DIY Cherry Pit Remover

Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day. I feel bad saying "Happy Mermorial Day. It just hits me wrong because people are mourning this day. However I understand the celebration. I am thankful for our service men and I pray for them and their families.

I will not be doing much celebrating today. Its a regular work day for me. However, when I get home, me and Nick plan to cook out some tuna steaks with trimmings and relax around the house.

Since it is a holiday and many will be cooking out, that means a lot of fruit salads and desserts will be made. Some of those will include cherries. Cherry is also my favorite flavor of anything sweet. Due to the expense, I dont get to purchase them much. To my happy suprise,They were on sale at Walmart this weekend so I bought a pound or so.
  


Before I head to work, I want to share with you this really cool idea of getting out of the pits, I mean getting pits out of your cherries. I cant take credit for this one because I actually found it online, I just can't remember where I seen it. 

First, you will need an old fork. Just a thin cheep one will do. You will also need some needle nose pliers.



Bend the two end pongs down. You now have that rock and roll sign going on.

Next, take the pliers and bend the tips of of the other two pongs, creating two tiny hooks.



Insert it in the cherry and find the seed.



And....Pop! You have a pitted cherry. Isnt this great?



Of course you may not like this idea because it takes all the fun out of eating them. Sort of like watermelon. Whats the fun of a seedless watermelon?

Spaghetti Squash What?

I was experimenting in the kitchen again. This one was a little crazy but it worked,

If you have been following me, you know I finally got a waffle maker. Incase you missed it, you can read the post here.
I know for a fact the sweet buttermilk waffles are not the only thing you can make in this little food cooker. Waffle is no longer just a food, its now a form. Ive made all kinds of stuff in this thing but im fixing to show you my latest.

Im always looking for new ways eat my vegetables because im not a big veggie eater. If its raw, I have to drown it in dip and if they are cooked, they need lots of seasoning in which im trying to learn to stay away from too. 

But anyway, back to the new experiment. Hold onto your hats because this one might blow your mind. 

I made speghetti Squash Waffles! Yes I did! 


I normally replace my spaghetti noodles with this squash and top it with meatballs, but this time, I turned squash into waffles and topped it with my Nutrisystem Hickory Smoked Beef Patty and cheese. Garnishing included some Cilantro, tomato, onions and taziki sauce. It was pretty good actually.


How I did it:
Cook squash and shell it from the skin. There are instructions for that all over the internet.
In a bowl, mix a cup of spagehetti squash with one egg. Add some seasoning of your choice and cook in waffle iron for about 3 minutes.
This can replace bread or use a veggie side dish. 

Other things tried in the waffle iron include:
Banana/egg waffles
Muffin mix waffles
Cornbread waffles
Brownie mix waffles
Grilled cheese waffle sandwich
French toast waffles
Oatmeal/egg waffles
Omlet waffles
And now, spaghetti squash

Cool huh?



Malapropism

Malapropism- When you use an incorrect word in the place of the correct word that sounds the same.

I was commenting on my friend Jacks blog the other day when he found a bank name that struck him as funny on one of his travels. Though he didn't commit malapropism, the comment I made however did and it gave me the idea for today's post . "Don't worry Jack, sammich was used correctly". 

Unless you are some English speaking professional super hero, you have probably embarrassed yourself by using the wrong word at one time or another. 

Here are my own personal experiences of Malapropism:

I'm at work and tell the boss, "I pacifically told everyone to make sure to add their time at the end if the day". I say this all the time. I guess because the beach is on my mind. "Pacific" has to do with the ocean. The correct word I should use is "specifically". 

At a family picnic (not long ago either). I yell, "That bug has long testicles". Husband whispers in my ear, "its not testicles, its "tentacles". Dooouhh!


For years, I would refer to the bank down the road as Fertilty Bank. My Husband, bless his heart, had to correct me again " Its called "Fidelity Bank". Duuh.

and here's one I'll never forget and may have even mentioned this one before but.....
I while back I was having a conversation with a man about allergies. Serious as everything, I said. "Oh I can not live with out my Viagra......Silence filled the room. Hand hits forehead, "I meant, I cant live without my Allegra"! bahahah. Okay, so this is not really the same sounding words but I'm going with it. 

I always get confused with the two words "affect and effect".
Affect is a verb and effect is a noun.

Need I go on? There Is never a dull moment with me. It's just honest innocence.

OK smarties, your turn, Just go ahead and put it out there. What are some embarrassing use of words that you or someone you know has used wrongly? You will not be judged, This is just for fun. 



Crochet Halter

Looking around the mall the other day, I seen lots of different style halters, but what struck me was that most of them were crochet. My mind started spinning. "Could I pull this off?" I didnt really give it much more thought after that. Until...

My daughter asked if I can crochet her a halter for the beach. "Oh I dont think so. Ill try, but hmmm, I really doubt it".

I began searching online for a crochet halter pattern. I found a simple one to try. I went out to buy some yarn. My daughter wanted one made with cotton yarn but I bought some cheap acrylic to practice with. As simple as it looked (basically just a triangle) I just couldnt do it without her here to measure as I went along. I text her and told her "sorry but I just cant make one" Ill have to stick with baby hats and coffee cozys.

Then a thought struck. I seen a photo online that gave me an idea. "A Granny Square Halter". It was cute but had no pattern. How hard can this be? First I had to learn how to make a granny square and I did find instructions for that. Made five, sewed them together and added fringe.

Wah lah!.....    
              

I did it!


Its not perfect but its not too bad being my first attempt if I should say so myself.
Im quite proud of this piece.
Im going to let my daughter have it as a trial. Maybe she will like it, maybe not. If she likes it, then I may go out and buy some cotton yarn and whip up another one for her. If she doesnt like it, then I only wasted a few dollars but gained some confidence.

UPDATE: Though its not real Dad approved, my daughter wears it alot!



Ive shared this at:
eyeloveknots.blogspot.com

Recipe Complainer-An Open Letter

It's another rainy day as I grab my coffee and pancakes and head to the table to eat breakfast. This is pretty much my everyday routine except the pancake part. It's usually a lighter choice but its Sunday and I don't want my belly growling in church. Good excuse for pancakes huh?

As I was reading and catching up on the hated FaceBook, I came across a post by a lady in her 7teens. She was ranting about how she didnt want to see anyone sharing any of the recipes you see alot of now on facebook. She states how they really are not good like her old fashion cooking that shes been doing since she was a child. She goes on about how they should only be posted if you actually try them. I get what shes saying but it sort of struck a nerve.

Dear recipe complainer:
     
     While I agree with you on how much better the old fashion cooking is, I also know how times have changed. The world moves alot faster now days. Unfortunatly, a lot of women work and no longer have time to prepare a home cooked meal, much less a dessert. There are more kids going to college now and less are relying on Mom for a home cooked meal. Again, looking for a quick way out.
These recipes are aimed at these people. Most people are looking for a quick, inexpensive fix for a meal. If they can use can biscuits to make cinnimon rolls, or pizza crust, they will do it. 
They are also looking for "more healthy" alternatives such as replacing fat milk with yogurt. 
Everyone is trying to stay healthy, eat lighter and stay more active. Sadly, this often requires short cuts. 
People are also trying to avoid a lot of cooking in greasy fats and meal. This is most likley due to the expense of doctor visits and insurance now days. No one can afford to be unhealthy. 
I know nothing beats grandmaws, made from scratch chocolate cake, but If I can get half the flavor in a black bean brownie, I'll go for it. 
For the record, I would never turn down a home cooked meal like moms or how I wish I could have one more bite of grandmaws strawberry cake.
Now, If you don't want to see the recipes on your facebook news feeds, then there is a setting for that. Meanwhile, be sure to post a photo of you famous cake because Im sure your recipe is a secret.

Sincerly

Coffee Can Recycle

First let me just say, I am not a hoarder. I hate junk or any mixed matched dishes and such laying around my house.

However, I did start saving these coffee cans for the soul purpose of trying this craft I found online. So here goes.

                           

I have a slew of these cans. Not really "cans", but plastic coffee containers. I only needed about four. Ok ok ! I hoarded them! They are hidden in closets and coolers everwhere!!! Ill get rid of them this weekend and only keep these four. Arent they cute?

                      

See what I did there?

Folgers have holiday templates you can print to decorate your coffee can and use them to fill with cookies and give to friends. Cool huh?

Well, I went a step further and used a template to trace out my own using a patterned paper of my choice. See the little vintage bikes? Then I glued them into place and coated them with Modpodge (basically just glue).

My plan now is to organize my pantry and use these to hold my flour, sugar and cornmeal. I'm not sure how air tight they really are but it beats the clothes pins I use on them now. I mean, It keeps the coffee fresh and in case your wondering if I drink this much coffee...

Maybe.

Between three of us, we go through one of these size containers a month. We make and waste a lot too. 

Curious on other ways to decorate these cans, containers, or whatever you call them? Here's a few of my favorites.

Bag holder- mompinspiration ( I actually do this too)

Labeled Canisters-kelliskitchen 

Bird house-instructables 

and in case you just got to poop in the woods....

The ever so clever Toilet Paper container- fieldandstream







New Toy for me

haven't been really busy in the blogging world the past few days because I have been tinkering with a new toy im fixing to tell you about, but first I'd like to thank you all for the birthday wishes that poured in. I had a great birthday. My daughter spent the weekend with us as we took a small beach trip. For my birthday, she gave me an Alex and Ani bracelet to add to my collection and a really cool beach shirt to wear over my bathing suit. Im excited beyond words for these precious meaningful gifts.

Now let me tell you about my new toy. I have been blogging and surfing the web from a little 3g netbook. It worked just fine but It was slow sometimes, so I wanted something more "up to date". I have been in a pickle trying to decide if I wanted a new lap top, a 2in1 tablet, a galaxy or an ipad. I finally decided on an ipad since I already have an iphone. I figured I'd be more familar with how it works.

Once my mind was made up, I started saving. In two months, I had saved a hundred dollars. Ha! At that rate, I'd be lucky to have enough saved by Fall. I give thanks to my health insurance cost for that, which breaks me each month. 
Well guess what, My sweet husband got me an iPad pro for my birthday. Im so thankful but also feel quilty that he did this. I feel so spoiled. He will be getting kisses for a long time. Ha.

So, basically this is a practice post. Im using the blogger app. Im hoping it all lines up right. Sure beats blogging from my iphone which I do sometimes. On this iPad, the on-screen keyboard is large and the screen is pleasant on my eyes.

I still have to play around with it a bit more to make sure I have all the settings and apps I want.
This will be my new "go to" for blogging and photos in the future. 

Im ending it here as I have no idea what else to say as my mind is frizzled. 

Forty-Seven

Today is my birthday. I'm am now officially in my later forties. Upper forties, whatever. I still have three more years left before I'm back in my thirties again. I'll enjoy my forties while I can.

I remember growing up with Shrinky Dinks, Hippity hops and view master.
We played outside in the dirt, dug for crawdads in the creek and we lived.
There was silly puty, slinky and the big wheel.
We could play for hours with jack rocks, batons and romper stompers.


Phones used to have cords and beepers were cool.
We had TV with only 4 channels and Captain Kangaroo was my favorite morning show.
I remember when HBO first came about
and I know the connection between Aluminum foil and the TV antenna.
We didn't have a wi fi but we had a Hi fi.

Speaking of birthday,
We came back from the beach on Sunday, and Mom had a birthday dinner for the family that evening. Yep, the whole family. There is four of us with birthdays in May. It's like having Christmas. We grilled steaks.

Mom is the best. She always asks us each to choose a dessert and she will make it. We all put in our request and yes, you guessed it. Four desserts all together!


My request was for a Cherry Tart with thick crust.


 Mom always made the best cherry tarts with homemade crust that consist of gram crackers and nuts and stuff. My brother always requests a dump cake and my sister and dad, like me, have a different request each time.

Its back to work today. I'm sure my husband has a nice dinner planned for me when I get home as I can rest from such a busy weekend and enjoy some quality time with him. ....and more cake.


friggatriskaidekaphobia

It's Friday the 13th!


There will be only one of them this year. People will be getting all bent out of shape fearing something bad is gonna happen or bad luck will be upon them today.

If you are one of these people then you suffer from friggatriskaidekaphobia: Fear of Friday the 13th. Yes that is a word I found on the web today. I could never just make it up, much less spell it.
Frigga: The name of the Norse Goddess for whom Friday was named
and Triskaidekaphobia: Fear of the number 13.

Did you know that over 20 million people have this? Most will avoid any normal routine and stay in there homes. Many buildings will not have a 13th floor and a lot of airports do not have a 13th gate. Crazy, isn't it?
Ever since the 14th century this day has been considered unlucky. It has even been said Jesus that was crucified on a Friday. I don't know.

Well, I am not a superstitious person, I do not believe things happen or don't happen by luck. I think superstitious things happen to superstitious people. 

Bad things happen to people everyday. But if it happens on Friday 13th, then they automatically blame it on the date. I kid around about it being Friday the 13th but I do not believe in all the hoax and rumors! Its just another day and its going to be a great day. I actually have the day off at work, (It may be a bad day for the office, Ha!) . In fact I'm traveling today to a wedding. 

So, All you with friggatriskaidekaphobia, lighten up.

Leave a comment on how you feel about Fridays and thirteens. This could be interesting.

Wedding On the Beach

I had a great excuse to take off to the coast this weekend. My niece just had her wedding on the sand. I don't think it can get any better than that.

My husband, daughter and I headed down Friday morning so we could get the camper hooked up and ready to enjoy some time together. Saturday we ventured out for a long walk around the campground and down the beach. After lunch we settled down in our beach chairs to soak up some sun before having to get cleaned up and dressed. We headed about a mile down the coast for the wedding.

It was a small wedding with limited guest. Those kind to me are the best. "Sweet and simple with her little daughter by her side as it was her special day too. The weather was perfect as the sun was beginning to set in a comfortable 80 degree temperature. Rain was in the forecast but stayed away, keeping it a perfect beach wedding day. 


We didn't need seating as we all just stood in the sand for the short ceremony. Beach walkers would stop as they passed by to view this special moment.

After the wedding, while the bride and groom had photos taken, guest headed to a sheltered area for drinks and appetizers. Fancy people call it h'orderves, I call it food.

After pictures were taken, the bride and groom made their entrance as Mr. and MRs.
There was plenty of cake, BBQ and dancing to end the night. 


I wish them forever happiness as they begin their journey as a little family of three. I hope they can make it a family of four before long [wink wink].

Congratulations B,B & G

O.C.D.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions), or behaviors that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions).


I seriously think we all have some Obsessive Compulsive Problem but for it to be called a Disorder, It has to take over our daily lives which a lot people really do have this Disorder. I think there is a fine line on whether or not it is a disorder or just a problem or anxiety someone has.

I thought it would be fun to come up with a list I could put in this category of my Idea of my own OCD.

1. Art or pictures that hang crocked- Even the slightest off set drives me crazy to the point if I can, I will fix it.

2. Toilet paper has to roll off the front.- I will turn it around if I see it. And if its in a public locked dispenser, I cant look at it but a second..

3. Pillows on the bed or couch have to be in order- They either have to be really messed up or perfectly placed. Half straight half messed, will not work for me.

4. My fitBit- I look at my step count or miles and I want it to always end on an even number. If I come in from a walk and it shows I've walked 4.89 miles, I have to go back out or walk around the table to hit that even 5 miles. I know it continues counting through out but I hate to be so close to an even and not step it up.

5. At the gas pump- It has to stop on an even dollar amount, no cents or I'll at least run it up to the 50 cent and sometimes this becomes a challenge.

6. Computer Programs and apps have to be closed- I open and close all sites and programs I look at. I will only minimize them if I am using them at the time with another program. I want my computer desktop and tray clean with nothing and only the icons that I use everyday.

7. Text messages and emails- Once read, they are either saved to a folder, or deleted. Again, I like a clean slate.

8. I like to write on paper- but if I mess up one word, The paper goes into a ball, throw it away and start all over. This goes for grocery list, notes, reminders, etc.

9. Blogging- I know a lot of my comments have misspelled words in them and it literally drives me crazy! I can't delete it because it will say "comment deleted" and that is worst. I don't usually see the mistake until I hit save, no matter how much I try to proof it before I send it. I'm always fixing stuff on my posts too.

10. Sports bottles- My thumb immediately finds its "spot" and my sipper spout has to be lined up to accommodate it. If its a travel cup with a handle, the sipper has to be lined up just right on that too.

12. When eating colored candy- Such as M&Ms, Skittles, Ike & Mikes, etc., I eat all of one color before starting on the next color.

13. When eating cakes and pies: I have to keep it even, This could cause me to eat the whole thing. ...
ok, this is true but also works for a great excuse to have one more bite!

14. Every thing has to be lined up even. If its a stack of papers or envelopes, they have to be even.

15. Pens in my pen holder either all have to be pointing up or all have to be pointing down.

16. Here is one from my Husband...When counting money. All the bills have to be face up and all facing the same way. I'm not sure why this has never bothered myself.

Oh I could go on. There are so many little things that drive me crazy.

Your turn...What about you. I'd love to hear some of yours. So leave me a comment or two telling me what your OCD is.

Note: This is just for fun and I realize real OCD is a serious condition and many really do suffer from.

Cinco De Mayo!

Happy Cinco De Mayo everyone! 

Have you ever wondered what this holiday is really about besides an excuse to go out and get a margarita? Well, here are some facts I found out.
  • May 5th-Cinco De Mayo, is a Mexican Holiday celebrating the Battle of Puebla which took place on May 5, 1862 against a big and powerful French army where Mexico won a huge victory.
  • Americans have often thought May 5th was Mexican Independence Day. That is not true. Cinco De Mayo is a big deal in Puebla where the famous battle took place, and it's a national holiday, but it really isn't as important as most people think. September 16, is actually Mexican Independence Day, and is a much more important holiday in Mexico.
  • Cinco De Mayo is celebrated more in the United States of America, by Mexicans and Americans alike, than it is in Mexico.  It’s a fun holiday. Its has seemed to be more about celebrating the Mexican way of life than about remembering a battle which happened 150 years ago. It is sometimes referred to as a “Mexican St. Patrick’s Day.” In the USA.
  • Cinco De Mayo is not the same as the Day of the Dead as most think. Day of the Dead is November 1st. The day after Americans celebrate Halloween.
So, put on your sombrero, get yourself a Mexican meal and a margarita and celebrate! Meanwhile I will share this pico de gallo recipe with you. Cut up as little or much as you want. It can be added to salsa or a top your favorite Mexican dish.

It's one of my favorite Mexican sides!
Pico de gallo


diced tomato
diced onion
chopped fresh Cilantro
minced garlic clove 
finely chopped seeded Jalapeno 
salt and pepper.
Mix all this together and you have a great topping for any dish.

Enjoy!

Fun With Nutrisystem Foods

So I have been on the Nutrisystem diet now for almost a year and a half. I reached my goal in 5 months but kept going. I have been sitting on a 50 lbs loss for A while now.. I plan to keep it around that number. I weigh 118 lbs now. I want to keep my weight around 120. I'm having fun with this size as I don't struggle to fit into the cute clothes.

But like I said, I still eat Nutrisystem to keep me maintained but I add in a little more snacks so I don't keep loosing weight. Thought I'd never say that!

I never ordered the frozen foods available due to my budget but I don't think I miss anything being that the shelf foods are great even including hamburger meat. 

Along the way I have experimented and played with the foods so I don't get bored. Keep in mind that your suppose to add in veggies and protein snacks with this plan so I'm going to share some of my experiments....... The ones I captured before I ate!   Enjoy....

Egg in a Bagel
Nutrisystem Bagel- Using a cookie cutter or knife, I cut a hole in the center of the bagel, placed it in a fry pan sprayed with cooking spray and poured one beaten egg in the center and sprinkled with lite cheese (optional). Flipping once.
=1 meal + 1 power fuel.

Frozen Yogurt Sandwich
Nutrisystem Cookies- Crush cookies and press 1/2 into the bottom of a small remkin or mug. Add any flavor yogurt. Add remaining cookies to top and pat it a little. Freeze. Pop it out of the bowl and eat. Yum.
= 1 snack + 1 power fuel

Crab Cakes
Nutrisystem Mashed Potatoes- Cook potatoes as directed. Add in chopped crab meat, some old bay seasoning and chopped onions. Form into patties and fry in a cooking sprayed pan. Delicio!
= 1 meal + 1 Power fuel + 1 veggie

Banana Pudding
Nutrisystem Cookies- Crush cookies and press into the bottom of a remkin or mug. Add prepared sugar free banana pudding. Layer with bananas. Chill and eat.
= 1 snack + 1 smart carb + 1 extra

Spagetti and Meatballs
Nutrisystem Meatballs- Simply apply to the top of cooked spaghetti squash. Amore'!
= 1 meal + 1 veggie

Oh here's a good one!!!!!
Oatmeal Waffles
Nutrisystem Oatmeal- Put oatmeal in food processor and chop until fine. Add in one egg, Approx 1/4 cup milk (2% for me). Mix and add to waffle maker. (You can turn them into pancakes just the same). Top with spray butter and sugar free syrup.
OMG!
=1 meal + 2 power fuels + 2 extras

Stuffed Peppers
Nutrisystem Hickory Smoked Beef Patty- Cook patty as directed. Cut and stuff into mini peppers. Sprinkle with cheese (optional) and place in toaster oven until pepper is hot.  What? Yes, I just skipped the bread!
=1 meal + Veggies

There you go. A few ideas. They all fit into the diet and a joy to eat.

Meanwhile, I plan to continue with Nutrisystem following the transition plans. They say if you can keep the weight off for a year then you pretty much got yourself under control. Lets hope.

I Still haven't had a Krispy Kreme doughnut in 17 Months and counting!!!! That's some control if you ask me.

Thanks for all the support from everyone especially my husband, daughter, parents, many church members, my besties Anne, Edwina and Robin. My Blogging Family. Nutrisystem Friends, My fitness Pals, And my FitBit buddies. Yall are always giving me the encouragement and complements I need to keep going. 

Twenty Two

Twenty Two- That's how old I was when I met the man of my dreams.

I needed the brakes fixed on my car. I knew exactly where to take it. There was this familiar face. He was so handsome with his dark brown eyes, a beard the color of dark chocolate and skin the color of a sun kissed tan.

I had seen him before in the places I worked and places I had been. We somehow would always cross paths. Never saying a word, we spoke with our eyes as we walked by each other. We knew where each other worked, went to church, the car each drove and almost where each other lived. I guess we were stalkers. ha! Ok, I knew where he lived by accident...Ok, not by accident YES I figured it out from seeing him turn into a road one day. Don't judge.

He was the most handsome man I had ever met. It was love at first sight. We exchanged numbers that day he fixed my brakes (and my heart).

Twenty Two - Was the date one September that we began dating.

I knew he was the one. However, I was so afraid I was not the one for him. Would he be like all the others and eventually go away?  I had a wall around me. I was timid and scared. He never let go as I grew to trust him and realized he was going to be here with me forever. We fell in love.

Twenty Two- Years ago today, we married.

It was a small wedding held right after Sunday service with a small family dinner that followed. Nothing fancy but everything sweet. My mom made my wedding gown and the cake. His mom hosted the dinner. Because of our work schedules, we didn't take a honeymoon until the next weekend. It was to the beach of course.

It has been the best years of my life.  We do everything together except while we are at work. We have struggled to make ends meet and have worked hard for everything we have. We did it all together. We have never spent a single night away from each other. Any time with friends are spent during normal hours. There is no other person I'd rather be around. He is my best friend. We can talk to each other about anything and everything. We spend a lot of quality time together and never get tired of each others company. This man still makes my heart flutter and I can hardly wait to see him each day after I leave the office.

Every day I fall deeper in love with him. I have no doubt he loves me too. He shows it unconditionally. Did I mention he randomly sends me sweet texts throughout the day just let me know hes thinking of me and loves me? He has even said he would marry me again. So, one day we plan to do it again in our favorite place. It will be a while. We don't want to rush into anything. haha.

Tonight we will celebrate our 22nd anniversary with a nice dinner and more special moments. I love this man more everyday!!

Happy Anniversary to my handsome Italian :)


"Its not by two people being strong at the same time, its taking turns being strong when the other is weak".
"A marriage will work if you let God lead it"
"Spend as much time together as you can"
"Never go to bed angry and always make the last words you say be "I Love You".