Did you have a good start to your day?

I saw this one on a friends Facebook Page and just knew I had to grab it.

I'm not sure where he got it from, or I would be thanking them right here, but I have to agree that all it takes is just ONE positive thought and everything can change, everything.

SO

No more NEGATIVE thoughts

ONLY POSITIVE thoughts allowed

RIGHT??

Tupperware is holding their Christmas in July Party

It's Christmas in July for the first two weeks of July here at Tupperware.  

I am inviting YOU to Party with us! 

Its also our President's birthday month but that's another story altogether. .....

We have some really great pieces that were big hits this past Christmas (and some actually had more demand than we could handle) so to meet the demand or the wishlist of those from this past holiday season we are having this Christmas in July Party on my site!






First we have this great set of Holiday Tumblers that EVERYONE wanted that are great for kids and adults alike.

I have a set of these from the holiday that I can't wait to pull out again - yes that cute!

And then we have these great pieces for your cookies with a great mix it bowl to make those cookies in!
I have these cookie keepers and they are wonderful.  Makes it so very easy to keep your cookies fresh until they are consumed .... and the Large Mixing Bowl is PERFECT.  Because it says "Mixing" in the name of the product, it is "safe" to use with an electric hand mixer - the texture of the inside of the bowl is "made for an electric mixer" .... I use all my bowls with a mixer and haven't had a problem, but its nice to have a Tupperware bowl made specifically for the mixer ... if you know what I mean.

• Includes two 9½-cup/2.25 L Jolly Holiday Cookie Canisters and 
• 12-cup.2.8 L Large Mixing Bowl for just $29!

We of course can not forget holiday lunch kits either ... we have a great set of classic crystalwave dishes that are perfect for heating your lunch in PLUS a 16 ounce tumbler in a wonderful red holiday color!

But you know that some of these pieces can be used all year round ... so if you know someone that likes the color red .. these would be an AWESOME gift for them and at just $14 until July 11th ... its a steal!








And then we have these Classic Impressions Bowl Set in rich holiday colors ... I really do love these - and at this price you would be foolish not to get a set!

Remember to get this set, you have to have purchased $50 in Tupperware on the same order - but with just the other pieces on this post you could do that and have some really great pieces for gifts for your friends and family or for yourself!

Don't miss out on these great pieces, because I really am not sure that they will be available when the holidays roll around this year.
You can pick these up on my Tupperware Site  or you can jump on the current online party that I have up in the right sidebar because these pieces can be picked up online OR at an actual party.
You MUST however purchase them before midnight on July 11th or they will be gone.

Have a question?  Want to have your own party?  Message me and we can get it taken care of.
Want to become a consultant yourself?  Talk to me - you can JOIN the Fun at Tupperware!

When you dance to your own tune

I had to share this for everyone who is out there dancing to the music that only they can hear.

You may never be understood, 

but I want you to know that we really do applaud you 

even if it is in silence.

It is because of YOU 

that we can at times do those things that others may think is silly 

or irresponsible or even down right dumb.  

It is because of YOU 

that we have the courage to, sometimes, stand out from the crowd.

It's a Red, White & Blue Hop Event!

It's a 

Red, White, and Blue 
Event!

Welcome to the Red, White & Blue Giveaway Hop Event! 

Hosted by 

LeahSay's Views and Planet Weidknecht

I think we have a great group of blogger 
who have joined together to make this a great giveaway.

We have been given a very small list of "must bes" for this giveaway prize: 
1) it must be worth at least $25.00 and 
2) it must be family friendly.

Pretty easy right?
So for my prize
I'm giving $25 Cold Hard Cash
winners choice - Gift Card or PayPal

Tupperware FridgeSmart

I received this just this morning and thought it might be fun to have everyone do.
You just never know what the home office will do once they have all the survey forms completed ....
It could be just about anything at this point, they have done some really awesome things in the past!

If you want to email me your answers, I will accumulate them until July 11th and send them off to the home office for their review.

Tell me ... have you seen the FridgeSmart Containers in action?
Do you know how great the Tupperware FridgeSmart pieces are?
Do you have any?
Do you want to have some for your own?
Right now we have a 4 pc set on a BOGO that is pretty awesome, on my Tupperware Site. or as always you could grab these or anything at my "current" party, the link is at the top right sidebar.

If you fill out the above form or make a purchase from me (either on the party link or directly from my site) I will have a drawing from all those who purchased and send them a thank you gift.

Would you like to have your own party?  It could be a book party, it could be an online party or you could just be an order taker for me and earn some free Tupperware.

But whether you make a purchase or not, if you could send me the answers to the form I would be very appreciative.  You never know what the home office will do ... maybe another one of those great BOGO offers for more FridgeSmart!  I know I love love love mine.

Filet of Sole en Papillotte

I know we should all be eating more fish (which of course we don't do) but I think this one could be a winner because it is super easy to make, quick so you could have it during the week and with mega protein but light!

AND it looks super fancy ... just think how your family or guests will feel when you bring this to the table!  They will think they are really really special ... well they are right?  Now you can show them.

Serves 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
2 tbsp. capers, drained
2 tsp. green peppercorns, in brine, drained
4-6 oz. fillets of sole, boned and skinned
1/2 tsp. salt
Sprigs of dill
1 lemon, cut into 8 thin slices (the Tupperware Mandoline works great for this)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. 
Combine capers and peppercorns, and set aside. 
Fold a piece of parchment paper in half. Lay fish inside of the parchment paper and sprinkle each piece with a teaspoon of the caper mixture. Season with salt and dill and top each sole fillet with 2 lemon slices. 

Fold parchment over ingredients, making a small pleat to secure, fold ends together to seal. Place packet on baking sheet. Bake until the packet has puffed up and the fish is cooked, 15-18 minutes. 
Plate and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 1/4 Recipe, Servings per recipe: 4, Calories 150, Calories from fat 15, Total fat 2g, Saturated fat 0g, Trans fat 0g, Cholesterol 80mg, Sodium 580mg, Total Carbohydrate 3g, Dietary fiber 1g, Sugar 0g, Protein 29g

E is for Emotions

Do you have young children or grandchildren?
Do you find, at times that it is really difficult to explain things to them in words that they will understand when they ask questions that you just can't find a simple explanation for?

Emotions and explaining them can be one of those difficult things.
Well they don't have to start you "sweating" anymore.
I know when my kids were small, I really wish I had had this book to read to, and with, them.

E is for Emotions 

was created by Lisa Weidknecht, 

a fellow blogger at Planet Weidknecht.

What I really liked about this book is that it isn't "babyish" but uses words and explanations that young children can understand and does it in a way that makes it fun.

Think about it, how would you explain to your child how it feels to be Overwhelmed or Timid, so that they know what it is that they are feeling before it happens.  Do you think you could come up with a simple explanation, with examples, that doesn't make them feel like you have just confused them even more?  Lisa does.

This really is a great book that you can read to your children or grandchildren until they can read it to you. And believe me, it is a wonderful first reader that will help them learn about emotions AND learn their letters, in a way they will want to learn. It's a win-win right?

Lisa knows what she is talking about,  She has a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and Family Relationships AND a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education.  Pretty neat right?

You can pick up this book on Amazon.com or if you are feeling lucky ... you could enter a giveaway for US readers at Miki's Hope where you could win a signed copy!  The giveaway goes until July 21st, but I wouldn't be waiting to enter .... you want to make sure you are in Right?

All American Half Bath Giveaway!

So ......

What are you doing between today, June 23rd and July 4th?

Would you be interesting in winning all the items needed re-do your half bath?

Thought that might get your attention!

Enter to win this All American Half Bathroom Giveaway 

 June 23-July 4.

All of the items are made in the USA. Hosted by Change Your Bathroom, Inc. Sponsored by Delta, American Standard, Rayne Mirrors and National Builder Supply

One participant will win: A Delta Touch20 Faucet ($423.50), An American Standard Cadet Pro Toilet ($401), A handcrafted in America Silver Wide Mirror ($455), A Brownlee 2 light vanity fixture ($134), A Kohler wall mounted sink ($359.75), Hand cut glass tile from Change Your Bathroom for a back splash ($230), A towel holder ($43) and a toilet paper holder ($63.65). **Other finishes and models might be available.

Scroll down to the rafflecopter form to enter.

Change Your Bathroom specializes in designing and installing bathrooms. “Are you ready for a luxurious bathroom? We make sure you have the best finished product and best possible experience. Our name, Change Your Bathroom, reflects our passion and specialty…bathrooms.” They have their own proprietary products including: The Dust Defense Containment System (no dust in your house throughout the whole remodel process) and Splish Splash Shower Systems (a hidden curbless shower drain). www.changeyourbathroom.com

Rayne Mirrors is a family owned and operated business out of Southwest Missouri, United States. They manufacture hand crafted, Made in America, framed wall mirrors with a focus on detail and quality. “Our number one priority is customer satisfaction. Our family promises to value our customers and uphold our integrity while doing business with our clients”. They specialize in providing a drop ship program for online retailers for their full collection of wall mirrors. www.raynemirrors.com

National Builder Supply is a full-service ecommerce site (backed by an on-site warehouse and customer service team) offering low prices on products like toilets, faucets, sinks, and light fixtures. “we continue to grow and strengthen relationships with our customers, partners, and manufacturers. Each day our team strives to make our customers’ lives a little easier, delivering personalized service to contractors, plumbers, designers, and homeowners alike.” They are revolutionizing the traditional plumbing supply industry by providing extraordinary customer service through strong customer relationships, large inventory and customer focused technology. www.nationalbuildersupply.com/

2014 Summer Solstice Giveaway Hop

I'm participating in the 3rd Annual Summer Solstice Giveaway Hop this year and I couldn't be more excited!
Between June 19th and June 25 you can hop along your way, to meet some great bloggers and enter their giveaways with a chance to score some AWESOME stuff!

We need to thank MamaNYC for putting this all together for us.

So when you hop on over to her page (after mine please) 

Make sure you thank her for all her work!

We don't have a defined Theme for this Giveaway Hop,
other than "Think Summer" and "Anything Goes" 

Summer - hot, humid, fun times running everywhere

NEED TO STAY HYDRATED!

So of course I have a set of Tupperware Eco Friendly Water Bottles for the whole family!
5 bottles in total  - 3 medium and 2 Large Bottles
Thats a $44 value!!

3 MEDIUM Eco Water Bottles

Your healthful, go-anywhere thirst quencher. 

Includes flip-open, Easy Sipper Cap. 25 oz./750 mL. 
Set of three.

• In Fuschia Kiss/Guacamole/Tropical Water.
• Dishwasher safe.

PLUS

2 LARGE Eco Water Bottles 

Includes flip-open, Easy Sipper Cap. 

Fill bottle twice a day to meet your daily hydration needs.

• 36 oz./1 L.
• In Fuschia Kiss or Turquish.
• Dishwasher safe.

Now you will have NO excuse for not getting in your daily minimum amount of water for you or any of your family members.

Don't want to wait?   

You could order your own on my Tupperware Site here.

Good luck!

Creamy Rice Pudding

Sometimes you want something as an after dinner "fix" that's not too heavy, not too sweet, but "just right".  Once again, Tupperware has the solution!

Serves 4-6
Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
2 cups milk
1 (3 oz. pkg.) cook and serve vanilla pudding
1 (8.8 oz. pkg.) microwave ready rice or 2 cups cooked rice
1 cup raisins
1/2 tsp. Simple Indulgence™ Cinnamon & Vanilla

Directions:
Place milk in 8 1/4-Cup/ 2L Oval Heat 'N Serve™ Container. Sprinkle pudding mix over milk and stir to blend with Saucy Silicone Spatula. Add rice, raisins, and Simple Indulgence™ Cinnamon & Vanilla and stir to blend. Cover and heat in microwave on high power (100%) for 6-8 minutes until mixture comes to a complete boil. Stir every 2-3 minutes during cooking. Remove from microwave. Cool, serve warm or cold.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 1/4 Recipe, Servings per recipe: 4, Calories 370, Calories from fat 25, Total fat 3g, Saturated fat 1.5g, Trans fat 0g, Cholesterol 10mg, Sodium 220mg, Total Carbohydrate 82g, Dietary fiber 2g, Sugar 48g, Protein 8g 

E³ Tip:
Topping on whipped cream: Sprinkle Simple Indulgence™ Cinnamon-Vanilla and chocolate shavings on whipped toppings. For chocolate shavings, use a thick chocolate bar (room temperature) and use the Twistable™ Peeler to shave thin slices. Source: Tupperware

Join my Tupperware Mystery Hostess Party Tonight!

Just wanted to do a quick post to invite everyone to my Tupperware Mystery Hostess Party tonight on Facebook.  The party is open to anyone in the US.  I believe that readers from Canada can also view and order through this party too - but I will be honest, I'm not 100% positive since I'm in the US.  I know Canadian prices are different because of the exchange rate - but hey I'd be willing to try it if you are.

I know that there are many people who really LOVE Tupperware (and maybe some "closet" lovers too), that would love to have some new Tupperware products in their home but don't want to have a party - too much work to get set up .... and then you have to invite people too!  Well I'm giving you an option today.

I will be holding an ONLINE Tupperware Party "Event" starting today at 7:30 PM Eastern Time.  I will hang out at this event to answer questions, show some of the pieces that I either have and love or want to pick up to add to my Tupperware pieces.

During this event you can ask questions, check out the Mid-June brochure with all the highlighted or sale pieces, scan through the Summer Catalog and if you so desire, order through my "online party" link.  

To be ordering as part of this party link, all you need to do after clicking the link, is enter your name and email address (I need that to contact you if you are a winner and to send you your order confirmation) and then click NO for attending (I know a little confusing).  But when you click NO you will be able to place an order for THIS party and not just online.

I will keep the party open until June 21st at 9:00PM Eastern time, so that everyone has a chance to check things out and order if they so desire.   I will also be dropping in to the event page every day, so that I can answer questions asked, play some games, select some winners of little thank you gifts, and help out in any way I can.

On June 22nd, I will go through the orders from this party, and I will select 1 person to be my Mystery Hostess.  This person will receive a 4 pc FridgeSmart Set worth $84 directly from me!!  That's right.  They will get a 4 pc FridgeSmart Set that will help you keep all those Fresh Fruits and Veggies LONGER so you aren't throwing out all that money in a matter of days!

I know they are great pieces, I have been using my set (last years set) for strawberries this past week ... I bought the strawberries June 8th so hubby could have strawberries and cream.  Since they were on sale - 3 pints for $10 I wanted to make sure that I could keep them fresh as long as possible.  I took 1 pint and cut them up for that Sunday's dessert and put the other 2 pints in my FridgeSmart.  Hubby was able to have the last few strawberries along with breakfast for Father's Day.
Now THAT is pretty spectacular if you ask me.

How many times have you had strawberries keep fresh in your fridge for 8 days??

If you missed the Best BBQ Buys pieces (I'm in love with the Vent'N Serve pieces) at this great price, you can order them through this link until June 17th at midnight EASTERN time.  Since your order is completed as soon as you submit, you could order these on Monday or Tuesday and then come back and pick up anything you missed on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or even Saturday so you could get these at this great price and then take your time and pick up anything else without rushing.

So consider yourself invited to my Tupperware Online Party where YOU could be my Mystery Hostess! Come join in on the fun, invite yourself to my Online Tupperware Party Event on Facebook.  Who knows, YOU could be my Mystery Hostess!

Remember if you want to attend, click the link for the party, where it says, "would you like to attend this party" enter your name, email address and click NO.  

Then you can order on THIS party and have your chance to be my Mystery Hostess!

Invite your friends and family, lets make this a huge success - I'm counting on YOU.

If you would like to do your own party this way, let me know.  I'd love to be able to work with you to spread the good news about Tupperware ........ 

We're not just your mama's Tupperware

We really are YOUR Tupperware!

Litter Genie ... a Cat's Best Friend

I said that the Litter Genie is a Cat's Best Friend, but I have to admit, I think it is MY best friend too.  It really makes taking care of my Shadow's litter box less of a chore, and maybe just maybe something that others will help out with.  

I had received a Litter Genie the day before our "garbage" day and thought it would be perfect for my house, especially since my cat is only an indoor cat. You see my Shadow is a very clean cat, and always has been, but she is a real fussbucket.


When she was really little, if her litter box had been "used", she would literally "hold it" all day if she had to, until you cleaned it out.  Now that she is older, she's not quite as "particular" and will use a used litter box if its not "too" used.  Needless to say, I seem to be always cleaning it out.  That means I am always carrying a small garbage can or bag to her "private space" to keep her litter box clean.

Now with the help of Litter Genie, I no longer have that a plastic bag in my hand!  I can leave the Genie sitting right next to Shadow's litter box and neither one of us knows its there, even if it is being used numerous times during the day.  As you can see, she has her own "collection" of toys and things on HER shelving, and the Litter Genie sits right there in the open.  Now the lid isn't open on a regular basis .. but I wanted to show you how well it "fits" into a small space.

The lower compartment of the Litter Genie is large enough to hold days worth of used litter (they say up to 14 days) with NO ODOR but we haven't had it that long yet.  We have used it for 3 days now and I have to agree - no odor, no mess, no problems.

This is the easiest way to keep the litter box clean without making multiple trips to the garbage each day and to honestly not have to worry about litter box "odors".  The set up is so easy, anyone can do it, everything you need is in the box, even the scoop!






The most "difficult" part of the whole process is the bag placement - and even that is super simple.  The bag assembly is shown here on the left, after I had removed the "zip strap".








Then you "pull out" the bag about 12 inches or so and feed it back through the center hole, gather at the bottom and tie a knot.
















Lift the bag assembly lid, slide out the little "drawer type" slider, set the bag assembly in the top (little grooves keeps it in place) with the bag going down into the unit, close the slider, then firmly close the bag assembly lid.  And YOU ARE DONE!

I told you it was EASY!












Here we have my Litter Genie after its first use ... please note you see NOTHING in the top - all the used litter has been dropped down below the slide drawer, which helps keep the odors trapped away from your and your cat's living space.









I have to say, if you have a kitten, a cat or multiple cats, the Litter Genie is a MUST HAVE.
Before you get your kitten, you make a list of things to get .... food dish, food, water bowl, litter box, litter, toys and make sure you add the Litter Genie to the list!  Trust me, you will not regret it!



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free 
The fact that I received the product(s) free, the opinions here are my own and not influenced by its receipt. 
Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Happy Father's Day

I just wanted to say

It is YOUR day

You may be getting a few of these ......

But you probably want to have one of these  ...

And you may be doing some of this

And maybe some of this

But know that

And that's how all the sons and daughters think about their dad today .... whether you get to spend a lot of time with them or not . YOU will ALWAYS be their hero!

Happy Father's Day Dad .... You will always be MY Super Hero!

(Mom's kinda special too, don't ya know)

Parmesan Crisps

These would be great as part of a summer salad, maybe even with summer soup to add a bit of "rich flavor". I really like this idea (I know its not really new) to add additional flavor to a salad or to get more greens into our daily diet.  Tupperware always has my back .... just part of the reasons I LOVE Tupperware!

Servings: 12 large, 24 small 
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp. Simple Indulgence Italian Herb
Mixed baby greens, for garnish

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place cheese in Quick Shake® Container; add Simple Indulgence™ Italian Herb, seal and shake to mix together.

Spoon tablespoons of cheese mixture onto a cookie sheet covered with a Silicone Mat. Bake 6 at a time, 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove from oven and while wafers are still warm and pliable, hand shape as desired. Fill with baby greens.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 1/12 Recipe, Calories 40, Calories from fat 25, Total fat 2.5g, Saturated fat 1.5g, Trans fat 0g, Cholesterol 5mg, Sodium 180mg, Total Carbohydrate 1g, Dietary fiber 1g, Sugar 1g, Protein 4g 

E³ Tip:
Crisps can be made in advance and stored at room temperature in Prep Essentials™ Snack-Stor® Container up to 5 days or may be frozen up to 2 months. Fill with baby greens before serving.

Quiche anyone?

This would be great for a brunch, girls day or just about anything you can name ... and look at how you can "hide" all those good for you things in there to help keep your family "healthy".  Shhhhh I didn't say that.

Zucchini, Carrot and Onion Quiche

Serves 10 appetizers or 10 entrées
Preparation Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup shredded Mexican four-cheese blend
3 large egg whites
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved
1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
1 medium zucchini, grated
1 cup chicken broth
1 large egg
1 cup skim milk

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9" pie pan with cooking spray and set aside. In a Prep Essentials™ Mix-N-Stor® Plus Pitcher, mix together the rice, 2 tablespoons of the cheese and 1 egg white. Press mixture over the bottom and sides of the pan. Bake uncovered, 5 minutes. Remove from oven and cool while preparing filling. Using the Chef Series™ Pro Chef's Knife or Quick Chef Pro, chop onion and set aside. Place carrot and zucchini in Chef Series™ 2 Qt. / 2L Covered Nonstick Saucepan with chicken broth and onion. Cook uncovered over medium heat for 15 minutes. Increase heat to medium high and cook, stirring until all liquid is evaporated and vegetables are almost glazed. Transfer to a small 6-Cup/ 1.4L Wonderlier® Bowl and place in freezer to cool for 5-10 minutes. Place remaining egg whites, and egg in Quick Shake® Container and blend with milk. Fold into the cooled vegetables and remaining cheese. Pour mixture into the rice shell and bake uncovered until the filling is puffed and set (about 30-35 minutes). Remove and cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 1/10 Recipe, Servings per recipe: 10, Calories 110, Calories from fat 40, Total fat 4.5g, Saturated fat 2g, Trans fat 0g, Cholesterol 30mg, Sodium 210mg, Total Carbohydrate 13g, Dietary fiber 1g, Sugar 2g, Protein 6g 

So you want a Dream Job????

I know there are LOTS and I mean LOTS of people who want that "Dream Job" .... Are you one of them?

If you are - here is something for you to think about.

If these are the qualifications for YOUR Dream Job ...... think Tupperware.
Personally I LOVE being a Tupperware Consultant.
And yes, you CAN have all these things if YOU want them.
Talk to me and I can get you started on an AMAZING journey with an AMAZING company!

You can go as far as YOU want.
Want to be a consultant?  Tupperware is for you.
Do you want to meet people, earn great prizes, including trips all over?
Thats right, Tupperware is for you.

Want to go further and be a manager?  You can do that with Tupperware.
Want to be a director?  You can do that with Tupperware.
Want to be an executive director?  You got it, Tupperware is for you.

Want to make a difference?  You got it ... Tupperware is for you.

Talk to me and I will help you get set up as a Tupperware Consultant so you can start your way on this exciting journey where YOU control how far you go in this company.

Poire Belle Helene ... a perfect dessert

I think this is a perfect dessert for Summer.  It's definitely not complicated, but looks "fancy" enough for company.  I think we will make sure we have this available all summer long!

Serves 8
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 pint vanilla ice cream
15 oz. can pear halves in syrup
1oz. good quality chocolate, at least 65% cacao

Directions:
Place chocolate in 2-cup/ 500mL Micro Pitcher. 
Using a defrost setting, heat chocolate in microwave for 1 minute until melted; stir with Saucy Silicone Spatula until smooth. If chocolate is not completely melted, microwave at 15 second intervals and stir until smooth. Set aside. 

To assemble dessert, using the Ice Cream Scoop, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the bottom of the Ice Prisms™ Small Bowl; cover with a pear half and add another scoop of ice cream. Pour melted chocolate over the top. 

Garnish with strawberries and whipped cream if desired.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 1/8 Recipe, Servings per recipe: 8, Calories 140, Calories from fat 45, Total fat 5g, Saturated fat 3g, Trans fat 0g, Cholesterol 15mg, Sodium 30mg, Total Carbohydrate248g, Dietary fiber 1g, Sugar 20g, Protein 1g

E³ Tip:
Pears are a good source of pectin, which helps bowel function and increases the amount of cholesterol eliminated by the body. Source: "Super Foods, Nutrient-dense foods to protect your health" by Michael van Straten & Barbara Griggs

Is it a Triple Crown kind of Year?

I know there is a lot, yes a LOT, of buzz out there about the Triple Crown.  You can really understand it, though. It's been over 30 years, yes 36 years to be exact, since we have had a Triple Crown winner emerge at the end of the Belmont Stakes.  In 1978 it was Affirmed that earned that crown.

We have had 5 "near winners" since the start of the 21st century.  The last 2, Big Brown and I'll Have Another (love those names) either didn't start the Belmont or didn't finish.  Some think that the Triple Crown has been cursed.  And I bet the owners and trainers of both Smarty Jones, who came in second, losing to Birdstone in 2004 or Funny Cide, who came in third behind Empire Maker in 2003, might agree.  To come so close and then see someone else in the winner circle, has to be disheartening.

Well this is the possible winner, and some say the hope of ending the curse that is "following" the Belmont leg of the Triple Crown.

California Chrome ...

Simple a GORGEOUS horse!

The coloring, the look 

all in one "package"

I know the "betting" line has been going heavily towards California Chrome, so you really won't be making a lot of money betting on  him, but I bet they would all love to see him win anyway.  I know the owners and trainers would, as well as the owners of the refurbished/updated Belmont track. but just being able to see a winner is exciting.  

The Belmont is the longest track of the 3 races.  It is truly a test of a horse and his jockey.  Especially when you think about the fact that he has run and won 2 other MAJOR races in the last 5 weeks.  It is the topper of a long trek that has been accomplished in a short period of time. 

There has been talk of "expanding" the time period between races, that 3 major races in 5 weeks is just too short a time to have the races.  Now they may make the change, but I hope they don't.  It is what makes the races exciting.  It is part of what make the Triple Crown Winners that special - they have done something that is exemplary.  

I hope they don't change it - I hope it is kept the way it is .... but then I hope that California Chrome IS this year's Triple Crown Winner.  He IS special! 

Let's face it, 36 years is a LONG time to wait to crown the next winner!

But if you ask me, he's been a winner from the day he was born.  

If you want to hear from the owners, on how they feel about this epic run, how they felt he was special from the day he was born, you can hear their own words here 

I have no bet in on today's race, but I am pulling for California Chrome.  

I believe that he IS a special kind of winner!

What do you think?

Will you be watching?

Are you pulling for California Chrome?

Or do you want to see another in the winner circle?

Mexican Cornbread

Another one of the many reasons I love Tupperware ....... some awesome recipes

Serves 6-8
Preparation Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. baking powder
2/3 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
14 oz. can creamed corn
1 cup chopped grated cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped jalapeno peppers

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 or 9 inch square pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray, and set aside.

In a Thatsa® Bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, milk, eggs, salt, and oil. Stir in onion and creamed corn. Pour half into prepared pan. Top with cheese and peppers, spreading over batter. Pour remaining batter on top of cheese and peppers. Bake for about 35 minutes or until golden on top, and until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly and cut into squares. 

Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 1/6 Recipe, Servings per recipe: 6, Calories 390, Calories from fat 190, Total fat 22g, Saturated fat 6g, Trans fat 0g, Cholesterol 90mg, Sodium 960mg, Total Carbohydrate 40g, Dietary fiber 3g, Sugar 4g, Protein 12g

Be Happy

I saw these two picture posts at different times ... but thought they went together PERFECTLY

And just KNOW

What do you think?  Are they PERFECT TOGETHER?

Is this really YOUR problem?

NO it is definitely NOT your problem.

I saw this one and had to share.

Maybe you can take it to heart or share it with someone who is having trouble dealing with the feelings of "not being good enough"

You really need to come to the conclusion that it is 

THEIR problem 

You are who you are

If that's not good enough 

They need to MOVE ON

YOU have better people to be with!


Besides some people aren't good enough to be with themselves
Think about it
Do you really want to be in Their Life?

Juil Sandals - welcome back to my Summer Shoe Wardrobe

Did you happen to catch my post about an AWESOME pair of sandals last year??
You can check it out here or refresh your memory, if you had forgotten how great these sandals are.

Well the other day I was finally finishing getting all my Summer stuff out of storage (ok they were in storage bags - the suck the air out kind - in the spare bedroom) and I found my box of shoes/sandals and found my Juils.

I have been wearing them around the house for the past few days and have to say I still LOVE them.  Yes I said it I LOVE them.  I love the feeling of being more "grounded" with these.  I just wish it wasn't so cold here in New Jersey in the winter so I could wear them all the time, but it definitely gives me another reason to look forward to Summer.

I love them so much I had to check out what was new for this season.
They have some really great looking sandals that could be for dressier times as well as every day.

These are called Dalli.
I can see these as a more "dressed up" sandal.  What do you think?

These are called Kava ...... I think these are sooo smart looking!

But, I didn't order either of these, although I'm thinking I could be doing another order before the "sandal" season is over ... yes I could have all kinds of Juil footwear very soon.




What I did order were more for my "fun" days ....

The Hera

These are just pure simplicity at its best.
They were available last year, and since I didn't get them last year, they were in my cart quickly.
I think they will be great for just about anything you can do during the summer.












The Saffi

These are sandals that just looks "special" for every day.  I just like these for it's simple yet stylish look.



I can't wait for them to arrive ....... just a few days and I will be sporting these babies all summer long!!





Do you like these?  Check out Juil.com and tell me which of these you would be looking at for this upcoming "bare feet" season?
Oh and your man can have his own Juil too ... check it out on their site - I could see men in these!
How about your man?  Would he wear a pair of Men's Juil?