Eye Prevention Month

July recognizes Eye Injury Prevention. One area of focus is protecting your eyes in various environments. More than 2,000 eye injuries will occur during any given day. Of the 2,000 eye injuries about 1,000 eye injuries occur in American workplace of these 70% are injuries because of falling or flying objects or sparks striking the eye.

Bright sunlight may increase risk of developing cataracts, age related macular degeneration and growths on the eye or cancer. This is why it is important to wear sunglasses that are 97-100% UV protection. Early detection and treeatment of eye conditions and diseases are essential to maintain good vision at every stage of life.

Children entering school should get their eyes checked by a opthalmologist. If eye problems such as visual changes, pain, flashes of light, seeing spots, excessive tearing or drying occurs one should see an eye professional. Adults betwen the age of 40 to 65 should have eye exam every 2 to 4 years. Adults over age of 65 should have eye exam at least every one to two years. Taking a more proactive approach to healthy vision is the most important tool.


When is the last time you had an eye exam

Happy Video Game Day

Being born in 1970s I was an 80s child. The age of video games, MTV and drive in movies. The fun of beating the game and saving the princess, gobbling up the dots to save the game before the ghost got ya or taking on a quest to travel through castles to find the end. All of them took place where ever you played your local video game.

I am old enough to remember a time with out video games inside the home. I was inside those arcade halls where the large video games and handful of quarters. The first video game that my sister and I shared was pong and it was nothing like the video games of today. The first atari game was purchased by my Uncle Bill and we had lots of fun with it as we helped the chicken cross the road. Meanwhile, in restraunts, skating rinks and other hang out spots the quarters would help feed the pac man to chase ghost.

Are you ready?? Today the generation of the old is bringing back the old. What was your favorite video game??

Chicago Style Hot Dog

Chicago Style Hot Dogs Recipe

1 all-beef hot dog

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 poppy seed hot dog bun

1 tablespoon sweet green pickle relish

1 tablespoon onion (chopped)

4 tomato wedges

1 dill pickle spear

2 sport peppers

Celery salt



1. Cook hot dog on grill or over open fire. Move them to a warming rack or warming oven. (The original Chicago styled is boiled for about 5 minutes)

2. Place hot dog on a steamed bun. Add condiments in this specific order- yellow mustard, relish, onion, tomato wedges, dill pickle spear, and celery salt. The tomatoes should be placed between the hot dog and the top of the bun. The dill pickle spear should be placed between the hot dog and the bottom of the bun.

Note: Sport peppers and poppy seed buns can be very hard to find-I substitute Sweet Banana Wax Peppers and it works out very well.

Hotdogs Perfect Summer Time Treat

Hotdogs are perfect for summer time and it just so happens that the month of July is national hotdog month. So whether you enjoy them cooked on the grill, at a baseball game or purchase them from a hotdog stand hotdogs are here to enjoy. Take it one step further and you will find one of our favorite items on summer menu plan, the chili dog. 

6 hot dogs, fully cooked
1 chopped onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14-ounce) ready-to-eat chili
6 hot dog buns, split
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Place the hot dogs, onions, and garlic in the slow cooker and top with chili. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the hot dogs are tender.
Butter the hot dog buns and toast.
Place hot dogs in buns, top with chili and cheese.

shared at
friday frenzy 

Make Your Own Air Freshner

1 oz or 4 envelopes gelatin
2 cups water (one cup boiling one cup cold)
1 tablespoon salt
food coloring
10 drops essential oil in each jar
(I used Young Living Oils because they are pure and can be ingested)
Each batch fills two pint sized jars.

Put gelatin into mixing bowl. Add salt this will help to deter growth of mold. Boil watre. Add 10 drops of essential oil to each jar and choice of food color. Whisk hot watr and gelatin and add cold water. Fill jars and mix in oil and food color.

Screw lids on jars allow to cool. Shake jars every 20 minutes for 1 hour. Chill in fridge and shake after 20 minutes.

Easy to Make Glitter Paint for Kids

Kids love glitter and paint. This puts them both together and lets your child be creative with easy to make glitter paint

Use one large bottle of clear hair gel, the cheaper the better. extra fine glittr in a variety of colors, paint brushes and small clear containers with lids.

Pour glitter into the container and cover with gel. Stir to combine. Paint

National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

Have we really become so pre-obsessed with our phones that we must be reminded there are places they should not be used?? Places such as church, court room, school, and the list goes on. If you controll a cell phone then you should know the etiquette rules of doing so. When using the cell phone in a pulic place keep the conversation low and if possible take to another area. It is also polite that when in certain places or at the dinner table to shut off the cell phone. If the cell phone must stay on politely explain to those that you are with why you will be needing to use your phone

At one time cellphones used to be so expensive for anyone to have or so big that you could not bring them with you. In todays world, nearly everyone has a cell phone. From the young to the old it seems cell phones have become an accesory for many. They are used nearly anywhere and every where and perhaps that is where the problem lays.

Many times using the cell phone will bring negative attention from those around you. Often they are used in class, church and any where the user feels a bit bored. The usage of cell phones allows the user to not pay attention to what is at hand and even worst perhaps get into trouble. Cell phones have been shown to cause students to cheat, cause bullying or fired from jobs.

While the usage of cell phones has made the world easier and at times safer in many cases the truth is the user must be aware. The negative effects in using cell phones in most cases in no ways over coms the positive reasons for using them and they are here to stay. The issue at hand is to learn when, where and how to use a cell phone so the rights of others is not stepped upon.

Hero Sandwich what is it and how to make it

It was the 18th Century Earl of Sandwich that had an idea of placing a quick meal in between two pieces of bread and eating it. Some countries including Russia prefer the open faced sandwich but in America, the bigger the bettr and here is where the sub sandwich reigns. 

A submarine sandwich goes by a few other names including sub, wedge, hoagie, hero, grinder or italian sandwich. The sandwich is made up of bread or roll split lengthwise and filled with meats, cheeses, veggies and condimenets. 

We love our local sandwich shops. They are perfect for taking a meal on the run. We often hit the sandwich shop prior to heading to the park for a picnic. Since we have been trying to save a bit of money we have been making our sandwiches at home. Here is one way to do just that


2 T Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
1/8 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/8 Teaspoon Salt
4 Ciabatta Rolls (cut in half)
1 Pound Ham (sliced thin)
1/2 Pound Salami (sliced thin)
1/3 Pound Provolone Cheese (sliced thin)
1/3 Pound Mozzarella (sliced thin)
1 Tomato (sliced paper thin)
Iceberg Lettuce (julienned)
1 Cup Pepperoncini (stems removed, peppers sliced thin)
1/2 Pound Proscuitto

Mix together your oil, vinegar, garlic powder, oregano and salt in a dressing jar or a bowl to make a vinaigrette.
Drizzle your vinaigrette over the insides of your bread. Divide up the meats and cheeses evenly on 4 rolls.
Top with tomato, lettuce and pepperoncini. Serve.

cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Whether you are a vegetarian, looking to slim down this summer and still having great taste in your food or you want to get more veggies in your diet this recipe is perfect for that

1 large cauliflower, cut into florets
1 tablespoon oil
2 cups pizza sauce
2 ounces pepperoni
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1 cup mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
1/4 teaspoon oregano (optional)

Toss the cauliflower in the oil, place on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in a preheated 400F/200C oven until it starts to caramelize, about 20-30 minutes, mixing half way through.
Mix the cauliflower, pizza sauce, pepperoni and olives, reserving some pepperoni and olives, place in a baking dish, sprinkle on the cheese followed by the reserved toppings and the oregano.
Bake in a preheated 350F/180C oven until the cheese has melted and the sides are bubbling, about 20 minutes.

recipe source here

shared at
wildly original

Cheeseburger Macaroni

1 pound lean hamburger meat
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes and green chilies (or petite diced tomatoes)
2 cups beef broth (or water)
1 cup elbow macaroni

FOR THE CHEESE SAUCE:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Directions:


Brown and drain hamburger meat. Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel, beef broth, and macaroni. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and cover pan. Simmer 12-14 mins until macaroni is tender.

FOR THE CHEESE SAUCE

Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking for 5 minutes until fragrant and light brown in color. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Whisk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add the salt and pepper to the cheese sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over the hamburger mixture. Stir gently to combine.

recipe source here

A Lost Life==== How To Help Your Bereaving Friend

I truly believe one of the worst pains to ever have is losing someone that you love. The closest individuals to lose besides my grandparents have been my dad and mother in law. There is a club that many of my friends and a few family members belong to. That club is one that I I hope I never have to join. The club of bereaving pareents, they have lost a child whether it be a new born or an older child it always hurts. So for them and if you are part of this group as well. I say a prayer and share your sign for I believe one day you will see your child if you are believers once again. 

Losing a child is hard for all that are concerned. There is no correct way of grieving for each will have their own way. There are organizations that may be able to help you through the process. The process I say that as if it will go away one day, the truth is the pain will be there for ever. So grieve the way you feel like grieving there is no right or wrong way.


What I learned we can do to help::
(1) let them grieve, it is their time, be there for them not just at the moment but for the long haul. There will be many different times that the memory of their child will arise and your friend will need you then as well

(2)
Grieving process is like a roller coaster. There are many times that things will being going good and looking up only for something to come along and knock it all down again. Grief is hard, be there when needed

(3)
One of the most important times to be there for your friend and all those that are grieving is during the memorial service. Be there to offer a shoulder, hold a hand or simply to listen. It will be a hard time but with love your friend can make it through them

(4)
When out running errands ask your friend if there is anything you can do for them as well. It may be they are just not ready to leave the house. Allow them the space they need to feel their grief as well

(5)
Hugs are great at this time. It allows them a chance to release their feelings.  Remember, you are not a counselor and should not pass judgement

shared at
friday favorites

Summer Time Fun and Funnel Cakes

8 cups vegetable oil for frying
1 1/2 cups milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
zest of 1 medium-sized orange
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup powdered sugar, for garnish
fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and quartered, for garnish
Whipped cream, for garnish

In a deep-fryer, or heavy skillet, heat the vegetable oil to 375 degrees F.
In a large bowl, beat the milk, eggs, and vanilla paste or extract together. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, orange zest, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the milk/egg mixture and stir until well incorporated and smooth.
Pour one cup of batter in a funnel, covering the funnel hole with one finger. Starting from the center, swirl the batter in the hot oil, making a circle around 6 or 7 inches in diameter. Fry on both sides until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
Remove and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with strawberries and whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Happy Birthday To The Man Behind the Circus

Mini Cheesecake Cupcakes

Crust
2/3 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 5 whole crackers)
1 ½ Tbs. sugar
3 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
Pinch salt
Filing
2 – 8oz packages cream cheese – softened
½ cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs – room temperature
¼ cup sour cream – room temperature
2 tsp. lemon zest
Pinch of salt
Topping
Seedless strawberry and/or raspberry jam
Fresh Strawberries – cut in half lengthwise, fresh raspberries and fresh blueberries


Preheat oven to 325°F and place the rack in the center position. Line a muffin tin with 12 liners. Set aside.
Make the crust: Combine the graham crumbs, 1 ½ tablespoons of sugar and melted butter in a bowl. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin liners and press it down with the bottom of a ¼ cup measuring cup or the back of a spoon. Set aside.
Make the filling: Place the ½ cup of sugar and the lemon zest into a small bowl and rub together with your clean fingers, until fragrant and slightly damp. Set aside.
Place the softened cream cheese in a large bowl and beat on medium low with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, until creamy and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Add the lemon-sugar mixture, salt and vanilla. Mix until thoroughly combined, with the mixer on medium low. Scrape the bowl and paddle, as needed.
Add the eggs, one at a time, with the mixer on low, beating well after each addition. Scrape as needed. Add the sour cream and mix until incorporated. Give the bowl one last scrape to be sure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin tins over the crust. I use an ice cream scoop.
Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until centers are almost set. The cheesecakes will rise during baking and are likely to crack a bit. Remove from the oven and set on a rack to cool completely. Chill the cheesecakes in the muffin tin for at least 2 hours or overnight, before removing from the tin and topping. Note: When the cheesecakes are removed from the oven the centers will begin to sink, but this expected and provides the perfect space for the topping.
Remove chilled cheesecakes from liners, if desired and top each cupcake with about a heaping teaspoon of jam, a strawberry halve or a few raspberries, and some blueberries or the topping of your choice. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes: If the cheesecakes have been removed from the liners and are allowed to sit on a plate in the fridge for hours, the crust may begin to soften. I’ve found the crust stays crisp much longer in the liner. 


recipe source here 

shared this yummy recipe at
Funtastic Friday 

3 ingredient apple turnovers

2 puffed pastry sheets, thawed
1 cup applesauce
1 cup vanilla glaze

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place puffed pastry sheets on clean, dry surface. Cut each pastry sheet into four squares.
Place one tablespoon of applesauce on one half of the square.
Fold over from corner to corner into a triangle shape, and press edges together to seal. Place turnovers on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.
If desired, crimp edges with fork.
Cut three small indentations on the thickest part of the turnover to resemble small apple pies.
Brush with one beaten egg, if desired.
Bake for 20 minutes.
When golden brown and puffed up, remove from oven and drizzle vanilla glaze on top using the prongs of a fork.
If you desire to make your own glaze, simple whisk together, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 Tablespoons of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Enjoy!

recipe source here 

Beans and Bacon

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. 2 lbs of navy beans
4. 1 ham hock
5. 1 lb of bacon
6. 1 white onion, diced
7. 1 cup of ketchup
8. 1 cup of dark brown sugar
9. 1/4 cup of molasses
10. 1 teaspoon of mustard powder
11. 1-2 dashes of liquid smoke
12. Or, you can use a 1 1/2 cups of a BBQ sauce instead

Re-hydrate beans by soaking them in water overnight.
The next day, in a large pot on medium heat add 2 slices of bacon and ham hock with 1/2 of the diced onion. Cook for about 10 minutes until fats have been released. Then add beans, fill pot with water so the beans are just covered, and bring water to a boil. Make sure the   Once water boils, reduce heat and let simmer for 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a saute pan, par-cook the rest of the bacon on medium for about 5 minutes.  Add some of the bacon grease to another pan and saute remaining onion.  Set back and onion aside.
Mix ketchup, mustard powder, molasses, sugar, and liquid smoke in a bowl.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  When the water in the beans has reduced by half, add the ketchup mixture (or a pre-made BBQ sauce) and the bacon fat onions and mix well. Cook on medium low for 30 minutes.
In a large baking dish, pour in beans (and ham hock) and cover with par-cooked bacon.  Bake for 1 hour or until the bacon is nice and crispy.
Serve and enjoy!

recipe source here

Japanese Fried Chicken

Yields 2 to 3 servings

1 pound boneless, chicken thighs, with or without the skin, cut into bite-sized pieces
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 piece of ginger, about 1-1/2 inches, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sake
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup potato starch, or as needed to lightly coat chicken pieces (cornstarch is a good substitute)
peanut or other vegetable oil, for deep frying
a few drops sesame oil, optional, to add to frying oil for extra flavor
1 lemon, cut in wedges

Lightly season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sake, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and sugar. Add chicken pieces and let marinate for at least one hour in the refrigerator. Pour enough vegetable oil into a large pot to reach a depth of 2 inches. Attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot  and heat the oil to 325 degrees F over medium heat. Lightly pat chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Working in batches, toss chicken in the potato flour until lightly and evenly coated. Fry the chicken pieces a few at a time, until cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes.  Repeat until all the chicken is fried, letting the oil come back up to temperature before frying each batch.

Once all the chicken is cooked, turn up the flame and heat oil to 375 degrees F and fry the chicken nuggets a second time, in batches ,until crisp and golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove fried chicken pieces and drain on a wire rack or on paper towel. Repeat until all the chicken is fried, letting the oil come back up to temperature before frying each batch.

Serve with plenty of lemon wedges.

Adapted from Just Hungry.

National Kissing Day

Today, is National Kissing Day. There are several styles of kissing including a small peck, Eskimo kiss, raspberry kiss, and then the old fashioned french kiss. A peck is often shared between friends or someone else that is special. Eskimo kiss are often sweet and innocent performed by rubbing noses together. Raspberry kisses are fun and kids seem to love them. You may recall giving someone one on their stomach to make odd fun noises. Finally, the french kiss is not liked by every one and the results of such a kiss can vary from happiness to an awful feeling. There is a lot of tooth knocking and saliva mixing in this final kiss.

I believe I have left out one of the most special kisses through history. Just take a look this kiss between the Lady and the Tramp is a special one indeed.

Don't Let Boredom Ruin Your Summer

How many times in the summer months will you hear this?? If you are prepared with a few ideas that will work to bust the boredom then maybe that number will be much less. Summer time will offer more time than some may be able to handle. Boredom comes about easily when there is no set schedule. The one thing that can bust boredom is curiosity

Get out there, get active, pick up a new hobby, or even volunteer. These activities will help keep you busy. Being busy learning and doing things will not allow boredom to slip in.


Here is a great list of ideas so that you or your child do not face the fact of boredom

Freedom From Meat

The vegetarian and vegan lifestyle is growing in popularity. The health benefits that come from either eliminating or limiting meat from their diet as well as for moral and environmental implications that come from doing so. Today, Independence from Meat Day offers everyone including the carnivores the opportunity to try a different kind of cuisine that focuses on not eating cute harmless animals.

Independence from Meat Day was started by a group of vegans and vegetarians who as most were firm believers that eating meat is an addiction not to mention bad for our bodies and environment. To celebrate try this tasty recipe

1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• 1/2 cup finely crumbled cotija or feta cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 teaspoon ancho or guajillo chili powder, plus more for serving
• 1 medium clove garlic, finely minced (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems
• 4 ears shucked corn
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

When all the charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and spread the coals evenly over half of coal grate. Alternatively, set half the burners of a gas grill to high heat. Set cooking grate in place, cover gill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil the grilling grate. While coals heat, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, chili powder, garlic, and cilantro in a large bowl. Stir until homogenous and set aside. when grill is hot, place corn directly over hot side of grill and cook, rotating occasionally, until cooked through and charred in spots on all sides, about 8 minutes total.Transfer corn to bowl with cheese mixture and use a large spoon to evenly coat corn on all sides with mixture. Sprinkle with extra cheese and chili powder and serve immediately with lime wedges.

Dog Days of Summer

While midsummer is not here yet it soon will be. The dog days of summer are the "hottest, most sultry days of summer. It is a time in which the weather is very hot or stagnant or marked by a dull lack of progress. The name dog days comes from the dog star by the name of Sirius. This term dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans A brown dog was often sacrificed during the dog days to appease Sirius.

Dog days are not universal. In the southern hemisphere they do not occur. Sirius is seen much of the year there. The northern hemisphere does not see the dog star most of the year starting in early July. Dog days in ancient times saw Sirius rise and set with the sun.

Dog days last around 40 days but may vary. The Old Farmer's Almanac says they run from July 3 through August 11 while the Common Book of Prayers (1552) says July 6 to August 17. One myth says that during dog days dogs go mad for no reason, hunting dogs wont hung, fish wont bite, sores and wounds dont heal, snakes go blind and strike at anything that comes near.

Happy Dog Days of Summer To you... Take a rest and relax.... Soon after it will be Harvest season

Keep Cool without A/C

As I recall the first air conditioner we had did not occur til I was in junior high. It was something that we enjoyed but by that time had found other ways to stay cool as well. It has been a long time since those early days and for the most part we have been blessed with air conditioning. In the past couple of years though we have done with out and have learned once again how to deal with the heat. Many others have trouble living without air conditioning.

In a home the heat may make it feel as if someone has turned the furnace up to high. Nearly unbearable to take the heat we look for ways to escape it. Fans don't seem to help much and truly the fan is only helping to circulate thee hot air inside the home. The button to the air conditioner will help lower the temperature swiftly. The issue for many is that air conditioning does not come cheap as the electricity bill will easily show the price of cool air. In addition, there are those that do not have air conditioning because of where they may live. Yet, others worry about the environment and how the air conditioner may damage it. Perhaps, you would like to know a few ways that you can help cool the house without running up the electric bill.

Placing blinds in windows will help stop direct sun heat and make your home a bit cooler. Do not open the windows that face east in the day time. This is most important tip to remember in the late afternoon.

Keep furniture away from windows so air ventilation will not be blocked. It is a good idea to shut the windows at noon or around 1 p.m. and re-open in evening around 6 p.m. Also, keep curtains drawn during the daytime.

Velvet curtains will help to absorb heat and block sun rays during daytime.  Light cotton curtains will reflect heat. Keep potted plants in rooms it will help keep rooms cooler. Potted plants in your rooms will help to keep room a bit cooler as well.

lighter colored bed covers, bed sheets, cushion covers, sofa covers will all help to keep room cooler. Keeping a bottle of ice or ice pack near a table fan will help air feel cooler and soothing. De-cluttering the room will help break up hot air pockets as well.

In the kitchen using exhaust fans and mopping floors with cold water or regular temp water will help cool the room. Ceiling fans are great for air circulation and cooler homes. Turn off appliances and gadgets that are not being used.

These are great tips for all of us with or without air conditioning.

Modest Wearing Bikini

The bikini is a top and bottom duo that has been part of summers since July of 1946. The bikini which started out slightly sassy has become something that leaves no imagination to be had. A bikini will help you get through the dog days of summer but often leaves little covered. There are many that do not feel comfortable sharing it all in a bikini. Modest bathing suits are often hard to find and are often unflattering or a bad fabric choice. 

There are a few that you can find that offer extra coverage and are very cute as well. Flaunt it if you got it but leave a little that they dont know about

This two piece bikini offers a bit of fun. The high waisted bottoms allow the bikini to keep a bit of a secret. It looks like a once piece and has the comfort of a 2 piece.  Find it here

A tank kini offers a cute look and comfort as well. The top is halter style with tie included. You can find it and many other modest inspire wear here

How super cute is this bikini set. Perfect colors for July or anytime. Find this cute suit here 

Country Music

Country Music is full of patriotic songs and those that speak of living in the great U.S.A

The one I share today is one of my favorites. When in 2011 the worst happened here at home my daughter would sing this song to keep her company. She was in the third grade and now is a grown lady. I can recall our neighbors sharing their stories with me how her voice and that song continued to give them hope when all seemed lost.

Country music originated in the 1920s in the Southern United States with influences from American folk music, western music and the blues. Country music also has a heavy rock and roll, soul and rap influence. It is a lot like the United States and is made up of many diversities. In the early years country music was often called "hillbilly music" but since the 1940s has commonly been known as "country music"

Country Music instruments commonly include guitars, drums, pianos, keyboards, banjos, mandolins, fiddles and harmonicas. Immigrants located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains in the U.S. introduced many of these. Irish settlers shared the fiddle, Germans brought along the dulcimer, Italians shared the playing of the mandolin, and the banjo comes from West Africa. 

The next time you are listening to Country Music think about all the different instruments and how much it is very like how America is made up. 

Sweet Summer Salad

These simply delicious ingredients all will be combined to create a delicious summer salad. Yummy!!

3-4 cups of fresh romaine lettuce cleaned and torn (you could just use the bagged stuff)
About 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
About 1/2 cup fresh strawberries cut in small chunks
1 oz (28g) Crumbled Feta
1 tbsp Sweet Poppy Dressing

Wash and prepare all your ingredients. Top the greens with the berries and cheese. Drizzle on the dressing and enjoy! 

Hot Enough To Fry An Egg

In 2013 Bill Nye the Science Guy proved that it was possible to fry an egg on the sidewalk. This fun holiday appears each year on July 4th. If you want to do your own experiment here are a few steps. The best time to do such an expirement is on a very hot day where the sun shines bright. 

1 egg
1 strip of tinfoil (the size must cover that of a small frying pan)
Cement pad (garage driveway or sidewalk)
A hot sunny day!

If temperature is warmer than 35º C – Find a spot outside where the sun is directly shining. Crack the egg and pour onto the hot sidewalk or driveway (make sure it is a flat and level surface). Allow the sun to do the rest of the work. Wait a few minutes and you will have a cooked egg.

If the temperature is less than 35º C – You will not have enough sun heating your area so you will need to intensify the heat in order to cook the egg. This can be done by laying a sheet of tinfoil (shiny side up) on the sidewalk or driveway (it should be flat or level) where the sun is directly shining. Curl up the edges of the tinfoil so that the egg stays on the tinfoil. Crack your egg and pour the contents on the tinfoil. Your egg will soon start to cook.

Curl up the edges to keep the egg on the tinfoil. If it is hot enough, you can cook the egg directly on the sidewalk. WARNING! Do not eat the results of this trick! 

While it may be hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk there is something else I love to do with eggs that taste better than asphalt 

One of my favorite dishes that is seen at nearly almost holiday dinner, picnics and BBQ's are those little deviled eggs. July 4th is not only fry an egg on sidewalk day but also one of the biggest summer celebrations. Deviled eggs are perfect picnic food and these deviled eggs with the colors of red, white and blue are perfect for the 4th of July.

This dish is easy to make and sure to be a favorite of almost everyone. There is one little secret and that is that these eggs will not fry any ones diet either as they are made without full fat mayo.

Making Hard boiled eggs is fairly easy. Simply place a dozen eggs into a 4 quart pot and cover with an inch of water. Now heat water to boil over medium heat with no lid on pot. When the water starts to boil turn heat off and put lid on pot. Let eggs sit for 15 minutes for large eggs, 17 minutes for extra large eggs and 19 minutes for jumbo eggs

Pour hot water off and replace with enough cold water to cover eggs. You could add a bit of ice as well. Cool for 15 minutes. After cooling it is time for peeling. To do this crack the egg shell just a bit. The egg membrane will make it easier to peel.

• 1 dozen hard boiled eggs
• ¼ cup nonfat plain yogurt (or desired amount)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise ( I prefer Hellman's/ Best Foods)
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard

salt & pepper

Cut eggs in half and take out yolks and place them in a medium bowl.
Use a pastry cutter or fork to break up yolk until it's super fine.
Add yogurt, mayo, mustard, s&p and whip up with spatula until smooth and creamy.
Place mixture into piping bag fitted with a 2D tip.
Mix 1 cup hot water and 1 teaspoon food coloring and 1 tablespoon vinegar. The vinegar helps the color stay bright, I tried it both ways and the eggs with vinegar have a brighter color.
Place egg whites into the colored water and let sit until desired color is achieved about 1-2 minutes.
Take out egg whites and place on paper towel to allow excess color to drip off.
Then arrange eggs on platter.
Pipe the egg yolk mixture into the egg white halves.

Happy 4th of July