1 - 1 1/2cup barbecue sauce, your favorite or homemade
1/2 cup apricot preserves (I use Smuckers)
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoon light brown sugar, packed
1 medium onion, sliced
Trim beef roast and cut into 4 uniform pieces. Place roast in slow cooker. Combine remaining ingredients and pour over roast. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or until beef is tender. Slice or shred beef then return to juices in cooker. Cover and cook for 20 minutes longer.
*Great for sandwiches on the week-ends or when you need a quick dinner during the week. I serve this with cole slaw, the kids love it with chips.
Did you know that doodling can be a benefit? I doodle when I'm sitting in meetings/conferences. It helps me to stay alert. There are benefits for children too according to the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology. The journal states that “doodling” may help improve memory recall. Lord knows I need help with my memory at this stage of life. I don't trust it anymore, I have to write everything down. On a bad day, I need help finding whatever list or information that I've written down. So pathetic I know. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen.
As a result of a study performed by Jackie Andrade, a psychology professor at the University of Plymouth in England, parents are being encouraged to promote creative doodling at home with their children by incorporating art activities into their life. Jackie is saying rather than give your child a coloring book, give them a doodle pad as well so they can doodle. I don't consider myself to be an artist, but I do enjoy scrapbooking and creating crafts for my home. I think I can really get into some form of art with my 2 year old grandson.I tested him to see how he would do using a regular pen and pencil, he made a few scribbles. I'm going to purchase the larger crayons and pencils for him, and make it a regular activity.
Jackie's study found that doodling can be used to help retain information. She performed a study where individuals listened to a recorded message which included pieces of information such as names and places. She found that individuals who doodled while listening, remembered 29 percent more than those who did not. I'm going to put this theory to the test. I'm going to try to teach Xavier the primary colors by using crayons and doodles.
Teachers are being discouraged from stopping students from doodling in class. In the past it was seen as a sign that the child was distracted. Now it's seen as a sign that the brain is active and they are listening.
I've been checking out the Aquadoodle Travel 'N' Doodle Mat and I think it may be perfect for him. I'm looking for small birthday gifts for him, I'm going to add it to my birthday gift list. It's getting good reviews by other moms, stayed tuned for my review.
Winter is heading our way, and we will be looking for indoor activities for the kids. We will be compiling a list of art/craft activities for children. We would love to have contributions from our readers too. Please leave us a comment with an activity or craft that you have done with your child. We will add it to our list and include a link to your blog.
Welcome to my parade of horses. I found them along the streets of Ogden, UT. I travel to Ogden several times a year. It has become one of my favorite places to visit. The mountains are beautiful, the food is delicious, the people are warm and welcoming and the Marriott has the best beds. I'll make the trip across country for these perks anytime.
When I walked into the Marriott lobby my usual spot to crash when I'm visiting, I spotted a replica of a horse with a beautiful painting on its body. I thought it was unique and decided to snap a photo to use for my Wordless Wednesday post. I thought nothing else of it after taking the picture.
The next day I went to lunch with a few co-workers and noticed replicas of full sized horses along the sidewalk as far as I could see. I was in awe! I love horses, and hope to own a few when I retire. One of the ladies stated that I should take a stroll when I returned to the hotel that evening and check them out. That's exactly what I did, and I was not disappointed. They put on quite a show for visitors and residents alike. They were simply breathtaking. Some were on their hind legs and others in a grazing position. It was if they knew they were on display.
The horses could be found in a variety of colors and each displayed a magnificent scene. I saw everything from a 1966 yellow mustang to one covered in money. The horses were unveiled on July 3rd and will remain on display until October 1. The plan was to display 75 horses for Ogden Pioneer Days, but because of budget restraints only 55 are on display. Artists from across the country paint the horses and each has a sponsor. It takes as much work to display the horses as it does to paint them. Twenty people were needed for two days to secure the horses to concrete bases and set them in their locations.
I couldn't get enough, I walked for blocks. As I was viewing the horses, I wondered what inspired the artists. Each horse has the artist's name and the sponsor listed beneath it. I wondered what I would have painted on my canvass if I had the ability to paint. I thought maybe the Ben Lomond or Mt Ogden mountains that stood so majestically in the background. A trained filled with children rolled by, and I thought maybe I would have painted a choo choo full of children or the historical buildings that lined the streets. I admired the colors, they were so warm and bright and every hue imaginable could be found on the horses. You could hear the children's excitment when they saw the horses. I giggled as I watched them run toward them. That's exactly what I wanted to do, but as an adult I maintained control. Damn, I hate being a grown up at times. I wanted to let the child within out.
It was a fascinating stroll. With a heavy heart I bid Ogden farewell. I'll be heading back east, but it's surprises like this that keep me coming back and come back I will. You can count on it.
2 lbs squash 3 -4 yellow and 1 Zucchini (sliced) 2 cup chopped Onion 1 cup of Mayo 2 eggs slightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 8 0z's Parmesan Cheese 1 cup Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing 3 tablespoon Butter
1) Slice and cook squash and onion for approximately 8 - 10 minutes and drain well 2) Mix mayo, egg, cheese, Add squash mixture and place all in a 8 inch greased casserole dish. 3) Mix 3 Tablespoon butter with 1 cup dressing. Top casserole with dressing mixture, 4) Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes
It's Quotable Sunday thanks to Toni at A Daily Dose of Toni. For those who aren't familiar with Quotable Sunday, it's the day we list a few of our favorite quotes. Since I'm just returning from a business trip, I decided to focus on travel. Here are a few of my favorite travel quotes:
No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow. ~Lin Yutang
When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money. ~Susan Heller
Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. ~Seneca
The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes "sight-seeing." ~Daniel J. Boorstin
What you've done becomes the judge of what you're going to do - especially in other people's minds. When you're traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don't have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road. ~William Least
I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them. ~Mark Twain
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. ~Mark Twain
The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway. ~Henry Boye
I hope you enjoyed my quotes this week. Leave me a comment and let know which is your favorite quote. If you're interested in reading more quotes, head over to A Daily Dose of Toni If you would like to join us, add your blog to the link. We'll visit and take a look at your quotes too.
I've been trying to figure out what type of plant mysteriously appeared in my front yard for weeks. When I saw this plant initially, I thought it was a weed and decided I would tear it out when I weeded the next time around and kill the roots with Round Up. Since weeding wasn't at the top of my list, it has continued to spread across the yard and it's now heading toward the drive way.
Last week, I noticed orange blooms on the plant and decided to walk over and check it out. Much to my surprise, it's bearing miniature pumpkins. WTH?
I display my mums and pumpkins in this area in the fall and I guess one of the pumpkins that burst because I left them out too long must have germinated. I won't be tearing it down after all, my Xavier will have his own pumpkin patch in Gran's yard this fall.
When I purchased the lot the farmer who lived next to me said that I would be able to grow anything, my lot used to be his pig pen. Everything grows double its size if I don't keep my shrubs cut back. In the meantime, I guess I better do some research on how I need to handle this baby. I've been told that a pumpkin plant can grow as much as 6 inches a day and grow up to 30 feet.I'm looking forward to seeing my unexpected pumpkin patch this fall.Stay tuned.
Look at my little Picasso, he's creating a master piece. I decided to introduce Xavier to finger paints. He had a ball. I purchased the No Mess Crayola Finger Paint set and I loved it as much as he did. The paint showed up only on the paper. I did put an old sheet under him, I just had hardwood floors installed and I didn't want to take any chances, but there was truly no mess.
The set comes with an adorable tray in the shape of a hand with 5 paint colors, red, yellow, green, blue, orange, and 12 double wide sheets of the Wonder paper. I like he fact that the hand is sturdy and stays in place on the table. The lids covering the paint are easy to open; however, for a 2 year old they will need assistance. Xavier enjoyed sticking his fingers into the paint and was amazed when the colors magically appeared on the paper. He was so funny using the sponge. I tried to get him to wipe his fingers with it, but he wasn't interested. I decided to show him how to sponge paint. He's only 2, I didn't think it would hold his interest. Wrong. He's quite astute, and caught on quickly as to how he should dip the sponge into the paints and than apply it to the paper.
Here's my Little Picasso taking a break. Painting makes baby thirsty. This set is recommended for 3+, but Xavier didn't have a problem using the set. I like to challenge him with toys (as long as they don't contain small parts), books etc. that are recommended for children a year or 2 older than he is. I believe it helps with a child's advancement.
I would highly recommend this set to any parent who is looking for a rainy day activity or who just wants to expose their child's creativity on paper.They have the Gel Paint refills, which includes the classic colors shown and additional tropical colors. Purchasing the set will be money well spent.
My daughter and her family have been visiting all week. My son-in-law is from South Carolina, and loves seafood. I decided to do a small seafood boil for him. Normally, I have a seafood boil when I'm having a large family gathering. It requires using a large propane tank and burner along with a large stockpot with strainer basket.
Seafood boils are a Louisiana tradition. I experienced my first boil years ago with friends who are from Louisiana. I love being able to complete the entire meal in the same pot. I was feeling lazy, so I decided not to use the propane tank and burner, but to prepare the boil in my kitchen. It was the first time that I prepared the boil in the house, but it turned out great. I have a small pot with the strainer basket, it was perfect for the occasion.
I pretty much used the same ingredients that I use for larger boils, I just didn't use as much. I used small red potatoes, corn on the cob, and large shrimp. A lemon quartered is optional. For the seasoning, I use Zatarain's crab boil and Cajun seasoning.You can add mussels, crawl fish or whole crabs.
I used snow cluster crab legs, but I placed the crab legs on a cookie sheet, seasoned them with Obay, and warmed them in the oven on 375 for about 20 minutes since the pot wasn't large enough to accommodate the crab legs.
This is a nice meal for large and small gatherings. Even the children enjoy the small potatoes and corn.If you would like my recipe for the in-house seafood boil, please let me know.
Several days ago, a friend confided that her husband was cheating on her. When I asked her how she knew, she stated that she had hired an investigator and she had photos of her husband with the other woman. As I listened, I thought about several pictures that I had seen from women who had been cheated on. I thought you would get a good laugh or idea from these photos.
Relationship experts site the following reasons for cheating in a relationship. In my opinion, there's no excuse or reason for a cheating spouse or mate, nevertheless, here are the top 10 reasons:
They Had The Option
Ego Boost
Individuals In The Relationship Are Growing Apart
They've Fallen Out Of Love
Continuous Arguing
Sex Life Is Boring
To Get Revenge
It's New, Different, and Exciting
To See If They Can Get Away With It
You Allow It
I thought about what I would do if my significant other was cheating on me. I could really see myself taking these steps. I love all of the photos, especially Photo 1 and 4.What a perfect way to advertise the fact that you have a cheating husband. I would have loved to see both of their faces when they saw the display. I love the clothing hanging from the tree in photo 1.
What would you do if you found out your husband/significant other was cheating on you? Which of the photos is your favorite? Leave us a comment and let us know your thoughts.
"I screwed myself. I screwed up my life, I screwed up my kids' lives. What the heck am I going to do?" The words of Nadia Suleman, it looks like the idiot is having a reality check. Hello girlfriend you couldn't handle 6, what did you think would happen with 8 more. I'm sure she spends her waking hours thinking about it, but she will find not an ounce of sympathy here. I believe her motives were purely selfish, and she as well as taxpayers will pay for the rest of those poor children's lives.
Fox will air a show on August 19 on Nadia Suleman and her 14 children. Take a look at this video clip, 14 screaming, crying children. She states the older children are negative, what's positive in this situation for an adult let alone a child. In my opinion, you can not possibly give yourself whole-heartily to 14 children. Physically, emotionally or physiologically. America will be getting a first hand look at someone who thinks in the moment.
She also states that the older children are curious about their father. Now how do you explain to a child that their father was literally a sperm donor. You came from a frozen egg, honey. That's like saying The Stork dropped you off. Apparently the father is married and has no intentions of being in the children's life as a father or role model. Chances are there will never be a father figure or role model in their lives. What man is going to take on the responsibility of 14 children who are not his and being followed around by a camera for the rest of his life?
Normally, I don't concern myself with others and how they live their life. However, this woman just rubs me the wrong way. I could slap that bitch each time I look at her. I need to take a deep breath, I feel the anger rising. I still think about her website seeking donations. WTH? Now you want people to help pay for your poor judgement.
I've debated as to whether or not I will watch this program. I still haven't made up my mind. There's a part of me that wants to see those adorable babies who did not ask to be brought into this world, certainly under the conditions that we've seen. There's another part that is angry that a woman could be so stupid, and I don't want to support her in any way. I want to knock this woman in the head, but I guess it too late for that. I wonder how she is going to keep what little sanity she has trying to raise 14 children. She's already stating that she resents herself, when she will start resenting the children. Do you see that coming?
I hope something positive comes out of this insane situation, and these children will be blessed in some way. I'm sure in the end they will thank their mother for being a human incubator and bringing them into this world.
Feel free to leave your comments/opinions on Nadia Suleman and her 14 children.
It's BST (Back To School)! Giggles & Sugar Kisses wants to know if you've made a visit to The Children's Place? If not, you need to put this trip at the top of your list. From August 12th through August 26th, you can pick up two denims at The Children’s Place stores and receive ANY graphic tee (reg. $7.50-9.50) for FREE! That's right, we said FREE.
While you’re at it, stock up on all the latest denim with the greatest of ease with our new denim guide. Color coded to make shopping easier for mom and dad, our denim guide means no more stressing about styles and cuts – simply remember if your child is a “pink” “purple” or “blue” and you’re set!
I've really enjoyed working in my yard this year. Especially since Gran's little helper, my 2 year old grandson, has been on hand to assist with watering, pulling weeds and sometimes pulling off Gran's blooms. I wanted to plant a vegetable garden this year, but time wasn't on my side so I decided to focus on the deck and shubbery beds. Ido plan to prepare the ground this fall for my vegetable garden, so I can ensure spring planting.
My grandson who lives near the beach is visiting for a week. He has enjoyed playing in the dirt and watering Gran's plants during the visit. So much a fight that includes kicking and screaming usually occurs before I can get him back in the house. He's such a joy, I quickly forget the rebellion. I think it's important that a child grow up with great memories of visiting their grand parents, so I try to expose him to as many things as possible when he visits. I want him to grow up having memories of be able to run freely in the backyard, watching the bunny rabbits feast, the ground hogs waddle across the yard, and the deer peek through the bushes and trees. I mention the deer lovingly, but those beautiful creatures ate Gran's impatients down to the ground last year.
My deck looks great, if I may say so myself. I'm a petunia lover, so I make sure they're the star on my deck in the summer. I have two stars this year, my petunias and my grandson who's watering my petunias with his own little watering can. It's so cute. I also purchased a little rake and shovel for him too. I'm pleased with this planter, it's filled with Walmart clearance items. Don't you love it. I found the planter (below) in bloom when we returned from vacation back in June. I thought someone had stopped by and planted the petunias for me, but soon realized the plants were from last year and they had rebloomed. That's unusual for annuals. Not only have they rebloomed, they look better than they did last year.
It's amazing what regular watering and a little Miracle Gro will do for your plants. The picture below is the top planter after 30 days.The petunias are in full bloom and the Vinca has grown down to the deck floor.
I tried a new deck plant this year, a Carribean plant (shown below). I was actually looking for a hanging basket at one of the local nurseries, and spotted this plant. It stood out, so I decided that I just couldn't leave without one. I ended up grabbing two and left with no hanging basket, lol. This plant has yellow, red and purple blooms. It's very easy to maintain, it just requires water and an occasional feeding.No need for dead bloom removal, it blooms continuously.Now that I've experienced this beauty, I'm going to using it in my hanging baskets next year.
Since my grandson is only two, it's doubtful that he will remember this week with Gran. Even so, I will treasure it forever and I'm looking forward to spending time in our veggie garden next summer. We would love to hear about a great summer memory with your child or grand child. Please leave us a comment.
Yes, it's that time. We have embarked upon our journey through Potty Training Land. My little sweetie is turning 2 in September and we've introduced him to Mr. Potty.He seems to be receptive to the idea, and loves hearing the music in his potty when he pee pees. We've started him in the Pampers Easy Ups, but we're also going to try Huggies Pull Ups to see which works best with him.
I decided to purchase this adorable Fisher Price Cheer For Me Potty. I love the shape, it looks so much like the real thing and I thought we would have an easier transition when it was time to move him to the toilet. I also love the smiley face on it. I haven't placed any toilet paper on the holder yet, I'm afraid he will cover my bathroom floor with it.
The potty is battery operated and plays music and gives words of encouragement when he poopies and pee pees. I love the fact that he must actually pee pee or poopie before the music will start playing, it's suppose to be an incentive for using the potty. The handle on the potty makes a clicking sound when it's pushed. He gets so tickled. I reward him with Parental Praise too. Gran claps, dances and sings the Big Boy Potty song. Here it goes: Pee Pee on the potty, Pee Pee on the potty or Poopie on the potty, Poopie on the potty. I believe Kirstie Alley sang this song in Look Who's Talking when she was potty training her son.
Xavier loves stickers, so I'm going to make a poster and start rewarding him with Big Boy Stickers. I'll implement this award system next week.I looked at some of the charts on the market and thought I could create one as good if not better than those available.
Stayed tuned for more adventures on our Potty Training Journey.If you have a Potty Training story or tips that you would like to share, I would love to hear them.
