Did You Catch Santa?

Imagine the look of wonder and surprise when a child receives a photo of Santa caught in the act in his or her very own home.  I think this is a cool idea.  And amazed at how it can be done now.  What a fun way to keep the idea of Santa going.  iCaughtSanta.com is a unique website that helps visitors create those memorable keepsake photos. 

In three simple steps anyone can upload a holiday photo, add Santa Claus and print it as proof… or share it via Facebook and Twitter. Last-minute shoppers can purchase Gift Cards and eGift Certificates for loved ones with children, making iCaughtSanta.com a great gift idea even if you don't have kids yourself.   Well, what are  you waiting for?

Merry Christmas! 

24 Clever Ideas to Make Life Easier

Why didn’t I think of that?  I bet you’ll be uttering those words more than once at these ingenious little tips, tricks and ideas that solve everyday problems.

Hull strawberries easily using a straw.


Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes.
Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or computer screen with WD40.


Stop cut apples browning in your child’s lunch box by securing with a rubber band.


Overhaul your linen cupboard, store bed linen sets inside one of their own pillowcases and there will be no more hunting through piles for a match.  I have always done this.


Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone & iPod in a bowl.  The concave shape amplifies the music.


Re-use a wet-wipes container to store plastic bags.


Add this item to your beach bag.  Baby powder gets sand off your skin easily, who knew?!


Attach a Velcro strip to the wall to store soft toys.


Use wire to make a space to store gift wrap rolls against the ceiling, rather than cluttering up the
floor.


Find tiny lost items like earrings by putting a stocking over the vacuum hose.


Make an instant cupcake carrier by cutting crosses into a box lid.


For those who can’t stand the scrunching and bunching: how to perfectly fold a fitted sheet.

I always needed to know this one!


Forever losing your bathroom essentials?  Use magnetic strips to store bobby pins, tweezers
and clippers, behind a vanity door


Store shoes inside shower caps to stop dirty soles rubbing on your clothes.  And you can
find them in just about every hotel.


A muffin pan becomes a craft caddy.  Magnetshold the plastic cups down to make them
tip-resistant.


Bread tags make the perfect cord labels.


Bake cupcakes directly in ice-cream cones, so much more fun and easier for kids to eat.


Microwave your own popcorn in a plain brown paper bag.  Much healthier and cheaper than the packet stuff.


Install a tension rod to hang your spray bottles.


Turn your muffin pan upside down, bake cookie-dough over the top and voila, you have cookie bowls for fruit or ice-cream.


Freeze Aloe Vera in ice-cube trays for soothing sunburn relief.


Create a window-box veggie patch using guttering.


Use egg cartons to separate and store your Christmas decorations.

This came to me in an email.  No I am not that clever on my own.  But I just had to share with you.  What one do you like best?

Great Meals

It is early morning here today.  The house is very quiet as everyone including all 7 dogs are asleep.  We have even managed to gain two more people throughout the night.  Yeah, my nephew and his friend needed a place to stop for the evening.  So here I sit, in a dark house, without coffee and think about my last few weeks.

Well last night went better than I expected.  Actually ended up with an early date night with Dear Hubby.  He took me to a local steak and fish place where we ate to our tummies were content.  Also tapped our toes and sang along with the band that was playing there.  Then home early enough to have time to still hang out with our family.  Never felt a bit of guilt that I had steak while they had sausage and eggs either!  Score one for me.

This last week has also been pretty special due to our friend Nessa from across the street.  She has been through several hard months and is coming out of her shell more.  In doing so she asked if she could make dinner for us several nights.  And of course, we said yes.  Two evenings we had pasta.  It was an experiment to compare a healthy organic whole wheat pasta to regular pasta and then also just another wheat pasta that is not organic.  We had our eyes opened as well as our taste buds.  The first meal was a family favorite of mac & cheese.  Same recipe for each just the pasta changed.  We used Jovial whole grain einkorn penne rigate for one and Skinners enriched shells for the other.  Wow, what a difference.  I did not realize before just how bland the enriched pasta was.  Jovial had a wonderful nutty taste to it.  Between the two the Jovial was more satisfying and filling.  The next night we compared Jovial whole grain einkorn spaghetti to a store brand whole wheat spaghetti.   At first eating just one strand of each I did not notice any difference.  But when I did several at a time then I found that same nutty flavor in the Jovial.  The other whole wheat was satisfying but did not have quite as much flavor.  This sure did open up our eyes to the benefits of using more organic and natural foods.  I loved when I looked at the ingredients on the Jovial, it read organic whole grain einkorn and water.  Yep, that was all it said.  Pure, right!  Oh you can also enter to win a trip to Tuscan at Jovial.  You have til the 20th to do it.  Until then, here is a recipe for you to try.

Whole Grain Einkorn Linguine with Roasted Pepper and Almond Pesto

Ingredients

2 large red bell peppers
8 ounces Whole Grain Einkorn Linguine
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup almonds, toasted
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Heat a grill or gas burner to high. Char the peppers on all sides, about 10 minutes total, and transfer to a paper bag until cool enough to handle.
3. While peppers are cooling, cook linguine for 11 minutes and drain. Return pasta to the pot off the heat.
4. While pasta is cooking, pulse together garlic, almonds and salt in the bowl of a food processor (or pound them to a paste in a mortar and pestle) until finely chopped. Then add the basil leaves and pulse again.
5. Remove peppers from the bag and peel the skins off. Transfer to a cutting board, cut in half lengthwise, and scrape out seeds and stems. Add peppers to the food processor and pulse until a paste forms. Drizzle in olive oil and lemon juice, and pulse until incorporated. Add cheese and pulse again. Season to taste with additional salt if desired.
6. Serve warm or cool.
7. Serves 4-6

Additional Tips

This pasta, somewhat of a hybrid between a pesto and a Spanish romesco sauce, stands on its own as a meal. But it would also make a beautiful side dish for a summer grill.  Thanks so Jovial for hosting this blog and sharing with us.

Related articles

• Jovial Foods Einkorn Pasta (lisacooking.com)
• Jovial pasta (glutenfreegirl.com)

What's in your Stocking?

Yes it is time for us to get down to the nitty gritty of Christmas.  The stocking!  What a funny yet time honored tradition.  As many have said,  It's the only time of year when we love to sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of our socks.  But I love picking out what goes in each stocking.

Do you have favorites every year to fill the stocking?  My mom always made sure there was an apple and an orange along with some whole nuts.  I use to always make sure there was a new toothbrush and toothpaste.  Hey, it was needed!  But now it is more specialized for each person.  


There may be a manicure kit for College Girl.  And puzzle books for Dear Hubby.  I include a book light for a reader or bath scrubbie for that young teen.  But the best always is the sweets.  My dad loves peppermint so we know to add that to his.  Granny M loves nuts but it is better out of the shell now!  And this year I want to get back a lil closer to natural.  So I am going organic with the goodies.

My pick?  For me, organic chocolate almonds from SunRidge Farms who was so kind to share with me.  I love almonds as it is, then add in my fav of chocolate.  Well how can you go wrong?  College Girl is doing more running and swimming these days.  So I feel that she needs a lil extra boost.  So she is getting the organic NutCracker Crunch.  A balanced blend of energy that will keep her light on her toes: hearty nuts and airy, crunchy, light and flavorful Organic Japanese Rice Crackers.  And of course Dear Hubby loves the flavors.  So I found him Tamari roasted mixed nuts.  All healthy choices while still having that special flair.  How can I go wrong?


Well what else to put in the stocking?  What has been your favorite surprises?  Any hints as to what else I can add.  Hurry as the clock is ticking!  

TGIF Movie Night

We finally made it to Friday.  Did you ever think this week would end?  I was beginning to wonder.  Of course we are on pins and needles over here.  You see, after today, Dear Hubby is off work for a whole week!  A vaca!  It is rare for him.  You see, he normally has to take them off for his surgeries and such.  Not to sound like a whining baby, but he has had some illnesses in these last ten years to deal with.  This is only the second time we have taken vacation time for relaxation on his schedule.  


Well we are going to kick off his TGIF opener with movie night.  Yeppers, got the popcorn, sodas and tons of candy all ready.  Pulled out the snuggies, lap blankets and throw pillows too.  Time to get some real lazing around done, don't you think?

We are starting of with a kid friendly movie.  A fav of Dear Hubby's and one to please Princess Emma.  (Her poppi is having hand surgery today and may be hanging with us.)  So we are going to start off with "The Garfield Show: Dinosaurs and other Animal Adventures".  Garfield has been a fav cartoon of Dear Hubby's since the 80's.  He even had a stuffed Garfield that went to the Navy with him.  So when we get a chance to enjoy that lasagna loving, dog fighting, lazy ol kitty then we are all curled up with him.  In this DVD we are going to join in on adventures from digging up dinosaur bones, working with farm animals and discovering life under the sea.  No stone is left unturned as Garfield takes us through the history of dogs, attends a pet show and even prepares to eat a pet goldfish! Being part of the animal kingdom has never been any more exciting!  Of course being the lucky souls we are this is a preview for us.  The actually DVD will be released on the 10th of January.  

Next we are going to move on to another family friendly and kid friendly show.  "A Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventures".   I love that this is based on the actual course of a sea turtle’s life.  Sammy was born on a Baja, California beach in 1959 and must do what his fellow newborn sea turtles are doing: race across the beach to the ocean before a seagull or crab captures them. Thus begins Sammy’s incredible fifty-year ocean journey.  Along the way he meets his best friend, a fellow turtle named Ray, and overcomes obstacles both natural and man-made while trying to fulfill his dream of travelling around the world.  Throughout his travels, Sammy never forgets about Shelly – the turtle he saved on his first day and loves passionately from afar.   I know many have seen this one but it will be a new one for me.  I can't wait to sit and enjoy it.  I love sea turtles and how graceful they are.  Carrying that big ol shell of a home on your back all your life yet living for such amazing long lives.  You can get this DVD on January 3rd!

Our last movie of the night will be a Thomas Kinkade Presents "A Mile in his Shoes".  I love that it had Dean Cain in it.  Do you remember him from  Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.   Based on a true story, A Mile in His Shoes is an inspirational film that celebrates faith, determination and the power of friendship.  Only a miracle can help baseball coach Arthur “Murph” Murphy (Dean Cain) and his losing minor league baseball team.  As Murph sets out to recruit new talent, he stumbles upon Mickey (Luke Schroder), a young farmer with an incredible pitcher’s arm. However, Mickey’s parents are reluctant in allowing him to join the team because he has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism.  Murph convinces Mickey’s parents that life in the minor league will benefit their unique son, but he doesn’t realize just how much his new recruit will help the team’s game and, more importantly, their spirit.   This show will be released on DVD on January 10th.  


I am so thankful to Vivendi Entertainment for hosting our family movie night.  Of course we are doing marathon movies today.  But you know some times you just have to indulge.  Hope you have a great evening and TGIF!

Unwinding with a Good Book

Hello all.  Today I started off with a great big ol cup of coffee doused with a shot of butterscotch schnaaps.  And boy did it hit the spot.  Lush?  Naw, just enjoying the small joys of life.  The Other Mother had popped over for our morning coffee routine.  We teased each other over a game of cards.  Then she had to go get Poppi for lunch.  Dear Hubby texted me with a hug, kiss and wink.  Also invited me out to a lunch date.  So happy to get out for a lil time alone.  We really enjoyed the Texas favorite of bacon wrapped, cream cheese filled jalapenos.


Granny M was happy that I did the last of her Christmas gift wrapping before lunch too.  She is all ready to go and visit her great grandbabes on Christmas day.  I know that she will have a wonderful time.  As for here, we are dealing with some much needed winter rains.  Glad to see it but have mud trails from all of the dogs needing to go in and out.  My broom and mop are getting quite a work out.  But the tree is up and unmolested so far so life is good.




I am looking forward to a late afternoon hot bubble bath though.  That is a wonderful gift to myself.  A time that I lock out the world and give in to indulgence.  Warm water with lovely scents to embrace me.  I also take me a book to help me unwind.  And of late I have been taking in my CD player and listening to my story.    Now that is the best way to really unwind.

Well of course I am going to share my latest reading joys with you.  The book on CD I am listening to is based on my favorite fairy tale, Cinderella.  In "Cinder" , a 16 year old cyborg, we see the time honored story with a great wicked twist.  Yes the step mother is a horror.  And there are the step sisters, prince and kingdom too.  But now we are on Earth that is currently crumbling under the devastation that has been plagued upon it.  You know how it goes in the sci-fi world.  Thankfully Cinder is a cyborg that has the ability to get things fixed up just right.  This brings in the notice of Price Kai.  And that is where the story starts to heat up.  Well not to tell you all of it, but let's just say the step mother messes up things, the step sister gets hurt and all of it becomes quite a mess before it all finds the right way of working out.  I am enjoying the twist and turns.  How the scientists get involved and find a new guinea pig (so to speak) that might just change how everything is being done.  Marissa Meyer is a great new writer and a fellow NaNoWriMo participant.  

I have had the book "The Crossings" by Serita Jakes (wife of T. D. Jakes) on my bedside table.  This novel is based in my lovely home state of Texas.  And it is about a murder mystery too.  So you know it is top on my to read pile.  It starts of with horrid shooting 10 years ago.  A gunman opened up fire upon a school bus coming home from a football game.  In the damage done the cheer leading coach is killed and the star quarterback is injured.  The gunman was never caught.  Years later the case is reopened.  Now we have our story.  You can read an excerpt of "The Crossings" here.  And you can hear what Serita has to say about her book here.  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

This book follows "What Women Fear" from Angie Smith.  This one hits home because I live in fear most of the time.  The self doubting of myself.  I do not know if this is just from my mental illness that I am always worried about what I do and how others perceive my actions.  Or just my messed up, oh my goodness what am I going to do fears.  But I do bet that most of us do just this at one time or the other.  Angie Smith does hit the nail on the head for me here though.  So many have said to just hand it over to God and all fears will go away.  But I do like that Angie knows it is not just that easy.  That there is work to be done on our part to let go of fears.  And she is willing to give ideas of how to do it. Whether it’s a constant “What if?,” or a nagging fear of abandonment or betrayal, Angie will walk you through every step and reveal how these strongholds can be broken and you can truly be transformed.   You can check out the trailer here.

With these last few books being of the Christian genre, it brings to mind my latest Chicken Soup for the Soul.  "Devotional Stories for Tough Times" is more apt today than in any other time for me.  Not that life has not had it's ups and downs.  But it is a constant struggle daily to figure out how to get all the bills paid, have food on the table and keep the household running.  Not that we are not frugal as ever but that times are just hard.  And I think this is a constant for most households these days.  See there is that fear issue again!  But I do like reading devotionals to help me both lift my spirits and to show me I am not alone.  It is also nice that each story has both a scripture at the beginning of it and a prayer at the end of it.  Sorta helps you see where your headed and to give thanks afterwards.  Struggles test us all, but you will find counsel and reassurance in these devotional stories of faith, strength, and prayer. This collection is filled with stories that show God's presence during times of trouble — from illness, addictions, job loss, grief, and much more — providing a boost and reminder of God's ever-present love. I find encouragement, solace, and hope in these personal stories and prayers.


Well this has been my reading list for December.  I think they have been quite appropriate.  And it is with great thanks that I give to the wonderful PR firms that help me find such books.  I am amazed at how well they know me.  And often contact me with just the right book for the place I am in at.  

That Perfect Card

My goodness how the time does slip by.  I am sure your just as busy at your home as I am here.  We have been doing all of the day to day life but add in the extra gotta get done too.  The poor yard was ignored all summer with the heat wave.  And now it has decided to rain.  The most lush yard of horrid weeds you ever did see has cropped up.  So as soon as it stops raining (which we do not really wish for it to do) it is time to drag out the lawnmower.  In December no less.


The Christmas tree has also been hauled out of the garage.  Dusted off and made to shine with the lights, garland, tinsel and ornaments.  Looks pretty okay to me.  And we took down many of our day to day knick-knacks and photos to put up Christmas decorations.  It looks good and so far doggie and kitty safe.  Of course we are keeping the gifts put up.  I can just see how they would all be torn up if they were out unguarded.  


And as always there are last minute gifts to wrap.  You have that at your home don't you.  Something that caught you attention at the last moment.  Or you found in the back of the closet where you hid it last April.  Oh and I had to get some special cards out.  Yes, we have the traditional Christmas cards.  I am a recycler in the worst way.  I use the ones from last year to make tags for my gifts this year.  Honestly!  But I have 3 special cards from Blue Mountain Arts that I just have to share this season.  


One if for my niece who is having to really pull up the boot straps and get down to the nitty gritty in life.  Her husband left her this fall with 3 young girls and no job, car or cash.  Well she did not waste any time at all.  Got a job, found a rent house and is doing what needs to be done.  I know how hard it is on her.  But at the same time, so very proud of her hard work and determination.  In the middle of all of this muck and mire I want to remind her of how wonderful she is.  So I have one that tells her just that.  Some of what this card says is:


"Life can disappoint you sometimes,
and things happen that you didn't expect and don't deserve.
But I know the amazing person you are,
the beautiful dreams you have,
and the wonderful gifts you possess..."


It goes on to tell her how proud of her we are.  And that she is capable of doing much more than she ever expected to do.  More so that she is loved, honored and cherished.  I know it is just the right card for her right now.  


I also have a friend who does not celebrate the holidays in the manner we do.  But I love letting her know just how special she is to me.  Over 25 years of friendship is not to be sneezed at.  And lifetime friends are to be treasured.  So instead of the traditional Christmas card she is getting one of the Blue Mountain Arts cards.  These cards are the creation of Susan and Stephen Schutz.  A start up company 40 years ago that became a nationwide known go to greeting card to find the one that really said just the right thing.  I have always adored the water color art work on the cards along with the perfect poems.  “We are proud to launch our new Blue Mountain Arts Classics greeting cards,” said Susan. “These are emotions and messages about the most important things people are compelled to share with others. Lovely designs are captured in brilliant hues, printed on embossed Deckle cut paper to provide the finishing touch of a feathered edge. These are cards that people will treasure forever.”


The very best of the 3 cards I am sharing this year is the one I gave already to College Girl.  She is my solace, my soul within, my amazing awe.  And I just had to find a way to let her know how much I honor her, adore her and want to always be there for her.  Well of course, that is just what I found in the card for her.  (I told you this is the perfect card company.)   I hope they don't mind, but I just have to share this one with you.  Now remember these are copyrighted.  So please just read, don't use it!

For My Beautiful Daughter


I looked at you today and saw the same beautiful eyes that looked at me with love when you were a baby...
I looked at you today and saw the same beautiful moth that made me cry when you first smiled at me when you were a baby.  It was not long ago that I held you in my arms long after you fell asleep and I just kept rocking you all night long.  I looked at you today and saw my beautiful daughter--no longer a baby but a beautiful person with a full range of emotions, feelings, ideas and goals.  Every day is exciting as I continue to watch you grow.  I want you to always know that in good and in bad times, I will love you.  And that no matter what you do or how you think or what you say, you can depend on my support, guidance, friendship and love every minute of every day.  I love being your mother.


Well?  Isn't that perfect?  Well it is for us.  Especially with the rocking part.  She is 24 and to this day I can wrap my arms around her, rock and she starts to drift off.  You know it brought tears to my eyes and to hers. I am so happy to be able to tell her just how I feel in such a simple yet beautiful way.  


So what is the lil different things you do during the holidays?  Do you single out those very special people in your life and let them know they are honored?  Oh and just so you know, Blue Mountain has Christmas cards too!  Thanks so much to them for sharing with me.  It is also appreciated.

16 Days & Counting

Image by markaud via FlickrWell today was a swimming through Jell-O day.  Only two hours of sleep last night due to my silly illness.  Yeah, I know, it is ALL in my head.


I am glad to see that I have my presents wrapped finally.  As I said the other day, it was only 12 hours of work. Honestly, how do others get through this season sane?  I love the ability to share with my family and friends.  And I am thrilled that this blog here is such an amazing help.  (Hey, all that let me do reviews, YOUR APPRECIATED more than I can say!)  But it is hard for me to get it all going on unless I just play a whole day to sort and wrap.

There are some favorites.  I bet you would love to hear of my top for the kiddos right now.  Okay, I will share, but do not tell the kiddos.  You know about Old Mother Hubbard and that poor doggie.  Well I tell you she is not so innocent.  I checked her out and found that she had some cards hidden in her apron pocket. If  you don't believe me then check her out at Spudbottom.  I had to laugh at the Mother Hubbard hand puppet and the story around her. Old Mother Hubbard and her mischievous friends are making a come back this holiday season, thanks to Puppet Heap Playthings.   The company recently launched their first ever line of hand puppets – Mother Hubbard Among Others, a richly designed collection of hand puppets.   These fun, and playful puppets will make the perfect gift this holiday season for kids and adults.  I wanna keep mine as it makes me think of Granny M.  Puppet Heap Playthings is all about inspiring people to share through stories and play.  As such, the hand puppets combine traditional storytelling methods with modern technology to literally put the story in your hands. The first line of characters will be based on the Puppet Heap Moving Picture Company short films, “Mother Hubbard Among Others” and “I Knew an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly".  Each puppet will come with a unique code that will unlock a secret window into that character’s world at the Puppet Heap Playthings website.  

Next I have two books that I wanna share with the Grandbabes.  I am so hoping they will be here either Christmas eve or Christmas day.  We have never had that joy as of yet.  But with over 4 sets of grandparents it is hard to get to everyone.  And we are the farthest away.  If they can come then we could read the books together.  If not, then they will be added to their gifts.  I think that my grandson will love exploring "What Am I? Christmas".   This is a simple book that is great for the 3 year old with lift flaps to see what is hiding underneath that is part of Christmas.  Big bold graphics with just a hint of what is hiding makes this a fun book to share.  

And I could share my other new book with my granddaughter.  She is reading ever so well.  I know that she would be thrilled to read to her Nonnie.  And since she loves pets so very much, "The Christmas Pups" will be a wonderful story.  It starts off sad learning how they were abandon on a cold wet night.  Thankfully they are found and taken to a local shelter.  With help from an older dog they learn the ropes.  The two boy pups decide to do all they can to help their sister pup get adopted for Christmas.  I great ending and makes me think of all the animals out there looking for their forever homes.  A great story and the paintings are heart warming.

For my youngest step daughter and her beau, we are sharing a gift that will be perfect for them and their doggies.  Currently they all share our home but I know in time they will be looking for a home of their own.  And with big dogs, one is a Great Pyrenees and the other is a Silver Labrador.  Sadly one was hit by a truck and is now a three legged dog.  Well it is hard for a big dog with only three legs get down to the low food and water bowls.  So instead they are getting the Neater Feeder as their Christmas gift.  The Neater Feeder is a revolutionary one-of-a-kind stylish feeding system for cats and dogs that contains spills and splashes. The two-part container allows food to stay in the top reservoir while water naturally drains into the easy to empty lower reservoir, protecting floors from stains and damage and making clean-up a snap! It has extension legs so that it can be a tall feeder which is what makes it perfect for these two dogs.  Since it has beautiful finishes including bronze and cranberry so that the pet dish doesn't take away from the home's decor.  There is also free shipping on all orders!  


I had the Ben 10 Ultimate Alien DVD for my kiddos to enjoy this summer.  Well now I am adding in volume 4 "The Wild Truth" to the collection.  In the latest installment of Ben’s adventures, a new alien named Ultimate Wildmutt, who packs an unmatched punch and menacing roar, comes to town to help the team as old enemies resurface. Featuring 12 thrilling episodes from the Ben 10 Ultimate Alien series’ third season, and an Ultimate Alien Database, the 2-Disc DVD will be a hit.  College Girl grew  up with Cartoon Network and will remember so many of the shows on there.  And I know that the kiddos will all hunker down with popcorn, sodas, blankets and pillows for their own pajama party.  It does not matter if they are all 18 years old and older.  Put in one of the shows they grew up with and all of sudden they are all 13 once again.  I bet that seeing Ben 10 will have them all remembering Friday nights, pillow fights and popcorn fights.  Thankfully they are all old enough to clean up the mess now.

And my last favorite gift this year is for the boy across the street.  He has a very active mind.  Always inventing and creating.  I love that about him.  Well since he is going to find a way to take things apart and recreate them into new ideas anyway, I thought that I would give him a lil help.  "Super Sneaky Uses for Everyday Things" is a book that was made for minds like his.  I know it will not be long before he will have a Sneaky Action T-Shirt and will be making up Sneaky Animated Nails too.  So many great ideas.  Inventor Cy Tymony can show people how to turn everyday objects and discarded leftover objects from around the house into valuable tools, toys, and devices .  Cy is a modern-day, real-life MacGyver – someone that people might liken to Mr. Gadget, Maxwell Smart, a mad scientist or a modern day scientific wizard -- only he’s the real thing.   In grade school, he defended himself against school bullies with the help of a spring loaded shocker hidden up his sleeve.  As an adult, he teaches and dazzles people of all ages everywhere with the remarkable demonstrations of ingenuity, imagination and creativity.   Pop over and see some of the things you can do with what you have right at home.


Well it looks like it will be a wonderful holiday.  I have to thank the many PR reps who have helped make it so too.  They are great to share the items above with me.  Making my Christmas list just a lil bit easier to fill.  I know that we are all looking for some of the last minute ideas.  Hopefully some of these may just be what your needing.

Whistle While You Work

Oh my Cinderella hands!  It has been days of scrubbing, sweeping and cleaning.  The spring cleaning hit in mid winter here!  You know what I mean.  Folks coming in for the holidays.  You turn on the 'bright' lights and see the dirt and smudge that you have been overlooking in the dark winter gloom.  Whew!  Time to get out the ol scrub brush and get on your hands and knees.

We have been doing the top to the bottom of the house.  And I hate to think how icky it is in some places.  When was the last time you moved  your stove or fridge to clean?  Pretty scary!  I do have to say that I am thankful for the Basic H cleaner from Shaklee.  Princess Emma was here and wanted to help.  Well I did not think twice about giving her the spray bottle and a rag and point to the floor.  She sprayed cleaner everywhere.  And with her delicate skin (she is allergic to all kinds of things) there was not any negative reaction.  Of course that is what I expected from Shaklee and the all natural products they create.  And dang if my floor did not sparkle when she was done.  Of course she was wet from the knees down but I was thankful for her willing spirit and helpful heart.

I also love use my Hot Pants while I have been cleaning.  Double duty here.  Both helping me stay warm in our low temps and helping melt off the dimples on my thighs.  It is wonderful to get the effects of exercise while working at home.  Hot Pants has a 2 week challenge on facebook.  They just want you to weigh and measure yourself first.  Then wear Hot Pants every day for 2 weeks.  Then weigh and measure again.  Great prizes for the most interesting stories.  I love that these stretchy shorts have been rubbing my thighs in the right way.  I am loving that they do double duty.  Keeping me on track of my at home exercise goals (helping melt off some of this weight) while also making my cellulite reduce in appearance.

Hey, I also had to get in the bathroom to clean.   ICK!  Don't  you hate cleaning the bathroom.  You know, behind the dreaded toilet and under sinks and that vent you forgot was in the ceiling.  This year the deep cleaning was easier though.  I used my Shaklee Basic H spray and my Scotch-Brite scrubbers.  The best being the Scotch-Brite Grout Scrubber.  Not only did it get the shower looking great, this was the easiest I have ever scrubbed base boards.  Was able to spray, scrub and wipe.  Whew!  Something that goes right makes me smile.  There was also the Non-Scratch Shower and Bath Scrubber that helped me reach without having to climb in the tub.  Great extension handle.  Hint Hint....it also worked for getting back behind the toilet to clean.  My mirrors are shining too with my Shaklee Basic H made up into a window cleaner and the Scotch-Brite Streak Free Mirror Cloth.  Hey, I told you I have been cleaning for days.  You believe it yet?

Oy-Vay!  You should have seen my hands afterwards though.  I mean dry and cracked.  No the cleaners were fine, it was just the constant washing of them and the cold weather.  I was happier after I slathered them down with Waxelene.  This is better than the chemically produced vaseline.  Waxelene does not have petroleum in it.  Instead using all organic soy oil and rosemary oil with beeswax and vitamin E oil.  I have to say, my hands soaked it all up and then some.  They have been so dry.  Cold weather always seems to do that to me.  I even had a crack on my elbow that would not heal up.  I used several other lotions trying to help.  And every time I put my elbows on the table (I know, bad manners) I would wince in pain and draw it back.  Finally I had a duh moment and then put some Waxelene on my elbow.  You know it worked!  The Other Mother loved it for protecting around her lip piercing.  Kept it from drying out.  I want to get some to my friend for her baby.  I just know this will be wonderful for the lil babies bum and diaper irritation.

Well I am getting things ready.   Now that the house is looking better I can start pulling out the tree and lights. Wow, so much to do in so little time.  It always happens, doesn't it?  But if I can continue with the help I have been getting from my family (they have been wonderful) then all will be set up this weekend.  I already finished a 12 hour gift wrapping session.  HONESTLY!  Will tell you about some of the goodies that will be under the tree soon.

Thanks to all the companies that have helped me.  Using the products you send has made my house sparkle and shine.  And also made me smile at the extra ease of use.   I am feeling better about the way things are going.  Now if I could only get this economy a good kick in the patootie and we all have a lil easier financial times too.  Oh and if Verizon ever gets off their lil hinney and gets my internet back up to spead, then I can load photos again.  Dang it!  They have really messed things up for me when they dropped my internet speed to snail movement.  I do not know why either.  Time for me to wrestle with them on a marathon phone call.  OHHHH not what I want to do either.

Creative Gift Idea

 
My friend is a wonderful artist.  Her photography always keeps we wanting to see more.  And right now she has a special set up for my readers.  Take the time please to check her out. 


In the meantime here is one of my all time favorites of hers.  

Extremely limited time offer! Your choice of images from the series listed below printed as a 16X20 or 20X24 wrapped canvas (keep in mind the image will cut slightly different than what you will see on the screen). Order your 16X20 for only $40.00 and the 20X24 for only $50.00 (plus shipping)! You won't find a deal like this for a very long time! Visit the different series to choose your favorite image. Place your order by sending Charity an email at jaydephoto@gmail.com with your name, address, and phone number, please list the series and title of the image you want as your canvas. All orders must be placed no later than midnight December 6th with payment due at time of order. Delivery should be in time for Christmas gifts! (Disclaimer: these are printed overseas and should arrive in my home about 2 weeks from order date, Charity will then sign each canvas for authenticity and ship them to you, She can not guarantee delivery before the 25th though.)

Tree Series http://www.flickr.com/photos/jayde778/sets/72157626542117762/
Flower Series http://www.flickr.com/photos/jayde778/sets/72157626541733522/
Farm Life Series http://www.flickr.com/photos/jayde778/sets/72157626541666886/
ABC Photography http://www.flickr.com/photos/jayde778/sets/72157626542071032/
Nature: Up Close http://www.flickr.com/photos/jayde778/sets/72157627173415751/
HDR Photography http://www.flickr.com/photos/jayde778/sets/72157628256060107/
Manmade http://www.flickr.com/photos/jayde778/sets/72157628256072981/
Nightlife http://www.flickr.com/photos/jayde778/sets/72157628256101519/
 
Payment will be through PayPal. I will send an invoice to your e-mail once I recieve your order. Be sure you make payment promptly so you don't miss out on this awesome deal.

Up Close and Personal with Nicole

I do quite a few book reviews here.  And often I have them from Tribute Books.  Nicole Langan is the founder/owner/operator there.  As a matter of fact she is the go to everything needs to be done and keep it all up and running gal.  You know the head honcho and gofer all in one.  I have loved working with her especially this last year.  She makes it so easy to have all the information I need to tell you about the book I am reading, information sheets, photos, dead lines...the works.  And Nicole also is supportive and shares a great sense of humor too.  So when I heard she was working on a new area for Tribute Books, I was happy to find out more.  Lucky me, I was able to get in a few questions with Nicole and can now share with you a lil about Nicole, Tribute Books and how they are moving into the young adult ebook area.

1. Since you are looking to work with established authors in the young adult ebook area, how would a new author go about catching your attention?

The first thing that I look for is if they have a well-followed, frequently updated blog, Facebook page and Twitter account. The second factor concerns the quality of the manuscript. Has it been professionally edited? Is it well-written? Is it free of typos and grammatical errors? Is the story engaging? Is it fast moving? Are the characters realistic and three-dimensional? 

2. I see that you and hoping to have 12 new authors this year (a new one each month).  Are  you looking to have a different genre of young adult book each month?  If so what is your favorite areas to promote.  What is most successful?

I am pretty wide open when it comes to the specific categories of the young adult genre. But I do have a slight preference for paranormal romances due to their popularity. Personally, I love historical fiction as a break from the modern high school narrative. 

3. It has been wonderful to meet some amazing writers while doing blog reviews for Tribute Books.  How has it changed the direction of Tribute Books in the last few years to have so many new authors writing about local history and events?

Since 2004, we have worked with historians in publishing non-fiction works about the Scranton, Pennsylvania area where we are based. Unfortunately, the market for these titles is limited. In order to compete in the marketplace, the transition needed to be made in order to broaden our overall readership. 

4. Nicole, you and your mother work side by side daily running Tribute Books.  What helped you start this business together?

My mom, Mary Ann, is retired. She is an avid book reader so she decided to start her blog, Tribute Books Mama (http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com) about a year ago to help spread the word about the titles we have for sale and the publishing opportunities we have to offer. 

5. And when shall we see a book from your own writings?  (I have often heard that there was a book in every publisher too!)

I hope someday before I die that I will find the courage to write a book, and that when it comes time I will have something meaningful to say. The idea is always in the back of my mind, but for the time being I thoroughly enjoy working with authors and providing them with the support and encouragement they need to succeed. 

I encourage young adult writers to visit (http://www.tribute-books.com/publish.html) for more information about our submission process. We also offer blog tours for those wishing to promote their published work (http://www.tribute-books.com/blog_tours.html).

We try to keep an active online presence with our web site (http://www.tribute-books.com/), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks)  and blog (http://tributebooks.blogspot.com/). In 2012, we'd love to have anyone who loves young adult literature to join us for the ride. 

Related articles

• An Interview with Nicole Langan, Founder of Tribute Books (susanheim.blogspot.com)

Close Encounters of the Moose Kind

Close Encounters of the Moose Kind By Linda Rondeau   I gasped as the gigantic mound stepped from the woods into our path, heads taller than our compact car. My husband swerved and we missed the animal by inches. “Was that a moose?” my husband asked.   I laughed.   “What’s so funny?”   “My heroine’s life is changed when she runs into a moose.”   We both giggled over God’s sense of humor.   That we found ourselves on the back roads of Franklin County at four in the morning was in and of itself God’s doing. I hadn’t planned on attending the ACFW Writers Conference in Minneapolis. “If I final in the contest then I’ll go,” I told my husband.   I did final, and my words haunted me.  And so once again God changed my plans to fit into His. In rural upstate New York, flight connections often require a pre-dawn departure, and we had taken the country road to save time.   I shared my moose tale with a writer friend who laughed her prophecy. “That moose was a smile from God. He has plans for this manuscript.”   As time went on, God continued to smile affirmation after affirmation even through a dramatic relocation to Florida. Then, eleven years from the day that I felt God’s call to write professionally, my agent called with the news—a publisher had offered a contract. “It’s for Dawn’s Hope, but the editor wants to change the title to The Other Side of Darkness,” she said.   I did agree the alternate title sounded better and trusted the editor’s choice.   Yet, it wasn’t until later that God revealed His hand had been in the making of the book long before the first words were typed, long before I imagined my character’s accident, long before He sent a moose to confirm He would soon fulfill a promise made to me over a decade ago.    During a speaking engagement at a local women’s meeting, I shared my journey from call to call, reading a poem I wrote that very day God pulled me from one life to set me on another, one undefined and uncertain. I had obeyed His leading and He immediately gave me a poem, “The Song of Peace.” As I shared the poem with the women’s group, my eyes misted when I read the line, “Praise the Lord when Hope seems foolish…There is light on the other side of darkness.”   Could it be that even then, God was smiling on a book not yet imagined? I believe He did.   Author Bio

Linda Rondeau Award-winning author, LINDA RONDEAU, writes for the reader who enjoys a little bit of everything. Her stories of redemption and God’s mercies include romance, suspense, the ethereal, and a little bit of history into the mix, always served with a slice of humor. Walk with her unforgettable characters as they journey paths not unlike our own. After a long career in human services, mother of three and wife of one very patient man, Linda now resides in Florida where she is active in her church and community.  Readers may visit her web site at www.lindarondeau.com.

The Other Side of Darkness by Linda Rondeau   PUBLISHER: Harbourlight Books ISBN-10: 161116138X ISBN-13: 978-1611161380 PRICE: Paperback: $16.99, Kindle: $5.99   Available at: Pelican Book Group Amazon

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