Puppy Love

 

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nutrish for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Boy it sure has been a week on the go.  Here there and everywhere.  And I promise my doggies sure have known it too.  Mom will just not stay still for them.  I have felt so guilty not giving them the time and attention that they deserve right now.  But I am trying to make it up.  My Sweet babies are so patient with me.

Rachael Ray (don't you just love her?) has the new Nutrish Just 6 dog food.  I love that this is a limited ingredient with 6 natural items along with the minerals and vitamins that the doggies need.  I let my dream doggie Aliah try the lamb and brown rice meal.  It was so darling to see her take a little nugget to the side to eat.  Lick her lil lips and then get another lil nugget too.  My sweet puppy.  I love her so and am thrilled that she likes this meal.  It is a wonderful feeling to give a quality meal to my family.  And that does include my doggies.

I so want to thank Rachael Ray Nutrish just 6 dry dog food for sending me a free sample.   You can get your own free sample too.

Celebrating Love with the Wee One

This has been a busy week.  So much going on that I am unsure if I can put it all down here for you.  But the topper for me has been a wonderful visit from my youngest stepdaughter.  It has been something that we have been waiting for....well it feels like forever.  Tons of history but not really going to bore you with the background lives of Crazed Mind.  Just let me say we are so so so happy.

Now I am giving her the name of Wee One on here.   But of course she is a grown woman now too.  So don't let that deceive you.  But she is the youngest of our combined brood.  Being so you would think that I would be thinking of all the 'motherly' advice I could hand out to her.  No, nope, noway.  Why?  Well because I find I can learn so much more from her.  Patience, love, joy of being in the moment.  This young woman has not had the life of charm and ease.  Yet she continues to look at the best of things.  It so reminds me of Dear Hubby.  He is the same way.  What I have to say I learn the most from her, is understanding.

The Wee One does not seem to judge at all.  She accepts at face value what is before her.  And she pulls the love from others and shares it.  Like passing out big slices of hot chocolate cake to everyone around her.  Steaming with deep love and smelling like home everywhere.  Isn't it amazing that so much can come from one heart.  I hope there is some way I can show her how I feel.  Give her a lil reminder that she holds the hearts of so many in hers.  And that she is never walking the path alone.  I was thinking this lil charm necklace from the Heart of Haiti project could do just that.

 In honor of the women in our lives Macy's with the Heart of Haiti and Rwanda Path to Peace has issues a  15% discount on the HOH collection from May 3rd through the 8th.  Pop over and see what they have and remember to look for that special Mother's Day gift too.  Make sure you use the Promocode CLEVERGIRLS.

I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.

Trip Ups n' Downs

 Yesterday was interesting to say the least.  We started on our day trip of appointments to have our first delay happen before we arrived.  On the way to Brownwood (almost there) we received a call telling us the appointment was canceled.  Yeah, only 30 minutes before we was to be there and it is over 30 minutes away.  Thus our being on the road already.  Well we went on in and dropped off a bill that was due in that town anyway.

Down the road was Zephyr Texas.  This place is barely a sneeze before it is gone.  But do not let the lil size fool you.  For if you do you will miss the  Zephyr Zebras.  No not just the local football team and school.  But the actually Zebras found on the Smith Briggs Ranch.  I had to stop and take a few photos of them.  So so so pretty to me.

The Donut Shop

223 N. Rice Hamilton, TX 76531

Phone: 254-386-3379

cool1969@embarqmail.com

The Donut Shop

223 N. Rice
Hamilton, TX 76531

Phone: 254-386-3379     

cool1969@embarqmail.com

Next we took the back roads of Texas to the lil town of Hamilton.  Why?  Well because they have the best donuts ever there.  It is a redone gas station in bright colors with humongous fried pies, apple fritters, cinnamon rolls and tons more.  We go every chance we get.  And buy donuts by the boxes full too.  You know how I love donuts.   One of the world's perfect foods.  Did you know that all the calories and fat fall out through the hole?

Well then it was off to Gatesville where one of the largest Texas Prison is located.  Thankfully that was not our destination.  But instead to a nice lil bank here in Texas to take care of some business for my brother.  30 minutes and we were done and back on the road.  Noshing on the donuts still...of course.

Through Ft. Hood (men in uniform....anything more needed to be said here?) and on to Temple Texas for the VA Hospital.  Our Gentleman  had an appointment there.  He has a large growth on the side of his neck and we are concerned.  So it was a day for reading of the CAT scan and doing a biopsy.  We will know more later.  Pray for him please!  While  he was in the doctor's office, Granny M and I took a much needed nap in the car.  It was pleasant.  Windows down, under the trees with a lil breeze blowing.  A few hours later and off to home we started.

Just as we started back into Hamilton (yeah, home of the donuts) our car went, cough...sputter.....ding ding ding....warning lights.....stop!   Oh No!  Check oil light was on.  So we did.  And the oil was full!  Seems our oil pump is messing up.  Well we could not ride on home that way and not kill the car.  It was 5 p.m. and the shops were closing down.  So no repair job for us.  Still 33 miles from home and no one to rescue us either.  Dang it!  Well we hired this big ol wrecker to haul us home.  $140 dollars later...they unloaded us in our front yard. 

Dear Hubby was waiting on us along with Princess Emma.  Glad to see us safe from our trip.  Now we are looking at how to get the car fixed on our limited budget.  But oh, that is life.  By the way, Princess Emma was there for the evening because Other Mom and the Poppi went to see  College Girl in Summer and Smoke.  Here is what the review had to say.

Tarleton Theatre gives smoking performance - Fine Arts: "One of the funniest characters in the play, though, was Alma's mother Mrs. Winemiller played by Denea Little, a nutty woman with what seemed to be an addiction to ice cream." This is better known to all of y'all as College Girl. She is having a blast in this play. I can't wait to go and see it Friday night.

Wordless Wednesday Gentleman Style

Going to be on the road all day. So I thought I would join up with Wordless Wednesday.

Darlene you may get a kick out of this one.  Our Gentleman has become a favorite toy for Princess Emma.  

He is going to so surprised I posted this one on here......but gosh, doesn't he look so cute.

Almost a cute as these new lil babies here.

In My Neck of the Woods

So here's what been happening In My Neck of the Woods...

Well first off, I went and visited over at the RHOK and joined up with today's linky.  Thought you might wanna join me for the ride.  Today was nice that it was a cool enough breeze to pull out my chenille robe that my mom made for me. It is bright red with bright colored flowers. I feel like an Easter egg sitting here. But the bright colors sure do cheer me up.

I finished off a couple of more novels.  I so love to read.  Had to make a detour from the murder mysteries that I love so very much.  I use to read romance novels when I was a teen.  Oh, that was so long ago.  But it was nice to escape into fantasy of unreal life for awhile.  It is not that romance is not real.  Just that it has it bumps, bruises and often fractures too.  I did like being 'on-the-air' in My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren.  Here Isadora is a talk radio host and the voices that ask for advice tug at her heart, especially Caleb's.  I know that voices have always been my undoing.  Hearing a man's deep rumble can make my knees weak.  In My Foolish Heart, Caleb has to figure out if he is deeply attracted to his neighbor or her alter ego on the radio.  Of course we all know that inside each lady is several alter egos.  The other book I finished was 'When Sparrows Fall' by Meg Moseley.  I did find the challenges that Miranda had to overcome quite interesting.  I am a head strong woman.  Never been one to let a man control me.  So I find it amazing to meet (or read) about women who truly let the man tell them every thing to do and they do it.  Now don't get me wrong.  I adore Dear Hubby and we discuss our decisions.  But the putting the foot down does not work for me.  He guides our family with love and caring not dictatorship.  It is even harder when these families are ruled by both the husband and feel they are following God's law too.  A woman does not want to break her bond with her Savior in any form.  Where is the middle ground?  I loved seeing Miranda finding that space where she is full and whole.  This book will unleash more discussion on the  Christian practice and questions surrounding “Quiverfull.” People who have abandoned “quiverfull” or patriarchal teachings now gather online at sites such as “No Longer Quivering,” “Quivering Daughters,” “That Mom,” “Razing Ruth” and several others.

Tonight I am making homemade Chicken Enchiladas.  I boiled the chicken yesterday and then just popped it and all the broth into the fridge.  Today I will scoop off the oil to toss.  Drain the broth to use for cooking.  De-bone the chicken and shred.  Then I will roll corn tortillas up with the seasoned chicken (use what you like to season with) and layer in a baking dish.  Cover with a mix of sour cream and salsa.  Then layer the top with cheese and chopped onions.  Bake till gooey and hot.  Wanna join us?  Also have beans here so will make them into refried beans and the rest of the rice I have in there will pop over into a spanish rice dish.

By the way....make sure you enter in my two giveaways.  They are listed over in the right hand column.  Just click on the image and go leave a comment!   Thanks so to Multnomah Books and Tyndale for sharing the books with me to review.  As always I am not paid for these reviews.  Just get lucky enough to read.

Mother Day's Giveaway

Just in time for Mother’s Day, KMR is pleased to offer one lucky reader the chance to win “the mother of all giveaways”.  This is a wonderful chance for a lucky reader of your to win fitness, beauty, and mommy products with a prize value of over $300.00.  All prizes are from KMR.  I do not receive any of these gifts or payment for hosting this giveaway.  Just you the lucky winner.  Go for it!

Here are the contest guidelines: Contest is only open to US Residents. All you have to do is leave a comment including a way to contact you if you are a chosen winner.  MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A WAY FOR ME TO CONTACT YOU.  Extra entries can be acquired by leaving a comment letting me know if you do any of the following.
1.  You are a Google Friend Connect Follower.
2.  You Tweeted this giveaway (include link).
3.  You posted this giveaway on Facebook (include link).
4.  You follow me on facebook or twitter or both (leave one comment for each follow).

One winner from Crazed Mind will win all of the prizes below.  They are presenting 7 different products that includes:

Lexli Skincare Starter Kit

Lexli's 30-Day Starter Kit is an easy, inexpensive way to try our skincare line and make sure it's right for you. Each kit provides a month’s supply of products featured as a part of Lexli’s Simple 4-Step System. Included in the travel-friendly kit is: Aloe-Based Cleansing Lotion (2 oz.), Aloe-Based AloeGlyC® Renewing Exfoliant (0.50 oz.), Aloe-Based Day Moisturizer with SPF 15 for Normal to Dry Skin (0.50 oz.), Aloe-Based Tone and Balance (2 oz), Aloe-Based Night Moisturizer (0.5 oz).

Le Baby Hair Gel

The 411 On Le Baby Hair Gel:

Hypoallergenic
No harsh chemicals
No parabens
No sulfates
Not tested on animals
Fragrance-free
Thickens baby-fine hair
Tames frizzies & fly-aways
Moisturizes
Softly holds curls
Keeps hairstyles in place
Never leaves hair stiff or sticky
Retail Cost: $9.95

Envyderm Lash Regrowth Serum

How to Use EnvyDerm? The EnvyDerm applicator is very similar to a liquid eyeliner applicator. One should apply the stimulating serum once a day before bedtime along the upper and lower lash lines. EnvyDerm does not disrupt the daily application of make-up or other skincare routines. Can be used on brows as well.
What is in EnvyDerm? EnvyDerm is formulated with active natural ingredients such as bioavailable lipo-oligopeptides that stimulate keratin genes. Powerful SymPeptide technology lengthens and strengthens natural lashes. EnvyDerm uses vitamins, minerals and amino ccids to moisturize and nourish lashes and brows.When Can I Expect to See Results? One should begin to see the lash line becoming thicker, fuller and healthier looking in as little as 2 weeks! In a clinical study, users saw a 25 percent increase in eyelash length during this period. EnvyDerm will continue to prove results over time if used on a consistent basis.

Beanstalk Express Snack Time Survival Kit

Wooden Clock Board
Features one working clock, 3 control clocks with moveable arms, and 3 corresponding hooks to hold snack cards in place.
33 Snack Cards
On the front are pictures of delicious snacks to choose from. On the back is important tips and information to learn from.
How it works!
1.Each morning, Mom or Dad selects between 4-6 snack cards that are available to make that day from the deck.
2.From these cards, kids can choose their 3 snacks for that day.
3.Mom sets the control clocks to the desired snack times and hangs the snack cards on the corresponding hooks.
4.And now it's up to the kids! By Keeping an eye on the clocks, the kids alert Mom to when it's SNACK TIME!
5.Mom takes the snack card off the hook and serves up the snack.

The Bar Method DVD & Onesie

About The Bar Method

The Bar Method is full-body exercise program created by Burr Leonard. The workout utilizes a ballet bar fitness technique and draws from the principles of isometrics, dance conditioning, interval training, and physical therapy. The result is a noticeable “Bar Method” sculpted body featuring:
• Firm, elongated muscles
• Reduced body fat
• High muscle definition in the chest
• Improved posture
• Long, narrow thighs
• A lifted seat and defined hamstrings
• Strong, flat abdominals
• Increased stamina and energy
• Extended youthfulness
*Also available, Beginner’s Workout DVD and Dancer’s Body Advanced Workout DVD

The Book “My Beautiful Mommy”

Young children are naturally curious – they’re full of questions and excited to learn about the world they live in. However, as times change, children’s curiosities have addressed more complex and sensitive issues, often at younger ages. In today’s American culture, more than ever, answers can increasingly be found in children’s books. Everything from divorce and global warming to potty habits and how to deal with a death in the family, children’s books have tackled it all. Dr. Michael Salzhauer, a Miami board-certified plastic surgeon and father of four, has taken the reins on a very hot topic and wrote “My Beautiful Mommy,” the first ever children’s book that addresses plastic surgery. “My Beautiful Mommy” by Michael Salzhauer, M.D. is available for purchase at Amazon.com and www.mybeautifulmommy.com for $19.95. A book summary and a complete bio of the author are also available at the My Beautiful Mommy Web site. The book is published by Big Tent Books.

Dermacyte Eye Complex.

Dermacyte Oxygenating Eye Complex is a smooth, delicate treatment to refresh, hydrate and restore the appearance of youth to your eye contour area. It is designed to enhance the skin’s hydration, elasticity and smoothness while protecting it against environmental stress. Dermacyte Oxygenating Eye Complex is a gentle marriage of modern technology and nourishing emollients extracted from avocado essence, oat kernel, sunflower oil, the calming High Ash, a tree indigenous to European forests rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C and seeds from the Pacific Northwest Meadowfoam plant among other nurturing ingredients.It provides a lightweight solution with its patented technology, a powerful oxygen-carrier developed to infuse oxygen for a fresher appearance and overall improved complexion. It immediately imparts a cool, moisturizing effect while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These effects along with skin brightening and anti-irritating benefits deliver a lighter and healthier feel to your skin. Price: $95. 15 ml

Weekend Wrapped Up

We had a wonderful Easter weekend. And enjoyed all of our surprises. Like the grandbabes celebrating with us. Family meals. Making 10 cakes from scratch with frosting to send to a bake sale. (They made almost $100 from my cakes, so that made me proud.) And just having a wonderful time. Here I will share.

Dear Hubby's toes are all healed.  And even found a lil Easter Egg dye for them.  Well actually toe nail polish.  But since he does not have toe nails, is this toe nail bed polish?  What a great sport to let us play with his lil tootsies.  The grandbabes all giggled at 'Poppie' getting his nails polished.  That is what 'Poppies' do!

Here is our Easter surprises.  One of our cats had kittens 3.5 weeks ago.  But never could find them.  Well she finally brought them up to us.  Only took tornadoes in the area for her to realize the house is safer than outside.
But they are cute as can be.  And now we get to get them acquainted with people and dogs.

I thought I would take a nap too.  Seeing how it was a restful time, mid afternoon.  Wind blowing a cool breeze.  The bed so inviting.  I mean gosh, this is a time to reflect and rest, right? 
It looks like someone beat me to the bed.  And they are snoozing pretty good too.  I wonder if there would be room for me there too. 

If I try real hard I could schrunch in right here maybe.  Nope, Nope, no room there either.  Hummmm!
Could be that I am going to be the lone dog out.  Sorry girl, did not mean to wake you.  Have a good nap.  Later folks!

Happy Princess Easter

Fragmented Follow Friday Giveaway

Well the weekend is coming up and it is a holiday and the grandbabes will be here and college girl has the weekend off from play practice and the step kids are coming too and we are hiding eggs and ...... whoa! 'Fraid of how many ands there are going to be. But I am excited as can be.

So I think I will put this all up as a Friday Fragments like Half Past Kissin Time does.  As well as hopping on board with Never Growing Old with Follow Friday.  So folks, here we go............



It is Easter weekend!  Whooop.  Lots of family and that means food.  So I am looking for some easy to make meals.  That way I have time to play with the grandbabes.  I have the 4 Ingredients Cookbook www.4ingredients.us to prowl through today. (BTW there is even a iTunes app for this!)  I have two small hams in the freezer to play with.  I could do a roast pork by rubbing them with olive oil and sea salt.  Then just roast it for 20 minutes at 425.  Turn it down to 350 for the next hour.  Oh and Boston Baked Beans would work too.  2 cups dried beans with a small ham hock, dice a small onion.  Bring my water to a boil then cook for 45 minutes.   I then add in 1/2 cup of molassas, pour all into a baking dish then move to a preheated oven at 300. Cook for 4 hoursThat would be easy to do and it can cook while I visit.  I can also do Banana Lassi for the kiddos with breakfast too.  Just blend a banana, cup of yogurt, 1/2 cup of milk and 1 tblsp of sugar.  Oh and by the way I have to share with you the Yoplait Delights coupon that you can get here.  It is good til the end of this month.  Go grab it!  And the Yoplait Greek yogurt is really really good.  Loved the flavor and the extra protein can only help.  You can hear about this at this webcast.  Put in the password Yoplait.

Here is dessert.
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Decadent for special occasions
• 4 eggs
• 1 stick + 6 tblsp butter
•9 ozs dark chocolate
• 1 cup sugar
Preheat oven 180C. Separate eggs, add ½ the sugar to the yolks and beat well with a mixer. Beat egg whites until fluffy then add remaining sugar, gradually beating until stiff peaks form. Melt butter and chocolate over hot water stirring regularly. Pour into egg yolk mixture and fold. Once combined fold in egg whites. Line a cake tin with greaseproof paper and pour in mixture. Bake in a 22cm cake tin for 40 minutes in the lower third of your oven.
Note: This cake will collapse and the top will flake, as it has no flour to sustain the rise but it is gorgeous and a favorite for all.
Optional: Can be served warm or cold and is delicious with fresh cream

Hey what traditions do you have for the Easter Egg hunt?  I am finding that combining my family with my husbands family we of course do things a lil different.  And now we are pulling in the Other Mother's traditions too.  Prize eggs are something we all agree with.  But what to do for the prize.  I knew it was some change.  Others say candy of some sort.  Growing up it was a sugar egg that you could peek into.  Dear Hubby's family has gifts and toys.  We are going to be having our hunt on Saturday so the kiddos can return home for Sunday with the other grandfolks.  I am thinking of adding in some great books for prizes.  I have two great ones by Pat Palmer.  You may well remember The Mouse, The Monster and Me.  It has been around for years with over 500,000 copies sold.  That should tell you something.  I love that it teaches assertiveness and shows how not to be bullied.  This so helps with peer pressure.  I am sure it would really reach home with my granddaugter and school now.  I also have Liking Myself by Pat Palmer too.  This has the same messages in  a different voice that would reach my younger grandson.  So I could help them both on their own levels.  Now that is a gift of itself.

Oh and I have a gift to share.  I am giving away a gift certificate for Tyndale House Publishers Mosaic NLT Holy Bible.  Encounter Christ on every continent and in every century of Christian History. A new genre of Bible—a weekly meditation Bible—Holy Bible: Mosaic is an invitation to experience Christ both in His word and in the responses of his people. Each week, as you reflect on guided Scripture readings aligned with the church seasons, you will receive a wealth of insight from historical and contemporary writings. Full-color artwork will engage the soul; quotes, hymns, prayers, and poems enhance the rich devotional experience. Also includes a Dictionary/Concordance, NLT word study system with Hebrew/ Greek dictionary. A beautiful layout of art and devotional content, and an online community and content will extend the experience. This is my Easter gift to one of my wonderful friends here.  Just leave me a comment and share an Easter tradition with us.  Is it Holy Sunday?  Is it Passover?  Is it the Egg Hunt?  What does Easter pull at your heart with. 

Just For the Kids

Easter Fun