Archive for April, 2014
I’ll admit it, I am a big cry baby, I used to cry at the drop of a hat, but then again I’ve had a lot to cry about over the years. My husband, not so much. I can count on 1 hand just how many times I’ve seen him cry and I think the number may be close to if not zero, he said it has been more, but I’m talking about “boo hoo” crying.
Our oldest son is just like him, he would drop a few tears every now and then if he got into trouble as a young kid. Now, my youngest son, had he been a girl, I would have dubbed him a “Drama Queen”. Like me, he can cry in a New York minute, mostly to get out of trouble, but I’ve seen him cry at funerals so some of those tears have been genuine.
I want to ask my husband and oldest son, “will you cry if I die?”
I guess I should go ask them…hold on…I’ll be right back…
…Okay, I’m back and they both said, “yes” but not until after they looked at me as if I had two heads! I told you, it was just a random thought!
Goodnight!
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Peace and Blessings My Friends
Happy Resurrection Sunday!
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Hello Friends and Happy Saturday!
Last weekend was absolutely gorgeous, and I as well as most of the neighbors were outside working on our lawns and gardens. I also had to head over to Home Depot to replace a Pressure Washer which had been broken for years, and get new seat cushions for the patio furniture.
Hubby isn’t fully recovered yet so I had to make the purchase as well as put it together myself. Knowing that there are other woman who may need to do the same, I decided to do an unsolicited review on the process.
This is what the concrete on the front stoop looked like due to years of neglect…a major build up of dirt and grime..not very welcoming!
I loved the fact that the pressure washer was packaged almost fully assembled.
The remaining items in the box were the hose, wand, handle, bottle of oil, nozzles, warranty information and directions.
There’s also an instruction sheet adhered to the back of the pressure washer for easy reference.
It was easy to attach the handle and hose
as well as to attach the household garden hose.
It comes with a bottle of oil and a paper funnel, which I didn’t see until after I used this Dollar store plastic funnel which we keep in the garage.
Location of oil tank is clearly marked.
After all hoses are attached, fill tank with gasoline,
add Zep All in One Soap Concentrate.
Turn switch to “on”, slide to “choke” and pull the starter cord, then push switch from “choke” to “run”. It was an easy starter pull unlike the older models.
The nozzles are color coded and there’s a reference card attached to the handle of pressure washer.
Always choose the correct nozzle for the job, check reference card for determination.
Once I got the hang of it, I used it to clean the brick wall as well.
My only complaint was the cheap plastic covering the hose, it ripped. I am not sure how because I don’t remember dragging it across the concrete.
I could have done a better job, but started getting tired however, it does look much better. Next weekend I’ll do the vinyl siding and patio furniture, then on to the pool area.
What are your major outdoor chores for the summer?
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Hello Friends and Happy Good Fri-Yay!
I trust you all had a wonderful week despite the fact that Tuesday was Tax Day. Unfortunately, we owe money to Uncle Sam so at 7:00 p.m. I was in line at the Post Office mailing in a payment. Oh well, it could be worse so I am not going to complain too loudly about it.
Saturday I went to Home Depot and purchased patio cushions for the deck furniture and a new Pressure Washer, something we desperately needed, stay tuned for an unsolicited product review. Oh and I finally received my “Blogger” license plate – I am super excited and proud to advertise my blog daily across two states.
This weekend the weather won’t be as nice, but we will be outside cleaning out the garage and shoveling mulch…thank goodness it’s not snow!
Now on to this week’s Featured Bloggers
Barbie Bieber and Beyond
Some of the Best Things in Life Are Mistakes
Its Always Ruetten
Redo It Yourself Inspirations
Yesterfood
Kennary
Congratulations to you all, please feel free to copy and paste this button onto your blog. Check out our Pinterest Page as you are also featured there.
Since this is Good Friday I know most of you are off from work and doing other things, but please take a few minutes to visit a few other blogs as well as those of your hosts.
This Simple Home
De Divah Deals
Snippets of Inspiration
A Living Sacrifice
Mustard Seed Mommy
Moms Who Save
Have a blessed weekend!
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By now, most of you know that I am a self-proclaimed “Crock Pot Queen” and very seldom do I do any baking. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth and most of my cakes have been flops. However, this week I decided to try a no-bake Cheesecake and I must admit that it was easy breezy good!
Ingredients:
- 1 package of mini Ready Crust Graham Cracker Crusts
- 1 – 8 oz package of cream cheese – softened
- 1 – 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 can cherry pie filling
I had hubby take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator several hours before I got home to ensure it was room temperature soft. Put the cream cheese in a bowl along with the sweetened condensed milk and beat with a hand mixer until fluffy.
Stir in 1/3 cup of lemon juice
Spoon Cream Cheese mixture into Graham Cracker Crusts
Chill at least 3 hours in the refrigerator, then enjoy! Didn’t I tell you it was easy breezy!
What is your favorite no-bake dessert, and no, Oreo cookies don’t count!
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Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday!
Last week was an emotional roller coaster filled with both highs and lows. Monday, I taught a Blogging 201 class:Monetizing Your Blog, and it was a full house despite the torrential downpour of rain.
Everyone was enthusiastic, asked questions and participated in lively discussions, it was one of the best classes to date. Thank you again Money School of Delaware for giving me this opportunity not only to share knowledge but to sharpen my skills and expand my base.
Teaching again is helping to lay the foundation for my 5-year plan leading up to retirement/encore entrepreneurship.
My outfit of the day was a black pencil skirt with floral embroidery thrifted from Goodwill, a sleeveless mock neck tank also thrifted from and faux snakeskin pumps via Target.
On Thursday, I wore another black pencil skirt but this one was from JCPenney and the striped top is from Old Navy.
I broke up the classic black and white combination with a pop of red in the Caliente pumps from The Shoe Dept and a red plastic bracelet from Rugged Wearhouse.
The polka dot scarf was a recent purchase from Avon. By the way, if you are looking to update your fragrances or cosmetics Avon has some great deals going on, some even includes FREE shipping, click here for more information.
Thursday was also my sister’s birthday, had she lived, she would have been 51 – Not A Day Goes By….
Although, I am thankful that I had her 29 years, I still feel that she is gone too soon – Rest in Peace Lil Sis!
Your turn, what are you thankful for this week?
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Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday!
I love the Spring and Summer seasons, not only because of the warmer weather but because of the shoes! Sandals and open-toes are my favorites, but wedges, platforms, kitten heels, high heels, pumps, flats, it doesn’t matter, I wear them all.
I know that I’m not alone when I say, “I LOVE Shoes“. I’ve been known to purchase 3 different pairs all at the same time…all on the same day… AND all at the same store ~ I LOVE Shoes! Unfortunately, having only one pair of feet can cause a dilemma, the decision on which pair to wear for a particular outfit can be frustrating.
This new blog feature, “You Choose the Shoes” is helping me by giving you an opportunity to choose the pair of shoes that I’ll wear with a particular outfit of the day.
Okay, for this outfit which pair should I wear?
The Polka Dot sleeveless tank was thrifted from Goodwill and red Capri pants were on clearance at JC Penney?
Madden Girl Polka Dots from @DSW
or
Glo Jeans wedges from @Kmart
My hubby and son chose The Madden Girl
I had to do one of those 3-toe polishes this morning, but I will be making an appointment for my annual Spring pedicure!
So which one did you choose?
I’ll be linking up with my favorite fashionistas Whitney Nic James and Shana at ColorBlind, so when you get a chance hop over and check out their thrifted finds.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
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Hello Friends and Happy Tax Day Tuesday!
If you’re anything like me no matter what year in your career you’re in, the countdown to retirement has begun. I never told hubby, but when he signed his retirement papers on the 28th of February I was extremely jealous! It’s not that I’m ready to sit home and do nothing or pack my bags and start traveling, I am just looking forward to the day when I have the option to work or NOT!
At this point in my life I am too young and active to retire or at least retire without a plan, which is why this blog is part of a bigger 5-year plan. I’ve thought about starting a small business, but it would have to one of little to no stress and definitely little to NO commuting involved!
Ideally, I would love to sit on the dock of a bay with a laptop or tablet writing and creating. Perhaps I’ll have a little shack where tourist can purchase fishing bait and tackle!
http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/
There was an article published in USA Today that caught my attention, it stated that “more older entrepreneurs are starting businesses after they’ve worked and retired from other careers”. They have been labeled “encore entrepreneurs”. An encore entrepreneur is someone over the age of 50 who starts a small business or begins a new career. Some of these small businesses are non-profits that provide a social need such as job training for the unemployed. Others turn their hobby or passion into an income stream which is part of my 5-year plan.
Of course as with any new start-up there are obstacles and challenges, but with age comes wisdom and knowledge both of which are a plus for the encore entrepreneur. Job layoffs, supplementing or replacing income are just a few reasons for starting a business after the age of 50.
However, with people living longer becoming an encore entrepreneur gives us an opportunity to stay active and do something that perhaps we’ve always wanted to do.
What about you, are you ready to retire or regroup and become an encore entrepreneur?
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Hello Friends and Happy Fri-YaY
Welcome to Week 14 of the #WWDParty!
It’s official Spring has finally sprung, look who I caught poking around outside!
Spring Has Sprung
With my son’s graduation right around the corner on the 22nd of May it’s time to get some yard and house work done which will begin in earnest tomorrow.
Tonight I begin the income taxes and no, I didn’t start them last Friday but now I have hit the deadline wall!
However, before I begin, let’s get this party started by introducing the Featured Bloggers
The Sunny Patch
Dumpster Diving Darling
Bakewell Junction
Happy House and Home
Yesterfood
The Inspired Wren
Thank you all and please feel free to add this button to your blog and check our Pinterest Page as you are also featured there.
Please follow these rules in order to be considered as a Featured Blogger
As one of your hosts, I would like to welcome you all and ask that you not just “link and leave” but to stick around, read a few other blogs and follow one or all of us.
This Simple Home
De Divah Deals
Snippets of Inspiration
A Living Sacrifice
Mustard Seed Mommy
Moms Who Save
Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to seeing you at the #WWDParty!
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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Jennie-O.com for which I received compensation, all opinions are 100% my own.
Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
As a family we don’t eat pork nor a lot of red meat so most of the time my meals are made with either chicken or turkey. Before becoming a member of the JENNIE-O Switch Circle, I had always purchased Jennie-O bacon and breakfast sausage which my son loves and I use the ground turkey in my lasagna and tacos.
This partnership is perfect because now when I receive coupons and merchandise from Jennie-O, it gives me an opportunity to try new recipes and then share them with you.
Today’s Friday Foodie Feature is
Spinach & Feta Cheese Frittatas with Turkey Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 package #JennieO Turkey Bacon
- 7 eggs
- 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
- 1/2 cup onions chopped
- 1/3 cup Feta Cheese
- 1/3 cup milk
- pepper to taste
- cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray cold skillet with cooking spray then prepare JennieO Turkey bacon according to package instructions and set aside.
Rinse and remove stems from spinach leaves, chop them and 1/2 of the onion into bite size pieces
Saute both in same skillet used to cook bacon until spinach is wilted
Whip eggs, feta cheese, milk and pepper before adding spinach, onions and bacon. Cut bacon into bite size pieces, I use kitchen shears to make the job easier.
Because we drink Ricemilk I recently starting cooking with it, and find that foods tastes just as good if not better than when made with whole milk.
Spray muffin pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking then pour or spoon mixture into each cup approximately 2/3 full.
Bake 20 minutes, then watch out because they smell wonderful and my son couldn’t wait to try them!
Grab a cup of coffee or tea then sit back, relax to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or an afternoon snack.
What I like about this recipe is that I can make the Frittatas the night before, then hubby and the boys can warm them up the next morning in the toaster oven.
How about you, have you tried #JennieO turkey products or would you make the @SwitchToTurkey?
Jennie-O has offered to send $20.00 worth of coupons to one of my lucky readers! Just click JennieO.com and check out their product line, then come back and leave a comment telling us what Jennie-O Turkey product you would like to try and how you would prepare it?
1 winner (US only) will be randomly chosen by me, the contest ends next Friday, April 18th at Midnight
Have a fantastical Friday ~ See ya back here at 6:00 p.m. for the #WWDParty!
4/19/14
THE WINNER IS TERRI D. – CONGRATULATIONS!!!
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