Just an Old Fashioned Gal!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-12T05:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a little something I created for all my readers on Polyvore. C&P it as a background or send it in an email to someone you love!

I'll be back to my regular posting soon. IN the meantime, sending love and wishes from me to you this Valentine's Day!
xox0

Getting to Know Me (and YOU, of course!)

2008-12-29T10:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the end of, the 2008 year edition of
getting to know your family and friends.

Here is what you are supposed to do, and try not to be lame and spoil

the fun. Change all the answers so that they apply to you.. Then send this to a

bunch of people (or tag them in your blog) you know, INCLUDING the person who sent it to you. Some of you may get this several times; that means you have lots of friends. The easiest way to do it is to hit 'forward' so you can change the answers or copy and paste. Have fun and be truthful!

1.What is your occupation right now?

I work part-time as a sub for the school district as a TA, also working on my own little creative business ventures.

2.What color are your socks right now? Cliff Claven White

3.What are you listening to right now? Finnegan chewing his bone

4.What was the last thing that you ate? a piece of Mom's Panatone with melty butter. Mmmm

5.Can you drive a stick shift? No

6.Last person you spoke to on the phone? My mom and husband. Call Waiting.

7.Do you like the person who sent this to you? Erin of Simple Bangles is fabulous!

8.How old are you today? 38 in March baby!

9.What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Baseball, Hockey

10.What is your favorite drink? Water or Milk

11.Have you ever dyed your hair? Not completely. Not very well either.

12.Favorite food? Baked Ziti ala Mom

13.What is the last movie you watched? We had a cinema marathon last night. The Untouchables, Dark Knight and Hannibal. I'm going to have nightmares for a week.

14.Favorite day of the year? Don't really have one. Whatever day I can go to sleep and know I did a good deed.

15.How do you vent anger? Watch the movies Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2, you'll get the idea.

16.What was your favorite toy as a child? Not a toy but a big box of colored chalk my Grandpa saved for me.

17.What is your favorite season? Sprummer (Spring into Summer)

18.Cherries or Blueberries? Blueberries

19.Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Yes, please!

20.Who is the most likely to respond? No clue!

21.Who is least likely to respond? Probably everyone

22.Living arrangements? Live in a house with Mark, the spousal unit, and Finnegan the dog.

23.When was the last time you cried? last week while Christmas Shopping. missing Grandmom.

24.What is on the floor of your closet? Old Magazines

25.Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? She doesn't have internet so it doesn't count.

26.What did you do last night? Drove around historic neighborhood, ate at Red Robin (Mark loves the Monster Burger), stopped at mom/dad's, came home, watched movies with the dog in bed.

27.What are you most afraid of? Someone I love getting sick or suddenly dying, not having kids because of age or economy, growing old and not having a nest egg to secure us, flying monkeys, clowns, biscuit tubes that need to be opened with that big POP noise!

28.Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Cheese

29.What is your favorite kind of dog? Stop it. I love ALL DOGS!!!! I love animals and any dog is a favorite to me.

30.Favorite day of the week? Friday or course!

31.How many states have you lived in? 1 and 1 for vaca.

32.Diamonds or pearls? Meh. Jewelery is ok. But I will take gardens over jewels any day.

33.What is your favorite flower? Hydrangeas like the kind Grandpop grew.

Saturday in my PJ's....

2008-12-27T12:55:00.000-08:00

Saturday.

It's Wet.

It's Cold.

It's Post-Christmas blah.

I'm in my Pajamas.

Here is what I've been doing today
(working on creative little tidbits on Polyvore again)

Here's hoping you are doing something creative this weekend!

A Glimpse of my Holiday Home

2008-12-26T13:08:00.000-08:00

My Holiday House Tour
(click on pics for more detail)
(will update with better photos soon)

Dining Room Arch is a Candy and Sweets Theme
(looking into the living room angle)
complete with gingerbread angels, cupcakes, ice cream cones

Crystal Ice Swag on my White Cottage Buffet

Table is ready for yummies to be placed

Corner Hutch is decorated with
real balsam pine sprigs, pink crystal balls and of course,
a mini sweet table in front!

I want to wish everyone a most joyous holiday and prosperous 2009!
Thank you for sharing bits of your everyday life with me in Blog-Land.
Here are a few (non-detailed and not very good) pics of my home decorated for Christmas.
I'll be adding more later, but for now, it will give you a feel of the look I like to create every year.

Many inspired blessings to you and your family!

My POLYVORE Premiers!

2008-12-23T20:45:00.000-08:00

What do you think? A few collages I did today while the rest of the world went shopping.!

A little birdie told me..

Rainy Blue Monday by starlight and moonbeams

Rosey Day by starlight and moonbeams
by

Fridays with FINNEGAN ~ So I can't pee on the tree?

2008-12-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

This Christmas Stuff is tiring!

Hey There! Finnegan here. I'm bored today. The weather outside is frightful. And I am forced to lay on my doggy bed again and watch re-runs of The Dog Whisperer. The shows are like soap operas to me. Some dogs just have no manners! What's up with the one dog who jumps on the counter and eats the food? I could never do that! Primarily because of my leg injury...Otherwise, I guess I would do that.

Over the past few weeks, my mom and dad have been busy with work.

Dad has been going to Stewart's Draft, VA every day...leaving at 9 a.m. coming home around 11 p.m.

Mom has been working in the schools as a Teacher Assistant. She comes home really tired because she is not physically fit and her stamina and energy level sucks. Don't tell mom I told you that. She needs to eat better and exercise. She's not a spring chicken anymore and I fear that she is just too lazy and unmotivated to take care of herself. When she comes home, I want to play, she wants to eat a bowl of cereal and go to bed. I hate that. Mom needs Richard Simmons to come in. But I think Richard Simmons is scary.

Sometimes I'm home alone and I sleep, sneak on the couch and nap, and walk around and smell things or I'll find a sock under the bed and chew on it. I love finding socks under the bed. It has mommy and daddy's smell on it and I love to be near them when they aren't around. Most people would think stinky socks are gross. I love stinky socks.

Sometimes Pop-Pop Jim comes over and plays with me. I looooove Pop-Pop Jim! He is one of my favorite people in the whole wide entire puppy universe. He plays rough with me and I like that! He's a dog's man!! I'm tired of being all pansy-like and sitting around trying to mind my manners.

I'm a dog, damnit! I want to play and run around and dig holes and eat weird things!

Pop Pop plays mock wrestling with me and I flop and jump around him and he acts like he won but we all know I am the winner!

My folks brought in a real Christmas tree last week and decorated it. I so want to pee in it.

It smells like the forest and I miss the forest! I would pee everywhere when I would go for walks in the forest. Pee in the bunny patch, Pee in the holly bush, Pee in the deer brush, pee in the soybean farm. Then I would make a poop somewhere... Then I would go back to peeing. It makes me feel like I'm leaving my mark somewhere, ya know?!
Why can't I pee in the tree? (Deep Sigh) Rules, Rules Rules....

Ok, Mommy just thew me a peanut butter bone so I'm outta here and will catch you guys later!
Woof and Licks!

I'm a school elf!

2008-12-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

What a busy Holiday Season for this Vintage Gal!

Here we are: 3 (out of 4) Amigos
in Mrs. Sullivan's Kindegarten Class!
(I'm on the far right in green)

All the blog posts I have been mulling around to post, all the Christmas Cookies and Decorations I've been meaning to take photos of, etc. have taken a back seat to a surprisingly busy work schedule.

How blessed I am to work in my favorite class, Mrs. Sullivan's Autistic Support Kindergarten class. I'm a substitute teacher assistant and I work with 3 incredible angels that teach and give their hearts to some amazing kids every single day.

Mrs. Peterson (far left), Mrs. Sullivan, (also my dear friend and neighbor center) and I take a moment from class to pose for a picture. Not shown is Mrs. Benedetto who is a God-send to these kids. The teacher and her assistants' patience and dedication and gifts are unmatched and I learn so much about life from this class.

Just wanted to show you why I have been amiss in my blog posting lately!

Cheers and thanks for looking!

MAGICAL Christmas Images

2008-12-15T19:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays Friends!

I stumbled upon some beautiful images from majorlycool.com that I thought you would all enjoy! They evoke a really pristine and ethereal-like Christmas. The site has some really fun and unique images for use.

Sneak Peak - HOLIDAY DECOR

2008-12-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, when I was between careers, I decided to follow my creative instinct and worked in a design & decor store that did the most fabulous, sought-after Holiday Displays and Vignettes for high-end clients and local celebrities.

I started out making bows in the ribbon room. Ah yes, I was only a meager "bowologist". But soon I began to work the studio and see how displays and designs were conceptualized and brought to life. After several years of working the mad holiday rush, I felt the need to bring the magic into my home (whenever I got one).

As small as my "cottage" is, I wanted a little magic with themes and ideas that were unique to me.

Thus, have begun the transformation of "old lady home" into a tiny Christmas Inn by working first with the Living Room Archway.

DISCLAIMER: Photos make it look a bit gaudy and cheap and does not portray it accurately how soft and ethereal it really looks. I apologize for this but I wanted to give you an idea of the theme I was aiming for in this particular archway.

Here is my "Angels we have heard on High" arch around my living room entering into the dining area.
PLEASE CLICK ON IMAGE TO GET FULL EFFECT VIEW!

Camera angles and lighting and poor technique and unfortunately, you don't get the full effect. Main Angel is perched atop a gold nest with gold glittered branches extending. Gossamer gold and smaller angels are entwined around the boughs of evergreen and antiqued sheets of angelic verse are tucked into the garland.

Hey, Angelic Blessings and High Five, man!

Thanks for stopping bye! More sneak peeks to follow!

Fridays with FINNEGAN ~ Holiday Prep

2008-12-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

Finnegan here! Woof Woof to you all! Mom is so exhausted and funked out with all the stuff over the house. She's been decorating little by little all week and I think the chaos of it all is starting to effect her.

She corrects me when I try to pull the lights out of the box for her (I'm just trying to help is all!!!). She corrects me when I put a christmas ball in my mouth (I'm just finding where it needs to go). She corrects me when I run away with the "faux" sparkly cupcakes. How am I supposed to know they aren't real yummy cupcakes?

Chill out, mom!!!! You're causing my tail to drop!

When things effect me in a stressful way I like to make a poop or chew a pillow. Mom isn't like that come to find out.

Anyway, can you believe they put this crazy hat on me? I don't sit still for very long so they must have intrigued me with a peanut butter covered doggy treat for me to get this photo. Those people are clever. I have to go for a bit....I hear jingle bells and to me that means something to chew!

Licks to you!

Web Wednesday - A New but Old Take on Christmas

2008-12-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

I found this sweet little vignette on a lovely blog, http://rosevinecottagetwo.blogspot.com/.

I love this little snowman scene and her soft color palette is so warm and romantic.

Check out her "cottage on wheels"! Adorable and her rooms are so welcoming (I love the woodland look in her kitchen)

Please take a look at her blog for inspiration and new ways of celebrating the season.

Enjoy!

Finnegan Friday ~ Some commentary from the dog!

2008-12-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

Woof Greetings!

Finnegan here. Mommy is getting caught up today with so many things. It's been a very busy couple of weeks for her.

You had to see her a few weeks ago after her wisdom teeth surgery! Wow! She was in so much pain. She brought her teeth home from the doctor's office to show dad and he said she was butchered. Then he went on to comment about how he had his taken out in the navy and it was clean and simple and how her teeth "still had meat on them". As a dog, even I felt nauseated.

She was a trooper though....she had all 4 taken out at once and since she is older it caused a lot more pain than anticipated and her recovery is a lot slower. She is still numb in her chin and she makes funny faces all the time.

mom had to go to a charity bingo event & her crazy brother-in-law snapped a candid of her in misery from surgery. mom then gave him the evil eye...he had a headache the next day.

I tried to lick her to make her feel better but she shooed me away. I understand. When my trauma accident occurred over the summer I was in so much pain. We bond now. Pain in her mouth. Pain in my paw. I feel closer to mommy more than ever.

Excuse me for a minute, I have to go lick myself.

Ok, I'm back.

To update you, my BFF girlfriend in the whole wide world died a few weeks ago. Skye the husky was in pain and discomfort for a while but her family finally decided to take her to the vet and they found out that she had a blockage in her stomach. Skye is my next door neighbor girlfriend dog and was loved by the whole neighborhood for her gentle and friendly ways. The x-ray revealed she ate a feminine hygiene product. I was heartbroken. I went over to her backyard and sniffed around and she wasn't there. We've been inseparable for 3 years. This is really hard for my doggy brain to understand. I feel robbed of a best friend and playmate. I will see her in doggie heaven someday.

Mommy has her French Music on right now to get her motivated to clean and start decorating. I guess she thinks listening to french music makes her more sophisticated with her clutter. I just want to play....I'm a hyper dog and she feels guilty for not playing with me 24/7 but I have to learn to be patient and be more calm. Like THAT will ever happen!

I love you woofs!
Finnegan

WEB WEDNESDAY - Vintage meets Glam

2008-12-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

Vintage meets Glam in a lovely blog!

I love this site I found while blog browsing! She has a lot of fun freebies and her sense of style and passion for unique things made me an instant fan!

While there, leave her a comment on her fun downloads! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Movie Monday ~ "HOLIDAY INN"

2008-12-01T05:55:00.000-08:00

Get yourself a cup of hot chocolate. Add a huuuuge dollop of whipped cream and plug this beloved movie into the tube.

Holiday Inn, by Irving Berlin...is one of my favorite movies for many reasons least of all the premier of the song "WHITE CHRISTMAS". Want to see a warm and fuzzy clip from the movie that makes you all comfy cozy inside? Click here!

Makes you want to give a mistletoe kiss to crooner Bing Crosby, doesn't it? You'll love this movie which includes excellent choreography and dance numbers with Fred Astaire - check out the vintage clothes for inspiration (some outfits never go out of style). The blackface number still gathers controversy but it was 1942! Nobody was politically correct back then!

You'll love the charm and comedic steps this little film has to offer and I think it's an excellent choice to put on the TV while trimming the tree!

Enjoy!

Enchanted Holiday Season to You All!

2008-11-30T10:05:00.000-08:00

I'm coming back! Soon, I promise.

So much has happened and I have been unable to blog regularly but I promise I will be back soon with my favorite decorative time of the year blog candy for your enjoyment!

Sit back, relax and have a most enchanting holiday season!

xoxo

~ ~ MIA ~ ~ but still here!

2008-11-24T09:18:00.000-08:00

Reasons why I've been MIA:

Fall House Cleaning

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

I have been MIA for the last few weeks and miss my general BLOGGING. I had a few medical issues to take care of in addition to my wisdom teeth removal and am also in the process of Fall Cleaning which can attribute to my lack of energy to blog about dust bunnies and coffee stains on the carpet!

For those of you who may still be reading this and have not forgotten me, I thank you! It's time to go back to normal blogging as usual!

Kiss Me Once, Kiss Me Twice, Kiss Me Once Again....

2008-11-10T10:23:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite Images of All Time.

click here for the tune that went along with it (love the lyrics!)

Click here for the story.
Click here for the other story.
Personally, I think there was more than one sailor or serviceman kissing a nurse or female in the streets that day! Who wouldn't be kissing the ground and everyone else after hearing the news that War was finally over?

Hope you enjoy it!
xoxoxo

Movie Monday - RADIO DAYS

2008-11-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

Radio Days

Woody Allen

This movie had me cracking up the very first time I watched it. So much nostalgia, so much laughter!!!

It's a light, airy comedy that is somewhat autobiographical of Woody Allen's life as a boy in New York during World War 2. Even if you are not a Woody fan, you will appreciate the commonality that all families share (dysfunction, humor etc.).

There are two main storylines that go on in this film but it's so easy to watch and grasp and enjoy!

The first storyline is about a family (Woody Allen's) that all live together in a small town in New York during the war. He showcases his quirky family characters in this opening scene. Woody's character is engrossed in listening to the radio (what our grandfathers must have loved equally to modern day video games). It effects his family as well, for they each have a specific favorite radio program and love of the medium.

The other hilarious storyline is focused on what really goes on behind the radio...the entertainers themselves as it showcases a young (not so talented) actress trying to make her way in the entertainment industry and make a name for herself in radio (equal to tv and movies today). You'll get an idea of poor Sally's fumbling struggles in this scene.

This is a great "get some hot cocoa and laugh" movie for a cold autumn night!
Enjoy!

FRIDAYS with FINNEGAN

2008-11-07T06:53:00.001-08:00

Hello.

My "mom" needed a break this morning so I am trying real hard to fill her shoes even though I don't have opposable thumbs.

A little background on moi.

I am Finnegan. My mom gave me a middle name that my dad hates, Aloyouscious. I don't even know how to spell it.

I'm 5 which is 35 in People Years. I'm a mutt. Dad found me on a farm back in Colorado when I was a pup. I liked him. He seemed nice. I made my way over on my puppy legs and sat on his foot so he couldn't leave. That's when he took me home. I was the runt of the litter so I'm glad someone wanted me.

I had a trauma back in June. I dug some holes up in the backyard like I normally do. I smelled a squirrel and damnit, I gotta run after them. They amuse me, ya know? It's like a bad habit.

Anyway, I sprinted out the door and lost my footing in the hole in the yard. I twisted my back and went down. I cried like a baby for hours. I shook so hard. The vet at the ER told my parents that unless they had $6K to operate on me in the next 48 hours I would most likely be lame for life. I couldn't get up or down or walk for days and for several weeks I was immobile. My mom had to towel/scarf walk me (she put the towel or scarf behind my belly to place weight on the front legs). That was the only way I could get around.

Then a friend of the family told her about a vet that did accupuncture. Since my mom went into a panic stricked depression and cried for 2.5 weeks, she obliged to take me as a last hope.

Dr. Urbaniek was a miracle worker. I like her and her staff. They are my girlfriends. I lick them because they are so nice to me. They calmed me down which is hard to do because I am a naturally hyper dog. She put these little needles in me and I looked so weird. But then something miraculous happened. I started to walk and get up on my own. She's my special friend now. I go whenever mom/dad can scrounge up some extra money and I always feel better when I leave. I still walk with a wonky limp but at least I can climb the steps and run around now which I couldn't before.

I like my house. I have a comfy bed next to my mom and dad's. They snore. I snore. It's all good. My favorite toy is the Kong Toy. Mom stuffs it with Beggin strips and cheddar cheese and I go all crazy for it!!!!

Sometimes I like to fart snipe. That's when everyone is at rest or watching tv. I will let one out. It's powerful but it gives me great pleasure to watch their reactions! Tee heee heee.

I also like to lick myself. I do this to clean but I overheard my dad say that if he had that capability he would never leave the house. Then mom smacked him across the head.

Anyway, I'll check back later! Here's a big lick from me to you!

woof!
Finnegan

I won! I won! I won!

2008-11-06T12:05:00.001-08:00

I won!

I never win anything. But maybe my luck is about to change! GreekyPie is a talented photographer and blogger and had a giveaway in which I was the lucky recipient of one of her beautiful photo prints.

I am so excited to pick out a print from her. I love the hydrangea, but the beach scenes speak to me since I am a Pisces and have so many wonderful memories growing up near Cape May, NJ.

If you get a second, check out her great blog and etsy shop!

DIY - Thanksgiving Centerpieces

2008-11-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

Keep in mind, NONE OF THESE will be on my Thanksgiving table.

I am too lazy to do anything so beautiful for just 4 people. However, I thought I would share some lovely ideas that I found on http://decorvillage.wordpress.com/

I especially love that White Pumpkin look!

Thanks for taking a peek!

7 RANDOM THINGS

2008-11-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

My sweet blog muffin, Abby of Life with B & A, has tagged me for 7 Random Things. I'm hoping I can always come up with interesting things so let me think. I always bend the rules here and give whatever number of facts I have on hand. If it were 7 all the time, I'd run out of semi-interesting facts. Not to say I have interesting facts anyway. I'm pretty dull.
Hmmm. Ok, here goes something.

1. I am the youngest daughter of Jim and Louise. My parents have taught me how to be thoughtful, courteous and responsible in life. I am so proud to have been born to this loving couple. This year they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary and I would just like to congratulate them for sharing their love and wisdom with me and to thank them for not giving up on having the perfect child after my two older sisters, Angela and Carolyn. It took them 3 times before they got it right! (wiping tissue from eye)

2. This is my 3rd year of marriage and I am enjoying this year so much more than the past 2 years. Maybe it's because I can communicate better and appreciate my husband much better for who he is rather than what he does or doesn't do. He's a man. What else is there to say on that?

3. I have a desire to star on Saturday Night Live. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are my heroes. Nice girls doing fun comedy and still not compromising their femininity to get a laugh. Props!

4. I love watching FitTV's "Shimmy". I practice my belly-dancing moves whenever I can. It's a lot harder than it looks.

5. I hate, loathe and despise BULLIES. I think if you are that insecure with your life and you are over the age of 17, you need to get therapy. I cannot stand when someone says they are just "snarky" or "sarcastic". No you are a bully. Call it by it's real name. A bully does not have to steal your lunch or kick a kitten to prove they are a bully. They can be as sly as a fox with their rude and nasty comments, or as obvious as an obnoxious loud mouth. Bullies have a choice. They make bad choices, they deal with bad consequences. If I see someone who is being bullied, I try to defend them. I once was bullied. I also was a bully. Both sides suck. Bully is bullcrap. No bullies. Watch out, bullies...I'm on to you! You know who you are!

That's it for now!

I am tagging the following blog buddies if they are interested:

My Kayak Sunset

Grumpy Snickles

Lori and Jim

Evangeline's Vine

FARM CHICKS featured for ~ Web Wednesday ~

2008-11-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

ADORABLE. That's the best word to describe this week's WEB BLOG.

I think the entire layout, content and overall feel of The Farm Chicks Blog is just perfect. It's easy on the eyes with the bright and chippy colors, lovingly organized by content and not overdone with too many stimulating twists and turns. I feel like I can smile and relax when I read this blog.

Not to mention the fact that I want to feed chickens and hens and milk some cows. You will enjoy learning about how these two "chicks" met and how they incorporate their love of vintage and sunny items into their lives.

Hope you enjoy this web find as much as I do!
Hugs!

CRANBERRY ORANGE SCONES

2008-11-04T07:07:00.001-08:00

oooo....ahhh....yum

Cranberry Orange Scones
other scones are simply jealous!

So mom and I both worked at several local tea rooms. Mom was the baker and constantly made scones to accompany the hot tea.

Most requested? Cranberry Orange.

Here's a recipe from cooking expert, Ina Garten aka Barefoot Contessa (I wouldn't be barefoot in my kitchen due to all the crumbs - her floors must be immaculate!):

Ingredients

4 cups plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar, plus additional for sprinkling
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
3/4 pound cold unsalted butter, diced
4 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup cold heavy cream
1 cup dried cranberries
1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water or milk, for egg wash
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, plus 2 tablespoons
4 teaspoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix 4 cups of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, the baking powder, salt and orange zest. Add the cold butter and mix at the lowest speed until the butter is the size of peas. Combine the eggs and heavy cream and, with the mixer on low speed, slowly pour into the flour and butter mixture. Mix until just blended. The dough will look lumpy! Combine the dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of flour, add to the dough, and mix on low speed until blended.

Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it into a ball. Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough 3/4-inch thick. You should see small bits of butter in the dough. Keep moving the dough on the floured board so it doesn't stick. Flour a 3-inch round plain or fluted cutter and cut circles of dough. Place the scones on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Collect the scraps neatly, roll them out, and cut more circles.

Brush the tops of the scones with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are browned and the insides are fully baked. The scones will be firm to the touch. Allow the scones to cool for 15 minutes and then whisk together the confectioners' sugar and orange juice, and drizzle over the scones.

NOVEMBER means....

2008-11-04T06:20:00.001-08:00

Welcome, NOVEMBER!

November: It's the "Jan Brady" of the more popular December.

Fall Cleaning (prepping and doing a thorough cleaning of the home for the upcoming winter months). Why do so many dead bugs gather in window sills?

Pies. Lots of Pies. Mom would bake about 11 pies at one time. They just sat there on a long buffet taunting us:
"Eat me. Ha! You're gonna Gain. Eat Me. Gain."

Hospitality. But not the Martha Stewart kind.
Time to gather my family around the table and eat till our waistbands made a mark against our skin and buttons hung on for dear life on pants.

My family is not your typical "Norman Rockwell-esque" family that gathers around a table of excitement. Rather, it's the ethnic Italian version of testosterone tv addicted males watching football on a multitude of channels (minus my husband who doesn't follow sports, bless his heart) and frenzied cooking, baking females who gauge the dinner according to "half-time" (sans my father who cleans up because he LIKES to, strange blessed little man)

I like November. I can feel less stress in November. Once December comes around, fooooorget it - all bets are off. It's all lights and carols and long lines at mall parking lots.

So, I think I will stick with enjoying November for it's autumnal color and "calm before the storm" peacefulness.

Thanks for stopping by!

My WEEK in REVIEW

2008-11-02T17:05:00.000-08:00

Where Do I Begin?

This week, I saw a little of this.....

Manpiles are Sexy!
Then came Halloween and my dog got treats from his Godmother and favorite girlfriend, Aunt Anna!
(p.s. that is my husband's feet, yes...embarrassing. He wears socks with flip flops, which resemble goat hooves)
We got a visit from our neighbor dog, Gabby, for Halloween. She was dressed as a witch that was being ridden by another witch (as seen on this cape)
We took Finnegan to his vet for his acupuncture treatment for his traumatized hip, back and leg... Here he is looking up in prayer that it will be an easy session for him!
Please make it be ok?
I made a basket of cheer for our thoughtful neighbors and did it in a "PEAR" theme. To a Pear/Pair of Really Nice People~! Pear candle, Pear jellybeans, Pear butter, Biscotti, two Pear mugs with real pears and tea and a pear towel....Took a bit of effort to find pear items in different stores but it's worth it. They are swell neighbors!
Mark caught a fuzzy wuzzy cutey caterpillar outside and talked to him a little bit about the upcoming winter season. Apparently, caterpillars are supposed to know about winter weather, so says my farm-loving husband.
But the caterpillar was getting tired of Mark's chatting so he rolled up into a little ball and took a nap. I think Mark got his feelings hurt.

More to come!

WEB WEDNESDAY - Lolabboutique

2008-10-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

click here to be taken to her most adorable blog and site!

The format and design and overall look of this blog (to coincide with her most lovely web shop site) has everything I love - Birds, branches, music, even a little crown!

I think her ways of expression are so keen with what I love that I just had to share! Hope you enjoy her site as much as I do

Thanks for stopping by!

A HALLOWEEN WEEK WELCOME!

2008-10-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

Click here to spot a Ghost! Live Ghostcam somewhere in England

Welcome, my little spiders, to Halloween Week...on my Blob...I mean ---Blog!!!

bwahaha...

Some special posts to come this week to get you into the mood of spooky ookey fun!
Until then, enjoy some "haunts"!

Watch what scared our (great) grandparents in 1922 here

Watch what made me piddle my pants in fear when I was 11, here
and here (couldn't sleep for days)

Watch what made me sleep with the light on for about 2 weeks when I watched it in my teens, here and here. Like that creepy little lullabye?

FAUX CARAMEL APPLES - Saturday DIY

2008-10-25T11:32:00.001-07:00

Saturday DIY How to make Faux Caramel Apples!
FAT FREE is always good!

Here is a wonderful tutorial from Blogger, Janis Settzle, on how to make yummy-looking Faux Caramel Apples. I love how she made these and I think they would look so wonderful in a tall Apothecary Jar or on a pedestal stand!

She shared her method and recipe on these fat-free, guilt-free treats on her blog:

INGREDIENTS:

8 good sized faux apples that you find up in the attic in the Christmas boxes and of course they are in the last container you look in.

8 colored pencils or you can use dowels but I always use what I have sitting around.

8 different ribbon colors and patterns or I guess you could use all the same. Sometimes these can be found tied on or wrapped around other projects.

A good old heavy duty glue gun and lots of glue sticks. I tried my glue pot but it didn't work.

A bottle of craft paint that you have in the basement that looks like the color of caramel.

DIRECTIONS:

Wrap the pencils with the ribbon gluing as you go so it doesn't slip around.

Poke them into the apples in the top.

Drizzle hot glue around the top very generously so it will run down the sides in globs.

Let it cool
Make sure your glue gun is really warmed up and wait about 10 minutes before doing the next one.

Paint the glue with 3 coats of paint. Spray with clear varnish and glue a bow on.

Is she genius or what? Thank you, Janice for sharing this great DIY with Blog world!

...And the WINNER(s) are.....

2008-10-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Who Won? Who Won!!!?

I am utterly shocked and fully ecstatic of all the comments I received for my very first Giveaway! Wowee!

I sincerely thought I would only get like 3 comments so I was delighted to peek in this morning to see 35 lovely gals put their names in the hat!

I am so grateful that you took the time to make leave a comment and say some of the sweetest things about my humble blog. I feel so blessed to have a voice and forum to put all my little thoughts down. Thank you all for reading!

It's Saturday Morning and I'm ready to have the hubby draw the winners. He didn't know he would be participating, mind you but he was happy to oblige (just wishing he could've finished his breakfast first)

Here are the 35 cute little commented entries all ready to go into my glass bowl

Mr. Lucky Charms was unaware his delightful breakfast experience would be interrupted by my request for him to pick a winner from the bowl.

"Who, me? But, I'm eating my Lucky Charms!"

First Winner is picked!

Not to be parted with his coveted bowl of nourishment, hubby picks the
2nd and 3rd place winners
Congratulations to the 1st Winner, Kristina R. who receives
the Black/White Gift Set!

Congratulations to 2nd and 3rd winners, Kristen & Todd, and Jessica, who will get custom calling or bloggie cards made by moi!

Please contact me at tempfishie@gmail.com to claim your prize!

I will be doing more of these giveaways in the very near future so please check back often or be a subscriber/follower for the latest/greatest ideas and giveaways!

As always, thank you so kindly for stopping by!

My FIRST Giveaway!!!!!

2008-10-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

TADA!!!!

My very first Giveaway (it's not much at first but let's see if this sparks any interest) to thank the readers and friends that have read my little piece of journaled life in the last few months.

I've seen so many great blogs and journals and this is just a simple way of saying "Thanks!"

We are living in depressing times these days so having something sent in the mail to cheer one up is always a big welcome!

For my first giveaway I went with a black and white (think 30's film) theme.

Included you will get two sets of black and white blank greeting cards (you can use them plain or embellish them with your own touch), a red/white writing tablet and a fridge magnetic "TO DO" list. Also, you will get a cute chandelier rubber stamp with black stamp pad and a box of chocolate covered toffee (to eat while you watch your 30's movie).

This is how the giveaway will work:

Post a comment to this post. It can be about anything. If more than one person comments, I will conduct a drawing and announce the winner on the blog sometime this weekend. You will have till Saturday morning to add a comment. Once the winner is announced, I will have you email your address to me (tempfishie@gmail.com) and it will be merrily sent to you.

A second drawing may take place (if I have enough interest) and the winner will get a set of their very own custom "calling cards". They are modern cards with a vintage touch to send to friends and family, especially during holiday season gatherings. Tuck the cards in your purse if you run into an old friend, go to a reunion, tuck it into a Christmas card. Show folks how to keep in touch! It sure beats looking for a piece of paper in your purse or a pen.

It will include your name, email, phone number, website, blog site, etc. Just about anything you want it to say. Think of it as a personal business card only for your personal life. The Victorians knew a good thing by sending out calling cards....can you imagine if they had blogs and cell phones back then? It wouldn't just be a name printed on them.

Keep in mind, they are the size of business cards and they are enlarged to show detail.

Here are some samples I played with:

Well, that just about sums it up. Spreading some love to my friends in BLOG world and wishing you a very happy Autumn Weekend!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

xoxo

A Day Trip with the Fam....

2008-10-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

Mid-week trip to ATLANTIC CITY with Family

My parents live in a 55+ community where daytrips are planned quite frequently. Being that mom and dad haven't been out of the house in over a year due to Grandmom's health, they felt it would be a good idea to get out and enjoy the Autumn air by the sea and take in a show. Dad wanted to treat me to accompany them and my aunt (who also lives in the same community) to the bus trip.

Bless their hearts...always thinking of others.
Now keep in mind I was the youngest one on the bus....The median age was 70. I was outnumbered! But, I knew my mom especially needed a chance to get out of the house after everything that she went through this past year. I wanted to go and make sure she was having a good time.

check out vintage Atlantic City Boardwalk. Then...

....and Now. I kinda like the "then" version better.

The highlight of my day was when I started to get bus sick.

I have a terrible time with middle ear and motion sickness...and at the very moment I told my aunt next to me that I feel sick, I received a text from my husband: "Are you BUS SICK YET?"

The man knows me well...Perfect timing.

I think I need to lie down...I may faint.

Tums? Air? Bed? Anything?

Also perfect timing was the fact that he was driving his truck back from work on I-95 norhtbound at the same time the bus was going southbound. He told me to look out the window and there was my cutie husband beeping the horn and waving to me! That made my day!

Finally got out of all that noise and lights and enjoyed the scenery!

I brought some fresh Philly Soft Pretzels to hand out on the bus in the spirit of Give and Get. "If I give them pretzels, maybe I'll win some cash on the slots". I am not a gambler. The thought of spending so much time in a loud, noisy overstimulating casino makes me edgy. Still, I had 4 dollars set aside to play in the nickel machine. My first spin, I won $11.50. My 2nd machine awarded me $12. The pretzels cost $13. I spent about 5 dollars in the slots. So I came out ahead by 5 bucks. I'm a winner, dangit!

Wish you were here!

Always glad you took a moment to read!

WEB WEDNESDAY - Sweet Cottage Dreams

2008-10-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

This week's Web Wednesday find is from a little blog that has cuteness all over it:

I began reading this little blog about a month ago and I love the simple layout, design and just overall fresh and fun posts. It's a great blog to read with hot chocolate or tea and cookies!

She really welcomes you into her site with many added little bloglets (side graphics). Her dog, Doughall, is adorable and becomes a part of experience. Her photos are inspiring and I feel like I am in a grandmom's kitchen pouring over good reads and inspiring pictures. It looks like she knows her way around a needle and thread too!

Cute bunting she has on Etsy

I think this blog is so full of warmness. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

MOVIE MONDAY - CINDERELLA MAN

2008-10-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

At this time in our society, we need a movie like this!

click on the trailer video below:

"When America was on it's knees, he brought us to our feet"

I didn't think I would enjoy this movie as much as I did. It had all the makings of a raw, modern Frank Capra movie...

That being said, I think it's a great movie to watch especially now with the US economy in peril as it is.

It's much more than a boxing movie. It's a soul-searching movie of determination, sacrifice, dedication and persistence. However, the main element I took away from this movie is PATIENCE.

Patience is a virtue and for all those who are fed up with the way things are in society right now, WATCH THIS FILM!

Based on the amazing true story of an average modest man with a family in need of shoes, James Braddock and his quest for survival in the hardest time of U.S. financial history. He boxed to survive, not to claim a reward. It is also a sentimental love story of husband and wife and what they believed in for their family.

With OUTSTANDING performances by Russell Crowe, Paul Giamotti and Renee Zellweger. This is a movie I would be proud to keep in my library. It makes you appreciate the times our grandparents survived. IF they could do it with much less, we could do it too. I love this film. It makes you cheer not just for the underdog boxer, but for the humility of what is right and decent in this world.

I Heart Business & Calling Cards

2008-10-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

I love interesting business cards.

I also like the idea of passing out the old-time calling cards
as people used to do.

Instead of digging in your purse for pen and paper, you would hand them a calling card with name and address...nowadays we could update them with email, cell, blog address, etc.

It's so interesting to see the different designs and patterns and unique styles of business and calling cards. Here are a few I am currently admiring and drawing inspiration from:

Brilliant! Two-sided business card w/owner's self branding! Cute!

Wet Paper Bag gets a four star rating for ingenuity in shape!

Wow. Look closely, you can almost feel the letters pressed into the card just from viewing it!

I love the rounded corners and simple illustration of Paulabirdy's card! from Paulabirdy's blog
Clever use for an old ruler! This is genius to put a business card on wood!

I love the vintage image used for this card! found on one of my favorite magazine, Victoria Magazine

A great visual hangtag for business design by Phrizbie-Design, Inc.

Really cute die-cut look from Phrizbie-Design, Inc.

the scrolled edges on this card are so elegant!
from Smashing Magazine and Creative Bits

Hope you gained some inspiration from these wonderful designs! Thanks for stopping by!

Crafting 101 - FOUR CIRCLE CARD

2008-10-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

Today's DIY is great for upcoming seasonal holiday cards as well as invitations or announcements .

I love unique shapes and designs for card-making so seeing this tutorial on E-How made it really easy to design something creative.

1. Start with four circles of even size. Use a circle punch or circle cutter to cut your circles. Make two circles of each color/design. Two dark and two light circles look great together

2. Fold each circle in half, then unfold. Make the creases sharp

3. Arrange the circles so they are overlapping, with the creases from the middle of the circles lined up in a square shape. Arrange them so the colors/designs are alternating.

4. Glue together the overlapping areas
5. Glue a square of cardstock in the center of the inside of the card, if you wish. Add a greeting or decorate the square.

6. Fold circles along creases, folding down in circular order. Enjoy this DIY and show me your pics!

WEB WEDNESDAY = Hydrangea Home

2008-10-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

I thought I would start my very first Web Wednesday post with a visit to lovely Hydrangea Home.

I love the idea she had of spray painting spritzes of bronze to her mini pumpkins! Makes them look so rich and romantic.
She has a lovely blog to read and enjoy during lunch breaks as well!

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Thanks for stopping by

Introducting ~ Wonderful WEB WEDNESDAY ~

2008-10-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a new feature I want to add for Wednesdays. It will be spotlighting and focusing on websites, blogs or webpages that I think are just fun to read. I usually will showcase them due to their content, or design or something interesting. It's just what I need to pick me up during the middle of the week!

I hope you enjoy this feature!

It's not Much but it's Something!

2008-10-15T06:51:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics of my outdoor Autumn decor that we put up last weekend. It's not much for our shabby little home, but at least it's something!

My husband picked out the pumpkins and mums, and I picked out the Mr. & Mrs. Scarecrows. As you can see, we need a lot of help with our old tiny place...but that will come in time (God willing).

Thanks for taking a look!

My New Product CRUSH

2008-10-14T06:32:00.001-07:00

I love all things paper.
I love all things vintagey.
I love all things vintagey and paper.
So I went on Cavallini & Co. website and found all the stuff I lust over. I will be keeping my eye open for these products in specialty shops like Barnes & Noble and online stores like Papersource. Thanks for stopping by!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins - Oh Yeah!

2008-10-14T05:58:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of Cookie Madness

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins.

This is starting to turn into a food blog, unintentionally. But with autumn's arrival, it's hard not to post some inspiring and delicious recipes featuring pumpkin. Now, I'm not a big fan of pumpkin pie, but pumpkin bread, muffins, etc....I could eat for days.

I stumbled upon this recipe from Anna on Cookie Madness and I had to post in here. These look delectable and will most likely be my Gettysburg Trip take-along basket. Let me know if you make em and how they turn out!

Marbled Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins

Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Muffins:

1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon each nutmeg, allspice
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray top of a muffin tin with cooking spray and line the 12 cups with liners.

Prepare filling. Beat together cream cheese and sugar, then stir in egg and vanilla. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together flour, both sugars, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and spices.

In another mixing bowl, blend oil, egg, pumpkin and vanilla. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.

Fill muffin cups about 1/3 of the way full with pumpkin mixture. Spoon cream cheese mixture over pumpkin, dividing evenly between all 12 cups. Spoon a drop of pumpkin batter on top of cream cheese. Pumpkin batter will be thick and will not cover entire top, so the appearance will be similar to a bulls eye.

Bake for 23-25 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy!

MOVIE MONDAY - an Italian movie I love

2008-10-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

Staying with the Italian Heritage theme for this Columbus Day Monday, I chose a movie that was a long-time favorite with me: Cinema Paradiso.

Set in a charming little Italian village after World War 2, you become engaged with the story from the beginning thanks to the cutest little boy performance. The subtext is hardly noticeable as you get into the delightful story of Toto who has a fascination with movies and the cinema from an early age. He befriends the town's movie projectionist and his desire to make and watch movies is realized.

Trust me, this romantic, comedic and bittersweet film is a must have in any film-lover's library!

For more info, check out here.

Happy Columbus Day! Italian Beef Bracciole in Sauce w/pasta!

2008-10-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

My Italian roots bring me back to Grandmom making Italian Beef Bracciole for my Grandpop in a big pot of pasta sauce (gravy) to be served on the side with macaroni.

Sooo easy is Beef Bracciole that I thought I would share the quick version of this recipe. Mangia Mangia!

Ingredients
Bracciole (or flank steak)
Fresh Parsley
Grated Parmesan Cheese (or you can get fancy and use Mozzarella, Fontina, etc.)
Bread Crumbs
Salt * Pepper
Olive Oil
Fresh Garlic Clove

Prepare the Bracciole (steak) by tenderizing it (pounding the heck out of it with a meat tenderizer hammer/ gadget) You will have a cutlet like piece of meat.

Drizzle some olive oil onto the steak piece rub fresh/raw garlic over it to flavor
Now add your breadcrumbs and cheese, fresh parsley, salt and pepper.
Carefully roll the bracciole and tie it with string or secure it with toothpicks

In saucepan, heat your olive oil and brown your meat on all sides (careful not to get it too dark).
Once browned, you can add fresh tomatoes or add the bracciole itself to the pot of sauce.

Let it slow cook for about 45 minutes (this is an excellent crockpot dish too!)
Serve with pasta and voila! Yum!

Caio, Bellas!

Tag, You're it!

2008-10-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

My good blog buddy, fioretta, has tagged me for a fun facts about yourself session. If you get a second, check out her creative blog - she's so talented. For those of you who want to set this up on your own blogs, be my guest..it's a great way of getting to know your fellow bloggers!

----------------------------------------------

First and foremost - the rules:
Link to your tagger and list the rules
List 5 random facts about yourself
Tag 5 people
If you're tagged, play along and pass it on!

Here are the interesting or non-interesting tidbits about moi:

1. I have endometriosis and also another form of pelvic bleeding that can cause some major discomfort during the month. Motrin, I love you. Also, heating pads and pillows under feet and lots of rest have become a norm in my life. But I am grateful my mom went through it so she can understand what it's like.

2. My sisters are 9 and 10 years older than me and are like little "mom's"...always checkin in with me and making sure I'm ok. They were my bridesmaids in my wedding. It's nice to live within 8 miles of them too.

3. I make it a habit to say "prayers for strangers" everyday. Selfishly, it helps take away the guilt I sometimes have at seeing a homeless person or a kid with a disability but I sure do hope that God hears my prayers and blesses them with peace during their day.

4. I refuse to buy something because of it's designer or label. I understand it's great quality but I'm far too practical to invest my hard-earned money in a Coach label or Dooney & Burke bag. I can appreciate the style on those that do wear it however.

5. I love to experiment with natural beauty secrets like honey, oatmeal, egg whites, etc. A lot of the vitamins and nutrients that our body/hair/skin needs comes directly from the source so I research the homeopathic and natural way to beauty.

Ok, time to tag:

Sirkfeb1
Jewels2730
Finesse
The Hyper Homemaker
Life with B&A

HOW TO - Generate your own Blog Banner

2008-10-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

DIY this week will feature a way to make your own blog banner from Big Huge Labs. You can generate your own using their tool. I made the one above in like 3 minutes. Have Fun making some personalized ones yourself!

Thanks for stopping bye!
xoxox

MOVIE MONDAY - mirroring the 1930's....

2008-10-06T14:44:00.001-07:00

The current economy is making me think that our lives somehow are starting to mirror that of 1930's and THE GREAT DEPRESSION.

Our grandparents and great-grandparents would consider it a true act of luxury and a treat to go to the movie or cinema (back then a quarter or cheaper for a matinee) and watch a flick for a few hours. This provided a much needed temporary escape route from the toil and drudgery of harsh economic times.

Since I love old movies, it's not hard to pick one from my memory that perhaps provided such a diversion from the mundane economic downfall of the 1930's.

This week, I am focusing on FOOTLIGHT PARADE...a classic gem full of spectacular choreography from the great Busby Berkeley, kitschy dance numbers with Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler and Hollywood legend, James Cagney (a dancer before a stereotyped film mobster).

Watch for great catchy musical numbers like Honeymoon Hotel and Shangai Lil. Rest assured, it's not all song and dance...it's fun acting at a time when Hollywood was only starting to gleam the definition of "craft".

So much fun to see the fashions of the day and the mannerisms too!

I love this movie. It's cornier than an Iowa field. It's fluff. It's like eating ice cream after a spicy meal...soothing and fun. Absolutely adorable with a capital "A".

If you don't mind stepping back in time (seems like the stock market doesn't seem to mind slipping back to 1929 thank you very much) and imagining what our grandparents must have felt like to feel entertained and invigorated if only for a few hours, then you will cherish this little gem.

Enjoy!
Thanks for stopping bye!

FREE VINTAGE EPHEMERA images

2008-10-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

I love looking at old photo albums at flea markets and thrift stores. I'm talking ones that date back a lifetime or two.

There is just something about the way the light goes through the old camera lense which really captures the imagination of the subject. Like a quick step back through time.

To use these images in a creative way, is also a passion of mine. I love making collages, art, stationery and just about anything else whimsical from these old photos, etc.

I guess you can say I have a wooly for vintage ephemera!

Here are some excellent links to free images that you can use for your vintage passions as well!

http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/vintageresources.html

http://www.stampington.com/html/postscript_05132008_download.html

https://www.dollsandlace.com/clip.htm

http://flickr.com/photos/14589752@N00/268861417/

2008-10-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

Mark and I spent the day yesterday at a local farm with our friends' and their kids. We were the only ones without children but we were kids at heart...we went on a hayride, picked local apples, and ate some homemade delicious APPLE CIDER DOUGHNUTS.

Oh. My. Gawd. Were those ever good! They were freshly made, still hot, crispy on the outside, soft and lush on the inside sprinkled with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar.

We wound up buying more to appease our sweet tooth.

After googling, I found a recipe and am anxious to try them. For now, I will use my freshly picked apples for homemade Apple Crisp.

Here's the recipe for the doughnuts, if you try em, let me know how you like em (and invite us over!)

Apple Cider Doughnuts

1 cup Apple cider
1 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Solid vegetable shortening
2 large Eggs
1/2 cup Buttermilk
3 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
2 tsp. Baking powder
1 tsp.Baking soda
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
Vegetable oil or shortening -for frying

1 cup cinnamon-sugar mixed

Boil apple cider in small saucepan until it is reduced to 1/4 cup, 8 to 10 minutes; cool. Beat sugar with shortening until smooth. Add eggs and mix well, then add buttermilk and reduced cider. Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in another bowl. Add to liquid ingredients; mix just enough to combine. Transfer dough to lightly floured board and pat to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with 2 1/2- to 3-inch doughnut cutter; reserve doughnut holes and reroll and cut scraps. Add enough oil or shortening to fill a deep pan 3 inches; heat to 375'F. Fry several doughnuts at a time, turning once or twice, until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove to paper towels with slotted spoon. While still warm, shake a few at a time in a paper bag containing cinnamon sugar. Cool on a rack.

Thanks for stopping bye! Mmmm Dougnuts...

Halloween COSTUME(s) for SALE

2008-10-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, I used to frequently get into the spirit of Halloween (especially at work and happy hour).

I won 2 dress up contests consecutively ... but alas, the stuff no longer fits neither me nor my closet and so it must go.

Here I am selling this dramatic Colonial/RenFaire Costume. It has thick brocade-like fabric, detailed with lace and cording and ribbon. I bought it off of a fashion student on ebay and only wore it once for a few hours. She designed it and sewed it so I know it's good quality and not some "Made in China" number.

I paid $75 which I think is a bargain compared to the flimsy stuff you see at Halloween Adventure. I'm asking $50 or Best Offer to make room in my closet.

It fits beautifully for a S/M figure. Bust is up to 36, Waist is up to 27 and the Hips are free. I love the weight of it and the ease of zipper in the back. Can be worn on or off shoulder with shawl for dramatic effect.

Color is burgundy/cranberry.

~~~~~******~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~
The second costume was a vintage find off of ebay as well. This is an old square dance dress from the 50's. I think I paid about $35 for it a few years ago. I wore a cheap crinoline under it and white socks and maryjane shoes.

It's Kelly Green with little cute polka dots

I was trying to be Riverdance....Me. An Italian chick dressing up as an Irish Step Dancer.

I guess they were desperate that year because I won (and got a few phone numbers of eligible guys at the club).

It was quite entertaining to watch. Anyway, other ideas would be a square dancer (an original idea, eh?), a beer maiden, Swiss Miss or just save it for St. Patrick's Day.

I'm asking $20 or Best Offer. It's a size S. Bust up to 34, Waist up to 26.
Fits about a size 5/6 or 7/8

It twirls out really nice when you spin

I'll post more costumes in this post as I dig out more in my cramped closet!
Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo

OCTOBER GREETINGS

2008-10-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

The month of October has arrived and it stirs up memories of my youth again...as does everything these days.

Crunching leaf piles with my summer worn sneakers, smelling mom's homemade pumpkin bread, and watching the teachers put up halloween decorations during recess. May you have an old-fashioned Autumn and enjoy all of October's oddities and fun!

Enjoy some of these cute vintage clipart images for your craft projects!

xoxo

CROCKPOT MEATBALLS

2008-09-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

Autumn conjures up memories of football game Sundays and Thanksgiving parades at my Godmother's home, where meatball sandwiches were warming in the crockpot all day...ready to be scooped into fresh rolls. Mmmmm.

Our family meatballs were always lovingly prepared homemade (of course) and served up to hungry and appreciative recipients while yelling out remarks to the TV ref. I hope you enjoy the recipe.

Simple SUNDAY MEATBALLS

Lean (we use 90%) Ground Beef
Parmesan Cheese
Thinly chopped onion
Day old Bread
Milk
Egg
Parsley
Salt & Pepper

The trick is to not over mix the meat with your hands...hence the meatballs become too chewy. Soak your bread (I use the ends of a loaf of bread but you can use crusty Italian or breadcrumbs) in milk till they are absorbed.

To the ground meat, eyeball everything....and mix. If it's too wet, add a little more bread or breadcrumbs, if it's too dry, add another egg. Remember, don't over mix! Form palm size balls (not too large because it takes longer to cook) flattened a bit and brown over a hot pan coated with Olive Oil.

When the meatballs are browned evenly, drop into your crockpot and add your gravy (also known as tomato sauce - ours is homemade too, simple easy recipe for future posting). Let it cook slow and low for a few hours.

Get yourself some fresh Italian rolls and provolone cheese.

Watch many happy faces devour those babies! Is it half-time yet? I smell meatballs!

Enjoy!
xoxo

MONDAY MOVIES

2008-09-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

A new feature profiling my favorite, most beloved movies and why I adore them.

LAST OF THE MOHICANS
1992
Daniel Day Lewis
Madeline Stowe
Directed by MICHAEL MANN

Something about this movie stirs some real deep emotions inside me.

Maybe it's the lush cinematography of early American colonies, the riveting scenes of battle and survival, the romantic simplicity between the main characters of Hawkeye and Cora who fall in love based on witnessing one another's life's passion and protection of each other, the self sacrifice of Duncan and the amazing innocence of untold and unexplored secret love of Alice and Uncas.

Everything about this movie from the story to the soundtrack is merit-worthy of greatness.

Being that I am a huge history buff and love learning about Native American cultures, I was intrigued and impressed with this film since I saw it at it's release in 1992. Today, I can watch it over and over and still find something new and incredible about it. The theme of family (2 sisters meeting their rescuers of 2 brothers...the father of Hawkeye and Uncas is the Last of the Mohicans) and tradition and honor runs through the movie with a powerful sense of emotion.
Watch it. You'll be glad you did. Better yet, read the book by James Fenimore Cooper

More info on this great film is found here.

For those that have already seen it, relive the end scenes here. (Spoiler)

THANKS, GRAM!

2008-09-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

ANNA

1919-2008

Dear Grandmom,

I doubt highly that you are in heaven right now reading blogs...but just in case the words somehow are carried to your soul, I wanted to write you a letter.

I want to thank you for being my girlfriend for 37 years. Having you watch me while I was a little girl so mom could bring in some extra money, sleep over at your house, go to mass and breakfast at the diner every Sunday... I thank you for spending so much time with me while I was young and how you continued to look after me even as a young adult, your wisdom formed and molded me into someone I am proud of.

I want to thank you for going places with me when nobody else wanted to...for waiting for me to get done work on Fridays so I wouldn't drive to the seashore alone....for treating me to lunch at Friendly's so many times....for the breakfasts at IHOP (you loved that rootie tootie fresh and fruity pancakes and the funnel cakes) You always had powdered sugar on your lips!
I want to thank you for raising my mom to be the woman I most admire today. The fact that you opened up a neighborhood store back in the day when women just stayed home with their little ones, showed an independent spirit....now all the women in our family somehow have their own niche to share with the world.

I want to thank you for Sunday dinners at your house, and Monday soup night pick-ups for all the working family to come and pick up your homemade soup....You constantly thought of how to make your family's life easier.

When Gramps died, I know you died too. You loved him so much and your passion for life diminished. That's what happens to a broken heart....but you never wanted to be a burden to any of us...and you watched as grandchildren married and gave you great-grandchildren. You now had a new reason to live!

I was there with you through it all. You were beyond a mere Grandmom. You were my Girlfriend...I loved putting blush on you in the hospital and barrettes in your hair. I loved how even the Sunday before God called you home you were modeling your look for the "camera".

We did so much together. Being roomates, I could hear you prayers at night. You never ever stopped praying for me. You called me everyday and got sad when you didn't see me for more than 3 days. It helps we lived so close.

Grandmom, you were SUPER GLUE...always holding our Italian crew together...telling us to overlook each other's faults and just be happy in the moment. You always brought back memories of your days growing up and what real sacrifice and commitment and love of family meant. I honor those stories of the old days...maybe that's why I always feel like I don't belong in this generation but in yours...when respect and joy for the smallest things took precedence over matieral gain.

I miss you. You know that. Your death was not the way you wanted. None of us did. You fought and struggled right till the end. When I finally told you to go to sleep, your breathing and restlessness started to fade....We kept vigil over you for 3 days and that final night we watched as the Full Moon came out and your soul finally went home to Jesus.

We sang old Italian songs and reminisced about times shared with you. I have so much more to share with you...will you still be able to hear me?

Can you see me where you are?

We had a very special bond...does it still exist while you are in heaven? Please say it does.

You know I love you, Grandmom. I'll see you in my dreams...I'll pray to you for strength and wisdom and courage...and to do the right thing everyday.

Be my friend forever as I will be yours.
Love,

TALENT CALL: Who Among You is Up for the Challenge?

2008-09-11T11:28:00.001-07:00

I know there are so many talented people in blog-land and I was hoping to find one who can assist me in my small business needs.

First and foremost, I need a website. I would prefer to find someone who can set up a few customized pages with a "vintage and feminine look" like the ones found here at Avalon Rose Designs. Nothing to technically fancy... Being that I am on a budget and would like to know how to easily switch up the visuals or templates on a whim (since I tend to like to create constant new looks), I would want someone who can walk me through the steps of getting a site done.

I have budgeted some fees aside and would love to know if anyone is interested in helping me out with a design plan for a website and/or brochure with props to you of course indicated on the site.

If you know of anyone, please contact me at bluerosemlm@yahoo.com or wedibles@gmail.com Thank you so much!

Sorry I've been MIA....What's been happening

2008-09-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

I've been amiss in my blogging responsibilities for the last 2 weeks. I've had some familial and business obligations to take care of.

For those of you asking about my G'mom...she is resting as comfortably as we can get her at my parents' home a few miles away. Her hospice nurses are angels.

She was administered last rites today by our priest and is surrounded by family at her bedside. I've been there off and on and it's so very hard to watch my once "girlfriend" lay like a frail, wounded little bird. God is calling her home and I know she is drifting in and out of this place of consciousness to the next.

It's a very spiritual and strange time indeed and my heart is both full of sadness and joy. I wish I could explain better but I will reserve that for another post when I have a better process of my wording.

Thank you for all your continued prayers. My family is the most important thing to me. When one leaves, it's a void that cannot be filled.

God Bless!

On a Whim and a Prayer

2008-09-03T15:35:00.001-07:00

"Do you have any plans for today?" asked hubby

"Nope." I replied.

"And since I picked last weekend's plans, it's up to you to come up with something fun and interesting!" I added.

3 hours later, the husband suggested a drive to Elk Neck State Park, Maryland.

Being desperate to get out of the house on a glorious gorgeous Sunday afternoon, I agreed.

"It's going to take us a good 2.5 hours to get there" I explained.

"No, it won't. 1 hour tops!" husband challenged.

Why do I listen to him?

"Are you kidding me? It takes an hour just to get to Delaware from here!"

What is he trying to prove, I thought....

"So what, we have no plans today...let's just go!"

"Fine" I agreed.

_________________

Um, this is way past an hour drive. He thinks he's "on top of it all"

I ask "Are we there yet?" I'm overheated, dehydrated and tired.
What do you mean you're not sure this is where it is!!!! @)(#)(@*

His response?...

Finnegan also asks "Are we there yet? I gotta pee, man"

We continued to drive...and drive some more...and just when you think we are near where we need to be, we continue to ...ya know.....drive a bit more. FINALLY! We arrive. I don't even know why we are driving here.

We could have gone to any state park in our OWN area...Why Maryland? Because lovely husband had a personal agenda in mind: scouting expedition for future kayak trip. I was just along for the ride. I was miffed. Leave it to a guy to rethink the phrase "romantic couple bonding time". Grrrr

We managed to hike a whopping 1.8 miles to Turkey Hill Lighthouse overlooking the Chesapeake via steep bluffs.

I think we stayed a total of 15 minutes then headed the heck out of there. Green flies, mosquitoes and gnats considered us a delicious buffet.

Still peeved that he had an ulterior motive to this excursion, he made it up to me by stopping for homemade ice cream at Havre de Grace.

Surely Ice cream will appease her heart!

I smell a State Park!

Cute little town along the drive.

The Ride Home
Finnegan is having doggie dreams of all the places he peed and poo-ed

Final Sunset makes it all worthwhile...

We laughed. I cried. We hiked. We conquered the bluff. We smacked flies off our skin. We got lost. We found ice cream. We marveled at the sunsets.

Ok. That's it.

Thanks for stopping bye!
xoxo

SALSA/Cha-Cha CHICKEN

2008-09-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

After reading the rave reviews of SALSA CHICKEN on the message board, I decided to make use of my surplus of fresh, home-grown tomatoes (for homemade fresh salsa) and frozen chicken tenders.

The result was Viva La Yum! My husband thoroughly enjoyed it...so much so that he spared the last heaping spoon for our neighbors to try. I received a phone call 15 minutes later from them asking for the recipe.

Here it is:

Salsa Chicken (or as I like to refer to it, Cha-Cha Chicken)

Ingredients:

Chicken Breasts or Tenders (I used about 10 medium Chicken tenders - equal to 4 breasts)
Salsa (I made homemade salsa with peeled tomatoes, sweet peppers, red onion, fresh cilantro, apple cider vinegar and lime juice etc.)
Cream of Mushroom Soup (can also use Cream of Chicken)
Shredded Cheddar (use your preferred cheese)
Sour Cream
Taco Seasoning
Tortilla Chips

Method:

Using a crockpot, place chicken pieces in bottom and shake Taco Seasoning over. Stir Salsa and Cream of Mushroom Soup together in a bowl and pour in Crock. Let slow cook according to your time or crockpot specs (for me it was 4 hours). One hour before done, layer a generous heaping of your cheese on top and continue to crock.

Easy? Yes! I reserved some fresh salsa for the end and placed a dollop of sour cream over it with additional sprinkled cheese.

You can serve this easily in soft tacos, tortilla chips or over rice. I made mine over rice using the liquid from the simmering chicken. 1 cup of Rice to 3/4 cup of Salsa Chicken Juice and 1/4 cup water.

My husband cha-cha'd over to the sink to clean up the table when we were done extoling praises for this "keeper dish"

Thanks for stopping bye!
xoxo

FREEBIE Friday

2008-08-29T14:35:00.000-07:00

If it's "Free", I'm all over it, baby! I can always use something free. Cuz I loooove me some free stuff!

I stumbled upon a good freebie resource for digital scrapbookers. The SCRAP GIRLS offer some really nice free stuff to help you along.

Enjoy!

My Peanut Butter Nutter Butter Truffles

2008-08-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

I promised some gals I would post a photo of my nutter butter truffles I made last week so here it is.

They were easy to make but I gotta tell you....they are messy! If there is a way to roll the center into a more user-friendly chocolate or peanut butter coating, I'd be willing to learn!

I used Peanut Butter chips in a double boiler, melted to coat the oreo truffles. And for the Nutter Butter mixture, I dipped those babies in chocolate.

After I rolled them, I placed them in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm them up and then I rolled them into the coating.

I placed some extras in the freezer for my husband's enjoyment!
Hope you like em!

A Stroll through NEWTOWN, PA

2008-08-28T06:36:00.000-07:00

One of the huge advantages of living where I do, is that I am only a few miles from some many historic and quaint areas of Bucks County.

I spent the day strolling through historic NEWTOWN, PA - a mere 11 minutes from my house.

Newtown is considered one of the oldest small town in America with homes dating back to the pre-revolutionary war days.

How would you like to live in an apartment dating back to 1743?

I asked my Godmother, Aunt Anna, to join me as it was her birthday!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Anna!

Our first stop was The Zebra Striped Whale, a local confectionery and ice cream parlor.

Talk about EYE CANDY!!!!

I decided to order a very healthy breakfast...- NOT! I went for the
ELVIS CREPE: Ready? It's a sweet homemade crepe made right there on the spot filled with sweet cream ice cream, caramelized bananas, peanut butter, rolled in whipped cream and sprinkled with Butterfingers on top. Oh Yeah Kashi, step aside!

Someone Pinch Me!

Do Not Disturb. I am having a moment with my crepe!
Can't. Speak. I'm in Heaven!

BEFORE
Where have you been all my life, you sexy crepe?

Still. Eating. Savoring this magic moment.

AFTER
ahhhh, thank ya...thank ya very much, Elvis!
Elvis Crepe has left the plate...and is in my belly.

This is what we saw as we exited the building. Stop Taunting us!!!

Our Next Stop as we digested paradise, was a little shop owned by two sisters called THE NEST

Colorful Autumn Displays

Whole store smelled wonderful with a myriad of candle scents

We spent a really nice 2 hours strolling the streets and window shopping. My favorite window was this one, from Zebra Striped Whale.
Love the colors!

Thanks for stopping bye!
xoxox

BIRDS. NESTS. I love it.

2008-08-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

To me, there is something so fresh and new about birds and nests.
I love the symbolisms that surround the images: Spring, Renewal, Home, Comfort, New Beginnings, etc.

So when I saw this stamp set at Barnes and Noble (I had been eyeing it for a while), I caved and bought it.

It was more than I wanted to spend on a stamp kit but I couldn't find any local stores that carried it other than B&N.

I can't wait to make tags, cards and other little paper treats with it! Can you think of any other great ideas to use these sweet stamps on? I'd love to hear your ideas!
I especially thought this would be great for the upcoming winter months. Gives me something to do and look forward to for Spring!
Thanks for stopping bye!
xoxo

THREE WORD CHALLENGE

2008-08-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, all it takes is Three Words to get the message across. Melissa's Blog had a great one word challenge that I thought I would post but I decided to tweak it and make it 3 Words.

If you want to do one, simply copy and paste and credit where you saw it from in your own blog!

Have fun!

~~~~~~~~
Use one - three words to describe or name the answer:

1. Where is your cell phone? Hidden in Handbag
2. Your significant other? Taurus Moody Charming
3. Your hair? Curly needs Cutting
4. Your mother? Caregiver for Grandmom
5. Your father? Supportive and Kind
6. Your favorite thing? Laughter. Creativity. Animals
7. Your dream last night? Co-workers on Boat
8. Your favorite drink? Water. Juice. Milk
9. Your dream/goal? No more Anxiety
10. What room you are in? Messy unorganized Office
11. Your hobby? Blogging, Crafting, Reading
12. Your fear? Almost Everything Anymore
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Financially comfortable. Peaceful
14. Where were you last night? home watching Olympics
15. Something that you aren't? Aggressive, Bully, Patient
16. Muffins? Warm. Homemade. Buttery
17. Wish list item? Backyard Privacy Screen
18. Where you grew up? Northeast Philadelphia, Rowhome
19. Last thing you did? Washed face. Breakfast
20. What are you wearing? Shorts and Tank
21. Your secret wish? Lottery. Donate Charity
22. Your pets? Finnegan and Husband
23. Your life? Getting organized. Learning
24. Your current mood? Grouchy, Sad, Anxious
25. Missing? Cape May. Grandpop
26. Your car? Buick, Needs Cleaning
27. Something you don't like wearing? bras, pantyhose, trends
28. Your favorite activities? cleaning, organizing, crafting
29. Your favorite colors? Blue, Green, Yellow
30. When is the last time you laughed? Last week sometime
31. Last time you cried? yesterday watching movie

JANNY is GENIUS!

2008-08-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you Jannypie for putting together a great, convenient blog of Martha Stewart's daily organizing and craft tips!

The blog, MarthaDaily, makes it much more convenient for me to find simple solutions to organizing and crafts.

Janny, you're my Hero, girl!
xoxo

Merciful Heavens! NUTTER BUTTER TRUFFLES!

2008-08-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Nestie, Mrs.HVK for bringing to my attention this adorable blog of a site, Bakerella.

I am anticipating with delight the Nutter Butter Truffles I will be making for an upcoming party this weekend.

Photos and licked fingers to follow!
Here's the Recipe:
Nutter Butter Balls

1 pkg. Nutter Butter cookies (broken… use cookie with the cream center)
1 8oz. package cream cheese (softened)
chocolate bark

1. Finely crush all but 5 cookies in a food processor or place them in a ziploc bag and crush into a fine consistency.
2. Combine with cream cheese. Use the back of a large spoon to help mash the two together.
3. Roll the mixture into 1" balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet.
4. Melt chocolate as directed on the package and then dip balls into chocolate, tap off extra and set aside on wax paper covered cookie sheet to dry.
5. Once dry, refrigerate and enjoy!

Thanks for stopping bye!
xoxo

At Last I can Shop without GUILT!

2008-08-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

It took one commercial to make me socially conscious of Animal Rights and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Thanks to Sarah McLaughlin's "In the Arms of an Angel" commercial (see bottom of blog), I was determined to be more mindful of what products I purchase and how that money will not go into corporations that perpetuate and support testing on innocent animals.

Yeah, I've become one of "those people".

I used to think they were radical and didn't make sense. I am now happy and proud to say that I am more aware of the products I bring into my home and the responsibility as a consumer that I have to choose fair items free from any kind of animal testing.

Recently, I came across this site, LEAPING BUNNY, which educates people on the types of cruelty-free products that are available on the market.

How many times I go shopping and I wish I knew what items are "guilt-free". Now I have the power to make that informed decision thanks to this site! Click here for a downloadable shopping guide as to what beauty products are free of animal testing!

Please educate and understand that there are many things we buy for our vanity/beauty that do not have to be tested on these creatures. Buy pure, buy simply.

Thanks for stopping bye!

Better Late Than Never - Lawn Furniture Redo

2008-08-20T11:09:00.001-07:00

Last year while perusing the many chippy happy Country Living and Romantic Cottage magazines for Spring, I was determined to find a sweet old vintage lawn chair set.

You know, the kind that has a bowl of summer berries on it, little gingham tablecloth and a few pitchers of pink lemonade.

My favorite local shop, Vintage Funk, just had such a set dropped off. 4 chairs and a collapsible table for $19.00.

It was cheap because it was in poor condition. Rusty nails and hinges, peeling paint and a wobbly table made it a steal. So I snatched it up and brought it home. Never to work on it.

Fast forward to this summer. It has been sitting outside for an entire year and has gotten worse.

I told my husband we should just throw it out but he claims it can still be salvaged for even decoration. (The thought of throwing anything out makes my husband CRINGE).

So today....on one of the last waning days of summer....I got the motivation to work on it. Just in time to put it away for Fall!

A light sanding, a coat of spray paint primer, a few coats of white spray paint. It's not in any better condition except for cosmetic. I just don't have the patience to redo it all. But for 19 bucks, hey!

Better late than never.

Before

After

Stay tuned for next summer when hopefully, it will have a vase of flowers on it and perhaps that pitcher of lemonade afterall!

Thanks for stopping bye! xoxo

Sunday Drive out in the COUNTRY!

2008-08-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

OUT FOR A SUNDAY DRIVE!

Summer Sunday Morning. Warm, Not Humid, Sunny, Slight Breeze, Blue Sky and a few puffy clouds.

"Let's go for a drive" says my husband.
"Let's". I agree.

some scenery of our drive here

Living in Bucks County certainly has it's advantages. Since we are both big history buffs, we love being within an hour drive to any of the many historical landmarks that created our country.
Me acting like Pocahontas during our hike at Ringing Rocks
Oh yes, I am atop an 8 foot lofty rock about 30 feet from the bottom of the bank. Me thinks I see Civilization out yonder!

Mark says "how did you get up there?" Then says "how the heck are you going to get down from there?"

Bucks County has plenty of them. So after mass, we hopped into the car and went for a drive that lasted about 7 hours (with pit stops at anything that looked pristine and photogenic).
Noxamixon State Park where Hubby goes Kayaking

here's me!
Point Pleasant State Park...Lots of tubing down the river here! We stopped at this old red barn and played on the swings. Yeah, we never grow up.

Cutie Husband meandering through the park looking for gophers.

VIDEO of what happens when you go for a walk along the lake during Olympic Season

Thanks for stopping bye! xoxo

APPLAUSE for my MOMMA!!!

2008-08-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I was asked to provide a Sweet Table for a 50th Anniversary party. Not knowing if I could put out a spread for 125 people, I turned to the only person that I know who could make it happen with grace and enjoyment: Mom.

Mom worked as a cook/baker and pastry associate in several local tea rooms. Having had her own catering business for over 30 years, she never advertised and did it all through recommendations and word of mouth.

Everything in her kitchen is homemade and from scratch - the way it was taught to her by my Great-Grandmother, Sebastiana, from Sicily. 450 delectable sweets later, I picked up the order and assembled it at the local yacht club where the party was to be held.

Thanks, Mom....for always lending a hand!

"TWISTER" finds a home!

2008-08-13T14:20:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of our Foster Pup, "Twister". We found a FOREVER HOME for him in about 4 days after we posted on CL! They are a nice family with a 2 acre fenced yard and pond in the suburbs. Perfect for this mixed breed who just loves to run!

I wrote them a letter in his doggy voice:

Dear New Forever Family~

I’ve been saying my puppy prayers for such a long time and now I know I have a guardian angel pooch looking after me.

You see, I always wanted to be someone’s pet instead of being caged in the shelter. When the nice people at the shelter found me, I was lost and stray and had no place to go.

There were so many other sad dogs with no homes and I hoped that when they brought me to PetSmart someone would like me enough to take me home. I was so happy my foster mommy and daddy brought me to an actual loving home, that I took a wee wee in excitement! I really liked their dog, Finnegan, but he seems sad and tired from his trauma.

I’m a puppy and I have a lot of energy and excitement and being able to play with my human brothers will give me great exercise!

I am always hungry but maybe once I get neutered I will be more regulated. I also drink a lot of water because I’m so full of energy.

I love to play fetch and run after balls.

When I get tired, I want to be with my foster mom and I curl up on her feet to take a nap! I love Finnegan’s doggie bed and have been sleeping in it since I am quicker to plop down on it than he is.

I am currently teething and love to chew on my puppy teething ring. I love to learn manner and ask for you to be patient with me as I learn where my boundaries are.

I love to run and run and go for long walks. Sometimes when I walk I tend to lead but if you take me for walks enough I will learn to walk with and beside you instead of ahead of you. Just very gently nudge me back and reward me with a treat every time. I’ll get the hang of it. I can go jogging and running with you too. I’m very versatile with my neat stealth puppy skills.

When I am left alone, I get nervous because I think I am going to be abandoned again. Make sure you exercise me and get a lot of my energy out before you leave me so I can spend more time sleeping zzzzzzz and less time crying and worrying. Again, if you wouldn’t mind being patient with me as I learn to be a good boy.

My foster mommy and daddy got quite attached to me and they said if I don’t work out with you, you can bring me back to them. It’s nice to be loved by so many people!

They also asked if you could send them pictures and keep them updated on me on occasion because they love me so much. Thank you!

Finnegan and I like to watch “our stories” on tv like DOG WHISPERER and IT’s ME OR THE DOG. We think the whole idea of exercise, gentle discipline and affection works for us. We are easy-going like that.

I know I am new right now and will get a lot of attention at first especially from my happy human brothers but as time goes by if you could please still remember that I need lots of love, affection and exercise to be a well adjusted and balanced dog, I will love and lick you for life!

I can’t thank you enough for opening up your home and your life to me. I will do my doggie best to be loved by you and if you ever want to snuggle with me, please feel free! I love snuggles!

I am so glad we are going to be together now. . . . so let’s go play and have fun!

All my Love, Licks and Paw Prints,

Your grateful new pet

Twister

Thanks for stopping bye!

A little bit about me...

2008-08-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Chapter 1.
Little Girl Lost.
Living with Anxiety - the early years.

To share this is difficult. I have to go deep. Yet writing down the bones of my life has become a cathartic source of therapy for me. If nothing makes sense, I apologize. It's the way I live and the thoughts become emotions which in turn become words.

To start, I've worn my heart on my sleeve to a fault for many years. Most folks may find this disconcerting but if I can reach out to anyone, I know it wasn't in vain.

I've always been the most honest about my faults, flaws and insecurities. I don't know why but it's been good for me to be open ....it provides a source of seek and help. I mean what the hell? I have nothing to lose that I haven't lost already - which is my mind.

I remember my first anxiety attack. I was only a little girl, maybe about 5 years old.

My Godmother/Aunt and Uncle along with my Grandparents took me every weekend to church, breakfast at the diner and then grocery shopping. One particular weekend, we went to visit friends of my grandparents. I remember sitting there while they talked and getting a sudden homesickness pang for my mom.

We lived in the same city and were only 20 minutes away but the separation anxiety was intense. And the fact that I didn't understand why I was feeling that way manifested the anxiety even more.

The next thing I know, I was crying to go home.

It began then, twisted and reinvented itself in many forms and hasn't stopped since.

I had separation anxiety throughout my school years. Usually my morning ritual consisted of waking up, getting sick in the bathroom, packing my books and getting sick in the hallway at the school.

I'd spend the day in class staring at the clock thinking the time would go fast. It didn't. Numerous phone calls from the nurse's office for my mom or grandfather to pick me up from school became a habit during my school years.

When it was back to school after summer or Christmas holiday, I would cry myself to sleep, vomit and have irritable bowel. The onset of panic became familiar and horrible from the earliest age.

Once puberty hit, a different set of anxieties occurred and now depression started to follow. Why was I different? Why couldn't I spend a weekend with my friends at the shore without feeling an overwhelming sense of doom and panic...? Why did I always feel sick and sad all the time?

My home life was happy for the most part. My dad worked and went to night school, mom was a homemaker except for Thursdays when she worked at the local city newspaper taking classifieds. My two older sisters kept busy with their school and social activities. I had a set of good friends and excelled in school.

Still from an early age, a pang of worry, grief and despair trailed me.

More to come...

A TWISTER hit our Home

2008-08-04T06:46:00.000-07:00

Twister. He sat calmly on a leash outside of PETSMART. It was their adopt a shelter dog day. Skinny little guy. 8-10 months old. Found him wandering aimlessly along the streets of Trenton, NJ.

"Can we?" said the puppy dog face of my husband. "No." I replied. We have no room. We have no money. I meant what I said. We are pinching pennies these days and our 1000 sq foot home is considered a closet by modern day standards.

"Well, if we wait around till we have money or room, we never get what we want in life." replied the spousal unit. I hate when he's right. The dog handler chimed in on the plot "You can be Foster parents!"

Hmmmm.....Our beloved pooch, Finnegan, is still convalescing after his back trauma 6 weeks ago. He's made progress but is having a puppy the right thing for him? Will they get along? Will they bond like Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari in Bosum Buddies?

Those eyes looked up at me. And he was so relaxed and docile. "I'm going to go in and sign the Foster parent forms"....my husband already decided. My heart was tugging like a weight.

I worry. I worry a lot but I couldn't bring myself to put this little guy back into a shelter. Next thing I know, he's in the back seat of our car.

We weren't even supposed to go to PetSmart. We went to Barnes and Noble next door...but damn you...if you leave a homeless pet outside looking all vulerable and cute, you know we will be drawn like a magnet.

How did he get his name? His tail. He likes to chase his tail. Round and round...he'll bark at it.

He exits our car and goes into the yard...Jump, yipe, sniff our dog, jump yipe bark...sniff our dog a little more...mark the territory with the obligatory pee and he's off and running.

Part Greyhound, part who knows.....we section our small living room off. Him and Finnegan sniff each other, play tug, snark for dominance and run around.

Now, I know nothing about puppies. I'm just starting to watch DOG WHISPERER, read CESAR MILAN's books and learn how to be the PACK LEADER with our 5 year old pooch. Enter into the house a puppy and I feel overwhelmed and lost.

Any suggestions are most welcome. Please feel free to email me..I could use all the help I can get.

Oh, and his tail chasing is a fixation. Not very cute. He needs to break out of that habit...I am praying to St. Francis of Assisi (the animal Saint) for guidance.

Twister please be gentle.
Thanks for reading!

RANDOM TAG! ~ 6 Random Things

2008-07-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

The ever-lovely and talented * f i o r e t t a * has tagged me for 6 RANDOM THINGS and it's my first spin on the Random Blog dance Floor. Let's see.

1. I am a Pisces yet I do not know how to swim. Never learned. In fact, I have a deep respected fear of the water - anything more than 3 feet and I stand by and watch with awe. Which is very strange for a born fish. Even odder, I cannot be more than 2 hours from the ocean or I will start to flounder on the land.

2. I live for History. I am attracted so much to anything historic and it's a bit creepy. I must always be surrounded by something historic. Thankfully, living in Bucks County, PA I can go only a few miles and explore historical sites. It's not just American History. World History. From ancient civilizations right up to the cold war....I think I am a recycled soul.

3. I've lived off and on for 12 years in the historic beach resort town of Cape May, NJ and consider it my home away from home - dream place to live. History meets Ocean meets Culture meets Scenery. Someday....I am going to own a home there. You are all invited!

4. I am not college educated. No Suprise! As you can tell by my horrid grammar and lack of worldly experience, I was recruited to work in the rat race right out of high school from a merited business program. From there on, I began my stint as a high profile corporate law firm legal administrative assistant. Since then, I have held many jobs and worked in many industries. People are generally the same wherever you go. Which is why the television show THE OFFICE is so damn accurate!

5. I won't eat seafood. Which probably connects back to #1 somehow. The thought of putting a sea creature in my mouth skeeves me. Weirdness, I know.

6. I love to mambo, samba and salsa dance with the best of them.
Let's' dance!

Ok so now it's your turn! You are getting tagged, my blog friends!
AbbyT,
Gatorhightowers
katie102006
Lolageek
Shihtzumomma
Rachel is eating butter

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you (i.e. me)
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. Write 6 random things about yourself
4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them
5. Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog
6. Let the tagger (me) know when your entry is posted

Have fun and thanks for stopping bye!

"What's In-Season?" RECIPE Challenge

2008-07-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

My father and I always enjoy a visit to the local orchard (a mere mile from my parents' home) to pick the current fruit/veggies.

Here are some pics from last summer's "Father/Daughter Peach Pick"

Dad must have eaten half the peaches he picked before he even put them in the basket. He claimed he was "testing" them for ripeness. I'm sure mom must have heard him lament about stomach pains later.

"Stop eating, dad!"

Do you have a tried and true recipe for peaches, blackberries, corn on the cob, tomatoes that you want to share?

It's summertime and the freshest produce is available at your local farm stand and orchard.
Share your recipes here!

Happy Picking...... and Eating!
xoxo

HOW TO~ Make a Cute Keychain

2008-07-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

Now if this doesn't look like an adorable little project to make with a friend!

Easy, Breezy Keychains and I'm sure the design options are endless!

Thank you to Creative Little Daisy's blog for such a great idea tutorial!

If you did one, send me the pic and info an I'll post here!

xoxo

Why I Use Daily Affirmations

2008-07-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

Having suffered from an anxiety and panic disorder for most of my adult life, I often found myself in the perils of depression and worry.

As Anne of Green Gables would call it "the depths of despair".

Oh, I loved Anne of Green Gables but that's another post entirely.

Recently, while watching an episode of Oprah on the Law of Attraction in your life, I decided to create daily affirmations to myself and to read them as often as I could during the course of the day....fully tasting the truth of every word like it was a piece of much-craved apple pie.

Once I breath it all in and really started to focus my attention to being grateful for what I have instead of focusing on what I do not have...I felt the physical and physiological burden of stress flit away gradually.

I continually have to measure myself for good balance on my positive and negative thoughts and that takes work and energy and discipline. It's exercise.

By writing down core beliefs you want to have , then saying them in your head as often as you can till you truly believe it, you create a form of spiritual medication for a tired soul. It's a gift that you give yourself. Like a mini emotional makeover.

I hope you enjoy these Daily Affirmations and I hope you can create your own to help you attain a more harmonious life as well.

Be Blessed!
xoxo

TEATIME TUESDAY ~ Peach Tea Bread

2008-07-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

Let's see, what's in season last week of July that would taste yummy with a cup of warm tea or glass of iced tea? Peaches.

So after, I browsed some recipes I found a good one for Peach Tea Bread. I may just make this after I pick some peaches at our local orchard. Peaches at the grocery store have not been very ripe as of yet and I want only the sweetest peaches in any of my recipes.

If you bake it, let me know how you like it!

Peach Tea Bread

2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh peaches
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 x 5 loaf pan. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. In medium size bowl, combine peaches and lemon juice. In another bowl, combine oil, milk, eggs and vanilla. Add oil mixture to flour mixture and stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Do not overbeat. Fold in peaches and nuts. Spoon into greased pan. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until top is golden brown and center springs back when lightly touched, or test for doneness with a toothpick. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Thanks for stopping bye!
xoxo

How to Market your Homemade Stationery, etc.

2008-07-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

I just love perusing the beautiful blog world and when I came across this useful article for my craft friends, I had to post.

It's from Pearl at A Storybook Life, who has the most adorable website on vintage and cottage ideas.

Also, check out her "How To" section for clever ideas.

Vintage Metal Signs

2008-07-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

I always loved the idea of taking old advertisements and metal tin signs and decorating my space with them.

My idea someday is to redo our kitchen with retro/vintage recipes and signs. I will be staking out flea markets and thrift stores for any bargains.

In the meanwhile, here is an online store that features some old-time metal signs.

Also, check out Jack and Friends for some really fun and clever vintage signs as well as housewares products for the Vintage Home!

Thanks for the visit!
xoxo

~MOTIVATION MONDAY~ Basement Craft Room

2008-07-28T07:33:00.001-07:00

It's no secret that Monday is the most uninspiring day of the week. But after watching a bevy of Home Organizing and Remodeling shows during the weekend (while folding laundry and dusting furniture), I think Mondays may be the best opportunity to formulate the still-fresh concepts from these programs and put them into practical use.

I always get so excited and inspired to watch episodes of NEAT with Helen Buttigieg. She has such clever and practical tips on organizing; and she presents them in a very direct and simple format that helps even the most overwhelmed clutter bug.

This weekend, the focus was on a couple who had to downsize from a large home into a smaller one. The woman used the basement for 3 purposes: storage, toddler play area, and personal craft space.

It was a royal mess.

But Helen fixed it beautifully.

Such inspiration! Wish me luck, I'm off to organize the office!

~My NOCTURNAL DREAM DIARY~ Starry Skies & Lit Cathedrals

2008-07-27T06:51:00.001-07:00

Thanks to a new medication I am taking, I am experiencing some bizarre and vivid dreams. I won't be sharing all of them with you, of course,
but the ones that had great imagery are meant to show off!

Last night (or was it early this morning) I had dreamt that I was in some sort of odd waiting in line scenario for a train I kept missing. I come to find out that the reason why I am waiting so much is because I'm being held in a "passive aggressive" type hostage situation. Weirdness, I know. Anyway, I was able to escape the long line of waiting and break free and discovered that myself and everyone else that was waiting in this perpetual train station were being kept inside a large "faux atmospheric bubble-like roof"

Are you following along out there? I know...it's hard...be patient.

So once I discovered that this paper roof was a facade, I ripped it off and floated out of the station scenario. Next thing I know, I am softly soaring out of the bubble and into the real night-time sky (kind of like Peter Pan) and I can see what's below me for the first time.

PURE MAGIC!

Beautiful cityscapes lit in soft amber hues and sparkling lights.

Above me are swirls of magical stars twinkling like diamonds.

Below me, I was able to see Cathedrals and churches and buildings lit from within. They resembled these:

And school children dancing in small streets - they looked like they were prepping for an early morning parade of some kind.

It was so nice...I felt myself waking and I tried to hang on to the imagery as long as I could.

For those of you who can psychologically uncover what the hidden meaning of dreams are, go to it. Be My Guest....

Thanks for stopping bye.
xoxo

~SUNDAY BRUNCH~ Italian Brunch Casserole

2008-07-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

It's time for Sunday Brunch!
I thought I would post a recipe that would be yummy to eat now and
convenient to heat it up later as a snack! Hope you like it.

ITALIAN BRUNCH CASSEROLE

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) package sweet Italian sausage
8 green onions, sliced (1 cup)
2 zucchini, diced (about 3 cups)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (7-ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped
1 (16-ounce) Italian bread loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk

Preparation

Remove and discard casings from sausage. Cook sausage in a large skillet, stirring until sausage crumbles and is no longer pink; drain.

Add green onions and next 3 ingredients to skillet. Sauté 4 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in roasted bell peppers. Drain and cool.

Spread 4 cups of bread cubes in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Top with half each of the sausage mixture and cheese. Repeat with remaining bread, sausage, and cheese.

Whisk together eggs and milk. Pour egg mixture over bread. Cover and chill 8 hours.

Bake, covered, at 325° for 1 hour or until bubbly and hot.

Yield
Makes 8 servings

Southern Living, JANUARY 2003

Enjoy!
xoxo

FREEBIES~ Vintage Graphics

2008-07-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

For my craft friends, I stumbled upon a few sites offering free graphics and images for personal use. They are so fun to view and I already have a couple of ideas on how I would use them in my crafts! I love creativity, don't you?!

Some great images of Victorian Beauties.

Another lovely link of Spring Flowers

...and really adorable .jpegs & images of babies/children

Hope you enjoy them as much I!
xoxo

Saturday is CHORE Day

2008-07-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday, I wish, would be a day of just sipping lemonade and reading magazines.

Unfortunately, it's chore day. And since the thermometer today hasn't quite hit 90 degrees yet, I think now would be a good time to start weeding out the dead garden that now sits in front of my humble home.

Lack of rain for several weeks and high humidity caused a lot of the pretty bright flowers to succumb to Mother Nature. For this, I am sad because I spent a good deal of time trying to place the flowers in just the right spot....putting effort into what colors accent well with one another.

I better get out there soon before the sun comes out and scorches the remaining buds. Where is the Garden Fairy when I need her?

More later. Thanks for stopping bye! xoxo

How to add a Fancy Schmancy Signature to your Posts ~~

2008-07-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

I thought this may be something special and personal to share with my Blog Buddies. I found this tutorial on how to add a personalized signature to your blog posts here.

As always, Thanks for reading!

Mmmmm! ~ Limoncello Tiramisu

2008-07-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Perfect Weekend Dessert!
A Sunny Summer
LIMONCELLO TIRAMISU

INGREDIENTS:

5 large eggs
5 or 6 lemons
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups limoncello liqueur
1 cup water
1 pound (2 cups) Mascarpone, at room temperature
40 ladyfingers (preferably imported Italian savoiardi), or more as needed

Recommended Equipment:

A double boiler, with a large stainless-steel bowl and a wide saucepan to hold it; a large flexible wire whisk; a shallow-rimmed pan for moistening the savoiardi with syrup

For assembling the tiramisù: a shallow casserole or baking dish with 3-quart capacity, such as a 9-by-13-inch Pyrex pan

PREPARATION:

Pour just enough water in the double-boiler pan so the water level is right below the bottom of the mixing bowl when it is sitting in the pan. Separate the eggs, putting yolks into the large bowl of the double boiler and the whites into another stainless-steel bowl for whipping by hand or with an electric mixer.

Remove the zest of two or more of the lemons, using a fine grater, to get 2 tablespoons of zest. Squeeze out and strain the juice of these and the other lemons to get 3/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.

To make the base for the tiramisù, heat the water in the double boiler to a steady simmer. Off the heat, beat the egg yolks with 1/4 cup of the sugar and 1/2 cup of the limoncello until well blended. Set the bowl over the simmering water, and whisk constantly, frequently scraping the whisk around the sides and bottom of the bowl, as the egg mixture expands and heats into a frothy sponge, 5 minutes or longer. When the sponge has thickened enough to form a ribbon when it drops on the surface, take the bowl off the double-boiler pan and let it cool.

Meanwhile, pour the remaining cup of limoncello, all of the lemon juice, 1 cup water, and 1/2 cup of the sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar, and cook for 5 minutes, evaporating the alcohol. Let the syrup cool completely.

In another large bowl, stir the mascarpone with a wooden spoon to soften it, then drop in the grated lemon zest and beat until light and creamy. Whip the egg whites with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, by hand or by machine, until it holds moderately firm peaks.

When the cooked limoncello sponge (or zabaglione) is cooled, scrape about a third of it over the mascarpone, and fold it in with a large rubber spatula. Fold in the rest of the zabaglione in two or three additions. Now fold in the whipped egg whites in several additions, until the limoncello-mascarpone cream is light and evenly blended.

Pour some of the cooled syrup, no deeper than 1/4 inch, into the shallow-rimmed pan to moisten the ladyfingers (savoiardi). One at a time, roll a ladyfinger in the syrup and place it in the casserole or baking dish. Wet each cookie briefly—if it soaks up too much syrup, it will fall apart. Arrange the moistened ladyfingers in neat, tight rows, filling the bottom of the pan completely. You should be able to fit about twenty ladyfingers in a single layer.

Scoop half of the limoncello-mascarpone cream onto the ladyfingers, and smooth it to fill the pan and cover them. Dip and arrange a second layer of ladyfingers in the pan, and cover it completely with the remainder of the cream.

Smooth the cream with the spatula, and seal the tiramisù airtight in plastic wrap. Before serving, refrigerate for 6 hours (or up to 2 days), or put it in the freezer for 2 hours. To serve, cut portions of tiramisù in any size you like, and life each out of the pan and onto dessert plates.

FLEA MARKET FRIDAY

2008-07-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

I didn't have time to do all the flea market photos I wanted but here are some items I'm sad to see go.

When you have a tiny home you need LOTS of space and whatever you aren't wearing or using, you have to say Goodbye to!

So here are a few items up for sale this week:

Vintage Square Dance or Irish Step Dress!
I believe this was made in the late 50's and worn with a crinoline underneath.
But I wore it for St. Paddy's Day and won 1st place! Shame, I only wore it for 3 hours but I looked damn cute in it! It swirls out really nicely and makes a great Halloween or St. Patty's costume.
I paid $40.00 on ebay.
I'm selling it for $20 or BEST OFFER
Size S/M 34 bust and 26-27 waist

Marc Chagall's "MARIEE" Poster Print. Retails $22.00.
I'm asking $8.00 OBO

Sage Green Cotton Stretch Pique Slipcovers. Two Pieces.

One for Large Couch, One for Large Chair. I paid over $200.00 for them last year. I'm asking $30.00 for both - OBO
Shown here from Domestications in other colors.

~ THIRSTY THURSDAY - Pink Lemonade Cocktail ~

2008-07-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

Ah, summer. Getting ready for the weekend with this delicious Pink Lemonade Cocktail. Super Easy and it looks as pretty as a Summer Sunset!

Enjoy!

Pink Lemonade Cocktail Ingredients

1 (12-oz.) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed
3 (12-oz.) bottles beer (not dark), chilled
3/4 cup vodka, chilled
Ice
Garnishes: fresh cranberries, citrus slices

Preparation

1. Stir together first 3 ingredients. Serve over ice. Garnish, if desired.

Yield

Make 6 to 8 servings

Fluffernutter Peanut Butter Brownie FRIDAY!!!

2008-07-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fluffernutter Brownies.

Go ahead. Say it Fast.

...And while you are at it, I dare you to make these and eat them in one weekend! They look delicious and I am dying to try them with fresh milk from the dairy.

Holy cow...they are peanut butter chocolate fluffernutter brownies. Dear God, is there a better "viagra" for a dessert sweet tooth than this?

Here is the link with the recipe.

Let me know how you ENJOY em!

THINGS I USED PLAY WITH IN THE SUMMER

2008-07-16T11:23:00.001-07:00

My mom was born in 1938. She was a mere toddler during WW2 and post-War America. She relied on her imagination to entertain herself back then as many of the current "kid inventions" weren't even yet ideas.

30 something years later, she now had daughter #3 (yours truly) to keep entertained on long summer days. Her other two daughters were already young teens and I was the one who constantly complained of being "bored". Augh I can hear myself now, whining and complaining: "But I already played that...now what?"

Every summer as the family trekked down the seashore of New Jersey for the annual family week vacation, a one day excursion into historic Cape May, NJ was on the adult "TO DO" list. Back then, I found it boring to go a historical town...there were no rides and boardwalks to meander on.

Mom would go into one of the many historic-based toy stores and pick up a pack of PAPER DOLLS for me to play with. It was something that she played with when she was my age and she assumed I would enjoy it as well.

Of course, the age of instant gratification and over-stimulation had already started in the late 1970's so a book of paper dollies was nothing too impressive to me. It didn't light up, make noise or come with a barbie corvette.

Now, at age 37, I realize how wonderful it was that my mom was trying to pass on a fun activity she used to partake in as a young girl.....It's funny how we appreciate things so much more later in years than at the time

I would be thrilled today if my mom handed me a vintage book of paper dolls. I would certainly find a cute place of honor for them in my home.