Monday, April 30, 2012

Ree Drummond - The Pioneer Woman Book Signing

My friend Pat came from Arkansas last month to spend the weekend with us and go to the Ree Drummond - The Pioneer Woman book signing in Oklahoma City. We got up and made the drive to OKC. We went to my daughter's house and picked her up and then off to the Full Circle Book Store. OK...none of us had ever been to a book signing before.

We arrived at the bookstore at 1:00 pm the advertised time for the book signing. We went in a purchased our books. The clerk gave us a piece of paper with a number on it. I ask "what does the 12 mean".......she said you will be in the 12th GROUP to be called to get in line for the signing. OH! She suggested we go find something to do and keep calling back to find out what group they were on...there was like 50 people in a group and there was other groups behind us!

Ree Drummond and Pat having her book signed at 7:30 pm.
Ree made a wonderful funny presentation that we enjoyed.
The closest we could get was up on the second floor of the mall.
This is a fuzzy photo of Ree....I used my zoooooom on my point and shoot.
The place was wall to wall people...many of them had 6 copies of the new Pioneer Woman cookbook at $30 a book. I love Ree, but I could not afford that many books.
This is a photo of Ree, myself and my daughter, Kennda, having our book signed at 7:30 pm!
Yes, 1:00 pm to 7:30 pm was longer than we expected...and it was hot and we were tired. Now I know if you are going to a book signing...preorder your book and get your group number a couple days or more ahead of the actual date. We handed the camera to a guy who was taking photos for people...it is fuzzy too.

I must say after all those hours of getting up really early and driving to Oklahoma City and signing hundreds and hundreds of books....Ree Drummond is AWESOME! She was so sweet and thanked us for coming and signed our books with the personalization we requested. And SMILING...oh my goodness I don't know how she does it. Hats off to Ree!



Sunday, April 29, 2012

Cupcakes

Sweet 405 mailed cupcakes to our office!
Amazing they arrived just perfect.
All of the stuff to set up for The Wizard of Oz theme birthday party.
How cute is this?
The white ones are wedding cake and the brown ones are turtle flavor...OMG!
Before when I posted about Sweet 405 cupcakes,
 you wanted to know what flavors they were.
Well, the ones on my 4-16-12 post were red velvet cake and vanilla.
We have had so many different flavors to try I do not have a complete list.
She creates some of the most mouth watering cupcakes ever!
The Wizard of Oz cupcakes were for the baker's "baby girl,"
who works in our office,
Happy Birthday!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Why do we have tonsils?

My daughter is forever sharing photos with me...the photo below is of a pair of 34 year old tonsils after taking antibiotics for several days. My daughter said they were really bad before her friend took the antibiotics. My daughter will never forget having her tonsils removed. She thought she was going to die.

My granddaughter had hers removed and was eating pizza that afternoon. Back in "the old days" when I had my tonsils removed at age 4 or 5 they did not have to good stuff they do now to put you out. When I think of getting my tonsils removed I swear I can still smell ether and envision that black rubber mask they placed over my face.

When I saw this photo I wondered why do we even have tonsils if most people have them removed? When I Googled the question I found the information below written by  Dr. Douglis is a Board Certified specialist in Otolaryngology.

When Good Tonsils Go Bad


You may have heard of someone having their tonsils surgically removed. But what are the tonsils? Why do we have them, why do we need them and what happens when something goes wrong?

Your tonsils are nothing more than masses of lymph tissue, like lymph glands, that sit in the back of your throat, near the entrance to your nasal passages, where they can catch germs and bacteria that can cause infection. Tonsils are a welcome addition to our immune systems and help to filter out germs and bacteria before they have a chance to take hold in our bodies and cause further damage. They may also help our bodies create antibodies to germs. Interestingly, no scientific evidence exists to suggest that removal of the tonsils weakens an individual’s immune system.

There are some common problems that can affect your tonsils. General infection of the tonsils is called ‘tonsillitis’. Many of these infections occur in young children, with throat and ear infections the most common. The tonsils may be come enlarged, so that your doctor may decide removal of the tonsils is the best course of action to avoid chronic tonsillitis, future breathing problems or difficulties with swallowing.

Another common problem is abscess. Abscesses are pockets of pus that develop behind the tonsils. They make swallowing very painful and often the patient will talk as if they have a "hot potato" in their throat. Treatment involves removing the pus, either by sucking it out with a needle or putting the patient to sleep and opening the abscess with a scalpel.

Additional, cancerous tumors can grow on the tonsils and these need to be treated urgently. These usually occur in smokers but may also be associated with the papilloma virus.

Along with these issues, you may hear your doctor use the term “cryptic” tonsils. Your tonsils have small, pitlike depressions called ‘crypts” which fill with debris. Sometimes hard white “tonsil stones” develop in the crypts. These can contribute to bad breath which does not improve with brushing your teeth. Some patients can even pick these tonsil stones out with a fingernail or Q-tip. They usually smell bad. Because the affected area is hidden away from view, your doctor is best qualified to diagnose cryptic tonsillitis. The most effective treatment is to remove the tonsils.

After a thorough examination by your physician, it may be recommended that your tonsils be surgically removed. There are two main reasons your doctor may decide to do this. If you have had recurrent infections, even though you have been treated repeatedly with antibiotics, your doctor may feel removal is the best course of action. If your tonsils are chronically enlarged, this may be causing snoring at night and breathing problems too. In children, these problems can cause deformities in the face and jaw and improper alignment of your teeth.

Chronic infection of your tonsils can be a cause of painful ear infections, which could lead to hearing loss.
As in all health matters, it is important to seek out and follow your doctor’s advice.

This information about tonsils was written by: Dr. Douglis is a Board Certified specialist in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (Ear, Nose, and Throat). He attended the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine and completed his specialty training at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He has practiced medicine in Montgomery County Texas and the Houston area since 1982.

Do you still have your tonsils?

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Wonderful Slice Knife

Since my husband is legally blind he has some really neat products, he has bought over the years to help him in the kitchen. This knife is one of his tools I love to use. We have ordered several for other members of the family too. You can find them online at Maxi Aids for the sale price of $19.9
This knife features: serrated edge, 8" professional length heavy duty, stainless steel blade and has an adjustable thickness guide for even slices. You can use it on meats, vegetables, breads, poultry, fruits and more.
To slice or carve just loosen the thumbscrew and set the slicing guide to the desired thickness. Retighten thumbscrew. Press the slicing guide against the food to be sliced and begin with the blade held horizontally. Tilt the blade downward as you reach the bottom of the food and slice completely through.
For sighted people there is a thickeness feature marked on the guide. I would recommend this knife for every kitchen. The slicing guide can be completely removed to use as an all purpose kitchen utility knife.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Cookie Dough Bowls

Mold cookie dough over the bottom of a muffin pan
and make cookie dough bowls for ice cream or fruit.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Granddaughter

My Granddaughter is 18! Wow...it is hard for me to believe that it has been 18 years since her mother and my other daughter went into the delivery room together, and this beautiful child was born. She is the light of our lives...Happy Birthday baby girl.



Wearing Aunt Kennda's dress from when she was a little girl.


We never know what color her hair might be, she loves to change it!
And eye make up...oh my!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!
WE LOVE YOU!!!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Diabetic Gourmet online

I receive daily e-mails from Diabetic Gourmet online with awesome recipes. These recipes are not only for diabetics, but just good healthy recipes for everyone. Sign up at their website and get some new ideas like this one below.

PESTO PARTY PIZZAS

Yield: 24 appetizers
Serving Size: 1 appetizer
Source: The Complete Diabetes Prevention Plan
Book Info: http://diabeticgourmet.com/book_archive/details/60.shtml
Print Version: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/463.shtml

INGREDIENTS

- 4 whole-wheat or oat-bran pita pockets (6 inch rounds)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons prepared pesto
- 2 medium-small plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Arrange the pitas on a large baking sheet and spread each
one with a quarter of the pesto. Top with a quarter of
the tomato slices, and a quarter of the cheese.

Bake for about 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and
lightly browned. Cut each pizza into 6 wedges and serve hot.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:
Calories: 45; Protein: 2.7 g; Sodium: 90 mg;
Cholesterol: 3 mg; Carbohydrates: 5 g; Fat 1.8 g
Exchanges: 1/3 Starch, 1/6 Medium-Fat Meat

Find great DINNER recipes at:
http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/Main_Courses

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Mustard

I love mustard! My favorite is Jalapeno Mustard and I also love Spicy Brown Mustard, but nothing beats plain ole prepared mustard on a hot dog. I use mustard in potato salad, meatloaf, salmon patties, and a long list of other things. I typed in MUSTARD to seek the creation of this tasty yellow colored staple and surprise....I found info about the NATIONAL MUSTARD MUSEUM...who knew there was a National Mustard Museum...I am sharing the info below.


Home to the World’s Largest Collection of Mustards and Mustard Memorabilia

A mustard museum? ABSOLUTELY! According to Barry Levenson, founder & curator of the National Mustard Museum, you can blame it all on the Boston Red Sox. In the wee hours of October 28, 1986, after his favorite baseball team had just lost the World Series, Barry was wandering an all-night supermarket looking for the meaning of life. As he passed the mustards, he heard a voice: If you collect us, they will come.

He did and they have. In 1992, Barry left his job as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin to open this most improbable museum, now one of Wisconsin’s most popular attractions. The Mustard Museum has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, the popular game show To Tell the Truth, as well as countless features on other national television and radio shows, and in major newspapers everywhere.

So, why all the fuss? Well, with more than 5,300 mustards from all 50 states and more than 60 countries, our collection of Mustard History is a sight to behold. From the exquisite Gibbons Collection of mustard pots to antique tins & jars and vintage advertisements, the National Mustard Museum is truly a shining temple to the “King of Condiments”.

Located on Hubbard Avenue in the heart of downtown Middleton, Wisconsin, the National Mustard Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm, seven days a week — except New Years, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Of course, the online store never sleeps.

Middleton neighbors Madison to the west, is only a 45-minute drive from Wisconsin Dells, just 2-1/2 hours from Chicago, and a mere 6,978 kilometers from Dijon, France.



WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MUSTARD?
Leave a comment and let us know if there is a flavor we are missing.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Breakfast Burrito

Breakfast Burritos
Flour Tortillas
Cheddar Cheese
Salsa
Eggs
Cooked Sausage
We had a couple left over sausage patties that my husband crumbled up.
He cooked the sausage, salsa and eggs together in a skillet.
This fire roasted salsa is great for adding to recipes.
It is not my favorite for just eating with chips.
Next he put the flour tortillas on his grill and then topped with some cheese to warm.
He scooped some of the egg, sausage, salsa mixture on to the tortillas.
Finally he tucked the sides in and rolled up the tortillas.
This was a quick easy way to utilize the left over sausage patties and fix a meal.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Can Caps

I love these can caps. They come four to a package and are quite inexpensive. I think I ordered these from Walter Drake. With summer just around the corner I would recommend getting some of these to take with you to ballgames, picnics and any other outdoor activity.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Crochet Washcloth Edges

My Granny use to crochet around the edges of inexpensive washcloths to make them last longer. My mom can also do this awesome craft. Not me. This washcloth is one of the last ones I have with crochet around the edge. This is a really great idea to give a set of these washcloths as a gift.  
I have no idea what this crochet stitch might be called.
Hope you can see it well enough to know if you crochet.
THIS IS MY MOM'S 77TH BIRTHDAY!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM...
Bill and Mom
Somewhere in Mississippi having fun...
she is too busy to make crochet washcloths!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Mayo or Miracle Whip?

How do you decide which you like? Taste them both side by side. The sweeter one is Miracle Whip. It depends on what I plan to make as to which one I use. I do use more Miracle Whip than Mayo.
In 1756, the French under Louis François Armand de Vignerot du Plessis, duc de Richelieu, captured Mahón on the Spanish-held island of Minorca. In honor of this victory, the duc’s chef created a new dressing for his master: Mahonnaise. It wasn’t until 1905, however, at Richard Hellmann’s New York deli, that Americans got to taste the goods. But boy, did it catch on! Within seven years, he’d mass-marketed the condiment as Hellmann’s Blue Ribbon Mayonnaise.

I think, mayo is one of those love-it-or-hate-it things. The lovers know that, in its most authentic form, mayo’s a pretty simple affair: raw egg yolks, oil, lemon juice or vinegar, and spices. Not much room for improvement.

But in 1933, Kraft Foods though differently. Inventor Charles Chapman’s patented emulsifying machine allowed regular mayonnaise to be evenly blended with cheaper dressings and more than 20 different spices (plus sugar). The result was Miracle Whip, which debuted at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. Promising to create "Salad Miracles with Miracle Whip Salad Dressing," the Whip was an instant hit.

The main difference between Miracle Whip and Mayonnaise are the sweeteners: high-fructose corn syrup and sugar are the fourth and fifth ingredients, respectively, of Miracle Whip.
Mayonnaise adds:
11 Grams of fat
per 15 ml serving
and 0% Tangy Zip

Miracle Whip adds:
3.5 Grams of fat
per 15 ml serving
100% Tangy Zip

 
Miracle Whip has 64% less fat than mayonnaise, and is also low in saturated fat and free of trans fat which can help you and your family in maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Again, I think it depends on what you are going to be making with the spread, I would not want to use Miracle Whip in my Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake! Leave a comment and tell us which do you use?





Monday, April 16, 2012

Sweet 405 Cupcakes

One of my co-workers is sweet enough to bring us samples from her Mom's new business Sweet 405 Cupcakes. I must say they are the most moist flavorful cupcakes I have ever tasted. She does a big variety with awesome combinations of flavors. Her business is in the Oklahoma City area so it is a real treat to have cupcakes delivered to Western Oklahoma.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Family Fun in Arkansas

Last week we were in Arkansas for Easter. My Mom's favorite holiday is Easter. She rented a "bounce house" for the kids to play in and they all loved it. It was also awesome because they were all in the same place at the same time.
My friend Pat made her bunny cake for the gathering.
The kids lined up to start the Easter egg hunt. They had to find over 300 eggs the teens had hid all the way to the front fence. They all had so much fun. Then we went to the patio above the creek to eat our lunch and I forgot to take photos!
After lunch my brother got out the pinata for them to take turns trying to bust open.
It was a great day for lots of family fun in Arkansas.