#AskAwayFriday #21!

Happy Friday and Happy #AAF, once again!  For those of you new to the weekly gig, this is a fun link-up to get to know other bloggers better, meet new blog BFF'ers, and to have a great time!  Our hosts are Amber, TheBoldFabMom…and Penny, The RHOCC - thank you ladies!  Check them out, to check out all the co-hosts bloggers as well.

This week I am partnering up with the lovely Heather, blogger of The Frill of Life.  Everyday, she's finding the reasons to smile in everyday life!  Read my answers to her questions, below, then go to Heather's blog to see her answers to my questions!

Heather's Blog

What are the big plans for New Year's next week?
We are not sure if we will be sitting home, hanging with my son and his girl, or going to our beach house for First Night in OCNJ, and hang with my Auntie. It's never a 'night out' for us really.  Hubster is usually asleep while the ball drops, but awake before and after. 
Are you in the habit of making New Year's resolutions?
No.  I don't think I've ever made a resolution, to have to stick to one.  I think making a commitment to yourself has to be at the right time, when you know you can make a change or difference needed in your life.  Big or small, it has to be at your 'right time'. 
If not, why? If so, what are they?
Oops, I think I answered this above! ;-) 
Are you setting goals for your blog in 2014?
I've been thinking about that. I'd like to have more of a niche. Still trying to figure that out. 
Tell us about your most memorable New Year's celebration.
NYC. It was grand all the way. But the next morning I was sick with the flu and a bit if a hang over. Most memorable, for sure haha
Do you have any traditions centered around the New Year?
No, unfortunately. I wish I started a friend party/game Event each year. I always thought about it...
What are you most excited about for 2014?
Change! For the better. 
Is there anything about 2014 that you're not excited for?
Change. If the better, backfires. Ha. 
Who do you think will win the Superbowl in 2014? Personally, I'm rooting for the Chiefs!!!
I need a "football for idiots" book, but I did just win the weeks football fantasy for some nice bucks! I guess I have to be an Eagles fan being in Philly, but my heart is with daddy for the giants and being a Jersey Girl. Long shot, I know. I also how the Steelers look, haha! And Cowboys, who doesn't dream of a cowboy now and then :)
This one has nothing to do with New Year's, but I always ask it: What's under your bed? Bonus points for a picture…
Nothing but carpet. Haha. It's one of those platform beds.  Love it!  

Bonus: Answer a question that you asked me. (Love this idea, btw) One of my questions: Pick 3 words to describe what you expect of yourself in 2014: Organized. Grateful. Happy.  

Cheers, to a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year for all! 

Merry Christmas!

Hoping everyone's Christmas was...

And...

Lucy Belle wishes you all...

#AskAwayFriday, #20

Wow, #20!  Congrats to Penny, of RHOCC and Amber, of TheBoldFabMom in their achievement with this link-up.  PLEASE, check out these ladies and give them some love! It's always fun with the Q&A, and chatting it up with some new friends. So let's get on with it.

This week I am partnering up with Sarah

She's got The Cutest Blog On the Block with the cutest girls! Check out my answers to her questions below, then go to Sarah's blog to see her answers to my questions!  Have fun!!

1.  You just look so fabulous!!! You say in your profile your 50-something and I would never be able to tell.  Please share your secrets. :) That's a question right? ;) Haha, I'll take it as a question :) First, "thank you so very much"! I try, hard! There really isn't any great secret. I think I got lucky with taking care of myself, and quitting bad habits early in life.  Plus, I feel awesome with my new eating habits. 

2.  Where do your inspirations come for a lot of your DIY projects? I see things in stores, magazines, (always saying 'I can make that), and I venture on Pinterest here and there.  I do see some on blogs, and I try to remember to write down where I did see anything I might DIY, I want to give credit where it's due. I haven't posted much, but I do have a lot in 'the process' of finishing.  

3.  I seen it says your a skin care specialist?  Do tell.  :) After pharmaceutical marketing for years, it came to a screeching halt.  Always having an interest in skincare, I decided to go back to school.  I don't do a lot out in the field much, but I do keep up on new knowledge and work on friends/family. I love it and love helping others feel good about themselves, in many ways.

4.  Any fun holiday traditions? Cookies and pumpkin pie.  Wrapping gifts to the film, Love Actually, a MUST! 

5.  Do you have a craft room or specific spot you do all your fun things? I do!  A spare room that serves as an office, skin care room, crafts, sewing, fur-baby sleeping :) I'd show you a pic, but it's a crazy mess right now. Even though I cleaned it from this mess.  I will definitely post a nice new organized photo in the near future.  

6.  I seen you eat RAW, what is your favorite meal? I make so many different ones, that I haven't repeated a favorite meal as yet.  They are all good though.  I do repeat the Muhammara Dip often.  Healthy and filling with some celery as an afternoon snack between meals. Oh, and there was a summer repeat, sorry, the Gorilla Wrap. Yum!

7.  You were married in 2005, what would you say is your secret to a great marriage. :) I am far from an expert, but I believe the secret to a great marriage is having MORALS and VALUES within yourself, and share that with the one you love.  That's when these things will flow nicely; TRUST, HONESTY, CONSTRUCTIVE COMMUNICATION, STRUCTURE within the family.  Those are the main things for me. 

8.  I seen you have a few furbabies, how many do you have and what kinds are they? My fur babies are like having 2-year olds!  No exaggeration, but I love them to pieces!  Queen Lucy Belle is my 10-1/2 year old girl.  She's a JUG, Jack Russell/Pug mix, and adorable.  Everybody loves Lucy.  Then Chewbacca, he is our kill-shelter rescue!  He is about 7-8 years old, follows Lucy in everything.  He was skeptical and aggressive when we first got him, but now I think he loves us as much as we love him. I wish I could rescue every 'mis-placed' doggie.  I love both their personalities.  Never enough photos.  Enjoy!  

 

9.  What's your dream vacation? I've been to many places, countries, states, etc.  I always dreamed of Greece, Santorini Island.  Ever been?  Anyone?

10.  Any New Years resolutions? No.  I never really do one.  I think it's an omen if you try to, because it's hard to stick to.  For many, not all peeps.  (Don't want to judge the ones who "can-do".)  I do want to be more organized, like I used to be, so maybe I'll start that tomorrow :)

Thanks so much Sarah!  

Cheers!

Tunesday Tuesday ~ Greatest Love of All

There's this new gig happening, and it goes live every Monday night at 9:00pm. You share a song and a story. Because music has such an impact on many people, they created Tunesday Tuesday!  A great concept, I see it's future. Good luck girls and congrats on your 2nd week! 

As the reader, all you need to is join in with your song and a story. Oh, and it would be nice if you follow the hosts!  Meg, Jenn, Shauna and Tiffany.  Then spread some love to the others that join.

Music and lyrics used to be such a big part of my life.  My strength I should say, it kept me going and lifted me up when I needed it most.  A period in my life when I was a single mom, a very young 21-year old single mom.  Struggling with making ends meet, and battling the dark physical and mental abuse that consumed me, making me weak. That period in my life felt as if it was going to go on forever, and I didn't think I would live to see the age of 25. Now, it seems as if it were 100 years ago. 

Everybody's searching for a hero

People need someone to look up to 

I never found anyone to fufill my needs

A lonely place to be

And so I learned to depend on me

It was a long road, it took me years and years to realize who I really was, the person within myself, that I wasn't paying attention to, but the one I needed to get me through.  I had to believe in 'me'. 

I believe the children are our future

Teach them well and let them lead the way

Show them all the beauty they possess inside

Give them a sense of pride, to make it easier

Let the children's laughter, remind us how we used to be

If I didn't have my young son back then, I don't think I would have ever realized I had anything to live for.  My son was my reason to find my strength, and so I did.  My son is my hero.  The elegant, the beautiful, Whitney Houston was my second runner up.  I would listen to this song, over and over again.

Greatest Love Of All

Believe-you-me, it wasn't all roses and a princess life once I started to get myself together.  It was tough, and I stumbled big time along the way.  Failed relationships, life altering mistakes, missed opportunities.  Not only for me, but for my son as well, and trying to shield him.  I went through lots of therapy and became an advocate for Women's Crisis Services, that was the greatest therapy.

I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows
If I fall, If I succeed
At least I lived as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can't take away my dignity

  

And even though years have passed by, I still find myself struggling with today's issues. I just hate when it happens during the holidays. It always seems to be the time when everyone wants to stir things. Uphill battles, spiraling down, and climbing back up that same hill. Nothing can ever be perfect, but it can be close to what we as individuals, believe is perfect.

Today, I believe in me.

So here I am, reaching for my past strength, to use for today.  Thank you Whitney, RIP.

DIY Christmas Cards

I've been creative with my Christmas cards this year.  Seeing so many handmade crafts and cards here and there, gave me the bug!  My love of trees gave me inspiration, as you can see below. With some crafts from Michael's and some already on hand, these are what I've come with!  Hope you like them.

My trees

 My mix 

My faves

Some I'll stamp, some I'll write a personal message

What do you think? 

What are your Christmas crafts, this year? 

Turning Words into Pictures

Happy

Because this face brings 'happy'


One

Because here, we became 'one'


Green 

My favorite fireplace wall, between kitchen & family room

 

#AskAwayFriday, #18!

Brought to us by the lovely RHOCC and The Bold Fab Mom!

This gig is all about exchanging questions with other bloggers, getting to know them a bit more personally, and meeting new friends. This week the amazing, talented, craftiest chick I know is partnering with me!  Yup, the lovely Ms. Meg is all mine this #AAF.  We live a couple towns away from each other, and we plan to meet up.  One day, soon :)

Read my answers to Megan's Q's below, then click on the button above to read her answers to my Q's. 

1. You live in one of my favorite towns. What is one place you love to visit? (restaurant, shop, bar…) Sitting outside at The Landing.  Especially on the 4th of July.  Spectacular. 

2. If you could pick up and move anywhere right now, where would you go? Paris! Each time I've gone there, I didn't spend enough time.  

3. The winter weather is coming!! Are you a snow bunny or beach bum? BEACH bum!  Even though I don't like the sunbathing, I want the warmth! Of course that would be a problem living in Paris, so that would have to be partial living. 

4. Hubby question: what 3 things does Wendy have to have with her when she leaves the house? 

 - The obvious, her cell phone. 

- The comfort of knowing her dogs are taken care of while she's out, a must! 

- The line-up of her posse, which one she'll be calling to be on the Wendy-Show, while she's out!

Tell us what he says, then if he's right! 

Sounds like sarcastic jealousy, if you ask me :)  Hubster wants to be a dog, in my home, in his next life.  I always figure who I'm going to call, have to call, want to call while I have the time.  I can say, "oh, I have to go into the store now", or sit in a parking lot and chat! Yes, he pretty much called me out on this question.  Good job, hubs.   

5. What is the most outrageous/ spontaneous thing you've ever done? Hhmmmm, not sure I can post that!  Hahaha, just kidding.  I don't really know.  Drink from the milk carton?  No!  Kidding. 

6. If you could I on your with one band/musician, who would it be? Haha, I'm not quite sure what your cell phone did to this question, but I'll assume it is asking "If I could be on stage…??" (I'm totally making that up!)…I'd say CHER.  I know, corny but she's the Diva Queen!  

7. Dump, hump, marry: Russell Crowe, George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr. Oh my, do I really have to answer this?  It's so against my religion, ha! The hubster loves to play this game as well.  Okay…

I'd dump George Clooney. (He's overrated.)

Hump Russell Crowe. (He seems like a manly man :) 

Marry Robert Downey Jr. (He's Iron Man for goodness sake!)  

8. What is your favorite holiday treat or beverage? Great-grandmother's Pumpkin Pie! She's no longer with us, but her recipe is locked in a safe and I can't share it! 

9. I'm all about accessories and never leave the house without a pair of dangly earrings. Take a pic of your go to accessory that you can't live without. 

My watch. Love watches. 

10. What is one thing in your past that you're glad to have put behind you and one thing in the future you're looking forward to? The past, 'mistakes'.  I am glad to have learned from them, but I am happy to have them a part of my past.  The future, grand-babies!  

Loved these, Ms. Meg, thanks for partnering with me this week.  

Please go over to Megan's blog, to read her answers to my questions.  Check out her unbelievable talent, incredible.  

Banana, Cashew, Creamy Pops, RAW Dessert

You are going to love me for this recipe!  The hubster loved it, even the college kid loved it more (that says a lot), and I loved it.  So good and so easy.  I have to thank my Blender Babes for this one. 

Banana and Cashew Cream Ice Pops

They were dipped in chocolate, and then in coconut and almonds.  You can use any topping you'd like. 

I used different molds.  The one above was a huge helping, even the hubster ate it in two sittings. 

So, here's the scoop!

Ingredients

2 cups raw cashews, soaked for a minimum of 4-hours, drained and rinsed

1 large or 2 small bananas (I used 1 1/2 large)

3 Tbs honey (I used raw coconut nectar)

1 Tbs vanilla paste

pinch salt

3/4 cup to 1-cup of water (careful not to use too much and become watery)

200 grams 70% or higher couverture chocolate (I used 60% and it was great)

2 Tbs coconut oil 

shredded raw coconut

chopped raw almonds

Directions

Combine cashews, banana, honey, vanilla, salt and 3/4 cups water in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and free of any lumps. 

Slowly add the remaining water until you achieve desired consistency. (Be wary of too much water.)

Pour the cashew mixture into ice cream molds and freeze 2-hours. If you don't have molds, use paper cups and fill 1/4 of the way, believe me, that will be plenty for one treat!

Decorate/Toppings

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler and add the coconut oil.  Stir and quickly dip your ice pops into the chocolate, followed by the coconut or chopped almonds. Serve immediately. 

This recipe makes 3 cups. 

I used a Vitamix, slowly increasing to 10, then high for 30-seconds.  It was perfect consistency, and I used 1/2-cup of water.  

Beet Salad

I made this salad two nights in a row.  My hubster and my son loved it, I loved it more!  Being the RAW eater that I am, this was the most delish salad I've made, since last week :)

This yumminess has arugula, mixed greens, walnuts, pine nuts, sweet kumato tomatoes, and some goat cheese.  Yes, as a RAW eater I can consume cheese now and then, this is my one of choice.  I don't eat other cheeses any longer, even though I was addicted!  My taste buds changed and I no longer desire it.  The natural enzymes in a goat are closer to those in humans, making digestion much better.  Much of the RAW way of eating is about digestion. You can find more of this in The Beauty Detox Foods book. This book is my Goddess! (I do not receive any compensation for mentioning this book.  All comments are personal.) Anyway, do you know what I call this a beet salad? Duhhh, because I top it with beets.  Oh my gosh, if you love beets like we do, eat them on your salad. The benefits of beets are great. Beets are rich in antioxidants, calcium, iron and magnesium, fiber and high in vitamins A and C. (Refer to Beauty Detox for more information.) Yummy, yummy goodness. Nothing fancy to this salad in way of measurements. Just add the greens and other ingredients as desired, depending on the number of people you are serving. You can add any dressing to this.  I cheat  and do the lazy move by using a healthy vinaigrette. But if you really love beets, you can use this beet dressing. 

Happy Tuesday!

Weekend In Photos

Happy Monday!

Is it really December 2nd?  Where does time go?  This year flew by for me, no doubt about it.  With Thanksgiving gone and Christmas soon to follow, it will be a New Year before we know it!  Wow.

Today I'm re-capping my holiday and weekend in photos.  It was a good weekend, so I'm sharing.
With my green smoothie down, making pumpkin pancakes for all, I got started on the meal of the day. 
Quick yummy turkey, for the meat-eaters. I cooked up the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and great-grandmothers pumpkin pie! This meal was for the left-overs idea.  We had the official dinner at my in-laws.

Although I do not eat the turkey anymore, I can make a mean one.  I saw this on the Today Show a few years ago, and perfected it. You cut the turkey in half, butter it on all sides, throw your fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, marjoram, etc., your personal choices), in the pan underneath the turkey and on top.  Throw a couple cloves of garlic in there also.  Cook at 375, skin side up, uncovered.  

My turkey was not quite 13-lbs and it cooked in an hour.  A heavier turkey up to 16-lbs would be approximately 1-1/2 hours cooking time. The pan should be on the lowest rack. I sautéed the giblets (that I don't eat) and rolled them around in some flower to add to the pan juices (rubbing the spices and garlic through a screen strainer) and vegetable broth. I removed the giblets in the end, only using them for flavor. Everyone makes gravy differently, so use your own version. (If you'd like a recipe, I'd be happy to share.) 

Some of us, at the in-laws.  

Three of my stepchildren, me and the hubster.

My step-beauty, with me.  Sweats and all, ha! 

I even tried to share her scarf to hide my frumpiness :) 

Didn't work. 

Sunday morning I got myself ready for the next few days, 

and also made some bags for the freezer.  Easy smoothie days. 

I'll just add my favorite frozen fruit, my flax/hemp/chia, and coconut water.

 We went to my favorite place of lights, Peddler's Village, in Lahaska PA. 

The tree above, was taken from a restaurant window, Earls.  So pretty.

If you've never been, and can get there, please do!  

There is also a house of gingerbread houses made by kids. 

AND, in my little shoppe-hopping evening, I found me a female version of…

So excited!  Now I just need to figure out who I can tease with her! 

Happy Cyber Monday!

Shop wise,