CRAZED MIND: October 2011

Trick or Treat 2011

Happy Halloween

from

Our Daughter KT & her Beau

and

College Girl

and

Princess Emma

Good Morning all. I was so happy to have a whole day with my family. Of course it started with coffee. I made two pots....yeah, I have two coffee makers. One of regular coffee and the other spiced with cinnamon. Oh it made the house smell so wonderful. And speaking about coffee I have a plethora of ways to fix it. From two automatic pots to a espresso machine to two old fashion percolates and ever a coffee press. You would never think I am addicted would you?

I use coffee to help me get through many a day. It is my legal non prescribed drug of choice to fight depression. My fake energy source when I feel like I could crawl in a hole. And yes, I am still in that state of mind. The grief of losing Our Gentleman is not getting any easier for me. Yesterday we found another box of his personal belonging in the closet. Family photos he has held on to for years gave us insight we did not have before. A small leather box holding all of his military medals from his three tours in Viet Nam brought tears to our eyes once again. Two books of poetry that sounded so like the kind heart we knew of. So many ways of seeing that he had plans on enjoying his life. And knowing it ended way too soon.

Our Gentleman also had his Bible in the box. Many of his favorite verses marked. All showing that he knew that God was loving and supportive. That is where I am trying to focus. Knowing that I am loved and have support all around me. One of the items to help is a book that shows me that life is for the fun at heart too, like Our Gentleman believed. Dare to Live: Devotions for those over the hill, not under it! Elizabeth Van Liere did not choose to 'retire' from life. But instead to share her zest for life with us. At 87 she is on the road with her book tour. I imagine that she can pack bookstores with crowds once you start hearing her speak. Why? Well the humor that she has in her book is a great start. But add that to the devotions that show us how and why life is amazing. I love that more so she reminds me of Ecclesiastes 3:4 ....A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. Yes, that is what I need to do....remember that there is always time to DANCE. Dance in joy, in love, in life. Time to put the mourning aside and live as he would have had me do. I still love you so, Mr. C.

******************************************************************************

Dare to Live: Devotions for Those Over The Hill, Not Under It! is a jolt of spiritual inspiration, a quick boost for your soul. Rediscover God's grace, hope, and power for living—regardless of your place or age in life. In Dare to Live, 87-year-old author Elizabeth Van Liere leads readers through a thirty-day journey to a fuller understanding of what it means to "season slowly with a mighty and loving Savior." This journey pursues a life characterized by relevancy not regret, generosity not grumpiness, and compassion to the end. These quick shots of instant inspiration might be just what you need to keep going. Whether new to the faith or a lifelong follower of Christ, readers old and young will discover the joy of what it means to be transformed into the image of Jesus and used for His purposes to the very end.

Chocolates Are Yummy, But God Is Sweeter (from Dare to Live, Devotions for Those Over the Hill, Not Under It) So then whatever you eat or drink or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31 (Amplified) What is the first goodie to disappear on a dessert table during the fellowship hour at church? Anything chocolate—especially brownies. Ask those among you who is a chocoholic and hands are lifted high with the enthusiasm of a praise and worship band. And happy day! I just read, “Dark chocolate is good for you.” Those words push aside my guilty feelings when I let a piece of chocolate slowly melt in my mouth. It’s not so much the one piece I savor. It’s when I buy a box of chocolates. Not a huge box—no more than a double layer of brown nuggets. One of my daughters-in-law can buy a Hershey’s candy bar and eat one square a day. Not me. I open the box … slowly inhale the aroma … linger over the choice. Will it be a chocolate-covered caramel, a chocolate-covered truffle, or a crunchy chunk filled with nuts? I snatch the truffle and shut the box. Moments later the lid is off again. Just one more piece, then I’ll stop. Sin is like my addiction to chocolate. To live as God wants me to live, especially in light of His grace, requires that I develop self-control in all things—including chocolate. Paul tells us we are to glorify God at all times. This includes eating, drinking, working or playing. “I will not be mastered by anything,” Paul told the church at Corinth. Chocolates are only one of God’s gifts to us. Gobbling one piece after another means the object masters us instead of our being the master, just as overindulging in anything can rule our lives. God’s sweetness is more important than craving for chocolate. Do you suppose a chocolate obsession reveals a soul that is weak and easily led astray?

Prayer Heavenly Father, You know I cannot keep my hand out of the box of chocolates by myself. I need Your help. So let my eyes skip over the sale at Walgreens for chocolates. Keep my eyes on the road ahead instead of to the side where Stouffers beckons. Grow self-control in me in everything, so all I eat, drink, or do glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Step Further Proverbs 25:16; I Corinthians 9:24-27
Building Blocks of Faith Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Questions Why do I feel I can indulge myself just because I’m elderly? Does it really matter if I take four pieces of candy instead of one?

Author Bio Elizabeth Van Liere Elizabeth Van Liere ‘s first story, “The Early Bird,” sent in with numerous mistakes, was published by Child Life in 1961. Since then, with much learning, her inspirational articles, poetry, children’s stories, and devotionals have found homes. Now, some fifty years later, at age 87, her first book is available: Dare to Live, Devotions for Those Over the Hill, Not Under It. Elizabeth’s husband died in 1991, but she kept busy helping her daughter raise four sons. Others in her family: three sons, ten grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren. She loves the chance to visit them all, in Colorado and from California to Virginia, North Carolina, Florida and Germany.

Grand Prize Giveaway $32.95 Value Dare to Live Gift Box Local (Durango, CO) products from Honeyville Ummm! I can taste those luscious pancakes already and oh, that bumbleberry syrup! Or how about some hot, golden corn bread—topping each piece off with some Jalapeno jelly! The grand prize winner will receive a gift box from Honeyville that includes: Whole Wheat Pancake Mix Bumbleberry Syrup Corn Bread Mix Jalapeno Jelly. Just leave a comment below and tell me what is your Dare to Live moment in life? Easy to enter right? Then make sure to invite me over for breakfast too!

College Girl Making Out Like a Bandit

It has been a nice weekend. College Girl is here this weekend visiting. That is code for time for her to come home and do laundry. No that is not all she is doing. Actually this is where she seems to decompress the best. And I take that as a very high compliment. Yesterday we started the weekend with a girls luncheon at our local Mexican cafe. College Girl was able to visit with her sister, the pretty KT, and catch up with her Other Mother, JenJo. It was great to have some time that we all could just chat and laugh. Princess Emma dropped in after school to see her sissy. Poppa did the same after work too. But they did not stay for dinner. Poppa has been fighting off a cold.

It is not too bad thanks to the Cold-EEZE spray. He has used the lozenges before. But says he loves the spray better. It seems to kick in faster and go to work even quicker. Have you ever used Cold-EEZE? It is a great way to ward off a bad illness. You start taking it at the first signs of a cold. Cold-EEZE reduces the duration and symptoms of the common cold including cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, post-nasal drip and hoarseness. It actually shortens your cold to help you get well sooner! Then last night it was family night hanging out at our local DQ for burgers and blizzards. I love the new pumpkin pie blizzard and am waiting for the egg nog one during the holidays. Family is so very important. Those every day moments are what builds the foundation for the trying times we have to help each other out.

Today it was time for coffee, hanging out and playing games. Wii challenges between each other had us cracking up. Then it was time to fix a family favorite, breakfast rice and coffee. I was able to use my new Krups rice cooker for the first time. Oh that was so easy easy easy to do! Love it! Of course there was chores such as the a fore mentioned laundry. We have had a lil rain so it was time to cut the weeds down too. No we don't seem to be able to grow grass only weeds. College Girl was out there for her first mowing lesson too. But before she started mowing I had her take some USANA’s Booster C 600. It is the perfect solution just for those times when you feel your immunity needs a little boost. What sets Booster C 600 apart from other immunity supplements on the market is its special blend of immunity-supporting ingredients. I know she has had a really hard week and I did not want her system to get zapped. She has to keep going for the different plays at the college theater.

We also were happy to pass on a couple of items to help College Girl out in her apartment. You know that space is at a minimum when you have to share an apartment with a roommate. And that you have to be careful not to damage the walls and such. So having those lil extras that help out here and there always make College Girl happy. First I had a Zip 'n Hang for her bedroom door. With winter coming up I know she has to have a jacket or sweater ready when she is dashing out. And the back of the door is a great place to have one ready to grab. But putting up a nail is a no-no when you have to pay for any damage done to the walls and doors of an apartment. And the over the door hangers have to have so much space on top for them to fit. But this lil gadget is great with out doing any damage. You just pull out the lil nylon cords, hang them over each door corner and then zip it up to the height you want it to be at. The back of the Zin "n Hang has a protective cover so it will not scratch up the door either. She can put on either the lil hook for a light jacket or the big hook for her back pack and coat. I love that this will help her out and be able to travel with her from home to home too.

And talking about hanging, we also have a boot hanger, from the Boottique, for her closet. College Girl has a pair of beautiful dress boots. I love them. But storing them in the bottom of her closet they flop over and get all damaged. If she keeps them in the box laying flat it takes up so much space and is always getting kicked. Now she is able to hang them right up beside her favorite outfit. This helps keep the top of the boots nice and straight too. What a great idea and space saver. It makes me smile every time I can find a way to make College Girl's life a lil bit easier.

She is loving all the lil extras. I think that is part of what makes coming home for a weekend such a fun experience. Always wondering what mom has come up with next. I admit I look for things that are just right for each of my kiddos. Isn't it always those unexpected finds that make you squeal with delight? Well I have one more for her to take back with her. You see last year College Girl took a yoga class. She loved it! But this semester she is in swimming instead. Now that is great and very needed. You see she could not swim a lick before this. Now she says that she is not going to drown! I know that the stress of classes, grades, theater and all the plays gets to her. She needs to be able to compress still. And since she loved yoga so I thought it would be great to give her a special DVD on yoga skills. I really love the one I found for it is actually for middle school students and teens. I find that often when you have that level it is easier to understand and then add to your regular routine. This DVD is a first in a series, Yoga Skills for Youth Peacemakers, and will be part of an VOD platform. You can get it after November 8th in retail stores. It was developed by renowned youth yoga expert, Abby Wills, MA. The program integrates a series of movements, breathing techniques and practices that facilitate inner calm, positive attitude and a strong, healthy body. Practicing with SHANTI GENERATION helps cultivate body awareness, flexibility, concentration, stress reduction and self-expression. Exercises are demonstrated by Abby’s students and set to positive grooves created by 311 bassist, Aaron Wills (aka P-Nut).

Well this is a great weekend. College Girl is currently through with the mowing and is digging around in her storage room. I wonder what all she will find in there? So far I have seen a coffee maker come inside and the base to a table. I heard her say she found the books she was looking for too. I guess I should go and look with her. If not it is likely that tons will make it back inside the house. You know how that goes. So thanks for the great visit. I loved hanging with you too. Pop on back in tomorrow and we will see what else is going on. Later!

Striiv-ing To Be the Best Me Possible

The Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, CA a...

Well I am getting back on track. I have been to Curves everyday this week so far. Pretty good! I have
also walked across the Golden Gate bridge. Oh and climbed 100 steps. And walked 4 miles while exploring the beaches of Cannes. I even helped to conserve a parking size spot of the rain forest for a whole year. All of this from right here in my own lil home town at that! Amazed? Well I was!

I used a new lil tool called Striiv to help me accomplish all of this. Now I could do a lil of this by charting steps and all with a pedometer. But that takes a bit of time. Instead I used my Striiv and it did it all for me! Think of it as a super charged up pedometer. This lil beauty helps you stay on track while giving back too. My favorite thing is just that....my steps can help conserve the rain forest, provide clean drinking water and much more. By downloading my steps onto the Striiv.com website, those steps are matched with company donations to fit in the charity you choose to support.

There is also daily challenges you can take. Like walking across the Golden Gate bridge or climbing the Eiffel tower or strolling across the beaches of Cannes. I can also grow my own lil rain forest with the games that are included. All by just taking the daily steps and charting them with a push of a button. Even cooler? This lil baby will recognize when you are climbing stairs, jogging or taking a stroll with the TruMotion technology . And mark your achievements accordingly. “Fitness and health are top-of-mind today. But for many people, especially moms juggling careers and family, finding time for exercise is hard to fit in to a busy day,” says David Wang, CEO and co-founder of Striiv. “We’ve combined charities, gaming, and personal challenges with cutting-edge technology to create a seamless way to motivate physical activity. We’re building a playful and inspiring ‘movement around movement’ so that fitness now fits throughout your day.”

Spooky Buddies Giveaway

Princess Emma is so happy that Disney's loveable Buddies are back in the spine-tingling movie caper SPOOKY BUDDIES. Oh and look at Princess Emma's favorite puppy, Rosebud. Of course a princess pup, what could be better? This time they are embarking on a journey to save the world from Warwick the Warlock and the Halloween Hound. Spooky Buddies celebrates friendship, courage, and teamwork. And they are just in time to help us celebrate Halloween with some games and treats for our puppies here at home.

First off let's have some fun with this A-MAZE-ING Maze! Can you find your way out? I tried and never did. Help me out. Or better yet let the kids do this one!

Next we can share with the pups. Get your favorite “Buddie” into the Howl-oween ‘spirit’ with these dog-gone tasty doggie biscuits!

BAT-SHAPED DOGGY BISCUITS

ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup hot water

1/3 cup margarine

1/2 cup powdered milk

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons sugar

1 egg, beaten

3 cups whole

wheat flour

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 325° F.

2. In large bowl pour hot water over the margarine, stir until melted.

3. Stir in powdered milk, salt, egg then add flour 1/2 cup at a time. Knead for a few minutes to form stiff dough.

4. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out flat to the thickness of a pancake.
5. Cut your biscuits using a bat-shaped cookie cutter.
6. Place biscuits 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
7. Bake 325° F for about 50 minutes.

8. Remove and cool.

Now for the best treat of all! Disney and Click Communications is giving away one DVD/Blueray of Spooky Buddies to one of my loyal readers! Yeah, you can have this to share with you own lil trick-n-treaters.

And if your not the lucky winner then go pick up a copy for the parties this weekend.

How to enter? Just watch the clip below and then leave me a comment. Tell me which was your favorite Halloween costume that you saw. This can be on one of the 'buddies' or one of the kiddos. And extra entry? Well tell me what you or your kiddos are going to be dressed up at this Halloween. That's it. Easy as can be! Good luck.

Good Things All Over

I am finally back home! Yippeee. It has been a busy two weeks and I had to use yesterday to get caught back up around here. Sweeping, mopping, dusting, wiping down...the such of life.

So what do I wanna share with you? Humm, how about a lot of lil triva?

Lunch today?
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Bites
Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 10 mins Total time: 30 mins Serves: 16 bite-sizes
Chicken spread with cream cheese and jalapenos, rolled and wrapped with bacon, then grilled.
Ingredients
8 chicken tenders, flattened and cut in two
3-ounce package softened cream cheese
1 can of jalapeno peppers
8 slices bacon, cut in half
Directions:
Dab 1/2 teaspoon (more or less) of cream cheese on top of each chicken tender. Add one pepper slice over cream cheese. Fold or roll chicken to enclose cream cheese mixture. Wrap each roll with one piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Grill until bacon is brown and crispy on both sides.
Notes:
Be sure to wear plastic gloves when handling jalapenos. The oil will attach itself to your hands and is not easily washed away. An inadvertent swipe of the hand close to your eyes could be an unforgettable experience. Turkey bacon is also leaner. Try flattening meat inside a zip-lock bag as pictured above. No flying pieces, no contamination on your cutting board from the chicken, and cleanup is super easy.

I have two new pair of glasses from two different companies. One pair came from Coastal Contacts and the other pair from Eye Buy Direct. I loved Coastal Contacts for the quick service and for me getting what I asked for. But I could never find a way to order my glasses with a prism on them that I needed. Eye Buy Direct was forever long, several issues to get them completed and had to change the style due to the prism needed. But they did turn out as the right script I needed. And I find I really love the pink glasses best. What do you think is best?

These are from Eye Buy Direct. Gosh do you see all the gray hair showing up in my hair? EEEKS! Eye Buy Direct have a buy one get on 50% off til November 7th. These can be two different scripts too!

These are from Coastal Contacts. Yeah this hides the gray better. Coastal Contacts is offering for you to get ANY frame AND lens upgrades for 50% off from now until October 30th with code SAVE50!

What else? Oh I won a rice cooker from Krups facebook page. I love it of course. And that it has an oatmeal setting on it is even cooler for me! I am crazy for oatmeal as well as rice. And there was a recipe book included too. I can't wait to try some of the goodies listed in there. Dear Hubby wants me to do the Moroccan Lamb and Apricot Tagine soon. This uses the slow cook button on the cooker. And College Girl is just drooling over the steam button for her fresh veggies. Versatile? You bet you cookies it is. They just finished a giveaway for a milk frother too. I am waiting to see if I am twice as lucky. Of course I entered to win. Watch to see what they are doing next on facebook!

Oh and on Klout (your doing Klout right?) I had a sample of AXE Hold & Tough spiking glue sent to me. It smelled great but I have not tried it. I gave it to my future son-in-law for him to try out. I am waiting to see what he thinks about it. I know he loves AXE products. Klout is great for networking with you social networks and sharing with friends. And of course they have ways of trying out lil things here and there too with Kout Perks. You might just wanna join in the fun there!

Wait one more....look at these wonderful cups my friend from Ohio is sending to me. Aunt Rene showed them off on facebook for sale. I begged right off for them of course. Wouldn't you? Tracy.....Crazy Suburban Mom....eat your heart out!

Well what good things are happening to you? Share with me. Tell me as it always lifts my spirits to see the great ways life treats us good.

Giving & Getting

Well I am still out here at the lake house sitting. This is the second week of a two week stint. And I have to say it is peaceful as can be here. Quiet too. No cars or loud sounds unless you count Dear Hubby snoring at night. I am so blessed to have these chances to help someone else feel comfort that their home and animals are safe while they are away. It is an enjoyable way to get away too for those 'staycations' that I am growing quite fond of.

But at the same time I am not home where I can play with my own pets that I so miss. Dear Hubby has been going by every evening after work to see them. And Granny M is at home too. Still not the same for me. So tonight I get to pop home for a hour and play with them for a bit.

Anywhos.....I thought today I would share some savings and ways to help others too. What did I find today? Well there is free pumpkin carving stencils on the BHG website. I love the way they look. But do not forget to get a fresh pumpkin to make my homemade vanilla pumpkin soup. It is so fab.

And on Twitter and Facebook Krups is giving away a KRUPS milk frother. So great for those lattes My fall favorite is a Chai Pecan that I make up myself. What flavors do you adore. Years ago my home burned down. It was a total loss. My friend showed up with an expresso machine first thing as he knew of my love of coffee. Also the church gave me a coffee maker right off the bat too. You know how much that kept me up and going during a hard time.

Also you can help raise money to help end domestic violence with just a click of a button. Become a fan of Mary Kay on facebook and Mary Kay Inc. will donate $1 to the Mary Kay Foundation to help end domestic violence. They are doing this for every new Facebook fan during the month of October up to $1 million. Now that is a worthy click if I say so myself.

Oh and this should have been top of my list because I felt it was just perfect. Today I was watching America's Next Top Model. Yeah, light but still. I noticed that the girls there were not at all perfect. Many way too thin. Acne on their faces after so many times with the makeup for shots. Plus size models and those who had odd shapes in chins, noses and the such. It was there I saw again that it is the differences that make us beautiful. We are all different in some way. Many ways we can not see too. Like I am a plus plus size woman. But you do not see the disability I have of mental illness from the outside. And that is sometimes hard for me to know. Others can see it when someone has a physical difficulty like my father-in-law who has only one leg.

The thing is how do we teach our children to embrace these differences? Princess Emma about knocks Grandpa W down when she tackles his one leg in an all body hug. He has managed to stay upright so far. But she does not worry about his difference. As she is not worried that when she did her first Fun Run at school she was the chunky one. And that she started off the race as the very last either. But she gave it her all and gained a spot even. Never stopped running either when some others did.

So I am thrilled that I am going to get to share Robert Kroupa's book 'Just Like You' with her and the grandbabes. It is a great tale that helps kiddos understand about being happy with their differences as well as help the kiddos around them celebrate too. This book was released this month and has amazing art by first time illustrator, Hannah E. Harrison, to show the story off. You will rally with Boris and Henry who are shunned and bullied by the other characters because they are different. Til they are able to help in their own special ways when disaster hits Piney Forest. This book is part of the Just Like You Foundation where 100% of the profits of the sale of this book will go to charity. The best part is you can pick the charity you wish to support from your purchase of the book. Pretty cool, huh? Yeah I thought so too. I thank the Just Like You Foundation for sharing with me too. It is really nice to know that I can have a way to explain my own disability to my grandbabes so they can understand and still just see their Nonnie.

Shush, Don't Tell Her!

Do you like retro TV? For me that would be The Waltons or The Dick Van Dyke Show. But for College Girl it means Nickolodeon. She has many favorite shows from growing up. Many that did not do it for me at all. Gotta be an age gap thing.

Anytime I find some of these shows for her she is so happy. I found her several already but now I have her Christmas gift. It was released today. Shush! Don't tell her, okay?

I am sticking Season 1 Disc 1 of CatDog under her lil purple tree this year. Did you ever watch this one? Featuring the first 10 episodes from the show’s premiere season, CatDog: Season 1 - Part 1 follows the adventures of the feline-canine brothers Cat and Dog, conjoinedtwins, who adore and irritate each other like fleas. This is a tale of opposites attached starring CatDog, the most unlikely brother duo ever seen. The conjoined brothers love each other yet they are so different, they can’t help but annoy themselves silly with their contrarian activities. Prim and proper, Cat is the very definition of culture, while Dog is the ultimate tail-wagging, sofa-jumping, car-chasing roughneck. But despite their very different personalities, CatDog are the best of friends, sticking to one another — literally — through thick and thin, even when it comes to facing off against their devious neighbor Winslow and the rough ’n’ tough gang of Greaser Dogs!

If you wanna grab a copy then pop over to Shout Factory! They were nice enough to make sure I had a copy.

Win Your Sexy Halloween Costume

What are you going to be for Halloween? Let's see what

has that can turn up the volumn? Guess what? Eden Fantasys won the award for Online Retailer of the Year. They are celebrating their win and Halloween at the same time. EdenFantasys is giving you a chance to win a sexy Halloween costume. I know I have looked at several already. And there are plus sizes too ladies. What are you wanting to be?

I like the Flapper

$38.39~~$47.99~~

And there is always time for one more with the Lager lass

$39.99~~$49.99~~

Wanna fly the friendly skies? Take it away with Retro stewardess

$31.19~~$38.99~~

Oh and if you don't win then it is okay. Why? Well they are doing 20% off of their costumes right now. So you can still get that special outfit you have had your eye on. Just what would you pick out? This one makes me think of Abby on NCIS. She sure is a fav with Dear Hubby.
Gothic Schoolgirl

$43.99~~$54.99~~

Now what're you waiting for? Go enter the giveaway!
1st Prize: Your choice of one of thier in stock costumes!
2nd Prize: A $50 gift card to EdenFantasys
3rd Prize: A $25 gift card to EdenFantasys

Head on over to EdenCafe and submit your entries today. Multiple ways to enter! Contest ends at 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, October 23th. Winner will be announced on their blog on Tuesday, October 25th. Good luck!

All the happy I can get!

It has been a rough week for me. And I apologize to you for my absence. Just hard for me to function. This is where I have a hard time discerning between what is morning and what is depression. One can slip into the other so easy. But I am trying my best to look at the rosy side of life. What is your way of getting past the mishaps of life? How do you bring yourself back up?

Well I am going to try to see what are the good things that has happened in this last few weeks? If I can list them then I can try to see the silver lining.

Hummmm? Dear Hubby's feet are not hurting him That is really good as he is not walking in every evening limping. That usually ends up in him crashing on any soft surface and not moving the rest of the evening. We found some inserts called Happy Feet at the Pow Wow this year. They were a bit costly for our budget but we thought if they really worked then it would be well worth it in the long run. And they have a one year warranty too. He says they feel weird at first 100% glycerin filled insoles but he could tell a difference in no time at all. And they are made to fit in his flip flops too. Yeah are made in Florida where everyong lives in their sandels. I love that they have kept him up and moving. He comes home and helps me out with chores and has gone for a few walks too! Something has to doing right for that to happen! If you want to try some then go to HappyFeet.net and make sure to use the code 276 for $10.00 off. That would be a 20% savings.

What else? I have a way to sweeten up things and make it easy too. In the Ultimate Cake Mix Cookie Book there are over 375 cookie recipes that all start with a box of cake mix. I know I can pick up boxes of cake mix here for .97 cents pretty often. That sure is a savings than the flour, sugar, baking powder and such that I would have to have on hand. There are also egg and dairy free cookies as well as vegan. And sometimes we just need things to be a lil easier. I bet you can name a flavor and I could find it in here. But with it being fall and all I thought I would share one with you.

Pumpkin Softies

1 (18.25 oz) package of spice cake mix
2/3 cup canned unsweetened pumpkin puree
1 large egg
2 tablespoons vegtable oil
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup (1/2 a 16 oz tub) ready to spread vanilla frosting

Blend the first 5 items in a large bowl on low speed for 1 minute. Mix in raisns or cranberries with a wooden spoon.
Drop the dough by tablespoonfuls 2" apart on a oiled cookie sheet. You can then sprinkle with pecans if you wish.
Bake 10-13 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool cookies for a minute then drizzle with melted icing.

Oh and the best of this last few weeks? I can drink coffee and work on losing weight too! You knew that? Ok but are you enjoying the energy you get from Coffee FX? This is a healty alternative to my morning coffee. It helps me control my appetite and lose a lil too. College Girl likes it because it reminds her of the coffee energy drinks she is always buying at the convience store. Gosh to be able to fix that for her at home and not have the $3.00+ cost that those cans are would be great. I have really loved the taste. It is more of a nutty flavor than the heavy chicory I expected.

Well there are 3 things that have made me smile, feel better and helped relieve pain. I have to be really happy for that. I also appreciate the cookbook and coffee that was sent to me to review. The insoles I purchased with no extras involved. Tell me what is making you smile......cause God knows right now I need all the happy I can get!

A Difficult Transition

Thank you for allowing me time to grieve. It has been a hard week here. Today will be the funeral for Our Gentleman. He lost his fight on Tuesday. It has been so hard to function without his cheer and positive outlook on life. And just going from day to day we are constantly reminded of him.

I never did tell the story of Our Gentleman on here. He wanted his privacy so I respected that. But I feel it is important to learn life lessons. And his is one of ours.

At the beginning of 2011 we received a phone call looking for some help for a veteran. Dear Hubby is the Commander of the local AmVets post. We have had these calls before and been able to be there for different folks. This time they were looking to help get a motel room for a veteran. So off we went to get a room for the weekend.

Well in our visiting with this veteran we learned that he was all alone. He had been locked up for 20 years and was finally free. But he did not have contact with his family and had no safety net to help him get on his feet. He was looking to get his V.A. benefits started as well as his social security. At 66 years of age and no employment history for the last 20 years he was in quite a jam. Several times during the weekend we would stop by and check on what was going on. Come Monday morning he would be out on the streets all alone. We had already learned that he arrived in our town (used to be his hometown) late Friday night and had slept below a large oak tree. That is just not right for a older man to have to do.

Dear Hubby and I talked it over and agreed that we should help all we could. So Our Gentleman came to live with us. This was to be short term til he had his benefits and could get a lil apartment of his own. Alas in getting caught up on his medical he was diagnosed with cancer of the throat. By now he had become a part of us. Princess Emma loved to dance around him. Other Mother and Poppa would sit and talk to him by the hour. Not many a Monday night went by that we were not out for Cheap Pizza Night, all 8 of us if not more. Other Mother started doing the driving to take him for his treatments. And step by step we grew to be our own lil family.

We have been a family for 9 months. We thought we would be a family together for 20 more years. And now we are a family that is missing an important member. There was also the joy of him finding his grown children and ex-wife. Along with his niece and nephew and his brother. He was able to visit with them and share much of the past he had lost. Watching him learn all the new technology was fun too. He loved his cell phone as well as his laptop. It was a whole new world for him. Our Gentleman was kind, loving and knew how to impart lessons in a gentle manner. He had a great sense of humor and would often shake his head with a lil laugh loving that once again we shared our human nature. He taught me to look down the road and know that somewhere over the horizon was the next part of my life's journey. And that as long as I knew in my heart what I was doing was good that it did not matter what others believed.

He was able to connect on each level, weather it be Princess Emma at 5 years old or Granny M at 77 years old. Other Mother and I often shared private jokes that formed from his cancer treatments. But that helped him see that this was a step to recovery. Dear Hubby and Poppa learned more about caring for the earth from Our Gentleman's knowledge of farming he did at his fathers side. College Girl saw the humility in him. She also recognized that he had class, from the top of his pretty bald head to the tip of his birch cane that helped him get around.

So understand we have lost an amazing man. One that most did not know was even around. But that shared his life with us as we shared ours with him. I know that he would tell me not to cry. Not to be sad as we laughed way too much to lose that joy. I know he would be advising that I keep looking to the dawn of the day. And more so to make sure his hair looks good! I am going to miss our bald loving friend.

TGIF right at Home

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of T.G.I. FRiDAY'S for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Yes you have heard Thank God It's Friday before. And I bet you have also heard of T.G.I.Friday's That is a place that shares the fun of dining with family and friends. They also have food in the freezer section of our store. I had a lil yipee celebration due to them just this last Friday. I had a coupon for T.G.I. FRiDAY’S “Entrées for One” for one for free. I tried the Cajun Style Chicken Alfredo. It was great tasting, quick to fix and a large enough serving to fill me up. My Dear Hubby wanted to try it after hearing me rav about it. Since he often eats at work due to it being his busy season. I thought this would a great way to let him have a filling, yummy and still a healthy meal. He loved it. First it was Hubby proof. What do I mean? Well he is not always the best at microwaving. Still learning less is more there. But he also raved on the flavor. Why did I tell you this? Well the blessing of a free meal first off. The other is that they are having a Fun Freezer contest on their facebook page. They will be picking a winner this month. I love looking through the entries that entered. Just something that makes me smile. I know that the next one I am going to be trying is the Grilled Chicken Mac & Cheese.Now that sounds just like comfort on a dish! What would be your choice? Loaded Chicken and Cheese? Or how about the Prime Rib Stroganoff? Whoo that sounds too good to be true in a frozen meal. You would think we were living up style then.

Getting Out of Cell Phone Hell

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

We have been looking at cell phone services lately. My almost son in law has been here in Texas for 6 months now. But is still without a phone. With him working on a schedule that is always changing, it is hard for us all to know when he will get off work or how he will get home. Currently our daughter has her cell phone. So we wonder about what is best for him. Her service is tied in with her grandparents contract. Our College Girl is on our contract. But he is not sure if he wants that or to set up his own service. He knows how important it is for him to build positive credit. He has been looking at the Straight Talk program with The power of Android. He loves the idea that he will Feel Richer with Android and Straight Talk because it can cut his cell phone bill in half. You have to be crazy to be on a contract these days when you can get everything you need without one. And he can only imagine the amount of money he will save switching to Straight Talk. That is money he can save up for car of his own one day. Best of all, there are no contracts, no surprise bills and no credit checks. Great nationwide coverage and excellent reception/connectivity. Finally, Straight Talk only uses trusted phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung.

What are the benifits? Well there are all the apps and games you need. It comes with a smart phone with a smart plan, and as always, no contract. And gives you the power of Android phones, at only $45/month for unlimited use. He loved what all came with the plan.

• The “All You Need Plan” meets even the needs of heavy phone users with 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30 MB of web data.

• Unlimited Monthly service is only $45, and includes calls, text, picture messaging, and web.

• Imagine unlimited calls, text, picture messaging and web for a whole year, for only $499.00! That is less than $42.00 a month!

• 411 calls are included at no extra charge.

• Free from activation, reactivation, or termination fees

• Reconditioned phones are available from $10.00 with camera, mp3 player, mobile web access, and blue-tooth capability. Great for young users!

• Amazing smart phones; touch screen phones, and app capable phones with features like voice navigation, camera, video recorder, music player, instant messaging, and Bluetooth®

I think this may be the best bet for him. And it may work for someone you know. If you want more information on what these phones offer, please check out this YouTube video:

Grief overcomes me.

Temporary out of order.

Will be back as soon as I can.

New Treats, No Tricks

Well we are gearing up for Halloween here. It is not a big thing to me but of course all the kiddos love it. And Other Mother and Princess Emma really do it up well. I always have the bowl of candy and all but neighborhood trick or treating has really become non-existent. Most of the kiddos here go to the town square and the businesses have booths set up for them there. It is safe but sure does change the whole look of Halloween. Oh and it is not even dark when they are there! I understand all the safety precautions but, WOW, how life has changed. What was your favorite part of Halloween when you was a kiddo? The candy, dressing up, staying out after dark? Mine? The lil ol lady who put a bowl full of candy on her porch and left it for us. Honor system....sure. Never worked. We all took great big ol handfuls from that one! Or my favorite lil ol lady who always had a whole 6 pack of full size Hershey chocolate bars just for me! That is a Halloween haul in itself.

Of course I know that we have to adapt to the changes in the world. So I also am doing my part. This year I am contributing prizes to a Halloween party. Instead of just tons of tummy ache candy there will be door prizes, games with prizes for the winners and even a scavenger hunt. Since my own Grandbabes will not be here I thought that if I shared some prizes then it would be a good way for me to get into the spirit of giving. So what to share? Well of course we are adding in a big bag of mixed candy for the kiddos. But then we thought we would do some more original gifts. My first pick was Hand Vibes. Have you seen them? Well they are like the ever popular rubber bracelets but are rings instead. And each one has different words on them. Mine say "Groovy" "!Live!" and "Word". Another one has a heart on one side and a broken heart on the other. There are also hidden rings in the package that may have words on them as these do or could be rainbow, black or emoticon on them. Of course they are on Facebook like the rest of us. Great place to show off the ones you have.

Another one I am sharing is JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS: THE TRULY OUTRAGEOUS COMPLETE SERIES on DVD. This was a 1980's cartoon that played up on the girl power pop rock culture that was so popular. I know that I had it on so I could be-bop to the tunes with my lil girl. Yeah we know that us mom's watch all the cartoons too. Really try not to get the Phineas & Ferb soundtrack not stuck in your head! But Jem and the Holograms was like battle of the bands for kids. And the 1980's fashion was so much fun. I mean who does not want pink or purple big hair? Okay, I am a throw back. Well I bet that there will be others who will enjoy this now as much as we did then. Oh and I also have coloring sheets you can grab too! Wonder if you will get the crayons out to 'play' with the kiddos?

Now I also have three books to share with the party gifts. They are great mysteries that all take place in Scotland. Quite a change from the norm so I think that they will be great to explore. I love that I have one book great for girls, one great for the boys and one that will go either way very well. Cloudberry Castle is wonderful and one that Princess Emma would love for a bed time chapter book. In it Katie's family has inherited a castle. There is where Katie hopes to one day build her ballet school. But her folks are considering selling the castle. Katie starts finding out the secrets of the castle and things begin to get a lil mixed up then. But Katie's family, friends and her own goals helps her to unravel the mystery. She just hopes that she can get it all in time....before she loses her dreams.

We move on to Red Fever for the boys. Wow! Here a deadly virus is knocking off the people on earth. And Toby's sister has now come down with it. His family takes to the coast searching for a cure before it is too late. They battle the storms on the water, fight off pirates that are chasing them and encounter packs of dogs that are very very hungry. It seems that the odds are all against them. Toby does find that even thought his world has completely changed, his family has not. As a matter of fact they are getting closer still. But will the Red Fever get his sister before they can find a cure? Or will they lose out to all the adversity around them?

Last we have Rocking Horse War. This is the one for me. From magic to missing triplets to intrigue, you have it all. Set in the Highlands in the 1920's, Pearl is trying to find her siblings. They disappeared with only a few clues as to where they went. Teaming up with Thomas who she meets while she is searching it seems that he is the only one who may be able to help her. But is he looking for her brother and sisters or is he working on his own plans. Discovering a world of magic all around her, Pearl is fighting off magicians and the very land she walks hoping that there is a way to get everything back to the way it should be.

I love all three of these books. And think they will be great to add in for such a night full of spooktacular fun. What great alternatives to candy all night. Thanks to all who have let me review these items and share with me. As always, this is unpaid of course. But I did get lucky to actually have the books, rings and DVD sent to me to try out. Who could ask for a better hobby?

Truly Outrageous Jem and the Holograms painted earrings and cuffs (zacharypryor.wordpress.com)
A Fun Halloween Tote Bag Giveaway from Colortime! (Rafflecopter) (susanheim.blogspot.com)

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