AnjiesWorld

Diaper Rewards............. SAVE YOUR POINTS ...........pampers double deal

2012-02-24T14:52:00.001-08:00

PAMPERS STACKABLE DEAL!

Another Reward program that i don't have much access to codes. PAMPERS REWARDS An occasional user will give them to me when they are 'almost potty trained' and not saving them any more. I did these diaper deals like crazy when my kids were little and babysat. I have gotten many free items from Diaper Rewards over the years. One of my favorites of all time was a primary color pair of tennis shoes for my son , who always liked , for some odd reason to carry one around all of the time and even use them as "teething rings" sometimes. Some of my friends may have some really clear memories of this. :)

I also understand that many users "don't bother with saving them and "throw them away." If this is "you" I just want to share that you can go on EBAY and sell these things that are going in your trashcan if you got the notion. Its a very easy thing to sell on ebay, YOUR TIME, you don't sell the actual points but your time in cutting and collecting them and the shipping cost is minimal or in my case would be free as I earn 10 free stamps every month in a mystery shop like position that pays in 10 collector style stamps each month, cashews 1x per year and a smalll nominal "gift" of $20-$30 annually.

Start out with Pampers and get 10 free points. USE CODE: FBPRE9BD99DAY12 to earn 10 free points. Code is valid through 2/26. Then search previous codes here to see whats valid that you can add to get started, I post updates for free points here and also on facebook from time to time and always open to my readers sharing cods here as well.

I redeemed my points today from PAMPERS (again another one that I am not redeeming often but consistently over the years) for a COOL PHOTO COLLAGE from SHUTTERFLY and paying NOTHING for it SHIPPED.. AND earning points there as well when you share with your friend....Great Gift , right? YES I have made several they are awesome!

this is an example ^^^of one I made a few years ago

here is the info

Amount: 400 Points

11x14 Collage Poster from Shutterfly cost 400 points

Promotion Code is instantly provided to you on screen. Code is also sent to your email inbox.

Item Number: 24475

Quantity:

Add to Cart

A growing family means many milestones, celebrations and memories. Shutterfly helps you share life's joy by getting creative with all those pictures. Use your favorite pictures to tell a story with an 11x14 collage poster* printed on archival-quality paper. Select from a variety of backgrounds and styles to match any occasion and include up to 30 pictures plus a personalized caption.
And remember, Shutterfly offers free and unlimited photo storage. We never delete photos and we securely store them at the same resolution at which you uploaded them. Your precious memories are safe with Shutterfly.
The promotional code you receive must be entered on the Shutterfly website by September 30, 2012 to complete your order.

* Taxes, shipping and handling charges apply.

ASH WEDNESDAY............LENT and MORE

2012-02-24T04:17:00.001-08:00

Dad and one of his 4 legged friends....

Ash Wednesday fell on my father's birthday this year. His "any other day" wasn't. It was a day that people all around the world thought about giving up or gaining a task, a love or something in a spiritual exercise that we refer to as "Lent."

Ellen and Ian : Mardi Gras 2012

Lent is the day after Mardi Gras....... I watched from my computer screen as the pictures of the celebration, beads, cakes and costumes were posted and the floats and my heart ached to be in New Orleans with my friends in good ole "metry." expelling my "evils" and sins in preparation for Lent and maybe even making a toast to my Dad.

For Lent........ I was tempted to give up my cell phone which would be very difficult .........and frugal too........ You see whatever you do "give up" or "take on" for lent is supposed to be difficult and make you "think" about your promise to God when you are tempted or the thought crosses your mind to participate or consume what ever it is your gave / give up.

I decided on RED MEAT , I've done this before for lent and I have to admit it isn't easy for someone like me who loves hamburgers and steak and ham and ..........and ...........and BACON too......... 6 weeks........ I can do it , it will be a sacrifice but not as big as one as the "cell phone" idea.

Positive Vibe Cafe Richmond VA

So the very first day I was sitting at the Positive Vibe Cafe and boy did those collards with bacon sound good........ "bacon? oh yea....... I can't have that.........I'll have the asparagus instead. "

Its going to be a long 6 weeks.

Birthdays ARE NOT just another day..........

2012-02-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

william turns 1

lockley turns 1 (rachels cake fun)

Back in October I wrote a blog post about my stepdaughter, Faith, turning 16 years old and called it SWEET 16 we had a Fiesta for her for her Birthday .........

faith turns 16

it was a "big one" and thought I would share my thoughts about her on her special day and what we did to celebrate.

colby turns 6

rachel turns 30

I think everyone should be remembered and thought about on their birthdays........ I taught my children that growing up and tried to make each birthday as memorable as possible in some way ........... sometimes spending very little money and other times spending more than I should have to do so. What "stays" with a person when they are "old" ,

faith turns 11

I am now "old" so have the right to state this...........is the memories, not what you "got" .......but what tugged your heart strings and who was there for you, really "celebrating" your life with you......

faith turns 10

I am not sure "which" birthday each of my kids and stepkids would consider their favorite or most memorable but I can tell you which ones of theirs I remember most.

kelly turns 23

When thinking back to my own birthdays and which one was most memorable it was 4 years ago, the birthday from Hell...........the birthday I spent in the hospital when my husband was "almost dying" I wrote about it , and his progress and spoke on the phone everyday with my friends and his family and stayed "round the clock" with him, not only that day but for a few months. I slept on the floor, the end of the bed, next to him as close as I could to let him know that I was there for him. I prayed, I cried and I waited ......... while my husband struggled with his appendix rupturing, infection, allergic reactions etc........ he went in Jan. 21........ my birthday...... Jan. 22...............spent my birthday rejoicing that we were "breathing" and that was enough. This went on for almost 3 months............ 3 surgeries and touch and go situation everyday. My husband wasn't and isn't much of a planner and had not gotten me a card, a gift, hung a flag, or even written me a note to say he loved me for my birthday prior to the 21st when he got sick so there was nothing from him....... My children called my phone to say happy birthday (only 1 of my step children did not) and I got only 1 gift in the mail from my GF in New Orleans Vicki...... yet it was the most memorable birthday I have ever had. My husband lost a lot , he lost his body part and about 40 lbs, time from work and a bunch of pride, and his addiction to cigarettes during that stay in the hospital. I lost a lot too........ but it wasn't the same things......... I lost sleep, work, money, my place in line, classes, and opportunities. I lost a "birthday." totally...... it was like it didn't happen, "another day" as my Dad would say. The people that spent that time with me on the phone and on the internet know the pain, fear and struggle that I had behind the scenes with that situation.

I haven't spoken about it much since.....but decided it was time to "get it out there" now..........
as my "birth" day which was to be celebrated later...?.......was never but I remember well.................

butch turns 50

It was the YEAR AFTER his 50th birthday and he would have to postpone is jet pilot excursion that was planned .......... and we did............

My own Father's birthday is next week, I don't know how old my Dad is turning , I know he is 70 something. I really didn't know when he turned 50 and did not celebrate it with him, or 60 or 70.........or........ I don't remember ever celebrating a birthday with or for him and wonder if anyone EVER HAS?
I have called him on his birthday, I have sent him gifts and cards. He has never said thank you, but he always has said "its just another day." I often wonder what made him think this way ....... he makes it hard for me to celebrate ...........he rejects it. I don't ever remember celebrating my own birthday with my Dad either...... but he has sent me a check "here and there" and never a card. Why do we have such different ideas and expectations about this day we call a "birthday?"

Happy B irthday Jesus

Christmas is a "birthday" celebration that almost everyone I know celebrates in America. The birth of Christ is "Christmas." Even those that I know that "don't believe in God" or "are not religious" celebrate Christmas because? its fun? its a celebration? the feeling they get from the "tradition" or "giving"? I don't know but I know one thing, some people think of it as "just another day." My Dad is one of them...........I am NOT one of them.......... each year is a GIFT a GIFT OF LIFE of being around those that you LOVE and that LOVE YOU..........

caleb turns 5


junior's 3rd


lockley's bday at chuck e cheese NC

Most of my friends turn 50 this year........ I was first....... but I hope I get to celebrate this 1/2 century of celebration with each and everyone of them in grand style! :)


sherry's 50th

My 50th will be in NOLA this YEAR in MARCH ............I am "on hold" until then! :) stay tuned ............ life is too short not to celebrate it ........its not just another day............

VALENTINES DAY THOUGHTS..............Hearts and stuff...........

2012-02-12T22:27:00.000-08:00

Heart Sticker given to me by my new friend, who happens to have a thing called Austism feb. 2012

when you work in a school......you think a lot more about Valentines Day than when you don't. The kids are coloring cupids, learning about heart shapes and incorporating learning in with the holiday. We see and use heart stickers for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons are "being good." My new friend used them to cover images one on top of another in a rhythmic kind of way. When asked to have one the day before......I was vehemently denied. The 2nd day........ I was h given one without asking, a different one put on my scarf by her. This one action really got me started thinking about love.

I have gotten a lot of emails lately inquiring about my love life from concerned friends. I have gotten emails saying "just curious but''' in regards to my home life and marriage. I have gotten some from the most distant of friends to those very close to me that want me to tell them "wth is going on." These are all based on my own status updates, photos (or lack of) and comments that are out of my "normal character." The emails that I am getting with these questions are from people who actually have kept up with me for a number of years and / or been friends with me since I was a child.

There are also a few people who have just recently started paying attention to what I am writing and really do not "know" me , my writings, my photography, recipes, and home life writings.......like my long time friends. These people are reading my most recent change in attitude and think that is who I have always been. Its not.

I have flaws.........many of them fatal........and one of my most fatal of all is ________. You fill it in.........there no wrong answers , it is whatever you don't like in my personality.

i have real trust issues and I have ptsd (the acute kind) but i take no other medication than melatonin, vitamins a few herbal remedies the occasional margarita and zanex as needed (quit smoking 3.5 years ago) ....here was one person that "almost knew every facet of me but that was only one" and much has happened since we last talked. So my 50 years have been jammed packed and due to that type of life I not only have traveled a lot but I also have lots of baggage.

I have a million things wrong with me. If I were to make a list I would not know where to start......I do try to be AUTHENTIC ..... and that is the best attribute I can give myself. I am me........I am pretty much an open book...........and that is an attribute and a fatal flaw as well. I trust only a handful of people with my heart.. or love......but I give from my heart as much as possible with every ounce of it.......I help in every way I can with every person. I think most people that know me at least know that. LOVE is something I believe in......... and karma........and peace.

I am writing this because there are a few people who really haven't gotten to know me over the years or read my writings, posts, blogs, articles, photos and newsletters have just recently taken interest in some of the "not so positive" tone of my posts. They have wondered why I would post such awful things about people I loved and almost "come to the aid" or taken sides in the matter. Everyone knows that my family is very limited........it always has been, but what every one does know....I have a huge extended family that has I have a few key family members and friends that have been my crutch, my wheelchair, and what has given me the courage to stand up for myself at all and are ere to catch me when I fall. I fall about every month and they "catch me." Just as I do them.

I have opened up to a few people about some of my issues recentl hat I had not done so with in some years......that not only gave me support in the way of spending time with me, offering time to me but also have supported my friendship with hugs, songs, words of wisdom, texts, notes, and even stroked my ego when I didn't deserve it. I have gotten this support by being truthful and supported my statements with things that make sense because they are authentic and filled with love.

I do believe there are always 3 sides.......... to every story....... and some are more "authentic" than others........ if it doesn't make SENSE then it probably isn't true, but if it looks and acts like a duck........it probably is a duck......that I do know

THANK YOU ....... I think that is more to what love is...and.....that of course a SHINY RED HEART STICKER for my scarf!

"everything tastes better when it is cooked in a heart shaped pan" ~ Anjie Henley

Mr. Miller (from the 365 blog)

2012-02-11T13:43:00.000-08:00

Today I was reading a facebook status from one of our local leaders............MR MILLER.............. I see him around Powhatan all of the time....... he is a teacher, a leader and a friend to so many.

There is a current contest to nominate VA teachers for an award..........DETAILS HERE; I think he should win........

If you live in Ptown and are any way connected to the "high school" there is no way you can miss this guy. You usually cannot miss me either, i am "always getting in your way, or asking you for something , high fiving the athletes or posing you a certain way on a certain day. You all know I don't print everything I take or repeat what I hear...... and I love the work I do and the people I shoot............ MR MILLER IS ONE OF THEM....... he is always "there" and he is interacting and inspiring everyone alround him "always"

I am at the school a lot........I see from a "different point of view" than teacher or student ....I see from a lense that sometimes is macro..........this guy is good ......today's facebook post is just 1 of many of his examples he teaches something other than just "spanish".....

He is one of them that is always teaching, never lecturing........ and most of all showing everyone , kids and parents alike that there is a bridge that can be crossed ........genders, nationaliites, beliefs, backgrounds and what ever else that is gaping in our world.

I don't "focus" on everything, everyone does and says and I'm sure I don't catch "it all" but I see beauty all around me in PHS ...........and I share it on my webpage...the kids

love him and respect him........

today's post is just one small example of what he is teaching our next generation........I don't care where you live you gotta luv it.........and if you can share........ :)

Christian Miller 1/25/2012............ his most recent post that I got permission to quote btw........without his knowledge of the other stuff I wrote above....... they are unedited, unprompted and liked by a lot of your children, just in case you don't do facebook.....

in his words only:

Please tell me how heated arguments help anyone?

Do people really think using the F-word in an argument actually helps get their point across? What in the world is wrong with talking about differences in opinions WITHOUT getting angry. I always say I hate politics, but that's not what I meant. It's people devaluing others simply because of a label that they probably don't even fully understand. AH! Today, I just had a CIVILIZED conversation after school where there were big differences of opinion BUT it was beautiful. We didn't yell. We listened. In almost every argument, if you are courageous and wise enough, there is value to be had from BOTH SIDES of the scenario. If we LISTEN, an ACTUAL SOLUTION may come about. I pray to God someone feels me on this."

I sent mr. miller a little "inside joke" , something I found amusing that fit what he was trying to say......in a bit of a different wall, something I had on my own wall that was a sarcastic version of his heart felt plea............... not as much "grace" as mr. millers version but it worked for me.........

I think we are speaking the same language, just each to a different audience, mine a little more already "jaded" than our next generation is at the time............maybe? if we had more like him we could quit talking about how bad the world has become FINALLY I have heard it all my life about my generation , the next generation and the next........I personally see it thru a totally different lens...... as usual........ my own drum..........I hope I can share 1/2 as much with you as Mr. Miller can........

50 CENT PIECE....... on turning 50 otherwise known as ...more than my own 2 cents...

2012-01-22T21:52:00.000-08:00

Cruise 2011 .........49

OK so I turned 50............ today.............thats half a century old...........

It was dreary and cold outside......... I was tired......... had a headache and wanted to watch football games , two of them........NFL PLAYOFF GAMES ........... I wanted the "49ers" to win today and play the 2012 superbowl this year since they so politely beat the Saints.........and they didn't' they lost too................ugh

WHO DAT?

I have been told that is "better than the alternative" interpreted "dead." ......... when you are younger that sounds very ......... unlikely and morbid and well that it doesn't apply to you........ at 50 that does change..... and a few other things change too........ I was "warned" early in life about all the terrible things that happen when you turn 40......... almost the entire time I was 20 all the 40 somethings complained.........ALOT about being 40......... I dreaded it .......until I was 39 and my great aunt, "Letha-Lee" ......gave me wise words............ when I repeated to her what I had been told...

40s............are your prime .........remember that........

.. She ........being more than double my age........gave me these words "when you are 40 you are prime...remember that.... 50 you are young, 60, you are aging, when 70 you are aging a bit more, but when you turn 75............you are old." I have always looked up to this very very inspiring person in my life........ and those words meant the world to me because.........SHE ALWAYS TOLD ME THE TRUTH ABOUT THINGS IN A NICE WAY........even if they were things i did not need to hear about myself and /or others in my life. She never pulled a punch and she was always loved by me. So hearing that I had a "long way to get old at 39" was comforting. She has been right so far........ its all in how you look at it.........what "lens" you put on your minds eye.

At 40...........it appears its when you realize that all of those things that you said you wanted to do, and were going to do when you turned into an "adult being" were not happening exactly like you had them planned and maybe you better start crossing things that you had on that life list off

Really really love the people that love you...... hug them every chance you get - it doesn't matter if they are BLOOD that is a myth..... Blood IS THICKER THAN WATER but so is TAR.... does that make a difference?

no....... we are all connected...... like it or not...... if you look in any references to the "beginning of mankind" ......scientifically or biblically...... it will make sense to you then.... we all come from the same place......prove me different on this one if you can?

I have learned that I can do mostly anything I want to do ........and I have also learned that is ok .........not to want to do something..... to say "no." I learned this one late.

50 means you need to check the next box on the contest entry forms.......it means you are in the next to the last box........ when you are young.....you want to get out of that first box so you can qualify for more surveys........ oh boy ......don't be so excited , checking that last box ....omg...... that isn't fun at all........I don't think my aunt that gave me that advice does contests! :)

Sports........well it appears if you play sports when you are a senior citizen you get "handicaps" which does mean "special parking" basically but it means a "bigger or small number" or a "curve"in your scoring.......so I guess you can look forward to that and then pretty soon.........you wont have to throw the ball, or kick or putt you will just get on the field and win because of how old you are? pffff I don't want the handicap unless I can .....park where I don't have to walk as far in the rain or ....... maybe get a discount on lunch......how bout you? Now, if I am injured or something beyond my control or pregnant.....oh heck yea........give me the physically virtual "even playing field" but ...... heck I have seen 40 year olds when I was 20 that could out play me in Tennis! :)

So yea its true.........the better you eat........ the more you eat the more muscle you acquire without cracking your knuckles and smoking are TRUE......people are not being "mean" when they tell you that, they are being mean when they insult the way you dress, or think outside of the box, or have the bravery to be different.

BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER
Big houses = more house to clean.
Big animals = more yard to clean and sometimes house too
Big trees = lots of leaves
Big cars = big gas bills
the list goes on and on............ what i thought I liked better was bigger wallets......bigger bank accounts..........well yes that makes life easier TRUE TRUE TRUE (so set yourself up to make a lot of money if you like to spend it) but............. I was WRONG, I even told a TV reporter 2 years ago (it was cut from the clip but I said it) ....... sometimes it is better to be penniless and happy....... I know that is hard to believe but it is true........

How Does it feel to be 50? IS 50 the new 30? HECK YEA it is for me....... at least I hope so!

Life has not dealt me a perfect hand...... but I play them until I run outta hands.....and none of them have been a "lock." I don't believe you can "give that to god and just forget it" like some say is possible.......... but at 50 ......you see things and experience things and people that have done this..........like the Amish communities forgive the murderer of the schoolroom of children...... are they crazy? or wise? do they know something I don't. Katrina, Sunami survivors, tornado, flooding, oil spills..disasters on every level become your teacher of things....... at least for me........ your life .......changing events........ make you understand things differently......

My friend, Aline, I was talking about just today who lost her fiance, her leg, her spleen and many other things a few years before Katrina and was released days before it hit.........makes me understand............ YOU HAVE TO LIVE YOUR LIFE DAY BY DAY..........YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE CHANGED FOREVER.........

my 50 year old self.............understands the Michael Jacksons of the world and how sleep becomes so very important to refresh the soul and how one would do just about anything to get a good night's sleep when it was "just so easy to do" as a teenager / young person. It happens overnight..........really........overnight............ I know you think you may miss something if you sleep too much, you will........and find out what it is later....... so SLEEP when you can!

my 50 year old self...........believes that every day is a great day even the dreary cold and surfacely miserable day........ a good day because I truly was able to find a few things to put in my "gratitude" column.... if I thought about it .......my family.....my bff's..... my little grandchildren, adopted grandchildren and even a grandpuppy these days...... all make me smile ........ I love the smell of a great cup of java, a good game of backgammon, watching my favorite people dance in front of a video game, and others throw food up in the air and catch it their mouths. I love reading my facebook message "happy birthdays" and enjoying a Margarita or Two and ........wore a Tiarra with pink fuzzy flowers on it...... in public..... i love hearing "good morning" everyday.

I love watching children laugh...........all children even if they are not mine

and adults too

One of my "old buddies" recently wrote to me and told me that it was funny how angels came in and out of our lives exactly when we need them, to help us out in one way or another........THIS IS TRUE........... I promise it is...... remember that saying "hindsight is 20/20?" this is a hindsight .... that I have for you..... and the flip side of this is .............

that there are also evil people that do the same thing........ sorry ....... I know people that are going "why is anjie saying that?" it is true...... there are people that have "agendas" lots of them....... its hard to decipher who and who doesn't have them.......... well at least for some of us.......

if you have a 20/20 on that I want in on it!

50.................. its the new 30.......... I cant wait to see what the next 30 has in store for me...... I am changing............ I am thinking more and more about wearing purple........... more sooner than later...... Mattie............ remember you said , when I did you would too, i'm banking on that!

"You're not 50 , you are 5 - #10's!" quote from bday card from my nephew.............best ever!

Reorganizing my Life.................through my office

2012-01-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

2012 promises to be an interesting year of "change and hope" I know I know you heard that song and dance before but it was from someone else and I am NOT a politician..........I'm about as far from it as you get. I have no poker face, when I lie.......you know it .........may as well be pinnochio...... and well I have a hard time keeping my own life organized much less try to get into your business unless of course...... I gave birth to you....or claim you as a "child of mine."

Circle of "friends" on my "drum"

I have a circle of friends which is a mayan sculpture that was given to me as a gift years ago......... I use it as a candle holder and it sits on top of my drum in front of my rainstick. I don't know how to play the drum but I would love to learn.........I would love to learn how to play anything ........ musically.... really but never did...... this circle of friends changes over time, it ages and morphs ......... just like I do and they all dance to the beat of a "different drum."

and its location in my home changes but it never stops reminding me of my real circle of friends......those that I hold near and dear to my heart..... you all know who you are..... I hope.....?

My Camera Collection............well............most of it...........

Over the Years I have collected some cameras......... I don't have them all ........ but I kept some "important ones" and very recently (Christmas 2011) the very first 3 in this picture were added....... by my BFF , Karen, who saw me "oogling" my other BFF, Nora's collection during our trip to Nola.........I have owned many instamatics, 35mm, polaroids and such that I no longer have in my possession but the older ones intrigue me so much and I wonder , deeply about the previous owner of some of the cameras (my late maternal grandmother and when she may have used them?) I have never seen any "photography" by her other than snapshots..... so who had them? bought them? used them? and why? I will always wonder about that. I cherish them all and would love to one day test them all out ....... and use them and develop them somehow.... but in the mean time I will OOGLE them and just smile at them...... occasionally....

My office is slowly getting reorganized and a "well lighted place" to just "be" ........ and when I am done my life will feel more organized too.... I am sure......... I look around and see the things that I love, that make me feel good, that I have saved and accomplished and think about how "little pieces of paper" , "little objects" can represent a lifetime...... that the same things found by another would hold no meaning and may even be thrown away carelessly........ "another mans treasure" applies...

My life.......... My own little secret pleasures and memories attached to things.... just like the CHRISTMAS SPIRIT post....... things evoked pleasure by evoking memories things from the past.. its funny how a moment in time can come to you by seeing or touching something .......some THING.... some Times....... instead of being in the moment......... getting swept away, like a book does to a different place, a different time that is "other" than your present......

I am hopeful that I can change the "present" with the past , like they say, ya gotta know where you have been to know where you are going.......as I get older (yea the calendar page turns again soon) I see it more clearly...... as I lose my eyesight my vision improves , how ironic is that?

THE EVE.....................

2012-01-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

I think in most situations RISING to the OCCASION is better than DROPPING......... except maybe when it comes to BALLS and NEW YEARS EVE? I am not sure as I had not seen either until this year when I watched the rising of the ball ...... In CaryTown across from the infamous Byrd Theater...... but more about that later........ tonight

I am writing about the "eve" the eve of many things......... Christmas Eve and New Years Eve and now the Eve of my turning 50.......the eve of a new chapter in my life.

Christmas Eve was full of excitement , as that was the time that we spent time with 2 of the grandchildren and 2 of the daughters and one son in law...... and let them open their presents...... we also celebrated little Will-Yum-Yum's first bday as his bday is Dec. 23rd and he just turned one.........so he was the "king of the day." There was other excitement as well........

destiny sure was excited to get her "one hour" massage ......

Everyone (minus 1) drew a Christmas picture on our famous chalkboard....... pizza & chicken were ordered from dominos......
and Craig showed up to join in on the excitement too

Sock Monkey was a hit this year!

Yes ............it was a lot of fun to watch them open their presents and enjoy their gifts. Faith opened her laptop/tablet as her one Christmas gift to open tradition......... she was thrilled....... so the excitement of the holidays continued.......

Then there was NEW YEARS EVE...... I have had many...... 49 of them as a matter of fact. Truthfully, I don't remember most of them. There are only a handful that I can tell you what actually happened..... or what I did......... THIS WAS ONE that will be added to the most memorable list......... it was full of all kinds of "lights"

candle light

Holiday Lights

Spot Lights

back lights

Moon Light

Timing Lights

romantic lights

And the LIGHT OF A NEW YEAR 2012

I have never seen a ball rise or drop for New Years Eve...... this was a first a memorable first.... met a few characters that night, hung around outside on cary street...... not a cup of coffee to be found? WTH? If someone had a notion to set a stand up next year or open up late just to serve coffee and hot chocolate I bet they would make a lot of money~! They said you could get a cup at 7-11 down the street but they were packed with all kinds of people buying all kinds of things and you would lose your place if you went that far......

The night was Illuminating in so many ways.......... <3.......

Now its the EVE.......or the time before I am getting ready to turn 50 years old...... 1/2 a century........ and I am hoping that the trials and tribulations of the first half of a century has enlightened me to live my next "30+ years" with a RISING not Dropping of the ball.

A summer sunburn, the smile you earned, stumbles and falls, the lessons you've learned... choices you've made, your first heartbreak...simpler times, wanting to fly...mesmerized by Christmas lights...holding out, giving in, all the what ifs and might have beens... sweet sixteen, that concert you missed, your best friend and your first kiss...learning to fall, wanting it all, believing in Santa Claus...a letter you wrote, a promise you broke, learning when to say yes and when to say no...so far away life can take you, never forget the hearts that shaped you...the love of your life, the fourth of july, the times you laughed so hard you cried...the first day of ballet, hardships you've faced, all the memories along the way...it's the love you lost, the love you made... that makes us who we are today ~Sara Haze~ "Every Heart"

Under the Bed......... Right Beside the Slipper...........

2011-12-18T15:55:00.000-08:00

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Christmas at "la-la's" has always been a magical experience for all...........in some way or another, even in the saddest moments of loss, hurt and all the worst things that life can throw at you, somehow......someway there is always "spirit." Anyone that has visited me during the holidays (I am sure) will attest to something fun happening.

This house has always been a giving one.......in abundance..........in some kind of way.

Adopting Families, Entire Pediactric Wards, Operation Santa (nationwide), Elves, Troops, Schools, Each Other ........... has been a tradition. A once very dear friend of mine.......made a pillow once and had embroidered on it "Who Needs Santa? When you have Anjie!" Wow what a tribute....... its almost like being a musician and being mentioned in the same sentence as some great guitarist I am sure. If I didn't have spirit...... I would find some, in the giving and a lot in the receiving department as well. I have welcomed babies and said my goodbyes to many during these past years of my life...........and I have blessed each year..... in some way.

This year has been a bit different.

I went on a trip away from home for 10 days ........ and went back home. I shared some very special moments that will be near and dear to me as one of the best times of my life. I cannot wait to share the pictures with you of some of those times in another blog post.

While I was gone with my long time BFF Karen, I was able to introduce her to a part (time and place) of my life that she had missed seeing and living with me....... my home in New Orleans. The place I really grew up and have some of the best relationships a girl could want for. Then I left.................

I came home to a place ....... a place that had been decorated beautifully in white lights, a flag was hung and yep a few of my favorite things had been brought down from the attic. It was pretty....... and the Christmas Tree got brought home in the next few days and lighted while I as out. I came home just in time to see the lights flicker for the first time and I breathed in the smell of Christmas in my house....... and it smelled good...... but there was no spirit............ to be found.

As a matter of fact,, I found no desire to fill up my living room with 5000 gifts to be given......... I found no desire to bake or even put ornaments on the beautiful tree. I did.......... want to find spirit...... I prayed , I read the biblical story of the birth of Jesus, I grabbed some Christmas Jewelry and Socks...... and lit some candles but still...............

Nell Died. My friend and my daughter's dearest pet died. Everyone who knew Nell, knows she was probably feeling guilty for dying during the holidays but held out through Rachel's exams.

Ben wont be here.

I had been sick on the cruise, lost my voice (hard for me ya know) but at least kept my "sight" which is what I need the most in my line of work.

I had a bad day and screwed up a shoot, arriving late ....... and having to reschedule a new shoot.......not too fun during the holidays.

And Brandee......... her uncertainty with her new pregnancy , and her amazing Faith that no matter what ....... it will all be okay because that was God's will.

Yea, I went to the High School Musical and listened to Christmas Music........ it was fabulous.

Still the spirit eluded me.

I yearned for something different this year......... some mistletoe (the real stuff) I thought? maybe that would help?

The Christmas Parade...... quite awesome with great eye candy and some most awesome Photo opportunities , some laughs, my sister , our little county miracle child appearance ;and the collection of diapers for those in need, all made me smile but I still didn't have "IT"

My wonderful neighbors baked me a pumpkin cheesecake and some other wonderful neighbors brought over 2 bagels fresh from the oven. All of these are wonderful thoughtful things..............

I got an IMAC , kindle fire, some fabulous and thoughtful gifts from my BFF KAREN and then some beautiful and touching cards in the mail and even an angel wing to go on my wrist. I went shopping , singing Christmas Carold and I bought some presents (STILL NOT FINISHED WAY BEHIND). Not a fraction of the normal "anjie" display mind you but some things that would make me smile normally. I have yet to wrap or mail anything at all.

I gifted a brand new men's bicycle to someone who could neither afford one or had anyone to give it to them. I did a RAOK for consecutive days, paying for peoples tolls, groceries, fast food and even a poinsettia in the store...... yep nice events ....... smile

TONIGHT I FOUND THE SPIRIT............ in my own world my own mind through my Christmas Tree. I was able to take a minute and finish decorating the tree and have it take me to a different place and time in my life for little "nano seconds" ............ times that were good , that brought a smile to my face........

WHO BUYS A CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT WHEN THEY ARE MAD? OR UPSET? OR SAD? NO ONE........... you always buy them , or at least I do when you are happy......... or someone makes you one , or gifts you one that brings you to a place and time.........that you can smile about........ DESPITE what ever is going on at the moment.

I looked at several ornaments in particular ......... they are like books...... they have the ability to spark a spirit, an adventure in your mind, a place where only you can go....... and create and recreate the "spirit" of Christmas .........over and over again.

I know that there are bad memories and bad things going on all over the world, in my neighborhood and even in my house and they are SAD , very very sad......... but after I hung the last candy cane on my tree the fire trucks screamed through my neighborhood and my heart started racing.......... YEP I gotta pick up my pace over here..........

CHRISTMAS IS COMING and I gotta get busy picking up that SPIRIT! ......... its there.........

"Under the Bed, Right beside your Slipper" ~ Michael Procter ~ all you got to do........ is go find it! :)

Now that I found it .........hmmmmmmm let me see what else I can do with it........... :)

HOMEOSTASIS...............and Jimmy Buffett

2011-11-24T19:08:00.000-08:00

when I was in college I learned a little something about this word........"homestasis" I learned it in Biology and Psychology and Socialology....... I guess I could look it up in the dictionary and tell you all of the definitions that are formal but instead I want to share "what I got out of it" or my way of looking at this very cool word. One word that can describe a wide variety of situations that we as humans experience.

I have found many times in my life that I have taken pause and didn't have a name to say what I wanted to so "completely" So here goes nothing.........

The desire to obtain a balance between what one is feeling internally and externally so that you can continue on your journey of life authentically. Its a state of being......... that makes one feel that a change needs to be made in one of the two environments to make them both work , like a change in your ecosystem.

This is a concept of Social Work..............I think about it many times during my own life........when I need to just breath deeply and with control....... and make some hard decisions, life changing decisions in order to obtain "Homeostasis" ...........the only way I know how to live

I think Jimmy Buffett thinks about this same concept, don't you?

"YOU HAVE A NICE CAMERA! " Do you need to spend a lot of money to have nice photos?

2011-11-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Richie Macdonald

My Nikon............ and My Canon ..............yep I have one of both! I started with the Canon D40 until I won the Nikon D90. I love them both for different reasons and use them both ALOT. I am often told "You have a Nice Camera!" or "Now thats a Camera" when people see my cameras. Those are "lay" people, your average Joe's. When the pro's see my Cameras ...........they say "OH" or "Nice Lens" because I really do own 1 nice lens. You see I really don't have "pro" equipment, I have middle of the road, expensive (to the average person) but cheap to the pros cameras and lenses. I don't have any filters and in some cases I don't even have a filter protecting my lens which is a huge no no. I don't have a good tripod and I don't have extra batteries , as a matter of fact I don't have extra "ANYTHING."

I am often told that I take beautiful pictures and that is often followed by the comment "with that great camera of yours" or "I wish I had a camera like yours." Well, I am here to tell you , that maybe, just maybe YOU DONT! If you want to learn everything I have learned over the course of 30 years and dedicate yourself to learning about things like Aperture, shutter speeds, reflective light, etc etc then you DO want a camera like mine! If you want to throw that baby in AUTO MODE and GO you do NOT want a camera like mine. Many photographers with a point and shoot can take better quality photos than I can with all settings being the same (AUTO SETTING) of the very same photo, and I have proof! :)

Nice Clear Shot from the Point and Shoot from a Distance

Nice Blurry Shot from UP CLOSE (security guard took this for me)

Butch and I wandered into the CABO WABO CATINA a few years back and ran into none other than SAMMY HAAGAR on stage playing for a room full of people. It wasn't long after we were in that they closed and locked the doors behind us. Butch had his NICE point and shoot camera with nice lens, great zooming capabilities and I had my "nice big camera." I got CRAPPY AVERAGE SHOTS, his were EXCELLENT! I had to get the security guard to use my camera UP CLOSE to get something REMOTELY GOOD and Butch was able to stand back and get his very clearly. How can that be you may ask? Well consider this..............when you have to grab a camera and quickly take a shot there is no way to HURRY and set your camera for all of the correct exposures and lighting conditions, change a lens, the ISO and get all "set up" quick fast and in a hurry, especially in the dark. Butch just simply pulled out his camera , zoomed in and held it up and could SEE the shot in the back of his camera. Who got the better shot? HE DID , I don't have all of his pictures downloaded here, that is just 1 of the many great ones he was able to get, he got ACTION ones too.....if I have time later I will find the disk and show off more of his pics....... I don't have any others worth showing and was lucky to get this one from the guard.

I have a CRAPPY Camera on my Phone. I have the straight talk plan with a 2 mp camera on it (at the very most) it is samsung and it has no flash on it. Most of the pictures I take with it are marginal at best but does the trick to document or share certain things. I love that technology lets me do this! ;) ANYWAY , I took what everyone thought was a beautiful shot yesterday with my camera phone, yep, no zoom, no lens , low mp and just point and shoot. My phone camera isn't too bad outdoors. I pulled this photo into a photo editing program and adjusted a few things.............

Here I adjusted the exposure, cropped the photo, and added a vignette and my signature...... didn't this turn out beautifully? Now would you say that I have a "nice camera" no......... this was a crappy camera.... I did not need any expensive equipment or software........ the software is FREE .
The photo and tree were beautiful on their own right , granted but a little tweaking took the photo and enhanced it to make something worth framing or putting on canvas.

So you may ask WHY I need my expensive cameras then? If it is "all that" to have the lower cost cameras and you can "fix" your photos in the editing to be nice? I learned to take photos in the old days with 35 mm film and learned the basic , fundamentals about lighting. I worked in a studio (olan mills) for years and learned even more, I take fast action photos that I am paid to take for the newspaper (sports) and for me, working in the NON AUTO MODES is what I do best in most cases. I do NEED a good point and shoot too........ for those times that are unexpected and we just happen into a concert for 300 of your closest friends with margaritas and such....... or those times when I am pulling out of the driveway and notice that beautiful tree in my neighbors yard "showing off" as he calls it. I am able to take better photos with my big camera because it is NOT in auto mode. If I did use it in AUTO my photos would not be as good as yours, and that is a FACT! ;)

You see its NOT THE SIZE OF THE LENS YOU HAVE ITS HOW YOU USE IT! So don't rush out and buy a big camera based on how it looks or if you can put a big lens on it thinking you are buying the camera you need to get great photos , you will be disappointed greatly. I hear it all the time with people taking photos of their kids playing sports, "I don't know why my photos don't turn out right" is their most common statement. The first thing you should ask yourself if you have this problem is "do I have my settings on auto?" if you do, you don't have the right camera for you.

I am not trying to discourage all aspiring photographers but rather lead you in the right direction. If you are going to invest a lot of money into a camera you need to also invest in photography classes and or books to teach you how to use it. If you want great photos and don't want to invest time in learning then go with the high end point and shoot you will be happier, I promise!

AUTUMN............. its a love / hate relationship for me

2011-11-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

I love SUMMER, I love everything to do with the SUMMER, SUNSHINE, TROPICAL DRINKS, WATER, LESS CLOTHING, VITAMiN D, FLOWERS etc etc etc................

and in VIRGINIA summer turns into this season called AUTUMN and its BEAUTIFUL outside! my camera LOVES IT , I love halloween, and the food and the candy and all of the gorgeous colors, I even love to get outside and walk around and walk and could even RUN it feels so good ................. I love to see the wildlife that pops out and runs around , but not those spiders and bugs that try to escape the cold that comes........... and visit you indoors............

I am allergic to mold and sneeze and do involuntary head banging ........ when the Autumn comes ...... I HATE IT and so does my YARD ............. all the leaves ......... to rake up that as soon as you get them up, another grand fall happens and you are "covered again." I often thought ... what if I just left them on the ground .............my neighbors do, and then they BURN THEM yep they burn the entire yard, its quite amazing to see from afar, kinda scarey even. But then you lose your plants that come back yearly, you have to do it. I don't have a huge yard but I do have a few huge trees and unfortunately so do my neighbors ....... and their leaves don't know the boundaries of our yards.

I love that my friends are once again becoming available to meet and see for lunch. The kids are back in school which is nice, I love photographing the football games and autumn sports at the local high school for the paper. And the festivals are awesome in Virginia........the weather is nice and in fact there is often so much to do that sometimes it is hard to decide which one to go to , or fit in your schedule .

I love the food, the stews, the chilli and the bonfires that happen in autumn, but I hate the extra weight that packs on my bones and the deprivation of sunlight that I have to buy from unnatural sources in order to keep my body and soul in balance.

You see I was born in the South, the deep South, near the equator and I think that I was supposed to stay there. The allergies and the lack of vitamin D are non-existent there, they just don't happen...... Everything else does...........I love going outside at night with no coats, shoes, sweaters, mittens and hats........... year round if possible............Autumn is the beginning of the time that this stops.......... in Virginia.

The BEST part of the arrival of Autumn, is the time that we get that EXTRA HOUR OF SLEEP, time really does stop, it stands still for an hour and gives me time to catch up......... on sleep usually. If I were smart I would find a way to use that extra hour of time to get some things done as I am an example of the old saying "a woman's work is never done." .............. Its "fall back" and I am thankful for that.

Its a love hate relationship............ the time that things begin to die, to hibernate, to change and to get cold......... I love it .........and I hate it in the same breath............. it makes me want to run away..... to go home.

Halloween Clearance begins today.......... ANJIES Halloween Decor

2011-10-31T08:06:00.001-07:00

PIER ONE has clearanced already to 50% off ..............I love watching and buying and decorating from the HALLOWEEN clearance sections for many reasons. Our "colors" for our school are ORANGE / BLACK AND WHITE so anyone that attends the events at our school NEEDS to shop Halloween Clearance for some GREAT STUFF!

I WANT THESE!!!!!!!!!!!!

The next reason I like to shop the clearances is so that I can have special treats for my "small" friends that visit me over the holidays and now I have also started the tradition of BOOING so I will need even more! Some of my favorite places to shop the clearance sales are : target, pier one, bed bath beyond, but there are other places as well. If you hear of any other great places let me know and I will check it out! I thought I would show you a few of my decorations that I have from shopping the sales through out the years................

My Table Setting complete with Wizard of Oz Centerpiece

My cadenza with Pumpkins and Autumn colored pasta and Pumpkin pie Plate

Various TeaLight Candles in Halloween Dish (spiders) filled with sand..... from sandbox

My new wreath (gift from best sister ever) and some autumn corn

remote controlled witch with cauldron

lighted plastic pumpkin for ambiance

entry to hallway goblins and strings

close up of goblin

Mr. Stein sits on my porch

various autumn goodies on table on porch

witch in costume with cast iron pot cooking a rat :)

wizard of oz apple tree with some real pumpkins (wish they were apples but)

shower curtain <3

mirror in bathroom with skull and halloween hand towel

candle holder in bath

handmade decor ala faith spanish class last year

window sill ........fun ........

dorothy is in guest room this year sporting my hat

even calebs monkey is in costume, he is elvira this year

My gourd bowl has some visitors....... ghost and mummy that light up


I love using nature (caleb collected acorns) to fill this glass pumpkin that is housing gnomes at the moment

So there ya go, some views of my inside decor for "treating" my eyes and giving a bit of whimsy to the holidays. I didn't go "all out" on the outside this year because I am not going to be home like usual..........I am going "tricking" with my nephews! CANT WAIT! stay tuned for some pics!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Heap O' Healthy Po Boys Recipe PLACED! :)

2011-10-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

I am from New Orleans and love the tastes of my hometown. I was raised on fried foods, po boys, red beans and rice, and all of the fixins that go along with it. In my quest to have healthy replacements for the food I love, I have had to find substitutes and replacements that don't compromise on taste or eating enjoyment. This is one of my favorites.

Ingredients

4 servings Panko Breadcrumbs - Whole Wheat Style - Ian's
1 lb. Monkfish
0.25 Tsp. Black Pepper
0.25 cup Buttermilk (Low fat, Cultured)
2 Tbs. Chili Powder
0.5 Tsp. leaves Thyme (Dried)
3 Tbs. Garlic Powder
0.25 cup Dijon Mustard
0.13 cup Olive Oil
4 roll Mixed Grain Hamburger or Hotdog Rolls
2 servings Angel Hair Cole Slaw - Fresh Express
4 servings Sodium and Sugar Fee Rice Vinegar - Marukan
1 Tsp.Pepper or Hot Sauce
0.125 cup Sesame Seeds

Instructions

Place an oven rack in the top third of oven. Preheat to 425 F. Set a wire rack on a baking sheet and coat the rack lightly with cooking spray. Set aside. If the fish fillets are large, cut them into serving size pieces. In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, mustard and salt and pepper. One at a time, place the fish fillets in the bowl and turn to coat evenly. Set aside. In a food processor or blender, combine the cereal, chili powder, thyme and garlic powder. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer to a shallow bowl or pie plate.
One at a time, dredge the fillets through the cereal mix, turning to coat both sides. Place the fillets on the prepared rack. Spray both sides of each fillet evenly with homemade cooking spray.
Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, or until the crumb coating is golden brown and crisp, and the fish is opaque at the center.
Place on Baquettes and top with Cole Slaw mixture. Serve with baked sweet potatoes or red beans.

I actually placed in a recipe contest! :) I placed but not high enough! the top 4 got all expense paid trips to Philly this weekend to compete for larger prizes, I was in the top 40 and invited to compete (at my own expense) but I did get this COOL PAN AND SPATULA for participating and "bragging rights" that I did place in this one! :) LOL ............. soooooooooooo I love my pan and spatula but not prepared to spend the money to go compete, even though I have a sneaking suspicion that more pans may be in the mix if I did..... :) I placed with my reciped for Heap O'Healthy Po Boys

DO YOU BOO?

2011-10-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

Its kind of sad that this year my oldest 2 grand kids won't be here to participate in our Halloween Fun, We have been spoiled the last few years and had "trick or treat" on the weekend, which allowed them to come up and have fun at LA LA and ODADDYS house. This year, they are staying home and trick or treating in their own neighborhood. Caleb (my favorite 4 year old) came to stay with us last weekend and we started a BRAND NEW TO US HALLOWEEN TRADITION.............. "BOO'ING!" I had read about this on another bloggers page .........that I met at our Sweet Tea Social

I got all excited about dressing up in BLACK CLOTHING / HOODIES and HATS and wandering through the NEIGHBORHOOD to find some UNSUSPECTING RECIPIENTS That "maybe?" WOULD PARTICIPATE ...........You see we just don't have a "high" participation rate in things around here for some reason?............. BUT I WAS INSPIRED THESE POSTS explaining WHAT THIS IS , HOW TO START THE TRADITION and BY FARMGIRL PAINTS BLOG POST

HOW COULD IT BE that I am almost 50 YEARS OLD and NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING? I have really been missing out! This is a perfect thing for me to do as I collect "halloweeny" things for next to nothing with my FRUGAL / AFFRUGAL way of living , Coupons and deals, this would be a FUN and INEXPENSIVE new tradition that can be done ANYTIME in the month of OCTOBER ..........how cool! :)

CALEB is 4 and he was SO EXCITED to do this but insisted he carry the PITCH FORK , JUST IN CASE THERE WERE "BAD GUYS OUT THERE" .............. We carried him around, hid behind trees, tripped, laughed, accidentally blew our truck horn and , well we thought we were sneaky, but I bet the recipients have a good idea who boo'd them.............well especially now that I have blogged about it! LOL..............

HAVE YOU BEEN BOO'D? DO YOU BOO? comment or write me if you like and share your Halloween traditions! This was a new one on me! (and I loved it!)

NEED NEW POTS AND PANS? when you VOTE are you entered to win!

2011-10-20T10:51:00.001-07:00

GO HERE and ENTER TO WIN a NICE SET OF POTS AND PANS! WHEN YOU VOTE YOU ARE ENTERED! I am not sure how many times you can vote, cuz I just voted for the first time today!

Sure wish I could recycle some lids for all of the orphaned lids I have that have no pans to top! I cleaned out the drawer this a.m. and now going to have to make a pile to go to good will, how did this happen? I think its time for me to get some new GOOD PANS to cook with!

MY RECIPE IS THE HEAP O' HEALTHY PO BOY that you can FIND HERE
it got rated an A- in the "healthy" department! VOTING CLOSES on 10/24......... if you want to vote for my recipe that would be GREAT, if you see another you like better vote for it...... I totally do not intend on winning this ... :) THE IDEA IS WHEN YOU VOTE............for anyone.............you are entered to win this cookware set! YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! now thats what I am talking about!

more on this later! :)

2011-10-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

HERE

ARTISTS & TRADING CARDS........... PRICELESS

2011-10-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

Just last week, my GF , BRANDEE introduced me to this fabulous website / hobby that I hope my grandkids all take advantage of and participate in its called ATC BOOK HERE
Apparently I missed the article in FAMILY FUN (additional 15% off code PXCJ1023) that I sub too for about $4 a year! FULL OF GREAT IDEAS, and one that I missed (how did that happen?)
ANYWAY I started looking into this and OMG there are some great mini works of art out there and who knows the ATC of today may be the work of future Picasso's so hang on to these jewels, and make sure each one is SIGNED!~
(links for inspiration HERE and Brandee's blog HERE)
but it sparked something in my GF and her beautiful son, CADE, and they are on a roll! She is looking for other children that are "into" this that would like to trade, so if you guys want to also do this contact Brandee through her blog! I am sure they will not disappoint!
I have posted the art work of many people in my family , myself and circle of friends in the past.......... and now we have another budding artist that I would like to introduce you to.............. my Caleb.............I think I may have him make a few trading cards and/or transfer his art onto some cards and get this party started! I may even want to make a few, who knows?

I'm Caleb and I am 4 years Old!

I made LA LA some Flowers............

Some Chalboard Art........... my Halloween Pumpkin and oh yea thats SPONGEBOB to the LEFT

WISH LIST / WIN LIST

2011-10-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

photo credit: http://faithwriters.com

WAY BACK WHEN in 2007................almost 5 years ago , I made my first WISH LIST FOR WINS on this now defunct blog that was basically made for me to keep up with my wishes and wins. It was time consuming but interesting and fun in my spare time. Reading the list now........... I see that many of the "wishes" that I had were GRANTED or BOUGHT with some clever resources/sales etc in some way or another. I have decided to make a NEW WISH LIST but not make a separate contest type blog to accommodate it. I will post it here and "over there, just for the nostalgia of it" and then see how it all works out.

There are NO RULES on these "lists" all you have to do is DREAM and write it down.

Sooooooooooo here is the list with a couple of repeats from the first..........

CAR ............any car..........for me
MAC computer so that I have something to put my nice photo software on....... yea still waiting on this
Kitchen Counters
Backyard makeover / help / courtyard style
Outdoor Kitchen / fireplace / pit / brick grill *have the perfect spot
DOORS (need two back doors / one front) would love a stained glass one
NEW leather office chair , have worn the other one out
IPAD *gifted the last one that I won
WACCAM TABLET (good one!) just saw one in staples the price has come down to $199 (was almost $400) so thats good
GPS *hubby has one I need one now
BIKE for me........ everyone got a new one but me , MY TURN
Landscaping help $/ supplies/ knowledge with the natural fence I have in mind for side yard
HOT TUB complete with installation
KYAK *small so that I can "carry" it for river next year
CAMPER
TRIPS : any trips .........love to travel
Mattress / Pillow top / king sized
new Bedroom Set
MONEY :)
Professional Organizing Service :)
DYSON cleaner
Carpet replacement or repair for two rooms and / or hardwood for living room
Bathroom Remodel for guest bathroom, needs it badly........
Brass Faucet replacement for my Antique Tub *has been broken 3-4 years now
OUTDOOR lights to replace the rusted ugly ones (3)
2- Ceiling fans (bedrooms)
Paint for about 1/2 of my house
double oven the new one ! :)
tanning
drapes to replace the "material" hanging in the spare room and more drapes to replace the WAXED STAINED ones in the living room.
INK , can always use that
FLOWERS, CANDLES and other things to make my house smell good
Upgrades to my cameras and a few new lenses (we can wish right?)
RETREAT WEEK for my sister and I
DENTAL care for my daughter (kelly)

thats the "starting place" for my wish list.............. I think I will add to it , as these are things that are "on the top of my head" or "tip of the tongue" I am sure there is much more I want.... LOL....... this is more of a "need" LOL

FEEL FREE to post your list too! :) pm me your link so I can read and maybe even get ideas

photo credit:

http://twomommies.files.wordpress.com/

SWEET 16~~~~~~~

2011-10-12T07:17:00.001-07:00

I think when people talk about "sweet" 16 they are talking about it from "memory" and not exactly "in their place and time" ...... well ........that is how I see it NOW at least. Faith turned 16 yesterday...... she is adorable, full of ~~drama~~ life and full of herself too. There isn't a day that goes by that something isn't happening that is ~~devastating~~ life changing around here.

Yes, her birthday, we have been talking about it for a ~~year~~ month now and will continue to talk about it for at least another week (she has money to spend and dinners to attend). The plans have been

~~schemed~~ planned and replanned / changed and altered to best fit what she thought would be the absolute best of her possibilities and options.

They had nothing to do with the CAR I had planned on giving her for her birthday, as most 16 year olds wish to have a car for their birthday. We have been working on the "zipper" and fixing it up gradually now for a few years. It isn't exactly ready and it won't be for a while, but she also won't have her drivers license until at least June. I thought that signing the title over to her would be a great birthday gift so she too could "gussy it up" how she likes it .............. until............ she let me know that we should just give her the car, that she shouldn't have to "put it on a list." INTERPRETED this means............ "I want something else for my birthday and Christmas not this car that I see sitting here, that should be given to me for "no occasion" because I am Faith and I am SWEET 16."

She opted for $ instead of the hotel with indoor swimming pool party for 8 girls that I planned for her. The $250 that we would have spent for that night (yes on a deal of course) went directly into her pocket to be spent on ~~what ever her little heart desires~~ things like sculptured nails (that I am against), monster drinks, and some other things that she has wanted for a while. Having money is having a certain sense of ~~no one can tell me what to do~~ freedom at that age. So she wanted that opportunity. Yea........... about that.......... I will be making my own posts today to ~~dispel that~~ congratulate her on her wise choices.

I didn't want her birthday to go by with just a fluttering wad of money being spent on a bunch of things she wouldn't have in years to come, so I also bought her and her cousin tickets to see NEVER SHOUT NEVER (along with CD download) in Norfolk next week and planned a family surprise party and cake too!

I was so happy that Michelle, her gf from school, could make it too with the last minute invitation that I gave her when she inquired about making another party for Faith, because she ~~felt sorry that her~~ heard that the other party was canceled.

We went to our favorite restaurant, El Cerra Azul and had all of the fixins, singing, laughing, people that love you and 2 cakes. All of the things memories are made from. And oh yea......... money....... She was so excited as you can see from the pictures....... I was really disappointed that we (Faith and Butch and I) didn't take a photo together... but Faith said that's "fine just photo shop one" LOL.........just a sign of the times. "Make a memory the easy way."

I am sitting here now trying really hard to remember my own 16th birthday and can't remember a thing about it. I don't have a photo or a clue what even happened that day . Maybe I should "photoshop" one?

SWEET 16 (?)

DO THE SWAP AND WIN FROM ANJIES WORLD AND YOPLAIT !

2011-10-04T07:09:00.001-07:00

WHAT A GREAT PRIZE PACKAGE THAT YOU CAN WIN!

prize package contains : nice water bottle, cooler/lunch bag, journal, pen with nice case that would be perfect for many items but is really for your sunglasses and best of all coupon for FREE YOPLAIT YOGURT

all you have to do is "do the swap"

SWAP for 100 or less calories is the KEY! you have 33 options to choose from! If you have been reading my other blog you know that I have been trying for a while to lose weight. I swapped cigarettes 3 years ago for about 35 lbs or more (depending on the scale I use) so I am ready and willing to try anything to get some of this back. I am swapping some KEY LIME PIE for a LOW CALORIE YOPLAIT LIGHT KEY LIME PIE (along with some no calorie key lime pie gum that should curb my cravings)

I have lost about 12 lbs but I need to lose about 25 or more! I have detoxed and made changes but I need to do more. This gift pack has items in that will REMIND ME to SWAP my cravings for some GOOD YOPLAIT LITE KEY LIME YOGURT (which is most delicious) .......... along with that photo of me with the PUDGIES I have up on my computer.

WANT COUPONS?

visit http://bit.ly/yoplaitswapcoupon to download a printable coupon* for $1.00 off the purchase of three (3) cups of Yoplait Light yogurt to get you started with the "Yoplait Light Swap" today!

This coupon offer for Yoplait Light yogurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.

SHOW YOPLAIT SOME <3 LUV <3

Yoplait's Website http://my.yoplait.com/yplightswap
Yoplait on Facebook http://on.fb.me/yplightFacebook
Yoplait on Twitter http://bit.ly/yplighttwitter

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN THIS GIFT PACK? Comment by answering one of the questions below..... each question can be separate comment and entry. That gets you "in the draw" . You can earn extra entries by Liking my post on FACEBOOK, or making your own post and "tagging me" in it.

Which foods will you be swapping for a Yoplait Light yogurt and how many calories will you be saving with each and every swap?
Which of the 33 available flavors of Yoplait Light yogurt do you plan to swap into your diet the most?

tell me how you have made differences in your life that actually WORK to make you look and/or feel better

WINNER CHOSEN AT RANDOM FROM ALL ELIGIBLE ENTRIES ON OCTOBER 10 YA GOTTA BE IN IT TO WIN IT

I was able to be part of the new Do the Swap campaign through myblogspark and Yoplait Yogurt. I received a truly wonderful package full of great things to help me make healthy choices and you can win one of these packages too !

GO GREEN FOR HALLOWEEN ALA...........Ravioli A'la Anjie with Saucy Sauce

2011-09-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

GO GREEN FOR HALLOWEEN! GREEN IS THE NEW ORANGE!

Green is the NEW orange for Halloween!

Ravioli A'la Anjie :

4 Haas Avacados, cubed (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons
3/4 cup of Arugula chopped finely
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
2 large shallots, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
2 oz bag of shelled pistachios chopped (about 1/3 cup)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 package small wonton wrappers

SAUCY SAUCE

2 1/2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups torn fresh arugula leaves
1/2 cup pistachios while peeled
1/2 cup sundried tomatoes chopped or 1 med. fresh tomato
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

organic arugula

To make the ravioli, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. On a foil-lined baking sheet toss together the avacado , 2 tablespoons of olive oil, arugula, salt, and pepper. Bake in the oven until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a small saute pan over medium heat. Cook the shallots and garlic until lightly golden, about 3 minutes.

In a food processor, combine the avacado, the shallot mixture, and the ricotta cheese and pulse a few times to blend. Add the chopped pistachios, the nutmeg, and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse until smooth. I had enough filling left over after making this recipe to make another 1/2- 1 batch. (chill or freeze to use later)

To make the raviloli, lay out 6 wonton skins, keeping the remaining skins inside the package or under a very lightly dampened paper towel. Place 1 tablespoon of avacado mixture in the middle of each skin. Dip a pastry brush in a little water and wet the edges of the skin. add another wonton wrapper on top and press edges to seal. ( (I made different varieties) Before laying out another 6 wonton sheets, be careful to dry the work surface. This will help keep ravioli from sticking to the baking sheet. I continued until I ran out of wrappers. To cook, simply toss the fresh OR frozen *if you choose to cook later ravioli into the salted boiling water and cook until ravioli floats to top. (about 3 or 4 minutes)

SAUCY SAUCE: melt the butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the arugula, pistachios and tomatoes and let cook until the butter starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Turn the heat off and season with sea salt, and pepper.

Stir to combine. Then, gently place the ravioli in the boiling water and gently stir. When they begin to float they are done, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, gently spoon the ravioli onto a serving platter. Use the water that you cooked the ravioli in (while hot and still in pot after ravioli is removed) to ladle a scoop of the "starchy" water to the saucy sauce. stir until well mixed. Top the plated ravioli with the saucy sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve.

I Served with roll or bread to dip in the juices and some nice white vino.

9/11 Awake is the New Sleep

2011-09-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

New York City March 2002

"One of the lessons of 9-11 is that evil is real and so is courage." Former President George W. Bush

The World was BUSY , it was before 9a.m. EST and the world was busy, going to their jobs, bustling all around, it was 2001, Sept 11 andI was sleeping............ my daughter had gotten off to school and I was sleeping, so comfortably in my bed.

It had been a long night the night before, I had been working on the website, settling some squabbles between a few of my "forum" moderators, finding some freebies and deals for my newsletter readers. I was also probably completing a few household chores that I completed at night while my little girl was tucked in her bed and the phone wasn't ringing. And then Sleeping.

My husband at the time, Tim, woke me up gently shaking my shoulder sitting on the side of the bed saying "you need to wake up and watch this."   I rubbed my eyes and sat up and watched a burning building was on the screen, smoke billowing in the air, reporters were speaking in a manic voice, and sirens were heard loudly in the background. Paper and smoot were all around the people that were running around the city ......... that was not sleeping any more.

I listened and watched , we were both immobilized , I was watching what I thought was an accident...... a plane had crashed into one of the twin towers in New York City and they were afraid it would crash down. They were certain there were fatalities already and many more to come.   And then it happened.........AGAIN........... right in front of my eyes an airplane full of passengers crashed into the other tall skyscraper that stood right beside the one that was already burning. The "Twin Towers" of New York were imploding, exploding and quickly became the grave-site of just under 3000 people.

It was more horrific than any hollywood movie , more horrific than the footage of other terrorist attacks I had seen from other countries, it was actually more horrific than those old burning building news clipsthat I had been traumatized watching as a child. Technology allowed me to see so much more and for the realism to be so much more chilling. America was there, in New York with them, no-one was sleeping any more.

Terrorism. It had invaded our lives and created a new type of Patriotism and even a new type of Racism (or religionism depending on which way you see it). We quickly became familiar with many new names of the good the bad and even the ugly. A nation that ignored much of the "goings on" in the government became experts and everyone had an opinion or two or three. We gave blood, we flew flags, we volunteered, we sobbed, we rallied, we joined the service and we cheered. We all looked for ways to help, to grieve and to heal. We were virgins, our innocence, our un-terrorized soil was ruptured.......... and we were left to see and feel with different eyes.

Eyes that made us become a nation that was paranoid. We were scared to fly on airplanes, afraid to take subways, afraid of another attack and were afraid that this time we (personally) were going to be a victim. We learned about this white powder called "anthrax" and many other "weapons of mass destruction." We looked with suspicious eyes at every middle eastern person that walked into our pathway or sat beside us on the plane. Why shouldn't we have, the terrorists that had done this were in our society, not looking like the "monsters" or "boggeymen" that haunted us but looked rather normal....... some even married with children, average "guy next door."    We were told to go on , "business as usual" or they would "win. We started to hate , we started to hate the beautiful Mosques and buildings that once symbolized peace and beauty, we now looked at them as symbols of hatred. Many of us became political experts and express(ed) opionions about what could and should be done to solve the world problems.

I watched as we "reacted" to most threats, yea , after the fact, tightening security everywhere, every public gathering. We were and are spending outrageous amounts of money in our military, security, public gatherings etc etc. We are falling in "social graces" along with our "social status" as well.

We cheered as the bombs fell, the statues were broken and the buildings on TV burned over the years in retaliation. We have sent many troops and servicemen to several locations to "get the job done." We have engaged in warfare and the eventual rebuilding of lives. We have lost many Americans and Killed many foreigners in our attempts to level the playing field, make it right, avenge, revenge and make sure our own deaths and building destruction did not happen in vain. We have built many memorials, paid money to the victims, organized and reorganized and set up alert systems that this country never had. We have thwarted many terrorist attacks all over the world. We have not "slept" since.

New York City 2002

10 years have passed and the patriotism is there but it has waned, our anger is there but it has waned and our sorrow is there........and maybe even intensified. Each year we "remember." We memorialize and think back to "where we were" at the time the world was changed. We still look for ways to put words and actions together to remember those that were killed then and fallen in the wars that still continue today , 10 years later. We say we will "never forget" ............what exactly does that mean? I THOUGHT it meant remember that life is precious and that we should stay UNITED. The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA but I have a feeling that most of America thinks it means something completely different.We fight among ourselves as a divided nation STILL based on "issues" mostly individual issues and weather you are an R or a D or belong to the tea party or the coffee party, the black and the white, spewing out insults to one another and disrespecting our fellow man. I love to see the posts on Facebook , Blogs, Twitter and everywhere else that the zealots can find to post their armchair graffiti about how they know how to run the government better than those "in power" do. I wish that they would collectively get their butts on the ballots so we could get some of them in office, what are they waiting for?

This morning ............I am not sleeping............ I remember 9-11, I remember it in the loss , the devastating loss that we had and still have. I remember the way we banded together to grieve, to mourn to avenge and to make right the wrong of a few ........... a few bad men. I remember and support our troops that we have lost along with our innocents that have been in the way. I remember to to act, act every way that I can to help those that fight, and those that keep the peace, to help those that need help and those that want help to keep our nation united and healthy. I remember not to sit in my chair and judge those that are trying to help, but rather to jump in with both feet and help them out too, when I can.

I am not watching all of the TV specials or attending any memorials this year, but I know that there are many of them. I'm sitting in my house, drinking coffee remembering .............remembering how everyone was so solid, so determined to be UNITED once again........... and thinking about all of those that do not have the courage to stand "united" and wishing they would just "go to sleep."

“We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.”

~George Orwell~

EXTRA WORK FOR LINCOLN! SEPTEMBER 15 CASTING CALL

2011-09-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

Kelly and I are on the left..... front this was a factory scene, we did others but have no pics from them

My daughter, Kelly, My GF, Tammy, and I did EXTRA work for the movie IRON JAWED ANGELS years ago, it was lots of fun and we made some good EXTRA money! We learned a lot and were exposed to "production" and never watched a film the same way again. Once you are an EXTRA you "see" the background in films a bit more than the normal person does!

They are now filming "Lincoln" , a Speilburg film in Richmond! HOW COOL! They have had 2 previous casting calls , one for children and the other for "hairy" men, neither of which I qualify for , clearly...........this time is a pretty much "open" call for any one over 18 with specific types/characters as well on September 15th at the Richmond Center.

Its an all day event, I haven't decided if I am going to go or not, I think it would be fun to do this again.......and I def. could use the extra dollars.

Photo Credit: http://www2.richmond.com

The details about the casting call and who and what they are looking for are located HERE

maybe? I'll see you there :)

"THE HELP" Anjie's Version........UPDATED

2011-09-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

GO HERE for "O" is for Octavia
"anjies version of "The Help"

I have the book but I haven't read it yet , but many of my friends have and give it raving reviews!
I am planning on going to the movies next week to see this and I am excited about it , but wanted to
let you know that I wrote a small vignette on my blog about the "help" we had in our family in the 60's!
I am sure that my version is not that similar to the one that is so very popular but ...... nevertheless may be an interesting read to those that grew up in my time period

Ok I did the opposite of what everyone else seems to do, I went to the movie BEFORE the book.........this way I could enjoy the movie which is always "not as good as the book" ****almost always****** there are a few exceptions

Kelly and I loved the movie and cried like babies..........even snorted a few times, wow...........that doesn't happen to me very often............

Yes the stories and reviews about "the help" are all true, bring tissues :)

Coconut Zuchinni Muffins

2011-09-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

GO HERE for the "base" recipe
my "alterations" included I replaced 1/3 cup of the flour with Coconut Flour
additional "coconut oil" (add 1/3 cup to the recipe)
I added 2/3 cup of shredded coconut to the recipe
I only used 1 cup of Shredded Zuchinni
I made 24 mini muffins and 12 large muffins
I frosted the large muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting
I cooked until golden brown, they are not as "moist" as the reviews on the page, rather they have a drier consistency and are VERY VERY tasty! :)

ITS LUNCHTIME! SOME GREAT EATS!

2011-08-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

I had my GF, DEB , over for lunch.......... I went into the fridge to decide what to make, I took a risk and made somethings that not everyone "likes" but hoped that she would!

MENU
FRIED CHEESE RAVIOLI topped with Parmesean and served with Maranara Sauce
Whole Wheat Bagels with Cream Cheese (with chives) and freshly sliced cucumbers
and some ITALIAN STYLE Bagels (tomato, bacon, fresh mozerella topped with some fresh basil)
and then a couple bags of "stash" to take home PUMPKIN SEEDS : garlic & herb / brown sugar and cinnamon too....... sweet and savory. She brought Cheesecake for dessert which was fabulous too (not pictured, didn't last long enough to make it in front of the camera! :))

I had a few ravioli left in the bag in the freezer, really not enough for a meal so I decided to try FRYING them for a change...........

I had some pumpkin seeds ready to roast leftover from the pumpkin I froze last week! SEE THIS POST

First things First........... scramble the egg with a bit o' milk to dunk the thawed ravioli into ...........

Fried some TURKEY BACON ..............to add to the Italian Bagels

Yep Fresh Tomatoes from the Berry Farm and some fresh cheese , nothing better

Cucumber from the Garden in our Driveway and some Cream Cheese with Chives

A few sprigs of fresh Basil from my porch

Now we are smelling the bacon sizzling yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

These are the dunked and rolled in Italian Bread Crumbs Ravioli ready to swim in Olive Oil for a while

Marana Sauce ready to be warmed and bagels are ready to be oven toasted!

Here is a Plate ready to be served!

Two Kinds of Pumpkin seeds Roasting

BAGS OF THE STASH!

Smashing Pumpkins............... not the band........sorry! :)

2011-08-22T17:59:00.001-07:00

SMASHING PUMPKINS............ not the band sorry .......

After Thanksgiving we SMASHED some pumpkins last year POST well , this year they had BABIES!
we got volunteer pumpkins from our garden from the seeds of last years pumpkin (the one I didn't do anything with the seeds, we put in the compost pile) and WA - LA I have 3 smaller versions of the pumpkins in this post!

SO TODAY I once again am SMASHING PUMPKINS and trying a different way to prepare them, I have cut them in 1/2 and cooking them like I do butternut squash, deseeded and bake in bakeware filled with some water cook about 30 minutes on 450 degrees. These are smaller pumpkins so bake time is shorter, they should be fork tender and skin soft so you can peel it.

I spooned out the middle the skin comes off so much more easily with this method its ridiculous!

Pureed the pulp in my handy dandy food processor

Spooned it into freezer bags and put in the freezer to make pumpkin bread, pies or butter when ever I am ready, that reminds me I need to use up the zuchinni that is in there right now! Tomorrow I will toast my savory and sweet seeds for snacking! :) thats a pretty good haul for babies that I didn't even plant! :)

ANJIES NEW SYSTEM! :) not a stereo silly........ a COUPON ORGANIZER

2011-08-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

I bought an attache case at STAPLES item # 555695 priced $35.99 , I actually bought mine in store and used the 15% off savings pass that I got in the mail. BE SURE to have your reward # on your online account if you order on line, thats how I got this free savings pass, being an online customer with a reward #. Staples does have coupons to use online too, if you are not ordering right now , sign up for their emails and if they have a sale or coupon you will know and you can apply it to your order then. I am sure other stores have similar ones and you may find a better deal. I like this one as it is ROOMY without being too big and has locking hinges on the side to keep the "lid up" while shopping.

measuring the boxes ..........empty envie boxes worked great

I had to make sure not to interfere with the hinges on the sides and not too tall to block the top from closing, I still may need to tweak this , Faith said I should "hot glue" them to the bottom, I'm not so sure about that .

4 reg. sized envie boxes and one #10 envelop box they are 99cent each at Target

I am using a pampered chef free coupon wallet I got to hold my "cards" and have it tucked away in a pocket

I got these nifty avery small files with tabs as a free sample via snail mail this week

The AVERY envelopes with tabs were just what i needed to put in coupons that I am going to match with sale flyers . They are thin and opaque, PERFECT!

manilla folders .........for sale flyers

I labeled some manilla folders with the store names that I shop most often and paired them with the Avery envelopes. I put these in the expandable pocket in the top of my box.

I made organizer dividers to reflect what I deem the necessary categories, how I shop, everyone may be different!

Some people would file alphabetically, others by store aisle, I file according the categories I "grew up with" the ones that I know from years gone by........ Everyones will probably be different , you do what works for you! I paperclipped all of the boxes together so they do not slide around, they are all connected. there is empty space on the right side of the box so that I can put my keys in the box while shopping.

SNACK BAGS , those little short bags with the purple and pink birds on them are what I am using because I could not find the clear ones at a price I liked, these are clear on the backside, so I put the coupons in to the clear side. I found these bags for 25cents each at target on end cap clearance. As you can see I have scissors, pens, paper clips, business cards etc all in the box. there is a spot for my cell phone which I can just slip in the case top while shopping. It doesn't fit well enough to carry it in all the time. I still want to take a better photo, cover the envelope boxes (maybe with some of that cool new duct tape?) and tweak it to make it "perfect." Only time will make that happen and USE............. which I plan to get plenty of!

I hope this system works as well as the last ..............here is a photo of the last system that my GF tommi is still using as of this post from 16 years ago!

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB DONATION ! END OF THE CHALLENGE!

2011-08-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

RECAP FOR THE CHALLENGE BTS ..........COUPON CHALLENGE

MY TOTALS ............
we had this little "spreadsheet" for the challenge which can be a bit intimidating if you are not a numbers person LOL, I carefully entered my amounts, and it took me a long time to do each one as I can't see without putting on and removing my reading glasses (all people over the age of 45 will be able to relate to this) looking at my screen and then at the paper and again at the CRT , yea........... its almost as bad as the fine print on a rebate form.....

Now, I am not sure if we are supposed to reveal our totals? so I am not going to post those yet, everyone is being so hush hush about everything, that feels kinda strange to me being the open book that I am..........

I loved participating and would do it again but OMG there were more "don'ts" than "do's" on the saving strategies, it almost made you all shop the same stores, same sales, same coupons........... so really I am guessing that those that did the best were probably those that could go out to the stores everyday. I did my best but was really working outside of my box with the limits I had on my creativity........WOW........

So with all of that being said I will say that I did break the $400 mark in retail value but didn't quite hit my goal of $500 in retail value for the $10 out of pocket. UNLESS the doubling of the KROGER TOTALS puts me over it? I hope so! I had 10cents left over in my $10 account and was able to throw in some other school supply items that I didn't account for , to make the donation value even greater. I have one CRT that is incorrect , store charged me $1.20 too much, I took that as "personal items" and a loss to me rather than "charge" the challenge total, not sure if worth the ride up the street to collect the money before the deadline.... actually they forgot to take 20% off my total (two day sale with phone coupon at Office Max)

There were some hidden costs. Cost of extra papers and coupons and OMG GASOLINE we also did not count TAX ........... so really the items did have a "cost" higher than it appears ........... I put more miles on my car and filled up with Gas more in the last two weeks then I usually do in a MONTH............in addition to that the ink cost and postage cost sending trade to people for school supply coupons were not added in .

CONGRATS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ..............CONGRATS TO THE BLOGGERS it was fun and please include me in the next challenge too! :)

STORES SHOPPED:
cvs
office max
office depot
target
kroger
walmart
staples
walgreens

MY FAVORITE STORE WAS STAPLES FOR THIS CHALLENGE! :) they tended to have the best stackable deals for my purposes

I was happy to meet my fellow bloggers ............that also like to save money ...........and a few other great people along the way !

Tiffany (Young and Frugal in Virginia), Alison (Richmond Bargains), Angie (My Four Monkeys), Eleanor (Saving Our Way), Anjie (The Frugal Freelancer), Carl York (Kroger Mid-Atlantic), Ann (Ann’s Crazy World) ***** ****Not pictured: Kim (Day By Day Savings), Stephanie (Coupon Clippin Mommy)

FREE PHOTO EDITING SOFTWARE THAT CANT BE BEAT

2011-08-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

photo credit: http://va312aslicaglar.wordpress.com/

there is NO NEED to spend a lot of money on photo editing software unless it is required by your job or your class, there are very capable , pro programs that do just as much if not more if you look around for FREE or minimal cost.......... in addition you can get discounts on the "famous" photo shop if you are a SAVVY SHOPPER......... remember NEVA NEVA NEVA pay full price for ANYTHING , even if you think you have to! ;)

PIXLR PHOTO EDITOR : web based

GIMP : DOWNLOAD
GIMP provides easy-to-use, professional design tools that are comparable to Photoshop—minus the hefty price tag. GIMP is free image editing software that perfects photos and creates animated images.One of the most powerful general-purpose image editors around, GIMP can be used as a simple paint program, an expert-quality photo retouching program, image format converter and more. You will never be asked for personal information or a credit card.
FOTO FLEXER

PICNIK'

ADOBE ELEMENTS if you MUST have "ADOBE" $89

PHOTOSHOP if you must have PHOTOSHOP.............. then you should def. take advantage of the savings thru JOURNEY ED if you are a student THE COST OF MY CLASS + COST OF SOFTWARE was LESS than the cost of the SOFTWARE ALONE without the discounts (hint: if you are NOT a student but know a student hook up with them to order!)

MY VERY FAVORITE SOFTWARE IS COREL PAINT and using a TABLET .......... I am going to start saving my AMAZON GC to get a TABLET ...........I have "painted with a rock" long enuff

PHOTO CONTEST TO ENTER : THINGS REMEMBERED

2011-08-03T15:24:00.001-07:00

WIN A BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVED FRAME ! ENTER TODAY

Does your family have a special holiday tradition? Share your story through a photo, and you could win $200 and be featured in our stores this Fall

Things Remembered (1) via kwout

My favorite Christmas Tradition is being with my family. Part of my family was missing for years. My sister and I had been separated early on .... its a long story but we were not related by "blood" which everyone tells me is "so important." You know that saying "blood is thicker than water?" Well, I say to that , "so is tar!" but that doesn't mean a thing. My sister, by chance, I had not been able to share holidays with for so long , and I were reunited a few years ago. This is my favorite holiday photo because it is of my sister and my nephew (I AM AN AUNT!) that I can now make new traditions with are in my life once again, How Cool is that? While this may not be the most creative photo in the world, it is the most meaningful to me...... my family.........Finally!

WIN THIS 5x7 ENGRAVEABLE FRAME!

All you have to do is enter the contest HERE

then come back and comment on this post with your FACEBOOK NAME (so I can get your personal information) to provide to THINGS REMEMBERED so you can get your very own photo FRAMED! Don't worry I won't publicize the comment with your facebook name but I will use to contact you if you are the winner! You have until August 3 at 5:00 to enter!

good luck! winner chosen randomly from all comments to this blogpost

Note: This post was sponsored by Things Remembered. Things Remembered is providing me with a gift of this very special frame for posting this on my blog! AWESOME!

DINNER LAST NIGHT! :) YUM! Susan's Aunt FRITTATA

2011-07-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

I had two nice Zuchinni Squash from fellow freelancer, DENISE M and a FREE container of EGG BEATERS from a Walmart Free sample offer, I was thinking of what I was going to make for dinner and it came to me ............frittata!   I told my friend and fellow freelancer, SUSAN M about it on the phone and told her I needed to look up a recipe, she said I was IN LUCK because her aunt was Italian and had given her a "chicken scratch recipe that was the bomb!" So I wrote it down:

Melt butter in cast iron pan and add whatever veggies chopped up you want to use and saute. Add 8 beaten eggs and seasoning and then about 3/4 C. of Cheese , COVER and cook approx. 10 minutes. Uncover and throw under the broiler until set and finished "how you like it."

I went to the fridge and peeled the 2 Zuchinni, and then got all my little leftovers (onions, peppers, 1/2 of a tomato, monz. cheese, parm. cheese) grabbed my garlic, can of mushrooms, a few leaves of fresh basil, black pepper and some sea salt and I was all set.

I sauteed all the veggies and shook up the carton of egg beaters, I used the entire 8 oz which = 8 eggs. I followed the directions and chopped up my fresh monz. and topped it off.   I cooked 10 minutes and put under broiler until slightly browned and done, took about 10 minutes for mine.   I served with side of maranara and some cucumbers in Italian dressing.   DELISH!

the only thing I wish I would have done differently is used olive oil to coat the cast iron pan better as the bottom stuck a little but , but was a DEVINE DINNER! thanks to Susan and her Aunt!

TOTAL COST= about $4 for the Cheese/Mushrooms............everything else on hand or free SERVES 4-6

FIRST DAY....................

2011-07-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

picture my daughter uploaded today from MAY BLECK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok I did it............I got on that dreaded machine that calculates ~~how fat~~
your weight for you.............. I also started taking my new supplement (RELACORE) yesterday thanks to the recommendation of my FB friend, CATHY who successfully lost 50 lbs last year on this same regimen.........she recommended the rellacore , some vitamins and of course, watching what I eat (I watch it LOL) and also making sure to walk (she got sketchers for this)

I am very afraid of the NUMBER on the scale ............which by the way is 155 on my scale which tends to weigh you lower than you are by 3 or 4 lbs........... so i am guessing I am about 158 , which is almost as much as I weighed pregnant with my first daughter. I look pregnant. I have huge breasts and what resembles a tire around my waist which is totally unacceptable for my small frame and 5'3 height.

I used the mayo clinic calculator and found that I need to eat less than 1750 calories a day with an INACTIVE schedule to MAINTAIN my weight............. so in order to lose I need less than that

Today I had 4 cups of coffee with creamer (140 calories) a breakfast bar (90 calories) 1/2 bagel with cream cheese and chives (200 calories), Chilli in Tortillia (425 calories) and water with Lime (11) .......... that is 866 calories for the day and I am sure I burned more than that even doing nothing which everyone who knows me knows that that is NOT the case........... ................ I don't think I can keep up this eating pattern very long but maybe my stomach will shrink quickly and my needs won't be too bad...........

I am going to shoot for 10 lbs loss by wednesday next week.....................wish me luck.......... hopefully I won't be getting up in the middle of the night starving with an "attitude"
guess I need a big fat CHILL PILL! :)

DETOXING / DIET CONTINUED

2011-06-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

note the belly........ looks pregnant..... but not

I am still taking the supplements mentioned below, eating somewhat normal (not quite as hungry as usual) and have cut down a bit on Coffee Consumption which is easy because of the caffeine supplements. I have been polling people who in my facebook circle have been successful in losing weight about their efforts and attempts and reading everything i can find about the frustrations of gaining weight and not being able to lose it.

I am thrilled that for the first time EVER that I have been out of town I have been able to have "normal" bathroom habits, which is a huge improvement for me alone.

I am learning a lot about digestion and enzymes and have been particularly happy to find this article about Cortisol Levels, Thyroid Function and Aging
The article explains very clearly why I have been having NORMAL thyroid levels for years now and all of the symptoms of an inactive thyroid. I am so excited that I used ALL of my amazon dollars to order some more supplements which MATCH the supplements my friend Kathy has taken to successfully lose 50lbs. She did start walking with the introduction of these supplements. I miss my walking partner (amy) I need a new one.

I will report more as I know more. I plan on getting some testing done at the dr. office on July 19th. I had some high Cholesterol levels (the bad kind) and low levels (the good kind) when I had testing done before fathers day. THESE ARE SYMPTOMS OF THYROID ISSUES TOO............

My GF , Karen, lost 7lbs this week doing "clean diet" mostly natural foods............ my other friend, Susan, lost 3 after a few days of the detoxing supplements I spoke about in the last post. I don't have a clue how much (if any) I have lost as I have yet to weigh in............but I still wear the same size clothes......... so my hopes are not up. I am a solid 12 which is way too big for my frame.

DETOXING / CLEANING AND DIETING......

2011-06-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

FOR NORA!

I was a skinny minny for most of my years............98 lbs soaking wet through high school and through 2 of my 3 children. When I gave birth to Kelly who is now 23 years old (I was 26) I kept "some weight" which I was very happy about at the time. Over time I gained weight and my metabolism was destroyed. By the year 2000 I was being asked "what happened" and had gone from my comfortable size 5/6 to a size 9/10.

In 2002 I detoxed using the DETOX DIET
I also switched from drinking the FULLY sweetened sodas and straight sugar to diet sodas and splenda. Eventually I returned to my size 6 by the end of that year and kept the weight off by using this diet every 3 or 4 months successfully until 2006.

I am not sure what happened exactly but in 2007 I got pregnant and gained mucho weight in a short period of time. Within 3 or 4 months before I miscarried in NOV I had already gained close to 20 lbs. By May of 2008 I had not lost the weight but quit smoking and gained an additional 15-20 lbs or maybe even more by now in 2011.

June 15th ? maybe I started the DETOX CLEANING program by NATURE SUNSHINE
my initial thoughts:
if you like apple juice then this flavor would prob. do well with apple juice better than anything I tried
as of today the BEST solution I have is GINGER ALE (not an apple juice fan) If I had it to do all over again I would def. have chosen the berry flavor and added it to cranberry juice I think that I may tolerate that better or maybe make a smoothie. I did not weigh myself prior to taking this and I have not changed my dietary habits at all at this point.   I do not like to drink the FIBER PACKETS that come with this product but they do help to make the LBSII be less harsh to your system. In other words LESS BATHROOM TRIPS , with more "HOLD".   I actually have such a hard time with swallowing liquid medicines of any type and am opting to ONLY take the pills.    AS OF JUNE 24th I still have not weighed myself but have seen a difference in not only my bathroom habits but see less "fluid" retention and my rings are not tight like they were prior to the program.   My husband asked me if I were losing weight?   If I have its about 5lbs which on my small frame would be obvious to gain or lose.

YESTERDAY i also included OXYELITE to my program. This is NOT an all natural product like the DETOX system above but rather also uses CAFFEINE to boost the metabolism.   I am already a CAFFEINE fiend/addict so this is a substance that i can take without issue.
NOTE: you can JOIN THIS CASH BACK PROGRAM to earn back 10% on your purchase + $5 to
save money on this item and others thru GNC.   after you are a member search for GNC and click thru
to search for the OXYELITE PRO
you can also use coupons on the site here are a couple that are valid right now
$15 off $75 code: 15OVER75
and there is a FREE SITE WIDE SHIPPING OFFER AS WELL

I have been taking this now for 2 days , this product was recommended to me by a personal trainer that says that this product DOES WORK and for me to take 1 capsule for 4 days and then increase to 2 for 4 days and if I felt the need I could eventually take 3. He stated that I do not eat enough meals ..........that I should have 5-6 snacks instead of 2-3 meals a day. He also recommended that I work out or walk daily , all common sense recommendations and hard for me to follow . At this time I have taken the capsule for 2 days and this has NOT affected my bathroom or eating habits but I do feel more energetic with their introduction.
I am generally an active person ..... what it has done is made me more thirsty for WATER which is KEY in cleansing and losing weight.

Ok so I am caught up on the progress......... I have a Dr. Apt on the 19th of July, hopefully by that time I will have lost some weight and getting on those scales won't be so depressing. I have another week of the detox and will order more of the LBS II for sure.......... the real test will be "size" right now I am a solid size 12.

DINNER TIME!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-15T17:21:00.000-07:00


BRUNSWICK STEW

Ingredients:
Mix the following into a bowl and wisk
ketchup (about a cup)
brown mustard (about 1/8 - 1/4 cup)
hot sauce (3 dashes)
honey (big dollop)
apple cider vinegar (splash)
worchestire (3 splashes)
Liquid Smoke (OPTIONAL TO TASTE I DO NOT USE IT)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WISK ALL OF THE ABOVE IN A BOWL AND SET ASIDE

1 Rotisserie Chicken (prepared and taken from the bone)

1 lg. (26oz+) of diced tomatoes
1 can of okra & tomatoes
2 cans of small lima beans
1 can reg. corn or sweet corn
1 can of creamed corn
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Put all of the above in BIG pot and add a bit of water to prevent burning , turn on LOW HEAT and STIR / FLIP ingredients frequently   , when heated throughout I DRAIN most of the liquid from this

2 stalks of celery chopped/ diced
1 large vidalia style onion chopped / diced
1 medium sized potatoe chopped/ diced
1 large bell pepper chopped / diced
1/4 cup of minced garlic
1/2 stick of butter
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SAUTE the ingredients above until clear.........
THEN ADD :
Can of Cream of Celery Soup
1 box of Chicken Broth...... I use low sodium
mix well and heat on high until rolling boil........ reduce heat and simmer until thickens a bit

MIX BOTH OF THE POTS TOGETHER and HEAT THROUGHOUT...... I like my stew to have a bit of liquid to dip bread it, you may like yours a bit thicker..........up to you!

When finished serve with BREAD and IF YOU LIKE them hot peppers , I add to mine instead of hot sauce. ...............

COCKTAILS?   COPPERTINI   the coppermine specialty!
1 part crown royal
1/2 part peach schnapps
1.5 parts ameretta
and pineapple juice
STRAINED and add some Cherries with a splash of cherry juice ......to taste/ for color
YUM!

I AM A WEINER!

2011-06-08T07:53:00.001-07:00

Congratulations!

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Enjoy the Free Socks,

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E-Marketing Manager- Hot Sox

Jambalaya

2011-06-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

I had some leftover Garlic & Herb Turkey Roast and some Turkey Kielbasa........ I chopped it up and added to these other ingredients to make some KICK BUTT JAMBALAYA

# 2 tablespoons olive oil
# 1/4 cup chopped onion
# 1/4 cup chopped celery
# 4 tablespoons chopped garlic
# 1 can chopped tomatoes
# 3 bay leaves
# 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
# 3/4 cup rice
# 1 small box chicken stock
1/4 chopotle pepper diced
SEASONING (cajun) and Pepper TO TASTE

in a large saucepan heat oil over high heat with onion, pepper and celery, 3 minutes. Add garlic, tomatoes, bay leaves, Worcestershire . Stir in rice and slowly add broth. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. When rice is just tender add cooked turkey and sausage. Stir until heated and then season to taste, serve with toasted french bread........... YUM

Prey...............photo prompt

2011-06-06T19:06:00.000-07:00


about 1/2 inch in length

I pray.   I pray out loud when I am alone. I never pray in front of people but I do tell people that I will pray for them.

I often forget to pray over my food and give thanks.........but I don't mind doing it when others feel uncomfortable not eating before this ritual.   I think God knows I am thankful for my food.......... if he knows anything about me at all , he knows i like to eat and eat well........ and a lot ...........its part of how I enjoy life.

I pray a lot and often when things are not going "right" in my life. A catastrophe hits and Imma praying....... making all kinds of "deals" with God.   When my husband appendix burst I promised anything and everything to just let my husband live. I should have written it all down. I am sure I have forgotten some of my promises. One promise I kept............ that I know I leveraged about was my smoking. I did quit 3 years ago. I didn't even remember this on the 21st of this month as an anniversary........ but its monumental.

I learned to pray about things and for things by osmosis. I wasn't taught. I didn't have any role models, but I did have the church bus that came thru the "government subsidized apartments" where we lived and bribed us to ride the bus for a goldfish, candy and even money. I was told this was bribery by those that were my elders, but I didn't care I went anyway to get the "incentive" be it candy or be it a goldfish or coins I learned early about "earning" perks.   I learned alot about what "not to do" as an adult in church. A baptist church to be specific.

Once I wound up at Church as a preteen and I was an emotional and hormonal mess. I was crying about some drama that was going on in my life at home (I don't even remember the specifics of the crisis) and what I remember is an adult giving me two terms that I guess were supposed to be comforting? that I have not liked to hear in any capacity ........... "this too shall pass" and "when life gives you lemons make lemonade"
What a crying teenage girl wants is validation and solutions to things if she wants an opinion at all, not a pompous guy in a nice suit, off handedly giving you unsolicited words of wisdom. NEWSFLASH....... They want someone to "understand" their problem (can relate in some way) and / or ways to overcome it.............making lemonade shouldn't have been a topic unless they were offering me a sip because it wasn't a viable solution for me unless I could sell enough of it to buy my way out of the "situations" I found myself in.   I think if this person would have taught me about the "power of prayer" instead I would have benefitted far more than what I did at the time from those words i didn't forget ......... along with
unanswered prayers.

I have many. Does that make prayers and the power they hold "less powerful?" because many go unanswered?

Why are some prayers answered and others not? would they be fixed without the prayer? hmmmmmmm

These are the things I think about when I think about PRAYING........
Consider the PRAYING MANTIS........above ...........photographed above while this spider was quickly working with his own prayers......of the praying mantis falling or slipping down into his web.......

What Irony............

about 1 inch long

Grabbing A Paddle

2011-05-29T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is our ping-pong table, I love it........ we have it under shelter so that we can play anytime we want to, a small interruption from working in the yard or filing coupons or editing photos. We grab our best paddles and volley about 2 balls a piece until those are on the ground and then its over, back to work we go. We have done this every chance we could .........since it was put together a few weeks back.

I am no pro thats for sure but I sure do love to hit the ball back and forth....... and forgetting everything but whats going on at "this moment" because if you don't........... you lose............you miss...........you make mistakes. You focus on whats important, whats coming your way RIGHT NOW.

Yep.... my heart changed ................. it stopped looking at what I did wrong in the past and what could possibly happen wrong in the future and started really beating.........I like to live in the moment these days, period. I don't like to think too hard on the past and definitely not too much in the future. I like to enjoy each moment and be in that moment, so that I don't "miss" out on too much. I am finding that is a much more enjoyable way to live.......... GRABBING A PADDLE

STARBUCKS! YEA! $50!

2011-05-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

$50 Starbucks GC from WTVR channel 6.. (today they are giving away movie passes, go enter to win!) ........picked this up Friday after lunch with some Friends
and then off to KRISPY KREME to pick up a hot dozen OH MY! :) what a great day! Now I have to go to get some Coffee today and also spend some of my FREE COUPONS before they expire
(stay tuned for a blog post on the FRUGAL FREELANCER for that SAVVY SHOPPING TRIP!)

Richmond Times Dispatch Fan Photo of the Week!

2011-05-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

Fan Photo of the Week: published in the RTD today 05/29/11
Scored a $25 Martins GC with this photo of Mr. Eric M. of PHS TRACK TEAM!

STELLER STELLA BROWNIES ARE GLUTEN FREE..............

2011-05-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

Today I made Gluten Free Brownies by TOKIES was very easy and best of all DELICIOUS. I was pleasantly surprised at the results ............as I was under the misconception that "gluten free" meant "not really tasty."

Under the direction of Ms. Deb Tokarz I added about 1/2 bag of chocolate chips and about 1/2 of a bag of some awesome walnuts to the mix........other than that I changed nothing, just followed the directions. No oil is added to these delicious brownies, only melted butter which makes them even better I think. Tokie's sweetens with Vermont Maple Sugar............ all I can say is YUM!

When I spread the batter in the pan it was a bit "richer" in feel than most other brownie mixes I have tried which is the OPPOSITE of what I was expecting from "gluten free" mix. I don't know why I expected it to be different but I did....... and it was not.

WA LA! this is the finished product........oh yum............. they are very tasty........kinda perfect.......
My friend, Sally, asked if I had any vanilla ice cream on Facebook when I posted i was going to blog about them............. I said "yes I do" with enthusiasm........... I didn't open the ice cream they so didn't need anything else! :) If you want to try a delicious gluten free product ....this is the one.......TOKIES. Order online or pick up in Richmond area Whole Foods Store.......soon to be in DC and CALIFORNIA too!

The Henley House............. a work in progress

2011-05-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I get homesick and want to move ......... I want to move back to Louisiana where my root are the deepest and my family and friends of long ago live. I feel this way more often these days because I have facebook and get to see what I am missing. But then again, I love where I live as I have sewn many seeds here and raised my children here. My house is where they call "home." I plan on having a house in Louisiana one day too, provided things go my way and finances allow us to do so, but until then I will continue to make this place better each day ................

This is now the "Henley House" as we fondly refer to it. It is quite cozy..........and has more than enough room (don't be fooled by outside appearances). We recently tore down a falling down garage and put up the carport that you see on the right. The "island" that you see my DH working on , is and has been a work in progress for the last 22 years! Before I even moved in , I was collecting rocks to make this....... since then , we have removed a light, a giant tree and added a few pieces of "eye candy" to it. It is now 3x its orig. size and we have much more work to do there.

I found a GDA at Target and bought a $150 Ping Pong table for about $3 after Gift Certificate that I bought via a bid site......... it works well RAIN OR SHINE in the carport now that it is put together! :)

This is a view from the side road of our back dock........... what a great place to get some sun or escape for a while with a book. We don't have to worry too much about bugs, with all of the frogs and other wildlife around here (lots of birds too) that feast on them for us! :)

Our roadside view. We have been working every year on this little area to make sure it stays honeysuckley and Poison Ivy free .......... its been a battle but right now its doing pretty well! I love the crown vetch that I transplanted there long ago and that beautiful maple in the background belongs to my neighbor, Dave.
We put in the paved driveway about 4 or 5 years ago now, what a difference it makes!

This is part of the backyard. I put the deck on the back (which desparately needs staining) about 7 years ago now. The people that put it up, quit building after I paid them which left the bottom unfinished (partly latticed and poorly done at that, with no gateway) but ........... it works for cookouts and such and I do plan on having that completed one day. The bench over the sandbox is to keep the lid on for the last storm we had , it normally doesn't "live there" I just did not put it back yet. Kids play hard back here with the two swings ........ have lots of moss growing on the patio ....and some old rusty steps to replace to the left....I love the backyard but there is much work still to be done.

This is the way to the steps to the lake, between the two torches. To the left is a "face" on a tree that gives it character (several of these in the yard) and to the right is the infamous rope swing of 20+ years.
now that you have seen those angles........... I will share with you the angles that need some help...........

this is where the bush once was (above) it is uneven and the gutter runs into an area that really needs a rain bucket........ or actually a DRUM would be more efficient I think. I want to make an herb garden in this area but the husband first has to build the sides up higher or we will have dirt all in our new driveway.

This is our back patio............... it did not always look like this............it was "painted" with some type of sealer? and now the wall has mildew looking stuff growing on it, there are cracks, the paint is coming off and the wall just needs to come down I think. I did buy a contraption for the DH to wind his hose up on , but he has not put it together yet. This area is in desparate need of some TLC or maybe even a hot tub? I don't really know but something!

This is part of the area that needs to be covered up under/beside the deck........this is really a "nice" view of it I could have taken the photo at a different angle to show more but you get the idea........ unfinished, untidy and well............ to the LEFT of this area is actually another place that could use some plants that like shade......... hmmmmmmm maybe I could put the Rosemary there?

This is a view of the back patio area that I made when I first moved in (plants, groundcover, eye candy) on the hill. The steps there are nice but need to be "weeded" that lead down to the pavers........there are a couple of places in the "block" that need to be "sealed" before damage is done and the back of the carport area is full of gravel , dirt , ugly block etc...... I am thinking something needs to be done to make this area a bit more useful/pretty would be nice........

I am going to try and find a contest to help me with these things as we can't afford to "just do it" along with the gurgling we hear in the pipes for the septic and the "horn" sound we hear in the central air unit, the roof we just had fixed and the washing machine we just replaced its never ending, and did I mention we need to replace two of our entry doors and frames and oh yea..... the wax that the DH spilled on two different wall to wall carpets? .............. whew its like chasing your tail sometimes.......... but we are trying ......

30 truths : THE END

2011-05-16T09:50:00.000-07:00

Original post on 30 TRUTHS

the last task ..........write a letter saying everything I love about myself

I think this is redundant and now am done with this. I learned not to take on tasks without knowing exactly what I am getting into. this was labor intensive and not "fun" as I thought it would be. I guess I just needed some writing prompts / ideas ..........that were geared more for the older blogger? I dunno but the truth is ........... I didn't enjoy my 30 truths.

Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.

2011-05-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.

Original post on 30 TRUTHS

WEIGHT........ I tried a couple of times to change this right here on this blog. and here and here.......I was unsuccessful and weigh more now than I ever did. I am embarrassed that I weigh more now than I did pregnant with my children (at least 2 of them) I don't think I maxed out yet , but I wouldn't know because I am for the first time afraid to look at a scale. I have the middle that my BFF , RED warned me about and I am afraid that there is no going back to what I was! I look at photos of myself and am appalled, how could that be me?

I am inspired by my friend Cindy who looks fabulous but then again can I restrict myself to 500 calories a day to achieve it? hmmmmmmmm In July I will be having some blood work / physical done maybe ? I can do this with a bit of help. I don't know. I sure hope so.

What if you were pregnant , what would you do?

2011-05-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

Day 28 → What if you were pregnant , what would you do?

Original post on 30 TRUTHS

this happened to me 4 years ago, it was a beautiful thing until it ended in a bad way. If I were pregnant #1 I'd be surprised and #2 I would probably need to be on bedrest and have my head examined for letting this happen again so late in life.

Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?

2011-05-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?

Original post on 30 TRUTHS

the best thing going for me right now is that the sun is beginning to shine and I can get my vitamin D naturally. I look so forward to the late spring/summer here so that I can enjoy some warm nights and hot days.

Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life?

2011-05-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life?

Original post on 30 TRUTHS

deviantart.net Photo Credit

THOUGHTS ON GIVING UP ON DIFFERENT FACETS OF LIFE......

many times in the 49 years of my life, I have thought about giving up, giving up on being a wife, a mother , a daughter , a friend, my job and yes even my life. Each time was for a different reason and the reason most often involved personal failure that I felt may not be able to be repaired.

My thoughts went from irrational to rational. "I need to be alive because....." "Its selfish to feel this way because........." " I remember what happened to the survivors when so & so did the same thing.........."

Obviously I was never at the point of no return and never did I actually complete a task that I could not take back in the process.

I have, isolated myself from life and its daily "goings on" to find some "inner peace" or "happiness within" to avoid going to the place of "giving up."

Being a trained and degree'd in the field I should be able to put a "normal" or "not normal" label on these behaviors. I should be able to label myself or others like me that lets the fleeting thought of ...........quitting........... go through my/their head as a viable solution to the problem.

Religion is supposed to guide us in some way as a guidebook to acceptable and unacceptable behavior, we are supposed to reflect "what would Jesus do?" into our personal situations and see if there could be a different path to follow to solve our issues. I have often looked to the Bible and the Koran for answers on Forgiveness, and how to forgive, because I feel this is the key to NOT giving up. If you can forgive others and yourself you may not get to this "hopeless" place in the first place...............right?

I think to answer the question in a more direct way........... I will say.......people give up on life because they feel there are no viable solutions or way for them to "win" or "succeed" so they feel defeated............ and give up. I have been there and look down that street sometimes and then lay in the middle of it and waller around............ then I get up and go back home........ when I do I am exhausted, tired and prefer to be withdrawn and alone for a minute or two...... or rescued. When I remember that the only white horse coming to rescue me has past long ago..

Every now and then my mind grasps for reasons not to give up.........things to look forward to and then I grab my camera and / or my keyboard and get to work ......sorting out the hurt, triumphs, failures, people and places that I have crossed paths with and try to get a grip that 20/20 epiphany that is always promised in the hindsight, the hindsight that never would come if you had really given up.

Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

2011-05-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

Original post on 30 TRUTHS
because there is no doubt in my mind that my grandchildren, children, stepchildren and nephews love and need me......they keep me around! :)

I won!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-04T08:45:00.001-07:00

SELF SERVING...............

2011-05-02T23:21:00.000-07:00

self-serv·ing (sĕlfˈsûrˈvĭng)
adjective
Serving one's own interests, especially without concern for the needs or interests of others.
Exhibiting concern solely for one's own interests: a speech full of self-serving comments.
Related Forms:
selfˈ-servˈing·ly adverb

I think that most people that BREATHE revert to their basic instincts of being "self serving" or "looking out for #1" ................

this is where SUBTERFUGE was created .............in the depths of the REFUSE not the intended REFUGE of a true relationship.

VERY DISHEARTENING AND DEPRESSING to think about this

DAY 24 ..............music playlist.........

2011-05-02T23:14:00.000-07:00

Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs.

(Just post the titles and artists and letter)

Original post on 30 TRUTHS

TO MY "D" FRIEND

D is for below average....... below standards ...........yep that works it appears you filled your needs with my strengths......... you had a friend thru thick and thin and unconditionally, one that would stand the test of time and love you more than anyone had ..........ever..............and ever will...............bank on that........ I loved you like a sister plus some .........you took that .....you took my trust, my money, my help, my love and then........ when there was no more to take.......you took back yourself...... like an indian giver...... and for that my D friend........I will never forget the F I give myself for bad judgement in character once again.

Day #23 from the 30 Truths

2011-05-02T04:47:00.000-07:00

Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.

Original post on 30 TRUTHS

I wish that I had gone to college in my younger years, regardless of what my parents and grandparents said I could or couldn't do. I had no financial support from anyone since I was about 16 years old. I was told that they either a) could not afford to send me or b) I couldn't handle going to school and work and my children. I was never given advice or encouragement where school was concerned despite my abilities and obvious interest (what kid asks for encyclopedias for christmas? jeez!)

If I had only known that you could not only go to school for FREE but also get money towards your living expenses based on your grades , achievements and income, I would have gotten my degrees at a much younger age.

My degrees probably would not have been social work but more in the field of the arts in some way, maybe even in English, who knows ..........but I do know that I would never have become dependent on a man to pay my bills and take care of me the way that I have done and continue to do to this day. Some people may think that this is the "life of leisure" its not ..........its very torturous indeed to have someone control what you do, how much you spend and how you view yourself in the scheme of things. "ie: you have a hobby not a job in regards to all that I now do working from home." Before the "economy bust" I made enough money to not only pay my own bills and not ask for a cent of help for many years , but now a days I don't make much money at all............. after expenses......well lets say what I save (at the stores) is a lot more than what I make and my bank accounts have dwindled. Not only am I not a "cash cow" but I can't afford to put gas in my car without asking for help. My credit cards are building instead of my being able to pay them off monthly. I am needing help with my bills .............

If I have had gone to college in my earlier years and had established myself earlier, this would not be the case. They say don't cry over spilled milk? yea how about SOUR MILK?

HOBBY OR PROFESSION ? what the heck am I doing wrong?

2011-05-02T04:28:00.000-07:00

I have been photographing people, events, and more for many many years.   I consider Photography my "passion" not my career.   I do work for income, but the income is very limited as I am not employed full time by any one company or person but rather do "freelance" work and get paid by the "job" and do make "residuals" by the photo (when actual prints are ordered).   (BIO HERE)

Some individuals often want to use my photos (profile pictures on facebook and such) which I don't mind , but I have had to start adding "proof" to them so that they are not downloading the pics and using them to make prints on their own. I very frequently get requests for me to "email them the photos" or ask "how they can get them" but when I reply "thru the website they most often do not purchase. There have been a FEW exceptions to this rule but in general , people want photographs you take for FREE.

It is sometimes difficult to discern if this is a "Hobby" or a "Profession" because I do volunteer my time for certain events and offer my photos to special websites or projects that request them FREE OF CHARGE.

I have photographs featured (at the moment) on a friend's website
Hank Cosby (Real Estate Agent)
I have given photographic liberties to individuals to make a book for the Coaches of the Football team of PHS
and
Some of my images will be used in the year book to hilight the Color Guard and their school performance.

I have a website with photos for sale BUT I don't really make too much money on it.

I am disqualified from entering many contests due to the fact I have "photos for sale" ie a professional
but my husband and others refer to what I do as a "hobby?" and contests and the IRS call what I do a "profession"

I think somehow the terminology is screwed up or I am doing something wrong..........

I do charge per event to my agents and even they take advantage of my kindness and pass along the prints to others without compensating me in any way for them. I guess because they "can?"

I guess I am one of the lucky ones that can work doing something I love and do it frequently enough to pay the phone bill.. go to events for free and also have done some most awesome bartering as well......... but I think I can do this better.........with a better resolve so that my husband sees some profits and quits referring to me as a "picture taker" and talk about my "hobby costing him money."

If I am NOT a professional , can I please just ignore the IRS and Enter the contests everyone else gets to enter ? please?

I don't know who Gertrude Stein is but I want to learn!

2011-04-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

I write like
Gertrude Stein

I Write Like by Mémoires, journal software. Analyze your writing!

"Best Meatloaf I've Had in My Life" Recipe

2011-04-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

This is what my husband said after eating dinner tonight. He doesn't say that all the time and meant it when he said it. He wasn't particularly hungry but raved about "meatloaf" yep....... something I don't make that often and don't dare say I make the best I have ever had........but he did..... and I thought it was great so here goes.

I started with a
Heart Shaped Pan
I think that part was mandatory, if you don't have one you should, it comes in handy all year long, not just for Valentines day, brownies taste especially good when shaped like a heart and frosted. :) Meatloaf has an added spice when it is shaped in a heart :)

2 fresh brown eggs in a bowl..........wisk
add 1 lb of ground pork
add 1 lb of ground beef (lean)
1/4 of a large onion chopped finely
garlic powder / granulated garlic
Zaterains Cajun no salt seasoning
handful of dried basil
2 squeezes of heinz ketchup
3 tablespoons of Tennessee Chow Chow (thanks to my freelancing friend Kim S.)
a shake or two of worchestire
and two handfuls of special k cereal (crushed in bowl with potato masher) **print coupon here

Mix all together and put in an oven heated to 350 degrees . Make sure not to pat down too tightly you want juices to run through it. Place the heart pan into a cookie sheet "just in case" I didn't need but had in place. Put 3 cleaned potatoes in a reg. loaf pan. Place in oven at the same time and both should be ready in about 55 minutes to an hour. I turned the oven off at 50 minutes and left in oven for about 20 minutes until I served. Was perfect.

*served with my favorite sweet tea

Sorry no pictures of finished product , it didn't last long enough to get photographed! :)

30 Truths: Day 22....... Something I wish I had not done

2011-04-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

Original post on 30 TRUTHS

I'm glad you asked for "something" instead of "the one" because I think we all have done lots we wish we hadn't and we also have the "biggie" ......... I don't care to go that "deep" on this rainy, dreary day.........so I will go for it and scratch thru another day with light at the end of the tunnel for Day 30. This has been a "responsibility" and more of a "chore" , harder........ than I thought but I'm not a quitter and have my boots on wading through the trenches of some things that I don't like to remember and/or admit..........and other things that maybe shouldn't be so "open book." ?

I wish I had not sent my children to Public School.......... starting in Middle School. Elementary School was fine but the Middle School was not. There were too many children and too many rules for the staff. If I had to do it all over again all of my kids would have gone to private school OR I would have home schooled them. I know that doesn't sound like the perfect solution and I know that there are pros and cons to everything but this one thing............ I wish I could have a "do-over" with.

I know you shouldn't cry over spilled milk and they all came out OK I just know in my heart of hearts that keeping them home with me (Kelly right from the start) and the others from when we moved to Powhatan, just would have served them better.

I didn't , they didn't and Ce - La - Vie. This is just something I wish I didn't do, could've done better and with hind sight, should have done.

The Best Triple Berry Pies..............

2011-04-18T06:45:00.000-07:00


Pie Good cell phone pics not so good ...

I watched food network and got a recipe for a TRIPLE BERRY PIE and then "Anjie-rised" it to make it my own. Everyone knows I don't go by a recipe to the letter , EVA so ...........there was no chance that wouldn't happen here either.

Ingredients

1 premade deep-dish frozen pie crust
3 (12-ounce) bags frozen mixed berries, thawed (I used 3 bags of different weights)
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 cup sugar
~~3 tablespoons instant tapioca~~

5 tablespoons of Coconut Flour
3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
1 cup granola

******(I used the kind with BERRIES)

1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping

(made my own)

2 tablespoons maple syrup

I happened to have the berries in my freezer that were needed for the recipe. Not the correct size for each bag but the same type. I had "organic" blueberries from the fresh market and blackberries and raspberries from here.

I added a handful of sweetened shredded coconut and another couple handfuls of walnuts that I had in my freezer to the crust.

I made my own whipped cream from heavy cream and organic sugar in my mixer............drizzled the maple syrup in (crossing my fingers that it would not "fall" ..........it didn't) and it was delish!

I used PET frozen pie crusts and this made 2 pies.......... I love when that happens. Shared one and have to say this is one of the best pies I have ever made from a recipe. Will def. make this one again!

Day 21 of 30 Truths........... writing prompts

2011-04-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

Original post on 30 TRUTHS

this is a terrible one to think about is DROP EVERYTHING RIG HT NOW AND GO to where my friend is. It has been my experience that the longer you go not speaking the more likely the relationship is to dissolve and the more hurt builds up. PRAY........ and go............NOW is what I say is the only option for any of my friends.

DAY 20 of 30 Days of Truth...........

2011-04-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol

Original post on 30 TRUTHS

I have done and used both, but never abused any except cigarettes and caffeine which yes , my name is anjie and I am an addict.

I think anything that can have "control" over you is not a good thing and it especially isn't good if it causes you or others harm.

I quit smoking almost 3 years ago, it was the hardest thing I have ever done...... but I did it with a help from ...

Yep , you got it .......other drugs....... Chantix worked like a miracle for me along with zanex ... and if you know me you know that this in fact was a miracle.

I can't imagine being addicted to anything stronger or longer and then try to quit....... I would die trying.

Alcohol: I am one of the lucky ones. I can enjoy, within reason and not worry about being addicted. Unlike cigarettes I know how to use "just one."

I know that I am lucky in this regard and try to respect others that are not so lucky.

Illegal Drugs I have a problem with because you can go to jail, lose your license etc if you use them or even have them in your possession. I believe that a ton of resources are wasted on the war against drugs and the government should use the demand for these products to make, distribute and monitor the usage of as they do with alcohol. I think we could turn something thats "costs" society in so many ways into something that is a profitable business that could potentially turn around this country.

I have seen people lose their freedom, their lives, their children, their teeth, their homes, their cookies and their pride because they used illegal drugs to self medicate. Why would they do that if they could get a legal distribution and limited amounts .

Just a thought......who am I?

What a GREAT GIFT IDEA

2011-04-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

This is the deal of the day HERE onsale for $37 now from reg. price of $57 if you have "credits" of $10 for referring a friend it is even better deal. What I like to do is let my husband buy the deals that I really like from my referral link (when allowed more than one per household only) and get a credit for me to spend. When that happens the credit also goes to whoeveer reffered me as well.....when I make a purchase....its a WIN WIN situation. then I refer and it rolls on......

this particular offer could be easily adapted if you are crafty to even a better deal.....HOW CUTE and if I were a new parent I would love to get this for a gift and take a picture of the first 12 months in each one. Maybe one of those frames with the holes for 12 photos in a circle (usually matted for grades 1-12) could also be adapted for months 1-12 YEAAAAAAAAAAAA
g

30 Truths..............How do you like me now? wait don't answer that

2011-04-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

Day 19 What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

Original post on 30 TRUTHS

if these are supposed to be writing prompts for a "blog post" they got it all wrong.......these are writing prompts for thesis papers or novellettes I can't limit it unless i answer very "black and white" so here is my attempt:

Religion: Organized? Not so much, Personal? absolutely

Believe in God : absolutely Believe in an afterlife: I know this to be true.

http://www.funstuft.com (photo credit)

Politics: I am the vote that "doesn't count" I am VERY "I" in politics and like to think outside of the box for alternate answers that are not directly related to a "letter." I am a "thinker" and don't allow a "party" to think for me.

The End

Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.

2011-04-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

Your views on gay marriage #18 of the challenge

Original post on 30 TRUTHS

photo credit: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7725115.stm

Gay Marriage: we all know by now that "anjie" has hang ups about words and such and "should have" been an "English Teacher" or so I have been told. **All of the English teachers are cringing at this point because of my "texting/typing" and lack of double checking before I post to my blog ! ROFL ! So don't think this is any exception to the rule just because it is "political" in nature.

GAY = Happy

Marriage = legal union between woman and a man

Happy Marriage : my view? rare rare find

now......

"Homosexual Union" I think is what you are or were asking about really? Am I right? Yes I was..... I say ....... to each his own and stay outta any business that isn't your own UNLESS it leads to harm for another individual(s), child or elderly persons. Why shouldn't two people of the same sex be able to form a Union of any type that they see fit complete with a pre-nup or addendum to protect themselves and any minors, animals and /or monies they share. Really the question should be is why other people find it "their business" what goes on in between 2 agreeing people? Ok..........gonna step on toes here too..... but I also believe that this should also cover agreements and unions in other things, such as assisted suicide, in some cases. ..... just my 2 cents, it doesn't matter, it doesn't count , its more like a negative 2 cents......why is this even a question?

Are you a ; "Pitcher Taker?" and do you eat "Crepes?"

2011-04-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

Yep, in this part of the country I have found that many that are indigenous to this area have about a 50/50 chance of saying this phrase to me at least once. I find it endearing........ and odd......
Can you take my 'pitcher?"
Or
Thats a good "pitcher" when speaking about my photo . I swallow and don't say a word because the truth is I know what you are trying to say and I am anal about how it sounds. I put my self in check and use the microphone feature on dictionary.com to make sure there isn't an "alternate acceptable version" like vase and you know "vaz" .......

what goes thru my mind is this "smart alike" alter ego that says "I take "images" or "photographs" of "portaits" or "art" and an occasional snap shot or picture , but never do I do "pitchers" unless its a still live of something that holds water or liquid of some sort .... :) Ice Tea is a favorite! I also have a small collection of cameras and a small collection of pitchers but I do NOT have a collection of "photographs" Again this is going on in my mind when I smile and say .......""yes i do take pictures"

The list goes on and on.........another example ............

The other day I was watching my favorite channel and one of my favorite celebrities on it and she was teaching a very cool technique that I was interested in watching because I could relate to it on many levels. She was making Crepes. I took for years of French and I lived in the area most influenced by the French for many years of my life. I have eaten probably some of the best Crepes in the United States and i have probably made some of the worst. i even bought a crepe maker once and end result was not WINNING it was more like a BIG FAIL. The celeb called them creps sounded like a nasally crap kinda ......I have always heard them called Crepes more romantically like with a bit of a long "A" sound and a slight pronounciation of the ending "s" ...... so everytime she said this word........ I had go hear it from dictionary.com and click on the megaphone to make sure that I wasn't saying this wrong, its important for me to say things correctly when ordering :)

Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something

2011-04-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

A book you’ve read that changed your views on something

Original post on 30 TRUTHS

"The Koran" I read it in college...........well not word for word but the same way I have read the bible, cover to cover , understanding and not understanding, drifting and gripped to the pages, diciphering and then ignoring the redundancy. Actually reading the words and savvoring them and trying to understand them "in translation" was challenging but did very much change my views on the thoughts about Islam. I would definitely recommend everyone reading both biblical texts.......... at least once.

AnjiesWorld

Diaper Rewards............. SAVE YOUR POINTS ...........pampers double deal

11x14 Collage Poster from Shutterfly cost 400 points

ASH WEDNESDAY............LENT and MORE

Birthdays ARE NOT just another day..........

VALENTINES DAY THOUGHTS..............Hearts and stuff...........

Mr. Miller (from the 365 blog)

I am at the school a lot........I see from a "different point of view" than teacher or student ....I see from a lense that sometimes is macro..........this guy is good ......today's facebook post is just 1 of many of his examples he teaches something other than just "spanish".....

He is one of them that is always teaching, never lecturing........ and most of all showing everyone , kids and parents alike that there is a bridge that can be crossed ........genders, nationaliites, beliefs, backgrounds and what ever else that is gaping in our world.

I don't "focus" on everything, everyone does and says and I'm sure I don't catch "it all" but I see beauty all around me in PHS ...........and I share it on my webpage...the kids

love him and respect him........

today's post is just one small example of what he is teaching our next generation........I don't care where you live you gotta luv it.........and if you can share........ :)

Christian Miller 1/25/2012............ his most recent post that I got permission to quote btw........without his knowledge of the other stuff I wrote above....... they are unedited, unprompted and liked by a lot of your children, just in case you don't do facebook.....in his words only:

50 CENT PIECE....... on turning 50 otherwise known as ...more than my own 2 cents...

Reorganizing my Life.................through my office

THE EVE.....................

Under the Bed......... Right Beside the Slipper...........

HOMEOSTASIS...............and Jimmy Buffett

"YOU HAVE A NICE CAMERA! " Do you need to spend a lot of money to have nice photos?

AUTUMN............. its a love / hate relationship for me

Halloween Clearance begins today.......... ANJIES Halloween Decor

Heap O' Healthy Po Boys Recipe PLACED! :)

DO YOU BOO?

NEED NEW POTS AND PANS? when you VOTE are you entered to win!

more on this later! :)

ARTISTS & TRADING CARDS........... PRICELESS

WISH LIST / WIN LIST

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~SWEET 16~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DO THE SWAP AND WIN FROM ANJIES WORLD AND YOPLAIT !

GO GREEN FOR HALLOWEEN ALA...........Ravioli A'la Anjie with Saucy Sauce

GO GREEN FOR HALLOWEEN! GREEN IS THE NEW ORANGE!

Ravioli A'la Anjie :

SAUCY SAUCE

Directions

9/11 Awake is the New Sleep

"One of the lessons of 9-11 is that evil is real and so is courage." Former President George W. Bush

EXTRA WORK FOR LINCOLN! SEPTEMBER 15 CASTING CALL

"THE HELP" Anjie's Version........UPDATED

Coconut Zuchinni Muffins

ITS LUNCHTIME! SOME GREAT EATS!

Smashing Pumpkins............... not the band........sorry! :)

SMASHING PUMPKINS............ not the band sorry .......

ANJIES NEW SYSTEM! :) not a stereo silly........ a COUPON ORGANIZER

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB DONATION ! END OF THE CHALLENGE!

RECAP FOR THE CHALLENGE BTS ..........COUPON CHALLENGE

FREE PHOTO EDITING SOFTWARE THAT CANT BE BEAT

PHOTO CONTEST TO ENTER : THINGS REMEMBERED

WIN A BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVED FRAME ! ENTER TODAY

Does your family have a special holiday tradition? Share your story through a photo, and you could win $200 and be featured in our stores this Fall

All you have to do is enter the contest HERE

good luck! winner chosen randomly from all comments to this blogpost

Note: This post was sponsored by Things Remembered. Things Remembered is providing me with a gift of this very special frame for posting this on my blog! AWESOME!

DINNER LAST NIGHT! :) YUM! Susan's Aunt FRITTATA

FIRST DAY....................

DETOXING / DIET CONTINUED

DETOXING / CLEANING AND DIETING......

DINNER TIME!!!!!!!!!

I AM A WEINER!

Jambalaya

Prey...............photo prompt

Grabbing A Paddle

STARBUCKS! YEA! $50!

Richmond Times Dispatch Fan Photo of the Week!

STELLER STELLA BROWNIES ARE GLUTEN FREE..............

The Henley House............. a work in progress

30 truths : THE END

Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.

What if you were pregnant , what would you do?

Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?

Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life?

Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

I won!!!!!!!!!!!

SELF SERVING...............

DAY 24 ..............music playlist.........

Day #23 from the 30 Truths

HOBBY OR PROFESSION ? what the heck am I doing wrong?

I don't know who Gertrude Stein is but I want to learn!

"Best Meatloaf I've Had in My Life" Recipe

30 Truths: Day 22....... Something I wish I had not done

The Best Triple Berry Pies..............

Christian Miller 1/25/2012............ his most recent post that I got permission to quote btw........without his knowledge of the other stuff I wrote above....... they are unedited, unprompted and liked by a lot of your children, just in case you don't do facebook.....

in his words only:

SWEET 16~~~~~~~