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GYPSY WEDDINGS

2011-07-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Gypsies put such emphasis on their wedding dresses that they attracted attention whenever any of them marries. Wow! What an amazing spectacle. Their dresses are if nothing else drop-dead gorgeous.

Here's a display of old gypse wagons. Aren't they wonderful?

Gypsies know how to have a good time!

What a wonderfully diverse world we live in. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you found this as interesting as I did. Hope you're having a great weekend too!

MONDAY MUSIC MOVES ME!

2011-07-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

I'm going Old School this go round...remember Steely Dan?

THE WATERS OF MARCH

A ROOT BEER FLOAT

Ingredients:
2 Scoops of icecream with two 3/4 of a cans of root beer in a blender until smooth. Pour into frosted glasses adding the remaining root beer in each can.

Hey, if I'm going Old School...I'm going alllllllll the way with a root beer float.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Music Monday!

Ezekiel Bread Recipe

2011-07-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

Bread based on Ezekiel 4:9
It's summer time and who wants to bake? I get that - but making a great bread will ease your guilt from feeding the family all those sandwiche dinners...so,

Ingredients:
8 cups wheat flour
4 cups barley flour
2 cups lentils, cooked and mashed
1/2 cup millet flour (grind youe millet in a blender)
1/4 cup rye flour
1 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoon salt
4-6 tablespoons olive oil
2 (1/4 ounce)yeast packets in 1/2 cup warm water
1 tablespoon honey

Directions:
Dissolve your yeast in the warm water and let sit for 10 minutes. Next mix your wheat, barley, millet and rye flour together. Now blend your lentils, oil with a small amount of water(from the 1 1/2 cups water) in blender then pour it into large mixing bowl with remaining water and combined it with two cups of mixed flour. Now add your yeast mixture. Mix in remaining salt and flour. Place on floured bread board and knead until smooth.

Put in oiled bowl and let rise until double in bulk.
10 Knead again and cut dough and shape into 4 loaves and put them greased pans and bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Whew! That's it. Enjoy!

Okay, this does take a commitment and with food prices these days, this bread is not cheap, but it's well worth it. Thanks for stopping by! And aren't these food linkys fun?!

July 4th 2011 - It's Summer Time

2011-06-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

Just poking my head in to say Happy 4th of July and have a happy and safe summer:

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you like the old school hiphop anthem for the summertime.

AGING QUOTES

2011-05-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

Life is wonderful, but where does the time go? Here's something to give us a new perspective on the inevitable:

Look what I just came across surfacing for something interesting to put up here for you. It's a pretty neat trick she does with some tape and string don't you think? Wow:

I can't believe how everyone is saying these face exercises work? Wow, okay I'm on it:

Hope everyone is having a terrific weekend with the family. I know I am. Thanks for stopping by.

Cardio Exercise

2011-05-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

Yes I'm still blogging about cardio exercising. And why not? From running to walking, to swimming, elliptical cross-training, biking, Stairmaster, and rowing - the physical benefits of cardio exercise are endless and it has me feeling better than I have in years. To get the benefits of a cardio workout, you have to keep it up for at least 30 minutes and that ain't easy. The way to find out if you're doing your cardio or aerobic exercies right - is to take your pulse halfway into your workout for six seconds, then add a zero to that number. No use in not doing it right. What would be the point, right:?

Here's a great workout video I sometimes use - but you have to watch it 3 times to get in your 30 minutes. I won't lie, it was brutal in the beginning - but I'm singing its praises now:

If you're just getting back into exercising do yourself a favor and use an invisble jump rope - it about moving in rhythm - not jumping an actual rope which is pretty hard. But I just can't say enough good things about these cardio or aerobic exercises. It's helped me so much in the past few months I'm a new and better. I'm even sleeping better because of it.

Expect to see more health blogs from me in the future. I'm turning over a whole new healthy leaf and I hope to inspire some of you to join me. Thanks for stopping by.

The Power of Cardio Exercising

2011-05-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

Running is one of best activities you can do and you don't need any special equipment and you can do it anywhere. You can burn serious calories while doing it. Of course the downside is that can be hard on your knees and ankles - so remember to take breaks!

Power walking or jogging/running are called Cardiovascular exercise - or exercise that raises your heart rate and keeps it elevated for a period of time. Its other name is aerobic exercise. Other types of cardio exercises are swimming, dancing or any type of activity where there is no break in the routine. In fact exercises that emphasize stretching like Pilates are not considered cardio exercise, though Pilates can be done in a cardio way and can absolutely be included in your cardio exercise routine.

Here are some of the benefits of doing cardio exercises on a regular basis:

•It strengthens the heart

•It strengthens the lungs and increases lung capacity

•It boosts the metabolism, burns calories, and helps you lose weight

•It helps reduce stress

•It increases energy

•It promotes restful sleep

So do yourself a favor and start today!

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MONDAY'S MUSIC MOVES ME

2010-10-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a break from my blog for a while - I'll be gone for a few weeks or so. Everything is fine, but life happens as it should. Smiles. See you when I get back!

WHERE'S ALL THE MONEY?

2010-10-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

I was stunned to hear of the controversy over the large money donations given to Mother Teresa over the years which can't be accounted for and it's been bothering me.

Donations flowed into her Missionaries of Charity like to no other cause but the claim is that there's nothing to show for those heavy donations now that Mother Teresa is dead. No hospitals, no homes for the poor, no schools, churches, foundations.....or cash that anyone can put their finger on. Many of the faithful are now struggling with having to question Mother Teresa's integrity and wondering if it's even a sacrilege to question how she was able to spend the millions and millions of dollars she's gotten over the years without ever having built a single building. This isn't an easy blog post for me to write.

All over the world admirers of Mother Teresa believed in her organization as the one active in the fight against poverty. "All lies," says Dr. Aroup Chatterjee who lives in London but was born in Calcutta. Dr. Chatterjee has been working for years on a book "The Myth of Mother Teresa" says, "No matter where I search, I only find lies. Mother Teresa has often stated that she runs a school in Calcutta for more than 5000 children. 5000 children! I have never found this school nor do I know anybody who has seen it!" says Dr. Chatterjee.

How much money we're talking about has always been a closely guarded secret of Mother Teresa's organization. Granted Indian law requires charitable organizations to publish their accounts, however Mother Teresa's organization was allowed to ignore this law for some reason.

Perhaps the most lucrative branch of the organization is the "Holy Ghost" House in New York's Bronx. Susan Shields served the Order there for a total of 9-1/2 years as Sister Virgin. Sister Virgin remembers one year there was about $50 million deposited in their New York bank account.

Who wouldn't give this woman up for sainthood the benefit of every doubt, but if she got $50 million in one year wouldn't there at least be a school, a hospital, something left on the planet testifying to that fact? What do you know about this, if anything? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Thanks for visiting here. You know I like it when you're here!

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***Reminder***

Monday is "Monday Music Moves Me" Blog hop

Find any youtube video you want and link up and join the fun!

UNDERWATER SCULPTURE

2010-10-13T06:31:00.000-07:00

This sculpture is underwater in Guatemala:

Jason de Caires Taylor is the creator of the world's first underwater park in Guatemala. It's in the shallowest part of Lake Atitlan. Pretty spooky if you ask me.

The sculptures are in clear shallow waters and are easily seen by divers, snorkelers and those in glass-bottomed boats. Wow, would I'd love to go there and see this!

But that's not all - Jason De Caires Taylor has a new underwater installation project going on right now in Cancun, Mexico. It's scheduled to be finished by 2011 and as the old show biz saying goes "you ain't seen nothing yet! It's going to be the largest underwater sculpture park in the World. Here's a peek:

It's called "The Silent Evolution"

How would you like swimming underwater and coming across this? Yikes! But I love it! What an interesting world we live in.

Here's a gallery of Jason de Caires Taylor's work:
http://www.underwatersculpture.com/
Photographs: Jason deCaires Taylor

Look at this wonderful underwater photographer

Don't miss clicking and seeing her gallery - it'll take seconds:

http://www.zenaholloway.com/zena.html

Thank for visiting here today. I like it when you're here. Hope you have time to leave me a comment. But regardless, have a great day!

I LOVE LUCY

2010-10-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

The Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas is celebrating a "once-in-a-lifetime double-anniversary celebration" on October 15, 2011 (it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the TV show). The ship will make stops in Labadee, Haiti; Falmouth, Jamaica and Cozumel , Mexico and if you're an "I Love Lucy" fan, this cruise is for you!

Onboard activities include celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the TV series as well as the 100th birthday of its famous star, Lucille Ball. Other events include special banquets, “Lucy”-themed “live” shows, discussions with special guests who knew and worked with the great lady, screenings of her most-loved episodes, trivia contests, and more. I just wish I could go! But I still have my re-runs...

This is my feel good tune and a few of my favorite scenes

I'm feeling Crab Cakes

3 cans of Crab Meat

3 green onions (green and white parts), finely chopped

1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 egg and 1/4 cup of bread crumbs

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 lemon, juiced

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Flour, for dusting

1/2 cup peanut oil

1 teaspoon salt, peper and a dash cayenne pepper

In a large bowl mix together all the ingredients, except for the flour and peanut oil. Shape into patties/cakes and dust with flour. Heat your oil in a large iron skillet, place your crab cakes to fry until browned - about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and that's it!

I hope you love Lucy too and can use this Crab Cake recipe. Thanks for stopping by and I'd love it if you left me a comment. Thanks!

I Love Lucy

IT HALLOWEEN TUTORIAL TIME...

2010-10-08T06:04:00.000-07:00

So let's get this party started

You'd be a big hit walking into the party like this and it's not even hard to do.

Or maybe you'd prefer this Zombie tutorial?

Surprisingly this leopard face is pretty easy to do too since it's mostly shadowing

How about rolling in as Betty Boop at the Halloween Party this year?

Here's another Zombie toot with some serious sores...eeewww - as in "isn't that great!"

Boo! Happy Halloween!

Smiles

You can get theatrical makeup here: http://www.extremehalloween.com/makeup.htm

And Halloween costumes for your pets here: http://www.extremehalloween.com/pet.htm

I love Halloween and I hope you all enjoyed these tutorials I found on youtube for you. Let me know, I love getting comments - almost as much as I like you being here!

Reminder for Monday: "Monday's Music Moves Me" blog hopTheme this week? Pick any song you want!

PHILIPPE FARAUT

2010-10-05T06:42:00.000-07:00

How lovely is this. This is a sculpture done by Philippe Faraut.

This also a Philippe Faraut, it's called "Denied"

To be able to create a story with just an expression...

Here's another piece of Faraut's work

What a gifted artist this man is. It seems so life like.

Here's the genuis at work:

Philippe Faraut is a French figurative artist specializing in life-size portrait sculptures and monumental stone sculptures. His media of choice are water-based clay and marble. I've recently found about him and I'm so moved by his work.

And look at character in the face of this one?

Isn't she grand?

Here's Philippe Faraut at work on another piece:

Another beautiful sculpture of his

Philippe Faraut's works inspired me

And for that, I'm grateful

Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. - Harold Whitman

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed this and you come back soon. I like it when you're here!

MONDAY'S MUSIC MOVES ME

2010-10-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

So what dish is like Amy Winehouse? A deliciously talented person having a "hard" time sorting their lives out? How about...

A Hard Sauce

Hard sauce is not really a sauce but more like a spread really - put it on anything and it'll taste better. And why not, it's a delicious combination of butter, sugar and Brandy and what's better than that! In some parts of the world Hard Sauce is known as Brandy Butter which makes sense - since that's all it is.

(pssst...for unexpected guests you could also buy an inexpensive cake and use your Hard Sauce... who's to know.)

To make a hard sauce - your butter and sugar are creamed together before your Brandy is add - although other alcohols or liqueurs can also be used, as well as Vanilla, almond or Orange extract. Some people even use lemon or orange zest to their hard sauce (but they must use a lot of it to not get those light flavor faded in the butter and sugar)

The mixture is then to be chilled so that it is cold before serving. You can offer it in something like a gravey boat - or however you want - allowing your guests to serve themselves. I serve mine like they do in most restaurants - individually on each plate so I can control the portions...(hey, these are unexpected guests right? And they're gettin' a hard sauce with my last little bit of cake).

It's Monday. Stay awhile and have a cup of coffee. I want you to keep coming back!

Thanks for stopping by! What do you think of Amy Winehouse, if anything? I love it if you left me a comment.

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PUMPKINS - WHO KNEW?

2010-09-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin meat is very high in carotenoids which is good at neutralizing free radicals, the nasty molecules that can attack cell membranes and leave the cells vulnerable to damage, as well as being high in antioxidants.

Pumpkins are also high in lutein and zeaxanthin and can help prevent the formation of cataracts and reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a serious eye problem than usually results in blindness.

Pumpkins also have a lot of common nutrients like iron, zinc, and fiber. Iron is needed by our red blood cells. Zinc deficiency may be related to osteoporosis of the hip and spine in older men. And fiber of course is important for bowel health.

Pumpkin Seeds

Did you know that pumpkin seeds are high in protein? One ounce of seeds provides about seven grams of protein! They can also reduce our blood cholesterol levels. I'm a recent pumpkin user but I'm absolutely loving them now!

If you're like I was and have cans of pumpkin in your pantry clueless to what you're suppose to do with them...here's the video for you!

It's delicious!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope this was helpful and eye opening for you as it was for me. Yeeeeeaaaaah pumpkins!!!

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Reminder: Monday is:

Monday's Music Moves Me

over at: thenewxmasdolly.blogspot.com/

Just pick your favorite youtube music video, link up and join the fun!

PORK LOIN with BOURBON SAUCE

2010-09-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

2-1/2 lb. boneless Pork Loin

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. oregano

1 tbsp. caraway seeds

1 lg. garlic clove

1 tsp. coarse or Kosher salt

Sauce

1 c. chicken broth

1/2 c. water

1 tbsp. butter

2 tbsp. flour

1/2 c. scallion greens

1/4 cup of Bourbon

Mix the herbs plus, oil and the salt together and rub it on your Pork Loin. Roast the Pork in middle of pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for 50 minutes to one hour. then let the Pork stand uncovered for about 15 minutes - while your preparing the Sauce:

For your sauce, add your bourbon, broth and water to the pan juices and bring mixture to a boil for 1 minute. Now in a saucepan put your butter and flour and cook for about 3 minutes or so while whisking. Now add the broth and whisk until smooth and that's it! A delicious hearty main dish for the coming Fall and Winter. Enjoy!

Since apples are everywhere this time of year

Why not make some apple fritters?

Rachel does it the easy way!

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the blog hops!

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MONDAY'S MUSIC MOVES ME

2010-09-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

The Perfect Song for the Monday Blues

Don't you just love her voice. She's won three Grammy Awards and eight Juno Awards and I've been a big fan of her's from the beginning.

But the Sun comes out after every storm...

Isn't life delicious

The day the Lord created hope was probably the same

day he created Spring. - Bern Williams

Happy Monday Everybody and thanks for stopping by!

MONDAY'S MUSIC MOVES ME

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PAPER DRESSES GO COUTURE

2010-09-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

NOW IT'S CALLED ECO COUTURE

Gary Harvey's "Financial Times" newspaper dress. Credit: Emma Grady

But these couture designers are late to the game.

In keeping with tradition around here I'm announcing the 2010 winner of http://www.cheap-chic-weddings.com/ Toilet Paper Wedding Dresses contest that's been going on for years:

Galit Zeierman of Israel.

Amazing, all toilet paper. Isn't this lovely?

Ericka Andrade's dress took 2nd Place

I just love these Toilet Paper Wedding Dresses. Wow.

Valerie Steele, the fashion historian for the Museum at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) here in New York City, says she's fascinated by paper clothes. The Museum even has a room called “the closet” where you'll find long row of paper dresses that have been collected by the Institute over the years - so I'm not alone in my passion:

Here's a history of the Paper Doll and their dresses

Happy Friday Everybody! Thanks for stopping by!

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Remember every MONDAY at Xmas Dolly's blog:
http://thenewxmasdolly.blogspotm/
There's a fabulous new Blog Hop:
"Monday's Music Moves Me"

Just link up your favorite youtube music video,
post up the Button and join in on the fun!
The THEME this week: Music videos about WATER

Enter to win a gift basket from @gmtgiftbaskets on @ColiesKitchen http://www.colieskitchen.com/

OUR COOL WORLD

2010-09-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

Car firm Volkswagen has Transformed a set of subway steps in Stockholm into a giant musical keyboard similar to the one played by Tom Hanks in the movie "Big". Check this out:

I don't know why there isn't a musical staircase here in New York. Is there one where you live? I'm jealous.

Uh oh, but there's one in the Boston Museum:

Looks like this is catching on worldwide:

There's one in Melbourne

There's even one in the Opera Capital of the World - Milan

Tokyo is also representin'

Okay, that was fun - but it's not going to replace good 'ol exercising - so let's get to it people:

Thanks for stopping by. And I hope you're having a terrific day!

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CAB CALLOWAY MOVES ME

2010-09-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Let's bring the entire family in on this fun!

I bet you're hungry now
and I have just the thing:

Good 'ol Fashion Pancakes

With a great fruit topping

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
*1 tablespoon white sugar (trust me, this makes all the difference)
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted

Dry ingredients go in the bowl first, then
make a well in the center and stir in the milk, egg and butter.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Now pour your batter onto the griddle (I use my cast iron frying pain) making your pancake as small or large as you want, browning both sides and serve hot.

Or maybe Maple Syrup is your thing? Great choice.

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FRIDAY TREAT

2010-09-17T07:48:00.000-07:00

ENGLISH TEA CAKES

1/2 stick of butter
3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

3 tbsp. milk

1 3/4 cup sifted flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. finely cut citron

1/2 c. currants or raisins,

After chilling the dough, roll it into small balls the size of walnuts. Now dip the tops in slightly beaten egg white, then sugar (you see where this is going, right?) Place sugared-side up about 2 inches part on ungreased baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes. The balls will flatten a little and get a glaze. This is great to make if you're hosting a brunch or want to show off a little at breakfast.

Here, have a cup of tea before you go

Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the blog hops and remember I love new followers and I always follow back. Have a great weekend everybody!

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CONTACT JUGGLING

2010-09-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

Look what I found on youtube.

It's called contact juggling. Isn't this cool?

Contact Juggling or Orb Rolling is a new type of juggling where the balls are rolled over your hands and body instead of just tossing them in the air. The idea of contact juggling was started in the early 1980s by physical artist Michael Moschen, although other forms of Contact Juggling have been around for quite some time.

Here are a few tutorials in case you want to learn. All you need is a plaub ball to start paracticing with and just think...you'll be the hit at the next party!

Here's another one:

There's even a Contact Juggling Forum: http://www.contactjuggling.org/phpBB3/index.php

Everything's here. Instructions for beginners, tutorials, a place where you can meet other Contact Jugglers. Isn't cyberspace interesting and everything out there is available to us - we just need to know it's there.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed this. Do you know how to juggle? Leave me a comment and let me know. Maybe I'll get inspired because I don't know how to juggle, but I'm learning! Stay tuned for my video.

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MONDAY'S MUSIC MOVES ME!

2010-09-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

THE CHARLESTON!

Gotta have a tasty treat after all that, right?

FUNNY BANANA BREAD

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup butter

3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, beaten

2-1/2 cups mashed overripe bananas

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9" x 5" loaf pan.

In a large bowl put the flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl put your butter and brown sugar then stir in your eggs and mashed bananas and blend it well. After that's done just put banana mixture into flour mixture and blend to moisten and that's it. Now just pour the batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake it for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Here's Ginger Rogers again 30 years later dancing the same dance and lookin' good! Work it Ginger!!!:

Hope you all had a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

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COFFEE CAKE and the MTA

2010-09-10T06:21:00.000-07:00

May We Never Forget
9/11

Isn't this Bike sweet?

It's on my "Wish" list.

I'm thinking about buying a bike - since I'd like to keep just as active as I have of late (I've been so good) to keep up my momentum. A group of women in the neighborhood have already formed a biking club - I'm assuming because the subways fares are going up and people are planning on taking personal strikes against the city's transit system - power to the people.

Anyway, so for a lot of reason I'm motivated to start biking. Or at least supporting the strikers on the block with my famous coffee cake when it all goes down. That's how my mine works - anything to make new friends. I love to entertain with cross mix of different cultures and personality type and in my neighborhood you'll find just about everyone. Happy Friday and of course I have my recipe for you here. I hope you enjoy it!

Coffee Cake

Cinnamon Coffee Cake

1 Yellow Cake (2 layer size) Mix

3 Eggs

1/3 cup Oil

1-1/2 cups Brewed MAXWELL HOUSE Decaffeinated Coffee cooled (I used instand and non-decaffeinted for me) and it worked out fine.

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

2 tsp. Ground cinnamon

1/2 cup Flaked Coconut

1/2 cup Walnut Pieces

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Beat cake mix with eggs, oil and coffee in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Pour evenly into 2 greased (9-inch) cake pans.

MIX brown sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl. Stir in coconut and walnuts; sprinkle evenly over cake batter in your pans.

BAKE 30 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks if you can and there you are. It's delicious!

It's more than just biking across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan - to getting to your home in Brooklyn.

Getting from one side of Brooklyn to another it's like crossing a State so no one wants a strike - or a fare hike.

THE MAGIC OF RON MUECK

2010-09-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

Can you believe she isn't real?

The sculpter is Ron Mueck.

Here's another view of her.

Amazing isn't it?

And look at this piece.

I was blown away by the detail and delicacy of his work.

It's as if he breathed life into it this sculpture and the child came to life.

I've been meaning to blog about this for awhile

since his work was displayed here at

The Brooklyn Museum a few months ago.

I love spending Saturdays when I can just

roam around going from exhibit to exhibit.

Here's another one of his sculpturers

that got everyone's attention.

Mueck's sculptures are usually larger or smaller than real life intentionally to give them a disturbing feel - which why I think people like looking at them.

Here's a short video of some more of his pieces:

I hope you enjoyed seeing this as much as I did when I first saw it.

Before you go...

Have some cheese cake -

I want to make sure you come back! You do like cheesecake don't you?

A MUSICAL LABOR DAY!

2010-09-06T08:06:00.001-07:00

To dance this hard I've got the perfect energy
drink you'll need to get through this song!

DARK CHOCOLATE and BANANA SMOOTHIE

1 cup of Milk

1 ripe Banana, cut up

3 Tbsp. Sugar
2 Tbsp. Dark Unsweetened Cocoa (pssst...Hershey makes dark chocolate now)

Put your milk, banana, sugar and cocoa in a blender on high speed (make sure the cover is on) mixed until bananas is pureed (maybe 5 seconds for that) and that's it!

Dark chocolate not only can have you dancing with (sadly not like) Beyounce, but it can help you to keep your whole cardiovascular system healthy and running well - plus:
•Lowering Blood Pressure
•Lowering your Cholesterol by up to 10 percent
•Stimulates endorphin production, which gives you the feeling of pleasure
•It alsp contains serotonin which acts as an anti-depressant.

Sounds too good to be true? Well it's not!
Listen to the Medical Professional.

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JACKIE EVANCHO

2010-09-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

Have you heard this child sing?
We're all busy, so give her 10 seconds and see.

Isn't she sensational!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

National Association for Gifted Children
http://www.nagc.org/

Good News! I've been given the Great Blog Neighborh Award!

By my by blogging buddie Dolly at Xmas Dolly
www.xmasdolly.blogspot.com/

Following the rules I'm now happy to pass this award along to the following blogs in no particular order:
http://jembellish.blogspot.com/
http://spoonfulofeverything.blogspot.com/
http://onecrazycookie.blogspot.com/
http://www.mydailyspirit.net/
http://theishblog.blogspot.com/
http://eveshouse.blogspot.com/
http://softwindsandroses.blogspot.com/

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THE HEATS BAAACCKK!

2010-08-31T09:13:00.000-07:00

The Heat's Back and I'm looking to get cool!

The story goes in 1905, eleven-year-old Frank Epperson left a cup filled with powdered soda, water, and a stirring stick on his San Francisco porch. That night, low temperatures caused the sweet mixture to freeze into what we know today as the popsicle and the rest is history as they say.

The heat yesterday and again today tells me the Summer of 2010 has some life in her still. Here are some tips to keep cool in these last hot days of summer:

-   Keep the house closed tight during the day. Don’t let in unwanted heat and humidity. Ventilate at night either naturally or with fans. Window fans for ventilation are a good option if used properly. They should be located on the downwind side of the house facing out. A window should be open in each room. Interior doors must remain open to allow air flow.

-   Did you know that screens or bamboo shades outside the window on hot days can stop 60 to 80 percent of the sun’s heat from getting to the windows?

-   Pump up that basement air - since that's where the cool air is.   Keep the basement door open and placing a fan facing your living area at that doorway in order to pull that cool air upstairs. However, don’t do this if your home has mold or high radon levels - that'll cause other problems we won't get into now.

-   For some temporary but delicious relief take a shower but don't completely dry off - stay damp and sit near a fan. Also, spritzing yourself with a spray bottle as the evaporating water stimulates sweating — the body’s cool down mechanism.

-   Trying to go to sleep on a hot sticky night can be awful but by using cotton sheets and wearing loose cotton pajamas, sweat will be evaporate instead of being trapped by fabrics that don’t “breathe” - so always wear cotton.

-   Lastly, my favorite, have a popsicle...and then have another!

Hope that helps. Is it hot where you are and if it is - how are you keeping cool? Leave me a comment and let me know. But regardless, thanks for stopping by, I like it when you're here!

I just won a New England Coffee giveaway at Xmas Dolly's http://thenewxmasdolly.blogspot.com/

Thanks Dolly! Woo Hoo!!!

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THE COFFEE SONG

2010-08-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

This calls for a great coffee cookie recipe

And here it is!

1 cup shortening

1 cup cold coffee (strong)

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. baking powder

3 eggs

2 cup brown sugar

3 1/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp. cloves

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips

In your mixer put your shortening and sugar - then add your beaten eggs. Now slowly add your sifted flour, getting a nice batter, with the cold coffee and your spices with the baking powder and that's your cookie batter. Now just drop a tablespoon of your batter on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes and that's it!!

Here, have a virtual cookie and a cup of coffee before you go.

See, I told you the cookies were good!! : ) So how was your weekend?

MY ORIGAMI ELEPHANT

2010-08-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

Hosted by Jill over at: http://jembellish.blogspot.com/

Hey look what I did!!!!

With all the creative and talented women here in blogsville who I admire and envy - I know this must sound silly - but I've been wanting to learn how to make an origami elephant for the longest and now I did it and I'm so proud of myself. I was on the subway last week and a woman sitting next to me was folding a dollar bill and it was taking shape and she looked friendly - so I asked her what was she making? She told me it was an origami elephant.

I told her - how wonderful! - and that I always wanted to learn how to do that and we became instant friends. She said she had learned from a youtube video and it wasn't hard at all - and we began to gab. The train was pulling into her station - I rushed and told her I had a blog "Hauplight" on blogspot and to look me up but neither of us had a pen to jot the name down. Of course she said she would - like nice people do - and then surprised me. When she stood up to leave she dropped the perfect elephant she had just folded into my lap smiling and said "I always give one to my friends." I tried to give her one of my dollars in return and she refused. "It's a gift," she said smiling.

I hope you find my blog Lois and I'd like to hear from you. I did it!!!

Here's the video that showed me how to fold my elephant if any of you are interested:

Wanna see what I did again?

Excuse my computer area - I know it seems dark, but it's the elephant I wanted you all to see....not me. Thanks for stopping by. Have any of you ever tried your hand at origami? Leave me a comment and let me know. I love hearing from you. Thanks for stopping by!

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COOKING WITH A SKILLET

2010-08-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

Making good food has a lot to do with the type of pot or pan you use. I love my skillet. I can make all kinds of dishes from desserts to meats with it - cooking it evenly and consistently so what more could I ask of it. I'm a good cook - not a great cook - so I need a good pan that I'm comfortable with to cook. Here's some skillet bread:

Plus skillets are inexpensive and will last a lifetime (maybe even several lifetimes) and it's the best way I've found to cook fat free. Anyway that's my ode to my skillet. Here's my family's favorite skillet dish you might enjoy too:

Potato and Onion Flatbread

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced into circles

1 russet potato, peeled and thinly sliced

1 tablespoon whole rosemary needles

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

cornmeal for the skillet

1 package (about 1 pound) refrigerated pizza dough

Directions

1.   First heat your oven to 450° F.   Then heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the onion to a bowl. Add the potato, rosemary, salt, and pepper and toss; set aside.

2.   Cool and wipe out skillet - turn it upside down, and sprinkle the bottom with the cornmeal. Place the dough on a work surface and with your hands gently shape the dough into a round the same size as the skillet. Place the dough on the bottom of the skillet on top of the cornmeal.

3. Arrange the potato/onion mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Bake until the crust is golden brown, about 20 minutes. Slice into wedges and who needs pizza?!    Hope you like this one.   Do you cook with a skillet? Leave me a comment and let me know....just curious. Maybe I can learn something.

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IT'S MUSIC MONDAY!

2010-08-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

Kingston described this to Blues and Soul magazine as "just a fun song that uses the New Edition 'Candy Girl' - called "Icecream Girl"

Wyclef Jean produced and features on this track. Kingston told Blues and Soul magazine about his collaboration with the ex Fugee artist: "Working with him was AMAZING! Because we're both from the West Indies, and he's like this reggae/ cultural typea guy who's also really big on melodies. Which is dope, because a great song without a great melody is not gonna go ANYWHERE! You know, a lotta people sometimes don't even LISTEN to the words! They just wanna chill out, hum and sing along! And Wyclef is really good at just making great, sing-along music that people can have fun with."

I think it is a fun song...it's got me humming! What's your favorite song? Leave me a comment and let me know okay? Thanks for visiting here!

Hosted by Xmas Dolly http://thenewxmasdolly.blogspot.com/

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REAL HAND PUPPETS

2010-08-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

These are human hands painted by the master painter Guido Daniel - I came across them just surfing around the internet. Aren't they amazing - look closely...

The Elephant Human Hand

The Aligator Human Hand

The Bald Eagle Human Hand

The Swan Human Hand

Here's a video of Guido Daniel's work

These are the puppets I'm more use to seeing.

These come from Ekaterinburg, Russian - a place I've always wanted to visit - it's on my Bucket List

Ekaterinburg, Russia is a friendly place that loves children so I'm sure this little visitor got to see a great puppet show!

This is what her Dad said:

"I am here in Ekaterinburg with my wife and daughter. I am retired military and I have been stationed in several different countries, but this is my first time traveling as a civilian. My Russian speaking abilities are non-existent. Yet the people of Ekaterinburg have been very helpful to both myself and my family."

So when I hit the lotto - Ekaterinburg, here I come!

Do you have someplace you like to visit on your Bucket List? Leave me a comment and let me know. You know I love hearing from you. Thanks!

A LOOK AT KWANZAA IN AUGUST

2010-08-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

Look at Elmo Dance!!!

Black Eyed Peas with Ham

A Traditional Kwanzaa Recipe

3 1/2 c Fresh black-eyed peas or Frozen, thawed

3 c Chicken stock or canned low-salt broth

4 oz Ham, finely chopped

1 sm Yellow onion, chopped

2 tb Balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar

3 lg Garlic cloves, minced

1 Bay leaf

1/2 ts Dried thyme, crumbled

1/4 ts Dried crushed red pepper

Bring all ingredients to boil in heavy large saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Makes 6 delicious servings. Is your mouth watering right now?

The Principals of Kwanzaa

Today I'm Participating in "The Aswer Is Chocolate's Holiday Linky

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TOILET PAPER TUBE ALBUMS

2010-08-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

Have you seen what they're doing with old toilet paper rolls? They are making them into these beautiful little mini-albums. It's amazing! See for yourself:

I had to try my hand at this and here's my result, excuse the holes showing in my ribbon. Anyway I had a lot of fun putting this together.

Okay, it's not the best but I did it before I found the video tutorials

Here's a great one! Doesn't she do great work?

What wonderful keepsakes these make! Look at this one.

Here's another beautifully made one.

Do you think you can do this or something better. Sure you can and you can make them with any theme, i.e., the first day of school, Halloween, prayers, Thanksgiving, weddings, birthdays, Christmas the possibilities are endless!

Leave me a commenet and let me know what you think!

Hosted by Jill at Creating My Way to Success at: http://jembellish.blogspot.com/

Hosted by: http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/

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MUDDY WATERS

2010-08-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

The Great Muddy Waters

I'm not going to miss out on another Music Monday. I'm a blue woman in my heart - so I've always loved Muddy Waters. Here's my favorite amongst his many classics:

The Amazing Bessie Smith

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THE ALVIN AILEY DANCERS

2010-08-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Back in February some friends of mine who had all made money in a business venture decided to celebrate by flying to Washington D.C. to see the Alvin Ailey dancers at the Kennedy Center and asked if I would like to come come (I didn't have money to invest back then - and no money now - so there was no way I was in any position celebrate anything at the time) I didn't make a big deal out of it - I just said it wasn't a good time for me to get away - but I wanted to go so bad!!

Have you ever seen the Alvin Ailey Dancers? I've seen them on tv and it was almost like a spirtual experience watching their movements as a group. I can only imagine what it would be like to see them in person. I didn't know the human body could do what I've seen these dancers do!

Did I mention these same friends emailed around asking everybody if they all wanted to go see the Ailey dancers again in Bradford, England? (they obvioulsy made more money that I suspected) Imagine me just picking up and going to Bradford, England - I thought it was hysterical. I was boiling beans at the time, trying to get some kind of meal together that didn't call for too much meat at the time is probably why.

Here's A Taste of the Alvin Ailey Dancers dancing

I can imagine me sitting in some beautiful auditorim in a fancy dress watching these phenomenal dancers perform on a stage

Here's an old CBS News Story About Alvin Ailey and his dancers

Bradford, England...

A wild crazy dream

I made chili and salad that evening by the way

I boiled pinto beans instead of red beans and used ground turkey, a lot of chopped white onions, some fresh garlic, a can of seasoned tomato sauce, blah, blah, blah. We all have the recipe for this old favorite don't we? I don't know what I'm fixing for this evening's meal. What are you having for dinner tonight?

DREAMS

2010-08-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

I've been dreaming a lot here lately and when I wake I'm up all upset and out of breath like I'd been running - but for the life of me I can't remember what the dream was about. It's so frustrating, ugh!

Not that I've been sleeping that much lately because I'm all stressed out for some reason. Anyway it got me to thinking about my dreams and if there's a message in them that I need to know about. I do know these dreams don't come from my regular everyday conscious mind - because they don't make any sense.

They say we all dream whether we remember them or not. In fact they say we all have three or four dreams during a normal night of sleep. Well that's explains me waking up outta breath - that's a lot dreaming. What worries me is that according to the Mayo Clinic nightmares are linked to anxiety, terror or fear we have in our waking life that we've masked with tv watching eating, working, whatever so we won't have to deal with it. Yikes!

Oh yes, I've been googling dreaming (from credible sources like the Mayo Clinic) and it seems that the bizarre characters and plots in our dreams points to insights and deep things about our waking life that we should all be paying attention to. Great. But how are we supposed to do that if we don't know what the dream means?

Did you know the ancients believed dreams were messages from the gods...what am I talking about we've all read the Bible.   But those Biblical characters had interpreters didn't they? Wish I had an interpreter. But according to the experts, we can begin to know what our dreams means if only we'd start paying attention to them for a while. Then, they say it'll all becomes clear.

So the consensus is I guess is that we should all start journaling our dreams each morning before getting out of bed - before they slip from our consciousness.   And that's what I've decided to do - start journaling my dreams and see what insights about myself and my world I come up with after a month or two - if anything?

Did you know the word dream stems from the Middle English word dreme which means "joy" and "music". Makes you wonder what the ancients knew that we don't?

What have you dreamt about lately - and do you even remember? Leave me a comment and let me know. I love hearing from you. Thanks for stopping by!

What Makes Me Laugh?

(1) Watching the tv show "30 Rock"

(2) Watching animals slipping on ice; and

(3) Listening to good comedians.

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MOCKTAILS

2010-08-05T10:39:00.001-07:00

Mocktails are delicious, sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks for those of us who don't like the taste of alcohol - as well as for designated drivers who still would like to enjoy a mature, interesting drink when they go out - because these are not your mama's Shirley Temples.

And guess what? You can order these non-alcoholic drinks in restaurants where they may even have their own signature non-alcoholic dring offered as a special. I'm telling you they are so good and full of pizzazz. Yes, mocktails are mature drinks that can be crafted into something the entire family can enjoy, so how cool is that!

A few of us got together this weekend for dinner and our table order mocktails and everyone loved them. I had the Cardinal Punch mocktail (ginger ale, lemon juice, orange and cranberry juice) and wow!

At $8.00+ a pop (ouch!!) I thought I try my hand at making up a batch at home. Relax, there's no way you can mess this drink up. Just mix cranberry juice with some ginger ale, with a little lemon and orange juice to taste - garnish it with an orange slice and so how hard was that.

Here's a mocktail specifically for kids!

A Gum Balls Mocktail

(pssst...great for parties)

Ingredients

Sparkling Water

Bubble gum snow cone syrup (such as Hawaiian Shaved Ice syrup)

Garnish with a gumball on a tooth pick in each mocktail. The kids will go wild over these drinks!

Sure everybody's has the perfect cake for the
baby shower...

But what are you going to drink???

There are tons of delightful mocktails you can make with mom-to-be in mind. These drinks served in swanky champagne flutes and cocktail glasses are always a big party pleaser. After all mom deserves to be part of the toast more than anyone, right?

Remember, mocktails are the perfect non-alocholic drink. And while throwing a perfect mocktail party for a baby shower, a teen party or a kids party involves planning and creativity - making these mocktails are a breeze. So bring out the fancy flute glasses and let's get this party started!

I love comments, so I hope you leave me one. Thanks for stopping by! Looks like we've got a lot of blog hopping to do:

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I was just given an award from Anna Marie (Almost Precious) at: http://abeadersblog.blogspot.com/ - if you're looking for some amazingly fabulous jewelry this is the place to go. Thanks Almost Precious! You've made my day!

7 things about myself, okay. I love blogging, I hate mustard, I love Netflix, I'm left-handed, I love puppets, my favorite perfume is White Linen and lastly, I love mocktails...of course!

AGING

2010-08-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

When the Bloom is Off Your Rose

I feel so old since coming across a recent picture of Prince William doing research for my earlier blog. I was shocked at seeing what he looks like today:

Remember the thick mop of blond hair he once rocked?

Well today Prince William's silky locks are gone

Old and bald before he's 30 - Ouch!!

When did all of this happen? How old is he? Time is flying by so fast. How could this be the lovely Princess Di's baby? There's no denying that time has marched on.

I don't know how she does it but Demi Moore says she doesn't have any problems with aging or leaving the sunny side (that Hollywood lingo coming out of the mouth of her agent) of 40 (she's 48) - but I think she's lying.

Uh oh, am I the only one who sees what looks like the beginning of jowls on her jaw line or that her hand looks a little uh, er...strange?

Age and time eating away our youth and beauty like a slow creeping fungus. Look at Bridget Bardot today...or are you too young to know who she is? Yeah, she was before my time too, but I know who she is:

And photoshopping helps us to see what the now adorable Katie Holms can look forward to. Wow. What a horrible thing to happen to someone so pretty. But it has happened to beauties down through the ages.

But I've been googling and found some real help! From the medical world, to beauty specialists and cosmeticians - they all say the same thing. It's the practice of yoga alone that can starve off aging. It's been proven as our only hope of going gracefully into the night of aging with energy, a strong body and a clear mind. This is some advice I plan on taking. Who wants to joint me?

Yoga For Beginner - Pt. 1 - in case anyone wants to join me:

Yoga For Beginner - Pt. 2

Because if I'm going out....I'm going out like her!! Way to go Granny!

And check out this move of hers

Okay, I'm feeling a little better - I know what I have to do now and I'm on a mission. I hope this has inspired you. It's inspired me! Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. Thanks for stopping by!

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LAUGH THERAPY

2010-07-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew18:3

Children are born with their own wisdom

Want to stay healthy? According to medical experts just start laughing. Yeah that's right, start laughing. It seems laughter lowers stress levels and reduces the hormones that makes us moody and bad tempered. They say the people who don't make an effort to smile or laugh everyday are depriving their bodies of a natural physiological response that can have a huge beneficial effect on their bodies. Check out what the experts have to say:

University studies that 15 minutes of laughter can increase our blood flow and effect our mood in a positive way:

Do you realize there are now seminars for the practice of laugh therapy:

Amazingly research findings of the University of Maryland show that laughter can help to dull pain in ways medicines can't. The University findings also show that diabetics' blood sugar levels can be lowered by having a hearty laugh each day. In the last few decades studies on laughter have really given us some interesting insights into the emotional and physical benefits of laughing.

Heard any good jokes lately? Let's make an effort to laugh more today. Thanks for stopping by today. I like it when you're here.

Hosted by: Twee Poppets
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COFFEE PARFAIT

2010-07-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

The perfect TGIF dessert recipe. Hope you like it!

Coffee Parfait

Recipe

1 cup whole milk

3 tablespoons instant coffee (for the milk)

8 large egg yolks

1 cup cane sugar

2 cups heavy cream, whipped until stiff

1-1/2 tablespoons instant coffee (for the cream)

Preparation:

Put the bowl of an electric mixer into the freezer to have it ready to cool the parfait mixture.

Boil your milk in a saucepan with your instant coffee. Beat your egg yolks and sugar until they lighten and form a ribbon. Now whisk a little of the boiling milk into the eggs to warm them so they will not scramble - then whisk the remaining milk. Pour back into the saucepan and beat over a moderate heat for 5 to 10 minutes. The mixture will expand.

Transfer the coffee mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat it until it has cooled completely. Now whip your cream until it's stiff. Now you can begin folding (or layering) it and your sweet coffee concoction into your parfait glasses.

Each one should be filled about 2/3 full and refrigerated for 8 hours or overnight. Or you might want to use a serving bowl to present your dessert. Either way, you're in for a treat!!!

Hope you get the chance to make or even taste a coffee parfait one day, if you haven't already. It is incredibly delicious!

Thanks so much for stopping by. You're also welcome to grab my button. Just let me know you did and I'll be sure to grab yours!

Hosted by Java over at: Never Growing Old

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VENETIAN MASKS

2010-07-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

Are YOU dancing the dance of life with YOUR masks safely in place? We all wear them. The appeal of the mask is the freedom to role play and be out of character which is why the mask's appeal has never faded down through the years.

The above Venetian masks are sold in a London store called The Venetian Collection for a pretty penny and on their online shop at: http://www.maskandwigworld.co.uk/ but wouldn't it be more fun to make one of your own?

If you have the time and inclination you can try and make a form of your own face instead of using foil and do a fancier or mysterious version of YOU for the party. Here's a demonstration of one woman doing just that:

Or how about MASQUERADE MAKEUP instead?:

Okay, this is your head start for this coming Halloween. Remember you can never start too early because you need to practice before you really know how you'd like to decorate/design or create just the right mask or mask make-up you'll want for that special the party you're planning on hosting. So take a long look in the mirror using your imagination and let it run wild and most of all have fun! Hope you enjoyed this. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. Good Luck!

Hosted by Chelsea over at Twee Poppets

Thanks Chelsea!!

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MOROCCAN SLIPPERS

2010-07-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

Moroccan Slippers or Balghas

What could be better?

A Moroccan Slipper Cookie maybe?

These Moroccan cookies are named after the traditional pointy-toed Moroccan slippers – balghas in Arabic or babouches in French. A peanut paste is rolled into and enclosed in a pastry, then cut on the diagonal to make the shape of a slipper.

Oh! A Moroccan Shoe Store.

Look at all the colors!!

Moroccan Slippers Recipe!

The Pastry Dough:

•2 cups (275 g) flour

•1/2 teaspoon salt

•2 tablespoons melted butter

•3/4 cup milk mixed with 1 teaspoon vinegar (let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) (I didn't get that vinegar either but that's what the recipe said so I used white vinger)

The dough will be sort of stiff, but easier to work with after it rests - so don't miss this step. Now wrap the dough in plastic and chill it in the fridge for at least one (1) hour.

The Peanut Butter Paste:
Get a 16 oz. can of skinned roast peanuts and process them in a food processor until it gets to be a smoth paste. Remember don't let the peanuts or paste collect on the edge of your mixing bowl - it should always be in contact with the processor's blade. You might have to titlt it a little or how ever you do it to get the right consistency. (And no, you absolutely cannot use peanut butter for this).

Okay now put your finished paste into another bowl - mixing in 1 cup of powder sugar and a pinch of salt. This is your peanut butter paste. Now begin to rolling the peanut butter paste into to 6 inch long logs. Now get your pastry dough from the refrigerator and rolled it out in to a large square until it's about the thickness of a soda cracker and begin rolling your peanut butter logs into it until it is completely covered as shown above and then cut it off. (You can make these logs as thick and as long as you like)

Cut your logs on the diagnoal about 1/4 inch thick which is a little thicker (or should be) than what's shown above - you want a nice size cookie right? Put your cookies on a greased baking sheet and it's okay if they're a little close together since they don't spread - they swell. Maybe you should use some parchment paper since these are a peanut butter paste based cookie. Cut up and bake as many logs as you want.

Put them in a pre-heated 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes (slightly more if you want the pastry to be more of a darker color - but be careful because they get pretty dark quickly after 15 minutes so they have to be watched closely.

I like these cookies for the summer because they are filling and substantial and go great with a cold glass of milk, some ice tea or coffee or even with a juice box....you'll be a big hit because they are simply delicious! A quick 15 minutes and you're finished and you have enough cookies to last you for I don't know how long. :)

I don't know I just felt like sharing a favorite cookie recipe today. Hoped you enjoyed this and thanks for stopping by! I always like it when you leave me a comment. I love each and every one of them! Remember, you grab my button - I'll grab your's. Just leave me a comment so I'll know. : )

Credit: Christine Benlafquih

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It's A Christmas in July Link Party over at Carol's "The Answer is Chocolate"
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NAIL ART

2010-07-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's called nail art - isn't it absolutely wild!

People are even getting their animals in on the fun - so I'm not the only crazy over nail art here!

A small bottle of nail polish and a few appliques can change any mood and let's us be whatever we imagine in the moment.

Channeling our inner girly self are we?

Here's a terrific nail art tutorial:

Oh but you're a big coffee fan huh? This video tutorial is for you.

Maybe a basic solid gold is more your style? Lookin' good!

It's the Japanese that's taken this nail art to the next level - isn't this amazing?

...or what about this? Whoa!

But maybe you're like me and just want to be a better you.

We can all be who we want to be with the right color of nail polish and a few appliques if we'd like - it's as simple as that! Hope you enjoyed this and thanks for stopping by. Of course I'd love for you to leave me a comment and let me know you were here. Hope you come again soon!

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48 Hour Old Navy Giveaway. *US Giveaway* 10 Winners!

Check it out here: http://www.chubbycheeksthinks.com/

WITCH HAZEL

2010-07-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

For the love of Mother Earth, listed below are the many uses of this environmental safe medicinal mirale known as Witch Hazel.

It took me years to appreciate this absolute miracle in a bottle. But from the first time I splashed it on my face one evening, I saw a real and distinct difference in my (oily in some places and dry in others) complexion the very next morning (my pores were smaller and my adult acne dried up) and I have been a fan ever since.

But Witch Hazel has many other marvelous applications:

It Soothes Diaper Rash

If your baby's rash isn't healing quick enough, apply witch hazel solution with a cotton ball and you should see immediate improvement to your baby's bottom.

Not Much Time for a Beauty Routine?

Not a problem. Like I said, splash on some Witch Hazle, any brand, one evening and you'll marvel at your complexion in the morning.

It also soothes and reduce external hemorrhoids

Take some witch hazel with aloe, glycerine or petroleum jelly and rub it on external hemorrhoids for a big reduction in itching and is effective in drying up most bleeding.

It Helps with Varicose Veins Relief

Just soak two wash cloths in witch hazel and lay on propped up legs to reduce pain and swelling from varicose veins. The witch hazel helps to tighten the veins, relieving the discomfort temporarily.

It Soothes Poison Ivy and Poison Oak

Witch hazel reduces itching and relieves swelling. Something definitely worth packing on your next camping trip.

It Treats Chicken Pox Blisters Effectively

An all natural combination of aloe, honey, lavender and other essential oils create a spray that will vastly reduce the discomfort of Chicken Pox blisters. Google this for different recipes.

Treat Laryngitis, Sore Throat and Gums

It can be used to shrink swollen tissue which makes it an effective treatment for laryngitis. Witch Hazel can also be used as a throat gargle with myrrh, and cloves to reduce the pain of an uncomfortable sore throat (however a fresh tea or tincture, not the drugstore witch hazel, which contains isopropyl alcohol must be used).

It Soothes Teething Babies

A teaspoon of strong witch hazel tea (use fresh tea or tincture - not the drugstore witch hazel, which contains isopropyl alcohol) combined with one drop each of myrrh and clove oil makes a pain- and inflammation-relieving gum rub for use in teething babies.

Great for Bruises, Bumps and Sprains

Witch hazel combined with arnica makes an excellent topical remedy for the treatment of traumatic bruises, bumps and sprains to relieve pain and promote speedy healing.

Witch Hazel also Controls Bleeding

Witch hazel is an important botanical for controling bleeding: It can reduce bleeding when applied topically to a wound or used internally for bleeding ulcers or bleeding gums. Of course, serious wounds require medical treatment, but witch hazel can control bleeding en route to a physician.

It's summertime and you never know when or where you might need to know any of this, especially with kids - so I hope it'll be of some help if ever the need arises. Thanks for stopping by. I always like it when you're here. And leave me a comment if you have a moment. I'd really appreciate it - even if it's just to say "Hi".

http://jembellish.blogspot.com/

A Big Shout Out of "Thanks" to Jill over at "Creating My Way to Success" - an amazing creative blog full of tutorials of all kinds - for posting a great tutorial on making a blog button - which was how I was able to make mine. Thanks Jill! I did it!

Woot! Woot!

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JAMES ARTHUR RAY

2010-07-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

Have you been keeping up with the deaths at James Arthur Ray's Spiritual Warrior Retreat?

How do you go from promoting the teachings of "The Secret" on Oprah

To a perp walk in front of tv cameras?

How? I saw the movie "The Secret" and I was impressed and inspired and excited over what the possibilities were if what they were saying were true.

James Arthur Ray had said on Oprah: "When bad things happen people might ask, "Oh, God, why me?" - "Because it is you," he said back then. However since the deaths at his Spiritual Warrior Retreat he brazenly now claims he is not responsible for what happened at his retreat. Huh?! That retreat costed those participants almost $10,000 a piece - and I'm sure none of them ever thought anyone would die from pushing Ray's limits to become what he called "A Spiritual Warrior" - but they did and now irresponsible guru is paying a deservedly high price that I don't think he'll ever recover from:

But what of all that was preached from Oprah's pulp pit - doesn't she need to do a show addressing this obvious scam perpetrated on her show?

I like Oprah, but I think we're all owed some explanation from her, given her power and pull over us all, to at least have a discussion over what has happened. But so far the silence over at HARPO studios is deafening. While there's no doubt good in always keeping a positive thought and what some of these "life coahes" teach - what about the cruel manipulation of viewers who have been helped watching the Oprah show for years and just wanted a better life for themselves and who are now forever changed and demished by with these horrible events - Oprah, we need a discussion about what's happened....and we need it now.

In the meanwhile its good for all of us to be reminded of how important our critical thinking is and how it can't be given up going into these kinds of things. Granted a lot of people have admittedly gotten some great benefits from using these type of empowerment techniques corporate America seems bent on providing it workers - some times it's not and we need to know when it's time for us to leave the game.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you. Also, remember if you grab my button and let me know, I'll be sure to grab yours! Hurry back!

http://www.rickross.com/groups/jamesarthur.html

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THE PEOPLE'S PRINCESS - AN ONGOING SAGA

2010-07-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about this story? I can't believe what I've just read. She deserves so much better than this:

A catering company owned by Sam Bompas, Bompas and Parr, has purchased strands of Princess Diana's hair off eBay from an American dealer who collects celebrity hair and has made a jam from it. The Barbican Art Gallery of London wanted to have something unique for its Surrealistic Food Art Exhibition and had approached Mr. Bompas to see if he could come up with something. "We thought about it and felt jam was the most mundane food of all, so we made it a surreal object," Mr. Bompas said.

Mr. Bompas said a tiny speck of the late Princess of Wales' hair had been infused with gin - then combined with milk and sugar to make the preserve it calls "Occult Jam". He claims he made the bizzare jam as a way to provoke people into thinking about food marketing and what they eat. It's being sold at $9.00 a jar. Wow. And they say Americans will eat anything with enough sugar on it.

Life has a way of warning future generations to be careful what they wish for:

The People's Princess

May She Rest in Peace

I'm glad you stopped by today and I hope you'll leave me a comment. I like it when you're here. Grab my button and I'll grab yours too!

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SUMMER FAIRS and CARNIVALS

2010-07-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

Summer time means carnival rides and food!!

Woot! Woot! Get out my way there's the ferris wheel...

Ooooh, look at that Carousel!!

...wait a minute, I want to ride on this one too!

Wow Cotton Candy! Hey Mister, lemme have three. How much is that?

Let's get outta here. I didn't win nothin' and that kids winning everything!

I'm hungry again.

Let's go walk some of this off....

Okay, one more ride and I'm outta here...

Oooooweeee! Now that was a ride!! I'm done...I'm not feeling well...

Ahhhhh, the fun and tribulation of summer. Leave me a comment and let me know if you like fairs and carnivals too. Thanks for stopping by!

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BAKING SODA MAGIC

2010-06-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

I BELIEVE THIS STUFF IS MAGIC!

Whitens and Freshens Laundry

A ½ a cup of bleach with a ½ cup of baking soda for white loads - instead of a full cup of bleach - not only is it easier on your wash - but the baking soda masks the bleach smell as well as acting as a natural boosting agent for bleach making it even more effective.

An Excellent All Purpose Cleaner

Vinegar, baking soda, and lemons all have natural cleaning powers that rival manufactured cleaning solutions. They are easy and safe to use and for much less money than other cleaning products on the market.

Gets Out Stubborn Stains

Rub a paste of 6 Tablespoons of baking soda and 1/2 cup of warm water onto stained clothing before laundering and let sit for 1-2 hours. Be sure to check for colorfastness first. Fruit and wine stains need to be treated immediately, but if you're in a hurry, pour a little baking soda on the stain, and then later run hot water through the back of the stain.

Safely Removes Baby Stains and Odors

The smell of vomit can linger even in clothing that has been washed. Sprinkling baking soda on the site and rubbing it in can help remove the smell when it is washed. This is especially help with baby spit-up.

Cleans and Freshens Microwave Ovens

Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with water in a microwave safe cup. Boil in the microwave for a few minutes. The insides of the microwave will then be damp and easy to clean with a paper towel or dishcloth - with the added benefit of removing any odors in your microwave.

Cleans and Freshens Dishwashers

Running one (1) cup of Baking Soda through your rinse cycle will help get rid of some of the grime that collects on the inside of the machine, as well as freshen the smell of your dishwasher.

It's the Perfect Silve Polish

Baking soda on a damp rag and wiping each piece will bring amazing results.

Absorbs Moisture in Damp Places

Anywhere moisture is a problem, such as cupboards under sinks - place a bowl of baking soda to help control humidity. You'll need to occasionally stir the powder for maximum effective life.

A Wonderful Bath Soaks

Added to your bath water, it can help soften your skin.

Can you believe it? It's a Teeth Whitner Too!

Sprinkle a little baking soda on your toothpaste for whiter teeth. Do not use baking soda however on an electric toothbrush.

Gets Combs and Brushes squeeky clean.

Hair spray and oil buildup on combs and brushes can be removed by soaking them in a sink of warm water and adding 3 tablespoons baking soda and 3 tablespoons bleach.

It Evens Puts Out Kitchen Fires. Wow!

Baking soda can be thrown on stove fires to extinguish the flames. The carbon dioxide generated when the baking soda burns starves the fire of oxygen - which is reason alone to keep a few boxes of this magical product in your house.

Do you know of any other uses for this stuff? Leave me a comment and let me know. And thanks for stopping by - I like it when you're here!

A DAY IN CENTRAL PARK

2010-06-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

We have a lot of walking to do today...

So let's have a good breakfast...

We're spending the day in Central Park!

You have to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to get into Manhattan

The view of Manhattan is spectacular crossing this beautiful Bridge!

Ahhhh, we made it...Central Park!

Let's pay our respects at

The Strawberry Fields Memorial

for John Lennon in Central Park

You should see how people decorate it at Christmas, yikes!

Okay, first how about going to the Zoo?

Central Park not only has its own zoo. . .

But it's own Zoo Clock as well - isn't it enchanting?

There's no better way to spend a day than walking the beautiful paths and visiting all the whimsical statutes in Central Park.

Look! There's the "Alice in Wonderland" statute.

Here's a nice quiet path to walk and think. Now this is what I'm talkin' about.

Okay folks, my feet hurt and I gotta stop and eat something.

Most thrifty New Yorkers eat their packed lunch on the steps of the great Metropolitan Museum of Art located right at the edge of the Park
and people watch and that's what we're going to do...

Okay, lunch's over!

Oooowee! The statute of Hans Christen Anderson. Wonder what he's reading and look at his hat! I gotta go touch it - wait here...

Did you know there's a Shakespeare Garden in Central Park.
It's sooooo beautiful. I just love that bench!

This statute is called the "Three Dancing Muses" - isn't it lovely?

Oh look! It's the Mother Goose Statute. The kids just love this one.

Here's a close up of Mother Goose's face

Ooooweee! We have to take a boat ride. Okay, who's going to row?!

Ahhhhh, the end of a perfect summer's day in Central Park

Thanks for sharing this beautiful summer's day with me in Central Park. I hope you come back soon. And I always appreciate having you comment - even if it's a short "hi".

Come Join the Fun!

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http://www.audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com/

THE AUTOMOBILE

2010-06-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

American cars...at what price?

In the 1930's and 40's things just got bigger...

Bigger still by the 1960's

And today's Hummer's are just obscene...

But we all need re-think our rides, don't we?

This should never, ever happen again...

Thanks for stopping by. l'd appreciate acomment you live.

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NEW ORLEANS' JAMABALAYA

2010-06-18T06:57:00.000-07:00

Looking for something different to cook for the family? How about Jamabalaya? Here's my recipe. It's a staple of old New Orleans:

And it tastes great!

The Ingredients

1 lb. boneless chicken, turkey, shrimp cubed (individually or all)

1 lb. (hot or sweet) smoked sausage and/or smoked ham diced
1 large diced onion
1 diced bell pepper
3 to 6 cloves of minced garlic, to taste
4 stalks diced celery
3 cans tomato paste (the small ones)
1 an of tomatoes, 28 oz.
8 cups chicken stock
Creole seasonings 2 - 3 tablespoons or to taste
2 teaspoons cayenne, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon white pepper, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teapsoon thyme and salt to taste.
4 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked. I like to use Uncle Ben's converted because it doesn't get sticky and you always get a grainy type rice that's good for this recipe.

* * * * * * * * * *

Okay, now in frying pan brown your cubed chicken bits with some cajun seasoning, a little salt and black pepper and red pepper whatever other seasoning you want.

Now brown your cut up smoked sausage and pour off the fat.

Then in the pot start sautéing the onions, garlic, peppers and celery in oil until onions begin to turn transparent...you know.

Now in the same pot that you're sautéing your onions, celery, garlic and bell pepper, add the tomato paste and let it brown a little to give it a good flavor (do you know this old trick? See, the sugar in the tomato paste begins to caramelize and brings out the flavor and color of the paste. Anyway, keep things moving so that it browns but doesn't burn.

Once the vegetables are translucent and the tomato paste achives sort of a red mahogany color, deglaze the pan with the about 2 cups of the stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to mix up any browned bits, and stir until smooth, making sure the sautéed vegetables, paste and stock are combined thoroughly. It should be fairly thick.

Add the Creole seasoning, tomatoes and salt to taste. Cook over low-medium heat for about 10 minutes. Then add your chicken or turkey or whatever your using with your sausage and cook another 10 minutes.

Add the rest of the stock, check seasonings and NOW stir in the RICE combining thoroughly. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is cooked through. Remember to add your seasonings before the rice is cook since the rice will only absorb the seasonings while it's cooking. Now turn the heat down to low-medium and let the sauce thicken up a bit with the pot uncovered, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes or so. Make sure everything is stirred in thoroughly. When the jambalaya has thickened up a bit and has reached the "right" consistency (you'll know), it's done. BAM! Okay, it's just a rice dish but with a certain flair that will have your family and guests raining down compliments.

I love the flavor of New Orleans.

Uh oh! Check out the talent here....yikes!

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OLD HOLLYWOOD

2010-06-14T21:03:00.001-07:00

MAE WEST

Born: Augut 17, 1893 in Brooklyn, NY
Died: November 22, 1980 in Los Angeles, CA

Big, bad and blond I remember spending Saturdays now long gone being absolutely floored by Mae West's outrageous swagger and attitude as I watched her for the first time on the old movie channel of our tv. How could someone like that be allowed on the television? Where were the censors? How was she able to get away with doing the things she did in her movies? Nobody was shakin' it like that back then...except for Mae West. She was notorious (forgive me Biggie Smalls) but that's the truth!

Yessireee! That was Mae West - loud, rude and crude - swinging her heavy hips in heavier make-up, talking trash and battin' her too thick lashes scandously for the men - all for my tv enjoyment - and enjoyed it I did. She was bodacious in every sense of the word and absolutely shocking and she knew it and made apologies to no one. It took me years to figure out what was positive in all that, but I finally did. I was one of her biggest fans, still am in fact. For those of you who don't know who Mae West is, please you gotta see her in action to appreciate what I'm saying:

Mae and W.C. Fields, 1940 in "My Little Chickadee"

Her mother thought she could do no wrong and encourage her to do what she wanted to do - which was to go into show business. The rest of her family wasn't so happy about it and were ashamed when they found out her picture was going to be use on the sheet music, "Ev'rybody Shimmies Now". Think about it, this was in 1918 - can you imagine the talk. Yikes!

Amazingly it wasn't until 1932 at the late age of 38 that Mae West was offered her first motion picture by Paramount Pictures and made her film debut in Night After Night starring George Raft. The studio obviously knew what it was doing. She became an overnight sensation and George Raft is said to have remarked, "She stole everything but cameras."

Now this was a true Diva

With the rise of her popularity everybody wanted to be like her...but whatelse is new:

Here's a Trailer of one of Mae West's movies - pretty provocative huh?

Hope you thought this was a fun look back at a favorite old movie star. If nothing else she was different and a true character. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I appreciate every one I get, truly and thanks for stopping by.

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and http://heckofabunch.blogspot.com/2010/06/keepin-company-thursdays-second-edition.html

2010-06-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

HOME BREWED GINGER BEER

Heeyyyy!! Look What I Got...

A HOME BREWED GINGER BEER RECIPE!!!!

Brewed ginger beer originated in England in the mid-1700s spreading and becoming popular in the United States, the Island of Jamaica and Canada - proving fermentation isn't just for booze!

An Old Brewed Ginger Beer Bottles

Brewed Ginger beer - if you've never tasted it - is a deliciously gingery, licoricey sweet fermented soda that eveyone whoever gets to sample simply loves!

I got my hand on this book by Stephen Cresswell, "Homemade Root Beer & Soda Pop" that shows you how to brew your own ginger beer from scratch and even shows you how to change the basic recipe to give it your own personal twist. I'm excited because this opens up a whole other possible online business for me because - where there is ginger beer - ginger beer popsicles and other ginger treats can't be that far behind ...cha'ching.

Yeah, yeah, I know I'm supposed to be working on my doggie treat business...but I'm officially side tracked - get use to it - I do this a lot.

The original recipe only calls for ginger, sugar and water and this gelatinous substance called "ginger beer plant" - but good luck with finding that - so....

I've got a youtube video to share with you about how you can start brewing up your own batch of Ginger Beer today. It's something everyone should learn how to do. If nothing else it'll stop you from buying those sugary, high caloric, big brand sodas ever again. Your family will love you for it and you'll be the envy of all your friends. This youtube tutorial will show you how to do it:

MAKING A HEALTHY SODA CULTURAL

MAKING THE HEALTHY SODA SYRUP

PART 2.

There is a growing cottage industry developing with all the new home brewers of regular beer as well as our non-alcoholic Ginger Beer. Like I said, fermentation isn't just for booze!

Here are a few online forums you might be interested in to help you learn more. I know they've helped me:

Brewers Roundtable:
http://brewersroundtable.com/ginger-beer-any-good-recipes-t1165.html

Home Brew Talk:
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f95/help-my-ginger-beer-non-alcoholic-179440/

I hope this has inspired you to try your hand at making a batch - I have one working right now! But regardless, I'd love to know what you think. Leave me a comment - it's the one thing I like better than Ginger Beer. Smiles. Thanks for stopping by!

MY DOGGIE TREATS BUSINESS

2010-06-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

I've been wondering what kind of online business I could get into that would bring me a little money and I found a great idea.

Making my own gourment dog biscuits! And these hand crafted treats are in demand.

This is a growing online business because people who are making these doggie edibles in their own kitchens and starting their own canine bakeries online know they are in demand. I've been looking into it and these fancy doggie treats are easy to make - even children are making dog biscuits. I've been inspired to try my hand at this.

As more and more people become afraid of these large dog food brands because of all the recent recalls and the bad reactions a lot of dogs are having to the additives these big companies are putting in their dog food to make it have a longer shelf life - these new online doggie markets' sales are rising. I'm seeing dollar signs in my eyes.
Plus, what's there to know? With all the youtube videos and websites out there that'll take you by your hand practically and show you how to make these unbelievably delicious and simple dog treats and biscuits - how can you fail?

I think it could be a lot of fun. Hey, what about the name "StarBarks" ha! ha! ha! I'm posting some tutorial below in case any of you might be inspired like I am.
Check out this one woman who quit her stinkin' job and began making dog biscuits in her kitchen the same morning - and the rest is history.

Look at this one dog bakery - that sells their homemade dog treats and biscuits and much, much more. Wow! This could be me one day.

All it takes is a recipe and and a dream. Check out the video recipe that really pumped up my enthusiam called the "Pumpkin Treat" that's popular among every dog breed:

I found this other simple dog treat recipes that's made with organic ingredients. I'm not sure I'm going organic with my 'StarBarks" and just might use the same non "organic" ingredients to make this treat. Again, I also plan to make them in a cute little doggies shape of some kind - it all helps with marketing your biscuits to the owners:

I found this website devoted to every dog biscuit, treat recipe I'll ever need. These recipes are so simple - they encourage kids to do them:. I was so encouraged when I found this.

http://www.bullwrinkle.com/Assets/Recipes/Recipes.htm

Every business needs a license or permit to operate - even if it's a table top affair out of your kitchen and I've even learned how I can find our what my state requires for my smal table top business:

http://www.business.gov/register/licenses-and-permits/

I'll keep you posted here of what I plan to do and how, so stay tuned. I love and appreciate any comment you leave and my fingers are crossed that you will. Oh, I'm so excited. Thanks for stopping by! Come back often, I post twice a week.

MAKING MONEY FROM BLOGGING

2010-06-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE...

THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME

Men who were desperate to feed themselves and their families back in the depression made miracle medicines from cheap whisky, food coloring and who knows what else creating the useless products known today as snake oil - but was very popular back in the day.

People because they were suffering from toothaches, broken bones, depression and pains - and having no money and no other way of getting relief - these Snake Oil products which were 90% alcohol (get it?) came in demand.

This brings me to today's topic in light of our current depressed economy:

Making Money From Blogging.

The snake oil salesmen of today are selling e-book, personal advice and false hope to people looking for a way to make money . . . but we know better

. . . no one can stay home and just blog about their kid, cats, or neighbors and expect to make the equivalent or more of a normal salary.

But if only it were true. But a little thing like the truth never stops these latter day snake oil salesmen - listen to some of their hype:

From: Weblogsic: "Get paid to blog about subjects you love! Step right up and apply to blog for one of our 90 fine blogs — or suggest a blog topic and maybe we'll start a new blog! WIN Bloggers are paid to blog as little or as much as they like, are unfiltered, and can shift from blog to blog within the network. Great place to make money by blogging."

I think this picture is telling because usually you'll see $100 dollar bills flying around. Here they're just showing $1 dollar bills....uh let me count 'em...yeah, that's about how much I can expect to make this year...but again I do it for fun...sorta.

I'm not making any money according to "Dr. Blog Be Big" because I don't know the secret to blogging for money.

Uh oh, is that it? And how much does it costs for me to get that secret? What?!

But there is tons of free advice and help online to be sure - but it's advice most of us have figured out already.

You have to be different and stand out from all the other blogs here in blogsville and sell something in top demand:

But...It's Not That Easy Being Green

Kermit the Frog and Ray Charles

Please, I love all your comments and thanks for stopping by!

JERRY GARCIA ICECREAM

2010-06-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

IT'S OFFICIAL NOW. . . SUMMER IS HERE!

SO LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED.

LOOK WHAT I FOUND!

A HOMEMADE JERRY GARCIA ICECREAM RECIPE!!!!

And Nothing Could Be Simpler or Tastier to Make!

THE INGREDIENTS:

1/4 overflowing cup shaved dark chocolate

1/4 overflowing cup quartered bing cherries

2 large eggs

3/4 cup sugar

2 cups heavy or whipping cream

1 cup milk and pinch of salt

Place the shaved chocolate flakes and the cherries in separate bowls. Cover and refrigerate. Heat the milk, salt, and sugar in a saucepan. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and gradually add some of the warmed milk, stirring constantly as you pour. Pour the warmed mixture back into the saucepan.

Cook over low heat, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom with a heat-resistant spatula until the custard thickens enough to coat the spatula. Strain the custard into the heavy cream and stir.

Chill thoroughly, and transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and freeze following the manufacturer’s instructions (about 20-25 minutes).

After the ice cream stiffens (about 2 minutes before it is done), add the chocolate and the cherries, then continue freezing until the ice cream is ready. Freeze at least 2 hours (but it's best to leave overnight) before serving.

Now how simple was that for a super summer cooler?

But I gotta give credit where credit is due and this recipe came from a blog I absolutely love: http://kissmyspatula.com/ Leave me a comment - I love them more than icecream . . . really.

TUESDAY TAG-ALONG!

2010-05-31T21:39:00.000-07:00

WELCOME!

Add your blog name and the URL of your TTA post to the MckLinky below.

Follow Twee Poppets, the hostess blog listed in the first slot. Twee Poppets will follow you back! (Note: If you want Twee Poppets to follow you back, you MUST leave her a comment saying that you are a new follower and leave a link to your blog!)

Thanks for being a part of Tuesday Tag-Along! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Chelsea from Twee Poppets directly, at TweePopACap@gmail.com. Have fun!

Follow, Follow, Follow

I'm glad to get any comments!

MEMORIAL DAY 2010

2010-05-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

A DAY OF REMEMBERANCE

I decided to take a look at the President's children today.

Sure, sometimes they have to pretend their just regular kids...

But we know what kids always gets the pony...

The President's Kids!

And it looks like they're having fun...

Sasha, what are you doing?

I guess playing in the Oval Office

is nothing new...

But President's kids do have a swagger

Look at Tad Lincoln

He had a pony too!

But it can't be easy living in a fish bowl

And I hope the girls are able to keep their smiles,

unlike other President's kids.

Here's a telling video about coming of age while in the White House

With strong family values we hope Sasha and Malia

will have a bright and happy future

I always appreciate and enjoy reading your comments. Thanks for stopping by!

THE BEAUTY OF FABERGE

2010-05-28T04:01:00.000-07:00

THE FABERGE EGGS

The first egg made by Faberge shown above is a white gold enameled egg with secrets compartments - hiding a yolk, a golden hen and finally a small golden crown. It was such a big hit with the Czar that, as they say, the rest is history:

The Imperial Winter Egg of 1913

1846 - Carl Gustavovich Fabergé designed and created the Fabergé eggs made in the style of the Easter eggs from 1885 through 1917.

The Fabergé Imperial eggs continued to be designed with surprises on the inside while being splendid on the outside.

This egg is called "Spring Flowers". Isn't it just lovely!

This family album egg was made for the fifteenth Anniversary (1911) of the Romanov's. Actual family portraits were in the enamele.

The most famous eggs were made for the Romanov's - Alexander III and Nicholas II of Russia:

Of the 50 that were made, 42 have survived. Here are a few:

Aren't they breath taking?

Here's a video of one especially treasured egg:

Here's another beauty:

Faberge was forced to flee Russia when the Tsar and his family were executed in 1917 and Russia was overcome by revolutionary fervor.

Here are some more pictures of these wonderful creations of the House of Faberge:

Aren't these beautiful!!

Here's a video of more of these fabulous Faberge eggs:

I hope you've enjoyed seeing these wonderful eggs. How often do we take the time to really look at the beauty that's there for our viewing pleasure for free. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think and thanks for stopping by!