St. Nicholas

 There are many stories about the life of St. Nicholas.  I found my information here.  The following is a quick summary.  Click on the link to read more details.

St. Nicholas came from a wealthy family.  His parents died when he was very young.  He grew up in his faith and strongly believed to give to the poor.  He became Bishop and was know for his generosity, love of children and concern for sailors.  Under the Roman Empire he was persecuted for his faith.  He went to prison.  He was released and died on December 6.  The anniversary of his death became a celebration known as St. Nicholas Day.

There are many variations of the story of St. Nicholas. He gave money for three poor girls dowries, he helped children, gave to the poor. Do a little research.  You will even see how Santa Claus evolved. 

If you put your shoes out by the door, Saint Nicholas visits and leaves candy inside them.  

Do you have any special traditions you do with your family during the holidays?

Christmas Crafts and Holiday Gifts

It's that crazy time of year again!  

Snow 

Holiday Parties  

Snow  

Crafts  

Gifts  

Gift wrapping  

Snow  

Cookie making  

Hot Chocolate 

Sledding  

And more snow

Don't forget all of the Christmas music!

I put together this page and included some links from my blog to some easy Holiday Crafts and Gifts that you can make yourself, with kids or even a Girl Scout Troop.  Some of these are a great activity for those days when you are stuck at home because of the snow or cold weather.

Enough talking, lets get going! 

Christmas
Animal Ornaments 
Brazilian Holiday Flower (great children's craft)
Candy Cane Sleigh 
Christmas Cards and tags
Felt Heart Ornament 
Foam Gingerbread House (children's craft)
Foam Ornament Gift Tag 
Jingle Bell Bracelet (children's craft)
Mitten Gift Tags 
Mosaic Christmas Tree (children's craft)
Picture Frame
Snowman Ornament 
Stocking (out of construction paper) (children's craft)
Winter Scene (children's craft)
Snowman Ornament
Snowman Winter Craft (children and adult craft)
Ugly Christmas Sweater Felt Banner


Gifts
Homemade Bubbles
Bath Bombs
Laundry Detergent (powder)
Homemade Hair Detangler
Homemade Liquid Hand Soap
Homemade Lip Balm
Homemade Lotion


Miscellaneous Crafts/Gifts
Bangle Bracelet (wrapped)
Blank Books 
Bubbles (homemade)
Book Mark
Bottle cap necklace
Cork Board using Old Picture Frame
Decorative Wrapping Paper 
Dryer Balls
Fun Scrapbooks
Gift Box
Paint Chip Monthly Calendar
Pumpkin Soap Recipe
Twine Napkin Holders 
Note cards  
Homemade Sidewalk Paint 
Sit upon (a cushion to sit on)
Wrapped Bangle Bracelet


Don't forget to make some cookies this season.  They go great with hot chocolate!  (Well, cookies go great with everything!)  Here are some links to cookies that appear on the blog:

Cookies:
Butterscotch Chip Cookies
Avocado Chocolate Cookies 

Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies 
Chocolate Chip Blondies
Chocolate Chip Blondies (vegan)
Chocolate Chip Chokies (Mom's famous recipe)
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Deep Dish Cookie Pie

Hershey Kiss Pretzels 

Icing for Sugar Cookies 
M & M Cookies
Nutella Cookies 1
Nutella Cookies 2
Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut Butter Raisin Bran Cookies

Pfeffernusse Cookies
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies 

Raspberry Lemon Cookies  

Red Velvet Cookies 
Sugar Cookies
Vanilla Pudding Cookies

If you make some sugar cookies, make sure to check this out for an easy Sugar Cookie Icing recipe.

Check out the Recipe page for other sweets recipes.

My favorite cookies are the pumpkin cookies, M & M cookies, Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies and of course the Pfeffernusse Cookies.  

Black Friday

I know I have been missing in action around here but I can't skip my world famous Black Friday post! 

Today is Black Friday!  That fun time of year where we push our credit cards to the limit! This is a great day for you to get in a workout by trying to snag that big screen TV! Try not to get into any fights! And if you want to be the first one into the store, why not camp there overnight! 

The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday and has always been known as the biggest shopping day of the year. For retailers, it marked the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. In recent years, every Friday in November was a Black Friday Sale. This year, the entire month seems to be a Black Friday event. 

For those of you working on Black Friday, it's a crazy, long tiring day. Make sure you take those vitamins, drink plenty of water and plaster a smile on your face.  

If you are out there shopping, it can get crazy, so try to be safe. Also, be nice to the retail workers.  They don't make the rules or have control over the amount of inventory for that Billy Bass you want to purchase.  So, go easy on them! 

Of course you will need a little background music for this special day. Here is my Black Friday playlist for your listening pleasure. 

Man in Black - Johnny Cash

Paint it Black -  The Rolling Stones

Back in Black - AC DC

Black Cat - Janet Jackson

Black Magic Woman - Santana

Black or White - Michael Jackson 

Black Widow - Iggy Azalea

Black Hole Sun- Soundgarden

Black - Pearl Jam 

Blackbird - The Beatles

Black Betty - Ram Jam

 Black Gold -Soul Asylum 

Men in Black 3 Back in Time - Pitbull

Black Night- Deep Purple

Black Rain Soundgarden

The Long Black Veil - JohnnyCash

Ebony and Ivory - McCartney and Wonder

Black Dog - Led Zeppelin 

Black Velvet- Alannah Miles

Black Water - Doobie Brothers 

Men in Black - Will Smith

Blue on Black Five Finger Death Punch

Back to Black - Amy Winehouse

Fade to Black - Metallica

Black Horse and the Cherry Tree - KT Tunstall

Two Black Cadillacs- Carrie Underwood

Black Honey - Thrice

Black Rose - Volbeat

Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress - The Hollies

Now get out there and have some fun!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast. They invited the great Indian Chief, Massasoit, who brought ninety of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food. Governor Bradford and Captain Miles Standish were honored guests. Elder William Brewster, who was a minister,  said a prayer that went something like this;

"We thank God for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land. We thank God for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice. "

Linus van Pelt

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving 

National Handbag Day

  Today is my favorite day, National Handbag Day!  A day set aside for me to celebrate all of the time and headaches effort that I put into finding the perfect a new purse.  

Handbags come in many shapes and sizes.  They can be as small as an envelope or as large as a carry-on suitcase.  Handbags also come in every solid color and a variety of prints like leopard, zebra and even stripes.  You can get a sparkly bag or a purse with rhinestones.  There is a handbag out there for everyone.

Whatever you call it... purse, pocketbook, clutch, evening bag, case or pouch, handbags have been used for thousands of years.  The earliest bags were used to carry tools or gear.  Sometimes the user decorated them with beads.  And some dyed the material to make the bag.

How do you celebrate National Handbag Day?  Wear your favorite handbag today, of course!  Or use this day to buy a new handbag.  There are so many out there for you to choose!

 We all know that I celebrate this day because of my purse commitment issues.  If you need to read up on my scary purse stories, click  HERE, HERE and HERE .  I promise these stories are quite entertaining.

As you know, I sold my house in June and was homeless for five weeks.  I had to downsize which meant that I had to get rid of some of the purses that I own.  While homeless, I did purchase a new purse.  It was quite the commitment and I needed quite a bit of encouragement from RT (thankfully he was there and fully supported the purchase).  I am quite happy with this purse.  I have noticed though that there are a few purses that I kept when I moved that I should probably part with and feel that this would be a great time to start the removal process.  Prayers are much needed at this time

Happy Fall!

  "Fall is here!  Fall is here!

It's my favorite time of year

Football games and falling leaves
I'll take mine with turkey please"

It's that time of year set aside to think about falling leaves and all things pumpkin!  Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice, pumpkin spiced latte, pumpkin potpourri, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies and just plain pumpkins.

Are you a pumpkin person?  A football person?  How about a Halloween person?

It's time to get your craft on and get into that Fall spirit!  Below are links to some of the Fall Halloween crafts and Costumes that I've blogged about in the past.  Some of these are great ideas to do with little kids and some are great to do with your Girl Scout Troop!


Halloween Crafts

Bat Pencil Cup  uses an empty can and construction paper

Extra Crafts - using construction paper, make owls, witch, ghosts and foam monsters

Mosaic Pumpkin - using paint chips

Mosaic Pumpkin - using construction paper

Owl - using construction paper

Pony Tail Craft - using ribbon (great for a Girl Scout Troop!)

Pumpkin and Ghost - using Popsicle sticks and paint

Pumpkin Magnet - using foam

Spider - using pipe cleaners and google eyes

SPIDER  using construction paper

Spider (under $1 craft)  using an egg carton, black paint and google eyes

Witche's Hat  uses foam and glitter glue

Pumpkin Soap


Have a party to go to and need a quick, easy Halloween costume?  Look no further! 

Costumes
Easy Halloween Costumes
Eye Candy Costume
Target Employee

It's also time to grab that apron and whip up some fall goodies!  Everybody loves pumpkin!  (well, at least I do!)

How about some Fall food ideas:

Vegetarian Chili
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Pie (from a Pumpkin)

Halloween Candy Dessert 

The Great Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins 

Hope this inspires you to get into the fall spirit!  I think I'll go make some pumpkin cookies.

Enjoy!

Waffles (vegan)

Waffles are a family favorite over here.  Found this recipe (and made it vegan).  Definitely a crowd pleaser!

Donkey:  Can I stay with you, please?

Shrek: Of course.

Donkey:  Really?

Shrek:  No.

Donkey:  Please!!  I don't want to go back there.  You don't know what it's like to be considered a freak.  Well, maybe you do.  That's why we have to stick together.  You gotta let me stay!  Please!  Please!

Shrek: OK.  OK.  But one night only.

Donkey:  Great!  We can stay up late, swapping manly stories and in the morning, I'm making waffles!

Waffles (vegan)

Ingredients:

2 eggs*

2 cups flour

1 3/4 cup oat milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp vanilla

Warm up your waffle iron.

In a bowl, whisk all ingredients together. 

Pour some batter into waffle iron and cook till brown and crisp.

*I use either a flax egg (1 TBSP ground flax and 3 TBSP water) or aquafaba.

* I add some ground flax and cinnamon to the batter.

*I freeze the leftover waffles.  Easy to warm up in toaster or toaster oven.

Enjoy!

National Rescue Dog Day

  Over 3 million dogs enter shelters every year.  (THREE MILLION!)  Each dog is in search of a loving fur ever home.  

Most rescue dogs overcome extreme obstacles.  Some are abused or raised in poor conditions.  Most are abandoned and left to the streets.  With training, these dogs can provide comfort to people as emotional support pets, help people with disabilities and provide comfort to elderly.  People with autism enjoy the therapeutic benefits of comfort dogs while military personnel with PTSD get relief from anxiety and depression.

How to celebrate today:

Volunteer at a shelter.  

Shelters are always looking for donations.  Old towels and blankets.  Some even have an Amazon list of needs.

Consider adopting from a shelter for your next pet.

You can use #NationalRescueDogDay on social media.

I will be spending the day (like every other day) spoiling my weird dog rescue dog, Pippen.  

Retail Problems

 More customer antics for you.

I had a customer returning a couple of candy bars.  She didn't have a receipt for them, so I had to look them up on her credit card.  It's funny because she didn't remember when she purchased them, and she was acting a little strange during this process.  I glanced down at the backs of the bars and notice the expiration dates on the bars.  They expired three years ago (no wonder she couldn't remember when she purchased them!). I mention this to her and she tries to act cool about it and doesn't respond.  I told her, "We take returns up to ninety days and I can't take the candy bars back because they expired over three years ago."  

The customer grabbed the bars and said she would be right back.  I noticed that she left her strawberries on the counter.  I wasn't sure if it was bring an expired food from your pantry day at the store (yea, I made that holiday up).  It also worried me that this woman has three year old food in her pantry.

Oh, yea.  She never returned to buy the strawberries.

Χριστός Ανέστη

 Happy Easter!  Καλό Πάσχα!

We are celebrating Greek Orthodox Easter at our house.   

Xristos anesti

ek nekron,

thanato thanaton patisas,

ke tis en tis mnimasin zoin xarisamenos

Christ is risen

from the dead,

having beaten Death by [his own] death

and having given the gift of life to those in the graves.

Christos Anesti. (Χριστός Ανέστη)  (Christ has Risen)

Alithos Anesti.  ( Aληθώς ανέστη!)  (He has risen indeed)

My Weird Dog - Moving

 I can't talk about moving and not give an update on the effects it has on my weird dog Pippen.  I mean, how can anything make him weirder than he already is?

We have been prepping for photos and showings of our house.  One of those preps was removing throw rugs, something that my princess Pippen and his long nails need so he doesn't slip on the wood floor.  We also picked up his bed/pillow and cleaned the carpet in that room.  Some furniture was moved around while other furniture disappeared.  

With all of the hustle and bustle in our house "someone" has not been too happy during this process.  He is enjoying his time during the day lounging on the back deck but is not happy when he returns inside and finds the place redecorated.

For a dog who does not like change, boy is he in for a surprise when he realizes we are going to move.

Maybe we can leave him with the new owners?

Hot Cross Buns

 I realized I should have posted this a couple of Fridays ago or wait a couple more weeks for Orthodox Good Friday.

Well, here we go.

While cleaning, one child found his recorder and decides to give it a whirl.  What song does he play?

Hot Cross Buns.

If you have kids, you know that, "Hot Cross Buns," is one of the songs they teach you when you start playing the recorder. 

Each child went through the recorder phase.  Learning how to play, "Hot Cross Buns."  I can't tell you how many times I heard that song played on a recorder in my lifetime.  I heard that song so much that I found myself humming the tune.  Sometimes I couldn't fall asleep at night because I had the song playing over and over in my head.  I couldn't wait until the recorder unit was over.

While this child was playing, the youngest child found her recorder and joined the concert.

They have now formed a band and will be touring.  It's a one song set.  Check your local venues.  Definitely something you won't want to miss!

National Card and Letter Writing Month

  April is National Card and Letter Writing Month.  I talked about this at the beginning of the month and wanted to tell you that you still have time to join in on the fun. 

Why not take a few minutes and write some letters to friends and or family members and drop them in the mail?  People love getting happy mail!  I love handwritten letters!  That's the first thing I read when I get the mail!

Don't know what to write?  How about:

an uplifting message
a funny (happy) memory that you share with this person
Maybe a thank you for something

How about just saying hello?

Maybe forward some old pictures along with a little note

This would be a great idea for your Girl Scouts.  Our Girl Scout Troop is making some cards for Seniors.  We have done this in the past and the Seniors love receiving cards and letters!  I have contacted the homes that we normally visit and have organized our card drop off with them.  This might be something you can have your troop work on at home.  If you want to take this a step further, maybe your troop would like to be pen pals with some seniors?  Check out this article on Becoming a Pen Pal to Seniors.  You can contact your local retirement community and see if they would be interested in having Girl Scout Pen Pals.  

So, grab some paper and a pen and start writing!

Count The Money

 Took a trip out east a few weeks ago.  While out sightseeing, I stopped in a little shop and purchased an item.  It wasn't very expensive, and I thought I would just pay for it in cash. I had quite a bit of change and thought I would use it for this purchase. I counted out the change, separating each dollar out so it was easy for the cashier to count.  The cashier, a guy in his early twenties, starts counting the change.  He is counting quarters as thirty-five cents.  Nickels are sometimes worth five cents and sometimes twenty-five cents.  At this point I realize that he has no idea how to count money.  After struggling to count out two dollars in change, I had to step in and help the guy out.  He finally gave up and put all of the money in the drawer.   Normally the cashier counts the money prior to placing in the drawer.  I think he was just frustrated and possibly embarrassed.   

When we left the store, I must have talked about this moment for a LONG time (sorry, RT).  But isn't that sad, that this generation has no idea how to count change?   I realize that as a society we might eliminate currency (paper and coin) but, to not be able to count, add and identify American currency?  And you live here?

I find that very disturbing.

Thoughts?

National Girl Scout Leaders Day

 Today is National Girl Scout Leaders Day!

Celebrate the day by thanking a volunteer in the Girl Scouts program.  You can share your experience as a Girl Scout leader or volunteer in the program.  

This would be a great opportunity for parents to have their daughter write a letter to their leader.  The leaders appreciate these letters and hold them dear.

This marks my 13th (and final) year as a Girl Scout Leader.  I am forever grateful to my troop, fellow co-leader, and wonderful parents.  To think back and remember how fearful I was taking this position, only to find that it has been one of the best experiences of my life.

To all of the Girl Scout Leaders, I send you a HUGE thank you.  You are truly an inspiration to the girls in your troop.

Moving

Moving.  Something I never experienced growing up.

I've moved twice in my lifetime.  Both times weren't that bad because I didn't have a lot of stuff.  Now, three kids and twenty seven years later we made the difficult decision to move.   Large home with no kids and high taxes.   It's a smart decision.  At least that's what I keep telling myself.

Going through items (not just my stuff) and trying to figure out what to keep and what to toss is very stressful.  I have been leaning towards the "toss" side.  I'm not sure if that's a good thing.

I have sent many "snaps" to my kids with photos with, "Do you want this?"  If I don't get a response right away, I ask again.  There might be an angry, yelling snap in there somewhere and eventually the item gets tossed in the garbage.

I think my kids avoid me and my messages.  They want the stuff but don't have the space.

I do have to say I came to a point where I thought it would be a lot easier to just torch the place.  Or, even better, so we still have a house to sell, make a pile in the yard and have a HUGE bonfire.

After going through stuff, I feel everyone should have to move every five years.  That way you don't accumulate so much shi# stuff.  

I think this has been a huge learning experience (well, I haven't moved yet, just got the house prepped for photos and showings).  I'm in a holding pattern because I don't want to make a mess.  I haven't killed anyone (yet).  Although I have come pretty close a few times.

I do feel that I have learned something from this nightmare experience.  Arson Bonfires are the way to go.

My Weird Dog

 Nothing like being at work and receiving videos from my kids of them annoying the dog.

And then they wonder why the dog acts weird.

National Walking Day

 Today is National Walking Day.

Of course I will be celebrating the day!  If you see me out and about, give me a wave, stop and say hi or just join me for a walk.

National Sourdough Bread Day

 Just a friendly reminder that today is National Sourdough Bread Day. 

Spread the love!  Spread the joy!  Because today is a great day to make your favorite sister a loaf of Sourdough Bread.

*I'm hoping one of these days my subtle hints will result in a loaf of bread.  

National Card and Letter Writing Month

  April is National Card and Letter Writing Month.

I mean, who doesn't love getting a handwritten letter in the mail?  I know that's the first piece of mail I open.  A handwritten letter is a lot better than opening up a bill.

It's time for you to get out all of that pretty paper and cards that you are saving for a special occasion.  Now is the time to use it!  And don't worry if you don't have pretty paper.  Grab some paint, stickers, washi tape, crayons, or markers and create your own artistic paper.

Letter writing is also a great way to practice your penmanship (I think we all need the extra practice). Don't worry about bad handwriting.  Loved ones know you and your bad  handwriting and they still love hearing from you.

Don't know what to say?  How about starting off with "Hi" or "Hello"?    Maybe tell them what you have been doing with your time.  Instead of wishing a friend or family a happy birthday on social media, how about sending them a physical card?  You can write a few lines in the card wishing them a happy birthday or just to let them know that you are thinking about them.   You can even send a "just because" note or card letting them know that you appreciate them.

By the way, this would be an excellent idea for a Girl Scout Troop!  Have the girls write letters to some of the seniors at a retirement home.  This gives the girls practice at their writing and communicating skills and also brings a smile to the recipients.  Who knows?  Maybe they will write back!

 
What are you waiting for???   Grab your pens and paper and start writing!

New England

 Spent some time up in the New England area over spring break.  It was so beautiful that I have decided that I plan on moving up there and writing a novel. (Doesn't everyone move there to write a book?)

Crispy Tempeh

 Thought I would give tempeh a try.  I've heard so much about it and how easy it is to use in vegan meals.  

Tempeh is fermented soybeans that are bound together and sold in a flat square or rectangle.  Much firmer than tofu, easier to work with and packed with plenty of protein.

Found this recipe for crispy tempeh.  I enjoy this tossed in salads, hummus and veggie roll ups (in a tortilla) or just as a little snack.

Here's the recipe:

Crispy Tempeh

ingredients:

tempeh (8oz square)

garlic clove, minced

1 TBSP coco aminos (soy sauce, tamari, etc)

1 TBSP nutritional yeast

directions:

Oven 400F

Cube tempeh and place in bowl.

Pour coco aminos/soy sauce over tempeh and mix gently until all pieces are covered.  Add garlic and nutritional yeast and mix gently.

Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper/silicone baking mat.  Make sure pieces are spread apart.

Bake for 25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you give tempeh a try, let me know what you think in the comments below!

Enjoy!

County Courthouse

 I mentioned a few posts back about my adventure as a witness at the county courthouse.  Very exciting stuff.  What I forgot to mention was my walk from my car into the building (and back again).

We live in a decent area.  The courthouse is in a very nice town.  Nice homes.  Friendly people.  A place where you feel safe walking down the street.

I parked in the back lot and walked up to the building.  When I reached the doors, I realized that I had my cell phone with me.  That's a big no-no.  Cell phones are not allowed, unless you are a juror.  So, I had to run it back to my car.  For some strange reason, I felt like I was going to be mugged walking back and forth to my car.  There were a few police cars by the doors, and I still felt someone was going to jump me.  

I'm sure I was safe (I think?).  I still ran to my car after completing my job as a witness.

Has anyone else felt this way at their county courthouse?

Raspberry Scone (vegan)

 I had a taste for raspberry scones and thought I would try my hand at making them.  

Here's the recipe:

Raspberry Scones (Vegan)

ingredients:

3 cups flour

1/3 cup sugar

1 TBSP baking powder

12 TBSP vegan butter, cut into pieces

3/4 cup oat milk

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 cup raspberries*

Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar

1 TBSP lemon juice

1/2 tsp vanilla

Oven 375F.

Line cookie sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

In large bowl put flour, sugar, baking powder and salt and mix together. 

Add butter into the dry ingredients (use a pastry blender) until it becomes gritty. 

Add milk and vanilla to mixture and stir with a spatula until it is combined.  At this point, you can switch to using your hands or stick with a spoon. *

Add in the raspberries.  Knead quickly and firmly, until flour is combined and the dough holds together.

Transfer dough to floured surface and shape into a flat round disk, making sure it is only 1.5inches thick.  

Cut the disk into 6 wedges.

Move the wedges onto the baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. 

Brush the tops of the wedges with oat milk and lightly sprinkle with some sugar (optional)

Bake 25-30 minutes, or until the scones are a golden color and fully cooked through.

For the Icing:

In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth.

Add vanilla and splash of milk (if needed).

Drizzle onto the scones while they are still warm.

Let them sit for a bit while the icing sets.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

*I used vegan butter and oat milk.  If you are not vegan, feel free to substitute butter and milk (same quantities).

*I used frozen raspberries and the scones came out beautifully

*Do not over mix, especially after adding the raspberries.  Gluten will develop and this will make your scones hard.  I didn't mix too much, and mine actually came out cake-like. (They were still delicious).

*Feel free to try blueberries if you aren't a raspberry person.

Enjoy!

The Mona Lisa

 I found a small photo of the Mona Lisa.  It wasn't at a store.  Instead, this small 4x6 photocopy was found inside one of my picture frames.  I figured either my husband or one of my kids was playing a game with me.  

So, I took the bait and moved the photo to another location and waited.  

It took awhile for my secret competitor to locate the photo.  One day, the photo was gone.  I searched for it.  I mentioned something to RT about it.  He seemed clueless.  Or was he trying to throw me off the trail?  

This game of hide and seek has been going on for quite awhile.  I was never quite sure who my competitor was at this game until....

The youngest child had a friend over.  This friend said, "Why is there a picture of the Mona Lisa up there?"  

The youngest child: "Shh!"  

Me:  Oh, you found it for me!  Thanks!

Turns out, the youngest child is the other player in this game.  She's pretty good, too!

Meanwhile, RT said, "Mona Lisa?  What are you talking about?"  

I guess he really was clueless about the Mona Lisa photo game.

Girl Scout Cookies

 Just finished up my last rounds at the cookie cupboard.  Also, my final time as "Cookie Mom."  Three trips to the cookie cupboard and I just found out that they are extending cookie sales through the end of the month.

Hit me up if you need a Girl Scout Cookie fix!

Homemade Granola

 I have been looking for an easy granola recipe for a while.  We buy a granola when we are in Michigan that they call, "Crunch."  The only problem is that it's a little too sweet.  

Fount this recipe here and love that you can add in whatever nuts or seeds you have on hand.

Here's the recipe:

Homemade Granola

ingredients:

1 TBSP maple syrup

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 TBSP Almond Butter

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup oats

2 TBSP (pick one: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, or raisins)

1/4 cup pecans*

2 TBSP unsweetened coconut shreds

directions:

Oven 325F.

Line Cookie sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

In a medium sized bowl, mix the syrup, almond butter and vanilla until combined.

Add oats, seeds, nuts, coconut shreds and cranberries.  Mix until all is completely combined.

Spread granola evenly onto baking sheet.  

Bake for 15 minutes.  Pull cookie sheet out and gently flip the granola.  Bake for another five minutes.

Let cool.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*I used almond butter, feel free to substitute peanut butter or sunbutter

*I like pecans, almonds or walnuts would make a good substitute.

*If you really like it sweet, you can add in some chocolate chips.  Do this after you remove the granola from the oven.

*This recipe makes a small amount.  Feel free to double or triple the recipe.  

* I store my granola in a glass jar in the pantry.

If you make the granola, let me know what you think in the comments below.

Enjoy!

Pajamas

 When did it become acceptable to wear pajamas in public?  

I mean, I know there are quite a few people that think it's perfectly acceptable to wear pajamas in a WalMart.  But, to a Costco?  The grocery store?  These sightings are in the afternoon, so we can't use the excuse that they just rolled out of bed.  They look like they've been up for awhile.  Maybe their wardrobe consists of all pajamas?  

Do you wear your pajamas when you run errands?

Retail Problems - Self Checkout

 With all of those complaints I see on social media about using self-checkout and having to ring your own merchandise, my reply is, you can go to a register with a cashier.  No one is forcing you to use self-checkout (SCO).  And SCO is for 15 items or less, not a cart that is overflowing with merchandise.

Here are a couple of things seen and/or heard at SCO (alcohol edition).

I had to card a woman for her alcohol purchase.  Apparently, it was a non-alcoholic beverage.  I told her that it might contain a small about of alcohol.  The machine flagged it, so I have to se an ID.  She rattles off her birthday.  I reply with, "I have to see the physical ID."  I explain the state and store policy.  After a huge sigh, she digs out her ID.  When she left, I cheerfully said goodbye.  She grumbled something and walked away.

A customer came up to SCO and asked, "Is it going to freak out if I scan alcohol?"

A customer walks up and shows me a bottle of alcohol and asks, "What am I supposed to do with this?"  After a long day of dealing with customers, my answer, "I'll take it!"

Paint

 RT has been doing a little painting around the house.  We have a little checklist of things that need to be done prior to putting the house on the market.  RT has been checking things off the list one by one.  We are down to the last few things.  It's starting to sink in that we are actually going to move.

With all of this painting going on, I have noticed that paint smells like a bad foot odor.  I have been opening windows and turning the fans on because I don't want to smell bad feet.  

Does anyone else feel like they are breathing through someone's shoe after putting on a coat of paint?

Witness

 I was involved in a car accident a couple of months ago.  The youngest child and I survived.  My front bumper took a beating, though.

I was driving the child to school (she had late arrival and I was being nice).  I saw the accident start; one car hit another.  The car that got hit, spun through the intersection then skidded until it hit the front of my car.  I was stopped, fifteen feet from the start of the intersection thinking, "I'm a witness, how am I going to get the child to school and be here when the police arrive?"  That changed when my car was hit. The car that caused the accident was an Uber driver.  Yes, he just picked up his passenger at the train station.  

A couple weeks after the accident, I received a letter in the mail requesting my presence at court as a witness for the accident.  I was a little leery about going.  The last time I was involved in an accident (23 years ago and not my fault) I showed up at court as requested and was repeatedly asked why I was in attendance by the judge.  

For the record, I did appear in court, armed with both letter requests (yes, I received two).  I had my speech prepared.  I thought I would be asked to describe what happened that day.  I thought it would be very formal.  The courtroom had some chairs set out in rows, the judge's large desk and a place for people to pay their fines.  I was called up with the Uber driver and stood there for a few minutes and then was dismissed.  The judge made sure to thank me for my time and to have a pleasant day.  

 I was a little disappointed that I didn't have to recount the events of that day but grateful for the appreciation shown by the judge.

Random Acts of Kindness Day 2024

Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day!

 How cool would it be if everyone practiced RAOK's every day?  The world would be a lot friendlier and happier, don't you think? 

So, you know the drill.  Try to see how many Random Acts of Kindness you can do today.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Write that letter.
It can be a Thank You letter.  It can be just a little note telling someone that you were thinking of them.  Maybe it's someone you don't see that often.  Let them know how important they are to have in your life.

Put others first.
I always tell my children to think of others first.  This could mean letting someone ahead of you in line.  Letting someone have the first slice of pizza or even leaving the last piece of pie for the next person. 

Compliment
Dish out compliments to people.  I think everyone likes to hear positive praise.

Clean up.
Maybe it's picking up random trash on the path where you usually walk or run.  It could be as simple as taking out the garbage, run the vacuum or doing the dishes.

Send a message.
It could be a friendly text message.  An inspirational text or even a thank you text.  How about leaving notes of inspiration in random places at home or work?  You can write them on post-it notes. 

I just rattled off quite a few quick, easy RAOK's that you can do today.  If you need some more ideas, you can search Random Acts of Kindness on the blog.  There are quite a few posts with lots of great ideas.  Give one a try and let me know what happened!

Rosemary Focaccia Bread

 This summer we visited quite a few farmer's markets.  Produce, baked goods and freshly made bread.   If you've been following along for a while, you know that good bread is a priority in our house.  After purchasing some.....not so good tasting bread, I decided that I would try my hand at making it myself.  Of course, turning the oven on in the 90F heat just to goof off making bread is not my idea of fun.  So, I waited until the temperatures dropped a little.  This focaccia bread has become a family favorite and thought I would share it here.  

Here's the recipe:

Rosemary Focaccia Bread

ingredients:

1 3/4 cups warm water

1 packet dry yeast (2 1/2 tsp)

2 tsp sugar

4 1/2 cups bread flour*

1 TBSP kosher salt

1/2 cup olive oil 

For the top:

2-3 TBSP olive oil

2 tsp coarse, flaky sea salt

2 TBSP fresh rosemary 

directions:

In a small bowl combine warm water with the yeast and sugar.  Stir and let sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).

In large bowl, combine flour and salt.  Once the yeast is ready, pour into flour mixture and mix.  Slowly add the olive oil.  Once dough is combined, knead for about five minutes* until sides have pulled away.  The dough should be soft.  If the dough is still sticky, add a little more flour.

Coat a bowl with olive oil and place dough into bowl, rolling it until it is covered with the oil.  Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Set bowl in warm place until doubled. (about an hour)

Grab a 13x9 dish, and coat with some olive oil.  

When the dough is ready, place in this dish and press out until it reaches sides of the dish.  If the dough bounces back, then let it rest ten minutes before pressing it down.  Cover lightly with the plastic wrap and let rise for an hour.

Oven 425F.

Dimple the dough by pressing your finger tips down into the dough.  Drizzle with some olive oil.  Sprinkle with salt and top it off with the rosemary.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is a golden brown.  

Remove from the oven and drizzle a little more olive oil (optional).

Let cool for ten minutes before cutting into pieces.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*You might need a little extra flour if dough is sticky

*I mixed the dough by hand.  Feel free to use your kitchenaid with the dough hook.

If you make the Rosemary Focaccia Bread, let me know what you think in the comments below.

Enjoy!

St. Valentine

 I thought I would do a little deep dive into the history of Valentine's Day.  If you know me, then you know that I believe Valentine's Day should be a National Holiday.  I'm not talking Hallmark cards and gifts.  More like flowers, poems, homemade cards and pouring out your love for one another.

There isn't much information about St. Valentine.  What we do know is that he was a physician and a Roman priest.  He performed many marriages, thus the saint of love and marriage.  Valentine was big on spreading the word of God.  This happened to get him into trouble when he suggested to Claudius that he should become a Christian.  Valentine was sentenced to death.  He was to either renounce his faith or be clubbed to death.  Valentine refused and was executed on February 14.  A side story, that I'm not sure if it is true, Valentine, while awaiting his death sentence, sent a note to Asterius' daughter (the jailer's daughter that he healed from blindness) and signed the note, "from your Valentine."  

St. Valentine is the patron saint of love, marriage, bee keepers and people with epilepsy.

That lead me to another event that happened on this day in 1929 in Chicago, The Saint Valentine's Day Massacre.  The event took place at a warehouse in Lincoln Park where seven men were lined up against the wall and shot by four unknown people (two were dressed as police officers).  These murders were a result of a struggle for control between Bugs Moran and his Irish North Siders and the Italian Chicago Outfit headed by Al Capone, during Prohibition.

Lots of death on a day that is supposed to be dedicated to love.  

Some interesting facts I dug up about this National Holiday:

Valentine's cards originated in England in the 1700's.  People would send cards and flowers to loved ones and sign them, "your Valentine."  

The heart symbol was something that was drawn in the middle ages to represent the actual human heart.  Since the human heart is associated with love and emotion, the heart shape became the symbol for romance.

In Japan, women give chocolates to men on Valentine's day.  Men return the favor by giving white chocolates on White Day which is March 14. 

In South Korea, single people who do not receive anything on Valentine's Day mourn their lack of love by eating black noodles on Black Day, which is celebrated on April 14.

In Denmark, there is an exchange of funny jokes and poems written on paper hearts.  Instead of signing their name, they put dots (symbol, not the word "dots").  If you guess who sent you the Valentine, you get an Easter egg later in the year.

In Guatemala the day is known as "el dia del carino" or the day of affection.  People dress up in masks and costumes and dance in the streets.  They exchange cards and gifts with loved ones, friends and coworkers.  The day is considered a celebration of love and friendship.

How do you plan on celebrating Valentine's Day this year?

Retail Problems - New Skills for my Resume

 More strange interactions with customers that I feel a need to share with everyone.

We have this 80-year-old woman that shops with us weekly.  How do I know her age?  Because she tells me every time I see her.

My first encounter with her, I noticed she was a little crabby.  She told me that's what happens when you get to be eighty years old.  She needed help getting the bags into her car.  I offered my help and asked if someone can help her when she gets home?  She replied that she has no one.  She does not have kids.  Never married and that she is an orphan (sad, I know). 

I think this 80 year old woman took a shine to me because she always comes to me to ring her out or with questions.  One day I tied her shoe for her and got her a shopping cart.  She said she is too old to bend and tie her shoes.  On another visit she asked for a pair of nail clippers.  I told her that we don't have any.  She asked for a pair of scissors.  I hand her the scissors and she tells me that she can't cut her fingernail because it's on her right hand.  So, there I am, cutting her fingernail with a Fiskars scissors.

I am taking nail appointments, let me know if you are interested.

Valentine's Day Craft Ideas

  It's finally February!  A time for love, hearts and all things red!  Oh, and it's also time for my favorite holiday, Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day, also known in our house as the National Holiday, is coming up and I thought I would put links to some crafts we have done here on A Scary Journey Inside My Life to get you ready for the big day. Some of these crafts are pretty easy and would be great to do with your Girl Scout Troop!  These are also great ideas for an indoor activity on those cold winter days.

Valentine's Placemat (children's craft)

Valentine's Day Bookmarks

Pallet (he)art

Homemade Valentine's Day cards

Felt Heart Pin or Barrette

Felt Heart Ornaments 

Valentine Photo Book

Valentine Love Picture

Valentine Love Frame

Looking for more fun things to do in February?  How about warming up the house (and some hearts) with some baking?  Check out the Recipes page to try something new!

My Weird Dog - Updates

 I think we are due for a little check in with my weird dog Pippen.

Believe it or not, the youngest child helped me load Pippen into the car so we could take him for a bath.  Normally I hose Pippen down in the driveway.  Unfortunately, the weather here does not cooperate.  It's difficult to hose him down when the temperature is 20F.  He was a good boy while he was being bathed.  He won't fight me if I'm the one giving him a bath.  It was definitely worth the trouble, though.  He smells so clean!

Pippen is now in his "vocal" era.  He likes to bark.....alot.  If you let him outside and accidentally forget about him, he will bark (non-stop) until you let him inside.  If you happen to be sitting in the family room, watching a really good movie, he will stand in front of the window, stare at you and bark.  In the morning, if I decide I want to sleep in a couple extra minutes, he will bark until I get up out of bed and go downstairs.  (yea, he's a pain!)

Pippen is starting to lose it.  If you close the door to a room in the house, he will start barking.  He thinks someone is at our front door.

It seems Pippen has selective hearing.  The other day, I brought him out front with me.  He walked across our front yard to our neighbor's house.  Then decided he was going to cross the street.  The entire time he was goofing off, I was calling him to come back.  He just ignored me.  I had to go grab him and tell him to go home.  

His little "quirks" drive us crazy, but are quite entertaining.

Missing in Action

 Sorry I haven't been posting.  I'm still alive.  It's been a little crazy with work and getting the house ready to sell.  I'll try to be better about posting some interesting stories here.