Blogging ----> Year 8

and so begins year number eight....


I can't believe I've stuck with blogging so faithfully, then again it's one of my most favorite things! I love looking back on past years and the different things I wrote about, and pictures I'd forgotten I'd taken. I've changed my style a bit through the years, and feel like I've gotten a bit better at blogging. One thing that hasn't changed, my food pics and posts! Some of my first posts were about food and I thought I'd share my first recipe/food pic.......

Shepherd's Pie

After looking at it, I realize I haven't made another Shepherd's Pie since! LOL I must have been so unimpressed!

I've made some really delicious recipes over the past 7 years, I've done some fun projects, documented the accomplishments and milestones of my family, and most recently bombarded you with pictures of my grandchildren. LOL

Sometimes, bloggers go through dry spells where they either can't find the time to blog, or feel like they have nothing to write about. To add a little spark to my blogging, and because I'm starting yet another year at it, I'm going to dig into the archives and find one topic per day to blog about by going month by month through my entire blog. I'll do a recap of an old post and do an updated version of it too. I'm excited to look back through my blog and I hope you will enjoy seeing some of the old posts too. This should be fun!

Welcome 2018....year 8 of blogging....2,047 posts and counting!! :O)

Football, Food, & Lots of Fun {part 3}

We got to the stadium early. Nathan wanted to get close to the field to watch the players warm up.













The weather was gorgeous, but our seats ended up being in the shade, so it was a bit chilly. The game was exciting from beginning to end! Of course, we were disappointed when Cutler got hurt and left the game, but the back-up QB McCown did a great job filling in. It didn't help either when Briggs and Tillman got hurt, but Forte and Jeffery had a good day, and of course, we went crazy when Hester ran it back 81 yards for a touchdown! :O) It was a very close scoring game, but in the end the Redskins pulled it out and beat our Bears 45-41. :O(

*side note: I found out first hand that those Redskins fans can get a bit rowdy....just saying......

Once the game was over, we made our way to the parking lot. Plan was to get a cab back, but the traffic was ridiculous, so we just kept walking.....and walking......and walking.....We finally stopped to regroup. We tried calling a cab, but it was going to be awhile before they could get there, and we had practically walked almost to the hotel already, so we kept following the crowd and kept walking {not really knowing where we were}. We passed our hotel, but we were on the opposite side of the entrance, so we just kept walking. Finally, we stopped and called a cab. Turned out we were just minutes away, but when you don't know where you are going.......

We finally got on the road and drove to Salisbury. We were starving {seriously???} so we had dinner at Outback before checking into Courtyard Marriott. We didn't get much sleep again, due to Nathan's snoring, but at least I didn't have to bunk with him again. Peter must have had enough of him too, by morning Nathan was on the floor next to the bed.....next trip, Nathan gets his own room! LOL A little shopping on Monday then back home to reality. We had a great weekend and we will definitely plan to see another football game in the future.

just too sweet......

Mom shared this video with me this morning and it is just too sweet not to share.

Ella Mae sings "An American Trilogy" by Elvis Presley {source}

So Cute!!!!

Football, Food, & Lots of Fun {part 1}

Peter, Nathan, Kayla, & I had an awesome weekend ....{despite the Bears losing and one other major mishap!}.
On Saturday morning, we started our drive to Washington. About an hour or so in I realized I had forgotten my camera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :O( How could I forget my camera??????? Using my phone for pictures was not an option and Nathan takes a few pictures with his phone, but I knew he wouldn't humor me and take the all the pictures I wanted. I have to have pictures. There is no way I can take a family trip and not get pictures. I had to improvise, and after a quick stop in Walmart, I had a camera......

my new pink "Barbie" camera :O(

Now, when you pay $30 for a camera, you should know that you get what you paid for! I took about 50 or so pictures, and only a few where decent enough to post! :O(
After our pit stop in Walmart, we were on the road again. We started discussing where to have lunch. I think we made a great choice! YUM ~ Panera!

I <3 my Breast Cancer Awareness nails! Great job Andrea!

We got back on the road. The weather looked a little threatening, but it ended up being a gorgeous weekend.
I was anxious to get to the hotel. I had booked a studio at the brand new Residence Inn in Largo. I was very happy with my choice!!!

I really loved the bathroom, especially the walk-in shower. The kitchen area was pretty too, but I didn't get any good pics.

We made a few calls, then planned out the rest of our evening.

Peter and I wanted to see "Captain Phillips", so we decided to see a movie, then have dinner, then a little pool time.

We talked Nathan and Kayla into watching the movie with us, and they were so glad they went. The four of us were speechless the entire 2 hours!
AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME movie......one of the best I've ever seen!!!!!!

We had pretty much decided on dinner before going into the theatre.........

Kobe Japanese Steak & Seafood House

Nathan had never been to a Japanese steakhouse. He loved it!! He videoed pretty much the entire meal being cooked. LOL We had another family of Bears fans at our table. Nathan loves that part of the football trip....meeting and talking to other Bears fans. He had started getting "pumped" earlier as soon as we pulled into the hotel parking lot and started seeing lots of fellow Bears fans. :O) Dinner was delish!!! Once back at the hotel, N & K headed down to the pool and hot tub. Peter turned in early..........I waited up for the teens.



 

board & batten

{October 31 Day Challenge}  31 days of.......keeping it simple-keeping it real.

Day 14: After several days of rainy, unmotivating weather, I was happy to start Monday morning with some sunshine and a burst of ambition! I spent most of today cleaning our bedroom , with cleaning out and reorganizing the closet taking up the majority of the day. I also moved the furniture around- I love where I have the bed now so much better. I still don't have a headboard, or even want one. I do, however, think that this look behind the bed would be perfect!!!


{source}

I really love the ledge shelf!


I also found this next picture, which pretty much looks like the wall I am working with- no windows or doorways, just a blank wall behind the bed.


{source}

I haven't been able to make up my mind about what to do with the walls, but I'm pretty sure I'll do some sort of board & batten project on the wall behind the bed. I really like this look!


Day 1: Introduction
Day 2: Empty Nest
Day 3: Binders & Calendars
Day 4: Cookware
Day 5: Feelin' Fall-y
Day 6: End of Summer
Day 7: The Voice
Day 8: Dream
Day 9: Show Your Support
Day 10: Floor Care
Day 11: 5 on Friday
Day 12 & 13: Weekend Catch-Up
Day 14: Board & Batten

Weekend Catch-Up

{October 31 Day Challenge} 
31 days of.......keeping it simple-keeping it real.

Day 12 & 13: Weekend Catch Up.........I've had a really rough weekend.....NOT!

Saturday - in no particular order.....

• rainy day
• laundry
• dinner {beef steak w/ gravy, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, & rolls}
• Gilmore Girls marathon
• nap
• movie

Sunday -

• Peter cooked breakfast
• church
• football
• order out for dinner
• nap
• football
• Pinterest/blogging
• snack
• football {awesome game end by the Patriots!}

I'm actually ready for Monday morning......and hopefully, some sunny weather!!!

Day 1: Introduction
Day 2: Empty Nest
Day 3: Binders & Calendars
Day 4: Cookware
Day 5: Feelin' Fall-y
Day 6: End of Summer
Day 7: The Voice
Day 8: Dream
Day 9: Show Your Support
Day 10: Floor Care
Day 11: 5 on Friday
Day 12 & 13: Weekend Catch-Up

show your support.....

{October 31 Day Challenge}
31 days of.......keeping it simple-keeping it real.

Day 9: I have a couple of Bears t-shirts I could have worn to the game, or I could have borrowed a jersey from Nathan, but I decided instead to buy something new! In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I decided to go with this:

I ended up getting it from Dick's Sporting Goods online. For those of you that love a deal like me, they had FREE shipping {3-5 days- $6.99} on any item supporting Breast Cancer Awareness. {BTW, Dick's is donating up to $250,000 to the cause.} I ended up paying with PayPal and upgraded my shipping to FREE 2-day {-$15.99}. Then, just for the fun of it, I went to Retail Me Not to see if I could find an added discount. Most were for free shipping, but I saw that you can get 10% off just by signing up for emails.
This link is at the very bottom of the Dick's Sporting Goods site homepage. My item didn't qualify, but I'll use it on my next order {the link came to my email}.
So, next weekend, I'll show my support, not only for my favorite team, but for a great cause too!

Day 1: Introduction
Day 2: Empty Nest
Day 3: Binders & Calendars
Day 4: Cookware
Day 5: Feelin' Fall-y
Day 6: End of Summer
Day 7: The Voice
Day 8: Dream
Day 9: Show Your Support

only a dream....

{October 31 Day Challenge}
31 days of.......keeping it simple-keeping it real.

Day 8: I'm ashamed to admit that I don't think about you every day. I'm reminded of you often and have so many wonderful memories of you, yet life keeps me so busy and preoccupied with "stuff" that has to get done, that days will pass without thinking of you. Then, out of nowhere, I have a dream about you and I get to see you again and talk to you again, and it's like you never left.

It's your birthday tomorrow, isn't it funny how I remembered your birthday in a dream!? You've been gone now for over 15 years, and while missing you doesn't go away, I'm thankful for all the wonderful memories I have of you and all the ways you inspired me. You were such a sweet, loving, quiet person. Julie reminds me so much of you. I can be sweet and loving, but I am not always quiet. I never heard you raise your voice or talk about others, you hated any type of controversy, and usually even kept your opinions to yourself. You never had to be the center of attention, but in your own clever way, you managed to gather friends and family at your house EVERY evening for a visit. We had so many good times there, and I wouldn't trade a minute of the time I spent with you each day. You adored your grandchildren and we knew it. I'm sad that your time with Logan and Nathan was short, but I've made sure that they know all about you. I was fortunate to have two Godly grandmothers. As a teen, I went to Sunday School with you every Sunday. You were definitely not an "in your face" Christian, but what you didn't say spoke so much louder.

You were like a child at Christmastime and could never wait to open your presents with the rest of us. By the time we all got to your house to open gifts, yours were already open and placed out for us to see. It's no secret, you weren't the neatest wrapper {{{but you always gave the best gifts}}}. I know you used a case of Scotch tape {I do that too!}. You could eat chicken every day of the week, you loved sweets, even though you knew you couldn't have them. You kept your house 100 degrees year round. You loved knick-knacks and had quite a collection!

You lived a good life. You actually did "enjoy the little things." I love you Mom-Mom and I thank you for all the wonderful memories you left with me. Gone, but definitely not forgotten. Happy Birthday!

Mom-Mom Annie & Logan {Christmas 1988}

Day 1: Introduction
Day 2: Empty Nest
Day 3: Binders & Calendars
Day 4: Cookware
Day 5: Feelin' Fall-y
Day 6: End of Summer
Day 7: The Voice
Day 8: Dream

the voice.....

{October 31 Day Challenge}
31 days of.......keeping it simple-keeping it real.

Day 7: Over the years, I've been an on-again off-again fan of American Idol, mainly due to the judges on the show. I finally stopped watching altogether when AI added Nicki Minaj to the show.......for real???

 

I really loved watching all some of the performers though, those who have gone on to become mega-superstars like Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. It's neat to have watched them from the very beginning to where they are today. I'm also a huge Daughtry fan {who came in 4th place and, in my opinion, got cheated out of winning Season 5 to Taylor Hicks, just saying!}.

Kellie Pickler {who I just loved on DWTS last season!} was also a contestant that year and came in 6th place. I swore I'd never watch again after that year!

This brings me to The Voice......I had never seen it....never! Nathan tuned in for the first time a few weeks ago when the season started and RAVED about it. Of course, I had to see what all the hype was about.......let's just say, I'm hooked!!! I love all 4 of the judges!!! I love the performers!! If you haven't watched......you must tune in! Monday & Tuesday nights @ 8:00 est on NBC.

hmmmmm......now which team to join!?

Day 1: Introduction
Day 2: Empty Nest
Day 3: Binders & Calendars
Day 4: Cookware
Day 5: Feelin' Fall-y
Day 6: End of Summer
Day 7: The Voice



summer's end....

{October 31 Day Challenge}
31 days of.......keeping it simple-keeping it real.

It's hard to believe....summer is over! As of today, another year at the b & b is officially in the books. I think this has been the fastest a season has ever gone by, yet it has been a very, very busy summer. I always look forward to this time of year, but it's always a bittersweet feeling as I switch gears from work to being home. I have a few more hours of work tomorrow, packing things up and doing inventory, then I'll lock the doors until next spring. You know you have a great job when you are already excited about starting another season {I just don't want it to come too fast!} :O)

Day 1: Introduction
Day 2: Empty Nest
Day 3: Binders & Calendars
Day 4: Cookware
Day 5: Feelin' Fall-y
Day 6: End of Summer

a taste of fall.....

{October 31 Day Challenge}
31 days of.......keeping it simple-keeping it real.

Day 5: I ended up making a Pumpkin Cake w/Cream Cheese Icing for the bake sale today. It is so goooood and so fall-y.

Here's the recipe:
PUMPKIN CAKE
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
2 cups flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 t. baking soda
1- 16 oz. can pumpkin

*chopped pecans

In a mixer bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, and oil until light and fluffy. Sift together flour, soda, & cinnamon and gradually add to egg mixture while mixing. Add pumkin and mix until blended.

Pour into a lightly sprayed 13x9 pan or tube pan. Bake @ 350 degrees for 35-45 mins. depending on type of pan you use.

CREAM CHEESE ICING
1- 8 oz. cream cheese-softened
1/4 cup butter-softened
1 tsp. vanilla
1- 1b. box confectioner's sugar {sifted}
Combine cream cheese and butter in mixer bowl until light and creamy. Add vanilla; then sugar, a little at a time. Beat until thick and creamy. Spread on cooled cake.

*Garnish with chopped pecans.

I ended buying a coconut custard pie and these cute cookies!!


This week is Fire Prevention Week at our volunteer fire dept.



Tonight, the annual fireman's dinner is being held at our restaurant. Peter was invited, so I think we will attend. It is usually a fun night, a great dinner, games, and just a great excuse for Peter and I to dress up and go out together!

I took this picture a few days ago in the doorway of the laundry room at the b&b.

This web has greeted me every morning this summer as I come in for work. No matter how many times I cleared it away with the broom, it just kept coming back. Finally, I gave in and just kept it there. I'm not scared of spiders at all, whenever I see a web, I can't help but think of the movie Charlotte's Web and the qazillion times I watched it with the boys. :O)


Have a T-E-R-R-I-F-I-C weekend!!! :O)

Day 1: Introduction
Day 2: Empty Nest
Day 3: Binders & Calendars
Day 4: Cookware
Day 5: Feelin' Fall-y

cookware

{October 31 Day Challenge}
31 days of.......keeping it simple-keeping it real.

Day 4: The item at the top of my "want/need" list right now is cookware. Problem is, it takes me forever to make a decision on most everything I buy. I've been talking about how I hate my cookware {especially the frying pans}, but that's all I've done for the past few years months....talk about it. I thought I had pretty much narrowed down the type of cookware I want, non-stick as compared to stainless steel. Then I did a little homework and found out what my favorite tv chef, Ina Garten~ Barefoot Contessa had to say about cookware:

What kind of cookware should I buy?

I know there is lots of really good cookware available, but the ones I use are All-Clad stainless steel and Le Creuset enameled cast iron. They're expensive, but they really do last a lifetime. They're also incredibly easy to clean.
I recommend that you start with two stainless-steel saute pans (an 8-inch and a 10-inch), two stainless-steel saucepans (2-quart and 4-quart), and one 16- to 20-quart stainless-steel pot for making stocks and pasta. If your budget allows, a stainless-steel roasting pan is perfect for chicken and meats.
For soups and stews, you'll need a heavier pot; I like the 7G- or 9-quart Le Creuset French Oven, in Flame (orange). Not only is it great for cooking, but it's beautiful enough to go directly from the oven to the table. .

10-inch fry pan $134.95

Sorry Ina, I really wanna cook like you, but this is probably not in my budget! :O) Thanks for the great advice though!

I guess this set from Williams-Sonoma is a no-go too.
$799.00 for a 10 piece set...YIKES!




KitchenAid Hard Anodized Nonstick 10-Piece Set - $119

Rachael Ray Hard Anodized II Nonstick Dishwasher Safe 14-Piece Cookware Set, Orange - $209

Gotta keep looking.........

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless-12-Piece - $299

Emeril by All-Clad Hard Anodized Nonstick 12-Piece Set - $200

I checked out Good Housekeeping's Best Non-Stick Cookware list and the very first set I looked at {months ago}, Rachel Ray's Hard-Anodized Cookware set, got very good reviews. I'm not sold on the orange handles though. I really like the color of this set.......hmmmmmm......

Rachael-Ray Porcelain Nonstick 10-Piece Set - $139.95

I guess I shouldn't by cookware based on the color, huh???

Back to square one......

Hopefully, I'll make a decision soon!

Day 1: Introduction

Day 2: Empty Nest
Day 3: Binders & Calendars

Day 4: Cookware

binders & calendars

{October 31 Day Challenge}
31 days of.......keeping it simple-keeping it real.

Day 3: I try to stay organized, but during the summer months, I can be a slacker. I do, however, always manage to keep paperwork, bills, etc. organized thanks to my handy-dandy binder!

I've always used some type of notebook to hold my monthly budget, menu plan, to-do lists, but after putting together this home-management binder last winter, I've used it every day since and stay much more organized.
Along with my binder, I also make several lists. I usually make a to-do list on Monday, and also have a sticky note with items needed from the grocery store.





I guess it's time to get rid of the GRAD category! :O)

I kept my 30 Spaces/30 Days of Organizing list from last winter.....time to get started on that again!

I also use several calendars to keep me on track with everything. I have one that I have hanging inside of my kitchen cabinet and I jot everything on this one. I have a dry-erase calendar that hangs on the fridge, this one is nice to see upcoming appts., etc at a glance. Then, there is my work calendar and daily reservation book. From April-October, they are used constantly.

As you can see, September was SUPER busy! But, all good things must come to an end......

There are very few days that my book looks like this! Usually, the pages are full of guests names.:O)

I'm sure that most people today just use their Smart Phones to keep track of everything, but just give me a cute notebook and a pen or pencil, and I'm a happy girl! :O)

Day 1: Introduction
Day 2: Empty Nest
Day 3: Binders & Calendars