This giveaway is a I win, You Win! Good Luck, be sure to share for more entries!
With just around the corner I would love to use this Spa gift card for a mani & pedi. I love using bright colors on my toes, it just makes me feel happy! If I win, I’ll PIF (pay if forward) and invite a friend…I hope you do the same!
A time to remember & honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. My prayers sent for the families who have loss loved ones.
On Monday our city will host a Memorial Day parade…we will be there!
Chances to win, if you’re not in it…someone else will win it!!
10K Mediterranean Getaway:
http://travelsmithcontests.com/?plink=1336970421_XL13641
Apple TV & a year of NetFlix:
www.getsubmit.com/enter/sweepstakes_refer/227/952
KitchenAid Stand Mixer:
http://bit.ly/Kgtq72
Tasting Tour:
https://woobox.com/4chw5r/12zr11
A Keurig B70 Platinum Brewing System:
http://bit.ly/J5dK68
Win Shell Gas for a year:
http://www.fuel4ayear.com/22669056</a
Great giveaway with additional entries available!
http://crackerbarrel.com/celebratemom/?plink=1336058480_XL6961
Saw this on FB…touching
Letter from a Mother to a Daughter: “My dear girl, the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”… Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl? When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way… remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day… the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionaly lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad… just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you… my darling daughter. ”
These tiny flowers called out to me…
Bath & Body Works Signature Collection travel size ($6 value) exp. 5/17/12
It’s cool & rainy today…perfect for this hearty pasta dish.
I’ve made this same dish using Summer veggies like yellow squash & zucchini which is just as yum. Today, I used sausage. See, I really do eat meat!
Garlic Pasta w/Sausage & veggies
One large red onion, sliced
5 cloves of freshly minced garlic (we <3 garlic!)
1/4 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil ( I use Spanish, Goya brand)
3 hot Sausage links – saute on low w/onions…add the garlic in the last few minutes to avoid browning/burning.
1/4 box frozen peas (I use frozen veggies most of the time until the Farmer's Market is in full swing)
1 box frozen broccoli
Salt (as desired)
Pepper (as desired)
Parmesan cheese (as desired)
1 lb of any Pasta. cook (Penne, elbow, etc.)
Mix the sauteed veggies & meat into the cooked pasta. Add an additional 6 T of olive oil to the pasta & add salt, pepper and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
This serves a house full/ a lot of leftovers!
Buen provecho!
For lover’s of all things Disney – win a $250 Gift card!!
ENTER HERE
If you love going to the movies this one is for you!!
ENTER
when I snagged this deal @ ShopRite!! Now, ISO recipes.
Enter to win these two sweeps!
Win a $250 Disney Gift Card!
Imagine your joy when your Disney Gift Card arrives! Your family and friends can shop, dine, stay or play the Disney way. They’ll use it just like cash at any Disney Theme Park and Resort Hotel, on Disney Cruise Line, and at Disney Stores. Create your own Disney dream! Enter to win!!
Want to win this new cool bike!? Enter here!
Made this for my niece (9)…she loves blue!!
Chatting today with some of my Stitch & Bitch ladies about foot care I shared this: I’ve had the best ever foot file for years!! Many years ago I bought it for a lot more then what it sells for now! Not only does this product work beautifully but it never dulls…diamonds!! Use it while in the shower and your foot under water, it will keep your feet smooth and in sandal wearing condition with little effort. Oh and my all time fav toe polish is yes, RED!!
http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_hierarchy.jhtml?brandId=Diamancel 
Love these cool heavy duty $1 gloves in Lavender found @ the dollar store. Cleaning never felt so pretty!!
Officer M guarding the Lily, Sugar & Cream cotton stash. I’ll be working on a secret project, for friend. The is called ‘Barnboard Twists’…I understand why. I enjoy the change, the feel of cotton (sounds like the jingle!). It’s perfect for certain projects especially Spring & Summer projects.
This is what it looks like stitched…see why I love it so!?
The best way to save labels is to clip a few inches of the yarn and tape it to the label then file for the future…that way you’ll always known exactly what it looks like.
Enter for a chance & pass it on to your friends! Good Luck!!
ENTER HERE
It’s always a pleasure spending an afternoon @ the Westchester Arts Gallery. This exhibit is a must-see if you’re in the area. It runs through March 17th.
Theme: Collage – Piecing It Together (collect, cut, manipulate, change, rearrange, affix, repurpose) – an exhibit of 8 local Artists whose work demonstrates modernist medium of the 21st century.
Here is a just a sampling of their work.
Applebee’s is right next door… make it a day, gallery & lunch/dinner in White Plains, NY!
Artists: N Aikens, M Albert, G Fischer, R Grad, M Lomanoco, L Perelman, J Parry, B Greene.
Finding Bliss today even when Mother Nature gave us a cool, grey, drizzly, rainy & windy day. There was a peaceful solitude that calms the mind, restores the soul walking in the rain today.
Thankful to participate in RobynsOnlineWorld Bliss Blog party
“Baby Blueprint Crochet Book” for yourself or a fiber artist you know! Good Luck!
http://www.allfreecrochet.com/sweeps/Baby-Blueprint-Crochet-Book-Giveaway
Good Luck!! Share with your friends!
ENTRY
from BelleChic
Spring time! It’s not because our Target store is already stocking their shelves with Easter goods or the fact that we’ve had such a mild Winter but it’s the end of February! So I was not surprised when I was shopping for yarn my eyes gravitated towards the Lily Cotton section…time to start making some market tote bags! But first, a few kitchen wash cloths is going to make a nice Springtime gift for my sis.
www.getsubmit.com/enter/sweepstakes_refer/217/2322
JAMBOX is the smallest, best-sounding wireless speaker and speakerphone around. Just place it anywhere in a room and enjoy pristine streaming audio from your phone, computer, or other Bluetooth devices. Bring music, movies, and all your mobile audio vibrantly to life–all in the palm of your hand. Throw in $50 iTunes Giftcard and you’ll be, well…JAMMIN’!
Good Luck!! Pass it on to your friends for extra entries.
of the Valentine’s Day “pamper me” basket goes to:
@shootingstarmag Congratulations!!
Please send me your mailing address before noon 12/9.
Good Luck!!
http://www.getsubmit.com/enter/sweepstakes_refer/218/23
Win $250 worth of Jeans to go with your LOLShirts tees!
Win $250 Lucky Brand Jeans Gift card to go with your tees from LOLShirts!
Enter to win $250 Lucky Brand Jeans Gift card from LOLShirts!
You AND a friend can win. Here’s how it works:
- You enter to win
- You tell your friends to enter (Facebook, Twitter, email, your blog)
- We’ll give one grand prize to our lucky winner AND one to the person that referred him/her!
Stay tuned for my Valentine’s Day giveaway…Chocolate included 
Enter here: http://dahliadd.wordpress.com/giveaway/
I’ve never seen such deeply slashed prices, let alone Christmas goods a month after the holiday so when I saw 91% off I did a double take!! So glad Duane Reade is just 2 blocks away! I could live somewhere between the Bath & Beauty aisle & clearance shelves
In honor of the Chinese New Year (year of the Dragon) I made favorite, chicken & broccoli with brown rice. True enough, it’s not the traditional Chinese dish but it was as yum!
I pan-fried my chicken breast adding a lot of spice (garlic, sazon, pepper, a tad of cayenne) then covered it with onions and simmered on low.
I used boring brown rice (just trying not to cook the much beloved White rice as often). I try to ‘kick it up’ by adding onion powder along with garlic & salt. Frozen broccoli serves me well.
Just received my prize, Apple iPod nano from woot!!! So thrilled this win was a referral win where my friend Kimmie also won!
I love the tiny box which will safely store the nano when not in use..whenever that will be! Thank you Tanga & Amazon!! Off to try to snag some itune gift cards! 
I was looking for something in the electronics section @ Wally World when I bumped into an aisle full of Christmas clearance goods, every 75% off!! I’m not looking to add more stuff into the limited space I have at home but edible goods are easily used. It always happens…me & my friend were glancing around which attracted another customer to join us in our search for good deals. She yells out “oh, here’s a large thing of Miracle Whip for a buck!!!” I looked and said, “nah, I don’t use that!” (later I realized I could have snagged it for the ladies shelter!) Alongside Xmas cards there were tons of boxed meals, Holiday herbs Teas & these: Pumpkin bread kits for $1 each….yay! They make 2 loaves. I just made it adding walnuts & fresh dates. I don’t add the suggested 4 eggs, 2 worked fine. Also substituted 1 16 oz jar of unsweetened apple sauce for the oil. Sometimes I add Craisins.
I’m waiting on a few neat wins over the past month so when I received this small box the other day it was a real surprise. It’s sometimes the unexpected wins that can be a real treat. I opened it up to find a full size pretty purple glass bottle of Twilight perfume called Immortal! The floral scent has hints of rose and other flowers. It may not be Vera Wang (my all time favorite) but it certainly makes a nice light fragrance to just change it up some days.
We rocked in the New Year in downtown White Plains, NY. This become a little tradition for us, this being our 3rd year here and celebrating with our Westchester County neighbors. Each year the crowd grows larger and more fun…7000 is the count for this year! They have a mini version of a beautifully lit ball drop, confetti & small fireworks display which is always fun.
There are a number of hopping bar slash restaurants in this area so there’s something for everyone…no shortage of opportunities to join others in celebrating. We decided to go family style and use some of my $100 gift card I won (woot!) to Applebee’s for a few drinks and munchies The weather was mild for NY so we left the restaurant early to enjoy the live DJ & music. There were loads of fun & crazy hats made of balloons & stringy things, funky eyeglasses and a lady with a Tambourine …oh yea, this lady went off with that Tambourine! Pretty cool idea bringing it! You can imagine how crazy she got when the fireworks went off! I love the reflection of the display as it bounced off adjacent buildings. They colors were beautiful!!
Thankfully, all went smoothly. Security had a strong presence and it was a joyous crowd.
I pray this year is a great one for you & your family, in every way possible! God Bless.
In spite of knowing of and hearing about so many people going though challenging times we all have the same positive message for each other this time of year. It’s one of best wishes, cheer and hope. Merry Christmas to you!!
HIS Peace & Grace
how drastically your life (or that of a loved one) can change so drastically in a day. Time will tell how well my mom will recover after suffering a stroke a week before Thanksgiving. She is out of the hospital (a bit too early IMHO) but she was anxious to get back into daily living. She has aphasia which has effected her ability to speak, process, read & write. Regaining it is all ahead of her. She is ambulatory and one might think her able looking at her from a distance, but we know better. Speech therapy is a must for her and for the time being she cannot live alone.
We have been blessed with prayers from all over which are greatly appreciated.
During this season of gratitude I am, in spite of how challenging it might be, instead of feeling too down about the chain of events instead I will look for the positive. For now, thank God, mom is still alive and fighting!!
Considering Veterans Day is this coming Friday the timing is perfect to start a new Knit & Crochet project.
So, my Stitch & Bitch has decided to take on a new mission this year for our local Veterans… “Valuing Our Veterans” – “we love our Vets, today & always” in time for Valentine’s Day 2012. This may sound far off but it takes time planning and implementing. We’ll be Crocheting & Knitted hat & scarf sets for Vets of our local American Legion.
I need to get busy securing sponsors!! A tremendous Thank you out to Tom @ our local Panera Cafe for pledging $100!! He has always been so supportive of our charities.
We hope to buy both washable wool yarn (can be pricey!) as well as more affordable acrylic brands like good old Red Heart, etc.! I’m far from a yarn snob as most of my charity projects are made with Red Heart and Lion’s brand yarn. I find these yarns hold up very well for items like hats. We also have to consider the fact that some people have allergies to wool.
So, in addition to all the holiday planning I need to do I’m excited to have a new mission.
If anyone knows of someone looking to donate yarn please message me…we’d be thrilled to be the recipients!!
Dear Mr UPS brought a surprise box to me today… a box from a Fannie May Chocolates Giveaway. It came in a large box wrapped in a foil type cooler as not to melt the Artisan chocolates, the smaller box is a beautifully wrapped silver box….each a little work of art.
The 12 ct box has a variety…each with different fillings ie. dark chocolate, bourbon vanilla, caramel, peanut butter fudge, birthday cake, lemon, dark chocolate, double shot expresso, swiss milk truffle, mint cookie, candy apple & hazelnut. I took a bit of the strawberry ganache…mmm mmm
The insert says “because these chocolates are made without preservatives they must be enjoyed within 21 days. Hahaha…that won’t be a problem!!
Love it although it’s suppose to get warmer in a few days. I so love experiencing the four season’s.
I love Autumn and the fresh cool air just makes me want to enjoy more than a few cups of coffee so I was super excited to accept the Green Mountain Coffee Fair Trade Certified Bzz Agent campaign. It was my pleasure to try the free bags sent for review: both the Pumpkin Spice & the House Blend. Mmm mmm, Pumpkin Spice!!
On an ordinary day in our home I make & drink strong Spanish coffee and am pretty picky when I select an American brand ’cause I’m looking for robust coffee.
So, when I tried the Pumpkin Spice first I knew I was in for a treat! Ha, a mug of this was like having the yum of holiday treats in a mug and I didn’t have to add cinnamon! I have also served it to a group of friends with dollops of whip cream for even more yum. Hmm, no surprise a few guests took home the $1 coupons included in this campaign. The House Blend tasted clean and like a premium coffee perfect for everyday use. Now I’m looking forward to trying their Colombian Fair Trade Select …it may just stand up to my rich Spanish coffee.
What I like about Green Mountain Coffee aside from the fresh clean taste is their commitment to support farming communities ensuring fair pay to farmers. They see to it that farmers follow strict labor laws and a standard of environmental practices such as restricting the use of pesticides and certain chemicals as well as protecting water sources. Green Mountain Coffee sounds like a great company to me! And you don’t need a fancy brewer to enjoy, it comes in 10-12 oz bags and yes, also in convenient K cups too.
Congratulations to the winner… Beth S!!!
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month – in support FRESCHETTA is offering one kit which includes a FREE Q for a full size, any variety of pizza AND not one but two pairs of the FRESCHETTA PROUD TO SUPPORT PINK earphones to one of my lucky subscribers …keep one pair and share the other with a friend/family member. Giveaway ends 10/23/11 @ 6 p.m. US residents only.
I received the same kit… the sound on these earphones is awesome!!
To enter you must do ALL 3:
1. You must subscribe to this blog.
2. You must comment on this blog posting your favorite pizza topping.
3. You must ReTweet this giveaway including @dahlia625
4. For one additional daily entry …ReTweet 1x daily.
FRESCHETTA PROUD TO SUPPORT PINK Program from 9/25 – 10/31 when you purchase specially marked packages of FRESCHETTA pizza you will be helping them reach a $50,000 donation to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. For each code for entry at: www.ProudToSupportPink.com FRESCHETTA will donate $1 to support Breast Cancer Research.
Disclosure: the Freschetta company contacted me providing products for review but the opinions/thoughts/ideas are strictly my own.
that’s what Cerra is all about. I’ve always made an effort to create as peaceful an environment in my home as possible. In spite of how chaotic life can get most everyone can create a small area where they can retreat for a minute. So, I was thrilled to receive the Shespeaks offer which included a small box of sensory treats this past week. I’d never heard of Cerra before this but as I opened the box the woodsy & citrus fragrance hit me… mmm.
I’m a huge fan of fragrant oils, tisane tea, journaling and creating peaceful moments. My box included sample sized of some of their products including, fragrant oil, hand & body lotion, three varieties of tisanes (very yum and potent brews) as well as keepsake fragrant infused notes cards with affirmations to help you focus what your strengths, what you are grateful for etc. and get this…dissolving notes! The idea behind that is to write your issue/intention ~ meditate on it then place it in a small bowl of water to release it.
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The web site, www.cerra.com has a boutique for online sales with moderately priced items. Gee, I could use a new journal!
we were living in Orlando, FL, many miles from our hometown of NYC. I was off for the day which was unusual, just having coffee while watching a morning show when the news broke in with the horrific scenes. Me and my husband sat in disbelief & tears watching all day long. I kept thinking there is no way they could put put that fire but never imagined they would fall down. God Bless the heroic effort of the firefighters.
Like most New Yorkers we knew people who worked @ the World Trade Center. WTC held so many special memories of both celebrations as well as numerous conferences we attended. One of my uncles worked in WTC and thankfully survived as he fled from the building just as the first building crumbled and collapsed. He has since passed.
To all who have passed, may you rest in peace. We remember and will never forget.
While part of my personal journey took me out of NY, two years ago we returned to our hometown…NYC is who we are.
Motorola that is! I recently received this prize from their fb sweeps. Thank you Motorola!!
I was thrilled because I love my Motorola Bluetooth which I bought from Target, under $35….the sound quality is very good. I’m often walking around chatting it up (hands free.) I may look nutty since I appear to be talking to myself but it beats hanging onto the phone and dare I say dropping it…ah!!! I feared that happening to my droid which is why I finally bought a Bluetooth. Since I could only use one …I figured my hubby will get this one. 
USA in Oklahoma City Green aka Avocado green. This is a hot color these days …also a fav with most of the Stitch & Bitch gals. It’s a super bulky yarn…love it since it stitches up really quickly! Using a large N hook & double crochet stitches. I’m pressed for time on this throw – need it for early October so spending the Labor day w/e hooking. I’m making it in panels…still not sure I’ll use another color yet…will see.
Updated with a close up pic…I wanted to show the size of the stitches. If something appears odd my left hand only serves to provide better scale. While I happen to be a leftie, I crochet right-handed.
Keeping it simple today with BLT’s for dinner…
Turkey bacon, lettuce, tomato & shredded cheddar cheese on my fav, Ezekiel bread (found in the frozen section with the health food items) for about $3.79 a loaf. It’s great toasted but I didn’t do that for the BLT’s. 
Not the insert kind in the Sunday paper…no, these are the knitting circulars. So many knitters swear by them…I’ve only used the straight needles so I’m looking forward to trying them.
I received these circulars with this card…compliments from Lisa Bogart! She has a new book coming out in October “Knit with Love” which sounds like a number of interesting stories of knitters & their art.
I’m currently reading “The Knitting Circle” by Ann Hood…it has me thinking about my Stitch & Bitch ladies & their lives.
This is a great site for free offers. I’ve been with them for close to 5 years and have received a bunch of good free over the years. Today they’re offering a free coupon for Fresh Express bag of Salad mix. Sign up and start receiving offers via e-mail. All coupons will come via snail mail.
with a chain stitch (cs). For all the creative fiber newbies… the chain stitch (cs) is the foundation from which all stitches are stitched. Check out the u-tube instructional videos (below) which demonstrate how to make a chain stitch (cs) …then practice it yourself. Once you’ve got that down, the second video demonstrates how to make the single crochet (sc) There are videos for every stitch. Don’t worry about mistakes…all you have to do is “frog it” – that’s what it’s called when we rip out all the stitches and start over…(and we all do it!!). Happy hooking! 
You will need: (you can also check freecycle.org whether someone in your area might offer unwanted yarn or crochet hooks for free).
An aluminum crochet hook… I prefer Boye brand (it can be found at Walmart for under $2). I recommend using a J crochet hook (or larger) …this will make a large enough stitch work with. 
One side of the hook will have Boye the opposite side of the hook it will have a letter/number ie I, J, L, N.
Any brand of acrylic yarn or random balls of yarn. A skein of yarn at Walmart (or your local craft store) can cost you $3 – $5.
You tube has numerous ‘how to’ instructional videos for Crochet…this one is for Chain Stitch (cs).
Single crochet stitch:
July = vacay, beaches, camping, grillin & fun!!
But, I’m obsessed with getting started on my charity stitching project “Stitching for Sisters” donating crocheted and knitted scarves & hats for the ladies shelter here in White Plains for the December 2011. My goal is 35 sets which means I need to get busy soon!!
Meanwhile Turkey burgers are grillin…
So, my Swiffer 360˚ arrived (thanks to fb freebie offer!). I like most of the Swiffer products like the Extender arm duster which works great on ceiling fans and the Sweeper is ideal on wooden floors! I’m not a fan of the Wet Jet…it just seems to make more of a mess then clean.
This smaller duster is good for anything within an arms reach. The duster is round and fluffy enough for light surface dusting and around electronics. I give it an “A”.
Simply snap on the handle.
Shake it out to fluff up and dust!
Works great under more cramped areas like my printer!
And when it’s dusty it’s easy enough to toss by sliding it off and replacing it with a new fluffy duster.
We had a blast of a House Party! Most of my 9 guests had never canned but, now they’re converts!! It turned into a house party weekend as we ran out of time and still wanted to can Apple Butter. So, a few ladies returned on Sunday afternoon to can jars of Apple Butter.
At the party I served finger foods, beverages & birthday cake… it was gr8 way to celebrate my birthday having this house party fall on my actual bd!
It was really helpful having several copies of the Ball Blue Book guide to Preserving…with the large variety of recipes narrowing down which ones to make was a challenge!! I decided we’d make one difficult & two easier ones. The Pineapple salsa pg 81 was the most involved and two easier recipes: Strawberry jam pg 34 & Apple Butter pg 30. I tweaked some of the recipes by omitting sugar from my salsa recipe, instead we used Splenda in the Strawberry jam. I also added 1/2 c cider vinegar to the Apple butter which I had seen in another recipe. I’m thrilled to report after sampling everything it all turned out beautifully. We watched carefully and waited to hear that loud pop after processing the jars. Finally, we added the cute labels to the top of each jar.
I found the small 1/2 pint Ball jars were perfect because everyone went home jars. It particularly works well for smaller families or if you don’t have much storage space, like most of us here in NY! The funnels were ample and flexible to use on any size jar. HP did good in sending so many!
My guests excited to receive the Ball canning goodies & high value Q’s from House Party. I had four door prizes offering a Ball Blue Book guide to Preserving & a funnel and only a funnel for two other guests. The adorable Ball gift bags were perfect for everyone to carry their canned goodies home. We’re discussing throwing another party in August. I still have Blueberries I hope to do that soon too.
Pineapple Salsa: Fresh pineapple, several apricots, a handful of Cilantro, red onion, a dash of Ginger) as well as for our Apple Butter. Guests minced all the ingredients and simmered it in a saucepan until it was soft enough to mash. Boil then ladle into jars and process in water bath using canning basket to carefully lift jars in and out of pot.
Strawberry jam: 2 qts fresh Strawberries, 7 c sugar (we used Splenda), 6 T Ball Classic pectin 1/4 c fresh lemon juice Crush berries ten place in a saucepan adding all ingredients and bring to boil. Ladle into sterilized jars & process in water bath.
Apple Butter: 10 Granny Smith apples, 2T freshly squeezed lemon, 1/2 c Apple cider vinegar, 1 1/2 c water, 1T cinnamon, 1t Allspice – add sliced apples and all ingredients and simmer until apples are soft enough then place it in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Ladle into jars and process in water bath.
This is a gr8 site w/recipes: www.freshpreserving.com/
OK House Party, I’m ready…for another House Party!!!
So happy thrilled with the houseparty Ball Canning box!! They’re very generous with the goodies for me & my guests…enough for 15! I love the 3ct full size Blue Book guide to preserving….it will make a gr8 door prize! Plus, a slew of high value Q’s for kits, pectin/salsa/pickle mix. The collapsible funnels feel very solid too as are the fruit mashers! I can’t wait to try it all!
If you would like a referral link to get goodies like this just send me you e mail addy!
Every Wednesday our downtown street becomes a farmers market & today was gorgeous!!!…balmy breeze & the temps reached 80.
I bought one of the large heads of red leaf lettuce for $2 as well as a ginormous head of kale, tomatoes, a large bunch of cilantro & scallions each for $1. They had watermelon which looked yum but it was way too large!… instead, I bought a mini seedless one @ the supermarket!
I love all the fresh produce… even after hearing this week about how pesticides are not only on the surface but in fruit & veggies. Much of what we get at Farmer’s Markets come from local farms, supposedly organic! However, I’m not convinced run off & airborne pesticides do not find its way into everything we eat!!!
I received a free Cover Girl Lash Blast Length mascara and even though it was a brown/black (I only used Black mascara) I was excited to try it. Well, it stinks! The only length it has is the long thin tube and brush which is awkward trying to get a good grip. I prefer their Purple tube of mascara.
Crocheted dish cloth that is! This is holding up well and is not fading as I expected it might.
I used an H hook. Lily Cotton
Chain 26, sc the row, turn and make 32 rows.
Finished with sc around the cloth (add 2 sc into each end).
I received an e-mail yesterday notifying me that I was accepted to have a “Ball Canning” house party on June 25th ..it’s extra sweet since it falls on my birthday (Canning & Cake) http://www.freshpreserving.com/
They’ll be mailing a Ball Canning kit loaded with goodies soon..yes, pics will follow!!
A lot of neat winnings & deals this month…
I won a $50 AE gift card, a nice goody bag (from Vocalpt) for a Orgullosa Party (Proud ~ obviously targeted at the Spanish population). P&G samples & $45, one $10 (for me!) and the rest in $5 Target gift cards for my attendees.
A face & eye cream set (from Birchbox).
An Avon cream set.
Two Tassimo mugs.
25 ct Nivea with that awesome $3 Q made the entire batch FREE!! The dental floss was also free with the $1 Q.
Using randomizer the winner is: @Violets_Momma
Congratulations!!! Please PM your address. Your prize will be sent directly from the sponsor, Freschetta.
Sunrise service was beautiful, temps here in NY went up to 65° then we had brief showers early evening and now the sun in shining again…perfect weather for an evening walk!
Thanks to ShopRite and their rewards program, this huge ham was free!! I made a 1/2 c brown sugar, 2 T mustard (yea, mustard, lol) a dash of ground ginger and 1/4 c ketchup mixture then spread it over the entire ham. I forgot to add the can of crushed pineapple… ah!! Thankfully, it was very moist and tasty!
I made a traditional Puerto Rican side dish, Arroz con Gandules (Rice & Pigeon peas). I finished with chopped scallions which is not at all traditional but I had a bunch.
2 c uncooked rice
1 can of gandules (found in the Spanish section)
Saute:
2 T olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1/2 onion minced
2 T green olives with pimento
1 T capers
1 t of Sazon or similar Spanish seasoning packet
1/2 t salt
Add the rice to the saute and gently mix the entire can of gandules into the rice. Add water/chicken broth measuring 2″ above the level of rice. Cook covered (DO NOT STIR or it will get sticky) and under low fire/heat for at least 20 minutes.
Green beans
Canned cranberry sauce
Bread
This is a blog & Twitter giveaway open to residents in the U.S. Ends 4/27, 8 p.m.
Click on the giveaway tab above (http://wp.me/P19Pbr-6Y) to enter….good luck!!
This is the 6 pc FRESCHETTA storage set I received.
This is the new premium FRESCHETTA Simply Inspired pizza we enjoyed for dinner! BTW there is a $1 Q offer available on: www.freschetta.com
Our Fed Ex guy delivered a box of goodies to me everyday!
I’ve finally upgraded my cell phone deciding on Verizon’s HTC Thunderbolt. I kept going back and forth debating on trying the i phone but it’s still 3G and I have always loved Verizon phones soooo. I am liking this one so far. It’s been a busy week and not much time to “play” with my phone…there is still much to learn!
I also received two surprise boxes of goodies I won this week:
A 4 pc set of Avon’s Anew line of face & eye cremes
A very elegant Gold shiny clutch from Just Fabulous
Also, a package of edibles for product testing and a special box from my very first sponsor for a blog giveaway. I will be posting my giveaway soon!!!
Temps in the 50′s and we’re all feeling Springy!
Spring mix w/chicken, a dollop of hummus and Marzetti’s Lite Balsamic Vinegar…mmm!
GURUMI.. Japanese for a crocheted/knitted stuffed doll.
I’m trying this for the first time and making an Easter bunny. Somehow I choose the bunny pattern (lion brand) with the largest ears although the pattern pic looks fine!!
These are some of the pieces…the one ear is quite obvious! I swear some of these pattern writers are a bit off! The next time I’ll try it with an F hook instead of their suggested H hook. I’m going to frog a few rows so it looks normal!
I love using the Lily cotton here.
OK…so I frogged it down to 15 rows which looks a lot better to me.
We enjoyed some time away up in New Hampshire…it was magnificent!!!
As we drove up and down country roads lined with 2 foot high stone fences, many properties with bare maple trees now had tin half-gallon buckets hanging on them. It was the first time I saw maple syrup being collected. Some had small outdoor sheds with a pipe of steam shooting up – they were actually boiling the syrup down. It takes 40 gallons of syrup to make 1 gallon of maple syrup for the table!! Come to think of it, $37 for a half gal is reasonable!
As we passed through small towns we stopped every opportunity we got to absorb the majestic views of the mountains which anytime of the year is breathtaking! Fortunately, it did not snow while we were on vacation but the woods were for the most part still covered in snow/ice as were many of the lakes. One day the temps rose to 47 degrees which was unusual for March. We took that opportunity to go to a inlet off Rye Beach and take pics of the ocean.
We visited towns I spent long lazy summers visiting as a child and many wonderful improvements and some small towns that haven’t changed very much…not sure how that happens! There is one town, Portsmouth which is on the seacoast part of NH and very close to Maine. Well this “city” as they call it is one hopping artsy and thriving town. It’s so New England …now with a healthy mix of avant-garde shops, eateries, both casual and upscale retail & restaurants. It’s the kind of town everyone would feel comfortable in. And of course a very busy Starbucks… as well as local coffee shops. Patrons seem very comfortable seated in outdoor tables many of whom had their dogs right by their side, art & craft galleries, street artists playing some large instrument and a dose of funky fun things all mixed together…we loved it!!
This beautiful Church sits in the center of town…and a large black four-legged baby was getting all the attention in front of it!
and so go the squirrels risking life and limb leaping onto the very end of the tree branches just to snatch the barely there bitty buds. Those bitty little creatures are daring!
So, I’m going spend a lot of time making a few more of the String tote bags. I have a few friends I’d like to gift them to before the Farmer’s markets open.
I completed my first Market String tote bag 
and am onto a new one…this one is for me!! I’m using Purple w/ a bit of Lime at the base of the tote. I picked up more Lily Sugar ‘n Cream @ Wally world for just $1.49 each ( Hot Purple & some Blue yarn, real Spring colors!).
I >3 day trips & extended w/e getaways!! There are just so many places to visit!! I’m enjoying the cold weather and fresh air…it’s invigorating! Hoping on a bus or Amtrak are my favorite ways to enjoy travel. Aside from searching out quaint shops, and yarn stores I’m a newspaper hunter & gatherer. There’s just something fascinating reading newspapers from other towns and of course checking out different brands of product is always fun.
Ooh, I’m due for a getaway real soon…
I am loving crocheting my first Market String Tote bag!!! The pattern appears complicated and may not be written as well as I like but…
I like Lily cotton…it stitches easily and the vibrant colors look great. I will be ISO more deals on Lily. I bought these online at Herschnners for $1.99 ea. sale price.
I’m making this one for my sister (a surprise gift) and she doesn’t read this blog so I can post freely.
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Maybe not… but Shoprite ran a good sale on Entenmann’s, $1.99 and wanting to provide some old school sweet treats to a few friends for a causal get together prompted my purchasing both Marble cake & Crumb cake. Mmm, too good!
Served with a variety of the awesome Bigelow Tea: Chai Tea made for a nice treat with that little bit of spicy cinnamon. I also had bags of their Green Tea w/Lemon which IMHO is just the best tasting Green Tea ever (not bitter!!)
TheIR Peppermint is also a hit in my home which is equally good served iced or hot.
It only requires a quick registration… you will get time sensitive deals via e-mail. Offers are available in just about every State.
Join Groupon today and start getting deals!!
A very hearty homemade Chicken soup w/tostones & red onions and a side of whole wheat grilled baguette. It was good! Dh loved it too.
One of the newest members of the Stitch & Bitch is B, she is a feisty 88 y/o woman! Her attendant, Barbara wheeled B in a wheelchair and joined us at what once appeared to be a large table at Panera. Apparently, B was not only a Gold Star mom (her son was killed in Vietnam) but was a long time volunteer at a local VA Hospital as well as knitted & crocheted for decades. She will now be our Queen B!
Another Barbara also joined us wearing some of her knitted work. I love her fingerless gloves!!! 
So I was on a roll entering my daily sweepstakes and I suddenly hear this unnerving
beep, beep, beep sound, startled, I jumped up and carefully inspected our fire and carbon monoxide detectors… it was not coming from either. My mind was certain there was going to be an explosion!! Just before going into sheer panic …I was on the verge!! I looked at my computer and guess what!? …yup, it was coming from the silly sweepstakes site I was entering!!! I usually mute my sound but I had been listening to u tube videos and forgot to mute it. Ay!!! I need peace and quiet now!!
So, who doesn’t like FREE!! I ♥ product testing and getting free products/samples …some are real “hits” others…
This is my latest Kudos list:
Boscia’s Peppermint Blotting Linens (the mint feels refreshing) their Green Tea Linens work wonders too. The pack is easy to slip into a cosmetic bag and come 100 ct . Considering 100 ct will last a while it is also reasonably priced @ $10 a pack.
Thomas’s Bagel Thins, 110 calories, regular size bagels. They come 8 to a pack and is doubled wrapped to stay fresher longer. They are about a 1/2′ think and come pre-sliced…nice! I have made easy breakfast sammies with them.
I noticed a few varieties, an “everything” bagel, cinnamon raisin etc. on the shelf. Priced at $3.99. I received a freebie offer along with coupons making this a real “hit” in my book!
L’Oreal EverStrong shampoo & conditioner While this has been around for awhile I only tried it after receiving a sample pack. These are Sulfate free products…it really makes a difference and the conditioner works. I often see sales & coupons for this so the price of $5.99 is not too bad. Hopefully, more products will start making sulfate free shampoo & conditioner too.
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Some progress, although we still have a number of hat & scarf sets to go….yikes!! Time waits for no one!! While I’m content hooking sc after sc & dc after dc some of the ladies like to change it up! Unfortunately, my cell phone camera froze up and another pretty scarf was omitted.
I love this scripture and repeat it during times like this. I’m preoccupied with the safety of my brother as he’s moving to New England and driving (with a hitch) on these snow filled and icy.
White Plains must have at least 12″ of the fluffy white snow…it looks like a wonderland! Thankfully, this city had the plows working since the snow started last night so the roads and sidewalks are clear.
Mmm, it sounds ice cream and the stripes created resemble swirls of cherry and chocolate chips.
I’m speaking of a new yarn , RHSS Cherry chip tat I’m using for hat & scarf set for the Valentines project for the Children’s hospital. I like, I like, I really like it!!
I’ve spent the entire year (all 2 days of it) crocheting. Our Stitch & Bitch of Westchester county is working on a Valentine’s day hat & scarf project which will benefit the Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY.
Thanks to our local Panera Cafe for offering a donation for yarn. Our members are working independently to try to make 2 dozen sets in just a few weeks time!
We decided on mostly gender neutral colors as well as some red & pink …here’s what I’ve done so far.
It’s a mild 40 degree temps… perfect weather to attend the ball drop tonight…not NYC, here in White Plains. Fireworks and revelry…love it!
The 242 million dollar mega millions drawing is tonight @ 11 p.m…I have my one ticket. If I don’t post for a few days… Happy New Year 2011!!
It was a really awesome blizzard we had yesterday and through the night. Powerful 50 + mph winds …it must have dumped close to 18″ of fluffy snow. Look like a beautiful Winter wonderland!
Thankfully, city crew were out plowing all night so the city is walkable. So glad I do not have to drive…that would be a challenge! I’ll have my herbal tea now thank you!
We’re celebrating this Christmas Eve with our favorite traditional Puerto Rican foods for dinner like: pasteles, arroz con gandules, avocado salad.
I’ll also pick up my first donation from Panera for the ladies of the shelter…sweet!!
Grace & Peace to all.
Months in the making and I’m only days away from presenting the gift tote bags to the ladies of the emergency shelter. I am thrilled with the quality and festive pattern of the totes…I never can tell for sure when ordering online. I got them at Oriental Trading Company
So, in each tote there are two Ziploc bags, one containing toiletries ie. soap, shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, tissues, a crocheted scarf (by me!) and a pair of socks. The other Ziploc bag has convenient food items ie: one microwave boxed meal, soup, nuts, individual serving cereal/instant Oatmeal, snacks, tea, instant coffee & hot cocoa mix and two cellophane treat bags of homemade Christmas goodies (cookies and peppermint bark).
I’m already thinking of all the possibilities for next year!
So, I should have been home baking all my Christmas goodies …instead, I took a bit of a detour on the way to he mall…such are the “hazards” living in a cool walkable city of White Plains. Anyway, the Handmade Holiday Exhibition show featured beautiful quality items from exceptional Artists of varied mediums. For all my yarnies the good news is there was a beautiful crocheted sweater in autumnal colors of very soft almost feathery yarn priced at a mere $750!! Woot!! Other knitted and crocheted items like fingerless gloves & hats were for sale as well. It was a nice detour …then came the mall!
Cool offer from All You magazine’s sample of the day:
One free Hass Avocado x 12/31:
http://www.printablecouponfeed.com/avocadosfrommexico/25798
Some people may not want to use coupons themselves but it’s a great way to help someone else even if you don’t need it….pay it forward! I’ve never had a person turn down a free coupon when I’m at the supermarket.
OK well, I didn’t win an i pad but… I did come in 2nd place for a $100 American Express card!!
I’m grateful and with my bogo, ecb and deals I will no doubt find a way to at least double the $100!
Dh is such a sweetie…he says “it’s ok, I’ll buy you an i pad!” I looked at him and said “honey, I don’t want an i pad!? I wanted to WIN the i pad…big difference! LOL He looked at me perplexed. I suppose the inner sweeper in me can get the upper hand sometimes…I like the chance at winning! Now, onto other contests!!
So, I do love a good sweepstakes but I entered this contest figuring the odds are pretty good. YES, I want to win…win an i pad and have my menu item posted at Desert Moon.
I’m touched by the many stories I’ve read online and seen on the evening news the ways other are giving this time of year. Whether it’s donated meals, shoes… it all matters. A restaurant in Harlem, Jacob’s offered free Thanksgiving meals to anyone who showed up …he said it was his way of giving back to his community. Fabulous!!
I’m busy crocheting (as quickly as possible) the remaining scarves for the ladies of the emergency shelter. It’s not officially Winter but with temps now in the 30′s and 40′s here in NY the scarves will no doubt come in handy. I’m also trying to gather enough sample sized mostly toiletries items to make smaller gift bags to gift to the ladies for the holidays next month.
On this cool (45°) eve of Thanksgiving I am once again reminded of the many things I am thankful for…good health most important, the love and support of my hubby. I am grateful for the well-being of my parents and family and thankful for good friends near and far way.
We will enjoy dinner at a friend’s home tomorrow and making my sausage stuffing, cran-apple relish as we watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. I just decided I’ll also whip up a quick batch of my famous pumpkin bread but put it in muffin tins instead.
The sales are tempting on Thanksgiving evening itself but I’ll probably spend more time window shopping and walking to burn up calories!
Happy Thanksgiving!
On a recent trip accompanying my husband on a routine medical appointment (at the VA hospital) I engrossed myself in my crochet project as I waited for him. I’m working on squares and helping another stitcher who will assemble lap-gans that will be donated to seniors.
I was unaware of a couple who had arrived for an appointment until I heard a male voice saying “are you making baby boots”. I looked up to see the smiling face of a man in his mid-late 80′s…he had smiley eyes and made it clear he wanted to chat. Next to him was his female companion…she looked about the same age as him. He offered a lot of light comedy lines mostly cracking himself up. “I’m 87, I drove from Yonkers…27 miles it took me 27 minutes at 60 mph” lol.. here was an 87 y/o man driving that far without a second thought! He went on telling me “we’re both WWII Veterans I served in the Navy and returned in coma, head wounds and on the verge of death”. It sounded like the the sad stories of our current returning troops. War is war – just the names of the wars change. Mr M’s face and tone turned sober, he said “you know when you hear the back fire of a car and jump because you get startled?” “Well, I have PTSD…my condition feels 100 times worst then that…you don’t get over that”. He bounced right back into his jokes until the nurse call him in.
I later found out they were not married although I’d made the foolish assumption they were. No… she told me in a tolerant tone “I have heard these same jokes and you know, I have to laugh each time. I cannot believe I’m almost 90…I’m the last of six siblings, I was the youngest my sister died last month, it’s sad…I can’t believe it…where did the time go!? My husband died 19 years ago…he is waiting for me at St Raymond’s”. (cemetery) She sounded like she longed for him then added, I never remarried although I had a lot of boyfriends” as she laughed and winked at me.
I felt touched by this casual meeting. As I walked away felt that our casual meeting was no doubt a God sent blessing.
The last of the brilliant golden color maple leaves are falling off the large tree just outside our window. It’s a daily reminder that for everything there is a Season. I stood watching a squirrel risk life and limb as he ventured out to the edge of a thin branch…for what I wondered. I always place kind of nibble out there for them. This little guy was determined to get what Mother Nature offers. Ah ha!!… he was going to the very edge of the branches to eat the tip of the leaf that holds the stem to the leaf… amazing!
So, some of my recent doings include sweeping… I love entering sweepstakes! Yes, I have won many smaller gifts most of which were under $300 in value. I’m sure I’m not alone in my belief that I will snag a really valuable (large) prize…any day now!!
My stitching project making scarves for the ladies of the local emergency shelter is nearing the end of its season for 2010. I managed to get a some decent scarves made to donate… all of them done with durable Red Heart Super Saver yarn. I hope to start the project earlier next year so I don’t feel as rushed.
It’s fun working on multiple projects at the same time. even when I feel the time constraints. I agreed to donate 8×8″ squares to a lady who will assemble them as lapgans for seniors; then another group who is making blankets for babies using granny squares…it remains in progress. I love reading how others find a way to make a positive difference in others lives.
White Plains, New York…my city, a subURBAN community in the lower Hudson Valley. We’re just a 35 minute Metro train ride into NYC.
