Grand Moments

Grandsons Playing in the Snow

2010-01-07T11:07:00.006-05:00

"Little Man"

Our fur-grandbaby, Nekoda

Scent Menu

2010-01-06T19:47:00.000-05:00

Indulge Your Senses with Spagirl Gourmet. Two of my favorite scents are Crave and Happy Hour.

Treat ~ Welcome to the "Land of Milk & Honey" with just a sprinkling of oatmeal and almonds.

Crave ~ Feminine, sweet and simply divine with swirls of warm sugar, dripping caramel and ribbons of cream.

Happy Hour ~ an intoxicating martini of luscious black raspberries blended with velvety smooth cream.

Exotic ~ Incredibly feminine, yet dangerously flirtatious. A bouquet of gardenia and white exotic flowers so incredibly fresh, lush and clean.

Sensual ~ A sensuous, sophisticated blend of warm sandalwood with creamy vanilla that appeals to both men and women and is instantly addictive.

Bloom ~ Melt into a melody of plums with a touch of jasmine and orchid.

Tropical ~ An exotic touch of tropical Thailand; creamy coconut and fresh crisp lemongrass.

Soothe ~ 100% Essential Oil Blend. Escape from the stresses of your day and refresh your soul with a blend of soothing lavender and a hint of sweet citrus.

Sunkissed ~ 100% Essential Oil Blend. Brighten your day with our fresh and delicious blend of sweet oranges, lemon, grapefruit and mandarins.

http://www.SpaPartiesByKim.com

Spagirl Gourmet

2010-01-06T19:31:00.000-05:00

I joined Spagirl Gourmet as an Independent Consultant after falling in love with their natural bath and body products. I do have to say the Ultra Smooth Body Butter soothes dry skin like nothing I have ever tried before!

About Spagirl Gourmet:
Spagirl Gourmet's aloe-based, antioxidant rich body and skincare line is based on a simple, but effective 4-step approach to healthy, radiant, youthful skin: Cleanse, Smooth, Drench and Defend. Our products are made with the highest quality and most natural, nutritious, action ingredients that renew, rebuild and transform the skin!

Our skincare line is free of: parabens, petroleum, artificial colors, harsh chemicals, phthalates and sulfates. Our recipes are cruelty-free and created fresh in small batches in our beauty lab.

For additional information on Spagirl Gourmet, visit my website at http://www.spapartiesbykim.com

I'm Back

2010-01-06T18:46:00.000-05:00

I know it's been quite a while since I've posted. The last several months have been unbelievably busy, hectic and everything else. Just two days after my last post, my oldest son was wounded by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. I will never forget that day, from the phone call informing me of his injuries to patiently waiting for him to be transported back to the States. My heart dropped to my stomach, I was worried sick and couldn't get to his bedside fast enough.

Our family is truly blessed, for my son is alive and his injuries will heal over time. I am so thankful for everyone at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC for their dedication to the care of our wounded warriors as well as their family members.

Delicious Dessert

2009-10-21T14:19:00.000-04:00

This yummy dessert is aptly named, the recipe was given to me by my Daughter-in-law's mother. Enjoy!

Delicious Dessert
1 cup flour
1 stick butter
1 cup chopped nuts
8 oz. cream cheese
1 cup whipped topping
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups cold milk
1 pkg. instant vanilla pudding
1 pkg. butterscotch pudding
Additional whipped topping and nuts

Crust:
Mix flour, butter and 1 cup nuts, spread on bottom of 13 x 9 pan and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Cool.

Filling:
Mix together cream cheese, whipped topping and sugar, layer on top of cooled crust. Mix together cold milk, and puddings. Spread on top of cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until set. Top with additional whipped topping and nuts.

Store in refrigerator.

2009-10-05T15:05:00.000-04:00

As I'm sure you've noticed, I've been missing for a while. I know it sounds like a lame excuse, but unfortunately Life got in the way. In the last month, several things kept me busy and away from the computer, one of those things was moving. I'm now re-settled and back to focus on this blog!

Happiness

2009-08-27T13:10:00.000-04:00

Happiness is the inner joy that can be sought or caught, but never taught or bought.

The surest way to happiness is to lose yourself in a cause greater than yourself.

Happiness is the result of being too busy to be miserable.

Worry doesn't help tomorrow's troubles, but it does ruin today's happiness.

Grandma’s Gone Computer

2009-08-17T18:34:00.000-04:00

In the not too distant past –
I remember very well–
Grandma’s tended to their knitting,
and their cookies were just swell.
They were always at the ready,
when you needed some advice.
And their sewing (I can tell you)
was available–and nice.

Well, Grandma’s not deserted you,
she dearly loves you still.
You just won’t find her cooking,
but she’s right there at the till.
She thinks about you daily–
you haven’t been forsook.
Your photos are quite handy,
in the Pentium notebook.
She scans your art work now though
,and combines it with cool sounds,
to make electronic greetings.
She prints pictures by the pound.

She’s right there when you need her,
you really aren’t alone,
She’s out now with her “‘puter pals,”
but she took her new cell phone.
You can also leave a message
on her answering machine;
or page her at the fun meet;
She’s been there since eight fifteen.

Yes, the world’s a very different place,
there is no doubt of that.
So “E” her from her web page,
or join her in a chat.
She’s joined the electronic age,
and it really seems to suit her.
So don’t expect the same old gal,
cause Grandma’s gone “Computer”.

~ Author Unknown

Meet Nekoda

2009-08-11T16:26:00.000-04:00

Isn't he precious! This is Nekoda, a Siberian Husky and our new grand-puppy. He is 7 wks old, with beautiful markings and sports one blue eye and the other marble. He enjoys eating and playing with his new toys. Nekoda also has fun exploring his big back yard by chasing leaves and frolicking around with that precious puppy hop.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

2009-08-07T11:55:00.000-04:00

The only way I could get my children to eat broccoli was to combine it with cheese or salad dressing. This delicious casserole recipe, created by R. Whalen is sure to please even your most picky eaters!

1 pkg Hashbrown Casserole Mix*
1 cup water
1 can Broccoli-Cheese Soup
1 cup diced or chopped cooked broccoli
1 cup of Sour Cream
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup French fried onions (optional)

Place Hashbrown casserole mix in a sauce pan with 1 cup of water, bring to a low boil for 5 minutes or until potatoes just start to soften and water is absorbed. Add in a can of Broccoli Cheese soup, the sour cream, the broccoli and cheddar cheese. Mix well and transfer into a greased 9x9 baking pan. Top with the corn flake crumbs given in package and the french fried onions. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes or until browned on top.

* Hashbrown Casserole Mix from The Gourmet Cupboard, http://www.Kim.TheGourmetCupboard.biz

Herbed Foccacia Bread

2009-08-03T14:50:00.000-04:00

1 can of refrigerated pizza dough
1 pkg. Herb Dip Mix from The Gourmet Cupboard
¼ cup of olive oil

Unroll the pizza dough and spread onto a greased large bar pan or cookie sheet. Spread dough evenly and brush with olive oil to lightly coat.

Sprinkle dry Herb Dip Mix over the top. Bake at 425 degrees for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and cut into squares, bars or enough to split in half for a sandwich.

Serve it as an appetizer, or as your bread for dinner. You can dip it into marinara sauce or top it with other favorite toppings, such as caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, shredded cheese, etc. Add your ingredients on top prior to baking.

http://www.Kim.TheGourmetCupboard.biz

Homemade Baked Beans

2009-07-27T12:58:00.000-04:00

Want quick and easy homemade baked beans that won't take all day to make? This delicious recipe was created by Roberta Whalen using mixes from The Gourmet Cupboard.

3 cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 small onion, finely diced
1/2 pkg. TGC Bacon Dip mix
1/2 pkg. TGC Sweet Potato Crunch mix
1 cup BBQ sauce, your favorite brand

Place rinsed and drained pinto beans in a sauce pan with diced onion, 1/2 pkg of Bacon Dip Mix, 1/2 pkg of Sweet Potato Crunch Mix and 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce.

Simmer on the stove for 30 minutes or place in a crockpot on low for 4-6 hours if you have the time and need to transport to a party.

The Gourmet Cupboard
http://www.Kim.TheGourmetCupboard.biz

Quote of the Day

2009-07-27T12:41:00.000-04:00

The simplest toy, on which even the youngest child can operate, is called a grandparent. ~~ Sam Levenson

Bronchitis is no fun!

2009-07-27T11:32:00.000-04:00

I posted a few days ago about this cold/virus of mine and it's still hanging on. In fact, I now have bronchitis, which really puts a damper on enjoying this beautiful summer weather we're having.

I have to admit, besides all the coughing and congestion (ok, I know that 's gross), my biggest complaint is the fact that I'm missing my dear grandson.

It's really hard to spoil the little guy when I'm also trying not to spread the germs! I miss his little hugs, miss him grabbing my hand and saying "Gama, do puzzles" and blowing bubbles on the back porch!

So, I'm taking my meds, loading up on fluids and trying to get lots of rest. However necessary, I find all this down time quite boring.

Little Man, I haven't forgotten you, I will get over this bug and we'll have lots of time to do puzzles and blow bubbles again!

Spinach Dip

2009-07-25T19:11:00.000-04:00

I love how easy it is to create this delicious Spinach Dip from The Gourmet Cupboard! Just add one cup of sour cream to the mix, chill for an hour and it's ready to serve with crackers or vegetables for a quick appetizer or snack. Your guests will love it!

Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Use a full package of Spinach Dip and follow prep directions. Add half can of chopped, drained artichokes. Serve with crackers or in a hollowed out bread bowl.

For more information on The Gourmet Cupboard visit, http://www.kim.thegourmetcupboard.biz/

Kindness

2009-07-24T12:16:00.000-04:00

In life, you can never do a kindness to soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Summertime Cold = Yuck!

2009-07-19T15:46:00.000-04:00

The graphic above says it all! I've been down with a cold and flue-like crap for two days now and I'm not a happy camper at the moment. Ok, maybe it's not quite that bad, but I'd much rather be outside enjoying our beautiful summer weather instead of laying around indoors feeling like death warmed over.

Ok, my venting is over....please enjoy your summer and I'll be back when I'm feeling better!

Favorite Summertime Poems

2009-07-17T16:39:00.000-04:00

Summer Comes Poem
The Little darling Spring has run away
The sunshine grew too hot for her to stay
She kissed her sister, Summer,and she said
"When I am gone, you must be queen instead"
Now reigns the Lady Summer, round whose feet
A thousand fairies flock with blossoms sweet.
~ Annonymous

Poem for Summer
Laughter of Lilacs
Rainbows of roses
Songs of the robins
Lily of the valley borders
Sunshine to warm the heart
Oh what joy this season does impart!
~ Anne Morrow Lindberg

"Oh, the summer night,
Has a smile of light,
And she sits on a sapphire throne."
~ Barry Cornwall

Sunflower

2009-07-17T16:05:00.000-04:00

One lonely sunflower growing in the sun
Wants to play and have some fun
Then whoosh went the wind
And scattered all the seeds
And now there's lots of sunflowers
Playing in the breeze.
Anonymous

Blueberry Crumb Cake

2009-07-12T11:49:00.000-04:00

Oh yeah, it's blueberry season and I love the taste of fresh blueberries! This time of year, I purchase blueberries in bulk and freeze them to enjoy all year long. This crumb cake is a family favorite and I think you'll enjoy it as well!

Batter:
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup oil
1 heaping cup blueberries

Crumb Topping:
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons cold butter (not margarine)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, grease a square baking pan.

Mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a bowl, set aside. Mix slightly beaten egg, milk and oil in another bowl. Add in dry ingredients, mix until just blended and pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle blueberries over the top.

Using an electric mixer, beat crumb ingredients until mixture resembles fine crumbles. Sprinkle on top of blueberries and bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes or until cake is done.

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-07-09T21:27:00.000-04:00

I have been honored this week with a Lovely Blog Award given to me by Darlene Demell and I am so thankful. What a treat that was! Check out Darlene's blog here http://darlenesrecipesandmore.blogspot.com/. I now get to pass it on as directed by the rules.

The rules are:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award on to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered (or as many as you can). Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

My list is as follows with no particluar order….

http://shortinthecord.blogspot.com/

http://healthyperspectives.blogspot.com/

http://militarymomz.blogspot.com/

http://grannieskitchen.blogspot.com/

http://staceystaddie.blogspot.com/

http://ysestringer.blogspot.com/

http://wordsalads.blogspot.com/

My Heart Breaks

2009-07-09T16:46:00.000-04:00

Today I'm exhausted and emotionally drained. My husband and I, along with our daughter-in-law and grandson took our son to the airport this morning. My eldest son is a soldier and had been home for the last 2 weeks on his R & R leave from defending our great nation. I don't care how many times or how old they are, a parent never gets used to sending their child off to war.

May God bless my son and all of our men and women proudly serving along with the families who support them.

Jordan Essentials ~ July Specials

2009-07-08T20:41:00.000-04:00

Customer Special:
Cool off with a Fresh Hydrating Spritzer and get a purse size free! Buy any Spritzer in July and enjoy a FREE purse size Coconut Papaya Spritzer free. Keep spritzers on ice or in the fridge and enjoy a cool hydrating mist all summer long!

Hostess Special:
July Hostesses Enjoy A Free Time Rewind Eye Cream valued at $25! Summer Sun can really damage skin! Fight back with our botanical Time Rewind Eye Cream! All of your July hostesses get one free.

To view online catalog or learn more about Jordan Essentials, visit http://www.JordanRep.com/11738

Chocolate Snack Cake

2009-07-07T15:45:00.000-04:00

This quick and easy chocolate cake is a favorite at our house!

Chocolate Snack Cake
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8 inch square pan.

Combine dry ingredients, add vinegar, vanilla and milk. Mix until well blended and pour into prepared pan. Pour chocolate chips over the top.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out with moist crumbs. Cool in pan for 15 minutes.

Our Wandering Libby

2009-07-02T16:12:00.000-04:00

This is Libby, isn't she beautiful! Miss Libby is our 4 year old 100 lb. yellow lab who's as sweet and friendly as can be. However, she's also extremely strong willed and will do everything in her power to roam the neighborhood.

We've recently invested in the Invisible Fence, a fantastic company who will train your pet to learn his/her boundaries as well as install the fence system. They also offer a 100% guarantee! Well, Miss Libby has taken it upon herself to test the company's guarantee and my last nerve all at the same time.

Yesterday, she took off for the 4th time since the system was installed. This time during a distraction training (son on outside of fence, Libby and I on inside). She very casually walked right through the fence without even flinching and took off running like a race horse. Dear son ran after her and I followed in the car, both son and dog come home exhausted and panting. Once again, I called the Invisible Fence company and first thing this morning a trainer come back out to the house. Libby ended up getting a stronger collar, I hope and pray it works this time and we have no more roaming.

Swiss Mocha Coffee Mix

2009-06-25T12:18:00.000-04:00

If you're like me and just gotta have a rich creamy cup of Mocha, but dread spending a fortune at the coffee shop, you will love Swiss Mocha Coffee Mix! This recipe comes from Hillbilly Housewife, http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com%20a/a fabulous source for low cost home cooking.

Swiss Mocha Coffee Mix
1/2 cup instant coffee
1 cup sugar
1 cup instant dry milk powder
1/4 cup powdered coffee creamer
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup vanilla flavored instant pudding mix (optional)

Measure all of the ingredients into a clean, dry bowl. Use a fork to combine everything evenly. If you are ambitious, you can powder everything in a blender. I don't always do this because I am lazy. You do get really impressive results from it though, and it is easier to do than one would expect. Transfer the mixture to a resealable container, or a pretty jar.

To Prepare: Measure 3 or 4 tablespoons into a coffee cup. Fill it up with hot water (about 3/4 cup) and stir to dissolve.

This is a very sweet and chocolaty coffee. It is almost as good as hot chocolate for curling up with on a cold winter night. If you decide to make it a bed time snack, then you might want to use decaffeinated instant coffee, instead of regular. The vanilla pudding mix makes your homemade mix dissolve better in water. It also gives a pleasant vanilla flavor to the coffee.

Banana Pecan Muffins and Bread

2009-06-25T12:08:00.000-04:00

My family loves these Banana Muffins and I think you will too!

1 egg
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup oil
2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2-3 bananas, mashed
½ cup pecans (optional)

Beat egg, add buttermilk and oil. Mix in dry ingredients, add bananas and pecans. Fill greased muffin tins and bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.

For Banana Bread – mix as above and pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes.

Grandparenting Quotes

2009-06-24T21:51:00.000-04:00

These are a few of my favorite quotes.
~ Authors unknown

Grandmas don't have to do anything ~ just be there.

If Mom says no, ask Grandma.

God couldn't be everywhere, so he invented grandparents.

Being grandparents is God's reward for growing old.

There's only one perfect grandchild in the world, and every grandparent has it.