Melted Moon Pie

I try so hard to refrain myself from eating a lot of sweets. I've finally taken control of those craving. 
But sometimes we all just need a little something to hold us over that's not full of calories. We all get a sweet tooth every now and again.


Well, there is a quick fix to a sweet tooth. A Moon Pie! Its cheap, only 152 calories (for a mini) and you can find them in a variety of flavors.!
I have never liked Moon Pies until my husband suggested I put one in the microwave and, wah la! after about 15 seconds, the cookie was soft, and the chocolate marshmallow goodness was melted and ooey gooey.

Chocolate is best if you like chocolate cake.
If you like banana pudding, then try it with a banana flavored Moon Pie and it taste just like warm banana pudding.
Give it a little extra sweetness by adding some whip cream to the top.

And don't forget the RC Cola

Source 

Bisquick Mug Cake

Believe it or not, Im still on the Nutrisystem diet. I have been doing the "weekends on my own plan" for a few months. That's where I eat my own foods on the weekends while eating Nutrisystem during the week. I do good with that. But here is the problem. I delayed my order for a few weeks and this is what happens.


I run out of the desserts and I dig around the kitchen for something else to snack on. I really look forward to sitting down after my evening shower to a nice piece of chocolate cake, or fudge brownie. I never miss that part of the meal plan. The other meals are no problem, I will replace them sometimes with my own foods that are equivalent.

I cleaned the kitchen from dinner, crocheted some then went on with my normal routine. After my shower I told my husband, "I'll be in the kitchen playing around". I wanted to experiment on making another single dessert. I use these for snacks or weekend breakfast.

I looked in the pantry and noticed a box of Bisquick. I decided to go with the pancake recipe but change it up a bit and make it small enough to satisfy one. You may think I only think of myself when I do these but I always offer my husband the first bite and will make him one if he wants it.


I get all the credit for this one. I didn't go by any recipe or online ideas. I just guessed at the measurements and had no idea if it would even cook in a microwave. I figured I'd have to play around to get it right, but I aced it the first time. It didn't need less or more of anything. It was perfect. I actually surprised myself. Basically, I replaced the cup measures for Tablespoon measures.


I'm so excited how this cake turned out that I'm going to share it with you now.
I'm not really sure if its considered a pancake or a muffin. It wasn't cooked in a pan so its not a pancake, it was cooked in a mug so it a mug cake.
Get it?
OK, on to the recipe.

First grab a mug or ramekin and add all the ingredients. No need to grease it.

Bisquick Mug Cake

  • 4 Tablespoons Bisquick
  • 1 Teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 Tablespoons Milk ( I used 2%)
  • 2 Tablespoons liquid egg (I used "Egg Beaters" brand)

Mix well
Place in microwave for 1 minute 20 seconds.
Top with syrup and enjoy. (I used sugar free syrup)

This meal is perfect for breakfast or snack.

ONLY 168 Calories!!!!!!!!


After I ate this, I went to my Nutrisystem account and set my next food shipment to arrive early next week. Their foods satisfy me to where I do not want to snack like this all the time. Seriously. I want to eat all day long!

For the record: I've kept my weight way below my goal.

Oh Windy Day

If you live anywhere on the right side of the map, you have probably experienced lots of wind in the past couple days.

I'm not complaining because I love storms. Sitting at the table enjoying my banana nut muffin and omelet, I can see the clouds rushing past the window. Its dark and stormy looking and my phone is alerting me there are tornado warnings in my area. 

The weather is warm at 57 degrees. The wind is high. I close my eyes and the wind sounds likes ocean waves pounding the beach. My mind drifts away. Do I really have to go back to work?


There are a couple of trees across the road that look as if they can blow down any minute and wipe out the power. The limbs fall to the road like spears of a Spartan. Remarkably, they stand tall and strong despite what mother nature throws at them. 

Between the clouds and bursts of wind the sun shines bright and rainbows appear. This is expected to go on another day. So far no tornado but the clouds look mean.

Where Are My Rights?

I usually refrain from writing anything negative or controversial, but I just want to get a few things off my chest.

I come home from a hard days work, turn on the TV and instead of a good Andy Griffith show playing, its usually the news. The latest news here in the Charlotte area is they just passed a rule that men can use women bathrooms and women can use the men's.


Why? Because its their right. OK, if your confused weather your a man or a woman, that's your problem. If your gay, well that's not one of my sins but your own sins, and for the record, It doesn't make me like you any more or less. It is what it is. You can be what ever you want to be, but when it comes to me having to share a woman's bathroom or shower house with a man, that steps on my toes. Where are my rights here? Hello! Can I not just be a private woman knowing I'm in a place where we all have the same anatomy? So that's that.

Now, lets move on to the shopping places and restaurants. Supposedly if you have a problem, you can find a dog to help you with that problem and you have the right to take it anywhere with you. Just slap on one of those vest on it and your problem is solved. Where are my rights here? I don't want a dog sniffing at me while I'm searching for new clothes or eating a cheeseburger. If I smell a dog while i'm eating, I loose my appetite. I don't care how much you try to convince me that your dog is clean. They don't wear underwear!


What about those (like my daughter) that when a dog is around, it triggers an episode of allergies that's just unreal.
I seen a dog in a grocery cart before. Really? I put my food in there! Someone who knows i'm like this, told me I must hate dogs. No! I love dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, etc. But that's how the world sees people if they don't agree on something. Always throwing in the word hate. Sad.

One more thing, smoking. So they have banned smoking around here in public places. Except my office! I do not smoke but the employees here do. Again, where are my rights? I'm out numbered. They do not respect or take in consideration that I want to have healthy lungs and rather not go home smelling like a tobacco factory.


I'm used to it though. Just like the other crazy things happening in the world today, Ill just get used to it. I don't have to like it.

But hey, at least I still have my own bathroom here.

Mexican Bakery

It was Sunday morning. My daughter was home for the weekend and we decided this time to skip church, sleep in, and have a nice relaxing breakfast without having to rush around getting dressed

When the afternoon rolled around, we decided to head out for some thrift store shopping and chinese takeout. Right beside the chinese restraunt we spotted a Mexican bakery, it was just a small hole in the wall type place with a tiny "open" sign on the window. It was nothing fancy and sorta run down. This spot has been empty for some time and aparently it was not important to them to make it attractive.


The smell of fresh bread and sweet pastry filled the air. As we walked in, We were in awe. Everything was giant size! 


My mind drifted away from the torn carpet and crumb dirty pastry stands. The baker gave us a tray and a set of tongs, then told us everything was only 90 cent each. Wow, now I didnt even notice the dirty windows. 

It was a hard decission but we only chose four different items. We had no idea what anything was called and really didnt care. It all looked amazing. We grabbed our bakery bag of goodies then headed next door to pick up our chinese food we had ordered. 

Once home we had to try a bite of each item as it was all very fresh and tasty.


I'm not sure what the Mexian word for this is, but in the south, we call it a cherry turnover. 

 
I will have to make another visit soon. This can be dangerous for my diet as its only three miles from my home.

Adiós

Freedom Flyer

If you will notice as you drive around, many homes built in the 60,s and 70,s will have a symbol of the bald eagle over top of the garage or front doors.

When we moved into our home umpteen years ago, I remember it having one of those eagles soaring over the carport. I remember saying "that's gotta go". I came home from work the next day and of course, it was gone. My husband had taken it down. It needed to come down anyway because we had to paint and add some new siding. 

Have you ever wondered what the meaning behind this decoration was? I did, so I had to go on a search and find out what it means. I never really noticed them until mine was removed.
It's called a "Freedom Flyer".

This was a decorative way home owners showed their patriotism. It was also a sign of freedom from mortgage payments. If one these homes had an eagle hanging above the door, it meant their home was paid for and they were free from house payments. Interesting huh?

I think we still have our eagle put away. Not sure I would ever want it hung back on my house again but I sort of want to keep it now. Who knows, the style may come back.

Do you know anymore history behind this freedom flyer? If so, please share.

Green Smoothie

If you think your having deja vu, you are. This is a rewrite of an old post. Enjoy.

I was able eat a whole cup of raw spinach and didn't even taste it! Really!

HOW? I added fruit and drank it!!


There has been a lot of blogging and pinning about the green "monster" smoothie and since eating healthier is on my agenda, I figured I'd give it a shot.

Studies have shown that eating green leafy vegetables such as spinach may slow the age-related decline in brain function. Hey, I really need this!


Spinach is an excellent source of Vitamins K, A, C, B2, E, B6, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, protein and zinc

There are many different ways to make this pretty green colored smoothie but they all consist of leafy greens and fruits and all claimed to be delicious. You can add any kind of fruit such as pineapple, peaches, mango, banana, and apples with the spinach.

If you add dark fruits, it will not be so green but maybe purplish. either way, I promise you will NOT taste the spinach at all but you still get all the nutrients from it. This is a good idea if you have kids that will not eat there veggies!

Here is how I did mine:
1 hand full of raw baby spinach
1 small frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen peach slices
6 oz of non-fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup 2% milk
drop of honey
Makes 16 oz = 300 calories
For a more healthy, lower calorie and lactose free smoothie, replace milk and yogurt with 1/2 cup orange juice and some ice. It will still be good. 


WHY?
Increased Energy
Smoothies provide a powerful boost of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients without bogging down your digestive system
Reduce Cravings
Green smoothies reduce cravings for junk foods, unhealthy sweets, salt and fats. You will find that after a few weeks of drinking smoothies, you will crave healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables and greens.
Clearer Skin
Clearer, radiant skin is an often-reported benefit to eating healthier. Smoothies are high in fiber and allow your body to eliminate toxins the right way instead of through your skin
Weight loss
Green smoothies provide the nutrition, vitamins, minerals, healthy carbohydrates, fiber and low fat whole food that you need to loose weight quickly, safely and effectively without starving yourself.

So there ya have it, a nutritious meal you can slug down in a matter of minutes if your in a hurry or sip on it while you relax. 

What I've Been Up To

I've been crocheting regularly for a few years now but realized I haven't really made my daughter anything other than a hat or headband and that's when I was just learning.

So this past Valentines Day, I surprised her with an afghan she can use in her new apartment.


Her bedroom colors are white and gray so I made her a white throw she can use on her bed or curl up with while watching TV. Something small enough to tote around from room to room and easily fit into her washing machine and dryer.

I made this Afghan using my favorite stitch called the "Slanted Shell" Stitch. I started with a chain in multiples of two. To do the slanted shell stitch, you just make a single stitch and a double stitch in one stitch, skip next stitch, and single and double in the next. At the end of each row, chain two and turn. You will work the shell stitch into the shell stitch from the last row (shown) or if you wish, you can do the shell stitch in the skipped stitch. Do this through out the whole blanket. If you do not crochet, you have no idea what I'm talking about and I probably just lost you at "stitch".


As part of her Valentine gifts we also got her a pair of Converse shoes she wanted for summer. I remember wearing these kind of shoes when I was in middle school over 30 years ago.. but any way, It brought back memories when I put mine on so I could take one of those silly shoe pictures with her.


Then of course there was candy and the traditional heart shaped pancakes I make her every year.


What ever happened to teddy bears and roses?

Now that all my crochet orders are caught up and I have lots of scrap yarn left over, I am now working on tiny little hats for the local hospital. I've always wanted to do this but never knew where to start. I saw a post on Facebook from a lady that works in a hospital that mentioned needing hats crocheted but she never returned my messages of interest.

Then I remembered I have a friend that works in the NICU in my own home town and when I asked her about such need, she said they could use any size baby hats because they like to give them to every baby.


With the first shipment, I've chose to make about fifty or so, tiny hats to fit preemie babies or babies that are miscarried or still born. They call them angel babies. These tiny hats are placed on the babies to help the parents during this tender difficult time. They will often use them in burials if needed. Its a sad subject but angels come in many forms. The reason I chose this size is because often parents of premature births are not prepared and this could be all there is at the moment. I just felt led to make this size.

I have a wonderful friend that plans donate to the cause as well. She makes beautiful crochet items and I can't wait to see what she creates.

I will be working in these for the next couple weeks then plan to continue adding inventory to my shop, Start exercising or maybe start my spring cleaning. I am always up to something. If I get still, I sleep.

Signs of God's Love

Most of us will get up from our warm beds, rush to have our breakfast and get dressed. Then we will step out into our garage and into our car. We will rush onto the busy hwy and head to work and not pay a bit of attention to the nature around us.

A lot of us are stressed and worried. But God has a way to show us signs that he loves us if you just be still and look sometimes.

One day as we were walking down the beach, there were millions of broken sea shells scattered around the sand like broken pottery. But then ONE catches my eye.  The heart is a sign of love.
Only one way it could have gotten to that spot at that time for me to see.


A few days ago while walking. Me and my Husband was talking about news and how bad the world has gotten. Then I look down. On a dry sunny day, There was a wet spot in the road. It looked like a heart to me. I took it as another sign. To be still, and know God loves us.


After a stressful day at work. I finally get  a chance to leave for lunch. Sitting at the stop light I look up to yet another reminder.


A couple of weeks ago was a little stressful due to my Daughter having another car accident. Everyone was ok and it was not major but it did put her car out of commission and we had those "parent" things to do to get everything back in order. On our way home after feeling like everything was crashing down, I look up , again at just the right moment. Gods love shined as the sun set.


Every day is a new day. If you just be still and look around, you will find signs of love in this world not matter how bad things seem to be. He shows up in many ways but the hearts were just my examples.
His was, Is and always will be.

I love Him


Happy Valentines Day!

Since its a day to celebrate love, I decided to write about the man I love.
My best friend, My Husband. The person I get to annoy the rest of my life.


One Valentines Day I made him a little pocket size book he keeps in a safe place. Inside that little leather covered book, I wrote one hundred reasons that I love him. Yep there are exactly a hundred sappy, sweet hand written pages. It was not hard to list them and I could possibly think of one hundred more.


We have so much fun together. I mean of course we've had our arguments disagreements and will get on each others nerves every now and again, but even in those times, we have fun with it. He knows how to turn my frown into a smile. He tries to relieve my stress and say things to make me feel better in bad times even though his pain and stress is probably more intense than mine. He puts me and my Daughter first always. I love him.

He prepares my coffee before I head to work each day, then he warms my car up on a cold Winter morning. I love how he randomly sends me a text every single day just to say he loves me and asked if I'm OK or need anything. Yea I'm spoiled.

He is always home by the time I get off work each day and greats me at the door. Sometimes he's making quirky faces at me as I pull into the carport. Then we embrace into a big hug or sometimes its just a pop on the bum bum. Then its dinner time and we will sit at the table together to eat and talk about our day, complain about the news or just make googly eyes at each other, it don't matter. Just being together makes us happy. I love him.

Afternoons are also times we will go for a walk and do more talking and joking around with each other and at the end of the day, we will often chase each other as we race down the hallway to bed, then laugh and joke some more. I swear, our life could be a sitcom because we are so silly and comical at times. We always have a funny come back at each others remarks or actions. I just love him.

He takes care of me. He knows what every expression on my face and sigh I make means. I never have to want or go without anything. I'll say it again.."I'm spoiled". 


We do not have a lot of money but we are rich with love. We will be married 22 years this year and everyday is like the first. Can you believe, we have never spent one single night away from each other? That's right. Not one single night. He still gives me butterflies when I see him and at times I just cant keep my hands off of him. He makes me feel safe and most of all Loved. I love him.

Tonight we are planning on having nice dinner. Im thinking either a fancy sushi restaurant or steaks on the grill and chill at home.

Every day is like Valentines Day. Love is always here.

He loves me.


Bread and Milk

As I sat this morning enjoying my breakfast, I was watching out the window and listening to the weatherman. Snow is on its way for today.

They can be calling for one inch or just a flurry and it turns into a big deal here in the Carolinas.
That means everyone will rush out to the stores to get bread and milk. The shelves will be empty so I'm glad I stocked up yesterday. I'm ready.



But have you ever wondered why people do this? What is it with the bread and milk combo?
Its quiet simple and actually a great idea.
  • Everyone always has can foods and pantry items that keep for days. What everyone runs out of first is bread and milk. 
  • The shelf life is short on both of these items and its the two things people always need the most. 
  • Therefore store shelves will empty quick and what if the trucks cant get out quick enough to restock. Can those trucks really get stuck in the snow?
  • People don't realize how much both of these items are consumed until its gone. I mean here I am with a breaded bagel and coffee with milk creamer. 
  • When they say bread it can be crackers, cereal, biscuits, a loaf, buns, etc..
  • Milk is needed for babies and children. 
  • Milk is used in cooking and can also be used to make foods go further. It can be drank warm or cold. 
  • And if it does snow, you will need it to make snow cream. Ha.
  • If this was all the food you had, you could survive on either of these two items.



But Here is my theory:

I think it all goes back in time when milk was delivered and bread was made. Going out for bread meant they needed flour, cornbread, yeast, eggs and milk. Everyone knows, Grandma needed these items for nearly everything.

What I really wonder is why people don't rush out for toilet paper and coffee?


Pancake Muffins

Here comes another food post! 



Pancakes are one of my favorite breakfast foods. I've limited myself from them since I have been on a diet. When the cravings hit, I often resort to the healthier, gluten free, cardboard tasting, bland brand, healthy pancake option. And It worked.

Well, I've gone back to my favorite brand of Aunt Jemima buttermilk pancake mix. I learned that if I eat only what the serving suggest and not eat five at a time, I'll be fine. 


I like muffins too, so I found a way to have the best of both worlds. I seen this idea online somewhere but cant remember where. I didn't read how they were made either, I only saw a photo and figured out the rest on my own. Bingo!

Pancake Muffins

  • 2/3 cup- Aunt Jemima complete pancake mix.
  • Enough water to make a thick but pourable batter.
  • Spray muffin pan with cooking spray.
  • Pour in batter to fill each cup about 1/2 to 1/3 full.
  • Add some fruit on top.
  • Bake 350 degrees for 15 minutes

OK, so I'm not a recipe writer but I hope you can figure it out. Basically, just make a pancake mix of your choice and pour into muffin tins. 


Coat with butter if you wish and dip into your favorite syrup or sprinkle with powder sugar. There is a wide range of possibilities. So, explore, add new flavors, have fun with it.
I added a few blueberries to mine but next time I am going to try adding syrup into the batter before baking. This would make a great grab and go breakfast.


Whats great about this recipe is there are only 150 Calories in three muffins!!!! (same as three small pancakes).

Oh, and sugar free syrup is great!!

Poor Rich People

I don't know about you but i'm sick of hearing the "poor poor pitiful me" stories of those that say they are broke. If anybody is broke, its me. But not really. Sure I do not have any money to buy the things I want but I have the money to buy the things I need.

That's not poor. That's blessed.

People make themselves poor. For example:
They can't make that car payment because they choose to have an expensive vehicle.
They are behind on their house payment because they choose to have that new fancy cell phone.
They can't afford to buy groceries but choose to eat out twice a day.                 
They are getting well fare and food stamps but yet choose to keep having children.
They cant settle for nice clothes on sale at Old Navy, They have to have that name brand shirt from the mall.



I call these kind of people, "poor rich people" They are really rich and make themselves poor.

I know adults over thirty five that still live off their parents.
I know people that keep adopting pets but cant afford to get tires for their car.
I know people that choose to have their hair and nails done at an expensive salon but cant pay their power bill.
I've seen people borrow money from someone then turn around and buy that person an expensive present for their birthday or Christmas. ?? That really burns me.

Peoples priorities are just twisted. They let their wants come before their needs. Simple as that.

Someone once told me "Ya'll must be rich. Ya'll go to the beach 4 times a year, have a camper, put a child through college, and your car is almost paid off.

Dear that person;

My paycheck is smaller than yours. 25% check goes to pay my health insurance.
10% goes to tithe. and Lord knows how much goes to Uncle Sam.
I make sure we have enough food to get us through the week and we eat lots of leftovers.
We do not have a large screen TV. Just a small one that works fine. Nothing fancy.
My furniture is mostly used with the exception of our sofa and a recliner which we saved for months to have enough money to buy. We currently do not even have a bedroom set. But the mattresses on our bed frame is working fine until we can afford it. And ill mention too, its just a full size bed, not a King. The linens are cheaper that way and we love the closeness we get during sleep. 
We can go to the beach and stay in our camper for a week cheaper than two days at the Hilton hotel in which you think you have to stay at. Most of my clothes come from the Goodwill. A lot of them are name brand and I make sure they are cleaned. You never knew that huh? I found a great hair stylist that's not too expensive. Sometimes I color my gray myself with a box color and it works just fine and I do my nails myself unless Its for a special occasion. With the money I save on lesser needs, I am able to drive a nice car, not an expensive car, but a nice new one with low payments. Other than the car and house, our things are bought with money we save. It may take a while but its greatly appreciated when it happens. We do not allow ourselves to charge things we cant afford only to put us in too much debt to enjoy it. Also, we don't own pets. They can cost as much as children and they are more of an option. You say you wish you could have a new dress for church? How about this week you don't buy that outfit for your dog and get one for yourself instead.

Sincerely, 
Me

People choose their lifestyle but some need to live more simple. They let the world run their lives and spend to much time and money to keep up with it. Nobody is rich if they reflect on material things.
Rich is where your heart is not your pocketbook.




Keep Pounding

"Keep Pounding"

That's the motto around here theses past few month. Our very own team here is Charlotte made it to the Superbowl 50. They will be playing against the Denver Broncos which obviously is a good team as well. We finished the season with only one loss. That's pretty darn good.

Everywhere you look, the streets are vending with Panther merchandise and the stores are over flowing with memorabilia. This is what our city looked like during a pep rally and send off party for the team last week.

This was a week day. Where do these people work??? or Do they?

We do not have any plans for a Superbowl party but some friends have invited us over to watch the game. However, We will probably just sit here in the comfort of our home snuggled together in the den.
Nick and I are not big football fans but we get excited when our own team makes it to the top. 

Despite the diet, I wanted to bake something for the occasion. I had an idea for a Panthers themed pound cake. I called it "Keep POUNDing Cake". Its a regular pound cake with a swirl of jello powder layered in the middle. The Jello turns into a sweet center. Blue of course. I wish I had added more Jello center than I did. 



I will not be eating all of this cake. We are actually choosing a healthier snack of veggies, but I plan to take a couple pieces of this cake for Nick and I to enjoy and give the rest to my daughter so she can share it at her own Superbowl gathering. 

The wins have been good for my Etsy business too. I've kept busy making Carolina Panther inspired hats for several customers requesting them before the big game. I made some baby hats, adult hats and even dog hats.


Mission accomplished. I'm all caught up and they are all in the hands of those fans (or should I say heads). Now I plan to sit back in my new recliner and enjoy the game or should I say commercials.


Who do you think will win the Super Bowl? And how are you celebrating?

Congratulations Carolina Panthers for making it this far !! 
Keep Pounding !!

My Vintage Obsession

During the cold Winter days I tend to keep myself cooped up inside a lot. Then there are Saturdays and Sundays. Ahh the two days a week I don't have to worry about getting up and going to work.

Me and Nick will often take a trip to the antique malls and thrift stores on the weekends. I've learned something about myself the past year or so by going to these places. I have an obsession with vintage tea towels and table cloths along with the addiction to vintage Corningware, and Pyrex.


It's sort of a weird obsession too. Like, I do not want someone else to give it to me. I like to find it. Like looking for treasure. I'll grab a piece from a pile of junk before I take a piece included in a whole collection. Its when I find that one bowl or one cup marked below its value that catches my eye and I have to have it.


I like going to estate sales of homes that have been occupied for years. That's where I can find the the good stuff. I had a few given to me from my late Father-in-law and Mother-in-law. Something about the worn out look and softness of the old tea towels that I just love. I do not mind the tiny tea and coffee stains. Nor do I mind the tiny holes and frayed edges of most. Each one has its own story.


The other day at the Goodwill, there were shelves and shelves of coffee cups. The sign said .49 cent. One cup caught my eye. I immediately took it from the pile of unwanted mugs.


Of course, it was "crown corning". Like I really need any more cups, I had to have it. Those are rarely a find in thrift stores. I brought this cutie home and gave it a good sterile wash and now she sparkles.
Its one of my favorites while my husband enjoys drinking form his collection of Fire King mugs handed down from his grandparents and parents.

What are some of your favorite treasures or obsessions?


This post was featured at megaestatesales.com/101-reasons-to-love-estate-sales