Coconut Curry Cauliflower Soup !

Yum, double-YUM!  This was really good soup.  I try to make large batches so I can freeze extra to bring out on a cold winter afternoon.  Isn't soup great?  It's a great filler, I love that it makes me feel so warm and relaxed.

This was a Coconut Curry Cauliflower Soup, yes it had a little zing, but it was soooo good!

I can't even give you exact measurements, because when I cook from scratch, I just throw stuff in that sound good and try to give it a flavor.  I don't mind bland if I can't get the spices right at times, but I do see the family laying on the salt and hot sauce, etc.  That's fine, I don't get offended as long as they at least taste it first.   No need to hate and not appreciate :)

Ingredients  (here are my guesstimated measurements, forgive me)
Huge head of cauliflower, cut into florets (yes, use heads and stems)
Medium white onion, chopped
2-cups veggie broth (or you can use any broth, or even spring water)
1-2 cups coconut water (I opted for this, rather than spring water)
2 TBL grated fresh ginger
1 TBL or 1-large clove of garlic
2 scallions, chopped in slices to top
2-3 TBL fresh cilantro (optional)                                                                                                            
2 TBL curry powder (I used a Spices of India that I had)

Instructions
Saute the onions in water until clear, keep adding water as needed so they don't dry out.  I like to brown them for the flavor.  Add the curry spice, ginger and garlic and saute another 10 minutes or so.  Finally, add the broth/water and cauliflower.  Cook until the cauliflower is be soft when pronged with a fork, like making mashed potatoes.  Easy peasy.  I have one of those emirseable  blenders you can put into the pot.  Rather than scooping or pouring little by little into a blender.  I added the coconut water last, just so it wasn't too watery, but I definitely wanted coconut flavor.  I probably could have put more, it ended up being a nice thick texture.  It's all to personal taste.  Play with it!

This is a newer version of my older, white version.
It's a great do-all gadget, if you are ever looking for one that chops, whisks, purees. 

This soup, it's like an old recipe in my head, that I can't remember all the ingredients and how-to's - so I make one up of my own, knowing what needs to go in and adding more of what I think would give added flavor I like. Get it? Just make it your way, play with your spices.  Enjoy!

________________________________ TOPIC: How would I define happiness? Well, this could take all night!  Define happiness.  A bright sunny day. Listening to the birds chirping. Watching the fur-babies laying in the sun. Seeing  my 8-month old niece smile & giggle.  Hearing my 7 1/2-year old nephew laugh with excitement. Eating a juicy pear. My hubster holding my hand, tightly. Taking a walk.  Seeing the beauty in Fall foliage. Thinking of my dad. Snuggling with my fur-babies. Watching a sunset. Sitting on the beach after everyone is gone for the day, listening to the waves. Riding my bike. Eating good food. Chocolate mousse. Smelling the Spring air. Sitting outside in the evening with a glass of wine and good company.   Just being. 

RAW Chilled Mango & Cucumber Soup! (& Cher?)

This soup is absolutely delicious!  If you like cold soups, this is the one.  I know the cooler weather is here this week (on the East Coast anyway), but it's great as a little side-sipper with a meal, anytime.  Talk about refreshing and tasty.  Everyone tried it, and they liked it.  Even Mikey!  Ok no, we don't have a Mikey, but we do have a Joey.  He loved it.  Do you even remember that commercial? 

This soup can be made with chicken stock, or filtered water for a RAW soup.  I used part filtered water and my RAW vegetable stock (which I'll post one of these days).  Yum!  Perfecto.

Ingredients: red onion, cucumber, fresh or frozen mango, lime juice, (no lemon juice, that was there from a smoothie, ha! Why yes, I multi-task.), cilantro, sea salt, filtered water, chicken/or veggie stock. 

It's a very simple recipe you can find here. 

If you don't know about the Blender Babes, you do now! Check out the great recipes.  Follow them on twitter for daily, all day updates! Go ahead, be a Blender Babe, I am! 
Enjoy!

  

TOPIC: If you could hang out with a celebrity for one day, who would it be? Why? What would you do?
CHER. Hands down. She's a celebrity, an actress, a singer.  L-O-V-E her!  WHY?  Because she's cool.  I pretended to be her when I was little, wearing long hair pieces (my mother was a hair dresser), and beach towels as hair! Yes, I really did that. I loved watching the Sonny & Cher show. V-A-M-P, vamp! Awesome, that was me on the piano, pretending of course, to be Cher.   WHERE? Her Malibu home. It sits all by itself on a magical 'cliff', over looking the water and beaches.  Yes, I was there. I saw, I drooled, I wanted to go knock on her door.  Cher, if you are reading this right now, please invite me over.  What are my chances of that!?! Actually, we have friends that live near her (as well as the Allstate guy), and they know someone that knows her.  Maybe I can get an 'in'.   If any of you know her, please have her call me.   CHER. 

Double the Sunshine!!

I am so honored to be nominated by not one, but TWO awesome blogettes! You have no idea. I was so surprised and thrilled by them both!  So here is a big shout-out Thank You to my two ladies! 

Mrs. Tee Love Life Laughter , with her lovely award 

 Mother of Imperfection, with her lovely award

The rules for the Sunshine Award go like this:

- Acknowledge the blogger who nominates you

- Share 11 random facts about yourself

- Answer 11 random questions the nominating blogger has for you

- Nominate 11 bloggers who you think deserve some recognition and/or blogger love

- Post 11 questions for the nominated bloggers, and let them know you nominated them

11 random facts about me 

I've seen Cher in concert, 4 times love her

My favorite color is green, many shades of it

I drink a martini straight up, & a twist if your going to lay one on, it only takes one good one :)

I am a skin care specialist, Esthetician why don't I blog about that??

I love to read

I've finished a marathon, 26.2 miles

I started running at age-41 (don't calculate:)

I use the word crazy, like crazy! 

My two thumbs are totally different shapes

My eyes are green 

I was in Pharmaceutical Marketing for 15-years

I have a 30-year old son, and 5-stepchildren 

Hubster and I were married on the beach in Grand Cayman, Mexico, during a cruise. We didn't tell the kids until we were on a bus to get married. They didn't believe us.  Now they do. 

I wish I was 5'10" like Sandy @ Mother of Imperfection!

My 11 questions from Mrs Tee, to answer:
1.What time of day do you prefer to blog? I would prefer to blog in the evening, after dinner, for two hours.  Unfortunately, that doesn't happen.  Ever. 
2. What's the craziest thing you've ever worn out of the house? I have to say my p'jams and slippers to give the kids rides to friends or work.
3. How often do you cook during the week? I usually cook everyday, so I can have the weekends off :)
4. What's your favorite Fast Food or eat-out place?  No fast food for me.  Since I eat RAW, it's difficult to eat out.  I will go where there is salad and fresh veggies to munch on. 
5. Where would your dream vacation destination be? I've been to many places.  My dream vacation has always been Santorini, Greece.  Someday.  
6. Do you prefer baked or mashed potatoes? I love mashed or baked.  Yum! Especially sweet potatoes. 
7. What is your dream car (if you had no kiddies to worry about toting...lol)? A 911 Turbo Carrera. Sweet ride.  
8. What was your favorite extracurricular activity as a teenager? I loved my traveling softball team! 
9. What was your first job?  Mopping the floor of a donut shoppe.  Ahaha, eating donuts.  Making them, filling them.  Now I know why I don't eat donuts these days :)
10. Most embarrassing moment. Wow.  I'm not sure I can remember, haha. That's embarrassing! 
11. Team tea or coffee crew?  Definitely both! I love my morning coffee, after the hot lemon water and green smoothie. So no my coffee is usually early afternoon.  Tea in the evening before bed, decaf. 

My 11 questions from Sandy, Mother of Imperfection

1. Do you prefer coffee or tea? Both (see #11, right ^up^ there! :)
2. What is the last movie you saw? In the theatre?  Enough Said. With Julia Louis Dreyfus & James Gandolfini. EXCELLENT!  A must see.  
3. What’s your sign? (Ha! I kill me!) Hahaha, Leo!  To the core! 
4. Would you lie about your age? Nah, I'm don't feel my age, 52, yikes!  Just to say that, ew.  I feel 35. 
5. Would you ever have cosmetic surgery? Oh of course dahlink, of course :) I have limits though.
6. Where were you born and do you still live there? Born in PA, lived across the bridge in NJ.  Moved from my home town when I was in 5th grade, 1-1/2 hours away, for 22 years. I came back as an adult. Still live in the area.   
7. Do you eat breakfast? I do. A glowing green smoothie! 
8. Would you ever sing in public? Helllll, NO! Only in my car. Or home when no one is there. LOUD!
9. Kardashians. Keep it coming or enough already? ENOUGH already!  I've watched it here and there.  They get so pathetic.  Especially with Kanye??? Ew, double EW! I don't get them at all.  Give me my HOUSEWIVES.  They're not pathetic, right?  (haha) 
10. Do you ever wish you lived somewhere else? Yes! Somewhere!  hahah. 
11. What time do you get up in the morning? Between 7 and 8am.  I know, lazy.  Only because I'm up blogging late into the early morning.  I earn it, right? 

My Nominees: 

Brittany - Everyday Thoughts 

Mary -  Secret Obsession

Bree - Ghost Face Knitter

Susannah - Simple Moments Stick
Annelise - Aunie Sauce
Nadine - Back East Blonde
Rachel - Sunshine & Sinatra
Tiffany - The Mama Bear Diaries
Layna - Those Creepy Crawley's
Amanda Rose - Sew Much to Say
Amy - The Farmer's Wife

My 11 questions to my nominees:

1. Do you have a favorite sports team? 

2. Bike, swim, run, or all three?

3. How would you respond to a rude person? 

4. If you had to, which would you give up; sight, smell, touch, taste?

5. Would you cover for a co-worker who stole something from work? 

6. Would you tell your best friend, if you saw their spouse cheating?

7. Carmel or Caramel? (Me and husband debate this all the time. I go with class :)

8. When and where, was your last vacation? 

9. What is your favorite candy bar?

10. If you could change your first name, and wanted to, which name would you pick? 

11. Plaid or paisley?

My Sunshine Award to You

My actual photo taken in OCNJ

Thank you so much ladies, I appreciate you giving me this award.  I know it took me a few days to post, but here I am. Loud and proud! Congrats to all my nominees, and have fun with your Sunshine Award!

AND, on to...

The October Daily

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TOPIC: I am to post a review about a book, lipstick or anything I like, and rate it on a scale of 1 to 5.

Well, this is easy.  Love this Sally Hansen Insta-Dri top-coat nail polish.  Scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the highest, definitely a 5! Put on right after polishing your nails and you are good to go!  I've had plenty of times I had to paint my nails running out the door.  This stuff, saved the day! 

Enjoy!

Blog Stalking Sundays, #20!

Seriously?  Twenty-weeks of Blog Stalking Sundays!  20! Awesome stalking weeks. Don't forget, when you are selected you get the whole week on my blog. Just look on the right for the Blog Stalking Sundays, Spot Light!  Here are this weeks shout-outs. Drum roll, pleeeeease! 

_ Oh my gosh!  Mary is adorable.  Not only is she adorable, she is the host-with-the-most with The October Daily series! What a fun idea.  I'm not always up on my daily posts, I seem to slum on the weekends, but I'm there for the most part during the weeks.  It's been lots of fun so far!  Check it out below, and jump on to do the Daily with us.  So, Mary has also started her own blog design business.  Check her out, you will love her work and she would love to do a new or updated blog for you!  __________________________________

Next up!

Nadine is a straight forward gal. I've had a lot of fun stalking her blog. I like how she can see the difference of maturity in three years difference of age. I like how she admires the beauty of her family, especially her grandmother. I like her "30-by-30", and I'm going to help encourage her start running, now. We do have a great thing in common, we like to take photos of our dog, dogs for me, and show them off. The one thing I'm confused about, is loving the east coast weather, over the west coat. 

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Amber of The Bold Fab Mom, is such a fun blogger.  She is one of my besties, and I was lucky enough to have her as a partner in an #AskAwayFriday. You can check that out here.  Even though her life can resemble a National Lampoon's Vacation at times, she'd still like to try a trip, or 3, to Hawaii or Paris. Who can blame her for trying? The best part, we both like Marky Mark. 

On Other News... _____________________________ TOPIC: Guest posting/5 questions
Unfortunately, I didn't think quite this far ahead, so I totally missed getting a partner for the guest posting and five questions.  So sorry, but I am still pushing for The October Daily! So click here, and go visit the blogs at the bottom of Mary's guest post! 

What's in your wallet?

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TOPIC: Show you what's in my bag!

Not much is in my bag today.  I went to a Philadelphia Eagles game, and you have to have everything in a clear bag so they can see all your contents.  This is my clear bag, and these are the contents :)

Hand Sanitizer

Napkins

Eagles Seat Ticket

Lip Balm

Parking Ticket

Small Wallet w/cash, credit cards, license

BelVita Whole Grain Snacks because popcorn and pretzels weren't enough

Not too much going on in my bag today. 

So I'm adding a game-day photo of me with the hubster...

&

My son and his friend.

It was a fun day! 

Happy Sunday! 

The book that started my blog world!

I've been asked many times why I started blogging.  There are many reasons, my website became annoyingly tiresome, the website was too time consuming, blogging looked much easier (I beg to differ now), and on and on.  Blogging seemed so easy, as I was reading this book:

LIFE FROM SCRATCH:by Melissa Ford

I read this book in just a couple of days!  On the treadmill, on the patio, in bed, until I was finished.  Then, I wanted more.  So Melissa gave me more.  Yes, we are on a first-name basis.  I promised her (back when), that I was posting it on my blog.  When I was getting my blog going. So, many months later, here I am!  I've given Melissa fair warning, that her stock will be disappearing, so get buying.  Seriously, it's so good!   Okay, in short:  There's this girl, Rachel.  Her life is as messy as her kitchen.  She's newly divorced, her heart broken, living in a NY apartment.  She doesn't know how to cook, not even the simplest of meals for herself.  So, she starts with an egg.  A Spaniard lover. Then she becomes a "blogger" (this is where I come in :) like a celebrity blogger, but not really, but really close, so...
The rest you have to find out for yourself.  It's a great read.  Read it.  Melissa will thank me.  Yes, this is one of the main reasons I decided to blog rather than continue with my website.  I mean if Rachel can, I can, right?  "Why not?", I thought. The best part???  Melissa wrote a sequel for me! I couldn't believe it. Yay!  

MEASURE OF LOVE: by Melissa Ford (yes, you know this already) I'm reading it.  In between blogging.  Now blogging is interrupting my reading.  I think I'll walk the treadmill for a few hours tomorrow, just to finish this one.  Can't wait to see how it ends.  Maybe my friend Melissa, will do a threequel for me :) _____________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________ TOPIC: Time for Throw-back Thursday! I'm raiding my archives and re-posting something I want you to read! ALL IN A WEEK I like this post.  It shares a lot of what I had going on in a week.   Mostly my nephew.  I like spending time with him.  There are a lot of posts I'd like you to read, again, comment on. There just isn't enough room here for ALL my posts! :)  Enjoy. 

IPSY x2!

After you are finished checking out my Ipsy, be sure to go to the bottom of this post for 

The October Daily!

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My September Ipsy is here. 

As I've mentioned, this is one box I've kept, while canceling subscriptions to all the others. 

Let's get to it! 

Aside from the NYX eye shadow making one big mess throughout the bag, which I had to toss, everything else was fine.  (Had I known it could be repaired with alcohol, I would have done that. I forget where I saw that posted.  If it's you, please, shout it out!)

Cailyn lip was too bold for me, but it will look lovely on my sister.

It's So BIG mascara.  I'm using it only for the name :)

Jesse's Girl a waterproof, calligraphy type eyeliner.  Loving it!

Oceane make up remover pen. This is perfect for my oopsies on the eyes!

J. cats Beauty very matte, very nude color. Not for me.

Annnnd, because I waited so long to post that one, October is here as well!

Love of beauty is taste.  The creation of beauty is art. 

That's what the bag says.  I love it.  

The contents:

Nourish Organic Coconut & Argan Body Lotion Yum!  Feels silky.  Smells delicious! 

Sytle Sexy Hair Spray Clay Isn't that what we all want?  If it keeps my fly-aways in tact, I'm in. 

Zoya in Mason Like a sparkly purple/grape.  Loving it for Halloween also!

OFRA Lipgloss Plumper/Sultry Oh yeah baby.  Plump and Sultry says it all.  I have to say, my lips have become extremely dry the past two weeks.  Never have they been this bad.  They actually feel as if I have tape on them.  Strange feeling along with the dryness.  Not attractive.  

OLEHenriken truth serum collagen booster Uh, the truth is you have wrinkles.  (I do, most likely you don't) I use a powerful Vitamin C (that I will be sharing next week), so I'll try this and see how it compares.  

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TOPIC: What are my goals and dreams for the future? I can share my dream home, dream workplace, or even my bucket list before I turn 25! 

:)  That's cute.  Ha. Before I turn 25.  I wonder when this was written up.  Oh, wait, I keep forgetting that most of my blogettes are youngin's.  Ahh, silly me. Well, now that I'm twice that...I'll share what I want in my retirement. :) Don't laugh.

My goals:

- To have 3 early-retirement homes that I can go to every 4-months, the perfect weather all year-round.
- To have a bucket list by January, 2014.  (I'll have 31 days until the end of that month :) remember who I am...the PROCRASTINATOR Can that be worn as an costume for Halloween?
- To have some grand-babies before my time is up. Well, I guess I personally can't work at that goal. Let's move that to My Dreams.
- To be content and happy, most of the remaining days of my life.

There you have it.  You are welcome to put my 50-something & fabulous goals to use, when you are 50-something & fabulous!  

DIY Blue

I am back to blue.  Loving this color and I can't find enough things to paint this color blue. So, after the huge flower pots, I finally finished the bench I had in the corner of my yard.

This bench was part of this pile! 

If you remember that pile, the picnic table with many benches...? 

I've decided to paint it all white, a shiny white coat that will stand in white stones on the other side of our patio wall.  Extra seating for those big party's we talk of having.

Yeah, those. Anyone ever have the 'talked-about' party?   

By the way, the pots with the plants.  Remember when I painted the flower pots?

They bloomed :)

I'll hate to see them go with the first frost.  

Although, with this warm weather lately, maybe it won't come...

wishful thinking.

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TOPIC: Your favorite word in photos

This stone, was given to me, years ago, by an employee.  Sweet Tara xo

Beauty in photos

Beauty is in many forms.  These, are my beauties.  Only some of them.  

We all see beauty differently.

From L to R: OCNJ, Ocala FL, Lucy Belle, Chewy, Cordelia, 'Honey' (beautiful mother-in-law), Deegan.  

Blog Stalking Sundays, #19 with My Fave Five!

I'm late, I'm late, Im late!!

Wow, this weekend seemed like it was forever, and I didn't get much accomplished on my blog.  I always say I'm going to get so much done!  We had a kid home from college and another visiting for two days.  Busy, busy!  I'm not even going to say I'll be getting more done tonight and this week will be a great one for accomplishments.  shhhhhh I might jinx myself.

So, here we are with my Blog Stalking Sundays series!  I have some lovely shout-outs to share with you today.  I've been bee-bopping around their blogs, and I know you will too.
Let's not waste anymore time.

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Sarah is from Essex.  I'm loving her blog and the Autumn theme she has going.  How cute is that!  She has reviews and a fun link-up on Reason To Be Happy.  You have to check it out.  Visit Sarah, get to know her, and send her some love.  She has a great Monday Meal Plan today.

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Annelise, A.K.A. Aunie, is a beauty! Aunie is a busy girl as she dishes out the sauce on her blog, Aunie Sauce.  She has "3" other blogs as well as this one.  I don't know how she does it all.  We have both lived in OK, so I feel a kinship :) The really cool part, she did a Marathon Run yesterday with her mom!  That's 26.2 miles peoples, all at once.  

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Okay, Bree, is the coolest.  I just love everything about her.  Her expressions, her silliness and her choice of dogs! PUG people!!  I have to say the cat is a cool choice also.  She's also a tattooed knitter, how cool is that combo? And no, I'm not spot-lighting her today because she mentioned me on her blog, and thinks I'm bitchin'.  Ok, maybe it helped me find her :) Bree is cool. Go. Give her some love!

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TOPIC: What are your top 5 favorite posts in your blog?

1. First post - First box!

Of course this is my favorite, because it was my very first.

I am proud of it and think I did a decent psot for my very first.  As nervous as I was. 

2. Blogosphere 

Something about this sticks out for me.  I was fun! 

3. Happy 4th of July 2013!

Any time I can have the opportunity to write/share about my father, is a favorite post for me! 

4. A Liebster Award, me?

This was my first award, and very fun for me.  I was excited with all the comments, ha!

5. This is a combo:

Drivin' it home, Part #1

Drivin' it home, Part #2

This was a time I shared with my hubster that I really, really enjoyed.  

3 Random Blogs!

It's the 10th day of...

TOPIC: we are to pick 3-random blogs from the link-up list, describe their blog, and tell you what we think about the blog, while showing some snippet of their blog!

Almost like my Blog Stalking Sundays! (Way to throw a selfie-promo :) 
Wait, you are already here!  Dang.

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I randomly picked my first, the adorable Marla, from A Weekend Crossing. Just your California gal! I really like that Marla's blog is about travel and self-experiences. She is on a journey called life, loving each and every moment.  And not afraid of OOTD'ing! Now, anyway :) She has beautiful Heroe's.

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My second random pick, Janine, and I'm liking that she has some Confessions! Seriously, how exciting that she is an author. Of a book! Lucky!!  I like her diverse blog, of tutorials and recipes and daily snaps.  Most of all, those cute as a button little girls!  I mean geez, how does she get anything done!

Okay. Peanut Butter Sandwich French Toast! Whaaaat!?! 

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My third pick is Bri.  I am so happy I stumbled on her deliciously active blog, and had a chance to stalk her.  I like her blog because she is so into her family and interacting with them and finding what is fun for all of them to do. She also runs like I do, and bikes like I've started (duathlons).  What's not to like with Bri?

Thanks Bri, I"m falling off the RAW wagon for this!

Wouldn't you? Click on the pic!

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I can't wait to go back and stalk these blogs a bit more. You should too.

The recipes, the photos, the fun. All worth a stalking!