Menagerie

Forgive Me Bloggers For I Have Pinned

2011-06-27T10:45:00.005-04:00

How about you, have you started pinning yet? If not you must rush right over and get started!

Pinterest is a virtual pin board - you create your own pin boards, browse through things others have pinned and add your favorites to your own boards, or pin up anything you find that you love from blogs or anywhere on the Internet!

For example, the bracelets below are one of the things I came across that I totally adore. I added these to my Personal Style board...

Source: imgfave.com via Martha on Pinterest

I had seen Pinterest around quite a bit on blogs lately, I was very pinterested ::hehe:: My friend Cindy finally inspired me to go check it out after sharing some wonderful things on her blog Gemini Wilder from her finds there. Now I'm hooked. I really, really love it. I need an intervention - or maybe we should call it a pintervention ;-)

It can definitely be very addicting and yet another way to procrastinate and waste time on the computer - I say after creating 18 boards and over 450 pins already. At the same time, it's a great way to find out who you really are. After looking at the boards I've created I actually said to myself "So that's who I am!" It's so much fun and so liberating!

I guess the cool thing is that's it's a place to put together our own wants, likes, needs, styles, and loves all in one place without considering others opinions. Of course we can create special boards for things for our loved ones too if we want to. The individual boards we create are only limited by our own imaginations.

Pinterest has been really helpful for my upcoming redecorating too. I have so many different likes and styles that I didn't know which direction to go. My thoughts on things were all just all over the place and mashing together. Pinterest really helped me to separate and organize the chaos, and given me some really great ideas.

If you're pinterested (oh my I must stop with the pinterest humor!) stop by my boards using the button below and then just click on each board to see details...

If you want to start pinning too just let me know and I'll send you an invitation (pinvitation, lol), otherwise you have to sign up and wait for an invite. Hope you'll come over and join me in my latest addiction :-)

Beach Party ~ Catch Up Time

2011-06-18T19:05:00.052-04:00

Grab your beach chair and a cold one from the cooler, it's that time - yep, time to kick back and relax, it's time to get our beach party started!

I seem to have caused some confusion by hosting the beach parties with a shared linky here and also at my food blog Seaside Simplicity. The parties have been all about the food there for the most part - food for the party is great, in fact that was and is still part of the party plans, but the main idea of these parties is to catch up with what's been going on in each others lives just as we would if we were really getting together for a real beach party. So this week I'm only hosting the party here at Menagerie, we'll see how things go, maybe I'll alternate - any other suggestions?

~ What's been going on in my world lately ~

Last week I was back to the 10 hour workday schedule, almost 12 if you count my commute. It's been so tiring, but only one more week to go on that schedule, and then finally a couple weeks off!

Besides work my world has been filled with construction. We've been doing renovations at both homes going on 6 months now, and doing it all ourselves. We have tons of different projects going at once and living in such a huge mess! Here's a little peek at the latest photos taken today...

This was my mother's house which we are planning to move into this summer if we can ever get things finished up! We refer to this house at "The Mansion" since it's so much larger than our house. We call our house "The Beach House" now. Yes, we are pretending we are rich people - Dahling shall we spend the weekend at the mansion or the beach house? Hey, we have to do something to keep our sense of humor!

Today I had to get the POD storage unit (photo above) emptied by myself after getting a notice from the homeowners association that it had been there too long - gotta love deed restricted communities. The guys were busy with bigger things, so the POD was my baby to handle in the scorching Florida heat. I'm totally exhausted!

I had to do just what I swore I wouldn't do and move all that stuff back into the house. It was supposed to go from the storage to the garage until I could sort through it and deal with it, but as you can see the garage is still construction central. I had to take one room that was completed to use for a storage area for now. The hardest part is that so many things will have to be moved again and again and again by the time everything at both homes is completed!

I am dealing with renovating two homes at once, trying to move from one to the other, trying to set one up as a furnished vacation rental, and dealing with sorting and storing the contents of my daughters apartment, a huge amount of my mother's belongings that I wasn't able to donate in the original clean out, and our own stuff that has gotten totally out of control compliments of my pack rat husband - love him dearly but sure don't love the stuff.

Right now I don't feel like I'll ever have things in order again. Realistically I know I will eventually, it's just not going to happen anywhere near as quickly as I'd like. I hate to say it but it could literally take years - very frustrating!

~ What's been going on in my blogging world lately ~

At Seaside Simplicity I have a Theme of the Month Recipe Round Up going on. This month's theme is salads. At last count there were 59 different salads linked up! Be sure to pop over to link up if you have a great salad posted or just to get some great ideas.

Other than the food I have posted for the Beach Parties, the only other recipe I have up this month at Seaside Simplicity is my Lime Herb Chicken with Garlic Parsley Potatoes...

Then over at MM's Missions I posted my June Mission - Focus on Fitness only to be followed up by my Murphy's Law post - It really figures!

Speaking of MM's Missions, I'm closing up shop there. Any of my usual content there will be brought over here including my participation in Laura's 52 Weeks of Organizing! Hey, it's not called a "Menagerie" here for nothing you know!

Now I want to hear what's been going on in your world!

Sunset Reminders

2011-06-12T19:27:00.006-04:00

Hurry on over to The Beach Party it's almost time to watch the sunset!

Lyndsey from The Tiny Skillet brought us a pitcher of cool, refreshing Agua de Flor de Jamacia and she didn't forget the rum!

Photo Credit - Lyndsey

I have to leave the party just after sunset tonight to get home and ready for my fun filled new schedule at work for the next couple weeks: 10 hour workdays - fun, fun, fun!

The Beach Party continues without me after sunset until midnight on Thursday. Hope you'll have a chance to stop by. Cheers!

Beach Party - Changes

2011-06-10T19:00:00.011-04:00

I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to try to get these weekend beach parties started. My life has been so hectic and complicated lately that I barely have time to to catch my breath on Friday nights once I'm finished with work for the week - and then bright and early on Saturday mornings I move on to very busy weekends, and I'm not talking fun kind of busy.

I really thought doing these posts would be a relaxing and enjoyable thing to do on my Friday evenings, but instead I find myself feeling like it's just one more thing on the list I need to do. All of us who blog strictly for pleasure know that if it feels like work instead of fun it's something we shouldn't be doing.

I love the idea of the virtual beach parties, I just don't have the time or energy to do it every week. I made a decision last weekend that I was going to do anything within my power to take demands off my time and simplify things as much as possible during this crazy time in my life.

So here's the deal - I don't want to do away with the beach parties, but don't want to feel obligated and probably won't post them every single week. They are officially random for now instead of weekly. Everyone good with that?

Enough complaining, I'm ready to get this party started - how about you? Come on, your friends are all waiting down at the beach!

This week I'm bringing some bacon wrapped stuffed jalapenos for our party buffet...

These are simply jalapeno peppers cut in half, cleaned and stuffed with cream cheese, wrapped in bacon and secured with toothpicks. Bake at 350 until bacon is crisp and cheese slightly browned. I've found that partially cooked bacon (or the kinds that come precooked) work best if you like your bacon nice and crisp.

These are super simple but so good! Go ahead and try one, just be sure to have a nice cold drink to go with it!

I can't wait to spend some time catching up with all of you!

Who Needs Opposable Thumbs Anyway?

2011-06-05T21:22:00.002-04:00

I wanna be a kitty - one of my spoiled kitties anyway. I think kitties probably wanna be a people. Doesn't he look like a people? Can you tell that he's just being lazy, demanding snacks and telling me to turn the TV to some kind of sports? If only he had opposable thumbs things would be so different. On second thought, he already knows just what to do to make me do whatever he wants. He probably laughs at the mention of opposable thumbs. Who needs them when you have servants?!

Party time!

2011-06-03T21:00:00.013-04:00

Time to grab your virtual beach towels, put on your virtual flip flops and head over to the beach! What's this all about you ask? Check out the Weekend Beach Party link at the top for more info.

Close your eyes for a few minutes and imagine you are heading down to the beach. It's almost sunset, friends are waiting. Back at the picnic area there's good food on the grill, nice cold drinks, and a great spread of appetizers, side dishes, snacks and desserts. You're welcome to bring something to add if you'd like.

Now it's time to mix, mingle and fill each other in on what's been happening in our lives lately while enjoying the weekend at the beach. Create your post telling us all about what's been going on and then head back over to link up. That's what these virtual beach parties are all about. There are no rules, just relax, enjoy, and make some new friends while you're here.

Last weekend I brought pizza and beer (well duh, nothing new there ;-). Other friends brought margaritas, sangria, great music, BBQ, desserts, and we even had a nice breakfast buffet provided for the next morning. Hey, it's a weekend long beach party, we need all kinds of goodies!

Now that you know all about what's going on here it's time to get our beach party started!

My week was a busy one! It was the last week of school so things were very busy at work. I'm a little sad tonight because I'm going to miss the seniors that are graduating this weekend. I've become so close to some of them, especially my student aides. It's like seeing my own kids graduate and move on into their adult lives. The big difference and saddest part is that most of these students I'll never see again. Every year they take a little part of my heart when they go, but this year my aides have been even more special to me and we've been through a very difficult and tragic year together. I won't get into detail here but just trust me on that one.

Things have been really busy at home too with my own children's end of the year activities. My oldest son returned at the beginning of the week from a five day trip to New York City! He went there with his high school chorus to sing at Carnegie Hall - opportunity of a lifetime! My youngest son enjoyed his last week of middle school, he's off to high school next school year - my babies have all grown up way too fast! I got a text message from my daughter this week telling me she had passed me up and now has six cats and one dog ::rolling eyes:: Hubby has been sick this week and I've just been completely exhausted!

Enough about my week! Here's what I'm bringing to the party buffet for this weekend...

Nothing fancy, just your typical Toll House cookie recipe. I think we all know that one without repeating it here. Go ahead and have one while they are still warm!

Join us each weekend for the party at the beach, and remember - what happens at the beach stays at the beach! Pass me another cold one will ya?

What Happens at the Beach Stays at the Beach...

2011-05-29T21:45:00.079-04:00

I'm back and I'm ready to celebrate!

Does anyone remember how I once held virtual parties here on the weekends? It was always fun to post but I was never able to build it up into my idea of what a fun thing it could be. I've decided to try again - it's time to try to revive the weekend parties!

Here's how it works...

At some point each weekend (usually Friday night) I will put up a party post. It's kind of like a virtual happy hour all weekend long! It's a place for blog friends to meet, mix, and mingle. It's a place to kick off your shoes, feel the warm sand between your toes, relax, eat, drink, meet some new bloggers or hook up with old friends and just have a good time.

Generally I will tell you a little about my week, maybe include some photos, a recipe or photo of some kind of food or drink I'll be bringing to the virtual party and invite you to do the same - food and/or drink not required but we do all eat several times a day all week don't we? How hard is it to include a shot of one meal or snack along the way? The most important part is just doing a post to tell us what's been going on in your world.

This is a way to reconnect and get to know each other a little better. No real rules, but it would be great if you would visit a couple others who link up. Come on, what's a party if you just stop in for a second and then leave or just sit quietly in the corner?!

So what do you say, ready to come on over to the beach for a party?

It's always so nice to see you here! Pull your stool up to the bar and place your order - it's Happy Hour! I have a fresh pizza that just came out of the oven. Hold on while I slice it and then please help yourself...

I have been so busy lately! My pizza is store bought pizza crust topped with sauce, mozzarella and sprinkled with oregano - it's the best it's getting during these hectic times. Hope you are bringing something to add to our party buffet too, we're going to need some things to munch on while we party through the weekend!

I'm posting late this weekend but decided to go for it since it's a holiday weekend. I'm leaving the linky open for a couple days to give you time to do your post to join the party. Normally I will be posting on Friday nights and the party will be open until Sunday night - I'll decided any details along the way.

I know I am getting long winded but I have to mention what reminded me of these weekend parties. It was the fun blog hop Virtual Coffee at Lucky Number 13 that jogged my memory. I love the Virtual Coffee idea, please stop by to visit there too!

I feel like I've become kind of detached in my blogging lately - getting together for a beach party each week will be a a lot of fun and bring us all closer! I started blogging many years ago, back then it was comparable to living in a small town where just about everyone knew each other, these days blogging is like living in a huge city. Yes there is more fun, more excitement, more opportunity, but having that close connection with people seems to get lost. I want more close connections again with my blogging friends and this seems like a good way to try to do it. This is the place we can meet once a week to catch up and stay connected.

Join me each weekend for the party at the beach, and remember - what happens at the beach stays at the beach! Pass me another cold one will ya?

Break Time

2011-05-01T21:10:00.009-04:00

I guess the A-Z Blogging Challenge wore me out - that and life in general lately. I've decided to give Menagerie a little blog break for now. I will still be posting over at Seaside Simplicity here and there because no matter what I have going on I still have to cook for my family. Join me there or at least promise not to take me off your blog lists while I'm gone. I'll be back here before you know it! :-)

Z is for Zinnias

2011-04-30T05:00:00.027-04:00

I think Zinnias are my all time favorite flowers. What's yours?

I can't believe this ends the A-Z Blogging Challenge, and I can't believe I made it through the whole thing! I've had a lot of fun with it and it's been so nice meeting so many new fun bloggers. Here's to all who made it through - cheers!

Linking this post to Color Carnival

Y is for Yummy

2011-04-29T05:00:00.012-04:00

Come on over to Seaside Simplicity for my latest super simple yummy treats!

X Marks the Spot

2011-04-28T05:00:00.039-04:00

"Letterboxing is an intriguing pastime combining navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry in a charming "treasure hunt" style outdoor quest. A wide variety of adventures can be found to suit all ages and experience levels."

X marks the spot!

Years ago my daughter (in the photos above) introduced me to Letterboxing. It was a hobby of hers and we just happened to be going somewhere where a box was hidden - Historic Spanish Point in Osprey Florida.

It turned out to be a lot of fun! It felt risky being all sneaky and having lookouts to be sure nobody saw us. Of course we weren't doing a thing that would have got us in any kind of trouble, but it still held that kind of "not getting caught" excitement!

I haven't continued it after that day but I can definitely see why people enjoy playing. It was very popular at one time, I wonder if anyone still plays - anyone else ever heard of it?

Go HERE to read about Letterboxing in North America or HERE for general info. Maybe you will want to join in the Letterboxing fun!

What more do you expect for the letter X?! :-P

W is for Waves

2011-04-27T05:00:00.006-04:00

Waves as the storm approaches.

V is for Vending Machine

2011-04-26T05:00:00.017-04:00

I thought this was really odd even here in Florida, but then again I don't fish. Maybe these machines are a normal thing that I just haven't seen around. It doesn't seem likely since I've lived in Florida my entire life. Anyone else know?

U is for Umbrella

2011-04-25T05:00:00.020-04:00

Umbrella and other images in the paradise I call home!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T11:00:00.010-04:00

I've been tagged by Lyndsey at The Tiny Skillet to join the Easter party by uploading at least 5 of my food photos with links to the recipes to bring along to the party.

Here are some of my favorites...

You can't have a party without these savory shrimp puffs!

Colorful back bean and corn salsa served with tortilla chips is great for a party buffet during any season!

This loaded baked potato salad makes a great side dish.

How about a nice slice of key-lime cheesecake pie for dessert?

And there there's my latest and greatest addition to the Easter buffet...

Of course everyone should have these cool stuffed carrots at their Easter party!

There you have it, my contributions for the party. I hope someone remembers to bring the ham! If you'd like to play along consider yourself tagged!

I have an Easter party in full swing over at Seaside Simplicity too. Come on over and bring along your Easter favorites!

Linking this post to:
Weekend Eating ~ Let's Do Brunch

T is for Tempting Tasty Treats

2011-04-23T00:42:00.004-04:00

I made these tempting tasty treats for my boys for Easter. I gave up sweets for lent so I can't tell you how they are - the boys sure seemed to enjoy them! If you'd like to know how to make them the recipe is posted at my food blog Seaside Simplicity.

See you all for the final week of the A-Z Blogging Challenge next week. Have a Happy Easter!

Linking up to: Shadow Shots

S is for Silly Scary Skeletons

2011-04-22T04:00:00.000-04:00

Another great piece of artwork by one of the high school students!

R is for Renovations

2011-04-21T05:00:00.014-04:00

This is a little peek at what the last few months of my life has looked like...

Ugh, still not finished!

Q is for Queen

2011-04-20T05:00:00.026-04:00

My kitty Missy is the one we refer to as the queen.

Here's Missy now...

Here she was when she was a baby - no wonder she became the queen...

Have you ever seen a more adorable kitty?!

Linking up to:
Weekend Cat Blogging and Camera Critters

P is for Popcorn

2011-04-19T05:00:00.010-04:00

Life in Florida!

Source - received in email

O is for Orange

2011-04-18T05:00:00.029-04:00

Orange construction cones that is!

This is a special post for my blogging buddy Iggy. If you don't already know Iggy you should head over to his blog Intense Guy to meet him - find out what started his orange cone obsession while you're there! I can't drive through a construction zone without thinking about my pal Iggy.

Iggy, I think we need your help here. It looks to me like this could be a case of bullying!

N is for Nautilus

2011-04-16T08:30:00.001-04:00

Take a look inside a Nautilus shell - beautiful isn't it?

Have a great weekend!

M is for Monochrome Memories

2011-04-15T05:00:00.001-04:00

Some of my favorite monochrome shots from my blog archives.

L is for Life

2011-04-14T05:00:00.002-04:00

This says it all!

credit - source unknown

K is for Kitty

2011-04-13T05:00:00.003-04:00

Yes, it's another kitty - and there are more!

This one is the most recent addition to my kitty family. She showed up one day a couple of months ago and never left. We call her Grungy. Poor baby. It's tough being a white kitty in the outside world!

By the way, she is no relation to my other white kitty Chewy the crazy cardboard and plastic eating cat that loves to play fetch!

J is for Jelly Beans

2011-04-12T05:00:00.003-04:00

The Easter Bunny will be here soon!

Linking up to: Color Carnival

I is for Indian Blankets

2011-04-11T05:45:00.004-04:00

These pretty flowers called Indian Blankets grow wild all over my yard and throughout the neighborhood. I've posted photos of them many times over the years, couldn't resist once again for the letter I. I couldn't buy flowers as pretty as these.

I am very lucky to have them too since I don't have much of a green thumb and have a husband who puts off mowing until we can't see the house when we pull up in the driveway - Ok, I'm exaggerating a little, but only a little! Anyway, the flowers are gorgeous aren't they?!

Crazy Cat!

2011-04-10T20:15:00.008-04:00

Since we don't post on Sundays for the A-Z Challenge I thought I'd share a photo I took today of my crazy cat. I just can't stop laughing about it. This cat is not quite right!

Linking up to Camera Critters.

Head over to post your favorite critter photos!

H is for Healthy

2011-04-09T01:00:00.019-04:00

I know you want to make this healthy and simple 30 minute meal don't you?

Visit my food blog Seaside Simplicity to see how I made it.

Have a great weekend!

G is for Ganache

2011-04-08T06:00:00.047-04:00

Chocolate Ganache Cake
.

I gave up sweets for lent - and alcohol (what was I thinking?!!)

So why do I torture myself by bringing things like this home for my family?

Guess this makes me the Great Generous Ganache Giver ;-)

F is for Fear

2011-04-07T05:00:00.012-04:00

I saw this artwork on display at the school where I work, created by a student of course. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a shot to show it off for the letter F today. I can't help but wonder what was in the artists mind when it was created. I wonder if he or she is in fear of something? Something personal or a general statement of how they view of our world?

Here's a list of fears, you have to check these out! I just couldn't believe some of them. I got a good laugh out of a few, not that anyone's fears are a funny thing but some of them are just unimaginable.

The one I got the biggest laugh out of was Sesquipedalophobia. Can you guess what that's a fear of? It's a fear of long words! Why would they make that the longest word on the list of fears? That's just mean - funny but mean!

What do you fear? You aren't afraid to tell me are you? ;-)

E is for Eupathy

2011-04-06T01:00:00.008-04:00

I want to say today just how excited I am to be playing along on this A-Z Blogging Challenge. I've done these types of challenges before. I'm a regular participant in Nabolopomo each year along with other challenges, but this one has been different for me. This challenge has introduced me to a whole new world of bloggers. I don't mean just meeting new people, I do that on blogs all the time. This is different, it's been comparable to leaving home and vacationing in a fun and exciting new place!

When I first joined this challenge and started clicking around it seemed everyone participating was a writer. I knew this challenge was open to each individuals imagination not just for writers, but for just a few minutes I thought maybe I had made a mistake, that this wasn't the right challenge for me. As I said in a comment to someone today, I'm not a writer, I just like to talk a lot and choose to do that through my fingers on the keyboard - but a writer? No way!

I'd just like to say thank you to all the new visitors and new followers from the challenge, and thank you for making me feel comfortable and welcome in your writer's world of blogs. I am enjoying your blogs so much! Of course a thank you goes out to all who have stopped by and to all of my regular readers for sticking with me through the good times and bad, the blog breaks and returns, as well as my constant bouncing from one blog to the other.

I've made some lifelong friends through my blogs over the years. My blogs are where I come to relax and unwind. It's where I share my passion for photography, cooking and life in general. Some people think it's weird, but it's also a big part of my social life, not out of necessity but out of my own preference and enjoyment (I finally squeezed in another E word!), It's simply one of my favorite things to do!

D is for Delicious Dinner

2011-04-05T05:00:00.023-04:00

Head over to my food blog Seaside Simplicity if you want to make it too.

It's super quick and easy which leave lots of extra time for blogging ;-)

Go ahead, I Double Dog Dare ya!

C is for Crazy Cat

2011-04-04T05:00:00.042-04:00

My Crazy Cat Chewy

She was originally named Chewbacca because of the weird noises she made when she was a kitten, she really sounded just like Chewbacca. Her name was later shortened to Chewy, which may have been a mistake since she lives up to it and chews on all kinds of things. She's especially fond of anything plastic or cardboard.

I know she wishes I'd leave her alone long enough with this paper plate mountain wrapped in plastic to really have some fun. I look at my computer and she starts chewing, I look back at her and she stops. Obviously a smart kitty but such a weirdo!

The A-Z Blogging Challenge

2011-04-02T15:00:00.008-04:00

There is seriously something wrong with me. I know I have absolutely no business joining another challenge as busy and overwhelmed as my life is right now, but you know how I am, I can't resist a good challenge!

I stopped over to visit my blogging buddy Martha from The Daily Grind today and found a fun A-Z Blogging Challenge she is participating in...

Of course I'm going to play along too - who could resist?! If you'd like to join us just click the badge! This isn't necessarily a photo challenge, it can be anything at all as long as it represents the letter for that day. The challenge is to post every day this month (except Sundays) for a total of 26 A-Z posts. So far there are 1186 participants and more still joining!

I've been wanting to get more active again here at Menagerie, what better way to give myself that little push!

Since I just found this challenge I kind of cheated and added to my post yesterday to include the letter A. Today is the letter B - B is for Badge for the A-Z Blogging Challenge.

Come play along, this is going to "B" fun ;-)

TGIF!

2011-04-01T20:30:00.024-04:00

Have a wonderful weekend!

A is for flying through the "Air" for the A-Z Blogging Challenge.

Also linking up to:

Skywatch Friday ~ That's My World ~ Weekend Reflections

Murphy pays a visit

2011-03-25T20:30:00.002-04:00

It's time for FY Friday. This week my FYF goes out to Murphy and his laws!
.

I've mentioned more than a few times that we have been doing some major renovations over these last few months. We were pretty excited that this weekend we were planning to finish the shower in the master bathroom which would complete the last of the big construction projects - that was until my husband walked in and found the kitchen and family room flooded.

Of course it's coming from under the floor beneath the kitchen island in the middle of the kitchen. Looks like it's time to start busting up the brand new travertine stone flooring, not to mention the damaged baseboards, drywall and possibly the cabinets. Want to know the best part? We let the homeowners insurance lapse. Way to go. We should have known Murphy was lurking around the corner just waiting for his chance.

It's a big mess, a huge disappointment, it's going to be costly, and I don't know that we'll have the money to do it after all we've already put into the renovations - but you know what? I'm sitting here with my husband and children this evening. We are all healthy, we have a roof over our heads, warm beds to sleep in, food on the table, and we're all here together to figure out what we'll do from here. I think about what's going on in Japan and I feel very lucky and very thankful. In the grand scheme of things what we're dealing with is small stuff.

My warped sense of humor

2011-03-22T17:33:00.000-04:00

Missy and the Nuggs

2011-03-19T11:30:00.000-04:00

My adorable babies!

Show off your babies too over at Camera Critters.

Also linked to doubles week at Written Inc.

CSN Rocks!

2011-03-08T19:00:00.006-05:00

As I'm sure all of you know by now I'm getting ready to move soon. I'm still shopping for a few things - still need bar stools, some decorative items, ceiling fans, lighting and flat panel TV stands for the boy's game room and our master bedroom.

What do you think about this one?

Browse through all the selections at CSN using the link above the photo, tell me which one you like the most!

As usual CSN came through just in time offering me an opportunity to do another review. They are giving me a $55 gift code to pick out a nice housewarming gift for myself or to use towards one of the larger items I still need. I'm telling you, they really rock!

Don't worry I wouldn't leave you out, there is a giveaway waiting for you too! If you'd like a chance to win a $55 CSN gift certificate just head over to my food blog Seaside Simplicity, the link is on the sidebar!

Disclosure - I will receive a gift certificate from CSN for this post, no other form of monetary compensation.

Want to save money?

2011-03-07T23:30:00.000-05:00

Amanda from Couponchief.com contacted me yesterday introducing me to a great coupon site. I couldn't resist coming here to share it with all of you too! Go ahead, take a sneak peek...

Coupon Chief gives you a warm welcome into the world of digital coupon clipping. There's a huge list of stores, tons of coupon codes, a section for featured stores and another for popular coupons. You'll be able to save a bundle the next time you're buying anything online. It's quick, it's easy, and everyone loves saving money!

In addition, at Coupon Chief it pays to share! You can upload coupons and earn a percentage from every sale using the coupons you have uploaded.

If you want to save money forget the old ways of coupon clipping, head on over to Couponchief.com now!

Disclosure - This post was sponsored by Couponchief.com

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T08:00:00.004-05:00

Sending love and hugs to all my blogging buddies today.

Don't forget to join in the fun at the Valentine's Party!

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's a Valentine's Party

2011-02-12T17:00:00.016-05:00

This afternoon I made up the Valentine bags for my boys and my Student Aides for Monday - Valentine's Day!

I sure would like to see what your Valentine's celebration is all about too, so let's make it a party!

Bring over shots of your romantic dinner, your sweet treats, or anything related to Valentine's Day - it's up to you.

The party will be open until Wednesday to give you plenty of time capture your Valentine's Day in photos and join in on the fun!

My Little Missy

2011-02-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Cutest kitty ever!

Play along and show your cutest critters over at Camera Critters.

Have a great weekend!

Super Bowl Party!

2011-02-06T14:00:00.007-05:00

Come to the Super Bowl Party at Seaside Simplicity -
it's open all week!

2011 - A Year of Projects

2011-02-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

This year is going to be a year with many projects to complete, lots of remodeling, cleaning, sorting, decluttering, organizing, donating, selling, moving, and new business ventures. It's going to be a hectic, crazy, busy year!

Let the work begin!

Considering what I have on the agenda for this year I have decided to reopen my MM's Missions blog to record my projects and progress along the way. It is where I will probably be blogging the most this year, hope you'll join me there!

If you wear glasses raise your hand

2011-01-28T19:00:00.000-05:00

It's finally the weekend! I've been impatiently waiting all week to have time to sit down and bring you some great deals from a new company I've discovered ...
.

Now everyone out there who wears glasses raise your hand. Ah ha, just what I thought! That's why I was more than happy to bring you news of this great discount and sale event!

Glasses USA.com has everything from progressive lenses, bifocal prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses to designer glasses such as NIKE prescription glasses and many others.

You can actually get a great pair of bifocal glasses or any prescription lenses without breaking the bank!

They even have this great virtual mirror feature where you can upload a photo and try on different glasses so you'll know just how your prescription glasses will look on you - very cool!

Now for the best part. You can order your bifocal eyeglasses, designer prescription glasses or anything else in between and get 10% off by using this code: Mommy10

Don't forget to check out the Valentines Day sales event too!

Valentines Day Sale:
Take $10 off any order of $100 or more when you use the code: 10FS
Take $15 off any order of $150 or more when you use the code: 15FS
Take $30 off any order of $200 or more when you use the code: BeMyValentine

The 3 offers listed above also have free shipping to anywhere in the US or Canada - these offers expire 2/14/11

Have a great weekend and happy shopping!

Disclosure - This post was sponsored by GlassesUSA.com

O.co

2011-01-23T10:10:00.008-05:00

I told you in my last post a few weeks ago that this is a year of projects for me - lots of work to be done! Overstock.com contacted me at the perfect time, I've just started doing some shopping for the new house. Overstock is offering me and my readers a 10% discount - no strings attached!

Whether you are looking for formal dresses, faucets, fashion jewelry or furniture Overstock has it all! Even better, they offer $2.95 shipping regardless of the size of the order! Just click the links above, find what you want, and then enter the code 121745 for 10% off (excluding movies, books, and electronics). This discount code never expires, however, it can only be used once per email address. Use code 202234 for free shipping promo code for electronics. Happy shopping!

Don't forget to visit me over at MM's Missions to watch as the magic happens this year!

Disclosure - All the ideas and opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received for doing this post, however, I was provided with a discount code.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

Hello friends, it's been a long time. Thank you for all your comments and support during the difficult months I had at the end of 2010, I sincerely appreciate it.

My friend Sean over at CSN contacted me about doing review for CSN Stores. How could I possibly say no with all of the wonderful opportunities they have given me to do reviews and offer you giveaways over the past year. Hopefully this will give me a little push back into blogging again too.

This offer came at a perfect time for me. I've been scouring the CSN site over the last week or two looking for some adjustable bar stools...

I am doing some remodeling to kick off the New Year. CSN has the largest and finest selections, and their prices can't be beat! Help me shop for my bar stools. Click the link above the photo and tell me which ones are your favorites. Also be sure to head over to my food blog, Seaside Simplicity for a CSN Giveaway!

Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!

I Heart Colors

2010-09-18T08:15:00.002-04:00

Lots of colorful bracelets for Color Carnival

Go play along with our new host Maria!

Blogger Beach Bash!

2010-08-08T11:15:00.005-04:00

We finally got together for our little Blogger Beach Bash yesterday evening. What fun!

Here's Lyndsey from The Tiny Skillet, Aqua Sunday & The Tiny Bento, Vicki from Shellseeker, and Ricepatty from Ricepatty's Repertoire...
.

Lyndsey doing the honors ...
.

Cheers!

The drum circle was in full swing ...
.

Lots of colorful characters as always ...
.

All of us together ...
.

Good times! :-)

I can't resist sharing

2010-07-18T21:15:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the poor photography, it's a cell phone shot, but just had to share this epic fail I happened to catch! Go Walmart!
.

Life's a beach

2010-05-05T15:53:00.001-04:00

I don't know where the time goes lately, it's time for this week's header challenge already! This week the theme was chosen by me - umbrellas! There is no lack of pretty umbrellas in Florida at this time of the year!

The team of headbangers are Tom, imac, Tom-Ass, Darla, Gailsman and me. Be sure to check them all out this week!

I'm cheating this week

2010-04-28T15:30:00.004-04:00

It's time for the headbangers header challenge! This week the theme is "Tools of the Trade."

It's been a very busy week for me and since my header from last week showed a great example of tools of the trade - Musicians: Instruments, and since I really like this header I thought I'd go ahead and leave it up. I'm playing along this week using last week's header. I am a big cheater :-P

The drum circle is always rockin'!

The team of headbangers are Tom, imac, Tom-Ass, Darla, Gailsman and me. Be sure to check them all out this week.

Anyone living in or planning on being in the south west Florida area anytime soon? Let me know and we'll schedule a blogger beach party soon!

It's Header Challenge Time!

2010-04-14T16:00:00.004-04:00

The theme for this week's header challenge is three (3).

A couple weeks ago I used some old photos taken at Mote Marine Laboratory for one of our header challenges. As I was posting I realized just how long it had been since we had been there, we were long overdue. We renewed our membership over spring break. My header shot of the three water lilies was taken there along with the three photos of the sea turtles below.

Here she comes ...

Closer ...

Awww, isn't she sweet?

The team of headbangers are Tom, imac, Tom-Ass, Darla, Gailsman and me. Be sure to check them all out this week.

Header Challenge Time!

2010-04-07T16:00:00.001-04:00

The theme this week for the header challenge is "Sport." I chose a shot taken at Smuggler's Cove Adventure Golf.

Where mini golf really is an adventure!

That's fun in Florida for ya!

The headbanger header challenge team members are Tom, imac, Tom-Ass, Darla, Gailsman and me. Be sure to check out all the great "Sport" headers and entries today!

Check this out!

2010-04-05T20:22:00.011-04:00

My spring break is over but guess what's coming soon - summer vacation!

How would you like to have this cool bar and counter stools in your backyard this summer?

How fun is this?! The great people over at Allbarstools.com can make it happen! Click HERE to check out some of the great deals they are offering!

Would you prefer something more traditional, how about something like this?

Yep, they have something for everyone and their prices are beyond reasonable. My new pal Sean from Allbarstools contacted me a couple of weeks ago and offered me a $75 dollar credit - I picked this awesome Majestic 52" Casita Cat Tree for my kitties...

I can't wait to get it and show you photos of them enjoying it - I know they will! This is something I've always wanted to get for them but just couldn't afford to go for the extra expense. The folks at Allbarstools made it all possible. They rock! Please stop by and check them out. It's not just bar stools or patio sets, CSN has over 200 sites you can access for great bargains!

See you on Wednesday for this week's header challenge. Visit my Motivation Monday post at The Motivation Station if you'd like to see what kept me so busy during my break.

Have a great week!

Spring break has arrived!

2010-03-26T21:20:00.003-04:00

It's official, spring break is finally here! You have no idea how happy that makes me, it's a much needed break.

The boys had today off but since it was a professional day, me and the hubster both had to work. Right after work I headed downtown to pick up my daughter from the bus drop off. She's home from college for the weekend. What a treat to kick off our break!

I had mentioned having some health issues last week. So far all my tests have come back fine. I'm curious to see just how different my symptoms might be after having a week off of work. I suspect things could be stress related and just plain physical exhaustion. If not there will be referrals to specialists and more tests - keep your fingers crossed for me!

We have lots planned over the break, not sure how much I'll be around to visit, but will try to check in to see what you are all up to here and there along the way. Who knows, maybe I'll even have a chance to spend a day or two vacationing in blogville just lounging around in my virtual hammock all day. Sounds like the perfect vacation to me!

Have a great weekend! :-)

Header Challenge: Dolphins

2010-03-24T16:00:00.002-04:00

This week's header challenge theme is Dolphins. It was my turn to pick the theme, and my chance to get a little payback for some of the previous themes like roosters and snowdrops - any idea how hard it is to find either in a beach town?!

Welcome to Sarasota Florida!

This little guy is my all time favorite - this is Mooch, aka Beggar. He's a well know dolphin that lives in the bay in my neighborhood. He loves to swim alongside the boats and seems to really be drawn to kids. It's almost like having a pet dolphin. Isn't he adorable?

The team of Headbangers are Tom, imac, Tom-Ass, Darla, Gailsman and me. Be sure to check out all the great "Dolphin" headers and entries today!

Header Challenge Time!

2010-03-17T16:10:00.004-04:00

This was the initial header posted on Wednesday for the Head Banger Header Challenge. My status - runner up this week ...

The Head Banger team tried to pull a quick one on me this week, the theme is "Snowdrops." Of course we haven't had any snow dropping here in Florida lately. I have heard of a flower called a Snowdrop, but not any that I know of around my area. Besides, I wouldn't know what one looked like if I saw it. It was time to pull out my secret weapon - Food!

Yep, just for the header challenge I made Chocolate Snowdrop Cookies. My hubby and the kids got the chocolaty benefits :-)

Head over to my food blog Seaside Simplicity for this super simple recipe!

The team of Headbangers are Tom, imac, Tom-Ass, Darla, Gailsman and me! Be sure to check out all the great "Snowdrop" headers and entries today!

I wish I would have realized we were posting on St. Patrick's Day. I would have done the background on my header in green instead of red - too late now, the cookies are long gone!

Happy St. Patrick's Day - Cheers!

What's up?

2010-03-16T12:00:00.004-04:00

Seems I've been neglecting this blog lately, we can't have that now can we? Tomorrow is the Head Banger's Header Challenge already, can't go the whole week without at least one post in between! Besides, I had some medical tests today so I'm at home instead of work now. I call a blog catch up afternoon! :-)

What's been going on you ask? Things have been very hectic lately. I'm taking care of my 82 year old mom along with the kids, hubby, the house, cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, errands and working full time. It's no wonder I ended up in the doctor's office with an extensive list of tests to be run - stress is powerful (I started to say stress is a killer, but I'm hoping my issues aren't that serious)!

I haven't had much to post here, just no time to get out to shoot any new photos, and of course it's been a long winter with uncooperative weather besides. I've had only two choices, blog about home or blog about work. I can't blog about work - well I could, there's actually tons to tell, but then I'd get fired. Hey, if I got fired I could be a stay at home blogger - but if I got fired I wouldn't have a home either. There's just no winning, ack!

That leaves home. What happens at home that's blog worthy? Food of course! I enjoy cooking, I have to do it daily anyway so why not blog about that? There has been some good stuff going on over at my food blog Seaside Simplicity...

So, when you are missing me here at Menagerie (and I know you are - you better be anyway! ;-) why not join me over there? Come on over, you know you want to!

If that isn't enough Martha for you, I am still hosting the Color Carnival photo meme every Friday evening, Motivation Monday at The Motivation Station along with our new Show and Tell photo meme every Saturday, and also Simple Saturday at Our Krazy Kitchen. There now, that should keep you busy while I get caught up on your blogs!

I'll be back tomorrow for the Head Banger's Header Challenge at 4pm. Have a great day!

Header Challenge Time!

2010-03-10T16:05:00.002-05:00

The header this week...

This week's header challenge is "Underwater." I really had to dig deep into the archives for these. All were taken at Mote Marine Aquarium in Sarasota Florida. Please excuse the old and inferior photography.

Cute little Seahorses

Big octopi

Same big guy

Scary giant eel
This guy was as big around as my leg! Yikes!

The team of Headbangers are Tom, imac, Tom-Ass, Darla, Gailsman and me! Be sure to check out all the great "Underwater" headers and entries today! :-)

Award Time!

2010-03-05T21:45:00.007-05:00

A BIG Thank You goes out to Carolyn of Ford Family Photos for giving me this cool Spotlight Award!

I'd like to offer this one up to all my blogging buddies. I think each and every one of you deserve to be in the spotlight!

I hope everyone will pop over to visit Carolyn if you aren't already a regular over there. Carolyn plays on a lot of the photo memes and challenges each week, she's a terrific photographer!

Carolyn, when I stopped by to pick up the award I noticed you have reached 100 followers. Congrats! I'd like to offer you this little "100" award in celebration ...

Speaking of 100, there is another celebration going on - Happy 100th edition of Camera Critters!

"I can has blog too?"

Go on over to Camera Critters and bring over your favorite critters too!

Color Carnival

2010-03-05T17:59:00.003-05:00

Don't forget to come play along at the Color Carnival
The fun starts at 6pm sharp!

Peace and love my peeps :-)

Header Challenge Time!

2010-03-03T15:45:00.010-05:00

The header for this week...

The entry...

These weeks "buzz" by much faster than I can keep up lately! I'm in a bit of a rush to get things done so just a couple shots of my Mexican Sunflowers from the archives to go with my header for today.

These really make me long for the warmth and beauty of spring!

The team of Headbangers are Tom, imac, Tom-Ass, Darla, Gailsman and me! Be sure to check out all the great "Yellow" headers and entries today!

Enjoy the rest of the week :-)

Header Challenge Time

2010-02-24T16:00:00.002-05:00

The Header this week...

I can't believe it's time for this week's Headbanger's Header Challenge already! This week's theme is "See the birdie!" As you can tell by my header I decided to be a little different and take it literally. My kitty definitely said to me "Look Mommy, I see the birdie!" Yes, my kitty calls me Mommy - you have a problem with that? ;-)

Now on to some pretty Florida birds. Let me know which is your favorite!

The team of Headbangers are Tom, imac, Tom-Ass, Darla, Gailsman and me! Be sure to check out all the great "See the birdie" headers and entries today!

Color Carnival

2010-02-20T14:00:00.001-05:00

Here's another cool piece of art work created by a local high school student, displayed publicly.

Grab your colorful photos and come play along with us at the Color Carnival!

Header Challenge - Cinema

2010-02-17T16:05:00.006-05:00

This week's entry...

It's time for this week's header challenge!

What do you think of when you here the word "Cinema?" My first thoughts were popcorn, candy, and old movies. I very rarely even hear the word cinema these days, it's "going to the movies" or having the "cinematic experience" at home with your home theater system. I vote for the home theater!

My first thought for this week's theme was cropping an old photo I took of one of my boys while at the movie theater a few years ago, but a headless header just didn't seem quite what I was looking for ...

Yep, I had it cropped ready to go for the header challenge, and then then next day I happened to drive past a Blockbuster store.

The sign itself would work for the challenge, but that isn't what caught my eye.

It was the movie reels in the bottom of the window that really grabbed my attention. I got out to get a little closer and there I found my perfect header for this week! :-)

The team of Headbangers are Tom, imac, Tom-Ass, Darla and Gailsman. Be sure to check out the great "cinema" headers and entries today!

Sunset through the trees

2010-02-15T12:30:00.001-05:00

Play along at the Community Photo Challenge

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T08:00:00.005-05:00

Visit Seaside Simplicity for my Valentine's Day menu :-)

Lettuce play

2010-02-12T18:05:00.002-05:00

This week's Color Carnival is up!
Click HERE to play.

Round and round

2010-02-10T14:50:00.003-05:00

Header this week...

Entry...

This week's theme for the Headbangers Header Challenge and entry are Circles!

I was the lucky one to chose the theme this week. Last week was a little difficult so I decided to go with something a little more general this time around - pun intended ;-)

I had no problem finding photos with circles in my archives - I thought the one I decided to use for the header would be the most interesting and different. What do you think?

The team of Headbangers are Tom (Fishing Guy), Mac, Tom-Ass, Darla and Gailsman. Be sure to check out the great circle headers today!

Have a wild and wacky Wednesday!

Getting better by the batch

2010-02-08T18:15:00.002-05:00

Check out my latest batch ... Homemade Protein Bars

TGIF!

2010-02-05T20:00:00.002-05:00

What's the first thing you want when the weather is cold and rainy? In my book, right after hot steamy soups comes fresh baked breads right out of the oven, Mmmm!

It's been a long and tiring week filled with icky weather, the weekend promises to be about the same. For tonight, it's time to relax and enjoy!

I know - let's bake! How about a healthier version of banana bread, sound good to you?

Ingredients (for mini loaf, double for regular loaf)

1/2 cup organic brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 egg
1 tablespoon flax seed
1/4 cup sunflower seed
2 mashed ripe bananas
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
dash of salt

Cream together sugar and butter, add egg and beat well. Stir in mashed bananas. Add flour, baking powder, salt and blend. Mix in flax and sunflower seeds, spoon into mini loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or until done. Cool until you can't stand it anymore, slice and enjoy!

Have a warm and comfy weekend :-)

Cock-a-doodle-doo!

2010-02-03T14:48:00.009-05:00

This week's theme for the Head Bangers Header Challenge is Roosters. The team of Head Bangers are Tom (Fishing Guy), Mac, Tom-Ass, Darla and Gailsman. Be sure to check out their great blogs and all their rooster headers today too!

Talk about a challenge this week! I don't think I've ever seen a rooster here my area of Florida, not that I can remember anyway, and my schedule is tight so I sure didn't have time to go investigating to try to find a place where I could go see some real roosters.

Instead you get a photo of this colorful rooster. Now I want you to know this was no easy feat either! I had to unpack more than a few boxes at my mother's house to finally come across this vintage Murano glass rooster. It was a gift someone brought her straight from Italy many, many years ago.

My mother said I always said I thought it was the ugliest thing I'd ever seen when I was a a child - and truthfully, I don't care how much it's worth or what name is on it, I still don't find it all that attractive even now. I admit, it's a pretty piece of art if you're into that kind of thing, it's just not my style.

Either way, looks like it is my style this week, for my header anyway.

Cock-a-doodle-doo to you!

*Also linking this post to this weekend's Color Carnival.

My Peaceful Place

2010-02-02T21:30:00.004-05:00

Carly from Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot gave us an assignment this week to post a photo of a Peaceful Place - there is no place more peaceful to me than a deserted beach at sunset.

For extra credit Carly asked what our favorite way is to experience peace and quiet. I guess a get a two-fer since this is definitely my favorite way to experience it too!

I have lots of shots like this one, don't think I've ever actually posted this specific shot, if I have you can yell at me or something - but now that wouldn't be very peaceful would it? How about just relax and enjoy the warmth and peacefulness instead? :-)

Guess what time it is

2010-01-29T18:00:00.004-05:00

It's time for this week's Color Carnival!
Come on over to play along!

Header Challenge!

2010-01-27T15:00:00.009-05:00

I was honored when Tom the fishing guy from This is my blog asked me if I'd be interested in participating in the Head Banger's header contest. The team of Head Bangers are Tom (Fishing Guy), Mac, Tom (another Tom), and Darla. Be sure to check out their great blogs and especially their headers today!

Of course I accepted the offer to participate, you know how I love a good challenge! This week's theme is fungus/mushrooms. This one was a little hard for me since there were no mushrooms in nature that I could find anywhere (not that I looked far and wide), don't know if it has anything to do with our recent freeze in Florida, either way I found myself mushroom-less! Naturally I turned to food to photograph.

Here's where I started - The header photo ...

Then sauteing ...

Last but not least ...

Burgers with Swiss cheese, sauteed onions, crispy bacon, all topped off with those delicious sauteed mushrooms - Yum!

Just an FYI for those who know I'm on my health and fitness mission - no burger, no cheese and no bacon for me. Mine was sauteed mushrooms and onions on a whole grain panini - believe it or not I actually prefer it that way!

Key-lime Cheesecake Pie

2010-01-25T20:45:00.004-05:00

Here's a super easy, no bake, decadent recipe for you - Florida Key-lime Cheesecake pie!

Ingredients

1 (8 oz.) pkg. softened cream cheese
1 (14 oz.) can of sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz.) container frozen whipped topping
1/2 cup fresh Key-lime juice (about 7-8 Florida Key-limes)
1 9 inch graham cracker pie shell

Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature, beat until smooth, add sweetened condensed milk, Key-lime juice and whipped topping, blend until mixture is thick and smooth. Pour into pie shell and chill for at least 3 hours. Garnish with Key-lime slices if desired.

I have to tell you, I'm on my health and fitness mission so only a bite to try it out for me, but this was so good that I really wanted sit down with a fork and eat the whole pie! Delicious!

Note: Bottled Key-lime juice or Persian Key-limes can be substituted for the Florida Key-limes (Persian Key-limes are the green ones usually seen in the produce sections, Florida Key-limes are yellow), I'm pretty sure even regular limes would be fine for this recipe.

Testing Testing 1-2-3

2010-01-22T18:30:00.000-05:00

Just testing out the new Inlinkz system over at the Color Carnival. Come on over to try it out!

BOO! - Review

2010-01-20T20:45:00.003-05:00

To start with I think there is some kind of rule about mentioning that I have not been contacted by this company, and have not received any compensation whatsoever for writing this product review - If I had received anything they would probably take it back after hearing what I have to say...

If any of you follow my menu plans you may have noticed that Saturdays are usually hubby or kids cook night. Since I can never get my husband to cook, it's usually the kids. I'm not much into gadgets but the kids love kitchen gadgets to do their cooking. I grabbed one of these slider machines for them on sale at Christmas for about $10. Last Saturday they were ready to give it a try ...

Things were going along ok until they realized it took 3 of these sliders (which were more little tiny bites than sliders) to fill up one little dinner roll. It took well over an hour to make enough burger bites to fill up the three guys in the house.

I mean come on, look at them compared to the size of the fork, a little ridiculous don't you think!

Even worse, see how the lid leans forward in the collage photos? It has a weird little latch that had to be worked several times to finally catch. In the middle of loading in the little burgers at one point it just slammed shut. Thankfully my son had just moved his had a split second before!

On top of it all, the way the surface was made it was absolutely impossible to clean, can't submerge, can't use abrasives, it doesn't open any further than shown in the photos, there was a lip all the way around the bottom, and the little circles that come down over the burgers were too tiny to get anything into to clean them.

After some inappropriate language was mumbled (ok, a lot of inappropriate language), after it cooled, and after I attempted to clean it, I was so frustrated with the thing that I threw it right in the garbage can! The kids cheered!!

I know I should have taken it back, and if I could have cleaned the thing I would have. Maybe I should have taken it back dirty, but I just couldn't bring myself to do that. I think a letter to the company might be in order. Hey, maybe they'll ask me to write a review, HA!

This product was useless and dangerous besides. It's a big thumbs down!!

I think from now on we'll stick with the way we usually make them, check out my entry from last summer over at Our Krazy Kitchen !

It's been a long time

2010-01-17T11:00:00.003-05:00

I wrote the title for this entry and suddenly have the old Led Zeppelin song stuck in my head, you remember it don't you - Been a long time since I rock and rolled ...

I think that song is on Cadillac commercials now. I think I even heard it in an elevator once - I am getting old.

Anyway, this has nothing to do with music but it has "been a long time" since I've played along on Shadow Shot Sunday or Mellow Yellow Monday - today is a two-fer.

This neat drawing is a piece of art work from one of the student at the high school where I work. Really look at this - do you see how the whole thing is made out of pencils? Is that cool or what?! This is a project one of my favorite art teachers does ever year, the results are always so amazing!

Hope to see you over at Shadow Shot Sunday and Mellow Yellow Monday this week!

Award Time!

2010-01-15T21:54:00.005-05:00

Tamy over at 3 Sides of Crazy presented me with not just one, but two beautiful awards last week! Tamy is one of my team members at Our Krazy Kitchen and also at The Motivation Station. Thank you Tamy! :-)

I am supposed to tell you ten things you don't know about me and pick other bloggers to present the award to - but I'm tired tonight, delirious even and just can't even form any kind of thoughts that make sense.

Eh, you probably all know just about everything thing there is to know - anything I'm willing to tell anyway. I don't want all those skeletons to come flying out of my closet or anything!

I offer these awards to all my friends who stop by and leave a comment on this post. Why? Because I know if you come over to see my blog awards that you like me - you really, really like me - and I like you too!

TGIF! Have a great weekend!

Simple Saturday 2010

2010-01-02T10:00:00.002-05:00

It's my turn to post today over at Our Krazy Kitchen! There have been lots of recent changes, new faces and new ideas among our wonderful team. Come on over to see what I've cooked up for you today and check out all the fun! Come on, you know you want to! :-)

The Color Carnival Returns!

2010-01-02T00:25:00.001-05:00

"We had some New Year's Eve fun!"

Sorry about the very late post, I completely forgot to tell you earlier! I wanted to remind all here who are interested that my Color Carnival blog is back up and running again after the December break. If you have a chance to stop by to see all the bight, beautiful, colorful collages please do! If you are into photography I'd love for you to play along. All levels of experience welcome, no rules, just come have some fun!

Wishing you a bright colorful week and year!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T00:01:00.004-05:00

Image swiped from Google images

See ya 2009 - sorry to say it but glad to see you go.

Welcome 2010!

Wishing all of you a safe, healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!

Salute!

Review and Renew

2009-12-28T11:15:00.003-05:00

So here we are - all that planning, preparation, and excitement is done and over with for another year. I hope your holidays were enjoyable!

Three days from now 2009 will come to a close. This would be a great week to spend some time reviewing the past year and renew by setting some goals for the upcoming year.

Image from ehow.com

Don't go into the New Year throwing out a resolution like making a wish with no goals set or plans made as to how you will follow through - that's like getting a membership to a gym and magically expect to get in shape, too bad it isn't that easy! ... Click HERE to read the full post at The Motivation Station!

More Yummy Holiday Treats

2009-12-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to join me today for Monday Munchies at The Krazy Kitchen to see how to make these super easy and delicious treats - bring along your recipes too! :-)

Award Time!

2009-12-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Chaya from Sweet and Savory Says It All has honored me with the Kreativ Blogger Award! Thanks so much Chaya!

The rules state that we are to tell seven random things about ourselves and then pick seven bloggers to pass the award on to. Are we ready?

Seven random things about me ...

1. Emeril taught me how to cook (not in person of course!)
2. I am much more of a hippie than a yuppie regardless of my age
3. I met Frank Sinatra, George Carlin and Jon Bon Jovi (not at the same time)
4. I grow my own peanuts, they are one of the most fun things I've ever grown
5. I once went swimming in the Dead Sea in Israel (unforgettable!)
6. I have become a crazy cat lady
7. I hate paperwork - I am a secretary - go figure!

Passing on awards is the part I always have trouble with. I think all of you are creative, fun and interesting or I wouldn't be reading your blogs. It's impossible for me to choose only seven! In my usual tradition I once again break the rules - is that the blogger award police sirens I hear? Yikes! Hurry, I offer this award to all of you - grab it and run! :-)

We can all use a little more dough during the holidays

2009-12-05T10:45:00.002-05:00

Yep, dough is always good! The generous people over at C&H Sugar sent me a twenty dollar gift card to purchase ingredients and then make something from their Holiday Homemade Gifts page!

I have the sugar cookie gift dough (above) all wrapped and ready to deliver, and of course while I was at it I had to make a batch to bake for my family too ...

Yummy! Thanks C&H Sugar!

Thanksgiving just wouldn't be complete without the FBI crime scene

2009-11-25T19:00:00.001-05:00

It's holiday memory time!

Today while I was cleaning, baking and preparing for the big day I opened my dining room hutch to take out our Thanksgiving dishes. Right on top were the place cards we use every year, the kids made them several years ago. All cute at first glance ...

Wait! Why is there an FBI crime scene complete with a random dead guy chalk outline on our Thanksgiving table?

My daughter's boyfriend was majoring in criminology when he first entered college. The boys just made the place cards according to our likes or interests. I was definitely a bit shocked when I first saw a mini crime scene on my Thanksgiving table, but it's brought laughs and smiles every year since.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving. Make some memories! :-)

Monochrome

2009-11-23T05:00:00.006-05:00

I love this image in monochrome. Can you guess what it is? No, I haven't been to the moon lately. Any other guesses? I'll let you know in the comment section when someone gets it right.

Play along with the Monochrome Maniacs!

Award Time!

2009-11-22T00:30:00.006-05:00

Thank you Storyteller from Sacred Ruminations for giving me this great award!

The rules are to pass this on to 15 new bloggers that we think are great. I usually offer awards to all of my friends, I don't like picking and choosing and the possibility of hurt feelings. This time I have a group of hardworking blogging friends to present it to, some new friends, some not, and my list falls short of 15 (see I'm still not following the rules)!

I present this award to my group of friends who have been participating in Nablopomo with me. Posting an entry a day all month long can be hard work, especially right at the busy holidays. I hope you'll all stop by to say hello. Here they are in alphabetical order ...

a corgi in southern california
BLOGitse photos
Dusty Pages

Everything is going to be all right 2

Finding Footprints in the Sand
Julies Photo Journey
Just B : )
Lisa's Chaos
My Year on the Grill
Shellseeker

Congrats! :-)

No really just relax

2009-11-21T14:00:00.000-05:00

"Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later." - Mary Bly

I think I want to be a kitty when I grow up! ;-)

Cheers!

2009-11-20T18:15:00.002-05:00

(Photo compliments of Google images)

TGIF! Need I say more?

Life is good

2009-11-19T21:25:00.002-05:00

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude." - Denis Waitley

Life is hectic, crazy, complicated ... but it's good. I'm thankful for what I have. How about you?

*This post linked to My True Colours - Orange
*Also linked to Orange You Glad It's Saturday

There's your sign

2009-11-18T19:45:00.001-05:00

Play along on the fun meme This Way Thurs-Way!

Shadow Shot Time

2009-11-14T16:00:00.000-05:00

Play along over at Hey Harriet!

Basic fried rice

2009-11-13T07:00:00.004-05:00

"When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your own taste." ~ Laiko Bahrs

Fried rice is one of those things like homemade pizza, strata, and soups - you can throw in all kinds of leftovers to make a great meal. One of the basics to fried rice is having leftover cold rice, it doesn't work well with freshly cooked rice so be sure to cook a double batch of rice next time you're making it, refrigerate or freeze for your fired rice for another night (this is where menu planning comes in handy)!

Basic fried rice

Just heat a little oil in a wok or frying pan, add any veggies you'd like - In this case I used 2 finely chopped green onions, a can of bean sprouts and a bag oriental frozen mixed veggies. Stir fry until hot and crisp. Remove from pan.

Optional - Add an egg or two to the pan, chop finely, remove when lightly cooked.

Heat a little more oil, add cold rice and light soy sauce, just until as light or dark as you prefer. (If you use regular soy it will be very salty especially if you like dark friend rice).

Stir fry until heated, add veggies and egg back in and stir fry again until everything is hot and ready to serve.

This is great all by itself, or you can use it as a side dish for chicken, beef, pork or seafood - even better, use up small amounts of one or more of those meats or seafood (which I know you put in the freezer instead of giving them to the dogs or cats!) - dice and heat with the fried rice for a quick and easy one dish meal.

It's a great budget friendly meal s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-r and it's delicious too!

TGIF! :-)

Grillin' and chillin'

2009-11-12T11:00:00.003-05:00

My oven died on Sunday - it's grillin' and chillin' time!
Always try to see the positive side! :-)