A few days ago hubby mentioned how he was in the mood for a smoothie. So today I picked up the two components that make up his favorite smoothie. Strawberries and navel oranges, period, that’s it. I freeze the berries and add them with an orange, he loves it.
All ready to be cleaned – One, actually two of these guys were taste tested, so good!
All cleaned and ready to pop in the freezer
After cleaning all those berries, I was so in the mood for a smoothie for lunch. So I scratched my original lunch plan and went with a concoction of 1 cup vanilla soy milk, spinach, pineapple, strawberries and blueberries.
It tasted even better than it looks!
Now off to the laundry pile. I can assure you, the picture would not be pretty. Laundry and ioning here I come!
It takes time to move in but we are certainly enjoying this end of the move so much.
The living areas where we spend most of our time.
Since hubby wanted a pool table, we put the sofa for the living room in our bedroom to make room for a pool table. And then we used the remaining space for our Asian/living room things. Basically it’s a little sitting area. Our family room is open to the other areas giving an open feel through the house. Now all I have to do is hear hubby rack the balls and I come running! I’ve already played a couple rounds today as I have to do my homework before hubby gets home from work.
I was never into shooting pool but now I can’t imagine not having a pool table. I’m bitten by this game and hope we never have to part with our new toy.
My car has been many many places. We found her way back in 2002 down in deep sunny south FL. She made her first big journey to Texas with us and made many a trip to Arkansas and St Louis and even another trip to FL.
Her next big move was to NY, she likes a piggy back ride every now and then.
She took us safely to Ohio, Michigan and St Louis visiting family at each stop. She’s even stepped foot out of the country taking us up to Niagara Falls and through Canada. She also took us on a nice little expedition down to NC to see family.
She was then carried once again all the way across the country to CA
She’s like my nice warn in shoes, I just can’t imagine parting with her.
The other day hubby noticed that she was almost turning over 100,000 miles. I said “I know, I want her picture when she does.”
Well, days have passed and I forgot to get her picture. But today, I don’t know what it was, but I was sitting at a light, close to my destination when I looked down on her with so much love and saw this!
100,100 miles! I reached for the camera in my purse as if my life depended upon getting this great milestone before the light turned green.
Then when I pulled into the parking lot and stopped the car, she had rolled over the next mile. It made my heart light up to get these two shots while either at a stop light or parking spot.
100,101 miles, way to go girl! She is getting older (8 years) and some things are starting to go. Take for instance, she registers 86 degrees outside when it was actually 64. I can live with that, it’s her prerogative.
Today she took me to the optometrist. I’m looking for another pair of frames as it’s time for a new pair.
These frames might be the ticket.
They only had the lighter set so she’s ordering the darker pair like this.
I just found this pair of frames online for half of what they’re asking. If I need to order them online, I’ll just wait a little longer as our insurance will almost cover them. Happy ~ Happy ~ Joy!
Thank you my dear car for providing such great adventures and for being such a good car. I’ll stick up for you no matter what as I declare you’re good for another 100,000 miles. Happy Anniversary, love me.
What a beautiful day! I started the day with a fresh cup of coffee and enjoyed a few min here at home after hubby went to work.
Then I got ready for a great dose of exercise.
I got my little spot all set and ready to go. I started bringing a couple wash cloths to go over the handles like so. The remote is there for the TV ~ Watched Reg and Kelly and a bottle of water to hydrate.
I don’t like the feel of my sticky hands on the bare handles so these cloths are the ticket.
Hey, hey after 50 min on the machine. Just 10 more minutes to go!
I finished my hour on the Fit Stride Total Body Trainer. It’s such a fun machine.
After my workout, I got around to meet up with hubby for lunch. I love it when he suggests a lunch date. There couldn’t be a better treat than being with him during the day.
We went back to the Mongolian restaurant. I was in the mood for that food again and it sounded wonderful to hubby.
This is such a delicious combination of veggies, noodles and seasoning sauces.
With a generous sprinkle of peanuts over the top
They serve these tasty sesame rolls on the side. I was more interested in the food on my plate so I turned down the bread basket this time.
It was so tasty and flavorful but there was no way it would all fit. When my tummy signals a comfortable/full flag, it’s time to stop.
Hubby went back to work and I made a beeline for the grocery store to pick up a few things I missed.
The afternoon is quickly passing but I think it’s a good time to wrap it up with a manicure.
I’m looking forward to a nice relaxing evening here at home with hubby. We’ll be watching American Idol and I’ll be watching The Biggest Loser. I LOVE that show, thanks Beth for getting me hooked!
This phrase continues to roll off our tongs as if we’re still in shock. Hubby’s said it twice so far today and I know I’ll be hearing and repeating it for weeks and months to come.
Last week I had the privilege of having yet another venture with Beth. This time we took a 4 mile walk on the boardwalk along the pacific coast.
While the raging sea provided lovely rhythm and views, the other side was dotted with beautiful beach homes along the way.
Each place held its own special identity.
What a dramatic entry to the wave place. A place where one can learn to surf. I believe Beth said this arch dates back to the early 1900’s.
I still get tickled seeing vehicles on the beach. This happens to be the lifeguard.
What a great place to walk
And visit
And dream of spending the night in one of these homes. Wouldn’t that be so cool?
Palms peppered along the way
There was so much to take in
To the point that I started looking at the homes as works of art
And this mailbox totally stopped us in our tracks.
We admired the wood floating table although hard to see in this picture.
This place had me at hello
The artist who fabricated this place put so much thought into the design. While this would not be my taste in a home, I’m completely in awe.
Cool fire pit on someone’s deck
Octopus mosaic ~ Neat work of art just outside the lifeguard station.
Here’s the shop where I scored one of those island dresses and a hat. There were some really neat shops and restaurants along the way and if we didn’t have something else planned for later in the day, I believe we could have spent more time along the way.
Beth and me with my new cap
Oh what a walk along the pacific coast
That long pier out over the ocean was our destination.
And closer. I was in total shock when my friend introduced me to those cute little cottages above the ocean. For just $250.00 a night you can sleep over the ocean letting the sounds of the waves rock you to sleep.
How cute is this?
It was amazing to be out on the pier standing right over the crashing waves.
What can I say, I plan to return to this exact same area very soon for another walk. That had to be one of my favorite walks along the beach.
I’m still having a difficult time allowing it to sink in that we actually live here. I think that’s why we keep reminding ourselves. There are times I find myself missing the snow but not enough to get in the car and drive an hour to the mountains to see it. For now, I’m just enjoying my day to day life and love the adventure of our new home sweet home.
It was our “first” Merry Christmas in southern California and we hope it won’t be the last.
We had our daughter join us from Michigan. I think the thing she enjoyed most was the beautiful weather here in Sunny California; it’s something she talked about every day.
Christmas morning was such a relaxing time. I started the coffee, visited with hubby and waited for Kristy to wake for the opening of the gifts. Eventually she woke and we began our little tradition of giving and receiving gifts. I must say “we all must have been very good this year”.
Hubby sporting his new robe and anxious to try out the flat screen for his computer
One of the gifts Kristy received from her aunt ~ it truly is a cool cookbook now that she’s out of college and on her own.
Since I was taking pics I don’t have any of me but Santa didn’t leave me out. He totally surprised me with a new Bose head set for my cell phone, some new spinner luggage and some other fun stuff.
Then it was time to do something about our tummies so we got around and made our way to Christmas dinner reservations at 1:00pm. We totally bypassed breakfast, saving all the space for our big meal.
We arrived at the same place where we spent Thanksgiving but reserved a different room this time.
The FOOD
Carving the Roast ~ For the main course they served honey roasted ham, turkey and roast.
The deserts were in a side room and it looks like Kristy found the chocolate fountain ~ yummy stuff.
But the pecan pie was my favorite; I think it was hubby’s favorite too.
We enjoyed the views while we savored dinner. It was cool observing ice skating by the beach on Christmas day.
After lunch we took a little stroll out back
And again
On over to the rink
Some folk came for the occasion
And didn’t miss a beat
While others took their foot work a bit more serious
Children zoomed
While others held on tightly
And it was so cute watching the little one take baby steps with her daddy close behind
Hold on, it’s gonna be alright
Because one day you’ll be able to take on the whole rink in stride
We took a little stroll down by the beach and Kristy enjoyed stepping foot on the pacific coast for the first time. And I have a sneaking feeling it won’t be her last.
This was definitely a Christmas to remember as I’m sure there won’t be another one like it.
It was nice to spend our Christmas with Kristy and the memories made will be lasting ones.
So today my girlfriend picked me up at the doorstep of my hotel and whisked me off to another great adventure. First she had a piece of furniture to pick up and then, well, we basically flew by the seat of our britches.
After our little jaunt to the store was over we began discussing hunger and lunch. Granted it was only 10:00 in the morning but for some reason our bodies are still on Eastern Time. Twas at that very moment when my girlfriend exclaimed “I wanna go somewhere fun”. More along the lines of something beachy which was an easy fix since the beach is practically in our backyard.
Today was the first day of my life to set foot on the pacific coast. And what a glorious event it was for me.
And “Beautiful Beth”
Ok so my friend pinched me a time or two just to remind me that we were here together enjoying our day.
Since we both had Star Bucks coffee we were more than willing to hold off on our lunch. So we decided to walk along the beach for a while.
And on our little walk we came upon these tracks running right along the beach. I hope to one day have the opportunity to hop on a train and explore the area by train.
After a while we decided it was time to turn around and walk back to the restaurant.
We got there just before the doors opened and was one of the lucky guests to secure a window seat next to the beach.
After lunch we drove over to another spot where we could walk and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
My friend pauses to post on facebook
We walked and stopped to take pictures
And enjoyed the ever changing scenery
We paused to watch the wildlife sun themselves
And these seals completely stopped us right in our tracks. It’s as if they really had something to say.
Aw just look at them out here in the wild.
One more shot of them from a distance ~ I hope to see you next time I visit!
I think they were having engagement pictures taken. They were just too cute not to capture.
Another picture along our merry way
We stopped to just sit and enjoy the day ~ Love Beth’s pretty toes in this pic.
Later in the afternoon we pulled ourselves away from the beach and enjoyed a little shopping.
And that concludes another fabulous day discovering our new home.
Twas the sound of the alarm at 3:45am yesterday that launched us into gear and out of bed. Hubby and I both had early morning flights within 5 min of each other. Hubby was off to Indy on business and I was flying into NY (back to our home).
My seatbelt was secured and all the little things I wanted from my bag (for the duration of the flight) were tucked into the magazine holder in front of my chair. And with that I was ready to sit back and enjoy the flight.
Up up and away – Looking down on San Diego
As we climb past the city
Good morning sunshine
Landscape changes
The voice over the loudspeaker had just announced that the aircraft had reached its cruising altitude and that the passengers were free to unfasten their seatbelts and move about the cabin.
But with this view, there was no sitting back and relaxing or moving about the cabin – I was completely mesmerized.
I quickly forgot about my book and toys that I had planned for my trip.
As I was captivated with the beautiful world God created.
In this photo you can see we are getting close to the desert, just over this greenish looking stretch of mountains.
The abrupt change looking at the desert floor
Seeing the changes for the first time in my life from the window of the aircraft was amazing, to put it mildly.
Wow
And then, just like that there was a distinct line drawn in the sand. And all of a sudden there’s life down below.
And the sandy desert floor quickly turned into a pretty quilt below.
Then just like that another distinct line was drawn in the sand.
This picture of the desert looked as if it were the beach with coral and white caps.
And how it looked down below as we crossed over.
It was amazing to see the ever changing landscape
When all of a sudden I spied these circles in the middle of the desert.
Zoomed in
One last shot. Does anyone know what the heck these are?
So this desert shot looked like a huge tree fossil to me.
Another shot directly above it
And that wraps up the first two hours of my flight
And for the remainder of the flight across the US the big fluffy clouds took over.
As much as I enjoyed the pretty view, I couldn’t help wonder what all I was missing down below.
Landing into Philly
Bye Philly
Hello NY!
And that concludes the end of the day, the last leg of my trip had come to a close.
What a beautiful day, experiencing some of God’s greatness!
While sitting here minding my own business in my quiet little corner of the world, something thundered through the sky. Not once or twice but what seemed like a very long time.
I couldn’t take it, so I called my hubby (in the know) as to what the commotion was all about.
“Honey”, he replied “it’s the Blue Angels practicing for the air show this weekend, go have a peak”. So I did and wasn’t disappointed. I stood out on my little back porch and watched some amazing stunts and then they were off. I caught the last of the practice and was pretty pleased to see these guys having a hay day in my back yard.
I took several pics but this is the only one that turned out half descent.
Sometimes assuming can really pay off and other times well, not so much. Remember those Banana Cranberry Spice Muffins we made a while back? Well, I was thinking and assuming I could change it up a bit by exchanging the bananas and cranberries with pumpkin. Pumpkin happens to be another thing I love and the last time I had a real pumpkin muffin (back in September) was at Panera Bread Company. And I still haven’t been able to get the thoughts of yummy pumpkin muffins out of my head. Anyone want to take a guess how many calories are in a Pumpkin Muffin at PB Company? Try 530 calories and 20 fat grams – Ouch! Up against these yummy pumpkin muffins at 155 calories – This is a no brainer!
So I picked up this dandy can of pumpkin and popped the top yesterday afternoon and couldn’t wait to give it a try.
I followed the Banana Cranberry Spice Muffin recipe but added 1 cup of pumpkin in exchange for the banana and cranberries.
This little muffin is just what the Dr. ordered! I finished him with my coffee this morning and I’m so happy that I’ve found a nice little healthy way to have the things I enjoy. It pays to assume sometimes.
Pumpkin Spice Muffins – Serves 12
Ingredients:
1 cup Fiber One original bran cereal
1 egg
¾ cup fat free (skim) milk
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup pumpkin
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray bottoms only of 12 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray, or use non-stick baking cups. Place cereal in resealable food storage plastic bag; seal bag and crush with rolling pin or meat mallet (or crush in food processor).
In medium bowl, beat egg milk and oil with fork or wire whisk until well mixed; beat in pumpkin. Stir in cereal; let stand 5 minutes.
Stir in remaining ingredients. Divide batter evenly among 12 muffin cups.
Goodness to go
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown. Immediately remove from pan to cooling rack. Serve warm.
High Altitude (3500 – 6500 FT): No change
Nutrition
1 Muffin: Calories 155 (Calories from Fat 40) Total Fat 4.5g (Saturated Fat 0g); Cholesterol 20mg; Sodium 200mg; Total Carbohydrate 32g (Dietary Fiber 3g) Protein 3g
%Daily Value: Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 2%; Calcium 10%; Iron 10%
Exchanges: 1 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 2
Weight Watcher Points: 3
Note: I baked these guys for 20 minutes. They came out so nice and moist and when trying them while they are piping hot, they seem just a bit under baked. I tend to like things out of the oven a little on the early side as they continue to finish “baking” while they’re cooling. I made these yesterday and they were perfect today so I will not be baking these any longer next time around. Also, the nutritional information is carried over from the banana cranberry muffins. However I did change the calories for this recipe. This recipe will actually be a few less calories than the banana muffins. Here’s my math for anyone that may be interested. A cup of pumpkin is 80 calories and a cup of (mashed) banana is approx 200 + calories. I did not use the ½ cup of cranberries that total 190 calories. So the best I can come up with is…drum roll please – these guys are a whole 25 calories less than the banana cranberry spice muffins that yield 180 calories! YEA and I LOVE THEM! The WW points are still 3 points though. Actually the banana muffins are more like 3 ½ points each so I’m thrilled these guys are down to an even 3 points. Thank you God for pumpkin, I love it.
For Today – Searching for a craft idea, I think I found the perfect one! More on this later or (if it comes to pass). Outside My Window – This is a picture taken from just outside my front door this morning – I’m in love with the pretty blue sky!
We’re on the ground floor and have to go upstairs and cross the little bridge to get to our vehicles.
We had a trace of snow yesterday and I have spring fever like I’ve never had before! It was just yesterday that I was telling Hubby that I couldn’t wait to run around in my little dresses and bare feet – Will that day ever get here? From the Kitchen – I could eat some sort of pasta every single day of my life and never tire of it! This is a nice shrimp pasta with peppers, snap peas, baby corn, carrots, soy sauce and some hot pepper sauce (for a nice kick) and a pinch of brown sugar. I love the spicy hot and sweet flavor of this dish. That was my favorite meal this weekend and I can’t stop thinking about it.
I’m going – To miss Hubby while he’s away on business this week. He wishes he could have me by his side but my ticket would cost an arm and a leg, so I’m staying home. I think I’m going to do my craft later this week while he’s out of town. I’ve already started a list of things I need to get started.
Planning, yes planning is something that I evidently overlooked prior to our Boston trip. The thing is I didn’t bring a coat with me, only a ¾ length sleeve sweater. The excuse is the weather was warming up a tad and I didn’t think I needed a coat. What was I thinking? Some of the things I plan on doing in Boston certainly involved a coat this week so I decided that I would once again do some indoor shopping. In the end I had a wonderful time and the best part was that I got to spend the evenings with hubby.
While shopping, I found some things that I covet. If I covet when I see things at the store instead of at a friend’s house, is it wrong?
When I observe Rachel Ray cook pasta with her oblong pot, I think to myself “I need one too”. This would be the perfect set as there’s a nice oblong pot in that beautiful set! I would love that green on the bottom left.
I really want one of these one day, even if it’s just a small one.
Loved this colorful display of ceramic eggs and really like that bowl too.
This bedding is so spring
Detail on the pillows
Huge sign advertising the pots
And here they are on the shelf. I really liked the chipped and brawny look of these.
Loved this canister set
After a day chalk full of shopping dinner was ever on my mind and I was hoping for seafood one of the evenings. As a matter of fact, Hubby and I were talking about seafood on our way to Boston and I was pleasantly pleased to learn that that’s where the guys made reservations that evening!
Hubby had lobster and I had blackened mahi mahi. They were both so delicious!
Hubby’s lobster looking so yummy!
Hubby digging in!
Random dinner shot. This group came from Texas, New York, Boston and Maryland.
Just the two of us
It was such an enjoyable trip and I feel lucky to be able to travel with hubby whenever possible. Next time I need to plan a little better though.
Ah, it’s finally spring at last! That’s what I was thinking yesterday. Oh our skies were sunny painted with the prettiest blue and my eyes sparkled as I squinted to see if I could begin to see blossoms on the nearby trees. It’s okay to squint and hope for spring right? Well I was doing my share of hoping, it felt like a gorgeous spring day and I was looking for some sort of proof.
Proof, yes, we all want proof as we can’t just go by feeling alone. As we wrapped up our evening the feeling of spring warmed my heart and I dreamed of gardens with lush green grass and clusters of blossoms as far as the eye could see. I woke with a song in my heart and a spring in my step “it’s springtime – it’s springtime”!
As hubby headed for the door to leave for work this morning, he stopped by the little hall closet to throw on a lightweight jacket (this is the part we hug and kiss) and we said our goodbyes, have a good day honey, be careful and see you tonight…When he opened the door the cool morning air rushed in like a slap in the face and our eyes beheld snow! That was all it took for me to put my little spring baby to bed. No, she’s really not quite awake yet, just hold on a little longer.
A view of our backyard dusting
It’s snowing but hard to detect in the picture. I think we still have several more weeks of winter up here and I’m going to hold off on the squinting for a while. We won’t see blossoms until the end part of April at least that’s what I recall. But I hope wherever you are that you’re seeing signs of spring.
Bells and whistles go off whenever I hear about anything made with bananas.I stumbled on this recipe in a little leaflet by Bob Greene, Oprah’s trainer.It didn’t take me long to realize that I was rarin’ to bake!Mind you I haven’t baked in “AT LEAST 6 MONTHS” and the thought of finding something that was a bit healthier certainly had my full attention.So without further ado, let’s get started.
Ingredients:
1 cup Fiber One original bran cereal
1 egg
¾ cup fat free (skim) milk
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup mashed very ripe bananas
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup dried cranberries
Directions
Heat oven to 400 degrees F.Spray bottoms only of 12 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray, or use paper baking cups.Place cereal in resealable food storage plastic bag; seal bag and crush with rolling pin or meat mallet (or crush in food processor).
When all else fails in the kitchen…use a hammer! I’m sure by now some of you are sick of hearing about all my stuff being in storage but it’s the truth! I always manage to find something to get the job done. Of course that’s my “Tom Boy Tool” hammer – works like a charm. Just had my nails and toes done in the light pink with a touch of silver for spring – will it ever get here?
In medium bowl, beat egg milk and oil with fork or wire whisk until well mixed; beat in bananas.Stir in cereal; let stand 5 minutes.
I set my little timer for 5 minutes and while the wet mixture was doing its “thing” I mixed all my dry ingredients together.
I’m Getting there
Bananas pretty much all mashed
Ding – That’s the 5 minute timer going off. Now stir in remaining (dry) ingredients except cranberries until blended.Stir in cranberries.Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
The batter is ready for the cranberries
Divided evenly as possible
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown.Immediately remove from pan to cooling rack.Serve warm.
I baked these guys for an even 20 minutes.
Played with the same picture in photoshop – Couldn’t help myself as they were so much fun!
And then got a little carried away. If you feel a little blurred, not to worry, go ahead and try them, you’ll be glad you did, you can trust me!
Believe me I followed the directions to the T and had one of these guys while he was still piping hot!Very nice and moist and I really loved the surprise punch of the cranberries.I will definitely be making these again!
High Altitude (3500 – 6500 FT): No change.
Nutrition
1 Muffin:Calories 180 (Calories from Fat 40) Total Fat 4.5g (Saturated Fat 0g); Cholesterol 20mg; Sodium 200mg; Total Carbohydrate 32g (Dietary Fiber 3g) Protein 3g
%Daily Value: Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 2%; Calcium 10%;Iron 10%
For starters, I’m in utter shock that my step-daughter is graduating from college in just a couple months! Wow this is a really big deal and we’re so proud of her.
I’m helping her with all the fun stuff and preparations with invitations and whatnot. We’ve been e-mailing back and forth for days and today she called as she’s tired of e-mail. She’s so busy these days but we had such an enjoyable visit. I say e-mail is great but there’s nothing like communicating via southern bell.
Secured her cap, gown and tassel set today
I’ve already made dinner reservations (she told us that we needed to do this soon as some of the restaurants are booking quick) I was able to secure reservations at her first choice restaurant.
Hotel reservations are made
I’m ordering her favorite cake from her favorite bakery this week
Found my dress for her graduation yesterday. Hubby likes it too and he was so patient while I tried it on.
I’m having the time of my life seeing to it that her graduation is all about her. I just wish she could feel at this very moment how happy I am for her.
I’m in total graduation mode and excitement is running through my veins.
Now I need to get into dinner mode. Hmmm, what’s for dinner?
