Cuisinart, online shopping, the lottery and the creepy crud!

10/31/14

Hope everyone has a safe, fun, candy filled Halloween!

First off, I should report that after six days of torturing the poor girl, I have officially run out of the necessary strength to try to trap her and force a pill down her throat. I figure she'll heal better without the stress and my creepy crud has me so out of energy, I know I'll feel better. Miss Thing is eating and drinking again so hopefully, I'm in the clear! Now, I just have to convince her to let me start brushing her again.

Not feeling too well usually equals an inability to concentrate on any one thing without getting a headache so tend to find myself on Amazon looking up random things that catch my attention... I would like to say that I just look but that would be a baldfaced lie. My big challenge was given to me by my oldest daughter! We both want a food processor and her idea was for me to find a buy one get one free deal (BOGO).

For those of you who have not yet discovered Ebates or SavingsStar, they make things more fun by offering cash rebates at many stores and other sites when you shop online. You have to research what you are going to buy and then figure out who has the best rebate. Sign in to the store through the link on rebate page, shop and then just sit back and wait for your money to be credited to your account. Ebates sends out checks every so often. SavingsStar gives you a choice of ways to collect: cash or gift cards. 

I looked on sites like Amazon, Overstock, Wayfair, Bed, Bath & Beyond and JCPenney researching to see who had the best deal.  I found a better than BOGO deal at JCPenney. Regular price $180 on sale for $99, 25% off online coupon code with free shipping, 6% Ebate and paid for it with a 1.5% cash back card. Guess who now has a new toy for herself and one Christmas gift checked off her list! Nothing makes you feel better faster than using a coupon, getting an Ebate and then paying for it with your cash back card!

Ebates referral link

If you decide to sign up, use my link and I get rewarded when you redeem your first rebate...

New toy equals new recipes to try out. Wasn't exactly perfect but wasn't an epic fail either! 

Tried making dough to bake this veggie tart. Supposed to take out of food processor, roll it out, fill it, then pull dough up the sides. I think using the food processor is going to take some practice. Unfortunately, my dough was so thin it was more like I scooped it up and "painted it" on the sides... A bit more work and then I'll post it to the recipe blog! FYI, filling is butternut squash, apples and leeks. Bottom of tart is covered with an herb and garlic cream cheese along with some crumbled bacon. Tastes a million times better than it looks.

Recipe blog

Spent last weekend celebrating my son's birthday at their annual oyster roast. Made some delicious eats and took them, the turkey fryer and Joe to his house for the day. Best part was having my two handsome grandsons together! Had a total blast, weather was perfect and we spent the majority of the day out in the yard.  

Not sure if this is good or not but I finally won more than a dollar in the lottery! Matched three numbers and that is a whopping $4 win! Only time will tell what the price for that win will be. Today, I'll just enjoy the win.

Gardening, giraffes, recipe blog, B helps Grandma and CT time

10-22-14

Busy weekend! Spent the day Saturday with one of my favorite guys! B and I helped out his folks with some yard work! Translation, I did my best to keep him busy so they could do some yard work... Must admit, this grandma was very tired when she got home. End result, the yard looks great and since my poor hubby had to work all weekend, it kept me from being bored!

Sunday, spent the day recuperating and researching recipes. Joe got home around 4, clocked in a whopping 73 hours for the week. Decided to hit the Empire Buffet (one of his favorites) and then Food Lion. Watched a few of our recorded shows and went to bed early. Hoping that the weekend work eases up a bit! Joe has worked every weekend this month. Have a feeling he is ready for a break from it too. 

Spent Monday with my handsome grandson. These days, he only has eyes for Geoffrey giraffe. Not sure what started this new love affair but it is way too cute for words. After hugging Geoffrey, he moves on to kissing Geoffrey. He walks the giraffe around the house and insists that the kids and I pay homage to the long necked beast! He sticks the giraffe's nose into my lips and goes MMMMWAAAA. Then it is Sam's turn, by the time he gets to Isobel, she is already running down the hall. I'm fairly confident that this is not something I should be laughing hysterically at however, I can't lie, I did make and save a recording. Someday, this kid is going to hate me for having documented all of his cuteness.

Since my daughter decided to share her son with me both Saturday and Monday, I decided to reward her with dinner. Had a ton of Backyard Produce and all of that research on Sunday was begging to be tried out. The end result did receive two thumbs up!

For recipes, follow the link to my recipe blog:

judisrecipes.blogspot.com

BTW, a big thanks to Backyard Produce, they made my day by posting a link to my blog on their Facebook page. You can go to their page and see if for yourself: 

BYP page

FYI, anyone who lives in an area that they serve, you can't go wrong with their delivery service! NC, SC, VA, and DC area. This is the box that inspired the above dinner! The leftovers I made into a delicious salad for dinner last night! 

Back to the cooking, B decided to give me a hand. He helped by taking all of the Tupperware out of the cupboard and handing it to me one piece at a time. Once he emptied the cupboard, he sat down on the stepping stool with a pot and spoon from his kitchen and proceeded to feed Geoffrey! Of course, my phone was in the living room and I didn't get a picture so you'll just have to trust me when I say it was adorable! He also taste tested everything as I went along. Not many 16 month olds with a taste for green beans with sesame, garlic and soy sauce. Couldn't shove them in fast enough! His momma said he ate more when they got home. Is it any wonder why I love this child so much?

Final note, yesterday was CT and doctor day. All good for another six months! Lazy afternoon on the sofa and early night and woke up today raring to go! Thanks H for taking me out to lunch in between appointments and sorry I wasn't up to hanging out and shopping in the afternoon, I owe you one  :)

Purging, selling the Kirby, next chapters, and turning ten.

10-16-14

Original box...can anyone say anal! In that box, yep, original paperwork and VHS demo tape.

Posted this pic a couple of weeks ago on the yard sale site for $75. Cue crickets chirping... My daughter called and asked if I'd sold it yet seems her vac needed some repair and this would be a great temp. No problem. Off the site it came and over to her house. 

Monday, re-posted the newly returned vac for $60. Drum rolls this time! 3 people wanted to buy it in the first five minutes. Marked it ppu (pending pick up) after messaging the first commenter. Set time and place to meet and updated my post with info. Did not deter the masses. The wants kept coming and right up until we met yesterday people were still asking if it was available. I had a grand total of 17 wants! Go figure.

Joe and I bought the Kirby in 1996 for $1000. At that time we splurged to add all the bells and whistles figuring we would be keeping it for awhile. Doing the math that works out to $55.50 per year and after I apply the $60 I sold it for that drops it to only $52.22 per year. Math teachers feel free to use this as a word problem... 

How times have changed, the Shark? $198... Will it last for 18 years, now that is the question!

Of course, getting rid of the Kirby is just a small step in the great purge that has been going on. Have to confess that I found several old handbags that had not been used in more years than I care to admit too. They all made their way to the donation box after being emptied. I have receipts dating back to 2002, $2.50 in quarters, a pair of scissors, and tons of business cards and membership cards from three states. I kept the quarters and the scissors and tossed the rest. 

I did find my favorite key chain! Those that know me will appreciate seeing this again. Still me, haven't changed!

Speaking of change, my parentals have run away from home and are starting on what they are calling the next chapter! Haven't heard a peep from them in two weeks and if my brother hadn't posted proof of life pics (he went to help unpack and re-connect) I would be wondering... Anyhow, mom when you read this, I love you and miss you and hope you guys are settled in! 

Will say, they took the purging to a whole new level! They gave away, sold, donated, and trashed about two thirds of their belongings. They even downsized to one car. I love that my siblings, grand kids, nieces, nephews and myself all now have pieces of family history in our homes. Way to go parentals! Kept the essentials and most treasured items and plan to visit the rest on visits to all of us. Well planned.

As for nieces, Happy Birthday to my sweet baby girl Alacazam! I attended her birth, I am pretty sure it was yesterday but then I blinked and now she turns ten on Sunday. Double digits. No way!

 Love that smile! 

We pause for this brief announcement from Smiley360

10-15-14

As many of you know, I belong to Smiley360. I answer surveys and based on the answers I am matched with missions for different products. I love to do missions for Smiley360. This is a great way to get to try out stuff and talk about if you liked or didn't like whatever it was. They send out the products for free and all you have to do is talk about them! One of the missions I did I earned a gift for visiting a business, and one mission was reading a book! They sent out an email and asked us bloggers to help spread the word that they are looking for more members! Here is the link:

http://h5.sml360.com/-/1w2v

Here's the email:

New Missions… Spread The Word!

New Missions are available on Smiley360.com for big brands of cold sore treatment and children’s cold medicine… and we’re looking for new members to try these products for free just in time for winter. Help get the word out to your followers! 

B's back! Recipe blog, Tumblr and bat cat.

10-11-14

First and foremost of course is that my grandson is home and spent yesterday with me. Big smile, a hug and off to inspect the toys! Did a quick circuit, made sure that I hadn't given away any of his treasures, a few trips up and down the slide and a quick wave goodbye to his dad and we were back in business! I think he turned on, listened to and looked at every toy and book, he even patted a few and kissed his stuffed giraffe twice. Took him a full half hour to want his breakfast. Anyone who knows B, knows that this is not part of his normal routine. This child takes his mealtimes very seriously!! Not sure it was me he missed...

Please note how fluffy the carpet looks, loving my Shark!

Needless to say, we had an action packed day. I found out that he is a genius. The child has an obsession with a show called Bubble Guppies. Our normal day involves Pandora. I am not a huge fan of the tv running all day so I have set up several channels on Pandora and depending on our mood, we choose which channel to listen to. Now B seems to have decided that he no longer loves anything but "Bubbles" and he will sit in front of the tv with a look of pure rapture when the show is turned on. I went into the kitchen to fix lunch and when I came back out this was on my tv screen instead of Pandora:

I'm convinced the child is a genius, his mother texted back to say it was a fluke. We will see. Awful lot of button pushing to get from Pandora to My Shows, and please note what show is highlighted...

We watched his show after lunch and my little genius cuddled up on my lap for fifteen minutes. Score!

For those of you who follow my food antics I have news. I have had several requests for the actual recipes that I have been creating and a few who have made disparaging remarks at being subjected to pictures of said creations. That being said, I spent several days researching blogs of every shape, size and subject. Checked into some blogging communities and even checked out some blog pins! End result, new blog! 

judisrecipes.blogspot.com


Started adding recipes to it based on some previous posts and last night's dinner. 

My biggest realization is that I need to document the steps as well as the final creation. Many of my recipes feature Backyard Produce items. Some of these are lesser known and used veggies so I'm going to try and include information on how to clean, cut, store, and cook with items that were new to me. As always, I'm open to any and all feedback and suggestions! I don't promise that I won't still post the occasional culinary comment here. I will try to remember to post links.

As for Tumblr, kept seeing this site mentioned as I was doing my research so I started an account with them as well. Seems I can post items here and have them posted automatically to my Facebook blog page. I also set up a new Pinterest board for the recipe blog only. I had to do something to pass the time while B was gone. I only have one nephew in college to send cookies to!

New audience? We'll see. Links:

https://www.tumblr.com/blog/judisthoughtfortheday

https://www.facebook.com/judisthoughtfortheday?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

http://www.pinterest.com/judiradnerbrown/recipe-blog/

Lastly, the kids. These two have been really pushing the envelope lately. Way too much energy has been expended on cleaning up after them and their new found desire to ignore the inside of the box... Enough said. Yelled at Sam the other day after he looked right at me, raised his tail, hit the floor and then walked to the box and finished... Guess he decided hiding out would be a good way to remain among the living. Wise choice.

Truthfully, while not thrilled at his location choice, all I could think was "da na na na BATCAT"! Probably saved his life.

Birthday, Pelee mums, autumn, mythology, pomegranates and baking cookies!

10-4-14

Sure did feel the love yesterday! Started off with a card and a Pelee mum, had one of the prettiest flower arrangements I've ever seen delivered (thanks sis), all of my kids called me and Joe and I had dinner out and then he went with me to the grocery store! I'm a lucky girl.

Being me, I looked up what exactly a Pelee mum is. Turns out, there's an interesting story behind them. Fun facts:

1. the first mum bred specifically to be sold in grocery stores during the fall
2. intended to last for one season only
3. indoor plants
4. hate fertilizer
5. require very little water
6. Drum roll here, the first mum to have it's own UPC code 

You may thank me later for this useless info that you will someday be shouting at the tv because it is the winning answer on Jeopardy or Millionaire!!

My brother emailed me this:

I love my brother.

Autumn is slowly making itself known, plants are dying off, mornings are cooler and my anole and frogs are making themselves scarce. Sadly, today I realized that I needed to bring in the hummingbird feeders. Haven't seen any of my little friends for over a week. For all of you, this means cold weather will soon be here and another winter of my whining will commence.

Upside is that it is time to start making soups and stews again. Tried out a great new recipe for potato, leek and ham soup. Backyard Produce came through again with another great box! I am looking forward to a winter of deliciousness!

Trying out some recipes with pomegranate over the weekend, one for pork tacos and one for quinoa and avocado salad. Never cooked with them before so this could be a good thing or it could be a complete disaster... 

Why pomegranate you may ask? Who was Ceres was the correct question on Jeopardy (which I am not ashamed to admit that I knew), this was followed by a yummy sounding recipe on Beat Bobby Flay the same night...

For those that didn't know, in Roman mythology the seasons were determined by Persephone the daughter of Ceres who was abducted by Pluto and taken to Haides. Her mother was not happy about this and as she controlled agriculture (the growing seasons) she turned everything cold. In order to appease her and have warm crop growing weather again a deal was struck to return Persephone to her mother however, while she is in Haides she ate six pomegranate seeds and was thus doomed to spend half a year below ground in Haides (autumn and winter) and the other half above ground (spring and summer). 

In Greek mythology, same story, change names to Prosperina and Demeter. 

And that boys and girls is how cooking with a pomegranate comes about!

In between times I plan on baking cookies (waiting on butter to soften as I type)! Baking is therapy for me, a way to pass time when I am extremely bored. My daughter kidnapped my grandson and off they went to visit my gorgeous grand daughters up north. Joe is working and the kids have been misbehaving so they are avoiding me. Those two are living on borrowed time! 

Cousin time is a good thing but I'm feeling left out and lonely so my nephew will be getting cookies next week... May save a few for Joe, he did carry in my groceries for me yesterday and buy me that gorgeous mum  :)

And the end result is:

Who needs grandma? We have a petting zoo and each other!

Your welcome Ant

Pumpkin Pie, Shark, Sleep Number, a cute little redhead and Kraft cheese!

9-30-14

Wow! What a great week this has been.

Backyard Produce sent me an absolutely fantastic box complete with a pumpkin. I am no fan of pumpkin anything, I have an electric felt covered, light up pumpkin for the neighbors to see as they drive by. With no kids at home and no kids out here trick or treating in the boonies, that is all I need. Everything that belonged to Halloween was given away to my sister and her Halloween crazy family. I will confess to missing my mechanical skeleton. "The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out...through my stomach and out my mouth". As he sang, he creaked and his arms and legs moved. My favorite part of the ritual was to turn him on when older kids came to the door and then watch them freak out. (Left him off for the little guys, even I'm not that warped)!

That being said, Joe of course wanted to know why I didn't want to make a pumpkin pie. My answer was truthful and two part. Part one being I don't like pumpkin pie. Part two being that I used to buy it, he would eat one or two pieces, the rest would go rancid and I would throw it out. 

Made the mistake of telling this to my daughter who immediately said, "We love pumpkin pie and so does B". 

Grandma made a pumpkin pie. 

Sleep Number. This is very exciting. Many of you will remember that as part of Smiley360 I did a mission to check out the store and the DualTemp Layer.

The reward was a very awesome pillow. 

Sleep Number Coolfit Foam Pillow to be exact. 

I am in love! It is like sleeping on a fresh pillowcase all night long but you don't have to keep turning the pillow over. Huge plus (not sure if this pertains to all cats or just mine) the kids hate it! They have no desire to lay their furry bodies on my pillow at any time. It has been eight years since I slept on a pillow all by myself at home...

Sleep Number sweepstakes

Sending out some love to Kraft! Bought a bag of shredded cheese, brought it home, opened it Friday and it was not in top form. Looked high and low for the grocery store receipt and couldn't find it so figured I'd just shoot an email to Kraft and at least let them know in case it was more than just my bag. 

Email reply yesterday with a thanks for letting us know blurb, explanation for what could of happened and then a link for some coupons to use as a sorry this happened and we want to reimburse you for your $2.50 bag of cheese. I buy a good amount of cheese so some coupons will definitely be a good thing. Follow link and I now have 2 - $3.00 coupons for new cheese. Way to provide outstanding customer service!

#Kraftcheeserocks

This is the recipe I needed the cheese for, a take on chicken enchiladas. Made it yesterday (yes, I used a different bag of cheese)! Not sure I'm in love with the recipe as is, but definitely worth tweaking. The chicken chili the other night was a much bigger hit. Silver lining? I did find yet another reason to love Rachael Ray. I forgot to spray the pan before I baked the enchiladas, thought I was going to have a mess on my hands - turns out her stoneware is naturally non-stick!

Lucky me. Spent part of my weekend with the cute and adorable Mister O. This little man has to be one of the smartest kids I have ever hung out with. I am not just saying that because I am his Grandma! He catches on to things in a flash. He has no fear, he climbs, jumps, runs, chases cats, zooms cars, reads books, eats, (pretty much all at the same time) and is always smiling and laughing. Remember the old commercials for the Energizer bunny, he keeps going and going and going.

His folks like him to stay up until 8 so when he started rubbing his eyes at 7, had to get a bit creative. Put him in the bed at 8:01 and by the time I got to the door he was out! Slept straight through to 7 am. Had a total blast keeping up with him and hopefully his mom is going to forgive me for all of those new sounds he brought home...

Finally, to my pals at Sam's Club. Last laughs on you! My new Shark arrived and it is beyond awesome! They even threw in a few attachments that you didn't even offer. All that and free shipping too...

For those of you who told me to buy the Shark, I owe you!! As I messaged to my youngest, for the last few years, I feel like I was just pretend vacuuming. I cleaned all of the floors with the old vacuum yesterday so my oldest could borrow it while hers was in the shop. Today, I spent way too many hours cleaning floors repeatedly before the dust container stopped filling up. 

This was the first pass on the area in front of the sofa only...

Six hours later, Joe came in from work and not only could he tell the difference on the carpet, we could both smell the difference. Craziest of all, the sofa is a different color! I cleaned blinds, window sills, the outside of cupboards, dusted furniture and I even have an attachment for cleaning under appliances. I'm sure the novelty will wear off but for today, it was impressive.