Rose Wine

Rose wine is the result of the red grape skins touching the wine for a short time. Rose wines are different than red wine as the red skins only stain the wine for a few hours and red wine ferments for skins for weeks at a time. The wine maker is in control over the color and removes the red skins when wine reaches the perfect color. There are several common styles and grapes preferred for rose.

Red and white wines, rose wines are made up from grapes. Rose wine may include both read and white grapes. The health benefits of a rose wine are similar to those of a white wine. Improved cardiovascular health and potent antioxidants.

Moderate alcohol consumption is linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Alcohol including alcohol in rose wine thins the blood and raises HDL cholesterol. Rose wine may also help reduce risk of heart disease, heart attack or stroke. 

Happy Birthday To The Queen

The queen will celebrate her birthday this Sunday, June 12th. A sing along where 10,000 guests on the mall on sunday afternoon during the patron's lunch to celebrate her 90th birthday. 

Facebook has joined up and invited the country and world to join in on the sing along. Prompts will be posted on news feeds inviting users to take part in the national sing a long.

Sounds like a fun event so raise your cup of tea and make a salute to the queen as you join in on the sing along

Sunday Breakfast Casserole

Best Breakfast Casserole

9×13 greased pan

4 slices of bread, cubed
6 bacon strips, drained, torn into pieces
14 eggs
1 cup milk
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup green onions (optional)
1 cup (4 oz) cheddar cheese (shredded)

Fry bacon. Drain. Tear into pieces. Set aside.
Cube bread. Place into greased pan.
Beat eggs, milk and sour cream.
Add bacon pieces.
Add salt, pepper, green onions (optional) to taste.
Pour onto bread pieces in pan.
Sprinkle cheese on top.
Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for 30 minutes more.

banana split layer dessert

Banana Split Layer Dessert

Crust:

• 1 cup plain flour
• 1 cup pecans (chopped)
• 1 stick butter (melted)

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 8 ounces Cool Whip

Fruit & Toppings:

• 3 to 4 bananas, sliced
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well
• 16 ounces strawberries, hulled, and sliced
• 8 ounces Cool Whip
• ½ cup walnuts, chopped
• Chocolate syrup
• Maraschino cherries

1. Mix flour, chopped pecans, and butter together and press in 13 x 9 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Crust will be thin. Let cool.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the Cool Whip until thoroughly combined. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the graham cracker crust.

3. Arrange the banana slices in a single layer on top of the cream cheese filling, top with an even layer of the crushed pineapple, and then an even layer of the sliced strawberries.

4. Cover with Cool Whip on top. Sprinkle with the chopped walnuts. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and top with maraschino cherries. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Superman Celebration

Anyone who is a superman fan will love today. It is a day dedicated to Superman. Each year for the past 39 years Metropolis Illinois host a day of celebration for Superman. People of all ages are comic book lovers and this is definetly an event you will not want to leave. Individuals will come from all over the world to this small southern Illinois town. Metropolis is the official home of superman. With a population of 6,500 residents this small town will welcome around 30,000 visitors over the 4 day celebration.

This weekend of fun is one that you will never forget. There is an artist's alley, Man of steel exhibitions and contests, amusement park, live music and a $1000 superhero costume contest.  A family fun oriented environment is very much present in this festival.

The Super Museum preserves and showcases an array of Superman collectibles and information for the education and enjoyment of visitors and fans of the Man of steel. 

Jim Hambrick the manager of the Superman Museum on the town square in Metropolis Ill. is a longtime enthusiast and collector. Said to have one of the greatest Superman collections in the world. In the collection every superman toy , props from Christopher Reeve movies, and the only George Reeves Superman costumes in existence. 

Enjoy Some Corn on Cob

Our family is made up of those who worked the earth. From early to late my grand-fathers, uncles and many others would work the ground. There were times that each member of the family would go out there and pick up hay bales, d=tassel corn and work the ground as well. One of the best deals was when grand-pa would bring a feed sack of sweet corn in to the family. Shucking the skin off the corn shared the beautiful view of a yummy creamy ear of corn that mom would cook up quickly. Summer meals were often sided with corn on cob spread with butter.

Was you aware that June 11th is the day to celebrate National Corn on Cob day?? A summertime treat as I know was one of my favorites. People from all corners of the U.S. look forward to picnic season and corn on cob.

Corn on cob has many different names depending on what region of the U.S. you live in. Names such as pole corn, corn stick, sweet pole, or butter pop Just like there are many names there are also many different ways to cook corn on cob. Boiling, steaming,roasting, grilling and recently I was told about microwaving corn on the cob. Shucking or un shucking is your decision. Many times when grilling or oven roasting the husk will be left on the corn during cooking.

When eating corn the proper thing to do is to hold the cob of corn at the end with your fingers. There are handles available to make this easier as well. So get the butter and salt shaker ready, gather up some friends and start your grill and enjoy corn on the cob.

Stop Wasting Food

One would be surprised by the amount of food we waste each year. Not only is it a waste of money but we could be doing so much more to keep from throwing so much away. Eating healthy and not wasting food can go hand in hand.

The first and one of the most important steps is to plan. This is great for not wasting and also to eating a healthy balanced diet Serving up portion sizes that are too large lead to food waste at home. The waste left on a plate is tossed directly in the bin. To avoid this problem prepare smaller portion sizes. Serve up a meal family style so that everyone can place on their plate what they want. The food left in the serving bowls can be covered and stored in fridge for a latter meal

 Food that is thrown away because it has either gone off or passed the use by date amounts to lots of waste as well Overbuying is one of the problems. Again planning before shopping will help with this problem. Make list of what you have at home and what you need. The most important part is sticking to it. Once you have your groceries purchased be sure to rotate food in the fridge so items that are older will be used first

Best buy dates are there to help you. Food that has passed its best before date can be safely consumed. It is still safe to eat but may not be the freshest. Use by dates are placed on foods such as meat, fish, ready meals and prepared salads. The date on these foods are very important using after the date could give you food poisoning. Freezing items that are nearing use by date on package can extend its shelf life.

Fresh meat can be frozen or cooked into an easy stew that can be stored for a few days in the fridge. Cooked meat such as chicken can be frozen then used in pies or omelettes.   

Fruit can be chopped and frozen. Portian size bags make smoothies easy.
Wedges of lemon, lime or orange can be frozen and used in drinks
Bananas can be peeled and frozen to use in cakes and banana bread

Vegetables like peppers and onions can be roasted in olive oil and kept for 3-4 days. Use in salads, pizza toppings or pasta sauce.
Veggies can be used to make up Minestrone Soup, trim and freeze veggies to make soup another day
Lettuce, spring onions, radishes, tomatoes and cucumbers can be used in soups or frozen to make soup later.

Milk and yogurt are frozen easily. Be aware they may seperate so best to use in cooking if frozen. Fruit yogurt makes great frozen lollipops.
Freeze hard cheese without losing much flavor Grate and pop in freezer bags, label and store
soft cheese become watery and grainy and don't freeze well

Eggs can be used after their date but should be cooked with a solid white and yolk
freeze eggs by cracking into a plastic container label and use within 28 days

Lasagna and cannelloni can be frozen
Leftover pasta can also be used in stir fries and season with chinese five spice. 

Time for a Break

With the heat in the air there will be a few drinks tonight to cool down. One of my favorite drinks has Gin in it. Gin is a spirit that gets its flavor from juniper berries. It first appeared in the middle ages and evolved over the course and played many roles. From herbal medication to a spirit filled drink Gin gained popularity in Great Britain when William of Orange was leader of the Dutch Republic. and occupied the English, Scottish and Irish thrones with his wife Mary. 

The dutch physician Franciscus Sylvius has been falsely credited with the invention of gin. The soldiers of the Eighty Years War was all ready drinking genever for its calming effects before battle. Gin was sold in pharmacies to treat medical problems like kidney ailments, lumbago, stomach ailments, gallstones, and gout. Gin emerged in England during the 17th century. 

If you have ever had a martini then you have enjoyed Gin in your drink.

saturday 9

I Dream of Jeannie

I Dream of Jeannie Theme (1965)


... Because Harriet requested it. If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

1) Jeannie was memorably discovered on the beach in an ornate bottle. Have you ever brought a souvenir home from the beach? (It doesn't have to be a genie. A shell or a stone will do.)

yes we love sea glass and sea shells

2) Major Anthony Nelson, the man who released Jeannie from her bottle, was an astronaut. When you were a kid, did you dream of being an astronaut when you grew up?

no my dreams were of a teacher, a nurse or a lawyer

3) Upon discovering Jeannie, Major Nelson's first wish was that she could speak/understand English so they could communicate. If you found a genie, what would your first wish be?

his wish was very smart and it would depend on exactly how many wishes I would have

4) Major Nelson's best friend was fellow astronaut Major Healey. Where did you meet your best friend?

I have had a variety of best friends through my life. My oldest best friend we were born in same hospital one day apart , several best friends I met at work and the best friend I have had for the past 30 years I married

5) This theme song was written by Hugo Montenegro, who is better known for the music he wrote for a pair of Clint Eastwood movies (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and A Fistful of Dollars). Do you have a favorite Clint Eastwood movie?

love dirty hairy 

6) The last episode of the series was titled, "My Master, The Chili King." What ingredients make up your favorite chili recipe?

ground beef, tomatoes, seasoning, and some other items. Top it with cheese and fix pb sandwiches as well

7) Jeannie was played by Barbara Eden, who was born in Tuscon, Arizona. Summer in Tuscon can get very hot, with the mercury often reaching 100º. What's your favorite season?

my favorite is fall a bit cooler but still so much to do. 

8) Anthony Nelson was played by Larry Hagman, who went on to play the villainous JR on the popular Dallas. Can you think of anything else Dallas is known for?

oil and who shot JR

9) In the autumn of 1965, just weeks after I Dream of Jeannie premiered, St. Louis' famous Gateway Arch was completed. An estimated 4 million tourists visit the Arch every year. Do you have any summer vacation plans?

we will be going to several local destinations no real big trips

play along here

German Chocolate Cake

I can remember my mother making German Chocolate cupcakes for my girl scout troop when I was young they were so very good. My oldest son loves German chocolate cake and has often requested it on his birthday. With all the great history this cake has with our family how could we ever miss the special day when German Chocolate cake is honored. 

• 
  
• 
  
• 4 oz. (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened; more for the pans
• 4 oz. semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (up to 70% cacao), coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 9 oz. (2 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. table salt
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

For the coconut-pecan filling

• 7 oz. (about 2 cups) sweetened, shredded dried coconut
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 12-oz. can evaporated milk
• 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp. table salt
• 6 oz. (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
• 1-1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted and coarsely chopped

Make the cakes

Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Grease the sides of three 9x2-inch round cake pans with butter and line the bottoms with parchment circles.

Put the chocolate in a small bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Let stand for several seconds and then whisk until the chocolate is dissolved. Set aside until cool to the touch before mixing the batter.

Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt onto a sheet of waxed paper. Whisk the eggs in a small measuring cup.

Beat the butter for a few seconds in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium-low speed. Add the sugar in a steady stream and then beat on medium speed, scraping the bowl as necessary, until the mixture is lightened in color and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Still on medium speed, add the eggs a little at a time, taking a full 1-1/2 minutes to add them all. Add the melted chocolate and vanilla and beat just until blended. With the mixer turned off, add a quarter of the flour mixture. Mix on medium-low speed just until incorporated. Add a third of the buttermilk and mix until blended. Repeat, each time adding another quarter of the flour, then a third of the buttermilk, until the last of the flour is added. Scrape the bowl as necessary and mix each addition only until it is incorporated.

Divide the batter among the pans and spread it evenly. Bake, rotating the pans and swapping their positions, until the cakes just start to pull away from the sides of the pans and spring back when very gently pressed with a finger, 20 to 25 minutes. Let the cakes cool in their pans on a rack for 10 minutes.

Run a knife or small spatula around the edges to separate the cakes from the pans. Turn the cakes out onto the rack and peel off the parchment. Cool completely.

Make the filling

Spread the coconut on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 350°F, stirring every 2 minutes, until golden-brown, about 10 minutes. Scrape the toasted coconut onto a sheet of waxed paper and let cool completely.

Whisk the egg yolks with the evaporated milk, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a heavy-duty, nonreactive 4-quart saucepan. Add the butter. Set over medium heat and stir constantly with a heatproof spatula, scraping the bottom and corners of the pot. When the mixture starts to boil, adjust the heat so that it boils actively but not furiously, and cook, stirring constantly, until golden and thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Off the heat, stir in the coconut and pecans. Let cool completely.

Assemble the Cake

Put one cake layer on a cake plate. Spread a third of the filling over the top of the cake, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Top with a second cake layer. Spread with half of the remaining filling. Put the third cake layer on top and cover it with the remaining filling. Leave the sides of the cake exposed. Serve at room temperature.

Make Ahead Tips

The cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come back to cool room temperature before serving.

Peak Season for Blueberries

June celebrates Georgia Blueberry Month. Georgia blueberry season is mid april to end of July. June is the peak of blue berry season in Georgia. Stock up on these delicious blueberries while you can and then freeze what you can to use later.

Blueberries are on the list of top ten super foods. Great for your diet as blueberries are rich in high levels of anti oxidants and fiber. Blueberries also have no known side effects and few allergies. They may also help slow the aging process.

To freeze blueberries
wash the berries , take stems and leaves out
pat dry
add some sugar to the blueberries. A good rule is for every 2 cups of blueberries use 1/3 cup sugar
Mix
Add berries to freezer and freeze. (should be good up to 6 months or longer)



shared at Meatless Monday

Heat is Rising Need Some Sweet Tea

To southern girls like me there is nothing better than a big mason jar of iced sweet tea. Sippin' on some good old ice tea is one of the best things I love to do on a summer day. Nothing to me quinches the thirst more than sweet iced tea. I teach my kids early how to make sweet tea because they love it as much as I do. The instructions are simple and the directions are very easy.

My mother was the one that taught me to make sweet tea. She was always working hard outside and inside the house and when she was working outside she would have us bring her a big glass of iced cold sweet tea. She would boil her tea bags in a large pan and then let them cool and add water, sugar and pour into pitchers. Today, I want to share with you an easier way:

To start with you will need a 4 cup glass measuring cup. In the measuring cup put in 4 Family size tea bags (black tea) Fill the cup up with tap water. Place in microwave and heat for 6 minutes on high. Let sit for 5 minutes to cool off a bit

Meanwhile, in a tea pitcher add 1 cup of sugar. When the tea has cooled about 5 minutes pour the tea into the pitcher. Now stir like crazy as fast as you can til the sugar dissolves. Pour little ice into pitcher and fill rest of pitcher with water.

My daughter loves to add some lemon to her tea you can as well if you want to try it or know you like it all ready.

Yummy Grilling Recipe : Chicken Thighs

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, about 2lbs (you could use breasts as well but thighs stay more moist)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Rub:
2 teaspoons granulated garlic (you can sub 1 teaspoon garlic powder here)
2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
Glaze:
1/2 cup Honey
1 Tablespoon Cider Vinegar

Combine the rub spices in bowl and mix well.
Use kitchen shears to trim off any excess fat from the chicken pieces. Pat dry. Drizzle oil over chicken and rub in with your hands to lightly coat all the pieces. Then toss chicken with the spice rub to coat all sides well. Use your hands and get in there! Grill chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
While chicken is cooking, warm honey in the microwave so it's not so thick. Add the vinegar and combine well. Reserve 2 Tablespoons of the honey glaze for later after the chicken has cooked to pour on right before serving. Take the rest and brush on chicken (both sides) in the final moments of grilling.
I'm gonna warn you that this can make a hot mess, literally. It's sugar, and it's gonna drip. But the smelly smoke is worth it for a minute or two. Just leave your grill on for a few minutes after the chicken is done to burn off any excess glaze. It's totally worth it once you taste this stuff.
If you don't have a bbq, try it on an indoor grill pan or use your broiler. Just be sure to open a window in case you burn your glaze!

I added a bit of bacon to ours you can as well

Cataract Awareness

June is Cataract Awareness Month. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. as well as the world. There are 24 million Americans over the age of 40 who are affected by cataracts Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. They prevent light from entering into the eye. 

Cataracts are simple to treat. They most often are treated with cataract surgery. The surgeon will remove the deteriorated lens and replace it with an artificial lens. Each year more than 3 million Americans undergo cataract surgery. It only last about 20 minutes. Life is only interrupted for a short time period. Cataract surgery has a sucess rate of 95% only a miniscule incision is needed to perform the surgery. 

Cataracts can affect anyone Most people do not show symptoms until the age of 40 or later. Cataracts can affect young children and adults as well. Eye disease, heredity, eye injury, and smoking may cause cataracts to develop earlier. While there are no proven tricks to prevent cataracts in one's life there are a few things you may consider doing. Having a healthy lifestyle, don't smoke, reduce exposure to UV rays , eat healthy foods, and wearing proper eye protection to avoid eye injury.


Cataracts are something that you may have, know someone that has had catarcts or may lay in your future for you or someone you know. The person to best talk to concerning cataracts is an eye care professional. Take a short little educational survey to learn a bit more here.

Hodgepodge Wednesday and a note to my son

1. I read here a list of 13 things you should do in June. I'm paraphrasing a little but basically...

Go on a road trip with your best friend, pick fresh strawberries, host a garden party, take a morning run, treat yourself to a flower bouquet, spend a whole day hiking, discover a new coffee shop, try a new ice cream flavor, read at least one book, visit a Farmer's Market, make a swing for your home, and visit a new city. 

Which thing on the list do you most want to do? Of the activities mentioned, which one holds the least appeal? How many on the list will you attempt in June? What's one thing you'd add to the list? 

There are so many things on this list that we would love to do. We love to go on road trips, how fun this would be as a family activity. We love flowers they brighten our day and would love a new bouquet, hiking or taking a walk in beautiful environment we do often and never get enough. Try a new ice cream flavor I am sure there are lots that we have not tried yet. We are in a library reading contest so we look forward to reading new books. Farmer markets we love new food, great produce and never know what we will see.  

How many on the list will I attempt in June? 

June is quite busy but we look forward to road trips, hiking, new ice cream flavors and more

What would I add to the list? 

carnivals and lots of fun exporing

2. What's something you could do today to feel more peaceful?

pray, we love to go to the river to get a new focus on life it is so peaceful there 

3.June 7th is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Are you a fan? Swiss mocha, rocky road, chocolate chocolate chip, peanut butter and chocolate, or a dish of plain chocolate...what's your pleasure?

not our favorite but we are up to it peanut butter and chocolate sounds interesting as well as oreo

4. If you came with a warning what would it say?

Beware crossing the line may be dangerous the way it is is the way we want it

5.What's the most interesting website you've visited in the last week?

there have been several most I like and a few I clicked directly out of

6.Spring, summer, autumn, winter...which season are you? Why?

The season we like varies between spring and fall both at the perfect tempt but I love all there is to do in the fall months

7."You lose sight of things...and when you travel, everything balances out." ~Daranna Gidel

Would you agree with that sentiment? Explain why or why not.

When we get away the world we find ourselves lost in is the world we relax in and put it back together some things don't seem as important and we find what we need. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

In less than 72 hours my baby boy will be married. I have been proud of this young man for many years (since the day he was born) While they say you give your daughter away I feel that I am giving my son away. He truly is what you would consider a mamas boy. He has always worked hard and while not perfect oh my .... he does try his best. He works had at all he faces and sometimes he could do it no other way. He loves God, his parents, siblings and his job. Now add to that list his soon to be wife and little boy and I believe he has all that he wanted from the beginning. Yes he is doing awesome  and I am very proud of  him.

Jelly Doughnut Muffin

The donut is a deep fried piece of dough or batter. The dutch applied the name olykoeck or "oily cake" when their version of the doughnut was first created. There are two main forms of doughnuts. You have the ring type and then the ones that are flattened spheres filled with jelly or custard. 

Well in this case I am going to share with you a fun muffin to make. It is jelly filled and perfect for jelly donut day as it is a 

Jelly Doughnut Muffins 

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 2/3 cups flour
• 1 cup milk
• Topping:
• 4 TBS butter, melted
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar, pulsed in blender until it's fine but not powdered
• 12 oz jar jelly, jam, or preserves

Preheat oven to 425. Line 12 muffin cups with liners and set aside.
In the bowl of a mixer, beat butter, oil, and both sugars on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs and beat until combined. With the mixer on low, add baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla. With the mixer continuing to run, add the flour and milk alternately, starting and ending with flour. Once the batter is smooth and all the ingredients are combined, fill the muffin tins to almost full.
Bake for about 15 minutes, until muffins are golden and tops spring back when lightly touched in the center.
Let muffins cool for about 15 minutes, then cut a hole in the top of each. Dip the muffin in the melted butter, then in the sugar. Fill the hole with jam.

recipe source here

recipe shared at
whats cooking Wednesday

Upsy Daisy Day

I learned this voice when i was a young girl. We had fun classes on Thursday nights through the year and Mrs. Lucille was the teacher. Scriptures were taught to us in a way that our memories would keep it for ever. The point of this verse is that we are blessed with many different things and one of those things is the ability to wake up and start the day a new. God created this day and every day so that we can be happy and thus we should not complain but rejoice and be happy.

I thought this verse went very well with the little known holiday Upsy Daisy Day. June 8th also known as Upsy Daisy Day is a day to wake up face the day wit ha positive attitude and get up gratefully, gleefully and gloriously.

Life is full of challenges and bumps in the road we never know what will happen next. Things may be going great and then all of sudden things happen We may not be ready for the issues that may arise but if we keep our minds and hearts in a positive direction it will help us through it all. Keep a smile on our face even when we dont feel like it. The smile will help us feel positive and before we know it the negative may seem less than it was.

Upsy Daisy day was created by Stephanie West Allen in 2003. She desired to bring humor, laughter and positive attitude part of the Upsy Daisy Day.

Captain of the Red Boat

The captain of this boat is at the age where she is not big enough for the big rides and starting to think she is too small for the little rides. Took this at one of the many festivals here in southern Illinois. She is always dreaming of traveling wonder where she is pretending to go


shared at
Ruby Tuesday Too
Our World Tuesday
travel tuesday
through my lens

Black Music Month

While there are many artist that I could feature today I think I will start with one of my all time favorites and a song that I wish the whole world would listen to




Make the world a better place by doing just one thing different.

Be Aware of Bed Bugs While On Vacation

It's that time of year, time to get away and have some family fun. Is staying in a hotel or motel in your plans? Well you may want to be aware of bed bugs and make sure you do not bring them home. Having an idea of what a bed bug looks like and how to prevent them from getting in your suitcase is extra knowledge you may want to have. 

an adult bed bug will be about 1/4 of an inch long or about the size of an apple seed. It may also resemble an apple seed or bean. Bed bugs can not transmit disease to humans but will irritate leaving red itchy marks on neck, arms and legs 

While bed bugs are known to live in beds they can make their home in different areas as well. The chair cushions, night stands, wall paper, headboards, wall hangings and baseboard are all places you may find bed bugs as well.

Still want to stay in the hotel?? Don't worry there are are a few things you can do to protect your self. When you first arrive inspect your room. I immedietly look at the bed, pull the sheet off the bottom corner revealing the mattress and box springs are there any bugs or tracks?? Next check out where the head board sits against the wall. See any bugs, black fecal staining, molted bed bug skins, tiny white sticky eggs??

If you do notice anything suspicious notify the hotel staff at once and ask for a different room on a different floor. 
.

Do not place luggage on the bed or floor. If there are any bedbugs they can easily get into your luggage from there. Hang up your clothing bag in the closet and set your suitcase on a luggage rack or in the bathtub.


After the trip wash your clothes immediately. All of your clothes even pieces that may not have been worn as it was all together in the same suitcase. Be sure to wash in hot, soapy water and dry in high heat.



I wish you good travels without any annoying little pest.

Chocolate Gravy and Bisuits

1 cup sugar
4 1/2 T flour
4 1/2 T cocoa
1 1/2 c water
1 1/2 c milk
1/2 stick butter
3 t vanilla 

Mix sugar, flour, and cocoa together. in a skillet. Slowly add water while whisking Continue to whisk while you add the milk. Heat on medium/high til bubbly. Simmer several minutes to thicken to gravy thickness. Stir continually. After thick add butter and vanilla and serve over or with biscuits.

Cast Iron Fried Chicken Dinner (Lower Calorie than you think )

1 cup low-fat buttermilk 
1 teaspoon tabasco sauce 
4 bone-in chicken breast halves, skinned 
½ cup all-purpose flour 
⅓ cup ground saltines (I have tried unsalted ones, trust me, use regular) 
teaspoon kosher salt 
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 
4 tablespoons butter Canola Oil Spray 

 Add the buttermilk and tabasco sauce in a bowl or ziploc bag with the chicken and marinate for at least 4 hours (I marinate overnight but even if you toss it together before heading out to work it will be PERFECT when you get home at night). Combine flour and saltine crumbs in a shallow dish. Take chicken out of buttermilk mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper (mostly on the top side since there isn't much in the way of meat on the bone-y side. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, shaking off excess; set aside. Really press the top of the chicken into the mixture to get a nice crust on top. Melt butter in a large cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan, meat side down and cook 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Spray the bone-y side quickly with canola oil spray so that it can crisp up in the oven too once we turn it over. Turn chicken over, and bake at 425° for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through. You don't cook the bone-y side of the chicken on your stovetop, so don't worry about the butter all being gone by the time the top is cooked.
recipe source here