This and that

Friday, May 9, 2014

Foodie Friends Friday ~ Linky Party

Where does the time go?  It is already Friday morning and I am just getting my post ready... and I am sure there are already great recipes linked up.. So hope you will join me and link up some of your wonderful recipes.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Flower Cookies for Momma ~ #fillthecookiejar #mothersday

It's time to fill the cookie jar again... and mine is getting a bit empty.  This month's theme is mom's favorite cookies... Although that it isn't really what I did as I was thinking the theme was cookies for mother's day

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Almost Wordless Wednesday {link-up} - Sunrise At South Seas Island Resort

Sorry, I didn't get my Almost Wordless Wednesday Post done last week but I was vacationing at South Seas Island Resort,  located on Gulf of Mexico on Captiva Island.  A perfect place for a photographer....

Monday, May 5, 2014

Fun, Sun and South Seas Island Resort

This past week two friends and myself headed off to Captiva Island, Florida to celebrate our 50th Birthdays. We were lucky enough to be able to spend it at South Seas Island Resort...  South Seas Island Resort is located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico on Captiva Island.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

$450 Craft Dictator Blogiversary Giveaway

So excited to bring you a great giveaway to celebrate Craft Dictator's Blogiversary

Friday, April 25, 2014

Zucchini Bread with Chocolate and Crystallized Ginger

National Zucchini Bread Day

Today is National Zucchini Bread Day.  I love baking with zucchini, breads seem to be so much moister when I use it.  In the fall I always freeze zucchini in one cup amounts to be able to use throughout the rest of the year.  When I thaw it out, I do remove some of the liquid as freezing it does bring more liquid.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party ~ Surprise us and Bring a friend

It is Thursday again and the week's are just flying by.. But for me the next couple of days can come quickly as on Saturday morning I am flying to Florida to spend time at South Seas Resort with a couple of girl friends.. Can't wait for some sun and fun times.. Watch for pictures and details of my trip.. But back to today and our Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Ginger Honey Apple Sauce

First, I have to say that I love being a blogger and I love being able to try new products and bring them to my readers.  It makes my day when my readers let me know that they have tried the product on my recommendations.  Today I have a new product for you.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Almost Wordless Wednesday (link up) ~ National Jelly Bean Day

Another week has flown by and it is time for Almost Wordless Wednesday.  Last week was my first week and I was excited to get one participate.  Thank you so much Jeannie from For What it's Worth for joining me  for joining me.  I hope that more will come as the time goes on.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Crazy Ingredient Challenge - Lemon Peep Milkshake




It is that time of the month again... To think outside of the box and make a recipe with ingredients that are given to us...

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Foodie Friends Friday ~ Easter Party #foodiefriendsfriday

Easter is finally here, doesn't it seem like that it has taken a long time to get here... Although I hope the Easter Bunny doesn't get stuck in a snow bank when he is delivering his treats this year.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Almost Wordless Wednesday - Morning Sunlight #WordlessWednesday

This will be the first of my Almost Wordless Wednesday Link-Up.
  I hope that you will all join me each week and bring your almost wordless post.  

Almost Wordless Wednesday

This morning we woke up to snow... What a way to start our Anniversary.  8 years ago today I got married in Togo, West Africa and the weather was quit different ~ way too warm and no thoughts of snow in the forecast.  I wasn't too impressed to see the new snow on the ground but at least so far it is only a dusting but the sky was magnificent.  It was a bluish - purple colour and even though it was snowing the sun was big and bright in the sky.  
 These pictures don't do it justice... but I loved how the sun was coming through the tree branches.







Pencil sketch done in Picasa 3


You are invited to participate in Almost Wordless Wednesday
Here is how:
1.  Create a post for that is almost wordless.  Theme is of your choice.  I like to talk so I am sure I will have words in my post but try to keep it to a minimum.
2.  All pictures must be your own or with the permission of photographer.  
3.  Please link back to my post, either by a written link or I have provided a button for you to post.
4.  We all love to have visitors to our blogs, please take time to visit other posts that are linked up.  I will visit all posts but please be patient, it may take me a while depending on my work schedule.
5.  Copy the link of your post and add it to the linky tool below.

I would love if you would follow me through my many social media (although not required) that are listed on the right side of my page.  Let me know if you are following me so I can follow back. 

The most important rule is have fun....
I have the right to delete any posts that are not appropriate.




This and That


You will see the links once you click the InLinkz Link up
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Button was made by Grab My Button

Friday, April 11, 2014

Colourful Birds for Spring Decorating

Do you decorate for Spring or Easter?  Here are some colourful birds that you can make with felt that are cheap and easy to make.  They are also a kid friendly craft that can be made with minimal help depending on the age of the child.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party ~ Copy Cat Recipes

We all have some Copy Cat Recipes, whether it is food that we have ate at restaurants, recipes that we have gotten from friends or family, or recipes that we have changed that we have found from other bloggers or on line.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Almost Wordless Wednesday ~ Blue Scarf in the Wind

Now that Sunlit Sundays are over until next winter.  I am going to try and keep up with my photography posts each week.  I am also thinking of making this into a link party too.. Hopefully by next week I will have everything ready.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Salmon with Maggi-Ginger Glaze

We eat a lot of salmon.  I usually buy smoked salmon but every once in a while I will buy some fresh salmon. The best way to cook it in my way of thinking is by pan searing it..

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Foodie Friends Friday ~ Foods from our Childhood Party #foodiefriendfriday

I am really not sure where the days of the week have gone as it is already Thursday night and time to party with Foodie Friends Friday again.

Fill the Cookie Jar with Bird's Nest Cookies #fillthecookiejar

 April is here and so is spring...  Well maybe not so much if I look outside of the windows, but I am pretending.  With spring comes Easter and I love Easter and all the bright colours and candies...

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Beware Foods May Not be What They Seem to Be #AprilFool's Day

Are you ready to sink your teeth into some great food today?  You just may be surprised to find out what you think is really one thing is something totally different....

Sunday, March 30, 2014

How does a Yooper know that Spring is Here?

This is the last week of Sunlit Sunday over at My Little Home and Garden.  I have been able to participate each week with something that has brought sunlight to my little world here in Upper Michigan.. sometimes it was the sun but not every week.....

Friday, March 28, 2014

Decorating with Crochet Easter Eggs #Crafts #Easter

Although spring really hasn't come here to the UP, I decided I needed to get some  colour into our house.  So I have started to do some of my decorating for Easter...

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Foodie Friends Friday ~ Foods that make us Smile #foodiefriendsfriday

I hope that you enjoyed our last week's party when we played Tag ~ You're It.   Was fun to bring a friend along.  This week we are having another fun party.....

Monday, March 24, 2014

Avocado Tomato Chicken

We seem to eat a lot of chicken and because of that I am always looking for new and wonderful recipes so that our meals don't always taste the same.   Along with chicken recipes, I am also looking for wonderful flavours and spices to add to the recipes.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Sunlit Sunday ~ Sun through the house


                  




Sunlit Sunday is coming to an end.  I think after this week, there is one more week to go.  I will be sad to see it go and have had fun trying to come up with ideas to have some....

Sunlight during this long and dreary winter 

Friday, March 21, 2014

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Foodie Friends Friday ~ Bring a Friend Party

The first day of spring, and all is well... Well, We still have mounds and mounds and mounds of snow everywhere but today the sun is shining brightly and it looks wonderful.  This weeks #foodiefriendsfriday party we want you to bring a friend with you...

Monday, March 17, 2014

Orange Mint Frappe

I love to make specialty drinks as they are much cheaper making them at home... and you don't have to go out to get them, so it is a win-win solution.  This drink would also be perfect for breakfast or anytime that you need a little pick me up.

Signs of Spring?





Spring is in three days and we are once again under a Winter Storm Watch... Is spring ever going to come?

Friday, March 14, 2014

Foodie Friends Friday - No Rule Party

This week has been a busy one for me and I am late getting my party posted.  This week we are having a No Rule Party - anything goes. 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Pineapple Coconut Dessert

I am a big fan of Taste of Home Cookbooks and have many of them.  I always feel that their cookbooks are tried and true.  A couple of weeks ago my hubby took one of the cookbooks down and was thumbing through it and telling me all of the recipes he thought I should try.......

Monday, March 10, 2014

Spring Into Cash


Welcome to the Spring Into Cash Sweepstakes!

Spring is my favorite season..
It is a time of new growth, new beginnings and a time of rejuvenation.
I love to see the buds opening up on the trees, flowers popping up through the ground and the green grass.

Ice Palace

This past week I headed over to Wausau Wisconsin for a conference.  My biggest mistake was not to take my camera with me.  So all of these pictures are taken on my phone.  It seemed that every time I stopped to take pictures the clouds would decided that was the best time to cover the sun... So I apologize as these pictures are not the best.



Michigan in my review mirror
As I was driving the blue skies in the mirror beckoned me to stop and take pictures.
To my dismay the view just wasn't the same on the side of the road.... 
Ice Palace - This and That

Friday, March 7, 2014

Foodie Friends Friday ~ St Patrick's Day Party

Is green your favorite colour... Then this party is for you... For it is a St Patrick's Day Party and Green is the colour.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Fill the Cookie Jar with Shamrock Pretzel Twists

I have to apologize as I didn't get any cookies made for this month's Fill the Cookie Jar.  I had so many ideas to do but before I knew it the day came up and I didn't anything done.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Chocolate Banana Smoothie

Chocolate and Banana are a must I think.  To put them together in a smoothie... Oh Yes!  Have it for breakfast..... Well of course you can.....

Sunday, March 2, 2014

A little Sunlight in My Week

This has been quite a week, we started out with the blizzards of all blizzards, snow and high winds that lasted all weekend.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party ~ Use your Noodle

I missed last week's party but am back for this week.  I hope that you enjoyed the Potato Party last week, there were lots of  great links.  This week's party is all about noodles...


Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Monday, February 24, 2014

Starbucks Verismo 580 Review

I have to say that I was so excited when I received the email asking if I would like to review the Starbucks Verismo 580  from Staples.  I have always wanted an  machine that I can make my own espressos and lattes.  With the espresso pods and milk pods I can now make my own.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Sun Streaks in the Snow

We are just coming out of a big snow storm/blizzard and have spent the last 3 days shoveling and moving snow.  Hubby would shovel it on top of the already 5 feet of snow that we have in our yard.  Climb up the bank and move it further down the way so that we can put more.  The life of living in the U.P. and every day I wonder why....

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Crazy Ingredient Challenge ~ Strawberries and Mustard



Have you ever made something and it just didn't turn out the way you wanted it too?  That is what happened when I made my recipe for this month's Crazy Ingredient Challenge.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Clouds and Blue Skies

We have been most fortunate these last couple of weeks as we have had lots of sun.  This isn't normal for us as it is usually overcast and snowing.  We have gotten lots of snow but for the last couple of weeks it has been down to just a small skiff per day... During the winter the sky even seems bluer then during the summer, I am not sure why that is.  Is it because of the blue against the white of the snow it seems more brilliant?  Or is it just because we don't see it that often that we are amazed by the colour?  It doesn't matter ~ the sky is blue and it is wonderful. 

Friday, February 14, 2014

Pay it Forward ~ Creative

Have you ever pay-it-forward to anyone or had it done to you.  It feels wonderful both ways.  I love paying-it forward to others and one of the ways I have done it is leaving enough money to pay for part of the person bill behind me in the coffee line, dropping off something to the neighbors just because or putting money in the parking meter when I notice the time is running out.  This summer I had a stranger pay-it-forward by leaving a gift card at Tim Horton's for the next person that came to the til.. That person was me.  Leave me a comment if it has ever happened to you or how you have Pay-It-Forward.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party ~ Snack Foods

Hope everyone is staying warm and safe these last couple of days.  Sounds like everyone but us is getting hit by snow, ice or rain... Well we are getting snow but just our usual amount.. nothing to worry about, not like we do here anyways.  With this storm coming through it is a great time to have a party with....

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Steak Dinner

I will be the first to tell you that I  do not make the best steak, but I am coming pretty close to being that person.  And I will let you in on my secret.. although I am sure it is not a secret to those that make steaks perfect...

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Winter Carnival

We have been lucky this week as the sun has been shining brightly most days and we got no extra snow. The downside was that it was very cold..... But even with the dreadful cold, the Tech students still ventured out and made snow and ice sculptures.

Friday, February 7, 2014

Foodie Friends Friday ~ Valentine's Party.


I am a little late getting my party out there this week.  But it is better late then never... This week on Foodie Friends Friday we are going to have a.....

Valentine's Party

And on Valentine's Day all calories cancel each other out.. We are eating for LOVE!  I can't wait to see what you all are bringing to the party.  I have seen some wonderful Valentine's Recipes out there on facebook, google +, pinterest and the rest of the place I search for recipes.  I know that you have some.


Last Week's Highlights

Host Favorites
Head over to the Daily Dish Magazine to check out which recipes were our host favorites... Each week every host picks her favorite recipe.  Then then are featured over at the Daily Dish Magazine on Mondays.  To have your recipe picked you must have a link back to Foodie Friends Friday or the host blog that you linked up with.  Next week your recipe just might be here.
Host Favorites 
My Favorite
I love cheesecake so when I saw this Raspberry Cheesecake Bars from Baker Becky I just fell in love.. Check out the picture and you will too.  Thank you so much Becky for sharing these last week.


Photo Credit:  Baker Becky
Recipes with the Most Clicks
I have to say that I feel a little sheepish even mentioning this but all three of my recipes that I linked up got the most clicks this week.  Thank you so much for all of you checking them out.  I appreciate it.
Apple Cranberry Croissants
Berry Salad with Basil Chia Vinaigrette
Basil Strawberry Lemonade

This Week's Party



 

foodie friends friday, rules


 

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Foodie Friends Friday
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Thursday, February 6, 2014

Fill the Cookie Jar with Chocolate Almond Shortbread

Diamond, Flowers and Chocolate are the perfect gift for Valentine's Day.  Although I can't give you diamonds.... I will give you some chocolate with maybe a decorated flower or two to fill your cookie jar this Valentine's Day... The catch is that you have to make them yourself but they are worth it if you like a chocolate cookie with a crunch that melt in your mouth.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Heart Cup Cozies

I have been into making cup cozies this winter.  This one is perfect for February's   Heart Health Month or even for Valentine's Day.. If you know how to knit and purl it is easy to make and only takes about an hour or two depending on how fast you knit.