Labor Day Picnic Ideas

While perusing Pinterest, I found some yummy foods I'd like to make this weekend, so of course I had to share  with you!   What are you making this weekend...is it "pin" worthy?  If so, be sure to link it below!

Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad

 

Source: savorysweetlife.com via Nancy on Pinterest

Avocado Cilantro Deviled Eggs

Source: hwtm.com via Traci on Pinterest

Salmon Burgers with Fresh Dill Sauce

Source: mamasgottabake.wordpress.com via Victoria on Pinterest

                                  Blackberry Mojito                                 

 

Source: justputzing.com via Anne on Pinterest

Snickers Cupcakes

Source: doubledutymommy.com via Veronica on Pinterest

Now it's your turn.  If you find a recipe on the internet that you think would be great for your Labor Day feast, can you share it with us in comments?   I'd love to see what everyone else is eating this weekend!

Phoenix Events: 8th Annual Phoenix Cooks, September 1st

Looking for something fun to do this weekend, Phoenicians?   I've got a great event to share, but you better  come on an empty stomach, and be ready to sample some seriously delicious cuisine!  


The 8^th Annual Phoenix Cooks! is a colorful and flavor-filled food and wine festival to benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Diverse restaurants from around the valley come together to provide food and cocktails and highlight the best cuisine and libations Phoenix has to offer. Entertaining live stage demonstrations and intimate classroom sessions provide a unique look at master chefs at work and showcase their true passion and talent. This unique event is perfect for your Labor Day weekend! 

Phoenix Cooks! takes place Saturday, September 1st, at the Westin Kierland Resort, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.!

You'll have an opportunity to try cuisine from Phoenix-area chefs, such as Siegfried Hohaus from Mastro's Ocean Club, Micheal Cairns from Prado, Lee Hillson from the Royal Palms, Shin Toyoda from Sushi Roku, and Jeff Hostenske from Z Tejas.

In addition to trying delicious food and wine, you'll have a chance to learn from the pros in the Phoenix Cooks! cooking classes.  Each class is 30 minutes long, with a capacity of 25 students per class.  Classes are available through out the day, but it is recommended that you reserve your seat early.  Advance tickets for the classes are $10 per person, and $15 the day of the event (if there are still seats available).  Class topics include Argentinian Grill, Mediterranean cuisine, Bread Pudding in a Blender, and Beef O'Nomics.  

Tickets for Phoenix Cooks!  are available for $75.00 per person for general admission & designated driver tickets are available for $40.00 per person.  To find out more information and to order your tickets, visit the Phoenix Cooks! website  or call 602-374-6000

I'll see you there!

Mommy Mixology: A Cocktail for Every Calamity Book Review & Giveaway

I'm a sucker for a good cocktail, so when I found out my good friend, Janet, from Muffin Top Mommy, was writing a book about cocktails, I was very excited...and a tiny bit perplexed.  Sure, I know she likes a good ale every now and then, and I'd love to down a few "stiff ones" with her sometime, but a whole book devoted to cocktails?  She's not a food blogger.  She's not a cocktail blogger.  She's an awesome humor writer/Mom blogger.  But...I love her to death, she's my sister from another mister, so I was all, "Cool Janet, I can't wait!"  When she explained what the book was all about, I was like..."OMG, I have to get this now!"  There is no one else (I know of) in this world, other than Janet's mentor, Ms. Bombeck, who could do hysterical  justice to the trials and tribulations of Mommyhood...and the many cocktails which (should) accompany those trials and tribulations....like Janet can.  Then...I was really excited for the book to come out, but had to wait patiently! 


Now Mommy Mixology: A Cocktail for Every Calamity is here, and it's on places like Amazon  and Barnes and Noble!  I am so proud of Janet, and her book is 100,000,000,000% better than my imagination could have ever envisioned (and my imagination is C-R-A-Z-Y).  Seriously.  Mommy Mixology is a hysterically funny, yet poignant look at our role as Moms, all the challenges we face, and how the little people who live with us, shape us.  One thing to note.  No one is advocating pulling out the (whiskey) bottle every time you have a crisis.  Janet's book is more than just recipes.  It's about Janet's very funny life stories...stories we all share in some way.  The recipes are awesome, but it's the story behind the recipes that leave me verklempt with laughter and tears.  It's a beautiful thing. 

Every Mom I know needs Mommy Mixology (some more than others, you know what I'm saying) to help keep our sanity and our sense of humor, and to realize that we are not alone on this roller coaster ride called parenting.  Keep a copy for yourself, but be sure to give one to a friend.  Mommy Mixology is great to give to anyone who's pregnant, who's little one is going off to kindergarten (or college) for the first time, or for anyone who is a Mom (or Dad)!

Want to know more?  Here are some of her drink ideas....


The "Bloody Binky":  Janet's take on the Bloody Mary, guaranteed to get you through that time when your toddler wants their "binky" but you don't want the future orthodontics bills.   I remember those days!

The "No-Jito":  When the only word your toddler says is "No", it's time to reach for Mommy Mixology and a few lime wedges. 


The "PTA Mama Jama":   I wonder if we could serve these at our next meeting?

The "Nerf Swizzle":  When your kids go back to school, Janet recommends you mix a pitcher of this with your close friends to celebrate getting "back into the routine."   Just don't let the PTA President catch you...unless she's doing the mixing.

There's even non-alcoholic cocktails for the Mommy-to-be!



To find out more about Mommy Mixology: A Cocktail for Every Calamity  and purchase it, visit Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com.  You can also try and win a copy of the book here, just fill out the entry form below!

The Mommy Mixology: A Cocktail for Every Calamity prize pack includes a copy of Janet's book, plus a
Stainless Steel 5-Piece Cocktail Martini Shaker Set!   Open to residents of the US only, 21+ years of age. The blog comment about your funny story is the only required entry!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cinnamon & Sugar Crepes

My son and his friends love when I whip up a batch of crepes.  Most people think crepes are hard to make, but just a few simple ingredients, which you probably have in your house, and you can whip up a batch, too!  

• 2 Eggs
• 1 c. flour
• 1 c. milk
• 2 Tbsp. Butter, melted
• 1/8 tsp. Salt

Topping

• 2 Tbsp. Butter, melted
• 1 tsp. Cinnamon
• 1 tsp. Sugar

Whisk the eggs and flour together in a large mixing bowl.

Slowly blend in the milk and butter, then the salt, blending until smooth.

Do not over-beat your batter or you will have chewy crepes.    Heat a small fry pan over medium high heat, misting the pan with a little bit of oil first.  Using a measuring cup, scoop out about 1/4 of a cup into the heated fry pan, pouring the batter into the center.  The secret to good crepes is in the wrist-make sure you coat the bottom of the pan thoroughly, so the batter is thin.  Using your wrist, spin the pan so the batter covers the entire bottom of the pan. Place the pan over the heat and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the side of the crepe appears more solid.

Flip the crepe over in the pan and cook for about 1-2 minutes.  While the crepe is cooking, mix the cinnamon and sugar together.  Brush the top with melted butter, and sprinkle generously with cinnamon and sugar.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream if you want to get fancy, but they are delicious plain!  Oui, Oui!

Images From My Grandfathers Backyard

We went to North Carolina to celebrate my grandfathers 100th birthday last week, and these are some images I captured from his back yard.  My grandfather has always maintained his yard beautifully, with a gorgeous lawn and flowers.  Living in Arizona, I miss the luscious green of the east coast, so wanted to take a little bit of his yard home with me.

Potted Flower

Wistful spideweb

Hydrangeas

Happy National Dog Day from Freckles and Frankenweenie!

From one weenie to another...

 It seemed appropriate that our little wiener dog, Freckles, wish you a Happy National Dog Day and let you know that Frankenweenie will be in theaters on October 5th!

Check out the trailer!

Win a NOVICA Artisan Gifts & Jewelry Gift Certificate

*Update:  Congratulations to Re Morgan for winning the giveaway-watch for an email Re!*

Have you discovered NOVICA yet?

NOVICA, in association with the National Geographic, unites consumers with beautiful hand-crafted artistry, created by over 2000 master artists around the world.  These artists create unique, hard-to-find jewelry, home decor, and paintings from exotic places such as Thailand, Mexico, The Andes, India, and China.

I am a sucker for good jewelry, and NOVICA has some exquisite pieces.  Their unique gifts and sterling silver jewelry section has lots of gift ideas, such as these gold-plated amethyst dangle earrings, "Summer Bud" (click on the photos to be linked through to the site)....

  ...as well as these Amethyst button earrings, "Slender Butterfly"...

 ...or how about garnet drop earrings, "Pomegranate Trio".  Aren't they gorgeous?

I think this pair is one of my favorites, though, the Amethyst dangle earrings, "Glowing Exotic".

Or maybe this pendant is my favorite...the Sterling Silver "Elephant Sweethearts"...There are so many beautiful choices!

I do love butterflies, so maybe this is my favorite...the Amethyst Pendant necklace "Island Butterfly".

Amethyst is my birthstone, in case you are wondering about all the Amethyst.  There are plenty of other jewelry pieces I like as well, such as this Sterling Silver flower ring, "Lotus Majesty".

 
NOVICA doesn't just have great jewelry though.  I could not wait to check out the many home decor items, particularly the glass and table ware.   Look at this beautiful pitcher, "Sangria Afternoon"...

...and these lovely Talavera ceramic pieces...

Obviously, you can purchase these beautiful pieces from the NOVICA website, but did you know that you also have a chance to host a NOVICA LIVE party, in the comfort of your own home, and earn NOVICA gift certificates, as well as jewelry, and half-price gifts!  To find out more about the NOVICA Live program, visit their website. If you are interested in becoming a NOVICA LIVE sales consultant, the price of the kit is $199 and has over $400 in samples and $150 in business materials.  You can even win a trip to Bali! If you decide to have a NOVICA LIVE party or become a representative, be sure to tell them Jules from A Little Bite of Life sent you! 

NOVICA gave me a $37.50 gift certificate to use, so I could try some of their jewelry for myself.  I decided to use it toward jewelry for my mother and sister (shh, don't tell them.)  I got my mother a pair of Sterling Silver dangle earrings, "Sea Currents".

I also purchased a wooden bangle bracelet, "Mumbai Mosaic" for my sister.  Aren't these pretty pieces?  The shipping was inexpensive ($3.99 a piece), especially considering the jewelry comes from straight from the source, in this case India and Thailand. 

Now it's your turn to try out NOVICA!

NOVICA gave me a $37.50 gift certificate to give away to one of you!  To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form, and also tell me (in the comments area below) what you think you might use your gift certificate for at NOVICA.  (The comment is a required.  Your entry will be considered invalid if you do not comment.)    The giveaway ends September 7, 2012.and is open to residents of US. only.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have You Lived A Life Time...or What Do You Know?

To know, is to know that you know nothing.  That is the meaning of true knowledge.  -Socrates

I've discovered that with age comes knowledge.  Not the type of knowledge one gets from reading a great piece of literature, or calculating equations, but the wisdom that in all our sagacity, we know nothing...absolutely nothing.  

(Scratching your head about now?  Stay with me here, and let's see if I can explain this better....)

I work in an industry that is constantly evolving.  Because Social Media lives and breathes on the Internet, those changes are lightning fast.  One has to be particularly spry to keep up.  There is always something new and (sometimes) better out there, so many new ways to use media.  In order to  "survive," one needs to evolve constantly.  It is my job to keep up with the latest and greatest, or I fall behind.  It is my responsibility to continuously learn.  I can never rest on my laurels.

A few weeks ago, a young and very eager student of social media theorized "Why Every Social Media manager Should Be Under 25".    Ah....to be young and omnipotent.  I remember those days.  I knew it all, and no one was going to tell me any different....particularly someone older than me.  Poor girl.  In her youth, Cathryn Stone does not understand that with age and experience, come wisdom. To learn from ones mistakes is to grow and become a better person, both figuratively and literally, in business and in life.

In college, I studied beautiful works of Literature, analyzed the philosophical theories of enlightened men (and women), and pondered the meaning of life.  That knowledge gave me the education I craved, but it also gave me the power of arrogance.  At 22, I knew it all.  I was better than the education I was receiving.  Four months away from graduation, knowing everything ( I thought) I needed to know, I walked away from that my degree. I know...so incredibly stupid, right?!  I was audacious enough to think I no longer needed a formal education to succeed in life. I was not going to sit in a boring lecture room, listening to some archaic professor dictating rhetoric to me. I was ready to conquer the world, and "older" people (know-it-alls) were the carbon dioxide to my flame.  I walked away from the beautiful works of art I read in the classroom, but I also walked away from the potential to improve and build my character.

The exhilaration of dipping my toes into the pool of life soon gave way to sheer terror.   I left the cocoon of my little dorm room and ventured out into the big bad world.  I had to find employment, pay bills, form friendships, buy groceries, keep a house, fall in love, and live life.  All of which I was ill-prepared to do...at first.  I should have listened to those who were older and wiser, and more importantly, I should have learned from them.  I should have stayed in school, finished my education, and learned more about life.  I was a naive, flat broke, foolish woman-child. I had to fall hard, in order to learn a few lessons of life, such as how to balance a checkbook.  Or how to keep my personal integrity, by leaving an unethical employer, even though the income was great.  How to distinguish between hype and character in the people I associated with.  How to stay ahead of the game in my career by working long hours, learning from those around me, and always respecting others opinions.  It took me a few mishaps, but I learned. 

Today, I work amongst a few people in their twenties, who are very green on life.  Not necessarily young, but naive.  Many of these people are wonderful to work with, and appreciate whatever those of us who "have been around the block" are able to bring to the table. I appreciate working with them, because I know there is something I am learning from them, and know they respect and appreciate learning from me.  Unfortunately, others I work with look at anyone older with a smug disdain, especially when we ask questions or offer suggestions.  There is no appreciation for the education we have attained, both in the classroom and in life.  They think they know it all, and they certainly think they know more than we do.

There's this one guy.  On paper he's impressive, but when you get to know him, his conceit outshines his admirable qualities.   He demands respect, but doesn't give it in return.  He preaches morality and knowledge, yet his only focus is money and appearances. He treats his employees poorly, and acts as if everyone around him is beneath him.  Ironically, he's not all that young, yet he never learned the lessons he should have when he was younger. He's a slick impersonator who lacks character.  He hasn't learned that to get respect, you have to give it. He has not learned that to get something, you have to give.  I suppose I should pity him as I do Cathyn Stone, but he is old enough to know better.  Sadly, I think he will have to fall on his face to learn...I hope he does, so he gains a little perspective.

I've lived quite a few years, yet I'm still learning every day.  As a mother, I am still learning.  As a social media manager, I am still learning.  As a teacher, I am still learning.  As a friend, adviser, and human being, I am definitely still learning.  Why can't those arrogant young creatures see that they, too, have many years of learning ahead of them, and are just starting their path? 

My grandfather turns 100 years old this week.  He has been through many presidents, many wars, much laughter, and much heartache.  He has lived through incredible experiences.  He has lived life.  The history we learned in school...my grandfather lived.  I am fortunate he is still with us.  I know that even as I have lived some life of my own, I have so much more to learn from him, and others like him.  I welcome the knowledge they can impart, as I still have a long way to go on my own path.

To the Cathryn Stone's, and all the younger generations of this world, listen up.  You don't know any thing (that you think you do) about business and about life...until you've actually lived it.   Stop being so close-minded and  pompous, and learn to appreciate the wisdom of those around you.  Stop judging others and thinking you are better.  Learn to open your eyes and your ears, and most importantly your hearts, and learn from those who walked the path before you.  Develop your character, before it's too late.  Strive to learn every day of your life, and only then will you gain true wisdom.

Mom and Me Movie Review: The Odd Life of Timothy Green

(Because Little Man has started school and has a gazillion hours of homework, he was unable to do a review of this movie.  Once he has completed it, I will update this review with his information...but for now, you only have the "Mom" portion.)

Mom:

Oh my goodness, I loved this movie!  

Movies are great at invoking emotion in people.  Adventures leave you breathless.  Romances make you feel passionate.  Comedies make you feel silly.  The new Disney movie, The Odd Life of Timothy Green leaves you feeling warm and full of hope at the magic of life. 

The Odd Life of Timothy Green is about a couple, Cindy and Jim Green (played by Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton), who struggled to have a child of their own.  When the doctors tell them they should stop trying, they grieve for the child they could never have, and dream of what their child would have been like, writing down all of the child’s unique qualities on pieces of paper.   After taking all the notes/wishes for that child, putting them into a box, and burying them in the garden, something magical happens, and Timothy, appears.  Timothy is everything they’ve ever wanted in a child, and more.  Their lives, and the lives of their family and friends, will never be the same.

Jennifer Garner, lovely as always, was delightful as Cindy.  She radiated a quiet matter-of-factness as Mom to Timothy, yet exposed the vulnerability a mother faces, in the choices one makes in raising their children.  Joel Edgerton, as Jim, added subtle comedic sparks to his serious role as husband to Cindy, frustrated employee at a pencil factory, and new father to Timothy.  CJ Adams is wonderful is Timothy, the enchanted boy who comes into Cindy and Jim’s life.

The theme of this movie is acceptance.  Acceptance for that which is different, acceptance of things you cannot change, and acceptance of mistakes made.  Timothy, with his innocent and matter-of-fact view of life and the people in it, is different.   The leaves which grow from his legs are different. His friendship with his friend, Joni, is sweet…and different.  Cindy and Jim have to accept that they will never give birth to a child, and have to learn to open their hearts to a child who comes into their home by other means.  Cindy and Jim have to learn to accept the circumstances of their relationships with family and their jobs, and they have to learn to accept the mistakes they will make as parents.   The beauty in this story is that it shows that parenthood is a journey, often filled with mistakes, but it is the love you have for your child which allows those mistakes to become a learning (and growing) process. I don’t want to give away too much of the movie, as I want you to go it (you have to go see it!), but one of my favorite moments is near the end, when Cindy and Jim open their hearts and home to a new child.  It is reminiscent of my first day, as a foster child, going to live with my parents, who later adopted me.  That first day with my “new” mommy and daddy was full of love and so much hope for a better life.

This movie is rated PG, and is great for kids of all ages-there is no language, scary scenes, or distressing topics. With that said, I do think that children over the age of 7 will understand the "deeper" themes in the movie, and get more out of it, but it is magical for everyone.   The following is a clip from the movie:

In The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Disney shows that there are many moments of magic in a family's life.  They now have a new application, so you can record the magical moments in your family's life.  Visit Disney's Magical Moments to download the app!

To find out more about The Odd Life of Timothy Green, visit their website.
You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter

Five Favorite Summer Movies!

 Now that Little Man is back in school, it doesn't seem like summer anymore...except for the crazy heat.  Today it got up to 117 degrees!   We have heat advisories until Sunday, so once Little Man finishes his homework this weekend, and I get all my work done, we are going to try and stay cool with some movies.    What are my favorite summer movies?  Well....I love comedies, romance, and action movies, so a little bit of each, please!   The following are ten of my favorite summer movies...what are some of your favorite summer movies?

1.  National Lampoon's Summer Vacation:  We watch this movie every summer, just to get in the mood for our road trips.  Fortunately, we've never had to stash anyone on our roof, but we have had some interesting adventures! 

2.  Goonies:  One of my favorite Steven Spielberg films, Goonies is fun and adventurous!

3.  Jaws:   I'll admit....every time I step into the water, at the beach, I wonder if Mr. Jaws is lurking just beyond the next wave.  I won't let Mr. Shark keep me from boogie boarding etc, but I keep an eye out for "the fin," just in case.  Jaws keeps viewers on the edge of their seat until the closing credits....plus the music is super cool!

4.  Close Encounters of The Third Kind:  Growing up in upstate New York, we had the most spectacular views of the Milky way during the summer.  I used to lie in our pool at night, staring up at the stars, and wondered if there really was an ET out there.  Steven Spielberg made us believe that not only could ET exist, but they would be friendly and like music.  Awesome!

5.  Grease:  It was 1978 (Don't judge me, I was very young).   I had the Grease soundtrack (on LP), which I played it over and over and over again, on my Mickey Mouse record player.  I was Sandy, and my little sister was Frenchie...or Rizzo....or whomever I forced her to be.  We sang and danced the summer away! 

What are your favorite summer movies?

Complimentary Museum Tickets with Smithsonian's Museum Day Live!

I have a wonderfully educational promotion to share with you...

The best free ticket in town is just a click away!  Museum-goers can head to smithsonian.com/museumdaylive to download tickets for Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day Live! Tickets grant free admission for two people per household to participating museums on Saturday, September 29, 2012.

Museum Day Live! will be the eighth annual event celebrating education through the nation’s wide array of museums and cultural institutions. For one day only, participating locations across the country will emulate the free admission policy of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.-based facilities. The program encourages learning and the dissemination of knowledge nationwide. Last year’s event drew over 350,000 museum-goers to over 1,400 museums.

“With September right around the corner, people can start to plan their Museum Day Live! experience now,” said Jennifer Hicks, Group Publisher, Smithsonian Media. “Our free online ticketing makes accessing museums and cultural institutions easy for anyone that is interested.  Over 1,400 museums are expected to participate, making this year’s event even larger than last year.”

Museums across the country are participating in this eighth annual event celebrating cultural education, through the nation’s wide array of museums and institutions.  Be sure to search for the museums in your area.  In Arizona, museums include Arizona Museum of Natural History, Casa Grande Valley Historical Society and Museum, Desert Botanical Garden, Kitt Peak National Observatory Visitor Center and Museum, and many more!  For the full list of participating museums, please visit: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/

museumday/venues/. 

For more information, please visit smithsonian.com/museumdaylive.

Clean Clyde Would Be So Disappointed

I have a confession to make, but please have mercy on me and control your snickers.  If you're feeling generous, pity me, because I just found out that I am not perfect.

(gasp)

My husband just informed me that I am not a laundry goddess!  He did.  He said those exact words.  Or something like that. 

(gasp)

I'm notorious for neglecting my laundry room, but thought I was doing pretty good in the actual washing/laundry department.  After all, I was taught by the King of Clean himself...my Dad.  He could give those "ancient Chinese secret" laundresses a run for their money.  He not only separates the whites from the colors, but the towels from the clothing (so the towel lint does not get on the clothing, of course).  He wields the stain remover bottle like Dirty Harry, except that he's Clean Clyde. Stains cower in his presence.  He taught us how to hang our shirts and pants so there are no wrinkles, and how to folder undershirts so they fit neatly in the drawer.  There is no one who does laundry better...Dad is awesome. 

I thought I was doing okay with our laundry.  I try not to let it pile up too much, I separate the whites from the darks, and I use dryer sheets where applicable.  My son always has clean undies.  I try to fold the clothes as soon as the dryer finishes, just as Dad taught me.  I even do a separate load of laundry, in special soap, for my sensitive-skinned husband.  Where did I go wrong?

No...I did not turn my husbands undershirts pink.  I did not wash the towels with his trousers.  Nope.  Today my husband informed me that I am over drying the clothes, and shrinking his shirts.  (He's forgotten that our dryer has a dryer sensor, so the clothes cannot over dry, but I digress.)

Let's forget for a moment that my husband has an out-of-control cookie habit.  Or that when I make Pork with Apple Gravy, he practically bathes in it.  Or that he thinks Junior Mints are one of the four basic food groups.  Let's also forget that he just made a 10 p.m. run to Sonic, because milkshakes were half price.  Let's get real...he's not complaining about my cooking, so I'm still a cooking goddess.

But...I am a laundry failure.  I am shrinking his shirts in the dryer.  Yep.

Dad will be so disappointed when he finds out.   


Previous Post:  Win a 4-Pack Brew Over Ice K-Cup Prize Pack

W!n a 4-Pack of Brew Over Ice K-Cup Prize Pack

Brew Over Ice Official Logo

I don't know about you, but during the summer, I don't like to drink hot coffee and tea-it's just too darn hot! We have a Keurig though, so everything we brew comes out hot.  I've tried brewing the coffee, and then pouring it over ice, but this method made the coffee taste weak.  Not anymore!  I was offered a chance to try the new Brew Over Ice K-Cups, specially designed to brew over ice.  No more weak tasting iced coffee and tea.  Seriously!   Want to hear more?  Here's some facts about the Brew Over Ice K-Cups:

• Specially blended to brew directly over ice using the 6 oz. or 8 oz. setting on any Keurig^® K-Cup^® brewer
• Available in nine expertly blended iced coffee and iced tea flavors
• Green Mountain Coffee^® varieties include Nantucket Blend^®, French Vanilla, and Hazelnut
• Celestial Seasonings^® Perfect Iced Tea varieties include Southern Sweet, Sweet Raspberry, Sweet Lemon, Sweet Peach, Half and Half, and Unsweetened Black. Personalize the iced coffees any way you want, and enjoy the already-sweetened iced teas on their own
• Sold online at Keurig.com and GreenMountainCoffee.com and in select mass, grocery, and specialty retail stores, such as Target, Wal-Mart, Kroger, and Bed Bath & Beyond

Here's a video to show you how the Brew Over Ice K-Cups work:

Would you like to try the new Brew Over Ice K-Cups?  I'm giving away a four-pack of Brew Over Ice K-Cups, as well as a special insulated cup and straw.  To win the Brew Over Ice K-Cup prize pack, visit the Brew Over Ice website and tell me (in comments below) which flavor you would be most interested in trying.  (This is your only required entry, all others are optional, but very much appreciated!)   Please be sure to fill out the entry form below to validate your entry.  To find out more about Brew Over Ice K-Cups, visit their Facebook page, where they will also offer periodic giveaways!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


I received samples of the Brew Over Ice K-Cups from BzzAgent, but my opinion is 100% my own.   #imabzzagent


Previous post:  A Time To Grieve

A Time To Grieve

You know that old Byrds song, "Turn! Turn! Turn! (There is A Season)"?

To everything - turn, turn, turn, There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
 A time to be born, a time to die.  A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal.  A time to laugh, a time to weep.

To everything - turn, turn, turn, There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down.  A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones.  A time to gather stones together

To everything - turn, turn, turn, There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time of war, a time of peace.  A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace.  A time to refrain from embracing

To everything - turn, turn, turn, There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose.  A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!

My family is living those lyrics right now.

The past couple of nights, I've woken up in the middle of the night, full of anxiety, and have had a hard time getting back to sleep.  I feel like there's an elephant weighing on my chest.  I have so much swirling in my mind, and I'm having a hard time processing everything that is coming my way. 

• The past few weeks my temperamental pre-menopausal hormones have been out-of-whack.  My husband thinks its all the stress I've been under.  Whatever.  I know it's just a matter of time until my baby factory shuts down for good.  I might have ten minutes, ten months, or ten years, I just don't know.  It's not like I was going to have any more babies, or even could have them.  But still, I wanted them, and I wanted the baby factory to stay open a little bit longer.  I'm not ready to sweep the floors, turn off the lights, lock up the doors, and turn in my keys.  I kind of wish I had gone against doctors orders ten years ago, and tried for another one.  I'll never know if I could've had another baby or not.  My mind knows it was not meant to be, but my heart is sad. 

• In the next 30 hours, my baby will be in high school.  My baby.  My only baby.  We have four years left with him at home, and then he'll fly off to college and a whole new life.  This is a time of celebration.  He is growing into a confident, incredible young man.  I am so proud of him, and know he will conquer the world.  I'm am so excited for this time in his life, but at the same time, I feel our time together is drifting  too fast.  This summer flew by too quickly, and I wish I had another decade month with him, another road trip to strap under our belt, another adventure before he starts school.  I mean, come on!  A few more weeks of summer vacation, is that too much to ask?  And while we are on the subject, who said he could grow up, anyway?  It was just yesterday he started kindergarten.  Yesterday.  This has got to stop.  Perhaps I should threaten to ground him if he grows any more...what do you think?  

• My family is waiting for the phone to ring.  The call to tell us that my mother-in-law has passed.  Two years ago, I wrote how my mother-in-law had been diagnosed with Stage 3 pancreatic cancer.   At that time, the doctors did not give her much time.  Since then, she's been through more rounds of chemo and radiation than one could imagine.  She's fought so hard, her family with her every step of the way.  Family and friends have offered so much help, love, and prayers.   We've been fortunate for the time God gave us with her since she was diagnosed.  We had two more Christmas's, more than we expected.  Yet now, her body is weak from the chemicals, and the pain she is in.  Hospice says there's not much time left...we have days.  She's not gone, but she's gone.  She's drifting away minute by minute, and there is nothing we can do.  I wish I had one last chance to hold her hand, kiss her forehead, and say goodbye, but I don't.  My husband, sister-in-law, and son are hurting so much, and there is nothing I can do, except be there for them, cry with them and love them.  And I do.  So much.  Every time the phone rings, we wonder if it will be the call that we know is coming.   I really hate the telephone right now.

Most of the time I come here and write about daisies and daffodils, chocolate and butter.  I enjoy sharing all the wonderful and crazy moments of my life, and hearing your wonderful stories.  Just not today.   I have awesome new recipes, trips, and life stories to share with you.  Just not now.  Please be patient as I work through these things, and know that I will be back soon.  I need time to grieve....to process everything that is going on right now.  Please say a prayer for my family, if you have a moment. 

Life goes on.  There is laundry to do, books to pack for school, paperwork to get done for PO.  I have a dog to feed, meetings at school, a son to love.  I am grateful for all the good things and people in our life.  We have wonderful things to celebrate in the near future, such as my grandfather's 100th birthday.  We will be okay.  We have family who love us, and friends who support us.  We have each other.  We will get through this, but right now, it's a time to grieve. 

And that's okay too. 


Previous Post:  Perfect Summer Cheese Pairings