using Bernat Waverly.

I have been wanting to get my hands on some Bernat Waverly yarn, since I first saw it. The colors are BEAUTIFUL. As an added incentive, they had a 25% off coupon on the entire order. I ordered

White, Mauve Glow, Fresh Flower, Princess and Greek Sea - aren't they lovely ??

I have other projects already started (I know, I know) but I think this will be an easy and fun project and I can hardly wait until February 15th, when we get the first clue !

Slocomb, Alabama

2012-01-07T11:05:00.001-05:00

I love the little sleepy town of Slocomb, Alabama.... now. I drive through this town on the way from my home, in Georgia to my parents home in Florida. The funny thing is, I use to hate to drive through this town. Years ago, when I was young, I remember my dad got into a run in of sorts with these 2 guys also driving through town at the same time, it was one of those things where my dad would do something to tick the guys off and they'd do something to tick my dad off - he even turned around at one point to kind of "go after them", so I had bad memories driving through there.

However, now I really like that little town. They are home of the Tomato Festival (and they do grow good tomatoes there) and Tomato Nut. It is just a quaint, nice little town.

On New Year's Eve, my friend Susan and I were passing through Slocumb on our way from Bonify, FL to Dothan, AL to see my dad, who is in the hospital there. I mentioned to her that there was a great country buffet there - called Zack's and did she want to have lunch and of course she was all for that !

So we stopped and had a delicious lunch. I had fried chicken, mashed potatoes, fried green tomatoes, cheese grits and veggies.

Susan had fried catfish, cheese grits, chicken fingers, beef tips and rice and of course fried green tomatoes

I had to go to the restroom before we left and found this funny little mural painted in the back...the little mule is working hard in the field but thinking about how great a John Deere tractor would be -HA HA

Afterwards, we walked over to Dalton Pharmacy to pick up a couple of things for my mom - what a cute store ! I could have looked in there for hours. It has been in business since 1903 - very cool.

While we were crossing the street back over to go to the car, Susan noticed their "Traffic Light" and insisted I take a picture of it. Here it is on the corner...as you can see, the street is NOT busy at all - yes, it was New Year's Eve but this corner pretty much looks this busy all the time.

Did you see the "Traffic Light"? What do you think of it - very modern, huh? Here is a close up shot of it... (you can also click on the photo above to get a closer look)

Yes, folks, it is a 4 way stop sign, hanging up instead of a traffic light. Too funny !!! Just one more reason to love this town.

Paula Deen's Chicken Chili ( well, sort of )

2012-01-06T21:00:00.002-05:00

Photo from Paula Deen's Newsletter

Each week I receive an e-mail called "Paula Deen's Recipe of the Week". I admit it, a lot of the time when I get auto e-mails, I don't even bother opening them, I just hit delete but I decided I wanted to try some new recipes out this year so opened up the e-mail to see what Paula was cookin' up this week. It was Chicken Chili. It looked pretty good and the ingredients sounded like something I would like.

I revised it quite a bit (well a lot actually) for a couple of reasons, one was size - the original served 10-12 people and I don't need that many left overs (especially if for some reason I didn't like it). In addition, I revised it some to save on cost and time. Instead of buying peppers and tomatoes, I just bought rotel tomatoes. Instead of getting dry beans, soaking them overnight, etc, I just got canned beans. Oh and I also turned it into a slow cooker recipe because it worked better for me. So... here is my highly revised version Paula Deen Chicken Chili.

Chicken Chili
Makes 5 to 6 Servings

1 (14 oz) can great Northern beans, drained
2 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth (I used low-sodium)
1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 (14.5-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes, undrained

1 Tablespoon onion powder
1 Tablespoon chili powder
2 Teaspoon ground cumin (I really like cumin, you might want to knock it down to 1 tsp)

Garnish: sour cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro

Cook chicken on low in crockpot 4 - 6 hours, until done and no longer pink. Remove from crockpot and shred. Wash out crockpot - return chicken to crockpot, add remaining beans, broth, tomatoes and spices and cook on low-medium for 2 - 4 hours. When ready to serve, top with shredded cheddar cheese (I like Habenero Cheddar cheese that I found at Kroger), sour cream and chopped cilantro (if desired).

The outcome? I really liked it - I never had Northern Beans before so wasn't sure if I would like them but I did. I will make this again but may add more tomatoes next time.

20 Ways to Get Good Karma - from the Dalai Lama

2012-01-04T21:55:00.005-05:00

My friend Patt, showed me this...great advice !

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R’s:

     - Respect for self,
     - Respect for others and
     - Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.

7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.

20. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

Happy New Year - 2012 !!

2012-01-01T10:12:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year. A new year feels like a clean slate. I'm not making any resolutions this year but I do have a few goals.

My One Little Word this year is "Completion" because there are so many things that I ~~want to~~ am going to complete this year. Half-way completed home projects, half-way read books, half-way finished craft projects (knitting, crochet and scrapbooking), losing weight, projects in my mind that I've wanted to do for a long time (such as make a recipe book and scan old family photos and order a book of them for everyone). Lots and lots of things to complete and this is the year that I'm going to do them.

Another goal is that I will read the Bible in a year. This is something I've wanted to do for many, many years and I never make it past February. I have used my own reading plans (found on-line in previous years) but this year I am using the One Year Bible - when I have it sitting right in front of me each day, how much easier could it be?

So...those are my goals for the year, do I have others? Sure but those are the main ones. I don't know what 2012 will bring, so far it has started kind of rough, with my dad being very ill and in the hospital (where he has been since 10/31/2011. But one thing I know is that God is in control and I anticipate that 2012 will be a good year for me.

Slocomb, Alabama - Tomato Nut

2011-12-26T23:59:00.007-05:00

I have been trying to get a good photo of the new Tomato Nut in Slocomb, Alabama, but often I forget until I've driven by or someone will drive up behind me, so I haven't gotten a good photo of him, until now.

Slocumb is near Dothan, home of the National Peanut Festival, so several years ago, local artists painted over 40 peanuts and one of them had a home in Slocomb. Slocomb happens to be the home of the Tomato Festival...so, they combined a peanut, who loved tomatoes and Tomato Nut was born !!

He stands outside the bank and he use to look like this:

Then one day I noticed he was gone...where was the cute Tomato Nut ??

He then re-appeared but now his arms are outstretched and he has TWO baskets of tomatoes and a different shirt:

I also noticed the little plaque at his uh...feet...is gone. The bank did change names, it use to be Slocomb National Bank and now it is Friend Bank. I think he is cute - with one basket or with two !

Nutella Cheeseball

2011-12-23T08:44:00.001-05:00

We had our Christmas White Elephant exhange last week. As with previous years, we just bring some snacks to share. I saw this Nutella Cheeseball on Gimme Some Oven! and decided to give it a try. I modified it a bit because it makes a lot ! Basically, I just cut the recipe in half and used smaller chocolate chips.

Nutella Cheeseball

1 (4 oz) pkg. cream cheese, softened (at room temperature)
1/2 (6 oz) Nutella (I used Kroger Crunchy Hazelnut Spread)
2 oz. Tollhouse mini chocolate chip morsels

Mix softened cream cheese and Nutella together, place in plastic wrap and shape into a ball, place in freezer until firm (1 - 2 hours). Remove from freezer, shape into a round ball, cover with the mini chocolate morsels and serve (keep refrigerated until serving).

Serve with graham crackers - I found some Chocolate Graham Cracker sticks and they were perfect.

I LOVE my little cheese-ball server - I got it several years ago in the after Christmas clearance sale at Target. Well worth the $2 I paid for it - isn't it cute ?

Funny Friday - Hand Shadows

2011-12-16T05:31:00.000-05:00

Ding Fries Are Done !

2011-12-15T00:30:00.000-05:00

It is the Christmas season and that means lots of Christmas music (I LOVE Christmas music !!) I've heard Carol of the Bells 2 or 3 times just today. I can't help it...Family Guy has forever changed the way I hear that song. Usually, Carol of Bells is instrumental (although sometimes you hear lyrics) but now...THIS is all I hear in my mind when that song is played:

Fleet Foxes - Mykonos

2011-12-11T14:46:00.003-05:00

I'm not feeling well today so I'm using the day to watch things I've recorded and clean them off my TiVo. One of those recordings was "Due Date", about half-way through, a small snig-bit of this song played and I LOVED it. I am 100% positive I've heard this song before but never knew the name of it. The movie was just okay to me (3 stars), but the I thought it had an awesome soundtrack ! I looked up the soundtrack on Amazon to add to my wish list and guess what? This song is NOT on the soundtrack - boooooo ! None-the-less, it is still a great soundtrack (but this song SHOULD be on it)

Happy Birthday Donny Osmond !!

2011-12-09T00:16:00.001-05:00

Happy 54th Birthday to the greatest singer ever to walk the face of the earth !!!

Photo by Brandon Osmond

Funny Friday - Knock Knock

2011-12-09T00:05:00.000-05:00

Photos - National Geographic

2011-12-07T23:08:00.001-05:00

I love looking at photos - especially unusual and older photos that makes me wonder about the story behind the photo. National Geographic has been known since its beginning for its beautiful photos.

Recently, I discovered this website that has lots of great National Geographic photos. For some reason this one struck me as especially beautiful. It seems this is a photo of a young art student - but the photo itself is ...well...art ! I love the way the sunshine giver her an angelic glow:

Click HERE for more wonderful photos.

Dire Straits - Skateaway

2011-12-06T00:29:00.006-05:00

Anyone that truly knows the real me, knows how much I love Dire Straits ! I've been a fan since 1979. The first song I remember hearing is Sultans of Swing and fell in love with their sound. Very different than the other songs (mostly disco) at the time. I got their Makin' Movies Album (yes, ALBUM) and one of my fave songs became "Skateaway" ! I heard it on the way home today and remembered how much I loved that video so I had to look it up.

She is wearing the "latest" in music listening pleasure at the time - the Sony Walkman, the iPod of the 80s

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TORO, TORO TAXI, SEE YOU TOMORROW MY SON

Sadly, I note that Jayzik Azikiwe, the beautiful lady in this video (whose father was the first president of Nigeria after it gained its freedom), died of cancer in January 2008, but her legacy as the Rollergirl will always live on.

Note to Self: Movies I Want To See

2011-11-23T14:27:00.011-05:00

I love going to the movies - LOVE it ! I would got see a movie everyday if I could.

There are many movies out right now that I want to see so I thought I would make a list of them before I forget them. Here they are (in no particular order)

~~Hugo (must see in 3D)~~ - saw 12/10/11
~~Muppet Movie~~ - saw 12/04/11
Tower Heist
The Decendents
J. Edgar
~~Twilight: Breaking Dawn~~ - saw 01/07/12
My Week with Marilyn
We Bought a Zoo
Like Crazy
In Time
Mission Impossible
~~The Artist~~ - saw 01/26/12

Others I wouldn't mind seeing but not at the top of my list
The Legend of Pale Male
Arthur Christmas
Jack and Jill (I usually HAVE to see Adam Sandler movies the day they come out but this one doesn't look all that great to me for some reason, I'd like to see it but there are others way ahead of it - sorry, Adam, please forgive me, you know I love you)

I've Been Pinned !!

2011-11-22T14:04:00.001-05:00

I know this may seem so silly to some but to me I feel like a mini-celebrity (haha!). But once of my posts has been pinned on Pinterest ! It is the post for my Chili Dog Casserole.

I only discovered it when I was looking at Pinterest the other day and thought - hey, that looks like the photo on my blog and sure enough - it was !! Then I realized on the Live Traffic Feed that I have been getting a lot of hits for that post. I'm glad - that recipe is really good and super simple and quick - kids like it too (but usually have to make it without the beans for the kids). I think it would be good with a bit of jalepenos added for the adults more into the spicer stuff.

I wish there was a way to tell how many times it was pinned/re-pinned but I don't know how. I've noticed I've gotten a few hits lately too for my Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cupcakes, but that could be because it is close to Thanksgiving and people are probably googling "pumpkin" recipes. However, I did find one pinner, who had it on her cake board and she also had pinned my thin layer cake ! How cool !

I've been out of commission this month - my dad has been in the hospital and it was pretty serious so I've been out of town for about 3 weeks. But, thanks be to God, he is doing much better !

Funny Friday

2011-11-04T08:24:00.000-04:00

I found these Laundry symbols on a thread from Ravelry, we knitters/crocheters must know what laundry symbols mean :-)

Doggie Doo - Seriously ???

2011-11-01T06:15:00.005-04:00

As I was getting ready for work this morning, I just so happened to have the TV on and it was tuned in to the Cartoon Network (okay, nothing wrong with getting my Bugs Bunny fix in the morning).

While watching, this commercial came on - seriously ?! I swear it seems like one of those SNL parody commercials. Who comes up with games like this? Then some big-wigs had to actually say "yes, that is a great idea, let's mass produce them" - oh my goodness.

Check out the one kid that is holding his nose

Oregon Zoo - Squish the Squash 2011

2011-10-29T20:24:00.002-04:00

Such a cute video. Even elephants like getting in on the Halloween fun. The baby is having a blast !

Funny Friday

2011-10-28T18:19:00.000-04:00

Men have really changed a lot since this ad was written (from the 1930s), plus I think I found my problem...I've been eating too much Ironized Yeast. Can you imagine an advertisement today that is focused on trying to have women GAIN weight? LOL !

(click on ad to enlarge)

CURRENTLY . . . .

2011-10-25T13:27:00.001-04:00

Listening. . . Oprah's Lifeclass

Eating. . . Kakor Havreflarn (a gift from Kerry)

Drinking. . . Unsweet Iced Tea from Quiktrip

Wearing . . Jeans, purple pullover, socks, New Balance 610s

Feeling . . melancholy

Weather . . . beautiful, clear, cool and crisp - perfect Autumn day

Waiting . . .for nothing

Needing. . . .some rest

Thinking . . about weight loss

Enjoying. . . a break from work

Funny Friday

2011-10-21T12:46:00.001-04:00

Got home today and checked the mail - all I found was another bill.

Funny Friday

2011-10-14T00:27:00.000-04:00

I don't know why but this made me laugh so hard !

Funny Friday

2011-10-07T07:39:00.000-04:00

Another funny one, found on Pinterest. These are some photos of Olympic divers, photos were taken right in the middle of their dive.

The Tailgate Song

2011-09-24T23:59:00.000-04:00

I love Nathan's voice - I hope this song becomes a big hit for him !

Crochet Vest with Shawl Collar

2011-09-16T21:02:00.000-04:00

I got this pattern from Bernat today. I just love it and want to make it. I've never crocheted an article of clothing for me (although have made them for others). It is made using Bernat Satin, which I love, it is so soft and well...satiny.

While I like the color on the model, I'd be more likely to make it in purple or an off white maybe. I tried and tried to find the pattern on Bernat's website so I could pin it to my Pinterst acount, but sadly I couldn't find it on their website.

So, I thought I would just post the photo and a link to the .pdf (that I receive in my e-mail) here (even though I WILL not start a new project until my afghan is finished)

The pattern can be found HERE

9/11 Remembrance - 10 Years

2011-09-11T13:12:00.004-04:00

Who knew that morning, 10 years ago, when we woke up that day that all of our lives would change forever?

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001.

Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room

with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.'

I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the

peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it

is OK... I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed

breakfast to their children. I held her up as she

tried to understand his words and as she realized

he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a

woman cried out to Me for help.

'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.

'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest

ministering to the injured and devastated souls.

I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven.

He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,

with every prayer. I was with the crew as they

were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the

believers there, comforting and assuring them that their

faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .

I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.

Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew

every name - though not all knew Me.

Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.

Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the

smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take

my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.

But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day.

You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were

there in that explosive moment in time,

would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey

for you. But someday your journey will end.

And I will be there for you as well.

Seek Me now while I may be found.

Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

Funny Friday - Salt 'n Pepa Style

2011-09-09T23:38:00.000-04:00

BrainStrong Commercial

2011-09-05T23:35:00.003-04:00

This commercial is so funny to me - I guess because it is very much like me. But unlike what the dog "thinks", sometimes it really does help to walk out and come back in the room - haha !

I wonder if this stuff is any good? Maybe I should try some.

Funny Friday

2011-09-03T17:18:00.000-04:00

I love most of the Geico commercials. I thought this one was pretty funny. I love how she says I taught my dog and HIS cockatoo (the bird isn't her's - it is her dog's bird) - LOL !!

HIT IT MR. BUTTERS !!

Funny Friday

2011-08-26T05:06:00.001-04:00

I don't know why I haven't posted this before. It is my most popular pin on Pinterest. It has over 1,000 pins and almost 10% of those (close to 100) were all repinned from my board. Pretty cool !!

Personally, I think it is HILARIOUS ! (click on picture to enlarge)

Funny Friday

2011-08-19T05:53:00.000-04:00

This is so me ! I must have everything in alphabetical order!

Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili

2011-08-14T20:59:00.002-04:00

While browsing Pinterest one day, someone had posted a link to a recipes on Red's Photo A Day blog so I pinned it too - it looks tasty, is easy to make and is Weight Watcher friendly. I thought it would be good to make to take to lunch (instead of going out).

As it turns out, this blogger originally found the recipe on SkinnyTaste.com, which is fully of yummy looking lighter recipes.

So I thought today would be a good day to make it - I can have it for dinner tonight and for lunch a couple of days this week. I revised it a bit to suit my taste and what I had on hand.

Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili
Servings: 10
Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
Points Plus: 5 per serving
Calories: 203.7 • Fat: 1.4 g • Carb: 33.3 g • Fiber: 10.0 g • Protein: 16.9 g

1 16-oz can black beans
1 16-oz can kidney beans
1 8-oz can tomato sauce
10 oz package frozen corn kernels
2 14.5-oz cans petite diced tomatoes
1 packet taco seasoning
2 Tbsp cumin (I love cumin)
1 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp onion powder
24 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts tenderloins

Combine beans (no need to drain), corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder & onion powder and taco seasoning in a slow cooker.

Place chicken on top and cover.

Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours. Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in.

Top with fresh cilantro (if you have it). Also try it with low fat cheese and sour cream (extra points plus).

I almost forgot the Taco Seasoning (as you can see from the picture above) - good thing I decided to go ahead and write it up here. As I was writing it up, I was like...TACO SEASONING...D'oh !! So I ran in and added it - It was hard to stir up well with the chicken already it it but I did my best and I'm sure it will be fine. I prefer Lawry's Taco Seasoning mix, by the way, since it doesn't contain MSG and I really prefer its taste over other Taco Seasonings.

Funny Friday

2011-08-05T07:06:00.000-04:00

Aaahh - the trouble of living as a step ladder.

Funny Friday

2011-07-29T10:56:00.000-04:00

Donny Osmond Flash Mob - July 22, 2011

2011-07-28T18:33:00.002-04:00

As promised, here is the close up version of the Donny Dance Forum (Flash Mob) at Ceaser's Palace Forum Shops on July 22, 2011. It gives me goosebumps and I LOVE how much fun he is having !!

Matchbook Art Drawings

2011-07-28T05:38:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure why this popped in my mind within 15 minutes of waking up this morning (maybe I had a dream or something about it) but I was remembering those old matchbook covers that had drawings on them, usually of a turtle, pirate or donkey. You would draw it, send it in and see if you were good enough to get into art school or win an art scholarship. My brother and I always drew these. We were pretty good too - I don't recall us ever mailing them in but we were always glad when mom brought home one of those matchbooks.

Jamie Grace (with Toby Mac) - Hold Me

2011-07-26T03:21:00.003-04:00

I've been hearing this song a lot lately on my local Christian music station. The Fish - 104.7 and I just love this song and her voice !!

I can tell this video (the part where she is sitting and playing the guitar, was filmed at the top of Stone Mountain.

After I realized that, I looked up more info about this talented singer. She is 19 years old and is from Atlanta. I hope she has a long and successful career.

Donny Osmond Dance Forum - July 22, 2011

2011-07-23T10:52:00.004-04:00

This video isn't as close up as I'd like, but I appreciate the person who took it. I wish it had been closer and on the ground floor but I'm happy to see this much of it.

Donny and fans did a Flash Mob dance at Caesar's Palace Forum Shops to his re-make of the Osmond Brother's classic Yo Yo

Here is the first glimpse. Donny tweeted that he will be posting the video to YouTube soon - he is a perfectionist so I'm sure he wants it to be perfect before posting it :)
Thanks again to the person who took this video

Funny Friday

2011-07-22T00:03:00.001-04:00

Breakfast with Ginger

Funny Friday

2011-07-15T02:49:00.001-04:00

Funny Friday

2011-07-08T09:16:00.000-04:00

DDF - Up to Tempo

2011-07-05T05:31:00.000-04:00

Have you practiced your Donny Dance Forum (DDF) moves? Are you ready for the next step - try it up to tempo - just as it will be performed at the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace - oh man, I wish I was going to be there.

Donny Osmond Dance Forum - Lessons

2011-07-02T07:26:00.003-04:00

Donny Osmond has a fan get together every year (he is so awesome for doing this) - this year he wants to do a flash mob at the Forum shops at Caesar's Palace, right across the street from the Flamingo, where he and Marie perform.

He and Marcell have posted the dance moves for all the fans going to the Get Together so they can practice ahead of time

Here is the video that shows you how to do it. If you are going to be in Las Vegas on July 22nd - watch this video, learns the moves and show up at Caeser's Palace Forum Shops and dance with Donny - it is going to be amazing !!

You'll Be In My Heart

2011-06-25T15:25:00.003-04:00

Seems I've posted just videos kind of recently but I heard this song today - it has a special meaning to me - plus Tarzan is one of my fave Disney movies and I don't think anyone really reads my blog except for me anyway :) , so I thought, why not?

Rough Week but There Is A Way

2011-06-10T07:20:00.001-04:00

Overall, my week hasn't been bad but I've had several rough patches and aggravations. On the way home from work at 9 pm last night, I was thinking about things and starting to let it get me upset (ie: tears starting to form in the corners of my eyes) and then one of my favorite songs came on. This song always makes me feel good and I love its message:

Newworldson - There is a Way

Monkees 45th Anniversary Concert !

2011-06-04T10:45:00.000-04:00

Last night I went to Chastain Park Amphitheater to see THE MONKEES !! Oh my stars - the show was sooooo good !!! Atlanta was their first stop on the U.S. Tour.

It was filled with Monkee hit after Monkee hit.

We got there a bit early (since parking is not great there and we wanted a good spot) - I'm glad we did because the park lot we were in sits up on a hill and you can look down into the Amphitheater so we got to watch them do sound check and rehearse. Peter wasn't on stage for that but Davy and Mickey were so we got a little sneak peek at the show.

The show started about 30 minutes later than scheduled but was well worth the wait.

They had a big screen on stage and throughout the whole show they would show scenes from their TV show and some behind the scenes footage (like them rehearsing or sitting at the airport, etc)

The band started of with a musical medley of Monkee songs, then Davy, Mickey and Peter came out.

Here was the set list:
I'm a Believer (at the end Mickey said "Hello Detroit!!" - haha)
Mary, Mary
The Girl I Knew Somewhere
When Love Comes Knockin' (At Your Door)
Randy Scouse Git (just before Mickey explained his inspiration for this song and why it was called "Alternate Title" in the UK)
Your Auntie Grizelda
Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)
Papa Genes Blues (Peter mostly sang lead on all of Mike's songs)
Valleri
I Don't Think You Know Me
Words
Nice To Be With You
Listen to the Band
That Was Then, This Is Now
Different Drum (sung by Mickey's sister - Coco Dolenz) PS: I had NO idea that Mike had written this song - cool!
All of Your Toys
What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round
Someday Man
Sometime In The Morning
No Time

Then they took an intermission. During the intermission, they showed commercials from Kelloggs Rice Krispies, Kool-Aid and Yardley Black Label Cologne - cute !

When they came back, Mickey and Davy had changed shirts. Davy was wearing THIS shirt - yeah an Atlanta Braves Tomahawk Chop shirt - cool!

Then they continued the show, first singing some songs from Head:

Circle Sky
Can You Dig It?
As We Go Along
Long Title: Do I Have to Do This All Over Again?
Porpoise Song
Daddy's Song (loved this-while young Davy danced on the screen, real Davy did dance routine dressed in a white tux and tails)
For Pete's Sake
A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You
She
Cuddly Toy
Goin' Down
Shades of Gray
Last Train to Clarksville
I Wanna Be Free
Saturday's Child
She Hangs Out
(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone
Daydream Believer (at the end Mickey said "Goodnight Chicago" - haha)

Then they came out and did an encore:

Pleasant Valley Sunday
I'm a Believer (again) (Mickey said "We love you Milwaukee" - funny!)

Great, great, great show !! I wish I could see them again !!!

The Promise - Tracy Chapman

2011-05-25T06:12:00.002-04:00

I love Tracy Chapman - she has such an amazing voice and is an incredible songwriter. I love every song I ever heard her sing, but this one is probably my favorite. I really wanted to find a video of her singing it and I came across this one:

TiVo Season Pass

2011-05-16T17:52:00.001-04:00

This morning, I was reviewing my Season Pass listing on my TiVo and realized that I need to delete Brothers and Sisters, now that it has been cancelled (boo-hoo) and that got me to thinking that in a few days, I will also be deleing Oprah from my Season Pass. I used to have 18 or 19 Season Passes and now I have only 6!

Some of my beloved shows that have been deleted from my Season Pass are:

24

Big Love
Brothers & Sisters (which has been canceled)
Eli Stone
Ghost Whisperer
Lost
Medium
Monk
October Road
Pushing Daisies
Swingtown
Ugly Betty

I'm sure there are others but these are some shows I really loved and are now gone.

All I have now are (Oprah excluded since it is almost gone):

Castle
Desperate Housewives
Glee
Grey's Anatomy
Private Practice
Psych

Mick's Oreo Cheesecake

2011-05-03T22:56:00.000-04:00

For years, there was an excellent restuarant in town called Mick's - the first one I remember seeing was in Lenox Square, but several were over town - one on Ponce de Leon in Decatur, one on Peachtree, near Piedmont Hospital, one Peachtree near Crawford Long Hospital, one on Peachtree near the Peachtree Plaza Hotel and one on Ashford Dunwoody near Perimeter Mall. Trust me, I have been to them all. But a couple of years ago slowly one by one they started closing - I assume due to the poor economy and the final one to close up shop (near Crawford Long) closed. It was a sad day in this town.

No more Bacon & Cheese Fetticini. No more chicken fingers with that wonderful Peach dipping sauce. No more Corn and Tomato Linguini. No more Oreo Cheesecake.

Wait - hold the phone...yes, you can still get Mick's Famous Oreo Cheesecake but...you have to make it yourself. Not a problem though, because it really is pretty easy to make but it just take a long time.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a section in their paper on Thursday's where people can request recipes from local restuarants and years ago, someone requested Mick's Oreo Cheesecake and luckily, they provided it.

This really does taste exactly like the original. I made it today for my friend's birthday - she has requested it 3 years in a row.

Mick's Oreo Cheesecake
(serves 12)

For the crust:

4 tablespoons butter (not margarine), melted
2 cups Oreo cookies, crushed fine (about 18 cookies)

For the filling:
3 pounds cream cheese
2 3/4 cups granulated sugar
5 eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups Oreo cookies, in chunks (about 15 cookies)

For the garnish (optional):
12 ounces whipped cream
12 Oreo cookies

To make the crust: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Wrap the outside of a 10-by-3-inch springform pan tightly with foil (to prevent water from leaking in). Line the bottom with a parchment circle. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, stir together melted butter and Oreo crumbs. Place in pan and press down firmly and evenly. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven; set aside to cool.

To make the filling: Place cream cheese in a mixing bowl and mix on medium speed until soft (6 to 8 minutes). Use a rubber spatula to scrape bowl often to ensure even distribution.

Add sugar and blend well, scraping bowl just until mixture is smooth (no lumps). Reduce mixing speed to low, then slowly add eggs and vanilla. Mix until combined.

Remove bowl from mixer. With a wooden spoon, fold in Oreo chunks into batter. Pour batter into pan prepared with crumb crust; place cheesecake pan into large roasting pan. Fill roasting pan with water, leaving 1 inch of space from the top of the cheesecake pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours (usually 2 hrs and 45 minutes is perfect), until top of cheesecake is slightly golden. Refrigerate at least 24 hours before serving.
To make the garnish (which I usually don't): If desired, top each slice of cheesecake with 1 ounce of real whipped cream and an Oreo cookie.

The secret to its exceptionally moist and creamy texture, is baking it very slowly in a water bath. To ensure that no water leaks in, cover the outside of the pan with foil.

You don't HAVE to let it refrigerate 24 hours before serving but it is better if you do.

Carrot Cake Double Doozies

2011-04-21T08:13:00.002-04:00

I wanted to make a carrot cake to take to work as an early Easter treat for my co-workers but...one of my co-workers is known as "the cake lady" and she is making a carrot cake next week for someone's birthday, so I didn't want to have 2 carrot cakes back to back. I will probably make the carrot cake that I've been wanting to try this weekend and take it to my friend Brian's for Easter.

So, I was thinking...what can I take to work? Then I remembered how popular my Red Velvet Double Doozies had been so thought, 'why can't I make them but with a Carrot Cake twist to them?'

And . . . that is just what I did.

This makes about 20 cookies. I doubled the recipe for the cookies but not the filling (since I remembered I had more than enough last time).

Carrot Cake Double Doozies

Cookies:

1 box carrot cake mix (I used regular not the Deluxe kind - no raisins for me!)
2 eggs
½ cup vegetable oil

Filling:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 teaspoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups confectioner’s sugar

Preheat oven to 375.

Mix together cake mix, eggs and oil (mixture will be thick).

Roll into balls about the size of a walnut and place a couple of inches apart on an un-greased cookie sheet (I line it with parchment paper)

Bake in pre-heated oven 8 – 10 minutes (until tops kind of look cracked).

Removed from oven, set aside until completely cooled.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix cream cheese and butter until blended. Add milk, vanilla and confectioner’s sugar (a cup at a time) and blend until smooth and creamy (should be slightly thick but spreadable) – add milk a little at a time to thin or add more confectioner’s sugar to thicken.

When cookies are completely cooled, spread filling on half of the cookies, top with the other halves.

I wish I had some pecans to roll the edges in but I didn't have any. But it didn't matter, they were still very yummy !!

2011-04-09T00:07:00.003-04:00

Pinterest? What is Pinterest, you say? Pinterest is, in its simplest definition, a place to catalog the things you like/love.

Basically, it is kind of like bookmarking the websites you like but in a visual way.

You create your own "boards" - for instance, a board for recipes you want to try, a board for free knitting patterns you like (or perhaps want to make one day), a board for your favorite childhood toys, etc.

For instance, say you want to make this delicious these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars to take to a family reunion 3 months from now. Instead of bookmarking the recipe only to try to find it later among all your other bookmarks, you can "pin" it. Instead of printing it and wasting ink and paper only to try to remember where you put it after you printed it, you can "pin it".

When you pin it, the picture shows up on the board you selected, like this:

Then when you want to make it, you just click on the picture...you are taken directly to the website so you can see the recipe and make this delicious dessert. Very easy and since it is so visual - it is easy to see everything you like at a glance. You can also see what your

friends are "pinning" - the web pages they like - you can get some good ideas from other's good ideas

Try it now... Here is a PIN of this recipe (click here) - then when you see the pin, click on the picture, see how it takes you directly to the website and the recipe? Pretty cool, huh? And...much easier to locate than searching through a bunch of bookmarks trying to remember what the name of that recipe was.

Right now the site is still in beta mode so you can request to be added (then you have to wait a bit for them to add you) or you can have a friend invite you and be added right away. If you would like an invite, leave a comment (with your e-mail address) and I will send you one.

If you like to follow my Pinterest Boards just click HERE

Being Human

2011-03-01T17:43:00.008-05:00

My latest obsession is a BBC Three show called Being Human. Wikipedia describes Being Human as a British supernatural drama television series. It stars Aidan Turner as Mitchell, a vampire; Russell Tovey as George, a werewolf; and Lenora Crichlow as Annie, a ghost who are all trying to live a normal life.

Of coure their lives are anything BUT normal. I know this show has been around a while and now there is even an American version on SyFy but I'm hooked on the BBC version.

A couple of Saturdays ago, I was home and picking up a bit and had watched Graham Norton the last time I had the television turn on so it was still on BBC America when I turned on the TV. There was a show coming on called Being Human and I click the Info button to see what it was about.

What? A vampire, ghost and werewolf trying to live a normal life - sounded dumb I thought but kept it there to see what it was like anyway, 10 minutes into it I was already hooked and crazy about Mitchell (which turns out is his last name), George and Annie. I thought, well, I will watch this first episode since it is the first show....

...4 hours later....

I'm still watching and had plans that evening so decided to record the rest - they were showing all of season 1, season 2 and at the end of the marathon was the premier of season 3 - I recorded them all and have since watched all of seasons 1-2. I now have 2 shows from season 3 to watch and I will be up-to-date.

I was sad at the end of last season - not because Mitchell's love interest, Lucy was killed, not because Annie was dragged through the door into the abyss (although I did hate that part, she resurfaced a little so I hope she comes back - since Mitchell and George are going to try to get her back ... but no.... I was sad because they left their home - I liked that place, I especially loved George's David the Gnome Walllpaper. I am going to miss that wallpaper. This is not the kind of bedroom you expect a werewolf to be sleeping in.

There are not that many shows I enjoy watching anymore but I just love this show!

I love the friendship between the three, the challenges they face, the humor of the show (yes there is some). It is like a supernatural soap opera in a way.

Publish Hat Photo

2011-02-26T12:22:00.001-05:00

Bev - at BevsCountryCottage.com - made a new page for the Toronto Baby Hat pattern and added my photo along with another Raverler's photo - I love the 2 pics being there so you can see how the hat looks with different yarns, with the brim down or with it up, with a pom pom or without - cute! Thanks for using my hat's picture Bev!

Toronto Baby Hat

2011-02-22T10:42:00.005-05:00

Bev, over at BevsCountryCottage.com, put a call out on Ravelry for some photos for patterns she had designed.

I made the Toronto Preemie Hat. The pattern was really easy to follow and the hat is super cute! Thanks for the great pattern Bev!

I used Bernat's Baby Jacquard yarn (06317 Easter Basket) - I never knitted with it before and really loved it, I think I might make some booties now.

Mr. Right !

2011-02-13T07:29:00.001-05:00

Why, oh why can't I meet a guy like this ?

The world has gone all kinds of crazy

2011-02-11T17:26:00.006-05:00

I have spent my whole life being told there are 9 planets... then about 4 years ago, the powers that be decide that Pluto isn't a planet after all

Now the powers that be are trying to convince me that while I have spent 40+ years being told I am a Libra, turns out that I'm really a Virgo because all the Zodiac Signs have been changed

I don't care what they say, I will always be a Libra who believes Pluto is a planet ! So there!

For other Pluto in Libra people - Click Here

101 Things

2011-02-06T08:27:00.008-05:00

I was reading somewhere on twopeasinabucket.com and someone posted about the website DayZeroProject.com, it is sort of where you can put your list of things you want to do (somewhat of a Bucket List) but apparently you are supposed to complete these 101 things in 1,001 days.

I have never made, what I prefer to call a Life List, things I want to do - I'm not sure if I have 101 things but I do have several things so I might as well start listing them. Some of them I have accomplished, so I am including those too...I will add to this list as I move along - maybe eventually I will have 101 things...

Here they are in no particular order (just wrote them down as they popped into my brain)

1) See the Statue of Liberty
2) See the Alamo
3) ~~See Mt. Rushmore~~ - DONE
4) ~~See the Golden Gate Bridge~~ - DONE
5) Ride a Horse
6) ~~Learn to Knit~~ (already know crochet) - DONE
7) G~~ive blood at least 3 times each year~~ (2009-DONE, 2010-DONE, 2011)
8) Read 10 classic novels
9) See the Eiffle Tower in Paris
10) Vacation in London
11) Drive across the country
12) Drive up the east coast during Autumn
13) Send a secret into PostSecret
14) Complete Photo Project 365 (2009-DONE, 2010-DONE, 2011)
15) Get to my goal weight
16) Maintain my goal weight
17) ~~Meet Donny Osmond~~ - DONE (more than once!!)
18) Get new carpeting for the house
19) Re-wallpaper (or paint) the bathroom
20) Complete my Las Vegas Scrapbook albums
21) Complete my 2 Disney trip scrapbook albums
22) Visit DisneyWorld/Universal - again
23) Write my life story (biography)
24) Make my own recipe book
25) Walk up Stone Mountain (again)
26) Walk all the way around Stone Mountain
27) Finish ALL of my "work-in-progress" craft projects
28) Learn to knit with double-pointed-needles
29) Knit myself this hat
30) Knit myself a pair of fingerless gloves
31) Watch all of Season 1 & 2 episodes of Fringe (before season 3 starts)
32) ~~Clean out the living room closet~~ - DONE
33) Clean out the hall room closet
34) Clean out my bedroom closet
35) Set up a usuable scrap room
36) Make a will
37) Take a tour of Italy
38) See the Northwestern Coast (Oregon, Washington, Toronto)
39) Go to Yosemite
40) Get regular manicures
41) ???

Provo Craft Does It Again

2011-01-29T15:51:00.004-05:00

This weekend, the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Winter Conference and Trade show is happening in Los Angeles.

I wish I could go because I'm in the Cricut Circle and know I'd get lots of goodies from that - maybe even (wishful thinking) a new Anniversary Edition of the Cricut Expression - the Cricut 2

I only have the original cricut and I love it! But this expression is interesting. It operates through Wifi, cuts images from both the regular cartridges and the imagine cartridges, uses a screen instead of needing an overlay. It is like they took people's wish list for what they wish a cricut could do and upgraded their machine. Only 9 more months until my birthday ... maybe...

They also are going to have these cute little guys available soon (Mar/Apr I think)

Aren't they cute? I want every single one. What I would do with them, I do not know but I love them - they are so stinkin' cute!

My favorite printed paper company - Basic Grey - has some new lines up too. I am totally loving the Rocket Age collection from October Afternoon

Today is just Day 1 of CHA - I'm sure there is lots more to come - can't wait to see what is new in the scrapbooking world.

Go-To-Feel-Good Songs

2011-01-21T07:33:00.003-05:00

I used to have one go-to-feel-good song - "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves - that song makes me instantly happy ! I love it! But now I have a 2nd go-to-feel-good song. "Say Hey (I Love You)" by Michael Franti and Spearhead. It just instantly puts me in a good mood - so now I have TWO go-to-feel-good songs.

I also love this video - they look like they are having such a good time - I especially like all the kissing at the end.

My Favorite Commercial

2011-01-15T10:53:00.002-05:00

With the invention of TiVo, I don't watch too many commercials - but there is one that I always watch when it is on and will actually run into the room, rewind the TiVo just to see it again - I love this commercial.

My favorite parts are when he is looking at the rug, when he ducks down in the bus and when he is having the nightmares - so cute! Glad he decided to the smart thing by getting Traveler's Insurance so he could actually relax and play.

Awesome Things

2011-01-11T07:21:00.004-05:00

As mentioned in my New Year's Day post, my One Little Word of the year and my theme for the year is Happiness !

I bought the book "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. While I haven't really started the book yet (just haven't taken the dedicated time I feel I need to sit down with it) , I have been following Ms. Rubin on Facebook and have really enjoyed reading her each day.

Today, she posted a link to a blog that I have actually read before but had forgotten about. . . 1000 Awesome Things.com as of today, there are 332 more Awesome things to come. There are lots of things on the list that I have said to myself are wonderful things.

Such as:
Sleeping in New Sheets (or even freshly washed ones)
Getting your choice of seat in the movie theater (I love getting right in the middle)
The first scoop of peanut butter of out jar (man I love that!)
Putting potato chips on a sandwich (I do this all the time! Love it on bologna especially)
Perfectly stapling through a thick stack of paper (doesn't happen a lot - but love when it does)

I am always noticing things like that. Just the other evening I put on my freshly washed PJs and thought about how awesome that was - love the smell and the softness.

Everytime I put ice in my glass, I'm so grateful to God for that. It is incredible to me all the uses He made for water and ice being my 2nd favorite thing about water (drinking it is my first) but how cool is it that He designed water so that when you freeze it, it turns hard and it cools your drinks (and is great for munching on too - but don't tell my dentist that - he gets on to me for it)
I just love ice - it is one of my favorite things !

When I go on a long driving trip (which I've done a lot of the past 2 months) - I go to QT before I leave (that in itself is awesome because they have big drinks, for a cheap price, yummy hot dogs and taquitos and they even have an ATM from MY bank). So I can stop, get gas, get a drink, get a snack and get my cash - all in one place before heading out for my long drive. I get the big 32 oz and pack it with crushed ice as much as I can (you can choose from crushed or cubed ice - also awesome). I then either fill it with Diet Dr. Pepper or buy some bottled water, then top it off with more ice. After I start driving, the drink is gone in an hour or so but I have ice for the whole trip! I just munch on it the rest of the way.

There are so many wonderful things in the world - even little things like ice - you just have to open your eyes and look for them - don't take things for granted - lots of things can make you happy, if you just let them.

Examples:
Today's date - it is 1/11/11 - that is pretty cool !
My office is closed for a snow day - sweet !

Life is a Rock (But the Radio Rolled Me)

2011-01-05T16:35:00.000-05:00

As mentioned in my previous post, my word of the year is "Happiness"

I heard this song on the way to work today and I totally love this song - haven't heard it in years! It makes me HAPPY (especially about 1:54 into the song when they say Osmond, Donny)

1-1-11 Happy New Year

2011-01-01T21:47:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year !

I love the date - how cool is that? Today is also my brother's birthday - Happy Birthday!!

My mind has been racing the past few days about the upcoming year - all good thoughts and things I want to do and accomplish. I know you can start realizing your dreams at any time but for some reason it is like you get a fresh clean slate to start with on January 1st.

I always loved opening a new notebook or brand new sketch pad - this is the same concept - an empty notebook to fill with new stuff for the new year.

I'm not making resolutions per se, but more like setting goals for what I would like in my life for 2011. Here are some of them...

Spiritual Goal:

Spend time daily in the Word and in prayer. I do pray daily but not always the quite, deep prayer that I would like. Plus I have kind of gotten away from reading the Bible. For several years I've said I want to read the entire Bible but never make it past mid-February (just got busy and behind and then gave up). But this year I vow to complete reading the entire Bible. Even today, Pastor Scott challenged us to spend time each day reading the Bible - how timely is his message?!

To accomplish this, I decided I want to read it chronologically and I am going to follow this reading plan that I found on ewordtoday.com

Knitting/Crochet Goals:

I have a few projects that are considered a "WIP" - work in progress. I am not going to list them all right now but I am going to make a list of them and put them in order (may post about that later). I actually have a list already but it needs to be updated and re-ordered.

My goal is to not start any new projects until all current WIPs are completed. Also, I will not buy any new yarn until these projects are completed. I may not buy any new yarn even after they are completed. I have other WIMs (works in mind) and have some yarn already I can use for projects I want to make. I won't focus on them for now though - only the ones that are already started.

Scrapbooking Goals:

I'm really looking forward to scrap booking this year. I didn't do much last year and really won't be doing a lot this year but will be doing some and more concise type of scrap booking. Here is what I will be doing...

Project 365 - will continue to take a picture of the day. I've done this for the past 2 years and enjoy it. I ordered my scrapbook hero's (Becky Higgins) Project Life Kit to help me keep organize and complete my album for the year.

One Little Word - I'm taking a Big Picture Scrapbook class from Ali Edwards called "One Little Word" - you pick a word meaningful to you and that is your word for the year - I thought of this word weeks ago - way before I even knew about this class. I said my theme for the year was going to be "Happiness". This is the first year Ali has done a class on One Little Word and I almost didn't sign up for the class because I didn't know that I wanted to really scrap about Happiness. But then I decided I did !! I want to document the year and the Happiness I live in throughout. We got our first assignment today but I don't have my page protectors or album yet (it isn't a kit but just some items we need) - So as soon as my page protectors come, I will get my album going. At the end of the year, I will have my 2nd album completed - first Project 365 and second One Little Word

One more - more of a statement than a goal but goes hand and hand with the other 2 album goals. No new supplies. Other than an occasional (must-have) cricut cartridge or adhesive (which does run out), I vow not to buy any scrapbook supplies in 2011. I have plenty cardstock, pattern paper, embellishments, etc to last a whole year (and then some)

Those are really my only goals. I would like to make a scrapbook of San Antonio (if I go) and New York (if I go) but I don't want to over-set my goals. I do have some other things in mind (want to do a recipe scrapbook and scrap some older photos), but I know those 2 albums are attainable. If I get more scrapping in - great but I am focusing on only those 2.

Other Goals:

Save $X amount in my savings account. I know the amount I want to have in there - I will make a plan and divide that out in monthly amounts and save that much so that at the end of 2011 - my saving account balance is that amount.
Arrive early for work - I have been a little late here and there lately. My plan is to be at work by 7 am every day (work starts at 8 but I could use a jump start in the morning)
Lose X lbs - I have a number in mind and it is attainable - I plan on eating healthier and exercising.
Read at least 3 classic books this year - starting with Robinson Crusoe.
Go to San Antonio - I've been wanting to go for years - hope to go around the end of April - see the Alamo, Sea World, & Riverwalk just to name a few. I already sent away for a travel package from their tourism board and I purchased a Frommer's book about San Antonio and Austin.
Go to New York City and see Donny & Marie on Broadway. I am hoping that D & M will return to Broadway next Christmas, I am saving my money just in case. I would love to see them on Broadway and especially see NYC at Christmastime.
Be Happy - my word for the year, my focus for the year - live in Happiness. God is so good, I need to live in the joy He brings into my life - continue to be positive and see all the good in life. I bought the book "The Happiness Project" to guide me along this journey.

Melted Snowman Cookies

2010-12-11T17:08:00.000-05:00

I'm really happy with how these turned out. They are Melted Snowman Cookies. I first saw them posted last year on Stacy's Sweet Shop blog and bookmarked it so I would remember to try making them this year.

I admit, I cheated a bit. I used Sugar Cookie mix instead of making my cookies from scratch.

I made the royal icing just as she suggested:

3 Tbsp. Wilton meringue powder (which can be found at craft stores like Michael's)
1 Lb. sifted confectioner's sugar
6 Tbsp. water

Just mix (a lot) until you get the icing to form peaks when you lift the beaters.

Just before it got to the "peak" stage, I went ahead and iced the cookies, while the icing was still a little thinner. Just put some in the middle of the cookie with a spoon and use the back of the spoon to spread over the cookie - letting some run over the sides a bit.

At this point, the icing can continued to be whipped until the peaks form, separated into smaller bowls and then add icing colors (such as blue, red and green) - make sure you keep the bowls covered with a damp towel to keep the icing from hardening before you can use it.

I didn't use the colored icing however (will explain that later).

Then you make the heads - put 4 or 5 large marshmallows in the microwave for just a few seconds (10) - they will start to puff - you MUST watch them - as soon as they begin to puff, remove them, butter your fingers a bit and put the marshmallow on the edge of the cookie and then smoosh it down.

Now you can use the colored icing to decorate with - if you don't have decorator bags and tips, just put in a sealed ziplock bag and cut a tiny hole in one corner and make the decorations for the eyes, mouth, buttons, etc.

I decided once again to take a shortcut on that and used decorating pens instead. They are markers made with food coloring instead of ink. Just make sure the icing is thoroughly dry and has hardened before using these.

They were the hit of the party and really pretty easy to make (especially with the shortcuts I used). Give them a try - they are fun!!

Happy Birthday Donny Osmond !!

2010-12-09T17:23:00.003-05:00

Today Donny Osmond turns 53! I have been a fan of his since he was only 12 !!

He is performing a Christmas show on Broadway tonight - Happy 53rd Birthday Donny!

Glee Moment - Baby It's Cold Outside

2010-12-05T08:03:00.002-05:00

I've always loved this song. It is a duet and of course normally sang by a male and female. I know my last post was also a Glee Moment but hey, what can I say, it is cold outside so this seems like a good video to post - their voices just go so well together!

Gwyneth Paltrow on Glee !

2010-11-17T10:46:00.002-05:00

I've always been a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow - when she was in Duet's and recorded "Cruisin'" with Huey Lewis, I said then that I wish she would sing more.

She was on Glee and sang several times... I love this !!

Georgia "I Voted" Stickers

2010-11-02T19:18:00.002-04:00

I voted today - did you ?

PS: Aren't the Georgia "I voted" stickers, the best ones in the whole country?

Halloween Card

2010-10-31T17:41:00.003-04:00

I am very happy with the way this card came out. I can't wait to give it to my sister, who love Charlie Brown as much as I do.

All the card stock is Bazzil (my fave card stock and thanks to finding 100 pk on clearance at Micheal's a few weeks ago - I have lots of it)

I used and "old-fashioned" technique called paper piecing (with the invention of home die cutting machines, hardly anyone does paper piecing anymore).

But...since Cricut doesn't make a Peanut's cartridge (which I have been suggesting for years), I had to paper piece this one. I used a coloring book that I found in the Dollar Spot at Target for the pattern.

The inside says "Happy Halloween - I hope your Halloween is Rock-Free"

Isn't it cute?

Here is the detail of Lucy and Pig Pen

Detail of Schroeder and Charlie Brown

Steve Perry at San Francisco Giants World Series Game

2010-10-30T16:51:00.003-04:00

This makes my heart go pitter-patter. I love that Steve Perry is still rooting for his city by the bay !!

Giants fans sing Journey during World Series Game 2 @ Yahoo! Video

And he is still believing !!

Cards

2010-10-25T04:42:00.005-04:00

I made a couple of cards recently. I made this one yesterday and took it to my friend Amanda. She just had a double mastectomy and will be starting chemo soon. The inside of the card says "Hang In There" I made it using the Country Life cartridge (which my sister-in-law talked me into to getting 'cause it was on sale at JoAnne's) - glad she did because I really like this cartridge a lot.

The other card is one I made for my sis a few weeks ago - no special reason - just wanted to let her know I was thinking about her and thought it might brighten her week a little. I used the Create-A-Critter cartridge for this on. I didn't realize it until I was done but it kind of looks like the Fruit Stripe Gum Zebra.

Preview of Glee's Time Warp

2010-10-19T18:48:00.002-04:00

I love the Rocky Horror Picture Show - I've seen it well over 100 times - I stopped counting after 100. I was thrilled when I heard Glee was going to do a RHPS episode. It will air 10/26

Here is a sneak peek

'Glee' Does The 'Time Warp' @ Yahoo! Video

Happy 70th Birthday John Lennon !!

2010-10-09T11:09:00.003-04:00

Here is a message from John Lennon's beloved wife, Yoko Ono - in honor of October 9, 2010 - which would have been John's 70th birthday. We miss you John - we miss your music and your message.

Oatmeal Scotchies - Ready to Bake !!

2010-09-21T18:08:00.002-04:00

I have been saying for YEARS - why don't they make Oatmeal Scotchies cookie dough (I mean they have just about everything else, right?).

Finally someone heard my plea - now I have to find them - they are limited edition. This is one of my favorite cookies.

If you spot them in the ATL - let me know !

September 11, 2001 - Never Forget !

2010-09-11T10:49:00.007-04:00

This was the most terrifying and saddest day of my whole life. There were direct victims:

New York City - World Trade Center. . . .2,606
American Flight 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
United Flight 175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Arlington - Pentagon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
American Flight 77. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Shanksville - United Flight 93. . . . . . . . . . . 40
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2,977

There were indirect victims:

America - Population . . . . . . . . . . . 300 million

We were all victims in one way or another.

Dancing in the Movies

2010-09-01T06:20:00.001-04:00

For your viewing pleasure:

Cuttlebug - Sweet Cuttlebug

2010-08-19T04:54:00.006-04:00

Dear Cuttlebug,

Why did I resist you for so long? I kept thinking to myself, what is the point of getting a cuttlebug when I had a Cricut? It is just something to take up more space, right? I knew the Cuttlebug cut and embossed but I had the best die cutter already. I don't plan on using it as a cutter at all. I kept seeing all the embossing though on other people's projects and thought how much it added to the finished look.

So...about 2 weeks ago I ordered one from HSN. I chose this one for 2 reasons. (1) I loved the color and cute butterfly design. (2) It came with a lot of embossing folders - all the ones that I wanted (and them some)!

So of course, the day it came, I tested it out and tried a few embossing on some scrap paper. Cool, I thought and then set it aside because I didn't have time to fully spend to make a project using it.

Well....I've been thinking of my friend Amanda quite a bit lately and haven't really talked to her in a while. Scott's sermon this week was about friendship and one of his challenges was to reconnect with a friend by calling, meeting or SENDING A CARD. Of course my mind then started to wander a bit thinking - hmmm, what could I make to send to Amanda? I wanted to use my new and cool Cuttlebug and also use my new i-Rock. This is what I came up with.

I thought it came out pretty darned cute if I do say so myself. Plus, a little bonus - I also got to use my Martha Stewart Scoreboard (which I haven't had time to use in a project before now) - I used it to make the envelope.

I cut a piece of 12 x 12 white cardstock in half (so I had a 6 x 12) - I folded that in half and used my handy-dandy Marta Stewart bone folder to sharpen the crease. Then I cut 3 x 3 squares from 3 different colors of scrap paper (I always save my scraps and use them a lot for cards). I punched the corners with a corner rounder punch (just some generic named punch I bought years ago at MJ Designs (gosh I miss that place). I cut out the purple "hi" using the Nursery Rhymes cartridge.

I ran all the 3 x 3 squares through the Cuttlebug (using different embossing folders) and adhered them to the card using my Glue Glider (see previous post). Then I used a zig glue pen to add the "hi" to the card and I used the i-Rock to add the gem that dots the "i". I just wrote a little personal note on the inside. I then made my envelope following the guide on the MS Scoreboard. All papers are DCWV textured cardstock.

I was pretty pleased with the end results - so much so that I think I will make a similar one to send to another friend of mine.

Dawn Wells - Brilliant !!

2010-08-18T05:01:00.002-04:00

I was looking on you-tube for a specific music video and for some reason, this little gem was one of the results from the search. The video has almost 11 millions views - 11 million !! So I had to see what was so interesting.

All I can say is that Dawn Wells is brilliant and I can't wait to try this technique !

Pink Adhesive Products

2010-08-14T02:17:00.015-04:00

I don't really know why, but scrap bookers (me included) seem to love our products to be pink. Many of them (but not me included this time) will even buy the same product they already have if it is available in pink. For example, I remember reading when the pink expression came out, some scrap bookers had to get one (even though they already had a plain regular expression). Honestly I do not get that mentality. If you have one that already works just fine, why get another one just because of the color (or the exclusive cartridge the pink one comes with). But then again, I am still using the same little original "baby bug" that I got 5 years ago. I haven't even upgraded to the Create or Expression. Also, I don't have the Gypsy, Design Studio (DS), Sure-Cuts-A-Lot(SCAL) or Makes-The-Cut (MTC) either.

While I would not trade in my original cricut for the expression while my original machine is still working, I can at least understand why someone would buy an Expression when they already have the smaller bug. The Expression has quit a few more features and cuts larger images. While my machine fits my needs just fine, I can see the appeal of the Expression and why someone would upgrade.

I don't understand though why someone would buy a pink Expression, when they already have a regular Expression though.

Another case in point is that recently, Adhesive Tape Guns (ATG) now has a pink version (which interestingly enough has a new name - Adhesive Tape Glider.

I have read that several already have a yellow ATG and/or a red ATG but are searching high and low now to get the pink one. Apparently there is a difference between the yellow and red (the width and length of the tape) but the red and pink both use the same size tape and are identical in every way except the color.Now...I also love pink products (as I admitted earlier), which is what led me a few years ago to purchase the Glue Glider Pro (GGP). I bought it before I ever heard of the ATG. Now after reading lots of reviews, I can understand why the ATG is desired of the GGP. However, I LOVE my GGP - love it!! If it ever breaks, I would replace it with another GGP.

One thing that I am finding kind of humorous is that it seems everyone wants the pink ATG and are looking everywhere for them. But the GGP has always been pink (probably one reason I was initially drawn to it besides being drawn to the red ATG that was available at the time I purchased my GGP)
Here are some comparisons:

Glue Glider Pro (GGP)

Color: Pink (has always been as far as I know)
Approx Cost: $13 (Amazon)
Approx. Refill Cost: $8 (0.12/ft)
Size of Tape: 1/4" x 65'
Weight: 5 ounces
Dimensions: 6 3/4" x 5 5/8" x 1 1/8
Other: No trigger; easy load (just pop in the cartridge and go), easy storage (flip cartridge around to protect tape from being exposed)

Adhesive Tape Glider (aka: Adhesive Tape Gun 714) (ATG)

Color: Red (and now also Pink)
Cost:$55 (Amazon (although did see the pink one at Michael's for $35)
Refill Cost:$8 (.07/ft)
Size of Tape: 1/4" x 108'
Weight: 13 1/2 ounces
Dimensions: 9 1/2" x 9" x 1 3/4"
Other: Trigger must be pressed to activate; learning curve to load tape; tape is exposed

As you can see the ATG refills are longer and cheaper than the GGP but the GGP is half the weight and smaller. It is super easy to change the tape out with the GGP, just pop out a cartridge, pop in a new one (not as environmentally friendly as ATG though). Plus if you want re-positional tape on one project, perm. tape on another, again just switch out the cartridges (with one ATG, you would have to unload then reload, not quit as easy if you only have one)

Another reason I was initially drawn to the GGP was I could get it at Hobby Lobby and use coupons for the GGP (which I did) and for the refills (which I do) and until just recently when the pink ATG was introduced, you could not get them at a local craft store and could not use coupons (but now they are available at Michael's - if you can find them in stock) so at least you can use the coupons.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, for me (and Ellen Hutson), the GGP is best. For others they swear by the ATG. I think it is great there are so many wonderful (and pink) products that suit all of our needs.

Happy Birthday Thatcher

2010-08-08T13:46:00.003-04:00

I know you are celebrating your birthday in Heaven today - I miss you very much. Happy Birthday sweetie. I love you.

Donny & Marie - The Umbrella Song

2010-08-07T02:25:00.003-04:00

I always loved this song - love, love, love it. My wonderful mother - God Bless her! I played this album over and over and over - I'm a sure she got sick to death of it and I would play this song, pick up the needle, replay it no telling how many times and she just let me do it and didn't say a word. She know how much I loved (and still love) the Osmonds.

Look how BEAUTIFUL Marie is in this clip from the Donny & Marie show - really beautiful! Poor Donny, forced to wear that bow tie almost as big as his head. I think my Donny doll has that same outfit.

I always loved when he walked out of that big "D" - It was just a reminder that his first name and mine started with the same initial. That way so when we got married, our initials would be the same - D.O. Well, the marriage didn't happen but I still love him anyway and still love this song.

Dolphin Bubbles !

2010-07-29T16:59:00.003-04:00

Last week, I went to the Georgia Aquarium - one of my favorite places on earth! My favorite spot there is watching the Beluga Whales. Last week, one of them was just playing and playing. He had a piece of green fabric and he would swim under it, push it up - go back, push it up with his nose, swish it on his tail - it was so cute and I loved the fact that he was playing - he was happy - even sea creatures sometimes play like children to entertain themselves. (I wish I had thought to switch to video mode that day and record some of it) - you can watch them on the live web cam HERE

Anyway - just to show that sea creatures love to play too - check out this SeaWorld video of dolphins creating and playing with bubbles and circles - so cute.

Interplanet Janet - She's a Galaxy Girl !

2010-07-24T19:26:00.001-04:00

I love Schoolhouse Rocks! Heck, the only reason I can totally recite the entire preamble of the constitution is because of Schoolhouse Rocks. Interplanet Janet is probably my favorite one though - just love the song!

Homemade Hamburger Helper

2010-07-15T07:13:00.003-04:00

One of the nice "peas" over at Two Peas In A Bucket (yes we are known as "peas"), informed us about this great website...Chickens in the Road.com

She said she found some great Homemade Hamburger Helper recipes there. I've made my own versions of Hamburger Helper too (my Tex-Mex Shells & Cheese was similar) but these look so much "authentic" or closer to real Hamburger Helper. I might have to give a few of the a try. Especially the Chili Mac.

100 Happy Blog Posts

2010-07-09T04:51:00.000-04:00

100 Blog Posts to Make You Happier - CLICK HERE

Wild Horses - Indigo Girls & Michelle Malone

2010-07-05T16:20:00.004-04:00

I have seen the Indigo Girls, Michelle Malone and various other local artists (Dede Vogt and Kevin Lawson to name a few) perform Wild Horses together a few times and it gives me chills every time. Love it - - so thought I would share this performance I found on You Tube

Happy Independence Day

2010-07-02T15:08:00.002-04:00

Watch the fireworks and enjoy Tinkerbell's Night Time Flight - she has been doing this for 25 years !!

Chili Dog Casserole

2010-06-26T08:50:00.003-04:00

I was thinking about what I was going to make for dinner tonight and decided to look at AllRecipes.com to see what the daily recipes were for today. Lo and behold I recognized one of my photos - it was for the Crab and Shrimp Delight - which I have blogged about before.

That made me go and explore my recipe box stored there, where I was reminded of the Chili Dog Casserole.

Now granted, not the healthiest thing you can eat - in fact I think I just gained 3 lbs reading the name of it. But I've made it a few times when I had guest and they all loved it (or at least said they did). I personally prefer to make it with Hormel Hot and Spicy Chili with Beans but have made it using more mild and w/o beans (because that is how I thought my guest would prefer it).

I haven't made it in a little while but it is good - will have to make again soon.

Chili Dog Casserole

2 (15 oz) cans chili with beans (I like Hormel Hot & Spicy)
1 (16 oz) package beef frankfurters (I prefer Ball Park)
10 (8 inch) flour tortillas (the fajita sized ones)
1 (8 oz) package Cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Spread 1 can of chili and beans in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Roll up franks inside tortillas and place in baking dish, seam side down, on top of chili and beans. Top with remaining can of chili and beans, and sprinkle with cheese.

Cover baking dish with aluminum foil, and bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes.

Cute Christian Kids

2010-06-06T08:41:00.007-04:00

We are starting a new sermon series at church this week on Psalm 23 so I went looking for this first video, which I first saw about 3 years ago at Women of Faith. While looking for it, I accidentally stumbled upon the 2nd video - they are both so adorable - very precious in HIS sight!

Japanese Visitors

2010-05-30T20:49:00.013-04:00

Well, I call them Japanese visitors, they've lived in Japan for over 5 years. I am so happy that my beautiful niece and her wonderful hubby came over to the states for a visit. Neither of which are Japanese natives - she is from the USA (raised in Minnesota), he is from Matamata, New Zealand ( also home to Hobbiton - Yes, I can officially call my nephew a Hobbit)

I only had 1 full day with them and loved every minute of it. We took them on a tour of downtown and stopped at Centennial Olympic Park.We walked around there a bit, then decided to go to The World of Coke. I hadn't been to the new one since it moved next to the Georgia Aquarium in 2007 (gosh, has it been there that long?!). So I was glad to be able to go to it too. I am glad we got there early because when we left there was a HUGE line to get in, we didn't wait at all (aren't they cute?!)
They really seemed to have a good time
It was almost 2 pm by the time we finished there so we decided to take them to the local brewery - Gordon Biersch (which is also one of our fave places). They enjoyed the beer sampler
and I loved the fact that she takes after me in the fact that she takes pictures of their food.

We then road around town a bit more and ran into a Caribbean Music Festival and then headed to Little Five Points - we first went to Junkman's Daughter - Candace loved this place when she was younger so thought she might want to go there - well some things never change. She still loved it and ended up buying 2 new pairs of AWESOME shoes and a cute dress!

My sister-in-law made dinner reservations for us a The Commons, so after shopping, we headed back to Stone Mountain. We had a fabulous dinner and found out what Airline Chicken was (never heard of it before). After dinner, we headed to the Laser Show. I knew it would be packed since it was the opening summer weekend PLUS since it was Memorial Day weekend. But we found a great spot up near the top of the hill, sat back and enjoyed it. I loved that they had a Georgia Music Hall of Fame segment now (since Georgia Music is very near and dear to my heart and I used to do the accounting for the GMHoF)What a full day. We had breakfast this morning before they headed down to Florida to see mom and dad. I wish we had a couple of more days but I'm so grateful for getting to spend time with them. I miss them both and wish they would move to the US - seeing them every 2 years or so is just not enough.

Glee - Bad Romance

2010-05-28T05:22:00.003-04:00

Have I said before that I love Glee? I'm sure I have.
I was looking for their version of Bad Romance on You Tube (which of course isn't out there - it is so hard to find videos from Glee - Fox is highly protective of them.

Anyway, I found this instead - it was made a few month's ago before the Lady Gaga episode appeared - maybe the creator of this video will change the music to the Glee Cast.