_bbR3iY5lLSjzaZNziPYc6VX6tk Inspiration CAN be found EVERYWHERE!: September 2011

Thursday, September 29, 2011

National Coffee Day


Did you know that we have our own special day?  No not your birthday, although that is a special day ............ Today is National Coffee Day!

Today is the day that all of us who have coffee running through our veins (or so it seems) to get things done day in and day out have our own special day - and TODAY is it.

Welcome to National Coffee Day!


There are many chains that are giving out free coffee or discounted coffee today as a celebration.  I found a list at National Coffee Day, but I bet you could find even more - maybe even your local coffee stop is celebrating.


If you want to learn more about National Coffee Day, its history as well as other freebies available make sure you check out National Coffee Day 2011 at Squidoo.com. 

Now you will have to excuse me because ...............


I hear my name being called.

Happy Coffee Day!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Kindle Fire / Kindle Touch

Did you see the announcement today?  Were you part of the waiting masses that wanted to see just what Amazon had for us?

The Amazon tablet called Kindle Fire appears to be able to give the I-Pad / I-Pad2 a run for its money.  CNET had a review of sorts at New Amazon Tablet called the Kindle Fire on Monday, when we weren't positive that this was the name.  Even Techcruncher.com and the Telegraph in the UK was spreading the word - which looks pretty good.

CNET also noted the 2nd new Kindle that was unveiled the Kindle Touch as their entry to take on  the I-Pad.  But I have to say, I doubt this one will be the one to do that.  It doesn't have the same capability as the I-Pad - no WiFi, no microphone, no camera.  This could be a strong competitor to the Nook  or Nook Color .... hmmm maybe I should be looking at that one too.

There was also an announcement of the lowering in price of a Kindle at $79 for the E-Reader.

Now I have a Motorola Xoom, that I really love but I would LOVE to have been one of the testers for the Kindle Fire.  It does seem to have the same operating system as the Xoom but I'm just wondering what the differences are as well as the similarities.  My Xoom has a Kindle app (that I use very often) as well as my mobile internet access (bigger screen than my Droid, not overly heavy like my laptop).

I will definitely have to check this one out - especially since the Kindle Fire has a price of  $199, which is considerably less than both the Xoom and the I-Pad.  It has been touted as the I-Pad killer .... I'd LOVE to see that one first hand! 


And the Calendar Says .....


So how's your week going?
Has it been a good start to this week?  Or do you too have this one hitting you in the face?


Oh Sandy ......... this one is for you!
Sorry, inside joke with the wife of one of my bosses. 

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Bialetti Aeternum Pan

Last week I picked up a Bialetti Aeternum EASY 10 1/4" Saute Pan, in silver, that was on sale ($10) at my local grocery store.  Yes I was walking the aisles just "looking" when this pan just called out to me.

I had just gotten rid of a bunch of my non-stick frying pans because they were becoming less and less non-stick and more and more stick ........  I thought the pan would be a nice change, with its white interior (all of mine are dark grey).



This pan has a nonstick "nano-ceramic" interior that just sounded like it would be "cool".  As the label said "White nonstick coating allows excellent monitoring of food while cooking".  I liked that it was also PFOA and PTFE Free, although I had no idea exactly what that meant ..... it just sounded like it was much better to be "free of those" alphabets than to worry about them.

I have to say this was a fabulous pan to cook in.  It really does work well and really is NON-stick, even without oils or sprays, right out of the gate.  All I did was wash it (by hand) before using and then started cooking with it.  I've cooked Pork Roll (Taylor Ham for some folks) that I was able to make perfect - no "raw" spots and just the right amount of "crunchies" for my taste.  And nothing stuck.  I even made eggs for breakfast that were perfectly cooked without oil/butter and not one stuck ....... so my "once over" eggs came out of the pan and onto the plates without mishap.

I made meatballs as part of Sunday's dinner (with a nice baked ravioli but that's another pot and pan) that required NO oil to cook.  Again the browning was perfect, no burned crunchies just nice browning.  I was able to literally wipe out the pan of any oils from the ground beef ..... and then I just put them back into the pan with sauce and herbs and cover to slowly cook in the sauce. 

The only thing I'm not overly thrilled with ..... can't be put in the dishwasher - but it cleans up so quickly and well - you don't really miss it.  Oh and it can't be stacked (unless you put something in between) because the interior can be scratched.

If you would like to see this pan in action, check out the New Bialetti Aeternum Cookware Video that I found on Bialetti's website.

But with all those "problems" I went out yesterday and picked up another pan.  Yes I now have two of them, a silver grey one and a purple one. 



If you are looking for a great saute pan - this could be it.  You really should look for one of these and add it to your collection.  Or if you can only have a few pans in your kitchen (wow and I thought my kitchen was small) this is a great pan for you.

Now I have to find a few more of these as pots (on sale) ....... I could very easily become a Bialetti Girl!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Maxine on Travel Mugs

We always tease my mom about her "dribble" pot when we go for the holidays.  We all sit around the kitchen table (seems like we do that a lot) and no matter how careful we are - that coffee pot or "thermal"pot that is suppose to be "drip free" ALWAYS drips over the table.  I mean what is the problem about creating a pot that doesn't drip when you pour it?  Hello ........ we can put a man on the moon but we can't get a coffee pot server that doesn't drip?  What is wrong with that ??

When I saw this one I just KNEW that I had to share this one - Mom, John ... this is for you.  Even a travel mug "drips"!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Maxine on Normal


At least that is how it seems ......... but you know  "Normal" is sometimes over-rated.  I KNOW, trust me I KNOW.

Maxine and Coffee


Yeah me neither - enough said.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Burberry Body

I really love to get things in the mail and when they are free things ...... well that's even better!

In the mail today, I received a sample of Burberry Body that I had received because I "liked" them on Facebook.  (see there are still some good things about Facebook)

I had to try this sample as soon as I opened it. 

What I really liked about it was that it was a nice light scent.  Sometimes you get a "new" fragrance that is so cloying, so over powering that you want to gag, but that is definitely NOT the case with this.

I really like this one.

I will be taking this sample with me to Atlantic City this weekend (I love going to conventions, but that's another story) so that I can really give it a test run with other people as well as just me.  But I think that there will be a common consensus on this one ......... a definite thumbs UP.

Restocking after Hurricane Irene

I have finally gotten rid of everything that had to be thrown out after losing power for so long after Hurricane Irene came through and pretty much KO'd us for awhile.  Just cleaning up everything was a major chore, let alone getting everything out to the garbage (a little at a time).  I really have to thank my garbage men - they were really good about all the "extras".

I know I won't have all the things we had in the freezers before (at least not even close for a long time, if ever) but I do think I can start to restock the things that we use all the time.  You know the ground beef , chicken, fish/shrimp and pork that were the staples of our kitchen cuisine.

I am going to have to figure out how to organize my chest freezer so that I can tell exactly WHAT is in there at all times.  This is what I have come up with so far.

I am going to find some baskets of some kind so I can separate each type of protein. 
I am going to keep some kind of a list of what is in the freezer that WILL be kept up to date.

So tell me what kinds of things do you do to keep everything straight?
What do you do to keep track of what you actually have in the freezer?

And finally ...... please share what kinds of freezer foods you have.  Do you do like some I've seen that have "fill the freezer" cooking days/weekends?  If you do - what kinds of things do you make and how do you keep everything from getting "old"?

I really can't wait to hear what you all do.  I am pretty much overwhelmed right now, after throwing out so much stuff.  I was making dinner the other night and I went to get something to add to the pan and then remembered ........ I hadn't replaced it after the massive toss.

Kindred Spirits

Last night I finished the e-book Kindred Spirits by Ashanti Luke, which I really enjoyed. Ok when I can't sleep the Kindle app on my Xoom is my "best friend". 

If you are into Science Fiction or Time Travel or believe that in the long run Good does overcome Evil (like me), this is a good book for you.

As I mentioned above, I had gotten mine for the Kindle, which I really love, that did have some typos in it - but overall it was just fine, and relatively easy to read. 

I will be reading his first book, Dusk, that I just found, which is also in the Science Fiction Genre.

If you have any suggestions of books to read, whether in this genre or something else, I'm all ears.  I love the fact that I can have hundreds of books at my finger tips without having to carry a "trunk" with me where ever I go.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Audrey Hepburn's Beauty Tips

Without fear of being reminded that my posts aren't "original" I need to share this with you today.  Not only was Audrey Hepburn a wonderful actress, she was pretty darned smart as well.

Below is a wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when she was asked to share her 'beauty tips.' 




It was read at her funeral years later.

For attractive lips,
speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes,
seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure,
share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair,
let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise,
walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things,
have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed;
never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,
you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands;
one for helping yourself,
and the other for helping others.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Diet Pills Diet Pills Diet Whatevers ....

Why is it when you admit that you need to lose some excess weight that you become the recipient of 100s of emails or snail mail envelopes offering you THE best thing yet to make those pounds disappear?

Do they really think that email or brochure that says ......... lose 30 pounds in 30 days (or less) really gets people to purchase?  Does it?  Am I that naive?  Or just not "marketing smart"?

I think in the past week I have received at least 25 emails telling me that they have THE best thing for me.  And that's NOT the ones that the spam filter has gotten rid of for me.

Sometimes I think I just need to win the lottery so I can try every single one of them so I can once and for all tell the world that THEY DO NOT work no matter what the brochure says. 

If I am wrong, and you have found something that does work ....... let me know.  I'm all ears - ok not ears since that's NOT what I need to lose - but you get the idea.

I will just continue to do what I have been doing and hopefully I will finally hit on the right combination of food and exercise to finally put this to rest. 

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Artisan Bread

I purchased this book recently because I was dying to make bread and thought I needed something that wouldn't take all day, yet was a bit more "healthier" than white bread.  Even though I am on a "perpetual" diet, and breads are usually off limits, I know that eliminating one food group makes me crave them even more.  So the idea of having something that was on the healthier side without going crazy really got to me.

I have to say it is definitely quick and so far we have been very happy with our "creations" from this book.  I would say that it was a great purchase.




This is their original book - which may be the next book I pick up, just for a little more variety.  Not that I've gotten to try all 100 recipes Healthy Bread book yet ....... but we really are bread lovers here.  How about you? 


I hope you get to try these and enjoy them as much as we do.  You can also check out their blog at Artisan Bread in Five

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Revenge - new fall series on ABC

Shortly the new season of television shows will start.  Some will be the newest season of old favorites and others will be new contenders for the title.

I have just finished reading the script of the premiere of the ABC entry "Revenge" and I have to tell you THIS could be a very worthy opponent for the title.

After reading the script, I went looking for more details on the ABC site.  I actually got to review the trailer at Emily's Revenge

 There is just enough to make you want to come back and see just what Emily has in store for this little "hamlet" on the beach.  The Hampton's never knew what was coming to their village.  Deception and Betrayal ........ and Revenge

This could be the 2011 version of Dynasty ......... only better.  I can't wait for this one to hit the airwaves.  I bet it will be an instant hit!


Now if there had been a part for this face ............ I really would be a very happy camper - but I guess God has other plans for her.  Ok Jenn just keep studying and applying yourself - Biology degree is in your not too distant future.



 September 21st will be the premiere .... and I bet if you sit and watch you too will be hooked.

As Emily said ........... When everything you love has been stolen from you, sometimes all you have left is Revenge.

Apples and Wine

This was from my friend Elaine, she always seems to find those little "ditties" that make us smile but almost always "hits the mark"  I had to share with you.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Fiber One Brownies

I'm sure you have seen the commercials for Fiber One Brownies that start out talking about those things that have been "off limits" since you've been on a diet.  I know I have ...... and I just loved when the woman pushes aside the "bouncer" type guy to go behind the curtain



 I had to try them.   

Now I really like brownies and I also like Fiber One products, so I actually picked up both varieties - Chocolate Fudge Brownies and Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies. 

The Chocolate Fudge Brownies were the first ones I tried.  Although they are small, they really are a nice bit of something with a cup of coffee (or a glass of milk) to get you through the "second half" of the afternoon, in between lunch and dinner.  At 90 calories and 20% of your Daily Recommended Fiber it does/can fit into most diets.  I just wish it had a little more protein.

It is a rather thick brownie for its size and has a nice chewy texture, although just a tiny but dry.  It's one of those nice "cake like" brownies that you see on brownie mix boxes - you know what I mean - at 2 eggs for fudgy or 3 eggs for cake-like.

I think that these might just be my "snack of choice" with a nice cup of coffee in the middle of the afternoon.  I am always open to "suggestions" for things to try, but these will definitely be in my pantry. 

Nature Valley Granola Thins

Nature Valley Granola Thins.  Have you seen these in the store?  Have you tried them?   What did you think?



My daughter brought them home about 2 weeks ago.  She said she loved them.  In fact, I never even got to try them because she kept "taking the last one".

She brought the Dark Chocolate ones, but they also have a Peanut Butter one as well, although they are 90 calories per square.   As much as she kept saying she loved them, I thought well if SHE likes them .... So I bought a box for me.

I have to say that, for me, they were OK.  In our house (specifically with Jenn) its Dark Chocolate or it doesn't exist.  These are definitely made with a thin layer of Dark Chocolate, but I have to say the "granola" part just didn't really do it for me.  It was almost like it was "missing something".  The granola layer was very dry and bland - maybe if it had some fruit or nuts or mini chocolate chips or even some "whole" oats  - something. 

I know one of the reasons she likes these (aside from the dark chocolate) is that they are packaged in a compact little square that can easily fit in her pocket or computer bag and give her something when she is needing just a little "something" to tide her over between classes.

I guess I will continue to look for my "little something".

Sunday, September 11, 2011

September 11, 2001 - 2011

Can you believe it has been 10 years!

It's been 10 years since we were able to see this beautiful sight.







I guess because I live so close to New York City, and could see the twin towers from a few locations in my town, I know I can't.  It still, even after all this time, feels like yesterday that we were living this nightmare.


Let us never forget.  Not the beauty of the towers, not the sacrifices of so many, nor the unity of spirit and country that occurred that day. 



One of the things I remember is agreeing to allow my son (not quite 16) to join the local volunteer fire department as a junior fireman right after this - and I kept thinking WHAT am I doing?  But I guess deep down I knew it was his "calling".  He was determined to make a difference.

 Here he is (in blue shirt) with some of his friends from our local volunteer department after his graduation from the academy.  Today, although he is not in the same company (or even the same state) he is still following that calling, no longer as a volunteer but as a professional - he still makes me feel so proud.  Virginia Beach - you ARE lucky to have him.  He is driven, he is called, he IS ....... but then again I might be just a little bit prejudice (but that is a mom's right).

I hope that you never have to meet him .... but if you do - I know he will be there for you, just as he has been for so many already.


Let us never forget the sacrifices of everyone on that day, nor any of the individuals who gave their lives and those that continue to do so, that we could continue to live free in America.

Last year I invited you to read this very thought provoking poem 


This year I invite you to read it again 
and to 
never forget.

Friday, September 9, 2011

New Jersey -- Who knew?

New Jersey people and for those who make fun of it - check this out.

If you've ever lived in Jersey or loved someone who has...you'll appreciate this!
If you live somewhere else, you might find it interesting.

New Jersey is a peninsula.

Highlands, New Jersey has the highest elevation along the entire eastern seaboard, from Maine to Florida.

New Jersey is the only state where all of its counties are classified as metropolitan areas.

New Jersey has more race horses than Kentucky.

New Jersey has more Cubans in Union City (1 sq mi.) than Havana, Cuba.

New Jersey has the densest system of highways and railroads in the US.

New Jersey has the highest cost of living.

New Jersey has the highest cost of auto insurance.

New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation.

New Jersey has the most diners in the world and is sometimes referred to as the "Diner Capital of the World."

New Jersey is home to the original Mystery Pork Parts Club (no, not Spam): Taylor Ham or Pork Roll.

Home to the less mysterious but the best Italian hot dogs and Italian sausage w/peppers and onions.

North Jersey has the most shopping malls in one area in the world, with seven major! shopping malls in a 25 square mile radius.

New Jersey is home to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The Passaic River was the site of the first submarine ride by inventor John P. Holland.

New Jersey has 50+ resort cities & towns; some of the nation's most famous: Asbury Park, Wildwood, Atlantic City, Seaside Heights, Long Branch, Cape May.

New Jersey has the most stringent testing along our coastline for water quality control than any other seaboard state in the entire country.

New Jersey is a leading technology & industrial state and is the largest chemical producing state in the nation when you include pharmaceuticals.

Jersey tomatoes are known the world over as being the best you can buy.

New Jersey is the world leader in blueberry and cranberry production (and here you thought Massachusetts?)

Here's to New Jersey - the toast of the country! In 1642, the first brewery in America, opened in Hoboken.

New Jersey rocks! The famous Les Paul invented the first solid body electric guitar in Mahwah, in 1940.

New Jersey is a major seaport state with the largest seaport in the US, located in Elizabeth. Nearly 80 percent of what our nation imports comes through Elizabeth Seaport first.

New Jersey is home to one of the nation's busiest airports (in Newark), Liberty International.

George Washington slept here. Several important Revolutionary War battles were fought on New Jersey soil, led by General George Washington.

The light bulb, phonograph (record player), and motion picture projector, were invented by Thomas Edison in his Menlo Park, NJ, laboratory.

We also boast the first town ever lit by incandescent bulbs.

The first seaplane was built in Keyport, NJ.

The first airmail (to Chicago) was started from Keyport, NJ.

The first phonograph records were made in Camden, NJ.

The game Monopoly, played all over the world, named the streets on its playing board after the actual streets in Atlantic City.

And, Atlantic City has the longest boardwalk in the world,

Not to mention salt water taffy,

New Jersey has the largest petroleum containment area outside of the Middle East countries.

The first Indian reservation was in New Jersey, in the Watchung Mountains.

New Jersey has the tallest water-tower in the world. (Union, NJ!!!)

New Jersey had the first medical center, in Jersey City.

The Pulaski Skyway, from Jersey City to Newark, was the first skyway highway.

NJ built the first tunnel under a river, the Hudson (Holland Tunnel).

The first baseball game was played in Hoboken, NJ, which is also the birthplace of Frank Sinatra.

The first intercollegiate football game was played in New Brunswick in 1889
(Rutgers College played Princeton).

The first drive-in movie theater was opened in Camden, NJ, (but they're all gone now!). One was just rebuilt in Vineland, NJ it has been in operation for the past 2 years

New Jersey is home to both of "NEW YORK'S" pro football teams!

The first radio station and broadcast was in Paterson, NJ.

The first FM radio broadcast was made from Alpine, NJ, by Maj. Thomas Armstrong.

All New Jersey natives: Sal Martorano, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Jason Alexander, Queen Latifah, Susan Sarandon, Connie Francis, Shaq, Judy Blume, Aaron Burr, Joan Robertson, Ken Kross, Dionne Warwick, Sarah Vaughn, Budd Abbott, Lou Costello, Alan Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, Marilynn McCoo, Flip Wilson, Alexander Hamilton, Whitney Houston, Eddie Money, Linda McElroy, Eileen Donnelly, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Walt Whitman, Jerry Lewis, Tom Cruise, Joyce Kilmer, Bruce Willis, Caesar Romero, Lauryn Hill, Ice-T, Nick Adams, Nathan Lane, Sandra Dee, Danny DeVito, Richard Conti, Joe Pesci, Joe Piscopo, Robert Blake, John Forsythe, Meryl Streep, Loretta Swit, Norman Lloyd, Paul Simon, Jerry Herman, Gorden McCrae, Kevin Spacey, John Travolta, Phyllis Newman, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Eva Marie Saint, Elisabeth Shue, Zebulon Pike, James Fennimore Cooper, Admiral Wm.Halsey,Jr., Dave Thomas (Wendy's), William Carlos Williams, Ray Liotta, Robert Wuhl, Bob Reyers, Paul Robeson, Ernie Kovacs, Joseph Macchia, "Uncle Floyd," Kelly Ripa, and, of course, Francis Albert Sinatra.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You know you're from Jersey when...

You don't think of fruit when people mention "The Oranges."

You know that it's called Great Adventure, not Six Flags.

A good, quick breakfast is a hard roll with butter.

You've known the way to Seaside Heights since you were seven.

You've eaten at a diner, when you were stoned, or drunk, at 3 A.M.

You know that the state isn't one big oil refinery.

At least three people in your family still love Bruce Springsteen, and you know the town Jon BonJovi is from.

You know that the state isn't all farmland.

You know that there are no "beaches" in New Jersey--there's the shore--and you don't go "to the shore," you go "down the shore." And when you are there, you're not "at the shore"; you are "down the shore."

You know how to properly negotiate a circle.

You knew that the last sentence had to do with driving.

You know that this is the only "New" state that doesn't require "New" to identify it (try . . . Mexico . . York... Hampshire -- just "Jersey")

You know that a "White Castle" is the name of BOTH a fast food chain AND a fast food sandwich.

You consider putting mayo on a corned beef sandwich a sacrilege

You don't think "What exit?" is very funny.

You would never think to go to Wildwood, Seaside Heights, or LBI in the off season.

You have walked the "walk of shame" in Belmar.

You remember your high school prom, but nothing after it from Wildwood or Seaside Heights.

You know that South Jersey doesn't count as part of New Jersey.

You know that people from South Jersey speak different.

You consider Point Pleasant/Belmar to be the Mason-Dixon Line between North Jersey to the dreaded South Jersey.

You know that people from the 609 area code are "a little different."

Yes they are!

You know that no respectable New Jerseyan goes to Princeton--that's for out-of-staters.

The Jets-Giants game has started fights at your school or local bars.

You live within 20 minutes of at least three different malls.

You refer to all highways and interstates by their numbers.

Every year you have at least one kid in your class named Tony.

You know the location of every clip shown in the Sopranos opening credits.

You've gotten on the wrong highway trying to get out of the mall.

You know that people from North Jersey go to Seaside Heights, and people from Central Jersey go to Belmar, and people from South Jersey go to Wildwood. It can be no other way.

You weren't raised in New Jersey--you were raised in either North Jersey, Central Jersey or South Jersey.

You don't consider Newark or Camden to actually be part of the state.

You remember the stores Korvette's, Two Guys, Rickel's, Channel, Bamberger's and Orbach's.

You also remember Palisades Amusement Park.

You've had a boardwalk cheese steak and vinegar fries.

You start planning for Memorial Day weekend in February.

And finally..
You've NEVER, NEVER pumped your own gas.


Well I've lived in NJ for about 40 years now ........ some of these are so very true, from my experience and others are "questionable" but it was a good chuckle.  But I have to say that I HAVE pumped my own gas.  I think it was early on when I started to drive (forever ago) that I learned how to pump my own gas.  My mother, on the other hand never has, even though she now lives in Virginia.  Whenever we visit and I go out with mom in her car ...... I always ALWAYS look at the gas gauge to see she needs gas.  I always tell her to stop and I will fill the tank.  Her answer ........... Oh no, you don't need to do that, Dad will fill it.  Love you mom but you REALLY need to learn how to pump gas (yes even at 75 you need to know how)

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Even God Enjoys a Good Laugh

There were 3 good arguments that Jesus was Black:

1. He called everyone brother

2. He liked Gospel

3. He didn't get a fair trial


But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Jewish :

1. He went into His Father's business

2. He lived at home until he was 33

3. He was sure his Mother was a virgin and his Mother was sure He was God


But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Italian:

1. He talked with His hands

2. He had wine with His meals

3. He used olive oil


But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was a Californian:

1. He never cut His hair

2. He walked around barefoot all the time

3. He started a new religion


But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was an American Indian:

1. He was at peace with nature

2. He ate a lot of fish

3. He talked about the Great Spirit


But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Irish:

1. He never got married..

2. He was always telling stories.

3. He loved green pastures.


But the most compelling evidence of all - 3 proofs that Jesus was a woman:

1. He fed a crowd at a moment's notice when there was virtually no food

2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it

3. And even when He was dead, He had to get up because there was still work to do


Can I get an AMEN

 Sorry this came in an email from my friend Elaine and I just HAD to share it with you.
Come on it was funny ......... I heard you laughing!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Hurricane Irene's "visit" to the area ....

Just in case you were wondering what all the "fuss" was about ......... These are probably less than 20 miles or so from my house! Oh yes I was VERY lucky.

This is the baseball stadium Patriots Stadium, that is less than 10 miles from me - yes that IS the ball field that looks like the swimming pool.


Here is Route 27 in New Brunswick - in the "general area" of Rutgers University.


Here is Route 18 showing the "exit" for Rutgers.


And some of the "shops" in the New Brunswick area off Easton Avenue


Perhaps you heard about part of Route 287 "falling away" ..... here's why. Yes that is the guardrail "floating" in the air.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Up to $50 in FREE GAS from Kellogg's

Check it out - my friend @ Couponista Queen found this FANTASTIC deal from Kellogg's.

Couponista Queen: NO JOKE!!!! Up to $50 in FREE GAS from Kellogg's: RIGHT NOW Kellogg's has an INCREDIBLE Rebate Offer! You can get up to FIVE (5) $10 Prepaid Mastercards when you submit 10 UPC...

Hurricane Irene and our new "Awareness"

I have to say that even though we vacationed through Hurricane Andrew in Florida in 1992 I was not well prepared for Hurricane Irene.  Now I thought I was, having purchased water and ice and "easy to prepare" meals and products. But then again, since I live in New Jersey, hurricanes are not our norm.  Nor'easters yes, Hurricanes, no.

We really have been very lucky as far as loss of electricity is concerned - well at least until last week.  I don't think we have, in the last 30 years I have lived in this house, ever been without electricity for more than a day maybe two.

Irene, however hit us hard - we were without electric for 4.5 days.  Basically everything I had in my refrigerators and freezers is gone.  I am extremely sad as I clean out and throw out everything.  Perhaps if it had been just 2 days or so we might have been able to save some things, but not after 4.5 days.

When I was trying to cook dinner yesterday - I needed some ingredients that I KNEW I had in the freezer ......... the operative word was HAD.  I think that is one of the hardest things - I remember so many things I had in the freezer that I would use to cook without thinking.  I could look at a recipe or think of something to make and know that I had everything or almost everything in the freezer.  I wouldn't have to stop of the store before cooking.

I am trying to keep a positive spin on everything that has happened.

Yes I lost a lot of food, but some of it will be covered by our insurance, we just have to wait for the check.

Yes our sump pump didn't work because of the lack of electricity, but the heavy rain stopped earlier than they thought, and we got almost no water in the basement.  The water stopped rising up the sump hole - right at the top!  So we were very lucky to have no flooding like some others.

Yes, I have to clean out my freezers from all the spoiled food, but I can now clean and sanitize my recently "defrosted" freezers and not have to worry about keeping food cold while I do that.

Yes, I have to throw out probably a couple thousand dollars worth of frozen food, but now I get to restock my refrigerator and freezers with only the things we will DEFINITELY use and enjoy. 

I will have room now so I can make some "freezer" meals to have during the upcoming tax season when cooking is limited due to long hours of working, that we will just heat and eat.

If I had the money, I could do the Nutrisystem Frozen Food plan or try an order from Schwan's which was something I wanted to try, but didn't have room

See there is always a "bright side" to everything - you just have to look for it! 

Now that I've taken a break and my lunch is finished,  I better get back to my "cleaning" so that I can start looking for some good sales on meats and vegetables and other possibilities.

But please Mother Nature ......... no more.  Between the heavy winter at the beginning of the year, the earthquake and then the Hurricane ........ I really am tired and need for have a few years of no more "events" so that I can recoup and be ready for the next go 'round.

Thank you Mother Nature,
Your grateful Daughter

Healthy Foods that MAY surprise you

Always looking for healthy recipes and ingredients that your family will eat?  I know I am.  I found this great post on The Food Network's website that I think will help.

Not only do they list 10 foods that are healthier than you think for you - you also get some recipe links as well.


There are some great and interesting suggestions here, that I may be trying very soon, since I have a somewhat "empty" canvas here at home after the effects of Hurricane Irene.  
Come on back to see what I end up trying in the next week or so.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Banana Ice Cream

As I continue to clean up and throw out after our visit from Hurricane Irene I found this wonder endorsement for the ever popular "banana ice cream".


Now as I get things settled around here I know what to do with the top shelves of my stand up freezer - fruit freezer station!  I will be having these and other fruit flavors very soon.

If you hurry, you could have this as a great treat for tonight.  I know I am going to try it.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Hurricane Irene Update

Well after 4 1/2 days we finally got electric - about 3 days too late for any of the food in my refrigerator or freezers.  EVERYTHING needs to be thrown out - such a waste.  of course my freezers were full so it makes me feel even worse.

Today I need to clean out another freezer and get a few things for us to eat as well as go to a viewing for a local fireman and friend who died on Monday.

I will try to keep you all updated as to my "progress" and get back to regular postings.  I am guessing my Labor Day Weekend will be full of laboring to get us all up and running on "normal" mode again.  Thank you all for your patience.

Rest in peace Andy.