3! A Charm

$200! Selling my BlogHer 11' full conference pass

2011-05-03T09:02:00.000-05:00

Wow!
It's been a while since I have posted...just a little stretch of time.

Where have I been? I can't rightly say.
Working part-time and putting my energies into Etsy seems to be about it.

My BlogHer 2011 full conference pass is up for sale!

$200 is a good deal. I can even hook you up with a couple ladies coming from WI that may need a third roommate at the hotel.

Ward & I scheduled our annual trip up north to Eagle River for the third week of August so it really conflicts with me taking time off from work for the conference and again two weeks later for vacation.

I miss all my wonderful blog friends and have found a handful of you on Facebook. It's easy to stay in touch on FB and takes a lot less time.

Drop me a line if you are interested in the BlogHer ticket.

Have a great summer!!

MotherLove

2011-02-10T05:59:00.001-06:00

I called my daughter, Cayla, for advice on getting my first wax job. She gives me her best advice along with the final suggestion of taking a couple ibuprofen before having this done. How I love this child. She has grown into such a beautiful, young lady. This Mother knows if she needs good, sound advice on being beautiful and healthy she can call on her daughter.

As many of my blogger friends know, my oldest son, JBird, is in the Army and runs lots of short term missions in the big Sandbox. JBird just returned from one such mission and should be stateside for about 3 months. BUT a member in his unit just lost their wife so JBird volunteered to take his rotation. What a guy. He does this because he knows this is the right thing to do. We don't chat on the phone as often as we should. Sometimes just dropping him a text, letting him know I am thinking of him is all it takes with this young man. This Mother is very proud of her son and the decisions he has made in his life. (even when Sailor Jerry kicks him in the head)

Oh and Pinkus... my most wonderful teenage son.
Just last night after my smelly boy took his 20 minute shower (and probably didn't even use soap) he came into my bedroom and joined me for some pillow talk. I love that. Pinkus just made a big decision that may affect his future and it was a big deal. We feel confident that he made the right decision.
See, Pinkus has been working a lot, plus with all his after school activities he is hardly home. A couple times a week this boy leaves at 6:30 in the morning only to return at 9:15 pm. AND HE DOESN'T COMPLAIN. (crazy, I know!)
Maybe this Mother could take some lessons from him!

So what does Motherlove mean to me?

It means my children know me and know me well.

They can talk to me about anything, as I do them.

It means as a Mother I have wanted nothing more for my children than

to be who God meant them to be.

Honest, faithful and true.

Pinkus, Annie (DIL), JBird, Cayla

"And this above all else, unto thine ownself be true"

I have am submitting this post for chance to win a $50 sponsorship to BlogHer!

Please take a minute and leave a comment

on this post on Motherlove Facebook.

Thank you!!

And in the news...

2011-02-09T06:33:00.000-06:00

Man Robbed After Getting Stuck In Snowbank
A 43-year old Madison man ended getting stuck and robbed all at the same time Monday night, according to the Madison Police Department.
The victim's car ended up in a snow bank sometime after 9 p.m, police said. A van stopped and a passenger jumped out, so the stranded motorist rolled down his window and the stranger asked if he needed help, police said. The driver soon realized the man was holding a tire iron, police said. The victim told police the man used the tire iron to smack the driver's side door frame while demanding money.
The victim gave him a few dollars, police said. The man grabbed the money, got back in the van and they drove away, police said.
(Local news story here)

Well folks, I guess that is taking advantage of the weather.

But how sad, can't even trust our fellow man to give a hand when needed.

I need happy thoughts.

But this is more realistic

(Images compliments of Google on Happy Thoughts )

How you doing?

Have the winter funk?

Dreaming of Spring

2011-02-08T06:46:00.000-06:00

Summer year round?

I could live with that.

Every time I saw these lights I wanted to grab a large golf club and take a swing!

I am joining Leigh for her Happiness Project this week.

Fireworks?

2011-02-07T06:49:00.000-06:00

Somebody in my neighborhood was setting of fireworks after the Packers won the Superbowl.

I hardly noticed.

My mind was occupied with other things...

Mr. Draper is soooo easy on the eyes.

I love the show Mad Man.

It is a slice of vintage/retro heaven.

After that horrendous performance of the national anthem and suffering through a few minutes of the half-time show, I know why I don't watch TV.

Netflix is a very dear friend of mine.

And I really wanted to grill out....

2011-02-02T08:35:00.000-06:00

Instead, I am stuck inside dreaming of last week...

Skip breakfast and make me a Dirty Banana!

And Ward Darling,

If you tell me the current temperature in Jamaica one more time,

You are going to get a knuckle samich'!!

-9 and Blamy

2011-01-21T07:21:00.000-06:00

Yes, once again we are freezing our butts off.

The joy of living in Wisconsin.

Frigid cold that turns us folks into hermits.

So... I think I will go shopping.

I have a few pieces of jewelry that I "need" for my trip.

Trip?

What trip?

The Cleaver's are headed to Jamaica, mon.

It's the only way to survive the long, cold winter months of Wisconsin.

We went to Jamaica in 2006 and loved it.

Couples, Ocho Rios

This year we are staying at Secrets St.James in Montego Bay

Ward works hard and makes it possible for us to take a lovely trip like this once a year.

We don't exchange too many gifts at holidays or birthdays

in exchange for a trip to a warm climate when Wisconsin is in a deep freeze.

If I can get my lazy self motivated to leave the chaise lounge,

I will post a few pictures.

Have a lovely weekend, stay warm and I will return in a week or so!

Stickin' to Snow

2011-01-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

Any ideas?

2011-01-09T08:54:00.000-06:00

I picked up this lovely vintage sheet music and want to do something with it.

Any ideas?

Apparently this song was published in 1914 but there are no dates

indicating when it was produced.

I would love to frame it but that seems rather boring...

(dimensions are 9" x 12")

If you have any ideas or a suggested website to check, drop me a line!

PS. 3! A Charm is on Facebook (finally)

Would you be a"Liker" too?

Happy Birthday!

2011-01-06T07:40:00.000-06:00

Just a quick SHOUT OUT for my oldest son today!

Happy Birthday JBird!!

Always the Big Brother...

(I love this pic! It's so JBird...)

And look at you now...

All grown up, married and a responsible young man.

Happy Birthday!

May the Good Lord above bless you with swift travels

that you may be home in your wife's arms before the day is out!

That didn't last very long...

2011-01-05T07:27:00.000-06:00

Looks like I will have the next couple days off...
And perhaps next week too.
I believe I am back to the grind of job hunting - Yuk.
The economy is really hitting the small businesses hard and it's a daily battle just to stay afloat.

So I am going to make the most of this time off to play hard and do some sewing, blogging, Etsy and all those fun things that make the time fly but have great rewards in the end.

This material & trim will soon become pillow covers for my living room couch

And this funky, fun fabric is going to be used to make some produce bags

That is... As soon as I find my counter top to work on!!

(We are going to just ignore that Packer crap on the wall...Ward and his toys)

And then when I am all done with that stuff I am going to focus some energy on attending BlogHer!

Wrap it up!

2010-12-30T06:48:00.000-06:00

Wrapping up 2010 and looking forward to 2011!

I finally had a chance to list a few new items on my Etsy

and start thinking ahead to my goals for 2011.

I just love these vintage soup cups but have no place to go with them...

so I have listed them on my Etsy.

As I collect more vintage items, I find it harder to purchase Brand New items.

"They just don't make em' like they used"

Comes to mind so very often...

I am joining the Vintage Thingie Thursday with Coloradolady.

Sticky with Santa!

2010-12-28T07:03:00.000-06:00

Glad tidings for Christmas And a happy New Year!

2010-12-23T06:47:00.000-06:00

The stockings were strung from the banister with care

With memories of past Christmases that we hold so dear.

Our Christmas Angel perched on top of the tree...

Radiating joy and shining with glee.

Cookies are frosted and sprinkled with love...

And Santa is always smiling...

As we count our many blessing from above!

May your holidays be filled with many blessings and much peace.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Right back at ya'!

2010-12-19T11:21:00.000-06:00

Anyone need a giant pen or pencil?

How about some holiday erasers?

This is what we pulled out of the Grab Bag at Christmas last year

And guess what?

It's going right back into the bag this year!

*Ward & Pink - if it is wrapped in the green paper with candy canes DON'T take it out of the grab bag!!!

Thank you and have a nice day.

#nowastingmoneyonstupidstuff

Traditions Change

2010-12-16T06:56:00.000-06:00

For the past 42 (out of 43) years I have spent Christmas Eve at my Grandparents house. It's a small house filled with lots of love, laughter, food & drink. We all enjoy catching up with Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Some of my most cherished memories are from Christmas Eve at Grandma Tippy Toes.

This year, it will change...

Grandma is 90 years old and has had enough of the noise, mess and stress.

Thank you Grandma for so many wonderful memories!!

Christmas 2009

We will stop by for a visit over the holiday weekend and

bring Grandma a gift of her favorite beer!

Yep, that right!

My Grandma still enjoys a beer every now and then...

(You might even find an empty bottle of Schnapps in the recycle bin too!)

Happy Thursday and looking forward to Friday!

Socks!

2010-12-14T06:46:00.000-06:00

Brrrrrr.....

2010-12-13T06:33:00.000-06:00

We have just hit the deep freeze...

Currently it's a big fat ZERO outside.

It always helps when it rains for hours, turns to snow, lots of snow and then drops to zero.

Anyone care to go "car skating??"

Personally, I like my indoor winter wonder land much better!

Happy Holidays!

Cheers!

2010-12-09T06:29:00.000-06:00

Time to share your favorite holiday drink!
Traditionally we break out the Tom & Jerry mix and throw in a shot of Brandy or Rum or both.
Personally, I love using the Tom & Jerry mix to make french toast - it's Awesome!

Last year at a craft fair I tried a Gingerbread Martini that rocked. I can't find a recipe out on the web that sounds similar to this drink but here are a couple variations.

Outback Steakhouse apparently has a Gingerbread Martini that is pretty famous.
(I swiped this off of the web)
1 ounce Ketel One vodka
1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
1/2 ounce Kahlúa liqueur
1/2 ounce Monin gingerbread syrup
1/2 scoop vanilla ice cream — semi-melted
Whipped cream
Gingerbread cookie
Mix the first five ingredients over ice, shake well, pour into a chilled martini glass and top with a generous portion of whipped cream and a gingerbread cookie

Rachel Ray has a Gingerbread Martini recipe on her site too...

1 1/2 ounces Grey Goose La Poire
1/2 ounce D’Saronno Amaretto
1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
1/2 teaspoon molasses
2 1/4-inch thick slices of fresh ginger
A pinch of cinnamon
A pinch of clove
A pinch of allspice

Crystallized ginger, for garnish.In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, place the ginger, molasses, simple syrup and spices. Muddle well. Add ice and the rest of the ingredients. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat. Strain into a prepared martini glass. Garnish with crystallized ginger.

Both of the recipes sound so good.
Don't forget to hop of to Momma B's and link up with your favorite holiday drink recipe!

Happy Holidays!

Retraction - Sticky Style

2010-12-07T06:41:00.001-06:00

Pics with the Prez

2010-12-04T07:46:00.000-06:00

They don't talk politics in their unit... keeps the peace.

But one will show respect when necessary and add another "presidential photo op" to the brag book.

The young man standing to the left of Obama is my son.

I am very proud of these men...(minus the one not in uniform)

Let it snow...

2010-12-03T05:48:00.003-06:00

We are expecting our first snow fall and I am excited!

The house is all decked out for the holidays and all we need is a beautiful winter white back drop to compliment it.

Ward picked out the tree this year and it's a beauty.

Not too big and not too skinny...

Oh Christmas tree... how lovely are your branches....

Let the merriment begin!!

Under construction

2010-12-01T06:47:00.000-06:00

The house is decorated but my blog needs a little help...

Be back soon (hopefully) with a little Christmas spirit!

Happy Day!!

Holiday GREEN

2010-11-25T08:31:00.000-06:00

Trying to go Green this holiday season?

Why not wrap your gifts in something that is so incredibly useful and pretty all at the same time!

Purse Tote Bag

ETSY

Different fabric choices available - Just ask!

Happy Shopping!

No Bake Turkey Day!

2010-11-24T08:30:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are headed to my BIL to have dinner with his girlfriend and her family. It will be a large gathering and I am excited. The past few years we have done dinner by ourselves and it was a little boring, lacking in the "family fun" department.

My BIL has instructed us to come Hungry and Empty handed. We are not to bring anything. Like that is going to happen... We plan to bring them a nice bottle of liquid warmth to keep them from freezing over the winter.

Our Thanksgiving Hosts

May you all enjoy the time with your loved ones and God bless you with safe travels if that be the case.

(We are expecting freezing rain -Yay)

Fire Chicken

2010-11-22T07:01:00.000-06:00

We bought a car this weekend. One of our old neighbor boys called this car a Fire Chicken and it's kinda stuck with us ever since. Pinkus will be eventually driving it but first we need to get him familiar with driving on slippery roads.

Pontiac is not our first choice in vehicle but this car is a 2004 with only 46,000 miles and one owner. We feel it was a good find and the price was fair according to Kelly Blue Book.

Questions:
1. How many pillows do you sleep with?

One

*Found this when I did a Google image search*

Very strange, indeed!

2. Where will you eat on Thanksgiving?

At my BIL with his girlfriends family - and we are thrilled to be going!

3. Would you rather go to a party or host a party?

Either way, I enjoy both

4. How many purses (for the guys..wallets) do you own?

10 maybe... I don't horde

5. What is your favorite kind of seafood?

Lobster!

Linking up with Never Growing Old for Meet Me on Monday!

Is it Monday yet?

2010-11-21T10:27:00.000-06:00

It's Sunday and I am actually excited for Monday!

I got the job I interviewed for on Friday and my first day is tomorrow.

The job feels like a very good fit for me and has promise of being a challenge which I welcome.

My blog might suffer a bit at first but I will do what I can to get a couple posts up a week and do some blog hopping.

Anybody have their Christmas tree up and decorated yet?

We are actually debating if we are going to adorn the house with a tree this year...

It's not the Bah HumBug attitude, it's more about being practical.

See, it's really just the three of us. (Ward, June and Pinkus)

We are not hosting any parties, my kids will not be home for Christmas and we will be gone on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.

You know what??

As I sit here and type this I have basically just convinced myself that I need to put up a tree.

I know that I would regret not having a tree and Christmas here at the Cleaver's would be lacking spirit.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings.

I believe I will go dig out my Christmas decorations for the kitchen.

It will be decorated within an hour and perhaps put me in the mood to do some baking!

This picture is from last year when we cut down our own tree...

I will hopefully be posting a very similar picture in about 2 weeks

Here's to a Merry Christmas!

Woot! It's Friday!!

2010-11-19T07:27:00.001-06:00

Just a few things to Woot! about this Friday.

Let's kick off with a picture of my sweater pile that is now being occupied by Mowser.

He is wearing the beanie cap I made from a couple sweaters yesterday.

Side Note: I have a job interview today!

I know I won't get a post up tomorrow so I will take care of this right now...

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

She loved giving people her little piggy nose face.

And now...

She is 24 and living life to the fullest.

A mother couldn't love a daughter more...

Linking up with Follow Friday

Have a lovely weekend Friends!!

Buried in Love

2010-11-18T08:37:00.000-06:00

I am buried in sweaters that I want to "up-cycle" into wearable items...

The hobby room has been a fuzzy flurry of fabric and Etsy items - I love it!!

Speaking of Etsy Love, you just have to check out these awesome Etsy sellers.

Like these absolutely gorgeous Shot Glass that are hand painted.

The artist is Yevgenia and she does beautiful work!

I love this Clock from Etsy shop Making Time

Oh My! I love this Vintage Red Dress!!

This Etsy shop owner finds some of the best vintage dresses I have ever seen!

Check her out at Love in the Afternoon

Isn't this just the cutest Scarflette?

This lovely scarflette can be found in Etsy shop Gsakowski Designs

And this is one of the coolest ideas!

A Secret Safe Book to stash your most special possessions.

You just have to check out the selection at Secret Safe Books

Etsy is a plethora of wonderful artists and collectors.

Why go shopping at the local mall for something everyone else has

when you can shop Etsy for that one of a kind, unique gift!

I am headed back to that pile of sweaters to see what I can conjure up.

Have a lovely day!

Picky Posty

2010-11-16T07:55:00.000-06:00

Monday Eye Candy

2010-11-15T08:37:00.000-06:00

1. Do you eat Sushi? YES!

Our favorite is the Spicey California Roll

2. What kind of bath soap do you use?

I haven't used a bar of soap in many, many years.

We are all about shower gel and the sponge ball!

This is one of my Favorites...I love the smell.

3. How often do you talk to your Mom?

Daily. She is still one of my best friends.

Dad & Mom in Washington for Bird's wedding

4. What TV shows do you watch on a regular basis?

Sons of Anachary is Cleaver household favorite right now.

(I like biker bad boys)

And then you have Juney's latest obsession...

VAMPIRE DIARIES

These boys are so fun to watch and they are totally ripped!

Just a little Eye Candy once a week does a world of good!

5. Did you start Christmas shopping yet? NOPE. Not in any hurry either.

Linking up with Never Growing Old and her Meet Me On Monday!

Have a great day!!

Sundays in my City - Road trip!

2010-11-14T09:33:00.001-06:00

First Stop

New Glarus Brewery

This facility is HUGE and there has been some big $$ put into building it.

We were very impressed and the beer of course was good!

Ward's favorite

My favorite

Next we headed to Monroe to check out the

Minhas Brewery

We didn't take the brewery tour but enjoyed their museum of beer related "stuff"

And they had a ton of really old, vintage stuff!!

Our final destination: Potosi Brewery

Potosi is a "very small" town of 700 people living in a beautiful valley.

Cave Ale was Awesome!

The patio outside the brewery looks like a great place to enjoy a beer in the summer with the fresh spring water fall and fish pond as background music

Potosi Brewery is a National Brewery Museum that is chock full of fun memorabilia.

We really enjoyed looking through this museum.

Across the street from the brewery is the Princess Potosa Gallery.

With 90+ artists work on display, it was a real treat to the eyes.

We especially like the art work done by artist Paul Chase.

We ended the day at the The Potosi Inn and it was just what we were looking for.

The bar is owned by a nice couple that do a great job keeping a clean bar, serving some awesome home cooked food and have converted the rooms above the bar into a comfortable place to stay.

(That's Tightward fishing in his wallet and he isn't complaining because Potosi beer on tap at the Inn was only a $1.50 for a nice, big, chilled mug!)

Owner Rose

The next morning we headed to Dickyville, had an awesome HUGE breakfast at a little diner called Katina's Kitchen and walked over to the local landmark Grotto.

The weather was pretty crappy... cold, drizzle and windy.

We wrapped up the morning in Dubuque, IA.

Antiques and Salvage shop was full of some great pieces and

just the place to shop if you are remodeling or restoring an old house.

The owner said he sold 3 bathtubs this past week!

It was a great road trip and we plan to head down this trail again
in the summer just to enjoy the scenic drive.

I am linking up with Unknown Mami

Have a great Sunday!

Rambling on...

2010-11-10T08:07:00.000-06:00

I need to start a dream journal.

My dreams are so far fetched and crazy that they could be used for blog fodder.

Sometimes I wish I had a switch to turn off the dreaming so I could sleep more soundly.

In other news...

A house exploded at 3 a.m. on Tuesday morning in town. Leveled the house and blew out windows at neighboring houses. Two people were seriously injured and another died. Apparently a bad gas leak.

There used to be a house right beside the white house you see in the picture.

Our freakish warm weather is coming to an end. Unfortunately so is my level of motivation.

Time to bring that caffeine up a couple notches and pretend it's not false energy!!

Have you started Christmas shopping?

The whole Christmas shopping thing bugs me. It's just more "Stuff".

If it's something you really want and it's actually useful, that's a good present in my book.

Otherwise, I have to find a place to put the silly "Stuff" until I decide what the hell I am actually going to do with it.

On the other hand, if I can buy gifts that I deem useful to the one receiving and it's not just considered "Stuff", I feel pretty good about giving that gift.

BUT for the most part, I would rather save my money for more important things... like flying my kids home or maybe flying my parents out to visit their grandchildren.

As my blog post title indicated... I am in a rambling mood.

Now to go clean out the car for our little road trip. That nasty hand/face print on the window is really starting to bug me.

Enjoy the day!

Tuesday Posty Notes!

2010-11-09T08:32:00.000-06:00

Have a great day!!
I am off and running.....

Upcycle

2010-11-05T17:26:00.000-05:00

New word in my vocabulary "Upcycle"

And I have been working on upcycling wool sweaters

into mitten and fingerless mittens...

ALL DAY.

What have I actually accomplished?

1 completed pair

2 sets very incomplete with 4 major design changes

My head is thick with wool & fleece fibers after inhaling them all day.

Time to clear my head with a glass of red wine.

Have a great weekend!

Sticky

2010-11-02T08:16:00.000-05:00

Purse Tote Bag

I am off to VOTE.

It's going to be a historic day in WI voting!

Have a super great Tuesday!

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-01T07:45:00.000-05:00

I know...

Peg had "red hair".

I couldn't find a red wig and I have issues with spending money on something I am only going to wear once.

4 pairs of socks stuffed into my bra and still couldn't quite get the boost I was going for!

I sold my purse at the party for $5.00 to this nice lady.

She called herself a purse whore and had to have.

(I paid $1.00 for it garage sale)

My SIL rocking out some red spikes

My nephew loves Halloween

Al & Peg

My sister and BIL who are the host of this annual event

Hope you all had a fun & safe Halloween!

OMGeeee.... It's already NOVEMBER!

Don't forget to vote tomorrow.

Ward found this dandy and I just can't resist posting it.

Nervous Nelly

2010-10-28T07:57:00.000-05:00

Pinkus took his drivers test yesterday in a small town up the road instead of at the local Madison location. We felt he would have a better chance of passing if he didn't have to try in big city traffic.
He was so freaking nervous, his hands were cold and damp.
Well, Nervous Nelly failed to slow down from 40 to 25 mph quickly enough and failed the test...totally disappointed.
Monday we are headed back to the DMV to give it another try. BUT this time it will be in Madison.

So today Pinkus is playing Chauffeur to my Mom and myself. We are running errands in Madison.
Pinkus hates riding with me. I yell at him. I can't help it. When he does a bonehead move, I react by yelling.
Gee... I wonder who I learned to yell like that from?
I have always been told "You are so much like your Mother"

Poor kid doesn't have a chance today...

You have been Warned!

2010-10-27T08:08:00.000-05:00

The many faces of Pinkus...

Deli Boy

Badass Zero

Airsoft Geek

But will we see the face of "DRIVER Pinkus"?

I'll let you know tomorrow if he passed!

Stuck it on Tuesday

2010-10-26T08:14:00.001-05:00

Meet me on Monday

2010-10-25T07:49:00.000-05:00

Monday Blog Hop!

1. Do you sleep with a night light on?

No, but I do have a projection clock that is pretty dandy. Nothing like waking up in the middle of the night and not only do I see the time on the ceiling but it also tells me just how bloody cold it is outside too!

2. What do you drink with dinner?
Water, 90% of the time.

3. Do you play the lottery? If so, how often?
Nope... I have only played it twice in my life but love to dream about what I would do if I won!

4. How often do you go to the grocery store?

1-2 times a week and try very hard to stick to the list.
But it never fails, I will forget something even if it is on the list!

5. Would you rather travel back in time 500 years or travel forward 500 years?
500 years back... I think...

Stuffed Peppers & Blog Hops

2010-10-21T07:40:00.000-05:00

Time to Share a Spoon with Momma B!

The theme this week is Meatless recipes.

(Google image)

I had a bumper crop of green peppers this year and had already made mexican stuffed peppers and wanted to make a different stuffed pepper.

This recipe came to me in about 5 minutes time after looking around in the cupboards to see what I could scrounge up. It's "Wing-it" type of recipe!

Stuffed Peppers with Rice and "Stuff"

Peppers

Rice (Jasmine rice is my fav)

Shredd cheese of your choice (I used cheddar)

Onion

mushroom

sun dried tomatoes

can of cream soup (chicken, mushroom, celery? I used chicken)

milk or cream

Season salt

Garlic powder

Paprika

Salt & Pepper

French fried onions

Depending on how many peppers you have to stuff will dictate how much to use of each ingredient. The only thing I measured was the rice to water combo. So think about how you want this to taste and maybe add a little flare yourself!

Let's talk about rice for a minute - Because Minute Rice just isn't that good.

Steamed rice is SUPER EASY. Put it in a pot with water and cover it tightly for 15 minutes on low... now how hard is that? Just follow the instructions on the package for rice to water ratio.

You cut up your veggies and do all your prep work while it is cooking. Simple.

So start your rice
Prep peppers by washing, cut off tops, gut
*tip* slice a little off the bottoms of the peppers to get them to stand up in the pan
Chop up the tops of the peppers, onions, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes
Combine rice, veggies, seasoning, cream soup and shredded cheese, add a little milk or cream so the mixture is creamy but not runny
Stuff your peppers
Top with French fried onions
Bake covered in a pan with water for 45 minutes
Remove cover and bake for 15 minutes

And if you don't want to go meatless, throw in some cooked chicken. I did and it was awesome! (The Cleaver's are of the meat & potatoes variety)

Have a recipe you would like to share? Link up with Momma B!!

BLOG HOPs!!

Just joining this hop for the first time!

And Deb & Tammy have a great blog hop going too!!

On a side note....
Pinkus ran over a raccoon the other night going about 45 mph.

Not once in my 20+ years of driving have I hit a raccoon.

It was like hitting a ball that went "crunchy"

With that last little tid bit said...
Have a lovely Thursday!!

A little fall color!

2010-10-20T09:46:00.000-05:00

Dee at Homesick Cajun is a wonderful gal who has redesigned my blog for the second time. I love her!!

She also just did a redo for Tamara @ Cheapskate Mom and helped her build another blog, Seventeen Pillows, which looks great!

Go show this Homesick Cajun some love.

Just pulled out my Halloween fabric stash and now I am itchin' to stitch!!

Stuck it

2010-10-19T08:42:00.003-05:00

Now if some of the characters in the book are this hot and sexy, wouldn't you be a little obsessed too??

Jean Claude, Oui?

Beautiful Nathaniel?

Micah?

And we can't forget about Richard...

Ahhhh yes.... Obsessed, indeed.

Rest in Peace

2010-10-18T07:02:00.000-05:00

Barbara Billingsly passed away on Saturday at the ripe age of 94. What a legacy she left behind...

In her role as June Cleaver she portrayed the perfect stay at home Mom.

Dinner served in the dinning room requiring a dinner jacket to be worn. June cleaned in her pearls, heals and apron. The boys were always respectful to their Mother and Ward never drank beer.

Ahhh... the perfect Mom & Wife.

Barbara was one very classy broad.

Rest in Peace Barbara.

Want to play along?

2010-10-16T08:11:00.001-05:00

I have found a Saturday blog hop and a couple giveaways that I am going to have fun playing along with today!

Want to play along?
Grab a linky or button and jump on board!

This blog hop is brought to you by Boobies and Ashley

1. Worst movie ever made..in your opinion?

With our Netflix subscription we like to change it up a bit and watch some of the IFC & Sundance movies. Let me just say that we have seen some really great movies BUT we have also seen some incredibly stupid, bad ones too...

"The Men Who Stare at Goats" with George Clooney - SUCKED!! 2 hours of my life I will never get back...

2. A stranger you encounter has toilet paper hanging from their pants..or spinach in their teeth...insert any embarrassing item here...Do you tell them?

At the local liquor store, the store owner is working the register with his fly wide open.

What did I do?

I told him.

I mean it's just bad for business, ya' know?

Yes, he was embarrassed that it was a female telling him.

What I want to know is, how come the men that checked out before me didn't tell him?

I just asked Ward if he would have told the man his fly was unzipped and he said "No".

What is up with that?

3. Tell us ONE thing that annoys you. Yes, just one.

Liars. Can't stand fake people but Liars are the worst.

4. What's your biggest beef about the opposite sex in general? (Don't be skurred, we won't rat you out.)

Admitting they are wrong and NOT apologizing.

5. Would you donate your eggs/sperm to an infertile couple?

Yes.

6. What's the last book you read?

Skin Trade, book 17 in the Anita Blake series by Laurell K Hamilton

Excellent vamp series, brilliant writing.

I need a Mannequin or a really sexy female model

My stash of vintage clothing is sitting dormant until I can find either a mannequin or a woman willing to model for me. Posting good pictures on Etsy is a priority.
CNS has a mannequin that would be perfect!
Of Mice and raMen is hosting a CNS gift code giveaway for $75.00.

So is the lovely Cheapskate Mom!

She has a $100 gift code giveaway that has my name on it!!

Ward has been having fun with his new blog.
Today he found a little music factoid he would like to share with you.
And I will CHOKE HIM if he plays this video again!

And I just realized I washed a whole load of clothes without any laundry soap....
Please tell me it's not going to be one of those days!

Have a great weekend.

3! A Charm Baby!

2010-10-15T08:11:00.000-05:00

Look what I did to Pinkus last night...

It wasn't intentional, really!

We were talking, I got distracted and forgot to put

the comb on the shaver.

I proceeded to shave right up the back of his head and

realized that I was seeing too much skin...

Okay, so I laughed my butt off!

Pinkus didn't even freak out, he is such a good kid.

He finally told me that I needed to calm down and stop laughing because my hand was jerking all over his head.

I am giggling as I type this... heeheehee

(Of course this picture is posted on FB)

I will confess, I hit 43 in December.
And let me just say, I am too old to have pimples!!
Why do I have more pimples now than I did as a teen?
I ate just as much junk food then as I do now...
Either way, 43 is just a number and another day in the life.
Most days I forget how old I am and never really felt my age at any given point.
So here's to pimples and never growing old!

I guess I am One Year Old in good old blogland.

Just stumbled upon this fact....

A whole year of blogging and what do I have to show for it?

One of the best years I have ever had making new friends.

Thanks guys!

Scrolling through my archives I found this from about a year ago...

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Bars - SaS

2010-10-14T08:14:00.001-05:00

*The orange swirly doily will be on my Etsy shop later today :-)

Paul's Pumkin Bars

I found this recipe years ago in a woman's magazine and it is Awesome!
These pumpkin bars turn out moist, flavorful and are excellent for freezing.
2 c. Flour
2 tsp. Baking powder
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Baking soda
1/4 tsp. Salt
- Combine in separate bowl
1 15 oz. can of Pumpkin*
4 Eggs
1 2/3 c. Sugar
1 c. Oil
1 tsp. Vanilla
3/4 c. Chopped pecans
*Using real pumpkin. I like the small squash size pumpkins, they have a good, sweet flavor. Just cut in half, gut out the seeds (save them for roasting!), place cut side down in a pan, add a good amount of water and bake for an hour at 350 degrees. When the pumpkin has cooled, scrape out the meat into a bowl and beat well for a minute or two. I get out my handy dandy electric mixer, you could also use a food processor or blender. Extra pumpkin can be used for any pumpkin recipe out there or simply freeze it for a later date!
Mix pumpkin, eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla until combined. Gradually add flour mixture and nuts.
Spread batter in a 15x10x1 in pan (sprayed or greased) and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.
Allow to cool.
Cream Cheese Frosting
3 oz. Cream cheese softened
1/4 c. Butter softened
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 c. Powder sugar - sifted
Beat together cream cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add powder sugar and beat until smooth.
Spread on cooled pumpkin bars and refrigerate.

These pumpkin bars taste better being stored in the refrigerator and you can always freeze some for later!

Thank Tank Momma has a recipe posted for

Creamy Pumpkin Rigatoni

Now this is one recipe I want to check out!

Go visit Momma B and share in some fall cooking love!

*Quick Edit*

Linking up with Meno Mom for her blog hop!

Super Sticky!

2010-10-12T08:13:00.000-05:00

On another note....

Did you see what Deb over at Menopausal New Mom has for a giveaway??

Zak stacker bowls in awesome colors.

Cayla and I were looking at these when I was in WA. They are awesome and if I was to win, I would have Deb ship them off to my daughter with a Happy Birthday card!

Deb also has this great Thursday theme going. Make yourself a posty note to check her out on Thursday!

Have an awesome day Friends!

A great day!

2010-10-11T09:03:00.000-05:00

Good day to all of you!

It was a gorgeous weekend and the Cleaver's soaked up as much of the warm weather as they could. If I could only bottle some of this heat & sunshine for the long winter months...

The fall colors are in full swing.

I have cut these Mums back three times now and they just keep getting bigger every year!

I have a few new items I need get listed on my Etsy....

AND I have sold my first item on Etsy!!

Woot!

Here's to the beginning of a great week!

Have a wonderful Monday.

Ward is on his own...

2010-10-08T13:58:00.001-05:00

If you enjoyed those posts on Fridays from Ward, you might enjoy heading over to his very own blog!
http://wardtakesthefloor.blogspot.com/

One of "Those" days

2010-10-08T10:38:00.000-05:00

**Edited from Wednesday**
Yesterday (Tuesday) was just one of those days. (Wednesday didn't get much better)

I had the whole day planned out, including time frames.

But as it is said "All good intentions are fraught with disappointment"

I started off late, by an hour.

I was sidetracked on my travels by stopping and shopping where I had no intentions of going. Spending money I really didn't need to spend.

My head was swimming with ideas, thoughts, butterflies...

Wait! Was that a Red light?

Oh geeze! Not only did I almost run a Red light, I almost ran two Red lights because I kept look at the next set of lights up ahead.

(I really hope Ward doesn't read this post)

But wait, no, that just wasn't good enough.

I decided to turn into a 3 lane One Way going in the wrong direction.

Maybe I should stop riding with Pinkus. I think his driving is starting to wear off on me...

** I am finally up an running with my new URL!! You will need to grab my button again so it will direct you correctly.

Have a great weekend Friends!

WOOT! It's Posty Notes Time

2010-10-05T08:15:00.000-05:00

Halloween?

Playing dress up?

I would have loved these as a little girl to play in...

Do you think I will get any strange looks if I wear these while shopping at Trader Joe's?

Monday

2010-10-04T08:40:00.001-05:00

As one of the BB Chat Bishes put it so keenly this weekend...
"It's getting cold out so Juney will be chatty now"
She was dead on. I will spend less time enjoying the great cold outdoors and more time playing on the web or my BB.

So I am kicking off this Monday and joining the fun!

1. What is the best dish you can make?

This shouldn't be a hard question but it is!
Pinkus would say Swedish Meatballs because that is his favorite.

2. How often do you change your sheets?

Once a week, either on Monday or Tuesday.
(They are in the dryer as I type)

3. What is the longest car trip you have ever taken?

El Paso, Texas to Madison, WI
What an awful long drive and we did it twice.

4. What is your favorite fruit?

Strawberries

5. Would you rather have breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast?

Breakfast for dinner, hands down!

Hop on over to Never Growing Old and link-up!

Sneak Peek!

2010-10-03T11:48:00.001-05:00

I am working on a little something and thought I would give you a sneak peek!

There's more to come....

Come fly with me!

2010-09-27T11:08:00.000-05:00

Come fly with me, we'll fly, fly away...

I love hearing Sinatra sing that song, makes me want to travel the world.

Have you checked out Traveling Mama's Tripapalooza?

Looks like sunny fun without needing a passport!

Traveling Mama's blog is a plethora of great trip advise and some awesome destinations to visit. I love this travel blog!

We are headed back home today after a beautiful wedding weekend. The day will be spent in an airport or airplane... a very long day indeed. But it has been worth every minute.

Don't forget to check out the final week of events

with Friends You Love!

Please join us

Thursday, September 30

from 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. CST

for the

Friends You Love Twitter Gala

Wedding Pics!

2010-09-26T11:05:00.000-05:00

It was a beautiful day and the wedding was lovely!
My cup over floweth...

BEER BUTT - SaS

2010-09-23T09:01:00.000-05:00

Today is all about the Yard Bird.

Thanks Momma B for running this weeks theme at my request!!

I am always looking for a good chicken recipe.
BEER BUTT CHICKEN is a family favorite. It's the best roasted chicken that we have ever had.
Now go grab the hatchet, chase down a yard bird, remove head, feathers and innards. (sp?)
Or you can cheat like I do and go buy yourself a nice whole frying chicken at the store.
Now you may want to purchase one of these stands made just for the purpose because they make this whole process so much easier.

*google pic* Because we don't drink PBR...

If you don't have a stand, it's a little tricky getting the bird to stay upright and not tip over.

Let's get started, shall we?
Grilling the bird
We break out the Weber grill just for this purpose.

Stack a large pile of coals in the grill and fire them up. Once they are turning gray you need to spread them out to the sides leaving the center of the grate open, creating indirect heating.

Prep the Chicken
Wash & rinse the chicken
Pat chicken dry
Sprinkle inside cavity with Salt, Pepper and Poultry seasoning
Now crack open a can of beer, drink half, only half.
(Some people use pop or strong microbrew beers for more flavor)
Place can of beer in stand, plop the bird down on the can Lube outside of chicken with your favorite oil (we use olive oil)
Coat the chicken in Salt, Pepper and your favorite seasoning or rub for poultry.
We love McCormicks Grill Mate Roasted Garlic & Herb

Plug the neck hole with a chunk of onion and you are ready to grill!
The bird should take about 1.25 hours to cook depending on the size.
Just keep the lid on the grill for a good solid hour and start checking for juices to run clear or use a thermometer.
It should look something like this.
I ripped this photo off from the web because I forgot to take pictures when we made this last week...

Enjoy!!
Now go link up with Think Tank Momma and share your favorite chicken recipe!

I will catch up with all of you after the wedding and will post pictures soon!

Stick em' Up!

2010-09-21T08:16:00.001-05:00

A Spoonful of Everything! Blog Hop Guest Post

2010-09-20T07:03:00.007-05:00

I am so excited to have Leslie from A Spoonful of Everything guest posting today!

She has such a fun blog to follow. You have to scroll through her posts to see all the cool projects she has made and some incredible bake goods. This lady has talent and is sweetheart.

Thank you Juney for giving me the honor to do this guest post.

When you first asked me to write on the topic of friends I was immediately inspired to write about my husband. I know that it is cliche, but he truly is my guide and after 20 years of marriage is still my very best friend.

Ok, enough about him already.

Then I read on.. best girl friends.. oh gosh, now I'm scared. I hope that I don't disappoint!

I am a real social butterfly ~ At the moment my best girlfriends are Mildred and Myrtle ~ My beloved kitchen aid and Palm Pilot.

I wanted to write about some of the other amazing friendships that I have been blessed with, but my heart wouldn't let me sway away from that first friend. That one friendship that will forever live on in my memory ~

This friendship started 38 years ago when we were still in diapers.

We were the same age.. well, not quite.. she was older by a month ( touchy subject ). We were hell on "hot wheels" as kids. She was the ornery 5 year old wearing the leather jacket, cheering me on as I mimicked Evil and Evil ( Evel Knievel) and drove my big wheel off of the front porch.

I'm pretty sure that she was the first to sign the cast on my broken arm.

We stayed in touch through our crazy teens, even after I embarrassed her with the "What if he has herpes?" excuse when I was afraid to kiss one of her cute guy friends. She was always a step ahead in the experience department. Like I said, she was older!

As young married women we managed to become even closer. We knew every single detail of each others lives. Dinners would get ignored and husbands would get jealous as we carried on our third rate telephone romance, talking several times a day, sometimes for hours upon hours. Most of the time I would hang up with tears in my eyes and pains in my stomach ~ from laughing.

From Diapers to Diapers she would say.... knowing that this lifelong friendship would last forever.

Although we still talked almost daily, as we grew older, we began to grow into different women. Not that it was a bad thing.. she liked tattoos, Pepsi and motor cycles, I liked Starbucks, Martha Stewart and penny loafers. Our differences kept us laughing, most of the time.

In the long run, our differences would be what tore us apart. Like any good marriage a true friendship depends on two people to make it work. Two people to give and take. I'm not quite sure when or how it happened but this lifelong friendship became work for us. We had evolved into two totally different women. We were women who no longer laughed at each others mistakes and silliness, but instead we antagonized and criticized. There was no more giving .. just a lot of take take and take.. our happy light hearted conversations turned into sad and bitter diatribes.

I did not like the person that I was becoming.

The last time that I talked to her I hung up with tears in my eyes and a pain in my heart ~ not from laughing but because I secretly knew that that was going to be the last time that I was going to speak to her ... and I was heart broken.

That was a year ago.. and although we are not friends anymore, I cannot honestly write a post about friendship and not think of that one friend who shared so much of my life.

The Break up taught me many things about myself and about the kind of friendship that I longed for.

A true friendship takes two people and the support has to go both ways.

1. Be there ~ At any stage, moment, or point in one's life

2. Be patient : tolerant, understanding, or annoyance with calmness

3. Be honest : to tell the truth

4 .Be humble : not to proud or arrogant to offer an apology when necessary

5. Be the kind of friend that you would love to have

Dear old(er) Friend,

I truly hope that you and your family are well. I am sorry that I wasn't always there when you needed me and I apologize for not being more tolerant of our differences. I am sorry that we had to end our friendship, but I do believe that it was the best thing for both of us. I love you and wish you a great life!

From diapers to diapers,

Leslie

What a great post Leslie.

Thank you very much for sharing.

Go show her some love, my friends...

Time to go Hunting for Wabbit!

2010-09-19T08:56:00.001-05:00

Come one, come all to theFriends You Love's Scavenger Hunt!

Our tweets will point you in the right direction.
Follow each clue to the correct location.
Our posts will help you find your way.
Read each one carefully throughout the day.
Fabulous prizes to be won.
(See list of prizes at the bottom of post)
So tell your friends to come and play.

LET'S GO HUNTING!

Please follow along with @FriendsYouLove and the other Friends You Love hosts via Twitter.
(Just click on the little twitter bird over there to the right to follow Juney or FYL on twitter)
Beginning Monday, September 20, we will be leaving clues via Twitter, leading you around the interwebs for the answers.
There will be 20 clues.
On Friday, September 24, come back to Friends You Love to submit your answers.
The first FIVE players to submit the correct answers will win prizes from our generous sponsors!
Our sponsors for this exciting event include:Lisa Leonard, PeaceLoveMom, The Turkish Towel Company, Sheer Beauty, Scentsy Consultant Bradi Redmon, Paper Planet Etsy Shop, PurseHangers, Hapari, and EdenFantasys!
(Hint: All clues will have the hashtag #FriendsYouLove)

Wanna' go hunting?

Million Dollar Cookies - SaS

2010-09-16T09:43:00.001-05:00

We are sharing Cookie recipes with Thank Tank Momma.

I love a good cookies swap!

MILLION DOLLAR COOKIES
Ward loves to dunk his cookies in milk and these cookies are wonderful with milk, coffee or tea. Very simple, not quite a true sugar cookie but light and crisp.
1 cup Shortening (do not substitute with flavored shortening, margarine or butter)
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla (I love Watkins Vanilla!)
1 Egg
2 cup Flour
1/4 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
Cream shortening, sugars, egg and vanilla.

Mix in flour, baking soda and salt.

Roll into balls, then roll in sugar.
Press flat with a glass that is dipped in the sugar.
The cookies are wonderful thin, so press them down to at least a 1/4"

Bake at 350 degrees
10-12 minutes until cracked and just slightly brown

Enjoy!

Party & Prizes

2010-09-14T07:38:00.001-05:00

You see that super cool scrolling banner right up there ^?

These awesome companies that have been so generous in sponsoring the Friends You Love blog party for the month of September!

Just jump on over to the Friends You Love blog for a more information on some of these fantastic prizes!

Participating in the parties are super easy!

Tomorrow is a Twitter party with That One Mom celebrating her 1 year anniversary of her blog.

Follow FYL on twitter so you can get hooked up for the party!!

TWITTER

September 15, 2010

8:00 - 9:30 p.m. CST

Hope to see you there!

Friends You Love - Blog Hop!!

2010-09-13T07:31:00.001-05:00

My guest post today comes from Lucy of Lucy's Reality

I was very excited that she accepted my request to guest post. Lucy is my kinda gal...she knows how to go on a good rant and she doesn't shy away from telling you exactly how she feels. But on the flip side, she is a woman that is all heart and knows the value of friendship.

Please give Lucy a big bloggy welcome and join us in the blog hop!

Friends!
When June asked me to guest post I was thrilled and she said I could write about anything I wanted. She did offer up a suggestion if I needed any help with topics. June suggested writing a post that fit theme of the month. Friends!!

What a great theme and for me a piece of cake. Like everyone I am sure there are many people in our lives we define as our friend. I have created bloggy friends. My mother and sister are my friend My husband is my best friend and now my kids are becoming my friend.
Now, through the years I have had some close friends. Unfortunately, though it seems that they have come and gone. You know you get busy with life and you move and you lose touch but I have one friend in which that never happened. Why? Because it is not her style. She told me a long time ago her philosophy on friendship, you have to work at it, like all relationships. This friend of mine is Miss Piggy. We have been friends for over 20 years,wow that is a long time and we both have moved, had different jobs, and busy family lives and yet through it all we have stayed very close friends.

Miss Piggy and I met working. I trained her. She yelled at me that very first day. I was overwhelming her and she is a perfectionist. We hit it off beautifully. After that time flew by. I moved, she babysat my son and boy oh, boy is that a story. I mean I am surprised her and her husband, Kermit, had kids after watching our little devil. I cleaned for her at one time. Miss Piggy and Kermit went through their period of young couple, no kids and having fun and we were raising our kids and yet they still hung with us. We did dinners and even from time to time brought our kids. Then, it happened, they had children but ours was older and so when we hit the point of being able to go out and leave our kids now they needed a sitter. It was funny!

Here is the deal. I don't see Miss Piggy a lot. You know what our friendship is all about? We have always kept in touch. We call each other. Right now, I wait to hear from her. Miss Piggy is at that point in family life of being very busy. She works full time and she attends her girls events and she volunteers and she is a social butterfly. I know we are different. Miss Piggy is an extrovert and I am the introvert but we mesh. Anyways, when her kids were small she was around more and very patient when I was busy running around with all my kid shit. Now, my kids are gone and she is in the thick of the things. My turn to understand and I totally do. In addition, I want her to enjoy this time. It flies. But, you know what?? She calls. We always call it each other and we have the best talks. We listen to each other. REALLY, REALLY, REALLY listen. We make each other laugh and we listen when one needs to vent ( I vent way more than she does) and when one needs to cry. There is No judging and we support each other.

I do have one tiny little secret! I loved it when Miss Piggy was a stay at home mom for a few years. We talked every Tuesday and I mean for like an hour or two. I can't tell you how much I miss our Tuesday Chat's!!
And it was just good old fashioned talking. I loved hearing about her small town. I mean I knew shit about people I didn't even know. It was my private soap opera. Oh, and I mean it in all good fun. You have to know Miss Piggy, she doesn't talk nasty about anyone, I mean you have to set her over the edge to get her going. Trust me, she listens to me ranting about people way more than I ever listen to her. No, it was just good old, this happening and that happening. It was so much fun!!

Miss Piggy is my dearest friend and the best part is I know she will always be my friend no matter what or where I live!
I love Miss Piggy!!

I spy....

2010-09-09T12:11:00.001-05:00

Tastes like chicken....

BLOG HOP!!

2010-09-03T17:33:00.001-05:00

I love a Blog Hop!!

Nothing like getting lost down the rabbit hole, unable to remember where the hell you even started the hop...

My ADD goes crazy on blog hops!

Crafty blog hops absolutely make my head spin.

Come join the Friends You Love gang and hop along with us!!

We challenge you to dig into your "followers" list and find a follower you don't know well (someone who doesn't comment regularly) and reach out to them and ask them to do a guest post on YOUR blog.

Then, come back to the FYL blog on Monday, link up with your guest post and have your new friend (guest poster) link up as well!

We will be running this blog hop every Monday this month, so spread the word, spread the love, and darn it, go make some new friends!

BFF Contest!!

2010-09-02T06:47:00.000-05:00

Oh...my best friend has a first name it's J-A-K-K-Y

My best friend has a last name it T-U-R-T-L-E

I love to chat with her everyday and if you ask me why I'll say...

Cuz' Jakky Turtle has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A

(She is gonna love this little ditty)

It's contest time my wonderful Bloggy Friends!!

To enter:
~Write a post about your BFF.

Why is YOUR BFF The World's Greatest BFF?

~Come back here and link your post up

Entries accepted 9/2 - 9/19

On 9/23, contributors to Friends You Love will post our Top 5 favorite BFF posts.

~Beginning 9/24, the public can come back and vote for their favorite!

~Voting will close at 5 p.m. CST on 9/29

~The winner will be annouced at Twitter Gala on 9/30 and receive an extensive prize package for herself AND her BFF!

Friends You Love

2010-09-01T07:24:00.000-05:00

Celebrate the Women friends you love, the women who know how to make you smile and be the true friend that you can always count on to accept you for who you are.

Celebrate that special bond that only Women share. You know, when emotions stir your heart and you "feel" emotionally bonded with one another, even if we are states or countries apart.

For the month of September, 2010, a group of women bloggers have come together to celebrate friendship.

All month long, we will be hosting events, contests, reviews, giveaways, and Twitter parties all in the name of
Friendship!
In addition, you will find links and events on our individual sites leading you around Blognia in hopes that you too will celebrate the gift of friendship!

In 1999, Kappa Delta Sorority created National Women's Friendship Day and in 2009, the celebration was expanded to the entire month of September. Now known as National Women's Friendship Month, the celebration offers all women the opportunity to remember their special friends. (source http://nwfd.kappadelta.org/)

Posty Notes with That One Mom!!

2010-08-31T08:34:00.000-05:00

That One Mom is now hosting PINT!!!

She is an awesome Bish and I couldn't be more excited to play along with her on PINT.

Happy Birthday Pinkus!

2010-08-30T07:07:00.001-05:00

16 years have come and gone....

I hate showing this picture but it was taken 3 weeks before Pinkus was born. My last birth - AMEN.
And that is my beloved dog, Ella, who was the best dog that I have ever known. RIP my Lady Eleanor.

Cayla & JBird with their brand new baby brother

Jr. Mommy Cayla

Big Brothers are so cool

Pinkus was always a happy baby as long as he had something in his mouth!

And this stage of his life I will never forget...

9 years old and all he wanted was a pet snake

(That was a big"No")

That's his Dad in the background

But we did decorate the bedroom in lots of animals, stuffed animals!

Ah.... the years have flown by and he has grown into well mannered, intelligent young man...

that is quick to smile,

act like a dork and be proud of it, loves his family & friends and Airsoft.

Happy 16th Birthday Pinkus!

We love you very much.

Please refrain from derping on the carpet.

Thank you, The Rents

Boob Apron

2010-08-29T09:42:00.000-05:00

Ward sent me this video link this morning and I just HAD to share....

A little Sunday morning guy humor!

Strawberry Pineapple Bread

2010-08-26T08:12:00.001-05:00

Think Tank Momma is swapping BREAD recipes this week.

I love making quick breads.

This is one of my favorite bread recipes that I found on Allrecipes.com

Strawberry Pineapple Bread

*I copied this directly from Allrecipes.com but have added a few notes where I made changes to the recipe

1 (10 ounce) package frozen strawberries -*FRESH is much better if you can get them!

1/2 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple,drained

4 eggs, beaten

1 1/4 cups vegetable oil - *A great substitute for oil is unsweetened applesauce

2 cups sugar

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3/4 cup chopped walnuts

3/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts - *I skipped these, didn't have any in the house

*I added 1 tsp of vanilla - I add vanilla to just about everything I bake!

*Coconut is also fantastic addition to this recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 5x9 inch loaf pans.

*Use whatever pans you have. I like to use cooking spray and sprinkle the pan with cinnamon & sugar

In a bowl, mix the strawberries, pineapple, eggs, oil, and sugar. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix the flour mixture into the bowl with the fruit until evenly moist. Fold in walnuts and macadamia nuts. Divide the batter between the prepared loaf pans.

Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted in the center of a loaf comes out clean. Cool on wire racks.

I don't have pictures because I made this back in June when strawberry season was at it's peak.

Now it's Zucchini season and I have adapted my standard Zucchini bread recipe to add the pineapple to it. Ward & Pinkus love it... but then again, they will eat just about anything!!

Enjoy the day Friends. We are having the most beautiful weather and I am headed out for a walk that will hopefully turn into a jog (knees willing).

Lollipop King

2010-08-21T10:39:00.000-05:00

Boy's, Ward is Back and Over 40 Follow!

2010-08-20T06:48:00.001-05:00

Pinkus and Friend left us this message one day while in Eagle River...

I thought this was pretty damn creative AND they didn't light one match!

WTF= Ward Takes the Floor

(He's Back!!)

And these last two are my favorites!!

This weekend in the local "CornFest" and I will hopefully have some lovely pictures to share with you next week.

Have a great weekend!!

OH!! I almost forgot!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2010-08-17T08:20:00.000-05:00

It's still August, right?

So....

Should I carve it or bake it??

Breakfast with Brandee!

2010-08-12T12:10:00.000-05:00

Think Tank Momma is serving up breakfast specials over yonder and I have a few favorites of my own!

Chorizo and Eggs
Brown the Chorizo, add scrambled eggs and serve with your favorite salsa, cheese and sour cream on a tortilla.
Sorry, no pictures...
I made this for dinner last night and had planned to take picture BUT after I accidentally dumped the eggs between the stove and cabinet, (My Dad didn't call me "Grace" for nothin') I was a little beyond feeling creative.
There is nothing more humbling than cleaning up raw eggs... I felt as though God wanted me on my knees so I said a little prayer.

Another quick and easy family favorite...
French toast
Just get yourself some of that yummy flavored creamer and add it to your eggs. We love French Vanilla flavor or the Hazelnut... both are just delicious.

Short & Sweet
Kinda like me!
(Ward might tell you otherwise... been a wee bit bitchy lately)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-11T08:43:00.000-05:00

Eagle River

TWIPPLE TUESDAY

2010-08-03T08:52:00.000-05:00

Howdy Guys & Gals!

Today is a Twipple Dipper.

I planted these bulbs late last summer and was absolutely in love with the results...

AND....
I get to meet another blogger this week!
She really isn't just another blogger...
(all blogger's are special)
She is one of the BB Bishes who moved to WI this year!
Mad Boastings of a Cheapskate Mom

We will be passing through her neck of the woods on our way to this lovely little cabin up north...

Where we will be doing a whole lot of this...

While enjoying the view....

Gone fishin'....

MIA

2010-07-30T07:48:00.000-05:00

It's been one of those weeks where I don't feel much like doing anything that would be considered social. Most likely a good thing that I stayed away from others seeing as my attitude has been bad all week.

Anysuckyassattitude...

Ward & I went to a few garage sales last week and found some great bargins.

Antique ironing board $3!

Plant stand & pots $4

Vintage magazine rack $2.50

Saw $2 (Ward's only purchase)

Office Space DVD $2

Found this box of dishes and just fell in love with them!

(I later learned the glass is called Hazel Atlas Moderntone)

And the table was found at a flea market for $20

And that is about it.

Not sure where this whole week has gone.

Today I am going to some garage sales with Mom.

Maybe I will be nice to strangers and see if that cheers me up.

Have a good weekend Friends.

Friday Fragments & Tickled Pink and Green!

2010-07-23T13:12:00.001-05:00

I am joining Mrs.4444 in her Friday Fragments because my post is going to be a little of this and a little of that...

Let's kick off with being absolutely Tickled Pink with Holly at 504 Main!

Did you see her post today with a link to make your own gift bags out of newspaper?

Totally Cool!

Juney is Tickled Pink to have come across A Spoonful of...

This classy chic comes up with some of the greatest craft ideas and stumbles upon some of the best finds at the local thrift stores AND she bakes!!

You just have to go and see what this little lady is up to.

Have you been Tickled Pink with all the new recipes posted on Lose It Bitches!?

Take a gander at some of the fantastic recipes that are healthy but you would never know it!

Tickled Green!

I love learning new ideas for going Green.

Erin did another great post full of great ideas and tips!

I am working on my Green a little more each day.
Cutting back on plastic is one of my main goals but there are somethings that just require the use of plastic, be it a little or a lot.

Shower Caps

Keep those freebie shower caps you get at Hotels/Motels - they make for great bowl/plate covers.

I will wash & reuse them at least 2 or 3 times.

They work great on that decorative bowl that doesn't have a lid or how about that cheese tray?

Bread and Bun Bags

Start saving the bread/bun bags!

They work great for quick storage or doing a little shake & bake.

The bags are stronger than a produce bag and wash up real well.

And here is where we get all Fragmented....

I found this vintage dish towel at an antique store for a $1

And decided it needed a little flair.

So today while out hitting garage sales, I totally Scored!

I got this whole box of embroidery floss for $1.50

Mom & I have been busy doing embroidery on flour sack towels so we are totally tickled!!

Oh and the rain...
Yesterday we received over 4"
This a picture of my front yard looking across to my neighbors

Yeah... Ward was totally freaking out.
And we have more rain on the way...

Hey! Speaking of Ward...

Here's a little something Mr.Cleaver thought you might enjoy!

Have a lovely weekend Friends!

SaS! Stuffed Boob

2010-07-22T07:40:00.001-05:00

STUFF-IT with Think Tank Momma!

Stuffed Chicken Breast
4 chicken boobs
1 stick Cream Cheese
Herb & Garlic seasoning (I used Wildtreebrand)
Bread Crumbs, seasoned to your liking
Egg

Mix cream cheese with herb & garlic seasoning,place in plastic baggy and freeze. You will want to freeze this justlong enough to allow you to cut nice firm chunks.
Oven 325 degrees
Grease the dish/pan with Pam or oil (whatever yourpreference is)
Cut a slit in the boob so you can stuff it.
Dip boob in egg then dredge in seasoned breadcrumbs
Place in prepared dish and stuff with cream cheese
Bake for about an hour

Very simple recipe and Ward enjoyed it... but he is a boob man.
Juney, she likes the dark meat.

Have a lovely days friends. I am off running errands all day and will hopefully have time to play with my new blog layout that Homesick Cajun made for me in ONE day!! She is so awesome. Go show this lovely lady some love.

Happiness Tuesday

2010-07-20T07:40:00.001-05:00

What started off as this...

Became this!

This little beauty is about the size of my hand span!

PINT

O.W.L

2010-07-19T08:45:00.001-05:00

Own It.... Work It.... Love it
The wonderful Think Tank Momma wrote an awesome post last week (which I missed completely, Sorry B!) about Owning who you are, knowing how to Work it and Loving it!

She asked her friends to list 15 things they love about themselves. Many of us find this difficult but I was inspired by The Blue Zoo and her list of 15 things which got me writing my list while making dinner the other night.
My 15....
I love that I talk to myself and get great anwers

I love that I will be the first to call myself a dumbass

I love that I am able to tell myself to stay on task and get it done because I have a wondering mind that loves to go ADD on me (envision a bowl of spaghetti)

I love that I have stayed successfully "in love" with Ward after 10 years. After too many failed relationships and marriages, I was beginning to doubt I could ever pull it off.

I love that I am Queen of Self-reward. I cook what I want to eat for dinner and Ward & Pinkus will thank me for such a good meal when really, it was all about me and what I wanted to reward myself with!

I love that I have a bit of self discipline. I actually force myself to get my chores/housework done in exchange for blogging, sewing, play time. Of course I set the measure of how much work equals how much play time I have...

I love being ADD. It keeps me busy and burns calories. (it also keeps me from remembering how bad my memory really is)

I love that I can grow a respectable garden and pretty flowers. Now if I could grow a Green thumb indoors... (Juney kills indoor plants)

I love that I can finally put my own worm on a hook and not have to bother Ward or Pinkus to do it for me. (only took 5 years to get over it!)

I love that Pinkus thinks I have awesome driving skillz because he is very much alone in thinking this.

I love eating dessert before dinner and so do my kids! I will own this one

I love that I can be having a conversation with another person and accidentally spit on them while talking, brush it off with a quick "Oh! Sorry!" and continue the conversation like it never happened.

I love the fact that I can actually sew, quilt and do crafts. I never thought I could wrap my brain some of the projects I have undertaken and actually "finish" them!

I love being accepted for who I am and still have women who call me Friend.

I love that I am strong in spirit and will fight to stay strong before caving in to self-pity.

What do you Own, Work and Love about yourself?

Hang em' High!

2010-07-16T09:28:00.001-05:00

It's a Green day at the Cleaver's!

Juney is saving on the electricity and hanging clothes out on her new clothes line.

I found this really good video on how to setup a pulley system clothes line.

Finding the parts was a little more difficult...

Home Depot for the Pulley's

Menards for the Rope, Carabeners, Hooks

True Value for the Rope Ratchet/tightener *this thing is cool*

Now all I needed was a clothespin bag and I was all set!

I found a super easy pattern on the web for making my own clothespin bag.

Sticking to the green idea, I used a vintage table cloth that wasn't in very good shape for the material and in 15 minutes from start to finish, I had a cute bag full of clothespins!

Do you get excited to do laundry??

Juney does, now that she can hang em' high!!

This was a bonus to the Green addition.

The neighbors have a nice patch of raspberries and always invite me over to take as much as I want

And this is what my morning consisted of...

There are a few Mulberries in the mix along with Rhubarb.

Have a Jam good Friday my friends!

Cocktails with Juney!

2010-07-15T19:32:00.000-05:00

Think Tank Momma is awesome and I love this button she made!!

After trying many different recipes, I have finally found a Mojito recipe that I really like.

June's Mojito

First, June takes a stroll over to the flowerbed that is being invaded by peppermint. You can find fresh mint at the grocery store or farmers market.

Next:
Get a large glass (these drinks take about five minutes to make and if you lack patients like me, you won't want to be making one of these every half-hour)
Rum (Bacardi is a favorite)Diet Ginger Ale
Teaspoon of powdered sugar (looks like coke, right??)
Lime
Muddler
Lime/Lemon press
Mix in this order:
Put mint in the cup whole (I love mint so I am very generous with it)
Squeeze in one whole lime for large cup
Muddle lime & mint
Add powder sugar and swirl around to dissolve
Ice cubes to fill cup
Using the glass as your measuring cup...
Add 1/3 Rum to 2/3 Ginger Ale
Stir well.

Now that I have all those ingredients laid out so nice I think I will mix myself a cocktail and join Ward on the deck for another beautiful evening.
Enjoy and remember, always drink responsibly.

WWW.Mixed Bag

2010-07-14T10:51:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday in Wisconsin!

What you are looking at is a pet patio...(I think)

Snapped this pic with my BB so it's not very good.

Winner!

I won this lovely Hamilton Beach Food Processor from Mind of a Mad Women!!
My food processor was 15 years old and needing replacement bad.
I never win anything so I am freaking tickled pink to have a new appliance in my kitchen!

Walk around the yard

Have I mentioned that I absolutely LOVE summer and flowers??

Enjoy the day my friends.

Hugs,

Hot Black Bean Salsa Dip

2010-07-08T12:25:00.000-05:00

It's time to Share a Spoon with Think Tank Momma and the theme is appetizers. I love finger foods. My family has actually skipped main dishes and just served up appetizers at family gatherings with great success.

This is a super easy dip to make and there is usually only a scoop or two left.
Hot Black Bean Salsa Dip
1/2 jar Black Bean Salsa (we really like Mrs.Renfro's)
1 stick of softened cream cheese
1/2 package of taco seasoning
Shredded cheddar
Combine soft cream cheese with 1/2 package of taco seasoning.
Spread in the bottom of a pie plate or whatever small dish you have handy (as long as it is oven safe) - double the recipe for larger pan size
Pour the salsa over the cream cheese mixture
Top with shredded cheese
Pop it in the oven (350 degrees)
Give it about 5 - 10 minutes.
Remove when the shredded cheese has melted
Serve with tortilla chips

And now to go walk off the calories....
Have a lovely day friends!!

Happy, Snappy and Playful

2010-07-06T09:10:00.000-05:00

Happy

Ward bought me these lovely vintage TV trays.

They are in beautiful condition.

I am doing the happy dance!

Snappy

Didn't your Mother ever teach you not to play with your food?!!

June is over...

2010-07-02T12:17:00.001-05:00

Wow... it's already July 2nd.
It's been a month of rain and sunshine and it looks like July is going to be beautiful.

After ripping 3 plastic produce bags off the roll at the store the other day I decided it's time to make my own. Feeling guilty can produce some nice results!

I am actually considering selling these bags....
3 for $5? Does that sound like too much?
In other news...
Pinkus is busy marching and performing with the Sound. They placed 2nd in every competition. A band from Calgary is kicking some ass this year. People, these kids are working their butts off, I mean they get home from a performance at midnight and start rehearsal the next morning at 9am, rehearse on blacktop in full sun for hours, get on the bus and do another show... I am one proud Momma and LOVE THAT SOUND!

JBird, my oldest son should be back soon stateside from his latest tour in the Big Sandbox. My JBird is in the Army and flies on the back of a pimped-out Chinook helicopter as a crew chief with a Special Operations unit. He posted on his Facebook the other day that it feels like a hot oven with a fan blowing at about 350 degrees. JBird will be home in time to help with the final planning of his wedding in September. Again, I am a proud Momma.

Cayla wrapped up her first job as a teacher. She loved working with the High School kids and was sad not to get hired on for the next school year. We were all bummed. BUT, she was asked to come and teach again at a weight loss camp for kids. So Cayla is flying out to FL for 4 weeks of fun on the beach, working with kids to teach them how to eat healthy, have fun exercising and build self esteem. She really has a gift for working with teens and the kids love her. Yes, this Momma is proud and has complete faith that she will land another full-time teaching position.

Cayla (in the white) with a few students

And what about Ward??

Ward has a 4 day weekend and plans to enjoy himself as much as possible.

He kicked the weekend off by moving 2 tons rock (sounds fun, right???)

To under the deck

ALL BY HIMSELF!

Where was Juney? Why didn't she help?
Juney was at the movie theater with blogger Julie watching ECLIPSE!
Plus I have tendinitis in my elbows that there was no way I was helping move all that rock. Ward doesn't like to hear my complain about how much it hurts just to freaking take a jug of water out of the fridge or brush my teeth so opted out of this project. I hate not being able to do everyday tasks without shooting pain in my elbows but I just can't seem to sit still long enough to heal.

HOLY COW!

This is getting to be quite the little rambling post, let's see if we can wrap it up all nice and neat with a few little ditty's from Ward!

WTF=Ward Takes the Floor

Ward is a Stooge fan and loved this one...

I am off in my rocket with lunch in my pocket and nothing to do but fly!

Happy Day to all of you!

3! A Charm

$200! Selling my BlogHer 11' full conference pass

MotherLove

And in the news...

Dreaming of Spring

Fireworks?

And I really wanted to grill out....

-9 and Blamy

Stickin' to Snow

Any ideas?

Happy Birthday!

That didn't last very long...

Wrap it up!

Sticky with Santa!

Glad tidings for Christmas And a happy New Year!

Right back at ya'!

Traditions Change

Socks!

Brrrrrr.....

*Cheers!*

Retraction - Sticky Style

Pics with the Prez

Let it snow...

Under construction

Holiday GREEN

No Bake Turkey Day!

Fire Chicken

Is it Monday yet?

Woot! It's Friday!!

Buried in Love

Picky Posty

Monday Eye Candy

Sundays in my City - Road trip!

Rambling on...

Tuesday Posty Notes!

Upcycle

Sticky

Happy Halloween!

Nervous Nelly

You have been Warned!

Stuck it on Tuesday

Meet me on Monday

Stuffed Peppers & Blog Hops

A little fall color!

Stuck it

Rest in Peace

Want to play along?

3! A Charm Baby!

Pumpkin Bars - SaS

Super Sticky!

A great day!

Ward is on his own...

One of "Those" days

WOOT! It's Posty Notes Time

Monday

Sneak Peek!

Come fly with me!

Wedding Pics!

BEER BUTT - SaS

Stick em' Up!

A Spoonful of Everything! Blog Hop Guest Post

Time to go Hunting for Wabbit!

Million Dollar Cookies - SaS

Party & Prizes

Friends You Love - Blog Hop!!

I spy....

BLOG HOP!!

BFF Contest!!

Friends You Love

Posty Notes with That One Mom!!

Happy Birthday Pinkus!

Boob Apron

Strawberry Pineapple Bread

Lollipop King

Boy's, Ward is Back and Over 40 Follow!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Breakfast with Brandee!

Wordless Wednesday

TWIPPLE TUESDAY

MIA

Cheers!