Great Source for Tips

Here is a great tip from a great facebook site that offers great tips any busy mom or child-care giver needs.

Sunday Stealing

Monsters in the Closet Meme

Do you usually sleep with your closet door open or closed?

there is no door as it is decorative without a door on purpose

Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels?

I do sometime, recently finding several mini dial bars obviously taken from somewhere

Have you ever ‘done it’ in a hotel room?

well, what exactly is it??? You, know I was once young

Where is your next vacation?

It's not exactly planned yet normally takes place in October

Have you ever stolen a street sign before?

No but I do think that would be rather cool

Who do you think reads these?

hopefully lots of fun loving people as I will read all of those posted

Do you have a calendar in your room?

Yes, would be afraid what would happen if I did not have one

Where are you?

watching T.V. and answering questions on this meme in Southern Illinois

What’s your plan for the day?

well, I am filling this out a bit late as we had a family cook out. So the next thing I will do is watch some more T.V. play with the computer a bit more and then go to bed

Are you reading any books right now?

no not currently but I do have plenty of time to read and share

Do you ever count your steps when you walk?

yes, since child hood I have counted my steps

Have you ever peed in the woods?

Yes, but dont tell anyone

Do you ever dance even if there’s no music playing?

Not really dance but I do seem to rock and move quite often when I should be sitting still

Do you chew your pens and pencils?

yes I do sadly when I am thinking I do seem to chew on fingers, pencils, pens or whatever

What is your “Song of the Week”?

Chris Stapleton is awesome right now. Love his voice.



Is it okay for guys to wear pink?

Grand-daughter says no but I think real men wear pink and look good in it.

Do you still watch cartoons?

you bet ya

Whats your favorite love movie?

Grand-daughter says Frozen and I would consider Fried Green Tomatoes mine, You see we are thinking of other kinds of love her one of sister/friends and mine of the young and old

What do you drink with dinner?

juice for her and sweet tea for me

What do you dip Chicken Nuggets in?

she would have some barbq sauce and I love McDonalds sweet and sour sauce or ranch at other places

What is your favorite food/cuisine?

we both love a good country dinner with ham, potatoes and biscuit

What movies could you watch over and over and still love?

she says mighty med (never heard of it) and I love fried green tomatoes and steel magnolias

Last person you hugged/kissed?

we love to share that answer as we hugged each other

Were you ever a boy/girl scout?

I was for many years, she will be when she is old enough

Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?

nope and she better never

play along here 

Derby Day have fun watching the horses

The Kentucky Derby has long been a tradition to dress up in your best and yes that did include beautiful wild hats. This is a picture of my friends don't they look amazing. 

The Kentucky Derby is a horse race held once a year in Louisville Kentucky, U.S. It occurs on the first Saturday in May. The race is for three year old thoroughbreds lasting 1 and a quarter miles. The race is located at Churchill Downs race track. In the U.S. the race is knwn as the "Most exciting 2 minutes in sports." The winner recieves the prestige as well as a blanket of roses draped over the winner.

The Kentucky Derby ranks first in North America This years race occurs on May 7, 2016 The winner will win a guaranteed $2 million dollar purse. The race brings along with it many traditions. Mint Juleps are enjoyed at the race, these iced drinks that are made up of bourbon, mint and a simple sugar syrup. Burgoo a tradition that hits close to home is also very tasty. It is a thick stew of beef, chicken, pork and veggies.

A special section referred to as "Millionaire's Row" is the expensive box seats. These seats attract the rickh, famous and well connected. Here you will find women dressed in fine outfits and large elaborate hats. Since 1921 the University of Louisville Marching Band plays the song "My Old Kentucky Home"

The derby is often called "The Run for the Roses" A large blanket of red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner each year. Roses were present to the ladies at the post Derby party that was attended by Churchill Downs founder Col. M. Lewis Clark. This led to Clark believing that roses would be perfect flower for the race. In 1896 the first roses to the winner was recorded. The Governor of Kentucky awards the garland and trophy to the winner. 

Now, its time to share an awesome recipe. A dish that is often served at the derby, Burgoo. You either love it or you pass on it. Where I grew up there are several areas that serve up Burgoo in community dinners. 

Kentucky Burgoo Recipe

This recipe makes a lot! Feel free to halve. Otherwise, it makes great leftovers.

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3-4 pounds pork shoulder or country ribs, cut into large pieces (3 to 4 inches wide)
• 2-3 pounds chuck roast, stew meat, or other inexpensive cut of beef, cut into large pieces (3 to 4 inches wide)
• 3-5 chicken legs or thighs (bone-in)
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 quart chicken stock or broth
• 1 quart beef stock or broth
• 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
• 2 large potatoes (we used russets)
• 1 bag of frozen corn (about a pound)
• 1 bag of frozen lima beans (about 14 ounces)
• Salt and pepper
• 4-8 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Tabasco or other hot sauce on the side

1 Heat vegetable oil on medium-high heat in a large soup pot (at least 8 quart size). Salt the meats well on all sides. When the oil is shimmering hot, working in batches brown all the meats. Do not crowd the pan or the meat will steam and not brown well. Do not move the meat while browning a side. Let the meat pieces get well seared. Remove the browned meats to a bowl.
2 Add the onions, carrots, celery and green pepper to the pot and brown them. If necessary, add a little more oil to the pot. After a few minutes of cooking, sprinkle salt over the vegetables.
3 When the vegetables are well browned, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, until fragrant. Add back the meats, and the chicken and beef broths and the tomatoes, stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce the heat and simmer gently for 2 hours.
4 Uncover and remove the meat pieces. Strip the chicken off the bone and discard skin if you want. Break the larger pieces of meat into smaller, more manageable pieces. The reason you did not do this at first is because the meats stay juicier when they cook in larger pieces. Return all the meat pieces to the pot and bring it up to a strong simmer.
5 Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks about the same size as the meat pieces (if using new potatoes, you can skip the peeling, but russets you'll want to peel). Add them to the stew and cook them until they are done, about 45 minutes. When the potatoes are done, add the Worcestershire sauce, mix well and taste for salt. Add more Worcestershire sauce to taste if needed.
6 Add the corn and lima beans. Mix well and cook for at least 10 minutes, or longer if you’d like. Here is the point where you decide whether you want a burgoo that’s been hammered into a thick mass or a stew with bright colors in it. It’s your call.
To serve, taste one more time for salt, and add either Worcestershire or salt if you want. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread and a bottle of hot sauce on the side.

recipe source here

Label Daddy save 25%

The end of school is looming and camp will follow behind. We are always looking for a great deal and right now there is one at Label Daddy. The thought of camp brings many great memories. The good times of swimming, hiking and having great times. The downfall of camp is losing items, we have all did this and I am sure there will be more that continue to do this. To avoid issues of losing items or others not knowing who it belongs to there is Label Daddy Peal and stick custom name labels. 

Right now take advantage of saving 25% off Label Daddy peel and stick custom name labels. Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings. No ironing or sewing is needed as these stickers simply peel and stick. This to me makes the stickers valuable, if your child makes or purchases an item while at camp the child can use these simple to use stickers. 

Besides being a great deal and easy to use they are also protected with a laminated coating. The extra layer of protection is a must at camp with all the activities that keep campers busy. Label all clothing, sports equipment, electronics and anything that your kid is bringing to camp with them. While great for camp they also work well at school, camp , sport leagues, day care, vacation, and other places. The label daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others. 

The Label Daddy peel and stick custom name labels are useful to adults as well. Those items that you carry with you and do not want lost can be easily labeled. Items such as sun glasses, eye glass case, phone, camera, sports equipment, tablet, e-reader, hats, clothing and other items are all items that without Label Daddy labels may be lost and never returned

Label Daddy peel and stick washable labels are:

• super durable 
• peel and stick
• washer and labels
• microwave safe
• dishwasher safe
• uv resistant
• fun and attractive
• design your own labels choose from tons of colors, sizes and logos
• come in choice of Disney, Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos as well as many other fun logos
• USA made and shipped directly around the world

Visit the label daddy website http://www.funfam25.labeldaddy.com Get ready for camp and save 25% on your Label Daddy order. Simply use the code FUNFAM25 when checking out. 

Clorox II Purex giveaway

I have been a long time user of Purex. For my family they offer a product that I feel does a great job. Purex is also economical and I love that as well. Wow, what is there more to say about Purex as I shared in my own opinion they do a great job at an affordable price. I also love the fact that now Purex is even better with Clorox  2 stain remover. Yeah!!! By the way you may want to check out the giveaway where a lucky person will have a chance to win 3 free coupons. Check out the giveaway at We Got The Funk

Chunky Apple-Rhubarb Sauce with Dried Cranberries

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/chunky_apple_rhubarb_sauce_with_dried_cranberries.html From EatingWell:  April/May 2005

This recipe is as sweet as much as it is savory and tart. It complements roasted pork and chicken. I would even suggest Sweet, savory and tart, this sauce is a natural complement to roasted pork or chicken. Rhubarb is also fresh in May and this recipe would go great with grilled meat as well. Enjoy

1 large green apple, such as Granny Smith, peeled and diced
2 cups diced rhubarb, (2-3 stalks)
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
1 tablespoon honey
1 1/4-inch-thick slice ginger, peeled
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, or to taste

Combine apple, rhubarb, onion, apple juice, cranberries, honey and ginger in a medium saucepan. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb is soft and the apple is tender but not mushy, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in vinegar. Remove the ginger; serve the sauce warm, at room temperature or chilled.

Like many I find myself short of time most of the year. When spring comes there is even more to do. So if you are like me and like to be ahead of the game then here is a tip for you

Make, cover and chill for up to 5 days or freeze and have on hand for up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave on high for about 2 minutes or warm in a saucepan over low heat.

A favorite Lady friend as well as a favorite recipes of ours.

There is hope that we can all reach our potential. Live for your dream and enjoy life. A great lady that has been in our life for the past 10+ years. She is a great cook that strives to be the past. Recently she was blessed to become the owner of a food truck with indoor sitting as well. Our own Mrs. Angie

One of her first recipes my kids fell in love with. While she will not give out her secret recipes I tried to duplicate it using taste alone. I hope you enjoy 

 

2 lb hamburger, brown
1 can rotel tomatoes
2 lb velvetta
2 c shredded cheese

melt last 3 together and mix n meat. You may add salsa if you wish but because my entire family does not like spices we meet somewhere in the middle. Anyways, dip tortilla chips in it and it taste great

It's Summer Time A Great Time To Work and then Play

Memorial day to many signifies the first day of summer. It is the day that I simply love. The local pool opens, grills are fired up and the weather is normally a day to enjoy as well. It is also the day that the season changes and time for seasonal organization. Keeping the items that need to be refrigerated on a special shelf in the fridge makes it easy to see what you need as well as no extra runs to the store. 

Do you have a swimming pool?? I bet you love having your own pool. It's a great time to get out there and enjoy the sun and have a bit of fun. Pools are also great way to exercise Preparing the pool and keeping in well taken care of could be a chore. There are a few things you can do to keep this chore to a minimum.  Organization once again can save the day. Keep all needed supplies such as chlorine testers, pool patches, brushes and anything that is needed to clean or use pool Keeping pool toys in a tub near the pool is yet another great way to know where all is. No more searching for that favorite toy is in your future if you keep all items where they should be. 

While summer is full of fun there are those chores that must be done but may not be fun. Mowing the grass, gardening, washing the car, cleaning out the garage and cleaning the pool. To make it a bit more fun have the whole family move in. With all getting involved the chores will take less time and make room for more fun. Create a chore schedule so that the whole family knows what must be done. Assign chores to family members will save time and energy as well. 

Family outings that are either free or low cost can often be easily located in your local newspaper. Fairs, festivals, outdoor concerts sporting events, library summer programs and more are normally free or low cost to enter. Find out what is going on in your neighborhood and take advantage of family fun time I am sharing a great list of ideas that I found on the great www 

Towel Tag review and giveaway

Most of us have been taught from a young age to be nice and to share. Well, that is a good line to learn  but there are things that we do not want to share. Germs would be on the top of the list along with head lice and other not so nice things to share. My mother always reminded me never use the items of others. I shared this same information with my own children.The problem is that it is not always the fault of our children. Some times, others use our towel without our permission or perhaps they believe it to be theirs. Towel Tags take the problem out of this. Towel tags offer an ID system where we can label our towels. 

Towel tags was invented out of necessity. A mother named Kathlyn was simply tired of washing towels daily as her sons were forgetful of which towel was theirs. The problem in our house is that no one likes to pick up their towel. The towel tag system helps to promote picking up their towel as everyone will know who's towel is who's. The other reason I love the towel tag is because our family often goes on retreats, camps and stay overs where we stay with others. Things often get misplaced and seemingly lost. Avoid the issues that I just identified. With the towel tag these items can now be I.D'd and losing and having to replace is over. 

Towel Tag ID's can be used against skin as they are soft to touch. They can be personalized and re-used again and again. A sheet of letter stickers included so that each towel will have a towel tag. Do you have pets?? There are also optional pet stickers that are available to remember what belongs to which pet. 

Towel tags can be used to put an I.D. on any item where you can connect it. Whether it be a lunch bag, backpack, towels, or jacket. Princess is in kindergarten and I noticed that many children use the same popular backpacks and lunch bags. A towel tag would allow your children to keep tract of their items allowing them to grow a bit of maturity. In addition many coats and jackets have loops to easily hang on a nail or holder. A towel tag can help your child from mis-identifying their own jacket as well as any child that thinks that their jacket belonsgs to them while it truly is your childs. One way to protect your child from head lice is making sure everyone keeps their coat from the others. 

The Tag Towel people want to offer one lucky person the chance to win their own towel tag set. I feel as if we are all a bit lucky. So, why not?? Why not enter this giveaway and vi to win a tag towel for yourself.

you would not be at this blog trying to win a giveaway if you did not stop by. To keep up with all the on goings from recipes to giveaways at our blog why not connect to our site. For your first entry like me on GFC.

Visit the website for Towel Tags here and let me know in comments some thing something interesting you found on your website. For an extra point visit my blog and let me know what post caught your eye

You may find some awesome ideas on our Facebook page Find us here Likewise you will find great ideas and more information about towel tag on their facebook page

Visit the Pinterest page for Towel Tag as well as Annies Home Pinterest page

We have many friends on twitter and always looking for more I am sure the tweets that Towel Tag sends out are worth while as well. To gain an extra entry tweet about this giveaway using @shopannies 

Good luck, you have several ways to enter the giveaway. Let me know which ones you did in comment. One comment per entry please

Warning :::: Teen Driver

The 120 days when students are on vacation from school is the deadliest period oftime for teenage drivers. In a 10 year period of time there were 12,000 teens that died in car accidents while behind the wheel. That averages out to be 13 teen deaths a  week during the summer months.This number is too high and may be lowered if we set limits on teen driving. Ensure they know that a license is not a reward for turning a certain age. It demands respect and the driver gains responsibility. Driving at night, weekends,or in inclement weather should be taken seriously as they gain experience. 

It was several years ago during finals week that three local young ladies were taking a "shortcut" to get back home an back to school as one of them had a report to turn in. The young driver took a turn to close and over corrected. The car was flipped , caught on fire and out of the four girls in the car only one was saved The goal of this post is to never let this happen again.

We should discuss using the car with our teens. Knowing the route your teen will take as well as setting check in times not only allows you to know where your teens are but helps them to gain responsibility. Safety is a subject that should be on the top of every drivers mind. Teens are not the only ones that are inexperienced.

Be safe out there on the road

Tips for Buying The Best Tasting Fruit

I love fruit and when it is in season even better. It seems as if everything has it's own season. I thought I might share a few ways to work with fruit both in season and not. A good friend of mine who has been in culinary school as well as worked in the fruit department of our local grocery store helped me with some great tips.

The fresher the better the old saying goes. For the most part it is very true. With modern farming, processing and delivery finding freshness in our fruit is reachable. The problem to me is how it was processed , what method they used. I also always check to make sure that the canned fruit I purchase hast a light syrup. You can also talk to your produce manager to see when delivery day are to ensure that your veggies have a delicious quality about them. 

Remember that good produce does not have to be picture perfect. While it should have the characteristic color, shape and size bananas for example may have a fuller flavor if they are speckled. Fruits and vegetables that do not look perfect may not show up in your grocery store but they will be found else where and may cost less as well.

Before you buy use your senses to find the best fruit available. Feeling a piece of fruit may tell you ripeness, smelling a fruit should tell you something about taste as well. A strong scent normally means they are ripening as they should and fruit to soft is too ripe.  

When fruit is in season search out your source of local produce You may find a stand along the road or many times there are farmers that have farm stands where the fruit grows. Fresh fruit often has the better taste than those shipped. Grocery stores often have local fruit for sale as well. Here is where being friends with your  produce manager has its perks. Farmers markets are often a great place to purchase local produce 

If you do not know where fruit stands are I have a day trip idea for you. Take a drive on any afternoon and most likely you will find farm families ready to sell their produce. Picked just from home right from the garden, tree or vine. In our area there are many pick your own fruit business and this is not only a good family event but also a way to stock up. 

Buy in season. Here is a short list of what you will find in what season

Summer: apricots, blueberries, cherries, eggplant, fresh herbs, green beans, hot peppers, melon, okra, peaches, plums, sweet corn, sweet peppers, tomatoes, zucchini.

Fall: apples, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collards, grapes, kale, pears, persimmons, pumpkins, winter squash, yams.

Winter: beets, cabbage, carrots, citrus fruits, daikon radishes, onions, rutabagas, turnips, winter squash.

Spring: asparagus, blackberries, green onions, leeks, lettuces, new potatoes, peas, red radishes, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries, watercress.

How Does Your Garden Grow

Keep in mind that this is your garden. It is your responsibility as well as you get to decide routine, and you make the rules.Grow the plants you want to grow

Find out what plants grow best where. Does the plant need lots of sun or more shade? How much room do they need to move. Do a little bit of research it will help you to make your decision of what to grow and where. 

In some areas there are plants that should all ready be planted. There is still lots of time in other Iareas. My dad always would research and then do a little blue print of the garden plan. 

If you have not shopped for your plants and seeds then get started. You may have a favorite place to buy plants and seeds and others may choose to shop around. 

shared at sugar bee crafts

Hush Those Barking Dogs with this Recipe

Hushpuppy is a cornbread ball. They are small and savory, not to mention deep fried. You will often find them being served  with seafood as well as other deep fried foods Using ground corn in cooking was introduced to the culinary world by Native Americans. The cherokee, chickasaw, choctaw, creek and seminole were the first to cultivate corn and use it as a main staple in their diets. Cornbread was also popular during the American Civil War because it was very cheap and could be made in many different sizes and forms. The legend of the hushpuppies is that they gained their name from confederate soldiers who tossed the fried cornbread to quell the barks of their dogs.

Hushpuppy ingredients include cornmeal, flour, eggs, salt, baking soda, choice of milk or buttermilk, and water. The recipe may also include onion, scallions, garlic, kernel corn, and peppers. Mix the batter to desired thickness and drop by spoonful into hot oil. Fry til crisp and golden brown. Cool and serve.

crab stuffed hushpuppies.

1 cup self-rising white cornmeal mix 
1/2 cup self-rising flour 
3 green onions, thinly sliced 
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper 
1 tablespoon sugar 
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 ounces fresh lump crabmeat, picked
1 large egg
3/4 cup beer
Vegetable oil

Stir together cornmeal mix, flour, green onions, bell pepper, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in crabmeat, egg, and beer until just moistened. Let stand 10 minutes. Pour oil to depth of 2 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 360°. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls into hot oil, and fry, in batches, 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. 

Important Talks

The goal of parents is to bring awareness to our children of dangers out there It is our job to direct their paths and along the way have some serious talks. One of the most important talks that we can have with our children is one about sex. With the world as it is sometimes this talk comes sooner than we expect but along the way we may have several to help our children understand the dangers in the world.

one of the best tools that helped me have this talk with our children was the church. Our church has lessons for children as well as adults to help all understand the dangers of sex. The silver ring thing helps students to stay innocent until their marriage date. If a time comes when the talk of virginity passes it then becomes the time to discusses the dangers involved with sex. One of these is STD's

Summer is a time for love. It is a good thing as long as that love is safe and we are all prepared. April is STD awareness month. While it may not be a comfortable conversation with our children it is a very important conversation to have We are there to protect our children in all things and the dangers of STD's is something that can harm our children when they have no knowledge or are scared to discuss any issues with adults in their lives.

Everyone Do Your Share

Everyone can do their part to help to keep the Earth looking its best. I remember The Little Lulu cartoon show themed "Do Your Share" where the gang goes around town cleaning up, recycling and making the place look better. 

Just like the cartoon did for me the following books can inspire children to want to do their share.

Brother and Sister Bear team up to clean up and help save the world from pollution. This book is great and shows how a child can get others interested enough to do something about the problem of pollution

Clifford helps to clean up in this great book. This book would be a great one to start a recycling project with your child. Our family recycles all that we can and it has become a family project as well. It seems every day that the teens are bringing home a new idea of what to recycle or how to reuse. Together your family could do your part to make the Earth a better place.

strawberry shortcake

1 quart (4 cups) strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/3 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup whipping cream


Heat oven to 425°F. In large bowl, mix strawberries and 1/4 cup sugar; set aside. In medium bowl, stir Bisquick mix, milk, 3 tablespoons sugar and the butter until soft dough forms. On ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by 6 spoonfuls. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Meanwhile, in small bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries and whipped cream.

Oven Fried Chicken

Oven fried Chicken

Good for heart and good for tummy too

Vegetable oil spray
4 cups wheat-flake or cornflake cereal, lightly crushed
1 garlic clove, crushed (optional)
1 teaspoon ground ginger, or to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Pepper to taste
6 pieces skinless chicken with bone (about 2 1/4 pounds), all visible fat discarded
Vegetable oil spray, butter-flavored or original

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a baking sheet with vegetable oil spray.
In a pie pan or on a piece of foil, stir together the cereal and garlic.
In a small bowl, combine the ginger, paprika, salt if using, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasonings on both sides of each piece of chicken.
Roll the chicken in the cereal crumbs to coat. Lightly spray the chicken on all sides with vegetable oil spray and put on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, tender and no longer pink in the center. (Timing will vary according to the thickness of the chicken pieces.)
Cook’s Tip on Skinning Poultry: You can dramatically reduce the amount of fat and cholesterol in poultry by throwing away the skin. Due to its slippery nature, however, poultry skin can be a challenge to remove. Hold the poultry piece on a flat surface (a plastic cutting board is recommended), grasp the skin with a double thickness of paper towels, and pull firmly. Discard the paper towels. Use a knife or kitchen scissors to trim any remaining visible fat.

Good-Bye to the Prince of the Music World

In honor of tribute to the special musician known as Prince my husbands cousin brad owens created this piece of art work. I think it is simply beautiful. I loved Prince and his music was not aware til recently of all the music others sang of his. Here is one of my favorites

Strawberry Salsa

One of my favorite fruits and one that appears early in the season and often one of the first plants to produce are strawberries. My dad had a strawberry patch that he would add to yearly. It was a sweet surprise when he came in with a few berries and be willing to share.

Strawberry Trivia Facts

1. Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in the spring.

2. Strawberries are the only fruit with the seeds on the outside.

3. Strawberries are actually a member of the rose family.

4. Strawberries are low fat, low calorie; high in vitamin C, fiber, folic acid and potassium.

5. In medieval times, strawberries were served at important functions to bring peace & prosperity

I love eating strawberries in many different ways. From fresh to desserts they all excite me. I love the yuminess of them all. Here is another great way to fix up strawberries. This recipe for strawberry salsa is great to serve to family and friends and even better to serve on a warm spring evening. Enjoy!!

1 cup finely chopped strawberries
1/4 cup finely chopped peeled avocado
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon lime zest
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons finely chopped jalapeno pepper
1/4 teaspoon sugar

Gently mix all ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Serve immediately.  You can make this a couple of hours before serving, but if you let sit too long, it will develop a liquid base.

Serve with cinnamon tortilla chips, or over top of grilled chicken, pork, or fish for a sweet and savory addition to your meal.

shared at
real food friday
plant based potluck

Giveaways entered 4/21/2016

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Inside Out Carrot Cake

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, plus more for cookie sheets 

3/4 cup all-purpose flour 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

Pinch ground cloves

1/8 teaspoon freshly, finely grated nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon freshly, finely ground black pepper

6 tablespoons vegetable oil 

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 

1 large egg 

1/4 cup sour cream 

3/4 teaspoon vanilla, divided

1 1/2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded on the fine side of a box grater (to yield 1 cup)

1/4 cup unsweetened shredded dried coconut

5 ounces cream cheese, softened 

2/3 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon heavy cream or milk 

 Preheat oven to 350°. Put a dab of butter in each corner of 2 large baking sheets and line with parchment.  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, brown sugar, egg, sour cream, and 1/4 tsp. vanilla; stir in dry ingredients with a wooden spoon until well combined. Add carrots and coconut, stirring until just combined.  Drop 1-tbsp. circles of batter onto baking sheets about 1 in. apart. Bake until cooked through and browned slightly, 14 to 18 minutes. Cool on baking sheets.  Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat cream cheese until very soft. Add butter and beat until smooth and well blended. Add powdered sugar a third at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Beat in cream and remaining 1/2 tsp. vanilla.  Flip cakes over and spread about 1 1/2 tbsp. frosting on half of them. Top each with a remaining cake, flat side down, to sandwich the frosting.

Sunset
APRIL 2008

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Books about bugs

The warmer weather has arrived. Yes!!! It is getting nice and warm here. With all that fun that spring brings to us it also brings along some other pest as well. The pest I speak of is bugs. Yes, I am speaking of bugs. Children are funny as they observe bugs. Some may be a bit scared of them and yet others are fearless in the world of great bugs, worms, etc.... Many children will be able to spend time outside looking for or hiding from bugs. I myself, was not as fearless of bugs but did have great time exploring the many books about bugs. 

Eric Carle helps share the fun of bugs in his book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The caterpillar seems to gobble up lots of things. It is a great book that child and parent can read together. It is not only a great book about bugs but also helps teach reading concepts as well. Reading concepts such as numbers, days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly

Bugs galore , yes there are many out there and about. But do you know the differences between an insect and a true bug??? A bug is an insect belonging to the order of Hemiptera. Aphids, cicadas, assassin bugs and a few other varieties of other insects are all considered a bug. Now, while all bugs are insects, not all insects are bugs. Beetles are not true bugs and neither are butterflies, bees or flies.

The Ladybug Girl and the bug squad is part of a series of books created by David Soman and Jacky Davis. The stories were inspired by their own children and family times. The watercolor helps to bring the young readers right into the story. The stories help young readers to understand what is right and wrong when making friends and when a friend is done wrong that an apology is needed. This series of books is perfect for young readers.

So many books about bugs out there and so many bugs. Whether you read a story about bugs or learn more about them bugs are fun and interesting subject to read about. Enjoy the spring and summer weather as you read about glorious bugs.