This and that

Thursday, March 14, 2013

#FoodieFriendsFriday linky party

Welcome once again to Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party.
This week we are Going Green!
It will be fun to see all the Green Saint Patrick Day Recipe.
Other recipes are welcome too.

Check out the Recipes that Caught our Attention
from last week's party


To have your recipe featured, you must link back to our party or the host blog that you link up with.

Welcome to Foodie Friends Friday!

Please take a moment to read through the rules before getting started, Thank You!

*By linking up you agree that you read these rules and all photos/recipes are original and belong to you. You agree to allow Foodie Friends Friday and any of it's affiliated websites or publications (Social Girls Media, LLC) to use photos, links, and recipes for reprint and/or republishing and distribution without monetary compensation to you. If photos & recipes are used, proper link backs to you will be included.
foodie friends friday, rules
Adding Links back to Foodie Friends Friday and our Button is our only form of advertising to bring in more people to see YOUR recipes.
Please remember to do this. It benefits you! To thank you, we will continue to feature those with links throughout the year on various outlets.

Foodie Friends Friday
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.foodiefriendsfridaydailydish.com/" title="Foodie Friends Friday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj628/busyvegetarianmom/FFFDDButtonNEW150Darker_zpse238f637.jpg" alt="Foodie Friends Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Meet our Co-Hosts at Foodie Friends Friday:
































Now Let's meet our sponsor this week!

*Giveaway Disclaimer: Facebook is in no way associated with this website or giveaway and holds no liability for this giveaway. "Liking" facebook pages is optional, not mandatory for entry. Sponsors will be responsible for shipping- if there is a delay or problem with prize, you must communicate directly with sponsor.



Ship US only
Eco Natural Soap 

Eco Friendly Homemaking


Eco Natural Soap began in November 2009. We started with 6 products and now it has become a company with more than 150 individual products and growing. It actually began while living in California after reading how chemically laden fabric softeners were creating a bad indoor environment. We have developed a dealer network of more than 100, we work craft shows, women's shows and markets in several local states and have a very successful online business. Our specialty products are formulated for people with challenges like Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, ToeNail Fungus and Menopause using all natural, organic plant based formulas. Our hundreds of testimonies are our greatest Blessings; to hear how people are freed from, in some cases, life long conditions is very humbling.

Remember to fill out the Rafflecopter for your chance to win

a Rafflecopter giveaway





Last Week's Party Winners
Sponsor Giveaway

Voted Top 3

Most Clicks

Host Favorite
Foodie Friends Friday

This week my host favorite is from Lizy at Just Dip it in Chocolate for her Plantain Lasagna.   I love Lizy's blog, she has great recipes and her pictures are superb.  You will find yourself licking the screen when you see them... I just wish that you could taste them, they look so good.  I picked this recipe as I love plantains.  The first time I ate them was in Togo.  My husband has requested his father to plant many plantain plants on the land we bought there so that I can eat them all the time.  This recipe looks wonderful and I can't wait to try it.  Thanks Lizy, I would have never thought of using plantains instead of noodles.
Picture Credit.  Just Dip it in Chocolate


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Thursday, March 7, 2013

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party and a handbag giveaway

Hope everyone is having a great week and it is that time again...

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party Time

First before we get into the party, I would like to remind you that each week each host will pick a favorite recipe.  These recipes will be featured in the Daily Dish Magazine.  To be featured you must have a link back either to Foodie Friends Friday or the blog that you linked up with.  To check out the featured recipes for this week go HERE.
Host Favorites

Welcome to Foodie Friends Friday!

Please take a moment to read through the rules before getting started, Thank You!

*By linking up you agree that you read these rules and all photos/recipes are original and belong to you. You agree to allow Foodie Friends Friday and any of it's affiliated websites or publications (Social Girls Media, LLC) to use photos, links, and recipes for reprint and/or republishing and distribution without monetary compensation to you. If photos & recipes are used, proper link backs to you will be included.
foodie friends friday, rules
Adding Links back to Foodie Friends Friday and our Button is our only form of advertising to bring in more people to see YOUR recipes.
Please remember to do this. It benefits you! To thank you, we will continue to feature those with links throughout the year on various outlets.

Foodie Friends Friday
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.foodiefriendsfridaydailydish.com/" title="Foodie Friends Friday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj628/busyvegetarianmom/FFFDDButtonNEW150Darker_zpse238f637.jpg" alt="Foodie Friends Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Meet our Co-Hosts at Foodie Friends Friday:
































Now Let's meet our sponsor this week!

*Giveaway Disclaimer: Facebook is in no way associated with this website or giveaway and holds no liability for this giveaway. "Liking" facebook pages is optional, not mandatory for entry. Sponsors will be responsible for shipping- if there is a delay or problem with prize, you must communicate directly with sponsor.
Facebook  - Bagsnthings
Website - Bagsnthings.biz
Remember to fill out the rafflecopter for you chance to win a handbag similar to the one in the picture. 
Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway




Last Week's Party
Sponsor Giveaway

Voted Top 3

Most Clicks

Host Favorite
Foodie Friends Friday

This week's my host favorite goes to a new friend Mary from LoveFoodies for her Quick & Easy Tea Party Cherry Custard Pastries.  I did make them today but although they taste wonderfully they are not photo material... at least not as good as Mary's are.  I am going to try them again and I have an idea for a filling for Saint Patrick's Day... so keep watching.  Head over to Mary's blog she has some wonderful recipes and great pictures..
Picture
Don't these looks so delicious.
photo credit:  Love Foodies



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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

St Paddy's Day Milkshake


I am not a big St. Patrick's Day person...
Although I do like the green food..
This year I decided to make a green mint milkshake and this recipe turned out great.
My pictures aren't the best as it was early evening so not a lot of natural light 
and the more pictures I took, the milkshake kind of separated some but it still tasted good.


St Paddy's Day Milkshake


1.5 cups ice cream
1 cup milk (I used skim)
3 tsp creme de menthe syrup
1 tsp minced fresh mint
2-3 drops green food colouring
extra mint and andres creme de menthe thins, coloured sugar for garnish 

In blender mix ice cream, milk, creme de menthe syrup and mint until smooth.  If you want a thicker milkshake add more ice cream or thinner add more milk.  Add 2 -3 drops of green food colouring until you get the shade of green you would like.  To make green coloured sugar, add a drop of two of food colouring to sugar and mix.  Dip rim of glass into sugar.  Pour in milkshake and garnish with andres mints and extra fresh mint.

Enjoy



ღϠ₡ღ✻   Marlys

(¯`
´¯)
`*.¸.*
✻✿*.¸.* Enjoy your day....`*.¸.*✻✿*.¸.*



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Saturday, March 2, 2013

Dr Suess - Happy Birthday


Today March 2nd is Dr. Suess' birthday.
How are you going to spend the day celebrating his birthday?

Happy Birthday Dr Suess

Here are some printables for you to use:








  
I love Dr. Suess and I still have many of his book's memorized or at least parts of them.
How about you?
Head over to Suessville for many more activities that you and your children can do.

"Look at me!
Look at me!
Look at me NOW!
It is fun to have fun
But you have to know how."
~ Dr Suess - The Cat in the Hat (Deluxe Edition)

Let me know what your most favorite Dr. Suess Book is...
Mine?  Hop on Pop... and Marvin K. Mooney will you please go now.
For more printables and some quick treats to make up, head over to the Daily Dish Magazine

**** please note the pictures I did with the shoes and fish, I found the pictures online, went to give credit and I can't find them again.  Please use the printables for your own personal use only****

ღϠ₡ღ✻   Marlys

(¯`
´¯)
`*.¸.*
✻✿*.¸.* Enjoy your day....`*.¸.*✻✿*.¸.*

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Thursday, February 28, 2013

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party and Woolzies Dry Ball

I hope everyone is having a great week. 
It is once again time for

 Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party

Before we get to the party details, I want to remind you that each week, each host picks a host favorite.  To be eligible for this you must have a link back to our party.  The favorites are then featured over at the Daily Dish Magazine.  I also feature my host favorite recipe on the next week party and at time I even make the recipe.  I did this week.  I also will pin a few of the recipes on my Recipes that Caught my Attention on FFF Linky Party.  Check it out and see if your link is there.
 Last Week's Host Favorites

Welcome to Foodie Friends Friday!

Please take a moment to read through the rules before getting started, Thank You!

*By linking up you agree that you read these rules and all photos/recipes are original and belong to you. You agree to allow Foodie Friends Friday and any of it's affiliated websites or publications (Social Girls Media, LLC) to use photos, links, and recipes for reprint and/or republishing and distribution without monetary compensation to you. If photos & recipes are used, proper link backs to you will be included.
foodie friends friday, rules
Adding Links back to Foodie Friends Friday and our Button is our only form of advertising to bring in more people to see YOUR recipes.
Please remember to do this. It benefits you! To thank you, we will continue to feature those with links throughout the year on various outlets.

Foodie Friends Friday
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.foodiefriendsfridaydailydish.com/" title="Foodie Friends Friday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj628/busyvegetarianmom/FFFDDButtonNEW150Darker_zpse238f637.jpg" alt="Foodie Friends Friday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Meet our Co-Hosts at Foodie Friends Friday:


































Now Let's meet our sponsor this week!

*Giveaway Disclaimer: Facebook is in no way associated with this website or giveaway and holds no liability for this giveaway. "Liking" facebook pages is optional, not mandatory for entry. Sponsors will be responsible for shipping- if there is a delay or problem with prize, you must communicate directly with sponsor.


This week's giveaway is a set of dryer balls.
I was given a set from the company but have been unable to use them as my dryer decided to quit.
From reviews I have read they are wonderful. 
I will write up a review once I get my dryer working again.
To find them ~ Facebook, Website, Twitter

Make  sure you fill out the rafflecopter for your chance to win.




Last Week's Winners
Sponsor Giveaway


Top 3 Voted
Blueberry Crumb Cake ~ Cozycakes Cottages
Homemade Jalapeno Pimento Cheese and The Best  Beef Stew ~ Calculus to Cupcakes

Most Clicked
Blueberry Crumb Cake ~ Cozycakes Cottage
Donut Muffins ~ Chicky's Cafe & Bowtiques
Oven Fried Chimichangas ~ Mother on a Mission

Host Favorite
Foodie Friends Friday

This week, my host favorite came from Ms. enPlace.  Michelle's Stick to Ya Ribs just jumped right out at me.  Hubby loves ribs and he also loves tomato based sauce so this is a perfect recipe.  I did make them over the weekend and they were delicious.  Hubby ate them two nights in a row and that seldom happens as he doesn't normally like leftovers.  I did change the recipe slightly for our taste and what I had in the house and what I could find.  I will be posting my recipe soon.

My picture of Stick to Ya Ribs
Please take a moment to go over to all the Host's Blogs
Each and everyone on of them have great blogs and do lots of work to make this party possible.

Robyn at Robyn's View
Marlys at   This and That
Jodie at Binomial Baker
R Dawn at Spatulas on Parade
Kelly at Adorned Well
Joanne at Winelady Cooks
Marlene at Nosh My Way
Ericka at Chef Picky Kid


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Ribs with sauce - Host Favorite Meal

This week I made my host favorite meal... It was so delicious and my husband even ate it two days in a row.  He very seldom does that but he asked for it on the second day.  I did change some of the ingredients because I either couldn't find them or I didn't have them at home.  This recipe originally came from Michelle over at Ms. enPlace and it is called Stick to Ya Ribs.  When I made these, I made the same amount of sauce but only used half the meat.  Thanks Michelle for a wonderful recipe.

  

Ribs with Sauce (slow-cooker version)

adapted from Stick to Ya Ribs

2 pounds pork spare ribs (I used boneless ribs)
pepper
garlic
onion powder
 2 tbsp creole seasoning (I used this recipe to make mine)
1 tsp paprika
1 6 oz tomato paste
2/3 cups mushrooms diced
1 cup onion diced
2/3 cup sweet peppers diced
4 cloves garlic minced
2 stalks celery diced
1 link smoked sausage diced ( I used Johnsonville Andouile)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 can diced tomatoes (I used Red Gold)
1 maggi cube (chicken flavor)
1/2 tsp paprika
2 tbsp corn starch

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a cookie sheet.  Sprinkle creole seasoning, pepper, garlic and onion powder, paprika onto ribs, rubbing them into the meat.  Spread 3 tbsp tomato paste over ribs on all sides.  Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes until the tomato paste is sticky and brown in places.
While these are cooking, place oil in pan, brown sausage.  Add mushrooms, onions, peppers, garlic and celery.  Saute for 8 minutes. Add rest of the tomato paste and saute a few more minutes.  Add tomatoes, maggi cube and paprika.  Cover and simmer until ribs are done.
Once ribs are done, place half of the tomato sauce into crock pot, add ribs and cover with rest of sauce.  Add approximately 2 cups of water, just to cover. 
 Cook for 4 -5 hours on low.  I cooked mine on high for 1 hour and then turned it down to low for 3 more hours.  The meat was very tender but I would probably next time cook on low for at least 5 hours.  
Serve with pasta or rice.


ღϠ₡ღ✻   Marlys

(¯`
´¯)
`*.¸.*
✻✿*.¸.* Enjoy your day....`*.¸.*✻✿*.¸.*


Links:

Scrumptious Sunday Link Party!



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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Heart Healthy and an Avocado Salad.

Heart Healthy

Today is the last day of February, the shortest month.  February is also Heart  Healthy month. It seems to me that this month contradicts itself as Valentine's Day is this month with all it's chocolates and candies and then we have Heart Healthy.  I guess if we ate low or no sugar candies and dark chocolate we may be on the right path.  If you are  anything like me then you don't like dark chocolate ~ I guess it is to healthy for me.

Last week I wrote an article for the Daily Dish about February is Heart Healthy.   In this article I wrote about the foods to eat to help your heart and what to do per the American Heart Association to keep your heart healthy.  So I won't go into any more details about those things. This article is going to be about keeping a healthy emotional well-being.

To me having a healthy emotional well-being is the first step to having a healthy heart.  As loving yourself and feeling proud of yourself and your accomplishments will only help to make your heart stronger.  Eating good food and exercise are only part of the whole picture.

Things to do to help your emotional well-being

  • Express your emotions - allow yourself to feel both positive and negative emotion.  Do not bottle these emotions up.
  • Focus on the positive.  A tip to help with this is to everyday write down three things you are grateful for.  They need not be big, they may just be getting out of bed today, seeing the sun.
  • Respect and Accept Yourself.  We need to love ourselves unconditionally as we love others around us. We are in most instances our own worse enemy.
  • Practice yoga, meditation and or deep breathing.  This allows us to find peace, energy and improve our concentration.
  • Enjoy some alone time.  Take and make time for yourself even if it is only a few minutes during the day.  Lock yourself in the bathroom ( your children will probably still be at the door when you open it).  
  • Foster creativity.  Start a hobby.  This is my way of stress reduction, writing my blog and reading other blogs.  Other things you can do is crafts, gardening, exercise (if that is your thing), cooking.
  • Avoid black and white thinking. You may have to think outside of the box.  Often thinking things are either right or wrong my bring disappointing.
  • Laugh loud and often.  Laughter is always the best medicine even if it is at at time that you don't think is appropriate.
These are just a few of the ideas that I remember after reading an article about this in our local newspaper. During the winter months, I feel that my emotional well being takes a big drop.   My thoughts are this happens because we don't see the sun so much, it is cold and we are stuck inside.  It is important for you whole well being to try and keep your emotional well being in check  When you do feel that you have depression like symptoms or just feeling down, it is important to talk to someone, be it your family doctor or a close loved one, or even someone you don't know.  I have often written  my feelings on articles that I have read in other blogs, this helps me to get them in the open.  It is not that they need to be read or even commented on but it is my way of doing my well-being check for me.

Heart Healthy~ Avocado Salad


1 Avocado cut in slices and each slice cut into two or three
2 -3  Roma tomatoes sliced
1/4 cup sliced red onions
1/4 lb smoked  salmon
Mix all ingredients together and enjoy.  You can add some salt and pepper to taste.
  
This salad is very tasty on it's own and is a good lunch meal with a slice of French Bread.  The first time I ate this salad was when my husband made it in Togo, shortly after we got married.  All the ingredients were fresh and he went and bought us a loaf of fresh made French Bread... Heaven. 

Let us all take some time to treat ourselves 
 Let me know what you have done for yourself today

ღϠ₡ღ✻   Marlys

(¯`
´¯)
`*.¸.*
✻✿*.¸.* Enjoy your day....`*.¸.*✻✿*.¸.*


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