hurricane Irene

just a quick note - we still have no power at home since Sunday morning.  limited access to internet - but wanted everyone in the path of Irene to know I am praying for you.  hopefully we will all be up and running as normal very soon.

Keep checking back here to see when my electric is back - but I have to say Hurricane Parties just arent any fun in New Jersey.

Girlfriends

What's so poignant about this picture?
Well, it shows a line of little girls holding hands facing the immensity of ocean waves.

Alone they might be washed away, but together they stand strong.

All girls..
Old and young...
Near and far...
Hold  special memories of good times we've shared.
We've  had our share of hard times when our friends 

were there to make us feel better.  

We've shared...
our  hearts
our  time
our  secrets
our  fears
our  hopes
and  our dreams.
Let  us never break the chain of friends! 

Someone will always be prettier.
Someone will always be smarter. 

Their house will be bigger. 

They will drive a better car. 

Their children will do better in school. 

And their husband will fix more things around the house. 

So let it go, Be Happy!
And love yourself and your circumstances.

Think about it.

The prettiest woman in the world can have trouble in her heart. 

And the most highly favoured woman on your job may be unable to have children. 

And the richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the clothes....might be lonely. 

And the Word says 'If I have not Love, I have nothing.' 

So, again, love you. 

Love who you are.

Look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say 

'I am too blessed to be stressed and too anointed to be disappointed!'

I like that! 

'Winners make things happen.
Losers let things happen'

Quotes of the Day .......

He who is good at making excuses

is seldom good for anything else

Benjamin Franklin

I think old Ben had it right - now stop making excuses and just DO IT!

Ninety-nine percent of failures 

come from people who 

have the habit of making excuses.

George Washington Carver

Are you getting the theme here?

How to prepare for a Hurricane

As we all go crazy trying to prepare for the upcoming appearance of Hurricane Irene, I was reminded of a plate on the wall of my friends condo on Marco Island.  I figure if they don't know how to prepare .... nobody would.  I hope you can read it - it looked so big when I copied it.

I know that the passing and possible landfall of Hurricane Irene is serious - we have a State of Emergency for NY and NJ on Thursday and we aren't expected to see anything until Sunday ...... but sometimes you need to insert a little humor.

Thanks Karen and Dick for the break in the tension that is mounting here in the North East.

Ok now back to preparations.

Insanity

One definition of insanity 

is to believe 

that you can keep doing what you've been doing 

and get different results.

I know I didn't want to make this a "political" blog - God knows I'm not that good at figuring out what the heck they are doing in Washington (or any of the State governments for that matter) but I just couldn't pass this one.  

I will say though that sometimes ...........

I wonder if our "leaders" have forgotten this 

or maybe they have bought into the "myth"

Masterbuilt Electric Digital Smoker

I have to say right now that the Luck of the Irish (yes I do have some Irish in me)  MUST be shining on me.  I just got an email (that I almost thought was spam) regarding a wonderful contest I entered on Mr Food Facebook Page.  In conjunction with Masterbuilt, they were giving away a Masterbuilt Electric Digital Smoker that I have to say looks AWESOME.

I can't remember how I found the page, but I'm sure it was because of a link from one of my awesome Facebook friends.  At first I was intrigued, but thought oh yeah like I could win that.  There are going to be hundreds if not thousands of entries - what chance do I have?  But you know that lottery slogan ......... you can't win it, if your not in it?  So I gave it a try and took the chance.

Well I guess somebody thought I really did have a chance, because I WON. 

I simply can not wait to get this fantastic prize!  I'm already looking for some recipes so I can try this out as soon as it arrives (and I read the instructions).   I saw a recipe for a turkey breast and using chicken breasts on the Masterbuilt website, and I'm thinking ribs would always be great.

So tell me does anyone have any recipes for me to try out?  I know there are some great recipes on Mr Food, because I've been there many many times before.  If you haven't checked them out - you really should - great recipes and free e-books!.  Do you know anyone who actually has their own smoker?  What do they make?  How do they like/love it?  What accessories do I need to be looking for?  Of course the cover (I'm thinking like the one for my gas grill) and how about rib racks?  Anything else?

I have to thank Mr Food and Masterbuilt for this fabulous product.  I can't tell you how excited I am to accept this prize. 

Why Old people SHOULDN'T dress themselves.

You really need to love these .......... this is why seniors need to have some "help" getting dressed each day


Don't hate me - but I just had to laugh when I saw these in my inbox ...... and of course had to pass them on to you.  There were others but I wanted to keep the post somewhat PG if you know what I mean.

Buy new school fashion essentials

Since my "children" are no longer in need of my help with school fashion or supplies, I have enlisted the help of a friend on this very timely topic. 

Today we have a Guest Post that was written by Bridgette Maxwell.

Even though I could never really justify all of the clothing purchases for myself every single August, kids do really need a lot of new clothes for back to school time because they're always growing so quickly. Well, I thought that it would b ea great opportunity for me to do some serious online shopping. I love some online shopping, but try to stay away from doing it for myself that often.

Over the past few weeks I've clocked in quite a bit of online shopping time and while I was looking up some great deals a few nights ago, I ran across the site Wirelessinternetproviders.net. After I read through it a little bit, I decided to change over our home internet service to it.

Well, I've found some really cool school fashion essentials for my kid. I'm quite proud of my finds, too. And I barely had any input for my kids. Maybe I've just hit my stride in shopping for my kids. Either way, it feels pretty great for them to be so excited about school this year thanks to my excellent buys.

Thanks Bridgette.  I'm sure many will be checking out your recommendations.

Quotes of the Day 8/23/11 .......

I came across these two quotes and thought just how much we need both of these right now.   Worlds apart - yet so very well "tuned" into the truth of what the world needed and needs

The difference between what we do 

and what we are capable of doing

would suffice to solve 

most of the world's problems.

Mahatma Gandhi

If we did the things we are capable of doing,

we would literally astonish ourselves.

Thomas Edison.

Shakeology - the new deal or just another plan ?

Recently my friend, Deborah Barlow,  introduced me to Shakeology.  At first, I will admit I was a little skeptical.   To be honest, I was afraid that since Deb is also a Beach Body Coach this would be part of the beach body program with all kinds of tapes/dvds/exercise programs that I have seen on infomercials and in some stores that I would also need to buy.  I already have multiple DVD programs so more "equipment" was NOT what I needed.

When I first got 2 sample packets of Shakeology, I was thinking this is just another "diet plan" or "meal replacement plan" like I have tried many many times before - some working and some just making me feel pretty bad.  But I will be the first to say - I was wrong.  I was able to try both the chocolate and greenberry flavor packets (each make one drink) and I really liked them. 

This is NOT your typical meal replacement shake - it is NOT even close to those SlimFast Drinks that EVERYONE has tried at one time or another.  If it was - I would stop here and tell you to run in the opposite direction.

The first one I had was the chocolate one.  I did nothing but add water and ice to my VitaMix blender with the contents of the packet and gave it a "whirl".   The instructions don't say you must use a blender - but I just have a thing for my blender.  My blender pretty well blended this mixture into a wonderful chocolate shake in about 90 seconds.   It had NO resemblance to a "diet" drink in any way shape or form.  And I didn't add anything to this packet.  They have some wonderful sounding recipes for the chocolate mix on the website.

This morning I had quite a bit of running around to do, and didn't have time for breakfast, which we all know is NOT a good thing to do, but I kept thinking I really wasn't hungry.   As I was getting dressed, I was trying to think about what I could grab so I would have something before I left and I remembered I had the Shakeology greenberry mix.  I knew I could have something and hopefully not be starving by lunch or worse yet, stop at some fast food drive-thru.

This time when I made my shake, I used 1 cup of my home-made yogurt (since directions say use milk or water), the greenberry mix and some ice.  When I first tasted this, I was hit with a funny aftertaste - not strong, but definitely something.  I wasn't sure if it was from the yogurt or the mix or both.   So I put it back into the VitaMix and added 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 1 medium banana - whizzed it again and the taste was perfect.   They also have recipes for the greenberry mix on the website, but because I hadn't pre-planned, and was late, I didn't have time to make one of these interesting recipes - but I'm thinking that I will be doing some of these soon too.

Their website has a section for questions that covers a lot of the questions I had - and some I didn't have but was glad it was there.  I think the site is well laid out so that you can get answers before you order.  But once you start using the Shakes and  think of something you want to "check out", you can ask questions here too.  They will get you an answer.  

Even if you are not on a diet, but need to have something for a quick meal, this is perfect.  Although it does make a shake, it is nothing like the SlimFast Shakes or those Carnations Instant Breakfast.  The Shakeology shakes taste good and don't leave you with those "undesirable" afteraffects that I (and others) have experienced with those other shakes.

I'm hooked.  Yes after 2 shakes, I'm hooked.  I will be ordered a supply for my kitchen.  My only dilemma is do I just get the chocolate or do I get the combo pack of 1/2 chocolate and 1/2 greenberry?  Decisions, decisions, decisions ........... Talk with my friend Deb and you too could be doing Shakeology Shakes by next week - I know I will be! 

Women over 50

In case you missed it on 60 Minutes, this is what Andy Rooney, correspondent on 60 minutes,  thinks about women over 50


As I grow in age, I value women over 50 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

A woman over 50 will never wake you in the middle of the night & ask, 'What are you thinking?' She doesn't care what you think.

If a woman over 50 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She goes and does something she wants to do & it's usually more interesting.

Women over 50 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.

Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved.
They know what it's like to be unappreciated.

Women get psychic as they age.
You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 50.

Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 50 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest..
They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk or if you are acting like one.
You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 50 for a multitude of reasons.  Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal.
For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 50, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress.
Ladies, I apologize.

For all those men who say, 'Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?’
Here's an update for you.
Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!” (Love that last line!)

Andy Rooney is a really smart guy!

Share this with all your  fine, fun, fabulous, fancy-free female friends over 50.
Male friends can benefit from these words of wisdom as well! ;)

Even if you aren't over 50 yet, you have to admit, this is funny!
Lord bless Andy!

Who really matters.

Sometimes you really need to take a look at your life and your friends and take stock.  You need to do this whether you are "old" or "young" - I keep telling my kids that there is a reason that you have friends that seem to have been your friends forever and why you lose touch with other people through out the years.  It doesn't make them or you a "bad" person its that one of you (or both) have finally realized the following.

There comes a point in your life when you realize:    

Who matters,

Who never did,

Who won't anymore...
And who always will.

So, don't worry about people from your past,
there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

Judge NOT

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Bob, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.

'And why is everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.'
'Hush, child,' He said,
'they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'

JUDGE NOT!!

Remember....Just going to church doesn't make you a
Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

Every saint has a PAST...
Every sinner has a FUTURE!

Skinny Meatloaf?

Ok I admit it, even though I must have 100 cookbooks (yes another thing I seem to be addicted to) I always seem to gravitate to cooking blogs.  I have been checking out some of the recipes on Gina's Skinny Recipes at SkinnyTaste.com for quite a while now.  She has some really great ideas that make this "dieting" thing a lot easier.

Today I was trying to figure out what to do with the ground turkey and meatloaf mixture I had purchased the other day.  As I was going through my emails, I found an email  that just happened to have a really great recipe Skinny Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting that was on Gina's blog.

I have to say it was PERFECT.  I didn't make it exactly the same as she made hers .. mainly because I had the meatloaf mix and my hubby doesn't do ground turkey (unless he doesn't know about it).  I just mixed the  turkey and the meatloaf mix and doubled the rest of the ingredients .  Even Mr Picky liked them that way.  I will put 1/2 of them in the freezer tomorrow so we will have dinner already next week or the week after without having to spend too much time in the kitchen.

You really should check out Gina's blog - she has great recipes that I have to say, for the most part - NOBODY would know were "diet" or "diet friendly".  And if you are doing Weight Watchers ....... she will be your new very Best Friend.

Get Walking

With the new school year right around the corner and hopefully the worst of the summer heat gone for another year it is time to start getting back into our exercise routine.

Some of us (ok maybe all of us) will need to "ease" back into it, especially if you have been hiding inside the air conditioned areas, but I have found an easy way to do this.

If you are looking for an easy way to get back into the "groove" and get your exercise back to a more "regular" thing in your life - walking IS the best thing to do.  No equipment needed.  Well that's not exactly true - you really should have some decent walking shoes or sneakers.

Check out Walk off The Weight in 12 Weeks for a really easy way to ease back into that "exercise thing", complements of Family Circle.  Personally I would start at week 1 even if you were exercising before the summer started.  You could start with week 1 and then when you start week 2, if you are getting into the groove - you can either do double the time at one time or walk twice - once in the morning and once in the afternoon or evening.

I know I was doing a great walking program - but somewhere along the line I fell out of the routine - so I think I am going to start in the morning with Week 1. 

Hopefully I will see you out there ........... somewhere walking and then we could stop for coffee before walking back home.

The Good Old Days

Check this out.

HIGH SCHOOL -- 1959 vs. 2009

Scenario  1:
Joe  goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school  parking lot with his shotgun in his truck's gun rack.
1959  - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Joe's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Joe.
2009  - School  goes into lock down, FBI called, Joe hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers..  


Scenario  2:
Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.
1959  - Crowd gathers. Mark wins.. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2009  - Police called and SWAT team arrives -- they arrest both Johnny and Mark. They are both charged with assault and both expelled even though Johnny started it. 



Scenario  3:
Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students.
1959  - Jeffrey sent to the Principal's office and given a good paddling by the  Principal. He then returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again..
2009  - Jeffrey is given huge doses of Ritalin. He becomes a zombie. He is then tested for ADD. The school gets extra money from the state because Jeffrey has a disability. 

Scenario  4:
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1959  - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman.
2009  - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse.. Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison.  Billy's mom has an affair with the psychologist.  


Scenario  5:
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.
1959 - Mark  shares his aspirin with the Principal out on the smoking  dock.
2009 - The police are called and Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons.  


Scenario  6:
Pedro fails high school English.
1959 - Pedro  goes to summer school, passes English and goes to  college.
2009 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro'sEnglish teacher.  English is then banned from  core curriculum. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak  English.  

  Scenario  7:
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the Fourth of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle and blows up a red ant bed.
1959  - Ants die.
2009 - ATF, Homeland Security and the FBI are all called. Johnny is charged with domestic terrorism. The FBI investigates his parents  -- and all siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated. Johnny's dad is placed on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again. 

  Scenario  8:
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort  him.
1959  - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing...
2009  - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison.  Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.


This is why some of us are always complaining about “THE GOOD OLD DAYS”!!!!

Can you imagine what the future will be like when our kids complain about today as the good old days!

The Fresh Diet Wants YOU

That's right - The Fresh Diet wants YOU to check out their facebook page and enter for a chance to win a full YEAR of their meals.  Talk about a fantastic prize!  If you have been following my blog, you have seen some of the great meals I have experienced.  If not (or if you have forgotten) check out my posts here.  You need to go through these posts as I have discussed the good, the bad, and the ugly from my stand point.  You may or may not agree - your kitchen could be different from mine .... although they are suppose to be the same or as close as possible. 

To win you have to follow a few EASY steps.

you need to have a facebook account ..... but I would assume most of you already do.  If not, you can get one for free.

you need to check out their facebook page

you need to "like" them (well you don't have to but I thnk it would be a very good idea)

See I told you this was a super easy contest.

And here comes the "difficult" part ............  I'm posting straight from their facebook post regarding this contest -

Unleash your inner Oracle!

We know our TFD facebook fans have many talents – We are putting your fortune telling skills to the test! Best clairvoyant will receive ONE YEAR of free TFD! You will have 30 days (which was Monday 8/15/11) to guess the DATE our page will reach 100 000 fans. ONE guess per person and you must include your zip code with your entry.

Send entries to competitions@thefreshdiet.com and on the day we reach 100 000 fans, we will announce our winner!

Now you also have to be in their delivery area - but the have been expanding so much it is very possible that you are already in their delivery area.  Check it out.  I know I have my inner Oracle working on this so that I too will have a chance to win One Year FREE ....... oh how that does sound sooooo good.

$2.99 Special

My friend Elaine sent me and I just had to share it with you - you just have to love us "seniors"  Right Elaine??

If you are a senior you will understand this one, if you deal with seniors this should help you understand them a little better, and if you are not a senior yet........God willing, someday you will be......

The  $2.99 Special

We went to breakfast at a restaurant where the 'seniors' special' was two eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast for $2.99. 

'Sounds good,' my wife said. 'But I don't want the eggs.' 

'Then, I'll have to charge you $3.49 because you're ordering a la carte,' the waitress warned her. 

'You mean I'd have to pay for not taking the eggs?' my wife asked incredulously.
 

'YES!' stated the waitress. 

'I'll take the special then,' my wife said.. 

'How do you want your eggs?' the waitress asked. 

'Raw and in the shell,' my wife replied.

She took the two eggs home and baked a cake..
      
DON'T MESS WITH SENIORS!!! 

WE'VE been  around the block more than once!   

Lady's Yearly Exam

Coffee and Coffeemakers

I will admit I have an addiction ......... 

I am addicted to Coffee!  

I NEED coffee - no ifs, ands or buts.

I had recently replaced my coffee maker for a number of reasons but the "last straw" was the forever blinking light telling me to "clean the coffeemaker".  No matter how many times I cleaned it - using vinegar and water or one of those commercially available cleaners the light kept blinking, even when I had just cleaned it.  I had purchased a Hamilton Beach 12 cup Programmable Coffeemaker so that I wouldn't come down one morning to a totally broken coffeemaker ...... now THAT would be a disaster.

I have to say this was the WORST purchase I have EVER made!  There I said it - it is THE WORST.  This Hamilton Beach coffeemaker was on sale, so I should have been a bit wary right off the bat, but I thought oh no Hamilton Beach is a good company, it will be fine - its a great deal.  WRONG

I made 1 pot with this machine and started to doubt my purchase.  My permanent filter does NOT fit in this machine even though it has fit in every other cone shaped filter basket I have ever owned.  The lid (that covers the water and coffee grounds) is not very secure - in fact, if you push on it - even full - it wobbles.  The biggest problem though is the carafe itself - you can NOT pour a cup of coffee - no matter how much coffee is in the pot - without it dribbling/pouring out onto the counter as well as into your cup.  I mean seriously - I had a 14 cup pot on my old machine that didn't drip even if it was super full - this one is a 12 cup pot and I end up with 1/3 of it on the counter no matter how careful you pour?  What is up with that - other than an obvious poor design?

Unfortunately I read the reviews for this coffeemaker AFTER I purchased it and started using it.  I'm not the only one that seems to have a problem with this coffeemaker.  I also didn't see any "solutions" offered by the company or anyone else - so I'm thinking its a lost cause.

I'm already looking into a new coffeemaker.  Not a good review point for the Hamilton Beach.  I will ditch this coffeemaker as soon as I can - it is just not worth it.  Yes it was on sale so I didn't pay the $40 normal price - however the $25 I paid for it was an OVERPAYMENT.

So tell me ...
What coffeemaker do you have?  Do you like it and why.
What coffeemaker do you want and why?

Love U Day

She can deal with stress and carry heavy burdens. 
She smiles when she feels like screaming, 
and she sings when she feels like crying. 

She cries when she's happy 
and laughs when she's afraid. 
Her love is unconditional. 

There's only one thing wrong with her. 
She forgets what she's worth! 

Pass this message on to every beautiful woman you know. 
Remind her that she's unique. 
I just did - 
What are you waiting for?

I love you girl .

Message of the Day - 8/13/11

May your troubles be less,

may your blessings be more,

and may nothing but happiness 

come through your door

Don't take life so seriously

BE HAPPY

DANCE

Today is 

International Disturbed People's Day

Please share this encouraging message to a disturbed friend... 

Just as I've done. 

I don't care if you lick windows,
Take the special bus
Or occasionally pee on yourself..
You hang in there sunshine, you're special.

Every sixty seconds you spend angry, 

upset or mad, 

is a full minute of happiness you'll never get back.. 

Today's Message of the Day is:

Life is short,

Break the rules,

Forgive quickly,

Kiss slowly,

Love truly,

Laugh uncontrollably,

And never regret anything that made you smile.

Slow Cooker or Crock Pot Cooking

Yes I know it is August.  Yes I know it is really really hot out.  Yes I know its BBQ season. 

But sometimes you just don't want to be a slave to cooking.  Sometimes you do not want to even think of being around a hot cooking appliance (stove, oven, grill) and just the thought of it makes you sweat even more.  Or, if you are a "think in advance" type of person, you are  plotting, I mean, planning your fall/winter menu.  And sometimes you know you really can't even boil water without burning it so you just need help that doesn't make you feel like an idiot and will allow you to prepare meals that will wow even your biggest critic.

As I'm sure you know already, Borders, the wonderful bookstore my daughter use to inhabit during her "manga" stage, is closing its doors. Because of this they have been having some really great sales to get rid of their inventory - and there is LOTS of inventory to get rid of!

I found 2 books that I just HAD to have. I had been following Stephanie O'Dea and her blog during her Year of Slow Cooking to see what she came up with each day.  I kept saying I had to find her book (original) and then before I even got the first one she did a second one!  Well I no longer have to say "I need to find her books" because as I wondered around the aisles looking for Christmas gifts ....... I found them!

The first one I found was Make it Fast, Cook it Slow - her original book

And then I found her second book More Make it Fast, Cook it Slow

I have to say I am already in heaven thinking and plotting planning what I am going to be preparing starting this fall.  I already know I need another crock pot (may have to be a Santa request) because my "small" 3 quart one is on its last legs and my 6 quart is great but is probably a little too big for some of the recipes I've already been drooling over.

I even found a recipe that she says is sooooo easy that I am going to try this weekend.... make your own home-made yogurt!  I go through so much greek yogurt since starting the Dukan Diet that I think I need to either learn how to make my own, or buy stock in a yogurt company.

Words for Women to Live By

1. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything.

2. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color.

3. Take life with a pinch of salt.. A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.

4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!

5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).

6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.

7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality.

8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.

9 Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.

10. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny..

11. When life gives you lemons - buy some Coronas.

12. Forget about the perfect man - he's living in San Fran with his boyfriend.

13. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest.

14. If it has tires or testicles it's gonna give you trouble.

15. By the time a women realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong.

Good friends are like stars.........

You don't always see them,

but you know they are always there

Remember yesterday,

dream about tomorrow,

but live for today

ACID REFLUX

Do you suffer from Acid Reflux? Do you suffer from heartburn? Although heartburn is not as "serious" as Acid Reflux (mainly because of the severity and duration) it is still just as uncomfortable ....... no matter what it's called.

I never had heartburn before I got pregnant with my son. We use to laugh that this kid was going to be born with a full head of hair just as the old wives tale said. Well he wasn't but I sure did have heartburn for 9 months. When I was pregnant with his sister ... you guessed it - the heartburn returned.

Well if you are a heartburn sufferer or worse, been diagnosed with Acid Reflux, I have an article for you to check out from health.com.

13 Foods that Reduce Acid Reflux is a great slideshow of foods to eat that have been known to help.

10 Low-Fat Recipes that Reduce Acid Reflux  gives you some ideas on how to use the information noted in the above slideshow.  Some of these are so simple anyone can make them, even if they don't know their way around the kitchen.

7 Foods that Cause Acid Reflux  gives you some foods you might want to avoid if heartburn is a problem.  I know some would be really difficult for me - but hey if you want to live dangerously .....   No seriously - it will give you an idea as to what to avoid if its a bad day.  Or be prepared if you do eat them.

Quicky Quotes

I dialed a number and got the following recording:  I am not available right now, but thank you for caring enough to call.  I am making some changes in my life. Please leave a message after the beep. If I do not return your call, you are one of the changes.'
                         ~~~~~
Aspire to inspire before you expire.
                         ~~~~~             
My wife and I had words, but I didn't get to use mine.
                         ~~~~~
Frustration is trying to find your glasses without your glasses.
                         ~~~~~
Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting.
                         ~~~~~
The irony of life is that, by the time you're old enough to know your way around, you're not going anywhere.
                         ~~~~~
God made man before woman so as to give him time to think of an answer for her first question.
                         ~~~~~
I was always taught to respect my elders; it keeps getting harder to find one.
                         ~~~~~

Every morning is the dawn of a new error.
                         ~~~~~
The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:

'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

Shoes

Now seriously WHO other than Lady Gaga would be wearing these?  Am I missing something?

Sisters

  Time passes.

   Life happens.

   Distance separates.

   Children grow up.

   Jobs come and go.

   Love waxes and wanes.

   Men don't do what they're supposed to do.

   Hearts break.

   Parents die.

   Colleagues forget favors.

   Careers end.

   BUT.........

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.  A girlfriend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you....
Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family: all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. 

When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Airport Security - the new romance

He grasped me firmly, but gently, just above my elbow and guided me into a room, his room.

Then he quietly shut the door and we were alone.
 
He approached me soundlessly, from behind, and spoke in a low, reassuring voice close to my ear.

"Just relax."

Without warning, he reached down and I felt his strong, calloused hands start at my ankles, gently probing, and moving upward along my calves, slowly but steadily.

My breath caught in my throat.
 
I knew I should be afraid, but somehow I didn't care   His touch was so experienced, so sure.

When his hands moved up onto my thighs, I gave a slight shudder, and partly closed my eyes.

My pulse was pounding.
 
I felt his knowing fingers caress my abdomen, my rib cage, and then, as he cupped my firm, full breasts in his hands, I inhaled sharply.
 
Probing, searching, knowing what he wanted, he brought his hands to my shoulders, slid them down my tingling spine and into my panties.
 
Although I knew nothing about this man, I felt oddly trusting and expectant. This is a man, I thought. a man used to taking charge.
A man not used to taking 'No' for an answer. A man who would tell me what he wanted. A man who would look into my soul and say .. . .

"Okay ma'am,
you can board your flight now."

Wal-Mart Greeter

Charley, a new retiree-greeter at Wal-Mart, just couldn't seem to get to work on time.

Every day he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, really tidy, clean-shaven, sharp-minded and a real credit to the company and obviously demonstrating their "Older Person Friendly" policies.

One day the boss called him in to the office for a talk.

"Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang-up job when you finally get here; but your being late so often is quite bothersome."

"Yes, I know boss, and I am working on it."

"Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to hear."

"Yes sir, I understand your concern and I'll try harder."

Seeming puzzled, the manager went on to comment, "It's odd though your coming in late. I know you're retired from the Armed Forces. What did they say to you there if you showed up in the morning so late and so often?"

The old man looked down at the floor, then smiled.

He chuckled quietly, then said with a grin, "They usually saluted and said, 'Good morning, Admiral, can I get your coffee, sir?'"

One of my MOST favorite stories, ever!

Inside every old person is a young person asking,

"What the heck happened?"

Quote of the Day .......

The future belongs 

to those who believe

in the beauty 

of their dreams.

Eleanor Roosevelt

In my opinion Mrs Roosevelt was one smart cookie!  I love so many of the quotes that are attributed to her.

Life's Plan

If you don’t design your own life plan, 

chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. 

And guess what they have planned for you? 

Not much.” 

Jim Rohn

Quotes of the Day 8/4/11 .......

Where there is love,

There is Life.

Gandhi

WISDOM 

begins in 

WONDER.

Socrates

Shabby Apple

Have you ever heard of a company called Shabby Apple?  Until recently I hadn't but I am VERY happy that I stumbled upon their site. 

The Tuxedo III below is just an example of what you can find there.

You should be checking out the wonderful Dresses from Shabby Apple

 

So what do you think?  Have these pictures of Women's Dresses at Shabby Apple gotten your attention?  I know it's gotten mine and I WILL be checking out more of them so that I can replace those dresses that I've given away (cause they don't fit anymore - my diet is working!)

Scrubs

Hmmm no I'm not talking about that TV show "Shrubs" - I'm talking about the professional clothing that you see in doctors offices and hospitals yet they still look so comfy that even young kids aren't scared away. 

If you are looking for trendy scrubs you really need to check out this great site http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/  where those plain ole, same ole things are NOT available.
 
Now, when my kids were little, we always had lots of "play" clothes that seemed to wear out much too quickly, but if you want something "different" for them to wear, that will last, I have got a great place to look.  Check out lydias uniforms.

Kids always want to play dress up or make believe or just pretend to be mom or dad.  I think one of the important things for kids is to keep expanding their minds and their imagination.  With the great ideas at lydias uniforms your kids can do both with clothes that are comfortable, yet durable enough to withstand the rough and tumble world of kids.  And if you plan now - your child could have a fabulous, safe and comfortable Halloween costume without you having to hit the party store!

For lots of options for men and women and kids you really need to check out http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/


This is a paid review.  The review is my own opinion relating to the site and its products, and not based on any compensation received for the review.

The Single Life

I think Maxine nailed this one too............

So what do you think? Does she have it pegged or what?

We have a Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!!!

I have the pleasure of announcing the winner of my latest giveaway I think its time for giveaway ... and the $25 American Express Gift Card goes to ......................

Commenter number #12  Shirley who said

shirley said...
shared on twitter-http://twitter.com/COUNTRYNEST/status/96338448050429952
supergrand2009@yahoo.com

Congratulations Shirley.  I will send out an email ASAP to get your information so I can put that gift card in the mail.

See it does pay to check out my blog daily  :)

Sorrow and Tears?

I was thinking these were pretty good too