I just wish he had been able to see Rylie. Dad loved babies and I know he would have loved to see his grand-daughter. He would get such a kick out of her personality and I'm sure he would have done the same thing he used to do to Samantha...forget and call her "Jill". Of course Rylie's response would be "I not Jill, I Rylie Jo Lee Blossom!" Or as she says "Ryee Jo Eee Bop-um".
Thanks for stopping by.
Good Morning. Here is a handy dandy tip if you or someone you know happens to be suffering from toe Fungus.
Toe Fungus
My Mom says this is also a good way to deal with itching. After she got done with chemo she had a terrible time with her skin itching and this is one of the things she used to help deal with it.
So being the curious gal that I am, I decided to do a wee bit of research. Did you know that Listerine was originally used by surgeons as an antiseptic? Yep. You can read more about it here at Listerine dazzles with different uses.
Let's see, they also say that it is good for dealing with dandruff. Hm, well I bet that smell is a bit easier to deal with than putting vinegar on your head.
Also, it is suppose to be good at treating "hot spots" on animals. I guess this is where they dig and dig until their fur starts to disappear. Here is the mixture to use for that: 1/3 Listerine (original), 1/3 baby oil and 1/3 water. Put in a spray bottle, shake well and spray it on. I am going to guess that this takes more than just one treatment. So if your pet is having a problem with this, give it a try for a few weeks and see how it works.
One person wrote that "My aunt has had shingles and constant pain for ten years. Nothing her dermatologist or the pain management specialist prescribed has worked, but the first night she tried Listerine on her skin, she was pain-free for the first time in years." Hmm, the wonders of Listerine.
I found another page, 6 household uses for Listerine, and thought I would add those too.
#1-Surface Disinfectant and Deodorizer
To use Listerine as a surface disinfectant and deodorizer, mix a half and half solution of Listerine and water into a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the surface to kill the germs. Let the solution stand on the surface for one minute, then clean the surface as normal. This mixture can also be used to disinfect shared surfaces such as toilet seats, water fountains, and the washing machine at your local laundromat.
Household Uses for Listerine #2-Topical First Aid Antiseptic
In the event of a serious burn or cut, Listerine is a good item to keep in your first aid kit. Applying Listerine to a cut, burn, or other skin abrasion removes germs and reduces the possibility of infection until proper medical attention can be obtained.
Household Uses for Listerine #3-Body Deodorant
If you run out of deodorant, Listerine makes a great substitute. Simply rub a few dabs under your arm with a cotton ball or spray under your arm using a spray bottle. Be sure that you only apply enough as needed, because too much Listerine may cause minor under arm irritation.
Household Uses for Listerine #4-Curing a Sore Throat
If you have a sore throat, mix together one teaspoon of table salt, 1/3 cup of warm water, and 1/3 cup of Listerine. Gargle with this rinse three times a day for one minute. Within one week, your sore throat will be cured.
Household Uses for Listerine #5-Dandruff Control
If you are prone to dandruff, use one capful of Listerine to control dandruff in your hair. Pour the capful of Listerine in your hair and work it through with a comb.
They see my work experience at Krogers and keep trying to talk me into going for a management position. No thank you...I know the headaches and long hours that come with that. I just need a little something extra to help us get through this RECESSION. (Stealing partial movie line- "Yes Virgina, there is a recession.) I need this job, at least until I figure out how to come up with $2,000 - $3,000 start up money for my business.
Frankly, I don't like working retail. Some of the people who come into stores treat you as nothing more than their servant. They talk down to you and get down right rude. What they don't realize is that I am having a completely different conversation, in my head, from the one actually going on.
When I get one of those really, really nasty people...as I smile and say "Thank you, have a nice day." I am thinking about karma. I just know that as they head home they are going to get a flat, as they get out to check the tire a bird is going to fly overhead and make a big fat deposit in their hair. The spare tire? It will be flat as a pancake. As they reach down to pick up the tire iron from the ground...they will stick their hand into a pile left by a big dog, something like a St. Bernard. Yep, I have a nice smile on my face as I wave bye-bye to them. LOL
Hey, don't look at me like that. I can guarantee you that I am NOT the only person who has worked in customer service that has had thoughts like that. Yes,I realize that working retail is probably not the best job for me. But do you know how hard it is to get a job in this economy? I know that there were almost a hundred people that applied for this job. We really need the money so I have to work whatever I can get. No matter what.
I just have to keep reminding myself about the good side or working retail. 1-It's a paycheck, 2-You also get to meet some really great people, 3-I'll be talking to more than just a 3 year old all day long, 4-Ray will step up and help me out when I need it around the house, 5-I'll make some new friends.
Well, I have a bunch of stuff to do and need to get my bum in gear.
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.
I love getting a chance to get out and take some pictures. We had a bit of snow, the big fluffy stuff, so I went to Swan Creek Metro Park and took some pictures. It was wonderful to get outside and walk a bit, even if it was cold and snowy.
This was about the second or third shot. I was getting ready to take a picture when I saw a bit of movement and saw about 5 or 6 deer about two hundred feet away from me. It was so beautiful. They saw me and just watched as I took their picture.
As I walked down one of the paths.
A clump of trees growing in a circle in the middle of the field.
And of course, my favorite tree which right down the street from Davids house.
Thanks for stopping by.
Good Morning! I found this tip for removing gum from clothing. I'm not sure if it works, I'd never heard this before.
Gum On Clothing: Use egg whites to remove gum on clothing. Brush egg white onto gum with a toothbrush. Let sit for 15 minutes and then launder the items normally.
I might try it, if I ever need to...but if it doesn't work I'll just slap an ice cube on the gum, wait for it to freeze and then remove it. That's how I've always gotten gum off carpet. Although...peanut butter works really good for getting it out of hair. I know it does because I had to do it to one of my kids. However, the oil from the peanut butter would probably stain the clothing.
Have a great day!
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
This recipe comes from the Nestle-Very Best Baking site and sounds interesting. I'm really curious as to the flavor and I like the fact that the recipe makes enough to freeze half for another meal. Depending on your family size, this just might make enough for 3 meals. I especially love the idea of sneaking in extra nutrition and vitamins and the family not even realizing it.
Stovetop Beef & Penne Casserole
Double-Duty Freezer-Friendly
Feed your family twice-but only cook once! Recipe is already doubled. Just serve your family half and freeze the rest. Lean ground beef and pasta, plus the surprising addition of pumpkin and evaporated milk, make this hearty dish both nutritious and delicious.
Estimated Times:
Preparation - 10 min | Cooking - 15 min | Yields - 12 servings (two 6-serving meals)
Ingredients:
2 cups (8 oz.) dry penne pasta (or small pasta of your choice)
2 lb. lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cans (12 fl. oz. each) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups frozen peas, thawed
Directions:
COOK pasta in large saucepan for 1 to 2 minutes less than package directions (pasta should be slightly firm in texture); drain.
COOK beef and onion in large saucepan over medium-high heat until beef is no longer pink; drain. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in evaporated milk, pumpkin, tomato sauce, sugar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins to simmer. Add pasta and peas; stir until heated.
TIPS:
• Freeze half the casserole for another meal. Thaw in refrigerator and reheat in microwave or on stovetop.
• Using pumpkin and evaporated milk not only adds depth of flavor, but also sneaks in extra nutrition to the casserole.
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
I am feeling...ambivilent, proud, happy, sad, a bit anxious...is it really possible to feel all of this at the same time? The day your son calls and says that he got into the Army National Guard you will know. David leaves for training on April 29th.
I am proud and yet a little sad. Is it really possible that my first born is already this old?
...sigh...
This is an interesting development...the breaking news this morning is that McCain had a "relationship" with a lobbyist. Hmmm.
So is McCain the Republicans version of Clinton?
You can read more about this at Blogging Stocks and The New York Times.
This certainly is an interesting twist. I can't wait to see how this plays out. I'm sure that all the right wingers will turn on McCain, I mean if it was a no-no for Billy boy, then it must be a no-no for John boy too.
This is especially interesting as John boy is in Toledo today.
Rylie has a dentist appointment this evening. Wish me luck. She's been before, but I never really know what to expect from this child. I keep reminding her about the appointment. I ask her to open her mouth wide and show me her teeth. Then I tell her that is what the dentist is going to do and that he is going to look at them and count them all and clean them up so they look really, really pretty.
I remind her that she has very special teeth (her twin teeth) and that people are going to want to see them. The last time we went some of the people had never seen twin teeth before and they were coming in to "check" them out. So I just want her to be prepared for the possibility of several people coming in to see her "special" teeth.
I have some laundry to do and then the usual cleaning and meal planning. I may do some furniture re-arranging today, we'll see. Have a wonderful day.
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
Good Morning! Here are two tips for getting rid of some of those really tough laundry stains. I hope you find them useful.
Gasoline On Clothing: Gasoline is an oil based product, therefore, use another oil based product to pull out the odor (which is left because all the gas oil has not been removed yet). You can use any kind of oil that normally washes out of clothing, like baby oil. Put some of the oil into the washer along with the shorts, let it swish around for a while, then put in the detergent and all should come out okay.
Grease Stains: Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch or baby powder over the grease stain, allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, then brush the powder off. The powder absorbs the grease and it brushes off with the powder.
March is going to be here before we know it. So this is a good time for me to post these links for "Pinwheels".
Leslie Tryon's Pinwheel Instructions
I plan on spending some time with Rylie on day, as soon as it starts to warm up a bit, and making a couple of these. Rylie really loves it when we have "craft" time and I thought it would be fun to make something we could put in the yard.
This will also be a good way for us to practice some fine motor skills, cutting paper. As opposed to cuttinghair...which reminds me, I have some pictures to post. The other day I happened to notice that Rylies hair looked a bit weird. On closer inspection I found "chunks" missing.
I started checking my scissors, to make sure they were still put away, when I realized she had a craft drawer. I finally found her little box with her crayons, markers & childrens scissors and discovered there were several 5-6 inch lengths of hair in there. Grrrrrr! Mama was not a happy camper. Her hair was about to her shoulder blades. By the time I got done trying to "fix" it, it was up near the top of her shoulders.
You'll see how short her hair is now in this little clip from yesterday. Mom stopped by and Rylie got her to "play" singing star with her. LOL Rylie is such a little ham. She had a blast playing American Idol with Mom.
I hope I did this right. It's a short little piece, but make sure your sound is turned on for the full effect.
Have a great day.
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
Good Monday Morning! Here's a little recipe from my cookbook. I'm not sure where this came from originally. I keep a file on my computer of a lot of the recipes I find that I want to try. I hope to one day print it out and make a cookbook for myself and my kids. I just keep finding so many good recipes to add to it and haven't printed it out yet, lol.
CREAMY POTATO PORK CHOP BAKE
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
6 pork chops
1 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
salt and pepper to taste
1 24 ounce package frozen hashbrown potatoes, thawed
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups canned French fried onions
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add pork chops and saute until browned. Remove from skillet and drain on paper toweling. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350F/175C. I
n a medium bowl mix together soup, milk, sour cream and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in potatoes, 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 cup onions. Mix together and spread mixture in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
Arrange pork chops over potato mixture. Cover dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until internal temperature of pork has reached 160F/70C. Remove cover; top with remaining cheese and onions and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes. Makes 6 servings.
What a wonderful way to begin the day, I have an interview today. It is for a part-time job at a little store not too far away. I'm not looking for a lot of hours, 20 max and it really needs to be evening and weekends.
I certainly don't want to have to pay someone to watch Rylie. Paying a babysitter when your making minimum wage kind of defeats the whole purpose. Seriously, if I'm making about $7 (+ some change) before taxes and then have to pay someone $3 (or more) an hour to babysit, I'm not really making much.
Oh well, I'll go in and see what kind of hours and what times they need and see what's up. Hopefully it will be something that will work for us. Bush is going to be in office for some more time, and we can't continue to have Ray's income decrease while the cost of living rises and rises. I really hope the next President is a family and working poor friendly.
It's getting real hard to watch the ol' man continue to bust his butt at a job where he makes less than he did 8 years ago. I hate seeing his frustration and consider leaving the work he really enjoys doing (HVAC) because he feels like he can't take care of his family and that his boss is taking advantage of him (and his fellow workers). Really, in this economy who would leave a job where they are at least getting a paycheck (even if they are being taken advantage of) for an uncertain future and possibly no job? That man really has his employees over a barrel. I'd really like to get a face to face with him. Grrrrr!
Hopefully I'll get a job where I can contribute enough to help the ol' man out. I just hope I'm not sacrificing my child to improve our income. I'm so ambivilent about all of this. My main goal, after helping the family, is to be able to save enough to get a start on my home based Funeral DVD business. That's where I take family pictures and put them to music for families who've lost a loved one.
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
Yes, I said it...Toledo, Ohio is going to hello (minus the o) in a handbasket. Not only that, but good ol' carlton finkbeiner is handing us over with that nasty smirk on his face. Have ya'll heard his latest? Yeah, I know...it usually takes him a few months to make national news after one debacle. This time he decided to bless Toledo just days after telling the Marines to get the hello (minus the o) out of town.
Our mayor fink(beiner), the man who is supposedly a person our children are to look up to and emulate, used the "f" word on a Detroit radio station. You can read about it in our local paper here: The Toledo Blade or you can read about it at United Press Inernational . Whoopee, ol' monkey face is getting Toledo all over the news once again.
I don't give a flying fleece how worked up you are carlton. There is absolutely no excuse for a man in your position to use profanity. Especially not on the air where goodness know's how many children may hear it. As the mayor of Toledo, fink(beiner) should be held up to a higher standard than any other citizen in this city.
The use of vulgarities shows how ignorant a person is. If you can't come up with a different word to use, it just goes to show how little you use your brain. "F"-word substitutes: frick, flake, freak, fleece, frag-it, flock, flick, flack...getting the idea big boy? Yeah, big boy...little man. Come on fink(beiner), stop using the profanity and start using your brain. I don't know...maybe you used up all your brain cells coming up with the idea to send the deaf to live next to the airport.
I expect to hear profanity from thoughtless teens. I expect to hear profanity from rude people. I expect to hear profanity from a drunken sailor. I don't expect to hear profanity when I turn on the radio to listen to the mayor of Toledo. Unless your thoughtless, rude and drunk...I don't know...hmmm. Was that the problem carty? That sure would explain a lot.
That would explain why you remind me of a certain relative of mine. He was a drunk for most of my life and he had that red tint to his face like you seem to have a lot of the time. You've got the same nasty attitude he had too. Where you seem to think the world revolves around you, and only you. Where you talk AT people, not to them. You've got the same laughable excuses for you idiotic mistakes too. You know, the excuses where it's not your fault and you find some way to blame it on someone else, anyone else or everyone else. Hmm, I think I'm onto something here.
In my humble opinion...carty fink(beiner) is an ignorant little man who can't control his temper or his tongue. Poll! Yep, time for a poll. LOL This should be fun.
I hope ya'll had a terrific Saturday.
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
Well, sugar! I almost forgot this fact...major fink(beiners) spokesman, Brian Schwartz was just suspended for 15 days without pay for using the same vulgarity off the air when speaking to the same radio show's producer. I don't know...seems like ol' fink-face should be dealt some consequences for his potty mouth too.
Remember my little song challenge a few weeks ago? Well, I finally finished my home movie today. Well, the project is saved, I still have to put it on a DVD and make copies for my brothers and mother. It usually wouldn't take so long, but I had to wait to receive pictures from my brothers.
When I listened to this one song I could picture my father dancing. I could almost hear him singing. I don't know if I ever heard him sing, but this particular artist just reminded me so much of my father for some reason. Maybe it's the era...I remember hearing him as a child.
The winner is Barbara-bhbner2him-one of her journals is http://journals.aol.com/bhbner2him/LifeFaithinCaneyhead/ . She suggested I use Elvis Presley's song "Memories". I listened to it and it was exactly what I needed. As I said, I would make a little something special for the winner. I hope she likes this. Here ya are Babara...
Thank you for suggesting the perfect song and congratulations Barbara!
I had so many pictures I wanted to use, so I also added the song "One More Day" by Lonestar. I wasn't sure that I wanted to use that song...but I figured we all have our own reasons that we'd like to have the chance to see my father for just one more day.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
PS~This is a one of a kind graphic made special just for Barbara. Please don't ask me for one. I hate to say no to anyone but I didn't even bother to save the design without her name on it.
I hope you have a wonderful day filled with love, peace and happiness.
Here are a few quick home remedies for an upset tummy.
Stomach Ache
Did anyone else read the AOL welcome screen link "Roses are for love, Tulips are for..." It was a fun little article. Here's most of it in case you didn't read it.
Gift Ideas -- Find Your Valentines Flower Personality
Rose: Romantic
Slipping little love notes into your lunch and never missing a chance to say 'I love you' makes this ultimate romantic Valentine a true Rose personality! These classic cuddlers love to hold hands and surprise you with candlelight dinners or walks on the beach! Roses represent a rainbow of emotions, from true friendship to deep passionate romance, and your Valentine expresses each of these emotions beautifully. A Rose personality can be trusted to use their vivid imagination and affectionate nature to create a Valentine's celebration you'll never forget.
Tulip: Glamorous
Simply irresistible and totally spontaneous, that's a Tulip personality! They love the limelight and often cause a stir wherever they go! It s not unlike a Tulip personality to whisk you away for a romantic weekend in the mountains or suddenly show up at your office with a limo and champagne. Always the trendsetter, just like the flower itself, this fun and flirty Valentine keeps you on your toes, but will make it an action-packed celebration from start to finish!
Lily: Sincere
Charming, witty and always easy to talk to, the Lily personality is someone who is always sincere. There's never a question about where you stand with this Valentine one look and you know. An old-fashioned romantic at heart, expect your Lily Valentine to do those little things that mean so much, like carving your initials in an oak tree, inviting friends over for a night of laughter and board games, or creating a Valentine s dinner filled with music and romance.
Orchid: Wild
Exotic, adventurous and oh so mysterious, expect your Orchid personality Valentine to have you wondering what they're thinking one minute and caught in their passionate embrace the next. Everything about them is unique and unexpected, which is why the Orchid is often a risk-taker and a daredevil. Whether skydiving out of planes or bungee jumping at the Grand Canyon, a romantic relationship with an Orchid is anything but boring!
Daisy: Sentimental
They saved the ticket stub from the first movie you saw together and they know without question the song that played the moment you first kissed. Your Daisy Valentine is as sentimental as they come, but that's what you love about them the most. Their sweet, caring nature makes everyone around them smile. Generally shy except for when it comes to showing how much they care for you, this sentimental Valentine always knows just what to say.
Carnation: Devoted
This Valentine is not only the love of your life, but they're also your best friend! A Carnation personality is true blue, lovable, reliable and loyal. There's nothing phony about this sweetheart what you see is what you get! You can share your deepest secret and know it's safe with them. A Carnation personality listens not only with their ears, but with their heart. Let this great communicator teach you the language of love this Valentine's!
Floral Personality |
| Published by: - 1-800-Flowers.com |
Me? I'm a Daisy through and through. 
They are such simple and happy flowers. I have shasta and Alaska daisies growing in my yard. I love them!
Yesterday was project day for us. Rylie made a glittery heart mobile (with a bit of help) for daddy. It was 4 different colored hearts that hang down on a string. Each one has a word on both sides. "I LOVE YOU DADDY" She had a lot of fun making it.
I was even inspired to make him a homemade card. On the front it says "FATE-something that unavoidably befalls a person; fortune." The inside says "Ray, You are not only my love and soul mate, but you are my FATE. Love, Jill" Ahhh, isn't that sweet? I should work for a card company, lol.
Have a wonderful Valentines day!
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
I went to Wal-Mart recently and happend to find an adorable dress for only $9. It was a Christmas leftover. Although it is a burgundy color, it has this celery green sash, so I thought it might make a cute Easter dress (I'm hoping to find a cute straw hat and put a matching bow on it) and a birthday dress for Rylie.
Yesterday I decided to take some pictures of her in the dress. I had a wee bit of a problem with the lighting so I finally put a lamp on the floor and tried to aim the light at her. Well, I took about a dozen pictures and, as usual, I got about 2 really good shots. I played around a bit with the light and softness of this one and I am really pleased with the way it turned out.
Monica's photoshoot theme this week is tenderness. Well, I guess I'll enter this picture, it's about as tender as you will ever see our Miss Rylie, lol.
Have a good day!
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
Oh my...it seems that a photographer caught our baboon of a mayor before he put on his political face for the day. That brown nose must be from having his head shoved up his...well ya know. ((((wink))))
((((Insert evil grin here))))
Have a good day!
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
Yep, once again our mayor finkbeiner has proven that it is possible to get your head stuck in your arse. He once again needs an assindectomy. He's worse than a toddler that won't keep his finger out of his nose. Not only does carty pick his nose (figuratively speaking) but he eats it AND does it, apparently proudly, for all the world to see!
If you don't know about our mayor, and my thoughts on the little weasel, you can read more in a post I made in October. It is in the second half of the journal entry. Now, I'll get on with the mayors latest stupid stunt and my opinion.
Our infamous mayor of Toledo, carty finkbeiner, needs to remove his head from his arse and learn how to keep it out of there. Once again, he has shoved, not only his foot, but entire leg, into his fat and uncontrollable mouth. He must be the most arrogant and ignorant man in the free world. I cannot imagine how he managed to get into office, yet again. Didn't the citizens of Toledo learn their lesson the first time around with this number one azzhole?
How ironic that he used the term baboon. Let me file through my memory here...um hmm, this coming from the same man who referred to our Fire Chief Mike Bell, who happens to be African American, as King Kong. Oh my, it seems that our mayor is expanding his vocabulary to include even more primate names. Good boy, carty.
Now let's expand your vocabulary even more. Look up the following words: Lunatic, Imbecile, Maniac, Flake, Crackpot, Neurotic, Dimwit, Dolt, Fool, Moron, Simpleton, Dunce, Buffoon, Bonehead, Dunderhead, Ignoramus, Nincompoop, Numskull, Jerk and Jackass. I'm sure that it won't be long before carty's ugly mug is pictured next to all these words and probably a few more.
Have a good day!
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
Good Morning. Since the dark jeans look is in, this tip might help keep your jeans looking new longer.
Fading: Turn dark clothes inside out and wash in the coolest water possible; dry on lowest heat. For all-black clothes, throw in a box of black Rit® dye every 8-10 washes or so to keep black clothes black.
I don't know about the Rid dye...I'd be worried about the next load of clothes getting residual dye on them. That part is kind of "iffy" to me.
Have a good day!
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
Good Morning! It's another new week. I'm still sticking to my low carb diets, however I wanted to share a couple of yummy dessert recipes. You might find one that you want to try out for Valentines day. If you do, then be sure to come back and let me know how it worked out for you.
These first ones come from Pillsbury.
Heavenly Chocolate-Raspberry Torte
INGREDIENTS
1 bag (12 oz) dark chocolate chips (2 cups)
1 container (6 oz) Yoplait® Original 99% Fat Free raspberry yogurt
6 Nature Valley® roasted almond crunchy granola bars (3 pouches from 8.9-oz box), finely crushed (heaping 1 cup)*
1 cup egg whites (about 7)
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon fat-free half-and-half
2 teaspoons raspberry-flavored syrup (for coffee drinks) or red raspberry syrup (for pancakes)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Fresh raspberries, if desired
Fresh mint leaves, if desired
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray bottom of 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray; line bottom with parchment paper. Spray paper and side of pan with cooking spray.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips for glaze; place remaining chips in medium microwavable bowl (or place in top of double boiler). Stir in yogurt until chips are coated. Microwave on High in 1-minute increments, stirring after each, until chips are completely melted (or heat in double boiler over simmering water, stirring frequently, until melted). Stir in crushed granola bars and egg whites until well blended. Pour batter into pan.
3. Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until side of torte has risen and center is shiny but firm when touched (if center rises, torte has been overbaked). Cool in pan on wire rack, about 30 minutes (as torte cools, side will pull away from pan and torte will slightly sink). Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
4. In small microwavable bowl, microwave reserved 1/2 cup chocolate chips and the half-and-half on High in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until chips are melted. Cool slightly, about 2 minutes.
5. Place wire rack upside down over pan; turn rack and pan over. Remove pan and parchment paper. Pour chocolate mixture over torte; spread over top and side. Slide torte onto serving plate.
6. In small bowl, mix syrup and sugar. Place in small resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag and cut tiny hole in one bottom corner. Drizzle over top of torte in spiral pattern; gently run toothpick back and forth through spiral pattern to feather. Refrigerate until glaze is set and firm to the touch, about 20 minutes.
7. Before serving, garnish tray and/or individual dessert plates with raspberries and mint. Cut torte into wedges with warm, dry knife, cleaning knife between cuts. Store torte in refrigerator.
White and Dark Chocolate Raspberry Tart
INGREDIENTS
1 Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crust (from 15-oz box), softened as directed on box
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1 package (6 oz) white chocolate baking bars, chopped
1 bag (10 or 12 oz) frozen whole raspberries, thawed, juice reserved
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sugar
1 cup fresh raspberries, if desired
2 oz semisweet baking chocolate, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 450°F. Bake pie crust as directed on box for One-Crust Baked Shell, using ungreased 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom or 10-inch springform pan, and pressing 1 inch up side of pan. Cool on cooling rack 15 minutes.
2. Place orange juice in 2-quart saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin on juice; let stand 5 minutes to soften. Stir in 3/4 cup of the whipping cream; heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until gelatin is dissolved. Stir in white chocolate until melted and smooth. Transfer to medium bowl; refrigerate about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cool but not set.
3. In blender or food processor, place thawed raspberries and any juice. Cover; blend until pureed. Set strainer over 2-cup measuring cup. Press puree with back of spoon through strainer to remove seeds. If necessary, add water to raspberry puree to measure 1/2 cup. In 1-quart saucepan, mix cornstarch and sugar. Gradually add raspberry puree. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Fold in fresh raspberries; spread over crust. Refrigerate 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in chilled large bowl, beat remaining 3/4 cup whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into white chocolate mixture. Spoon and spread over raspberry layer. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until filling is set.
5. In 1-quart saucepan, melt semisweet chocolate and butter over low heat, stirring frequently; carefully pour and spread over white chocolate layer. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until set. To serve, let stand at room temperature about 30 minutes to soften chocolate layers. Cover and refrigerate any remaining tart. Garnish each slice with fresh raspberries and white chocolate curls.
Sweetheart Cookie Bouquet
INGREDIENTS
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® Create 'n Bake® refrigerated chocolate chip cookies
24 craft sticks of various lengths
24 dark or milk chocolate heart candies, unwrapped
Decorative container
Plastic foam
Tissue paper
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Cut cookie dough into 24 slices; shape each into 1 1/2-inch ball. Place each cookie dough ball over one end of a craft stick; press gently to adhere dough to stick. On ungreased cookie sheets, place 2 inches apart, overlapping craft sticks as needed.
2. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Press 1 heart candy in center of each cookie. Cool 5 minutes. Remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 45 minutes. (Do not pick up cookie pops using sticks until completely cooled.)
3. To assemble each cookie bouquet, place plastic foam in decorative container. Arrange six cookies in container as desired. Tuck tissue paper in between sticks to fill out bouquet.
Nutty Caramel Cookie Tart
INGREDIENTS
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® Create ‘n Bake® refrigerated sugar cookies
1/3 cup Fisher® Dry Roasted Peanuts
1/3 cup SMUCKER'S® Caramel Ice Cream Topping
1/4 cup JIF® Creamy Peanut Butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1/4 cup white vanilla baking chips
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Press cookie dough evenly in bottom of ungreased 9-inch springform pan. (If dough is sticky, use floured fingers.) Bake 17 to 22 minutes or until light golden brown.
2. Meanwhile, place peanuts in resealable food-storage plastic bag; seal bag. Crush peanuts with rolling pin or meat mallet; set aside.
3. In medium microwavable bowl, microwave caramel topping, peanut butter and cinnamon uncovered on High 30 to 60 seconds or until hot and bubbly; stir well. Drizzle mixture evenly over partially baked crust. Sprinkle with peanut butter chips, vanilla baking chips and crushed peanuts.
4. Bake 12 to 18 minutes longer or until edges are golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour 30 minutes.
5. Run sharp knife carefully around edge of tart to loosen; remove side of pan. To serve, cut tart into wedges. Store tightly covered at room temperature.
The next one is from Nestle.
Now, to go in the complete opposite direction. I received an email from Real Age that said to lose more weight eat this before every meal...and then included a link to the article. Well, I clicked and found that they did a study and women who dieted and ate an apple or pear before every meal lost more weight than those who just dieted. Here is a link to the REAL AGE ARTICLE.
The following is addressed mainly to those men who tend to forget anniversaries, birthdays, mothers day and Valentines day.
Is everyone planning on doing something special for their loved one on Valentines day? Yes, fella's...I've heard that it is just a holiday made up by the card companies. I know that your budget may not allow for you to hire a limo. take her out for a romantic dinner, buy a dozen roses or give her a beautiful piece of jewelry. Yeah, yeah...I know you'd like to but just can't afford to do any of those things. And I know you would have stopped to buy that card, aw but shucks...ya forgot all about it with work and bills and everything on your mind.
So let's get a head start. Doing something special to let someone know how they mean to you and how much you love them doesn't have to cost a penny. Grab a piece of paper, it doesn't have to be fancy (although pretty stationery would probably get you a few extra points) and start a love letter. Ahhhh, you don't know how? You poor thing. Okay, here we go...here is a wee bit of a starter letter to help ya out. No...do not leave the blanks, you fill that in with your personal information.
My darling ________, (Now that is where you would fill in her or his name)
I remember the first time we met like it was yesterday. (Now relate the story and how you felt when you first saw them) Include details, if you remember what she was wearing write about it. If it was raining, include that. Etc, etc.
The first thing I noticed about you was your ___________. (eyes, smile, hair, booty, etc) I loved the way you ____________________________ and it still gets to me today. Talk about her/his beauty, the beauty of her soul or whatever.
I felt lost until you came into my life. (Or something about how she/he changed your life for the better) Tell her/him how they've made your life better and how you can't imagine life with them.
Has she blessed you with children? Is she a good mother? Thank her then.
Does she keep your house well kept? Is she a good cook? Talk about what you think is special about her and what she means to you.
Are ya getting the idea? I think once you sit down and start I think you'll be able to write a really beautiful love letter. It doesn't matter how stupid you think it is. The important thing is that you made the effort to do something. She will NOT think it is stupid. I would almost guarantee you that if you give her a letter from your heart...she will love it and treasure it forever.
And hey, don't freaking write it on the computer and email it to her! Take the time to actually write it down on paper. Most likely she is going to want to save this, so having it handwritten is going to make it more special. You could practice on the computer and then once you get it just right, then write it out.
So there...now you have absolutely no excuse not to do anything special for your loved one on Valentines Day. Excuse me...did I hear a male say it doesn't really matter anyway?! Um, I beg your pardon, but I have to disagree with that. Do you love her or not? Is she worth taking the time to sit down for 15 minutes and writing a love letter or not? Unless your doing special things to express your love at other times, this is really important. Maybe not to you, but to her it will mean the world!
Yes, as women we know that this is just one day in the year, like every other day. But it has been set aside as a holiday for people to express their love to each other. If your not doing special little things throughout the rest of the year...then this holiday was designed just for people like you. How do you think she feels when she talks to her friends and they all tell her how wonderful their man treated them, and then when they ask her and she has to tell them you did absolutely nothing at all?!
Yes, I understand that you think she may know you love her and that you think you don't have to tell her that. However, I think that most women imagine how it would feel to be treated like their man absolutely adores her and loves her more than anything in the world. Including football, baseball, Nascar or whatever it may be.
All I can say is take the time to make the effort and see how she responds. I think it will mean the world to her that you took the time to do something special just for her.
Have a good day!
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
Good day...here are a few ways to make removing splinters a little easier.
Splinters
Spring is on it's way...hopefully, so I thought I would include this link to "22 snappy spiffer-uppers" from Clean Home Journal. I love to decorate and re-decorate...LOL...not so sure the ol' man is too thrilled with my "hobby". Whenever I get into a real throrough cleaning the room usually ends up being re-arranged, at the very least. The last time I cleaned the bathroom it ended up being re-painted. I'm still waiting for the ol' man to put down the tiles I bought.
So if your anything like me and you enjoy "spiffing" up the house, check out some of the tips. It looks like they have some pretty cool ideas. Hey, if ya do any fixing up around your house post the before and after pictures in your journal and I'll be sure to post the link.
Have a good day!
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
Good morning. Here is some information about using shallots that I thought might be useful.
About Shallots:
The Latin name for shallot is Allium Ascalonicum. The name refers to
Ascalon , an ancient Palestinian city where the shallot is thought to
have originated.
The flavor is a pungent blend of onion and garlic. Their color can vary
from pale brown to rose, and the flesh is off-white and barely tinged
with green or purple.
Shallots burn easily because of their high sugar content. For this
reason, saute briefly over low to medium heat. When using raw minced
shallots in salad dressings, lessen their pungency by reducing the
juice; wrap the minced shallots in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze
the shallots so the cloth absorbs some of their juices, then add the
shallots to the recipe as directed.
Shallots will keep for approximately six months if stored in a
cool, dry location.
I came across this natural dye information and thought it would make a fun project for Rylie and I to do together. I'm just going to pick up some white cotton tee shirts and we'll have some fun making natural dye one evening. Maybe we could even get Samantha to join us.
Making Natural Dyes From Plants
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Gathering plant material for dyeing: Blossoms should be in full bloom, berries ripe and nuts mature. Remember, never gather more than 2/3 of a stand of anything in the wild when gathering plant stuff for dying. To make the dye solution: Chop plant material into small pieces and place in a pot. Double the amount of water to plant material. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about an hour. Strain. Now you can add your fabric to be dyed. For a stronger shade, allow material to soak in the dye overnight. Getting the fabric ready for the dye bath: You will have to soak the fabric in a color fixative before the dye process. This will make the color set in the fabric. |
Color Fixatives:
Salt Fixative (for berry dyes) 1/2 cup salt to 8 cups cold water
Plant Fixatives (for plant dyes) 4 parts cold water to 1 part vinegar
Add fabric to the fixative and simmer for an hour. Rinse the material and squeeze out excess. Rinse in cool water until water runs clear.
Dye Bath: Place wet fabric in dye bath. Simmer together until desired color is obtained. The color of the fabric will be lighter when its dry. Also note that all dyed fabric should be laundered in cold water and separately.
Muslin, silk, cotton and wool work best for natural dyes and the lighter the fabric in color, the better. White or pastel colors work the best. Cottons will produce lighter colors while wool fabric will have a more intense color using the same dye.
NOTE: It's best to use an old large pot as your dye vessel. Wear rubber gloves to handle the fabric that has been dyed, the dye can stain your hands. It's also important to note, some plant dyes may be toxic, check with the Poison Control Center if unsure. 1-800-222-1222
Yesterday I had to run to Wal-Mart to get my prescription filled. That tiny, but powerful, pin-point headache that starts over my left eye and shoots out through my eyeball, would just not go away. The last time it started and lasted for 5 days. So while I was at the store I bought a bottle of Excedrin Migraine. Hallelujah! It worked on my nasty headache. I'm going to carry that little bottle of pills with me everywhere.
Oh and an even happier note...Monday morning I woke up and decided to cut my carbs. I have not eaten any bread since Sunday. No pasta, no rice, etc. I've cut my sugar intake. I was craving wildly, and did have one banana popsicle and one teeny tiny chocolate kiss. I'm drinking lots of green tea and more water. So far, I've already lost 5 pounds. Yea!
I know that carbs are my enemy. I'm really going to make an effort to stick with it this time. If I want to live a long and healthy life, I'm just going to have to adjust to living on a low carb diet...forever. More fruits and veggies. It's hard because I really enjoy baking and making treats...and eating them. LOL I'll just have to look around and try to find some low carb recipes that I can make instead.
Have a really great day.
Welcome to any new readers & hugs to all my friends!
