Candy for St. Patrick's Day

Gotta love GREEN on St. Patrick's Day.

This is such a fun holiday.

Have a party and share some GREEN candy with friends and family.

Candy you ate as a kid® party favors packed for FREE with minimum purchase. Hundreds of candies from which to choose.


 

National Tortilla Chip Day

National Tortilla Chip Day is celebrated nationwide on February 24.

The word tortilla comes from the Spanish "torta" meaning "round cake".

Rebecca Webb Carranza is credited with creating tortilla chips in Los Angeles in the 1940's. She came up with the idea to use all the scraps from the automated tortilla machine instead of throwing them away. They were cut into triangles and then fried. She then sold them for a dime a bag at the El Zarape Tortilla Factory.

In 1994, Carranza received the Golden Tortilla Award for her contribution to the Mexican food industry.



Today tortilla chips are one of the most popular snack foods.


Since this is "Heart Health Care Month", this recipe from 2011 is for baked tortilla chips.
 
 

 
Related articles
guacamole and baked tortilla chips (pamelasalzman.com)

 
 

National Heart Health Month

Since this is National Heart Health month I thought I'd pass this article along.

It's suppose to be a breakthrough supplement.

Read it and let me know what you think.

National Chili Day

Today is National Chili Day. Yummy!! I love chili.

There is always contraversy about the way we make our chilli. We believe there is no room for chili beans in chili. ALL MEAT and seasonings. I can't tell you how many conversations we've had about this. We don't believe in any kind of fillers for chili.

My research takes me to Chuckwagon cooks who first made chili using the less tender cuts of beef like the beef brisket.

This recipe is AWESOME.   Try it and let me know what you think.

Random Acts of Kindness Week

I just realized this week is “Random Acts of Kindness Week”.

I love the idea of this week. Unfortunately, a lot of us spend so much time being angry with people and making judgment about others we never think about RAK.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could change our thoughts to positive thoughts and do something kind for someone.

The “Random Acts of Kindness Week” foundation has some really good ideas on their website to help those who can't think of any ideas.
 

Random Acts Of Kindness Foundation

 
 
 

Discounted Party Supplies

Now that Valentine's Day has come and gone it's time to start thinking about your St. Patrick's Day party.

You can't beat up to 90% off all your party supplies. 

There is also Mardi Gras, Easter and Graduation supplies on clearance.     

The Day Of Love !!!

 
 

Sorry I couldn't resist.   They are just to cute.

 
 
 
 

Last Minute Valentine's Bouquets

Discount on Last Minute Valentines Flowers

Waiting until the last minute may not always be a bad thing.

This Valentines Day it's a good thing. 

Last Chance Valentine's Bouquets – Save 25% 

(valid on select bouquets delivered on February 13)

***See my previous post on the meaning of Valentines flowers***

 
 
 

Meaning of Valentine's Flowers

Roses

Red roses symbolize love and passion
Yellow roses symbolize friendship and joy
White roses symbolize purity and innocence
Pink roses symbolize appreciation or “Thank you”
Orange roses symbolize enthusiasm, desire and fascination
  
 

Daisies

Daisies symbolize beauty, innocence and purity. They are always a favorite to receive.
  
  
  
 

Tulips

Tulips symbolize a perfect love. They are a good Valentine’s Day pick since they’re classic and affordable.
  
  
  
 

Alstroemeria

Known as Peruvian lilies, these symbolize friendship and devotion. They’re easy to find in most neighborhood supermarkets.
  
  
  
 

Casa Blanca Lilies

Casa Blanca lilies symbolize beauty, class and style. People love the stunning blooms’ heady fragrance.
  
  
  
 

Orchids

Orchids symbolize love, beauty, luxury and strength. They also send a message of exotic seduction.
  
  
  
 

Carnations

Carnations symblize fascination and new love. These cheerful blooms are hearty and very affordable.
  
  
  
 

Sunflowers

Sunflowers symbolize warmth, happiness and loyalty. These spirit-lifting flowers are available all year round.
  
  
  
 

Irises

Dark blue or purple irises symbolize royalty. No matter their color they symbolize faith and hope.
  
  
  
 

Gardenias

Gardenias symbolize purity and joy and connote deep, old-fashioned love. These are loaded with fragrance and will definitely make a statement on Valentine's Day.
  
  
  
 

What A Sad Day

I am sadden by the loss of Whitney Houston.

She was a true quadruple threat singer, actor, producer and model.

Her amazing voice will be etched in my mind forever.

It's unfortunate that her passing MIGHT be attributed to drugs, I hope not.  I was hoping for a come back from her.

She is now in the Lord's hands and I'm sure she is watching over all the people she cared about.

We will miss you Whitney R.I.P.

National Make A Friend Day

Today if National Make A Friend Day.

You can never have enough friends. I know is probably awkward and uncomfortable to meet new people.

There are several ways to meet new people, of course it will take some work on your part.

Start by joining a club or take a class that is relevant to your interests. Take a cooking class, join a reading club or just smile and say “hi” to someone.

Always be yourself. There's nothing more difficult then having to show your true self after you realize someone could be a good friend.

When you meet someone for the first time it might be a good idea to stay away from the religious and political topics, at least until you get to know them better.

So, go out into the world and make a new friend today.

Last Minute Valentines Gifts

Free One Day Shipping still available on Watches and Jewelry at Amazon.com

 

 

Great Valentines gifts for her, great Valentines gifts for him

You have 4 days left until Valentines Day .

Don't wait any longer.

 
 
 

Target’s Patio Sale

Expect more.  Pay less.®   That's Target.  And with a broader assortment than you'll find in stores, Target.com offers more choices.  More fashion.  More furniture. More electronics and toys.  All that and more, and all for low prices.

Summer is right around the corner.  

Backyard parties and BBQ's are waiting.  

Get your patio ready for the summer events coming your way.  

 
 
 

National Cream Cheese Brownie Day

Happy National Cream Cheese Brownie Day!!

Could anything be any better than a Cream Cheese Brownie?   I think NOT!

Although there are many different variations of brownies, cream cheese is one of my very favorites.

The swirl of the cream cheese gives the brownie just the right taste of tart and sweet, YUM.

Here is one of my favorite recipes  Raspberry-Cream Cheese Brownies

I love the recipe website.  Make sure you put your zip code in the field provided  (to the right of the word INGREDIENTS).   If there is a $ sign next to an item in the recipe, click on the item and it will tell you which store in your area has the item on sale.   For extra savings make sure to match those items up with any available coupons.   Cha Ching!!   Love it.
 
 
 

Valentines candy for all my retro candy lovers

Old fashioned candy from the 1950s, 60s, 70s or 80s, still available after all these years!

My favorite retro candy shop, Old Time Candy, has “Candy Decade Boxes” personalized for Valentines Day or you can build your own.

I think retro candy  is the perfect gift for someone who is hard to buy for.

Everyone loves to remember the candy they had as a child.

Gotta Love This Kinda Stuff!!

Last Minute Valentines Gifts

We have only a few days until the day of love arrives.  

For those of you who have procrastinated, no worries, I've got you covered.

GiftTree.com is America's premier gift basket provider, offering a wide selection of gift baskets, wine baskets, same-day flowers, fruit baskets and more.

Perfect for Valentines Day.

National Stop Bullying Day

Today is National Stop Bullying Day.

There are a countless number of youths that stay home or stay away from school each month for fear of being bullied or harassed.

This is a very serious problem and since I have no children I don't feel informed enough to speak on the subject so I will ask everyone to please visit www.stopbullying.gov.

This website will help you recognize the warning signs and provides you with the education for bullying prevention and resources for those who may have or are being bullied.

Please help those who are to scared or embarrassed to ask for help.
 
 

Today Is Charles Dickens 200th Birthday

Charles Dickens' imagination is unexplainable. Nevertheless, his biography shows the source of that power and is the best place to define it.

Born Charles Dickens on February 7, 1812 to parents John and Elizabeth Dickens, near Portsmouth on England's south coast. A lower-middle-class family, John dickens was a clerk in the Navy Pay Office in Portsmouth. John having come from servants and Elizabeth from minor bureaucrats. John Dickens was vivacious and generous with a tendency to live beyond his means. Charles based Mr. Micawber and Mrs. Nickleby, in A Tale of Two cities, on his parents.

At a young age Charles was taught to read by his mother and enjoyed reading the classics in his fathers collection, Shakespeare, Cervantes, Defoe, Smollett, Fielding, and Goldsmith. These classics had quite an effect on his imagination. Charles looked at these young years as being a kind of golden age. The Pickwick Papers, his first novel, was an attempt to recreate the innocence and spirit of his youth.

With financial hardship overtaking the Dickens' family, Charles was taken out of school to do menial household work. His father was imprisoned for debt and released three months later. During this period Charles felt a sense of abandonment that would turn out to be the major themes of his novels. His sympathy for the victimized, his fascination with prisons and money, the desire to vindicate his heroes' status as gentlemen, and the idea of London as an awesome, lively, and rather threatening environment all reflect these experiences. Out on his own for a time at twelve years of age, Dickens acquired a lasting self-reliance, a driving ambition, and a boundless energy that went into everything he did.

At the age of 20 Charles became a journalist. Over the next 5 years he had the reputation of the fastest and most accurate parliamentary reporter in London.

Passing at 58, June 9, 1870, from a stroke. Charles was the best novelist the Victorian age produced. He was laid to rest in the Poet's Corner of Westminster Abbey.

Send A Friend A Card Day

Today is Send a Friend A Card Day.

It always feels good to get a card from someone.  Especially if you haven't heard from them for a while.

Today is the perfect opportunity to get back in touch with that long lost friend or even a present one.

Celebrate this day be sending an e-card.

Pay a Compliment Day

Today is Pay a Compliment Day. As you go about your daily routine today remember to compliment the people you come in contact with.

A clerk at store, a waitress/waiter, your auto mechanic, your boss, etc. They all love to hear compliments. A compliment can go along way in helping someone feel motivated and validated.

Studies have shown that when an employee is complimented in front of their co-workers they feel a sense of accomplishment and are more motivated. The employee feels as if their work has been noticed and appreciated.

Today is a great day to also work on complimenting your family. Compliments help with approval and building self-confidence between family members.

Enjoy today and remember “a compliment costs nothing”
 
 
 

New York Giants Win Superbowl XLVI

WOW what a game!!!!

New York Giants are SUPERBOWL XLVI Champs!!!

Final Score: 21-17    We are ecstatic!!!

Although they did have my heart pounding out of my chest in the last 3 minutes.

We knew they could do it. We watched this game in memory of my boyfriends parents who have both passed on.

They taught us to have faith.

FAITH:  A little faith will bring your soul to heaven,
but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul.

We thank GOD and them for the spiritual words of inspiration.

Thanks Mama and Papa, we miss you Rest In Peace!!

February Is National Snack Food Month

Super Bowls are probably the biggest snack event of the year.

It seems every year I forget something and have to run around trying to figure out what to get at the store.

Below are a few recipes you can throw together in no time and your guests will love them.  



 
 
Shrimp Dip:  This is one of my favorites. I always have these ingredients on hand just in case.
 
1 pkg of cream cheese
1 can of DEVEINED shrimp
Salt and Pepper to taste
 
Place cream cheese in a glass bowl, drain shrimp (keep juice). Combine drained shrimp and cream cheese. Add small amounts of the shrimp juice as you go to loosen up dip. Dip should NOT be runny. It should be the consistency of a sour cream dip. To serve use any cut up veggies or any chips.
 
 
Cheesy Chili Dip:
 
1 pkg of Velveeta 2 to 3 cans of chili (no beans)
2 small cans of diced green chilies
Salt and Pepper to taste
 
Cube Velveeta. Combine 2 cans of chili (no beans), cubed Velveeta and 1 can of green chilies in a crock pot. Set on low and stir every 10 minutes. Check after 1 hour. I like mine with lots of chili. If you feel you need more chili add the 3rd can of chili (no beans) and the 2nd can of green chilies. To serve keep in the crock pot and serve with tortilla chips.
 
 
Deviled Eggs: The amount of eggs is dependent on the amount of guests you'll have
 
2 Doz. Eggs
2 Tbsp brown mustard
1 small can of Salmon
Salt to taste
Paprika

Boil eggs the night before you put them together. Peel and cut eggs in half length wise. Place the yoke in a glass bowl. Combine yokes and brown mustard. Start with ¼ can of the Salmon, add more as needed. Make sure these are made at least 2 hours before your guests arrive. Refrigerate. Sprinkle eggs with paprika when removed from refrigerator. Eggs should be placed in a stay cool container when left.
 
 
Enjoy the Game!!!!
 
 
 

Super Bowl Fun

Get Your Super Bowl On

Super Bowl XLVI is February 5, just 2 days away. Now is the time to get to the store with your coupons in hand and get those great deals for the party snacks

Here are a few coupon match ups I found for my area (SoCal). Check your match ups for your area.

You can have a great party with significant savers if you do it right.

Albertson's

(part of buy 10 promo)

Lay's Potato Chips 10.5 oz - $1.99 – buy 2 – use .55/2 cpn from 01-22 SS (purchase of dip required)

Final Price $1.72 ea.

(part of buy 10 promo)

Ragu Pasta Sauce 16-24 oz - .99 – buy 2 – use $1.00/2 cpn from 01-29 RP

Final Price .49 ea.

Ralph's

(part of buy 10 promo)

Franks Red Hot Wings Sauce 12 oz - $1.49 – buy 1 – use .75/1 cpn from 01-22 SS

Final Price .49 ea.

Haas Avocados - .49 ea. (no cpn)

Final Price .49 ea.

Vons

Oscar Mayer Meat Franks 16 oz – B1G2 – (no cpn)

Est. Final Price $1.33 ea. 

Barilla Pasta Sauce 24 oz - $2.00 – use $1.00/1 cpn from 01-08 SS

Final price $1.00 ea.

Black History Month

Black History Month

Dr. Carter G. Woodson:

To promote and preserve African-American history and culture, the founder of Black History Month, Dr. Carter G. Woodson (born in 1875), Founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915, now called the Association for the Study of African America Life and History (ASALH).

In 1916 he also founded the Journal of Negro History.

In 1926 Negro History week was launched, being the second week of February between the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976 Negro History week evolved into Black History Month.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson passed suddenly of a heart attack on April 3, 1950 in Washington, DC, before realizing his ambition of publishing the six-volume Encyclopedia Africana.

"When you control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his "proper place" and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary."
-- Dr. Carter G. Woodson, "The Miseducation of the Negro"

Just a few African American Pioneers:

Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)

• The first African-American to be invited to the White House, by President Theodore Roosevelt

• The first African-American to be on a postage stamp

He was Director of the Tuskegee Institute, a college for African-Americans.   He gained most of his fame from his eloquent and impassioned push for racial equality.


Garrett Augustus Morgan (1877-1963)

• In 1914 Mr. Morgan secured a patent for a device he called the safety hood.  In his younger days he had noticed firefighter struggling with suffocating smoke while in the line of duty.

• He patented a mechanical traffic signa1 in 1923 that he sold to General Electric.  It was widely used, yet Mr. Morgan only received $40,000 for the invention.

Vivien Theodore Thomas (1910-1985)

• As an assistant to surgeon Alfred Blalock at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee and later at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Thomas developed the procedure used to treat Blue Baby Syndrome in the 1940's.

What the Bible says about Racism:

Acts 10:27-28
Good News Bible – English Version

27 Peter kept talking to Cornelius as he went into the house where he found many people gathered.   28 He said to them, “You yourselves know very well that a Jew is not allowed by his religion to visit or associate with Gentiles. But God has shown me that I must not consider any person ritually unclean or defiled.

Acts 10:34-35
Good News Bible – English Version

34 Peter began to speak: “I now realize that it is true that God treats everyone on the same basis.  35 Those who fear him and do what is right are acceptable to him, no matter what race they belong to.