Greetings to everyone cleaning up from and sorting supplies following last week's horrible tornado outbreak across Alabama. It is a gigantic job and will take a long time to recover.
I lived in Tuscaloosa, AL for several years and graduated high school there. Three of my high school friends' businesses are severely damaged, so I am helping with the efforts there. PLEASE know that the damage in the Birmingham area and all the small areas across Alabama are also beyond words. WE NEED HELP. Our state revenue (among other things) suffered tremendously due to the BP/Gulf Oil Spill and our kids' schools are already looking at massive cutbacks next year. Jefferson County has lost unspeakable amounts of money due to bad bond deals and we pay the highest sewer rates probably known to man. We did not need these tornados to make things worse, but oh well.
How can you help?
On Facebook, please join / like two sites I am administering: Tuscaloosa Tornado Donations and Tuscaloosa Tornado Updates. On the Updates page, there is a document in the right column entitled Monetary Donations for Tuscaloosa Tornado Recovery. That document has links to organizations where the funds will STAY in Tuscaloosa. I am updating this constantly.
We need stuff. Our stores are running out of basic supplies. Some amazing peeps at Auburn University have set up a site called Toomer's for Tide. These energetic, relentlessly dedicated volunteers are finding drop off sites across the US. Please visit their Facebook site, Toomers for Tide and go to their document listing by state to learn where you can drop off stuff.
Thank you so very much for your consideration to help out the amazing people of Alabama. XO!!!!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Decorating for Christmas 2010
Well, Tinsel, I'm sorry to say this, but you're out this year. Yes, we're having flash backs to 1967 because fake snow (I think it was called "flocking your tree") is in.
Fortunately, the up-side to still being in a recession (I don't believe we're out of it, do you? I mean, REALLY) is that during hard times, trends go back to traditional (again, flocking the tree? Is that necessary?)
So, the big trend of outdoor, jumbo-sized decorations are still going strong. In my neighborhood alone, we have Penguins on a Train, a snow globe of epic proportions (do you know TSA will confiscate your snow globe of regular proportions if you dare sneak it on an airplane?), a blow up dog with a Santa hat, and what I can only describe as stay-puff Christmas trees - a "forest" of 3.
The biggest news-maker this year is the new LED lights. They are supposed to be really energy efficient. While a far cry from the original candle, I think that this could move us in a good direction ... unless, of course, you're the local power company, who, let's face it is really the big winner this time of year.
PS I'm NOT flocking my trees. Nope. Nary a one. How about you, Vixen?
Fortunately, the up-side to still being in a recession (I don't believe we're out of it, do you? I mean, REALLY) is that during hard times, trends go back to traditional (again, flocking the tree? Is that necessary?)
So, the big trend of outdoor, jumbo-sized decorations are still going strong. In my neighborhood alone, we have Penguins on a Train, a snow globe of epic proportions (do you know TSA will confiscate your snow globe of regular proportions if you dare sneak it on an airplane?), a blow up dog with a Santa hat, and what I can only describe as stay-puff Christmas trees - a "forest" of 3.
The biggest news-maker this year is the new LED lights. They are supposed to be really energy efficient. While a far cry from the original candle, I think that this could move us in a good direction ... unless, of course, you're the local power company, who, let's face it is really the big winner this time of year.
PS I'm NOT flocking my trees. Nope. Nary a one. How about you, Vixen?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Gift Tips for Kiddos 2010
BRRRRR. Thanksgiving's over and I've returned with some hot, new ideas for Christmas, Poodles! (Miss you bunches!)
Let's get right down to business = shopping! Everybody's doing it this week, so I have whipped up a list I hope you will find most deliciously helpful with those hard-to-shop for kiddos that will make you look like you are the hippest, hottest, and most spot-on diva (but that's a given, right?). Random order:
- Anything Toy Story 3. The toys from this are all over the place and aren't terribly pricey. Look for Mr. Potato Head to the Ken and Barbie dolls.
- Similarly, with the tres recent release of Harry Potter, anything in that genre is timely and cool.
- Creepily enough (perhaps because of my allergies I think they're creepy), the Zhu Zhu pet hamster continues to be a must-have item. Being the smart critters they are, there are accessories, styles, and colors to choose from (Ah-Ha! Now the Diva sees the allure). With several hamsters in the line, you can add to a small loved one's collection.
- Pillow Pets make sensational gifts. I even heard teenage girls want them. You may have seen them advertised as "a pillow and (visual of a snapping strap here) a stuffed animal pet". Well, I got my preschool nephew the Dog and must say it is so soft and totally adorable (ladybug, dolphin, bumble bee, unicorn = some of the myriad of options). You can find them for about $25-30 on line and I saw some in Wal-Mart the other day. But hurry; the more popular pets are expected to sell out.
- Pre-teens will love a CD featuring Disney or Nickelodeon recording stars. Similar to the Glee sensation, some of the shows aimed at kids this age feature talented singers. Move over, Hannah Montana, replacements are on their way.
- Older kids, especially ones whose parents are like me and won't let them have a phone for FOREVER or until Jr. High, will love getting a digital camera.
- Electronic games such as Wii, XBox, or PlayStation are always hits that if you're lucky, the whole family can enjoy together (or separately - not sure how you'd enjoy it more - I personally have more of a shot at winning when I'm not holding a glass of wine and/ or playing with my kids, but that's just me).
So, Peaches, I hope this gets you pointed in a better direction for finishing (or starting) your shopping extravaganza. Holla!
Let's get right down to business = shopping! Everybody's doing it this week, so I have whipped up a list I hope you will find most deliciously helpful with those hard-to-shop for kiddos that will make you look like you are the hippest, hottest, and most spot-on diva (but that's a given, right?). Random order:
- Anything Toy Story 3. The toys from this are all over the place and aren't terribly pricey. Look for Mr. Potato Head to the Ken and Barbie dolls.
- Similarly, with the tres recent release of Harry Potter, anything in that genre is timely and cool.
- Creepily enough (perhaps because of my allergies I think they're creepy), the Zhu Zhu pet hamster continues to be a must-have item. Being the smart critters they are, there are accessories, styles, and colors to choose from (Ah-Ha! Now the Diva sees the allure). With several hamsters in the line, you can add to a small loved one's collection.
- Pillow Pets make sensational gifts. I even heard teenage girls want them. You may have seen them advertised as "a pillow and (visual of a snapping strap here) a stuffed animal pet". Well, I got my preschool nephew the Dog and must say it is so soft and totally adorable (ladybug, dolphin, bumble bee, unicorn = some of the myriad of options). You can find them for about $25-30 on line and I saw some in Wal-Mart the other day. But hurry; the more popular pets are expected to sell out.
- Pre-teens will love a CD featuring Disney or Nickelodeon recording stars. Similar to the Glee sensation, some of the shows aimed at kids this age feature talented singers. Move over, Hannah Montana, replacements are on their way.
- Older kids, especially ones whose parents are like me and won't let them have a phone for FOREVER or until Jr. High, will love getting a digital camera.
- Electronic games such as Wii, XBox, or PlayStation are always hits that if you're lucky, the whole family can enjoy together (or separately - not sure how you'd enjoy it more - I personally have more of a shot at winning when I'm not holding a glass of wine and/ or playing with my kids, but that's just me).
So, Peaches, I hope this gets you pointed in a better direction for finishing (or starting) your shopping extravaganza. Holla!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
A Note From Our Plumbing Diva
YES! I know you're probably rubbing your eyes in disbelief, but indeed, Virginia, there is a Female Plumber! She is, by the way, FREAKIN' AWESOME. She is well-dressed, owns a dog with a sweater wardrobe, and can efficiently get your plumbing disasters flushed away. No visual on the butt crack, either. My friend, Mazy Holiday (who one of my sisters swears should be a jazz singer just by her name alone), is the owner of Cascade Plumbing and offers this wonderful missive we all can learn from:
We made it through the winter's freezing pipes and gas logs. Now would be a good time for those of you with houses 40 years or older to think about replacing galvanized water lines with PVC (or copper) . Water line replacement isn't the big deal it sounds like. It can be completed in just one day. The result? Better water pressure, better tasting water, and fewer problems with fixtures.
Everyone's pipes can benefit from an easy maintenance routine of pouring one cup of bleach down every drain once each month!
For more information, please visit Cascade Plumbing's website at http://www.cascadebirmingham.com
Back to me - Mazy and crew have been to my house in the last several weeks to unstop a toilet. They arrived when they said they would and were done in a matter of minutes. Cascade is SO PROFESSIONAL, you'll be swirling with delight.
DIVA STAMP OF APPROVAL.
We made it through the winter's freezing pipes and gas logs. Now would be a good time for those of you with houses 40 years or older to think about replacing galvanized water lines with PVC (or copper) . Water line replacement isn't the big deal it sounds like. It can be completed in just one day. The result? Better water pressure, better tasting water, and fewer problems with fixtures.
Everyone's pipes can benefit from an easy maintenance routine of pouring one cup of bleach down every drain once each month!
For more information, please visit Cascade Plumbing's website at http://www.cascadebirmingham.com
Back to me - Mazy and crew have been to my house in the last several weeks to unstop a toilet. They arrived when they said they would and were done in a matter of minutes. Cascade is SO PROFESSIONAL, you'll be swirling with delight.
DIVA STAMP OF APPROVAL.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Gargantuan Gastronomical Graduation Gift Idea
I am fortunate to have young friends who are in high school (no, not just babysitters - BUT the HS babysitters I have across the street are AWESOME). Sadly, they have a habit of graduating ... as do nieces and nephews (well, the Main Squeeze's are having a long run at graduating in droves lately; my nieces and nephews are elementary school age, of course).
It's time to start graduation gift shopping again now that Mother's Day has rolled around. I really can't bring myself to purchase another set of earrings for a niece (Mary, hope you weren't counting on another pair), so I fired up the ole brain and devised a Diva-ine gift solution that I am compelled to share.
Outside the bars -- because, let's face it, HS graduates are 18 and aren't frequenting bars (ahem!) -- I seem to recall spending time studying in groups and eating when I was in college. So, the idea smacked me upside the well-coiffed head to give gift cards to graduates of near-by restaurants ... or if all else fails, the nearest pizza chain to campus.
Who's gonna' complain about that gift come November when dear old dad's credit card has been mysteriously cancelled???
It's time to start graduation gift shopping again now that Mother's Day has rolled around. I really can't bring myself to purchase another set of earrings for a niece (Mary, hope you weren't counting on another pair), so I fired up the ole brain and devised a Diva-ine gift solution that I am compelled to share.
Outside the bars -- because, let's face it, HS graduates are 18 and aren't frequenting bars (ahem!) -- I seem to recall spending time studying in groups and eating when I was in college. So, the idea smacked me upside the well-coiffed head to give gift cards to graduates of near-by restaurants ... or if all else fails, the nearest pizza chain to campus.
Who's gonna' complain about that gift come November when dear old dad's credit card has been mysteriously cancelled???
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Spring potting tip
Hello, Devoted Diva Darlings ! Sorry for my absence here. Despair no more. The Diva Returns with a handy quick tip just in time for planting your annuals and gift-giving for Mother's Day.
Are you repeatedly confounded by those pesky drainage holes in the bottom of clay/terracotta pots? Me too! I am always trying to find a rock or broken pottery just the size to plug most of it, yet despite my best efforts, dirt ALWAYS finds a way to escape. Alas.
I just learned a solution that I'm implementing immediatemente -- use a coffee filter as a liner between the clay pot and your dirt containing your precious petunia (or darling daisy, or ... well, you get my drift).
Are you repeatedly confounded by those pesky drainage holes in the bottom of clay/terracotta pots? Me too! I am always trying to find a rock or broken pottery just the size to plug most of it, yet despite my best efforts, dirt ALWAYS finds a way to escape. Alas.
I just learned a solution that I'm implementing immediatemente -- use a coffee filter as a liner between the clay pot and your dirt containing your precious petunia (or darling daisy, or ... well, you get my drift).
Friday, September 11, 2009
Tooth Fairy Topics
My 6 year old has been losing teeth like crazy lately, so we have been having many a discussion on our new favorite unseen diva, the Tooth Fairy.
I didn't realize this was going to cause me to do so very much research, but being the generous spirit that I am, I'll share my findings with you.
1. Word has Tooth Fairy clip art. This has come in mighty handy what with all the note writing. Lordy, the Tooth Fairy is about to qualify for Pen Pal Status around here!
2. The Tooth Fairy is pretty much afraid of guard cats.
3. Her favorite color is pink. She writes her notes in pink ink.
4. If a nightlight isn't left on, she may opt to pass you by.
5. Sometimes the Tooth Fairy leaves things besides money. She has been known to leave books around here.
6. Some children are more sensitive than others to items under their pillows and wake up at 3 AM and when he stumbles across a word in the dark that he doesn't know, he thinks absolutely nothing about scampering down to wake up sleeping parents to decipher words in the DARK!
7. Most websites offering gifts from the Tooth Fairy are useless because they require you to think AHEAD of the time you will actually need a cool Tooth Fairy item. These sites also take FOREVER to ship once you outlay a boatload of cash. I'm not falling for that!
8. Pot-smoking Tree huggers write too many children's books, specifically on the topic of fairies. I have read the schmarmiest crap lately on this topic. I know all of these stupid stories to be completely untrue and unfounded! They're just trying to tap into the lucrative Tooth Fairy market share. Do not be fooled! Everybody in their right Diva minds knows that the Tooth Fairy collects teeth so she can make JEWELRY!!! DUH!!!!
The funniest thing I ran across, though was the letter for an older child. Here's the link: http://dentistry.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=dentistry&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fmonster-island.org%2Ftinashumor%2Fhumor%2Ftfairy.html
Some other decent information can be found at http://www.toothfairyletter.net/
Really, the main lesson grown ups can take from the Tooth Fairy is that childhood can be a magical, fun time for everyone ... only if we believe in the magic and help it happen.
I didn't realize this was going to cause me to do so very much research, but being the generous spirit that I am, I'll share my findings with you.
1. Word has Tooth Fairy clip art. This has come in mighty handy what with all the note writing. Lordy, the Tooth Fairy is about to qualify for Pen Pal Status around here!
2. The Tooth Fairy is pretty much afraid of guard cats.
3. Her favorite color is pink. She writes her notes in pink ink.
4. If a nightlight isn't left on, she may opt to pass you by.
5. Sometimes the Tooth Fairy leaves things besides money. She has been known to leave books around here.
6. Some children are more sensitive than others to items under their pillows and wake up at 3 AM and when he stumbles across a word in the dark that he doesn't know, he thinks absolutely nothing about scampering down to wake up sleeping parents to decipher words in the DARK!
7. Most websites offering gifts from the Tooth Fairy are useless because they require you to think AHEAD of the time you will actually need a cool Tooth Fairy item. These sites also take FOREVER to ship once you outlay a boatload of cash. I'm not falling for that!
8. Pot-smoking Tree huggers write too many children's books, specifically on the topic of fairies. I have read the schmarmiest crap lately on this topic. I know all of these stupid stories to be completely untrue and unfounded! They're just trying to tap into the lucrative Tooth Fairy market share. Do not be fooled! Everybody in their right Diva minds knows that the Tooth Fairy collects teeth so she can make JEWELRY!!! DUH!!!!
The funniest thing I ran across, though was the letter for an older child. Here's the link: http://dentistry.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=dentistry&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fmonster-island.org%2Ftinashumor%2Fhumor%2Ftfairy.html
Some other decent information can be found at http://www.toothfairyletter.net/
Really, the main lesson grown ups can take from the Tooth Fairy is that childhood can be a magical, fun time for everyone ... only if we believe in the magic and help it happen.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Postcard From the Kitchen
In living up to my moniker, Birmingham's Domestic Diva, I have been in the kitchen for about 3 weeks now cooking ... mostly sweets. Cooking for school meetings and family events. I'm almost done, but had to share something with you that I found in information from Publix.
Doncha' just hate it when the brown sugar gets stuck together and is about the consistency of a brick? To combat this problem, I have always just microwaved it for about 30 seconds a pop until it became workable again. Well, I found another approach ... which will work if you've got the time. Put the brown brick in a ziplock bag with a damp paper towel and leave it overnight.
Ok, my oven's beeping again. Gotta' run, Pumpkin. Later Gator!
Doncha' just hate it when the brown sugar gets stuck together and is about the consistency of a brick? To combat this problem, I have always just microwaved it for about 30 seconds a pop until it became workable again. Well, I found another approach ... which will work if you've got the time. Put the brown brick in a ziplock bag with a damp paper towel and leave it overnight.
Ok, my oven's beeping again. Gotta' run, Pumpkin. Later Gator!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Enough of this Health Care Reform Business, Let's Talk Turtles
You know, those thingies on tops of SUVs and minivans perched on roof racks. You put luggage in them because your car is packed to the hilt with kids' gaming / DVD equipment to entertain them the whole ride. Side Note: Who ever thought that The Highway Alphabet Game would be labeled as LAME?????
I write this at the suggestion of one of my darling diva sisters, who confided in me tonight, that she is a Turtle Virgin and was totally unsure of how to proceed with such car accessory things. As the big sister, I assured her and even waxed poetic about my soft-sided turtle and bungee cord configuration that allows plenty of legroom in my diva-mobile; admitted, truthfully, that the worst part of the turtle was getting MY suitcase up beyond the tail gate and into the protective coating of my turtle (no animals have been harmed in the filling of my turtle, but I have had to go to the massage therapist afterwards!); and gave her a list of places with automotive departments (I'm not certain she comprendo "automotive department") that would most likely carry these exterior luggage accessories. I even told her that mine was from K-Mart and cost all of about $75! I thought I'd hear the immediate faint tones of high heel shoes clicking towards the garage in a flurry of activity heading for the nearest automotive supply outlet. However, what I got was, "So, do you HAVE to have a roof rack in order to have a turtle?" Um, pretty much. But those, too, can be acquired either by factory installation or accessory add-on places.
I went into the benefits of soft sided (like mine = more flexible, can cram more stuff in them) and the con's = easy for some body builder to abscond with your belongings while stopping at Bate's House of Turkey. The hard sided turtles are basically the flip arguments of the above.
I was a little stunned to find that she had a trailer hitch installed on the back of her SUV ... especially since she's not that into doing her own construction and doesn't own a boat.
There are more options these days with the addition of trailer hitch accessory carriers.
So, dear readers, please weigh in on pros and cons of your turtle experiences. Feel free to post questions to the blog.
Happy motoring, Poodle!
I write this at the suggestion of one of my darling diva sisters, who confided in me tonight, that she is a Turtle Virgin and was totally unsure of how to proceed with such car accessory things. As the big sister, I assured her and even waxed poetic about my soft-sided turtle and bungee cord configuration that allows plenty of legroom in my diva-mobile; admitted, truthfully, that the worst part of the turtle was getting MY suitcase up beyond the tail gate and into the protective coating of my turtle (no animals have been harmed in the filling of my turtle, but I have had to go to the massage therapist afterwards!); and gave her a list of places with automotive departments (I'm not certain she comprendo "automotive department") that would most likely carry these exterior luggage accessories. I even told her that mine was from K-Mart and cost all of about $75! I thought I'd hear the immediate faint tones of high heel shoes clicking towards the garage in a flurry of activity heading for the nearest automotive supply outlet. However, what I got was, "So, do you HAVE to have a roof rack in order to have a turtle?" Um, pretty much. But those, too, can be acquired either by factory installation or accessory add-on places.
I went into the benefits of soft sided (like mine = more flexible, can cram more stuff in them) and the con's = easy for some body builder to abscond with your belongings while stopping at Bate's House of Turkey. The hard sided turtles are basically the flip arguments of the above.
I was a little stunned to find that she had a trailer hitch installed on the back of her SUV ... especially since she's not that into doing her own construction and doesn't own a boat.
There are more options these days with the addition of trailer hitch accessory carriers.
So, dear readers, please weigh in on pros and cons of your turtle experiences. Feel free to post questions to the blog.
Happy motoring, Poodle!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Another Product Rave
Over the course of writing this blog, I have touted the virtues of several cleaning products, specifically in regards to white baseball pants (insert curse to the man who came up with that idea for little boys here).
Several years ago in Lowe's, I came across a bottle of magic that really, really worked on my white tile and white grout. I know you'll be unfazed to learn that upon my return to Lowe's in search of more, it was no longer carried and the sales associates swore by some other product that was nowhere close to the magical substance.
Taaa-Daaa! I heart the Internet. It occurred to me one sleepless night not too long ago to search for it. Lo and behold! I found it ... and am passing it along to you. It's Finazzle. I love, love, love , love Finazzle White Grout cleaner. And am orbiting to learn that they have more products. PS Are NOT expensive.
I'll share:
http://www.finazzle.com/index.html
Finally, a word about not so many postings lately. My apologies again. It's baseball season and Jack-Jack's team has surprised this hardened baseball mom's initial predictions by actually staying alive in the machine pitch tournament ... helped tremendously by torrents of rain delaying the game for 48 hours and counting.
Several years ago in Lowe's, I came across a bottle of magic that really, really worked on my white tile and white grout. I know you'll be unfazed to learn that upon my return to Lowe's in search of more, it was no longer carried and the sales associates swore by some other product that was nowhere close to the magical substance.
Taaa-Daaa! I heart the Internet. It occurred to me one sleepless night not too long ago to search for it. Lo and behold! I found it ... and am passing it along to you. It's Finazzle. I love, love, love , love Finazzle White Grout cleaner. And am orbiting to learn that they have more products. PS Are NOT expensive.
I'll share:
http://www.finazzle.com/index.html
Finally, a word about not so many postings lately. My apologies again. It's baseball season and Jack-Jack's team has surprised this hardened baseball mom's initial predictions by actually staying alive in the machine pitch tournament ... helped tremendously by torrents of rain delaying the game for 48 hours and counting.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
More Susan the Songbird Musings
I am still delighted by Susan Boyle and am eagerly anticipating following her via You Tube. Naturally, I clicked on the People.com's teaser about her new look ... because any Susan junkie worth her weight knows that Susan has said she really doesn't want to change her look at all. She, of course, represents all of us with talent who somehow or another have chores that keep us from our blazing singing career. (Side note: Susan cared for her elderly parents. Not that that's necessarily a "chore", it happens to be quite time consuming).
What took me most by surprise is that the British Daily Mail was shocked to see Susan wearing pumps. Hello, boys!!! She was wearing pumps when she auditioned. While they were beige (a totally bland shoe color, Poodle), they were heels. WAKE UP! I noticed. Score her some points for matching her dress (bland, bland beige, but matched). BUT I predict this Song Diva will shortly diva-up her wardrobe. She's a girl with spunk and guts, after all!
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20274069,00.html
To echo Diva Janet's comment to the earlier post, I do hope that Susan comes to realize that plucking eyebrows is just maintenance, not so much a "change".
What took me most by surprise is that the British Daily Mail was shocked to see Susan wearing pumps. Hello, boys!!! She was wearing pumps when she auditioned. While they were beige (a totally bland shoe color, Poodle), they were heels. WAKE UP! I noticed. Score her some points for matching her dress (bland, bland beige, but matched). BUT I predict this Song Diva will shortly diva-up her wardrobe. She's a girl with spunk and guts, after all!
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20274069,00.html
To echo Diva Janet's comment to the earlier post, I do hope that Susan comes to realize that plucking eyebrows is just maintenance, not so much a "change".
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Dreaming the Dream
If you haven't seen Susan Boyle's stunning weekend performance on Britain's Got Talent by now, stop everything and take a look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnmbJzH93NU
This frizzy haired middle aged frumpy Scott is the most courageous person I have ever heard of. She had absolutely no reason to take this leap and audition in Glasgow for the show ... except she simply had nothing to lose. And look what she has gained!! Respect ... from all over the world.
Susan, you are a Diva!! I knew from the moment I saw your shoes as you walked on stage that you were a spunky girl! Your smile is radiant. I look forward to watching your transformation into the Gorgeous Creature you are destined to be. You are the celebrity that I want to watch!!! Eagerly tuning in ...
XOXO
The Main Dish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnmbJzH93NU
This frizzy haired middle aged frumpy Scott is the most courageous person I have ever heard of. She had absolutely no reason to take this leap and audition in Glasgow for the show ... except she simply had nothing to lose. And look what she has gained!! Respect ... from all over the world.
Susan, you are a Diva!! I knew from the moment I saw your shoes as you walked on stage that you were a spunky girl! Your smile is radiant. I look forward to watching your transformation into the Gorgeous Creature you are destined to be. You are the celebrity that I want to watch!!! Eagerly tuning in ...
XOXO
The Main Dish
Thursday, April 2, 2009
I have a theory
What if we're not really in an economic crisis? What if everyone's on Facebook and not getting their work done? Like, all across the globe. I think it's plausible. Thoughts?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Delicious Diva Gift Giving
I am compelled to share with you that DivAnn gave me such a wonderful birthday treat several weeks ago. I have not been able to stop thinking about it. She gave this diva CHOCOLATE BON-BONs as a birthday token. I must tell you ... it is so much easier to swallow a birthday when you have a bon-bon chaser.
Any other fantastic gift ideas you have gotten/given lately? Please share with the group. XOXO
Any other fantastic gift ideas you have gotten/given lately? Please share with the group. XOXO
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Luckily, the Irish like to Party
Parties have been coming at me full force these days (wedding, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a surprise birthday party compliments of The Main Squeeze and Katherine), so I've made a vow to be more proactive ... and be the one talking about and planning parties, therefore righting the universe back where it belongs. St. Patty's Day is next and I do love me some Irish partyin', Me Prince/ss, so I've come up with pure gold for you to get you started on your St. P's Par-tay.
If you're going all formal, start with the invitation. But seriously, how serious can you take a St. Patrick's Day party? It's all about green and beer - that's not a slight in any way, just the part that needs to be embraced. So, how about making new beer labels that you put on a beer bottle and deliver (cold, of course) to your intended guests. How fun is that?! Variations on this idea are handing out beer mugs with info inside (and bring the mug to the party to fill with green beer! You can find inexpensive mugs or frosted mugs at K-Mart) or shot glasses. Evites are my latest preferred mode of inviting folks and they have great Irish themes (http://www.evite.com/).
For decorations, you really don't have to do terribly much as your guests will be drinking and eventually won't care or remember what your decorations were. I suggest green and white balloons and fresh clover (available at supermarkets). I have noticed at the Dollar Store while picking up items for a child's school project that there are tons of things, including large felt Leprechaun hats in assorted varieties. If you want to get a little fancier, I suggest decorating with fresh flowers such as daisies, Bells of Ireland, Emerald Roses, white tulips, or white daffodils. Very shi-shi!
Your soon-to-be -intoxicated bunch need some sustenance, because as much as some people would like to think, you really can't live on beer alone (at least after college). I suggest nibbles and a meal to off-set the alcohol absorption. Start with green M&M's (won't you be the talk?!), guacamole, sugar cookies complete with green food coloring, and cupcakes with green and white icing.
Yet, we professionals realize that finger foods/ bar food doesn't do nearly as much as pure MEAT to absorb alcohol. To that end, I suggest a slow-cooked meat item you and your guests will adore. Please note this is NOT a last minute throw together as the meat must cook forever (but it is TOTALLY WORTH IT!).
Corned Beef and Cabbage
6 carrots, sliced (or baby carrots, but please use more than 6)
2 onions, chopped
2-3 lbs. corned beef brisket with seasoning
2 garlic cloves, minced (reduce if there is a lot of garlic in the seasoning pack that usually comes with the c.b. brisket)
a can of beer (See, your theme is in the meat!)
2 Tbsp. yellow mustard (you can use brown mustard, but it could compete with the seasonings that accompany the meat)
1/4 C. brown sugar
1 C. chicken stock
8 wedges of cabbage
Layer the veggies in the bottom of a 4-6 quart crock pot. Rinse the brisket under cold water. Dry with paper towels. Place meat in crock pot and cover with seasoning. Pour beer over, followed by a good mustard coating. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and water; then pour it over the brisket. Cover and cook on low for 11-12 hours. Remove meat and wrap in aluminum foil to keep it warm. Add cabbage wedges to the liquid and cook for about 30 minutes.
I suggest serving potatoes and apples as side dishes. Oh, and salad makes a great green side dish as well!
Besides your green and white frosted cupcakes, for the occasion of St. Patrick's Day, I suggest having a luscious dessert beverage .... Irish Cream, but of course!
1 C. light cream
1 14 oz. can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 2/3 C Irish Whiskey
1 tsp. Instant coffee (!)
2 Tbsp. Hershey's chocolate syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract
Combine all ingredients in a blender on high for about 30 seconds. Bottle and refrigerate. This will keep for a few months ... like it will last that long!
Busy Pumpkin, please note that these two centerpieces of your party use only two appliances/pots for cooking. Love that the clean up is minimal!
Your guests will think they've been transported to Glocca Mora after this scrumptious party and feast!
Wishing you much luck, my little Clover!
If you're going all formal, start with the invitation. But seriously, how serious can you take a St. Patrick's Day party? It's all about green and beer - that's not a slight in any way, just the part that needs to be embraced. So, how about making new beer labels that you put on a beer bottle and deliver (cold, of course) to your intended guests. How fun is that?! Variations on this idea are handing out beer mugs with info inside (and bring the mug to the party to fill with green beer! You can find inexpensive mugs or frosted mugs at K-Mart) or shot glasses. Evites are my latest preferred mode of inviting folks and they have great Irish themes (http://www.evite.com/).
For decorations, you really don't have to do terribly much as your guests will be drinking and eventually won't care or remember what your decorations were. I suggest green and white balloons and fresh clover (available at supermarkets). I have noticed at the Dollar Store while picking up items for a child's school project that there are tons of things, including large felt Leprechaun hats in assorted varieties. If you want to get a little fancier, I suggest decorating with fresh flowers such as daisies, Bells of Ireland, Emerald Roses, white tulips, or white daffodils. Very shi-shi!
Your soon-to-be -intoxicated bunch need some sustenance, because as much as some people would like to think, you really can't live on beer alone (at least after college). I suggest nibbles and a meal to off-set the alcohol absorption. Start with green M&M's (won't you be the talk?!), guacamole, sugar cookies complete with green food coloring, and cupcakes with green and white icing.
Yet, we professionals realize that finger foods/ bar food doesn't do nearly as much as pure MEAT to absorb alcohol. To that end, I suggest a slow-cooked meat item you and your guests will adore. Please note this is NOT a last minute throw together as the meat must cook forever (but it is TOTALLY WORTH IT!).
Corned Beef and Cabbage
6 carrots, sliced (or baby carrots, but please use more than 6)
2 onions, chopped
2-3 lbs. corned beef brisket with seasoning
2 garlic cloves, minced (reduce if there is a lot of garlic in the seasoning pack that usually comes with the c.b. brisket)
a can of beer (See, your theme is in the meat!)
2 Tbsp. yellow mustard (you can use brown mustard, but it could compete with the seasonings that accompany the meat)
1/4 C. brown sugar
1 C. chicken stock
8 wedges of cabbage
Layer the veggies in the bottom of a 4-6 quart crock pot. Rinse the brisket under cold water. Dry with paper towels. Place meat in crock pot and cover with seasoning. Pour beer over, followed by a good mustard coating. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and water; then pour it over the brisket. Cover and cook on low for 11-12 hours. Remove meat and wrap in aluminum foil to keep it warm. Add cabbage wedges to the liquid and cook for about 30 minutes.
I suggest serving potatoes and apples as side dishes. Oh, and salad makes a great green side dish as well!
Besides your green and white frosted cupcakes, for the occasion of St. Patrick's Day, I suggest having a luscious dessert beverage .... Irish Cream, but of course!
1 C. light cream
1 14 oz. can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 2/3 C Irish Whiskey
1 tsp. Instant coffee (!)
2 Tbsp. Hershey's chocolate syrup
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract
Combine all ingredients in a blender on high for about 30 seconds. Bottle and refrigerate. This will keep for a few months ... like it will last that long!
Busy Pumpkin, please note that these two centerpieces of your party use only two appliances/pots for cooking. Love that the clean up is minimal!
Your guests will think they've been transported to Glocca Mora after this scrumptious party and feast!
Wishing you much luck, my little Clover!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Trapped in a Cleaning Frenzy
I'm starting the New Year's off in my kids' closets. So far, it's been a Yard Bag of trash and a Yard Bag of donations per room. I haven't even gotten to my closet yet.... And the tree is still up... er ... all 4 trees are still up. The upshot of having Critically Ill Main Squeeze before Thanksgiving is that the live tree is still moist due to the fact that we acquired it later than usual. Silver linings abound.
Oh! And The Main Squeeze got his PICC line out before Christmas, so he is merry, hence so am I.
Regards from the battlefront, Poodle!
Oh! And The Main Squeeze got his PICC line out before Christmas, so he is merry, hence so am I.
Regards from the battlefront, Poodle!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Christmas Hints
Please feel free to look back to my Christmas postings from last year ... as I have been remiss a lot lately in my posting (excuses are: wedding that was beyond a nightmare due to Critically Ill Main Squeeze and the ensuing recovery and ensuing sinus infection that is raging behind my face). Nonetheless, I'm still thinking of you, my Sweet Poodle! And I had to pop in for a moment to share this reinforcement with you.
I have said for years on the radio and in person and in writing that men want the gift of gadget for Christmas (that, and lovin', but I digress). It is a tragic mistake for men to assume that their lovely diva wants the same type thing. Really, resist that thought pattern with all your might. I submit for your viewing pleasure the attached, which I can only hope was inspired by my lectures on this topic.
http://creativity-online.com/work/view?seed=5e32d548
Gentlemen, please take notes.
Alas, I must retire now to my steaming cup of whatever it is I cannot taste.
XOXO
Marjorie the Married Main Dish
I have said for years on the radio and in person and in writing that men want the gift of gadget for Christmas (that, and lovin', but I digress). It is a tragic mistake for men to assume that their lovely diva wants the same type thing. Really, resist that thought pattern with all your might. I submit for your viewing pleasure the attached, which I can only hope was inspired by my lectures on this topic.
http://creativity-online.com/work/view?seed=5e32d548
Gentlemen, please take notes.
Alas, I must retire now to my steaming cup of whatever it is I cannot taste.
XOXO
Marjorie the Married Main Dish
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Mental Note: Resist Spaghetti Day at Your Kid's Elementary School
When we moms get busy, we start to feel guilty about not paying enough attention to our kiddos. Personal reference: impending wedding (next week), heavy work load, normal never-ending amounts of laundry, etc. PLUS a child's birthday this week. So, one of our coping mechanisms to make our tots feel the mommy love is to go have lunch at the school when you can squeeze it into your mid-morning routine (yes, they eat lunch very early, which is why the afternoon snack is an essential MEAL).
I blatantly disregarded the lunch menu and was relieved that I could not only squeeze in lunch with one child, but both. Mine have the fortune of eating at 10:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., so I can get a visitor's pass and hang in the lunchroom for about 45 minutes and make BOTH boys feel like a million bucks. Sounds like the end of a little guilt, no?
So, it was Spaghetti Day. Let me just explain in as few words as possible how disgusting spaghetti + Kindergartners equals. I went to stand in line to get the unknown meal and my eyes rested on short noodles of spaghetti. I realized it was 10:45 and I was looking at spaghetti and felt terribly woozy. I managed to pass on lunch somehow and decided I'd just sit with the child(ren) and enjoy their precious company.
Once I got to the table with the Kindergarten class, the situation worsened. Despite wiping their faces kind of, the kids all took on an orange pallor. One kid I sat next to (not mine, thank God!), managed to get a small amount of sauce on his right ear (the side next to me, naturally). I thought at least twice I was about to have to run for a breath of fresh air.
Those sweet peas kept asking me if they could get me some iced tea. Really, I just couldn't imagine swallowing anything at that juncture. I must have looked a little green ... which certainly would have clashed with their bright, smiling, orange faces
Mercifully, their lunch time ended. When the 3 helpers in the class came to wipe down the tables, I had to flee. Really couldn't take that.
Nowhere was safe, though. I went to the second grade child's class table. Interesting dynamic in second grade: The girls realize that the boys eating habits leave a lot to be desired and split to the extent they're allowed what with the rule being that they HAVE to all sit as a class in a line of about 4 tables. There were 2 girls on one far end of the outermost table, 5 or so boys in the middle table (mine in the middle of this 3-ring circus, of course) lined up on one side so they have to lean over each other's food to talk to the ones on the outer edges, and the teacher and about 6 other children (notably the remaining girls) at the other far end table. Not catching on quickly and ever-hopeful that second grade would be less gross, I sat across from my child, who, again, was in the middle of the pack of boys .... ahem ... eating his green beans with his fingers. What a proud moment that was for me. Had it been night, I would have run out into it screaming my lungs out. Alas, it was not even noon.
The only improvement - and believe me, it was an improvement - was that their faces all seemed to have relatively normal tones. A small mercy.
While I managed to survive, I simply cannot close my eyes to sleep because Spaghetti Day at Elementary School flashes before me and my legs wobble and the rest of me feels totally shaky.
Please pass the Ambien.
I blatantly disregarded the lunch menu and was relieved that I could not only squeeze in lunch with one child, but both. Mine have the fortune of eating at 10:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., so I can get a visitor's pass and hang in the lunchroom for about 45 minutes and make BOTH boys feel like a million bucks. Sounds like the end of a little guilt, no?
So, it was Spaghetti Day. Let me just explain in as few words as possible how disgusting spaghetti + Kindergartners equals. I went to stand in line to get the unknown meal and my eyes rested on short noodles of spaghetti. I realized it was 10:45 and I was looking at spaghetti and felt terribly woozy. I managed to pass on lunch somehow and decided I'd just sit with the child(ren) and enjoy their precious company.
Once I got to the table with the Kindergarten class, the situation worsened. Despite wiping their faces kind of, the kids all took on an orange pallor. One kid I sat next to (not mine, thank God!), managed to get a small amount of sauce on his right ear (the side next to me, naturally). I thought at least twice I was about to have to run for a breath of fresh air.
Those sweet peas kept asking me if they could get me some iced tea. Really, I just couldn't imagine swallowing anything at that juncture. I must have looked a little green ... which certainly would have clashed with their bright, smiling, orange faces
Mercifully, their lunch time ended. When the 3 helpers in the class came to wipe down the tables, I had to flee. Really couldn't take that.
Nowhere was safe, though. I went to the second grade child's class table. Interesting dynamic in second grade: The girls realize that the boys eating habits leave a lot to be desired and split to the extent they're allowed what with the rule being that they HAVE to all sit as a class in a line of about 4 tables. There were 2 girls on one far end of the outermost table, 5 or so boys in the middle table (mine in the middle of this 3-ring circus, of course) lined up on one side so they have to lean over each other's food to talk to the ones on the outer edges, and the teacher and about 6 other children (notably the remaining girls) at the other far end table. Not catching on quickly and ever-hopeful that second grade would be less gross, I sat across from my child, who, again, was in the middle of the pack of boys .... ahem ... eating his green beans with his fingers. What a proud moment that was for me. Had it been night, I would have run out into it screaming my lungs out. Alas, it was not even noon.
The only improvement - and believe me, it was an improvement - was that their faces all seemed to have relatively normal tones. A small mercy.
While I managed to survive, I simply cannot close my eyes to sleep because Spaghetti Day at Elementary School flashes before me and my legs wobble and the rest of me feels totally shaky.
Please pass the Ambien.
Monday, October 13, 2008
It's Pumpkin Time, Pumpkin!
I know! I just LOVE pumpkins! And I use the word ... well .... liberally. They're just the most amazing things. The name is just so cute, n'est pas?
I promise to do more posting, Pumpkin. My topic will be Pumpkins. I apologize for the lapse in postings. It's just I'm about to get married to The Main Squeeze (SQUEAL!!!! IN A FEW WEEKS!!!!!!) and on top of all my work, the boys' soccer and fall baseball schedules, and my singing rehearsals (concert on Sunday), I've been a little remiss. My profuse apo-la-la-logies.
But it is fall and I do have a lot of info on pumpkins. I promise to share over the next few days.
XOXO~ MTMD
I promise to do more posting, Pumpkin. My topic will be Pumpkins. I apologize for the lapse in postings. It's just I'm about to get married to The Main Squeeze (SQUEAL!!!! IN A FEW WEEKS!!!!!!) and on top of all my work, the boys' soccer and fall baseball schedules, and my singing rehearsals (concert on Sunday), I've been a little remiss. My profuse apo-la-la-logies.
But it is fall and I do have a lot of info on pumpkins. I promise to share over the next few days.
XOXO~ MTMD
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Sarah theme continued
Frankly, I don't know what it is, but I just can't stop with the Sarah Palin topics. Oh well, here's another one for your perusal, Poodle.SPECIAL ALERT: Californians Turned Off By Wine With Remarkably Similar Name to a VEEP Hopeful
Is this news? I'm leaning towards "entertainment", which is the only reason I go anywhere close to politics.
Diva WineKnow put me on to this topic. Made me laugh. Check out this article on Fox.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/24/palin-syrah-wine-drinkers-balk-at-a-chilean-wine-with-hints-of-alaska/
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