Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

 

Another place my daughter visited in Denver

was the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

There were cases and cases of delightful goodies.

How many kinds of chocolate covered apples could there be in one place?

She was on a budget so she just got chocolate covered strawberries.

I told her she was just being mean the day she sent these photos.

I love chocolate covered anything!

 

 

 

 

 

Last Minute Food Gift

Cranberry Chutney

12 ounce pkg of cranberries

½ cup fresh lime juice and ZEST

2 shallots or green onion

½ teaspoon of salt

1 whole bunch of Cilantro

2-3 cloves of garlic

1-2 seeded jalapenos

1 ¼ cup light brown sugar

1 tablespoon coarse ground pepper

Mix everything together in food processor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My friend Pat made this last Christmas and brought everyone a designer jar full. OMG it was so good. You could also give it as a gift in a dollar store plastic container and place a bright bow on top. She also served some at our Christmas dinner by putting it on top of a block of cream cheese and serving with Ritz crackers. I also think this cranberry chutney would be good mixed into a block of cream cheese and then spread on flour tortillas. Roll up the filled tortillas and cut into slices to make "pinwheels." 

   

 

Christmas Gift Idea for Learning to Cook

Anyone who has read my blog knows I am a FOOD NETWORK JUNKIE! One of my favorite shows is Trisha's Southern Kitchen starring Trisha Yearwood. I love her show because she cooks real food with real ingredients that I can find in my local grocery store. Trisha has two cookbooks out that would make an awesome gift for someone on your Christmas list that you are having a hard time shopping for them. You can purchase them from the Food Network website or at your favorite book store.

Trisha Yearwood's Kitchen

Becoming a three-time Grammy Award–winning country music star didn't just change Trisha Yearwood's life — it changed the way she cooks. When she hit it big and bought her home outside Nashville, she got the kitchen of her dreams — and she had to adjust to all the space. "I'm from a small town in Georgia," she says. "I never had a gas cook top before. I never had an island before. I never had counter space before!"

With the extra room, she could cook all the down-home Southern recipes she loves, which led to two cookbooks (she co-wrote them with her sister and mother) and to her own Food Network show, Trisha's Southern Kitchen. Trisha and her husband Garth Brooks live just outside Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Either one of these cookbooks would make a great Christmas Gift

for someone wanting to learn to cook or just to get new ideas.

 

Trisha cooks regular food like we all grew up eating. Not all those fancy dishes like some of the television cooks demonstrate. The following is one of the awesome side dishes I saw on her show.

 

Asparagus Bundles

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
• 12 slices bacon
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Divide the asparagus spears into 12 bundles. Carefully wrap 1 piece of bacon around each bundle, starting about 1/2 inch from the bottom of the tips. Secure the bacon-wrapped spears with a toothpick. Lay the bundles in a low-sided casserole dish.

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, soy sauce, garlic salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Pour the hot sugar mixture over the asparagus bundles. Transfer the dish to the oven and roast until the spears have begun to wilt and the bacon looks fully cooked, about 25 minutes. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Friday Foto

My Great Grandson is not even 1 yet and look at him!

 

My Grandson is such a good Daddy.

 

My Great Grandson is really hanging on to the bar!

His Daddy is being deployed in a couple months and he is going to miss him.

 

Bottle Bottom Paint Design

My daughter sent me this awesome idea for using a bottle bottom to make a painting. Just dip the bottom into a plate with a shallow amount of acrylic paint and carefully place on the paper the create the design. It is sort of like using scrapbook stamps. You could use different bottle sizes to make different sized paintings. This would look cool with red paint to make a Christmas flower painting.

Katie Mullen's Irish Restaurant Denver

Another place my daughter enjoyed eating in Denver

was at Katie Mullens Irish Restaurant and Pub.

Cell phone photos don't always turn out sharp:)

Katie Mullen's is Denver's premium Irish Restaurant and Bar incorporating four themed areas. Katie's showcases a mixture of the old world charm infused with a modern take on an Irish bar. With ownership based out of Carrick-on-Shannon in Ireland, a penchant for excellence ensures the highest standards have been carried over to food and drink offerings. Katie Mullen's Irish Restaurant and Bar menu is extensive and will appeal to all taste buds as it features traditional Irish dishes while also entertaining American classics. All of our traditional Irish breads are baked on-premise, and our food is prepared fresh daily with all products sourced locally. Under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Rick A Prow and Sous Chef George Gonzalez, batches of Irish stew, Shepherd's Pie and other Irish classics are prepared daily along with the batch of home made soda and brown bread.

Grilled Watermelon and Clams

Scallops and Shrimp

 

 

Neurostimulator for Pain

This is my Granddaughter and oldest Daughter on their way to Oklahoma City for my Daughter's Neurostimulator Implant. Note they were both smiling. Now read about the process and if you are brave you can see the "after" photos.

 

Is the company that manufactures the device and where I found this explanation of the process.

A neurostimulator is a surgically implanted device about the size of a stopwatch. It delivers mild electrical signals to the epidural space near your spine through one or more leads (special medical wires). The electrical signals cause a tingling sensation in the area of your back and leg pain.

How It Works

Neurostimulation provides pain relief by modifying (modulating) the pain messages before they reach the brain. Think of it like rubbing your "funny bone" after you've bumped it – the rubbing masks the feeling of pain. Similarly, the tingling produced by the neurostimulation system masks the feeling in your area of pain.

You can adjust the strength and location of stimulation using a handheld programmer. For example, you can regulate different levels of stimulation at different times of the day or for various activities – such as walking, sleeping, or sitting.

About the Neurostimulation System

A complete neurostimulation system consists of five parts:

• Neurostimulator – The device that generates the electrical impulses (usually placed under the skin in your abdomen)
• Leads – Special medical wires that deliver neurostimulation to the epidural space near the spine
• Extension – The cable under the skin that connects the lead(s) to the neurostimulator (optional on some systems)
• Physician’s programmer – A computer at your doctor’s office that lets your doctor adjust the neurostimulation system and set stimulation parameters
• Patient’s programmer – A handheld device you can use at home to customise the stimulation (within the settings your doctor has selected)

The neurostimulation system does not make any noise. It may be felt as a small bump under your skin, but does not normally show through your clothes.

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She was told the above information and was in so much chronic pain that she was willing to do anything to get rid of the pain in her back and legs. This is the after surgery photos...

 

8 staples in this site on the middle of her back...

See the purple area by the tattoo...

that is from running the wires up her back!

This is where the "stopwatch size device" was put in her hip.

7 staples in this site....OUCH....15 STAPLES TOTAL!!!

And she was not allowed to do anything for six weeks.

She is braver than me cause I could not have done this at all.

Hard Rock Cafe Denver

My daughter went to Denver with her OU class for a conference. She got to do some sight seeing in downtown Denver. She and I have gone to the Hard Rock Cafe in various locations around the country, so she had to stop by the one in Denver.

She is good about capturing photos for me to share on my blog.

The thing she was most excited about was all the memorabilia on display.

See the white dress on the left side of this photo...it belongs to Stevie Nicks!

Do you think she was having sweet tea?

 

 

 

 

Baked Mac N Cheese

 

BAKED MAC N CHEESE

Boil pound package of Macaroni until done to your liking

season the macaroni water with

season salt, garlic powder, lemon pepper, accent and minced onion.

Drain macaroni and add

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese

8 oz pepper jack cheese

16 oz mixed blend shredded cheese

16 oz sour cream

1 egg

salt and pepper

mix together

Spray 9 X 13 baking pan

Pour half of mixture into pan

put a layer of sliced American cheese

Pour rest of mixture on top

Spread romano cheese on top

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes

My daughter sent me this recipe and these photos of her baked mac n cheese. She served it with pot roast, green beans and mashed potatoes. Yummy!

 

 



Recycle Cardboard Roll Ornament

This is a rerun from my blog last year, but may well be one of my all time favorite Christmas tree ornaments. If you use a color scheme on your Christmas tree this is the one for you, because you can just paint the cardboard center from toilet paper or paper towels any color.   

Cardboard center roll from toilet paper or paper towel

Paint - I used acrylic that I already had

Pipe cleaners

Scissors

Ruler/Pencil to mark your pieces to cut

Hole punch

First I painted the outside of the roll and let it dry.

You could paint the inside too, but I didn't.

Next you flatten the roll and mark where you want to cut the pieces.

Punch two holes in each piece...

I measured where to punch so they would all be the same.

Next, run the pipe cleaner through the center hole.

You can see by the above photo that they all touch in the center.

Next twist two pipe cleaners together to make one long pipe cleaner.

Run the long pipe cleaner through the outside holes.

Use another pipe cleaner to make the holder as shown above.

You could add glitter if you want it to sparkle on the tree.

These can also be used for decoration around the house not just on the tree.

Hook several together to make a garland or hang wherever you need a little extra color.

 

 

Sunrise in Oklahoma

I snapped these photos on my way to work while stopped at an intersection.

Oklahoma has the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the world.

 

Pinball Machines

 

We use to have pinball machines in our family cafe, and there were pinball machines at the dairy queen type drive in down the street, we all enjoyed playing. When we started playing them we had to push up a chair to be able to reach the flippers. My daughter and son-in-law went to Colorado earlier this year and on the way back they stopped at this awesome place and my son-in-law got to play the pinball machine. Do you have memories of playing pinball machines?

Son-in-law Josh playing pinball machine.

 

To many in the baby boomer generation, the pinball machine brings back a wealth of childhood memories. It seems as though the machines arrived out of nowhere in the 1950's and were brought fully into the popular culture with their inclusion in The Who's rock opera Tommy (featuring Elton John as the Pinball Wizard).

 

The true history of the pinball machine is much longer, but is still all about having fun. The first roots of modern pinball are traced back to a French parlor game of the 18th century, called bagatelle. The players would take turns shooting balls into small holes, located around the playing field, using a small cue. The game eventually made its way to the United States where it became so popular that political cartoons depicted it being played by President Lincoln.

 

The next step in the evolution of modern pinball can in 1870, when Cincinnati toy manufacturer Montague Redgrave replaced the small cue with a coiled spring powered plunger. This same plunger device is still in use today. By fixing the position of the plunger, the space required to play the game decreased considerably, allowing it to fit on counter and bar tops. It also eliminated much of the coordination required to play. If you could pull back on the plunger, you could play pinball.

 

The first true pinball machines were developed in and around Chicago around the time of the Great Depression. The units became tilted, the marbles being used were replaced by the familiar steel balls, and the classic wickets (similar to those in croquet) were replaced by pins. Pinball pioneers like David Gottlieb and Ray Moloney (founder of Bally) wanted to provide some amusement to those living through the Great Depression, and pinball was their game of choice. A few years later in 1942, Harry Williams invented the 'tilt' device to prevent cheating and finally in 1947, the flipper was introduced by Harry Mabs (although it would be Steve Kordek who first placed two flippers at the bottom of his 'Triple Action' game. By the 1950's the modern pinball machine had been born.

 

The technical improvements to pinball machines in the 60's, 70's and 80's included the introduction of drop down targets, different sized (and numbers of) flippers, different types of bumpers and improved scoring mechanisms which now allowed multiple players to compete against each other. Eventually pinball machines went electronic with computer chips replacing mechanical relays. Lighting improved, as the number of lights increased and music just added to the fun.

 

So although the 1950's were truly the golden age of pinball machines, it took almost 80 years of development for them to be born.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3268230

Custom Jewelry Designs by Lindsey Rose Roy

My daughter brought me this pretty pair of earrings that were hand crafted by Lindsey Rose Roy. Lindsey was at the Denver conference my daughter attended with her OU classmates. I encourage you to go to her website and look at her jewelry. It would make great Christmas gifts or anytime of the year gifts. Lindsey Rose was born with Down Syndrome and has not let that stop her from being a successful business person! 

Glass beads, semiprecious stones and clay materials adorn the playful, artistic jewelry created by self-made jewelry design artist and entrepreneur Lindsey Rose Roy.

Lindsey's website has the following information:
http://www.apostrophemagazine.com

Lindsey, 22, got her start in jewelry design when she was given the opportunity to work at a beading store in 2009 after graduating high school.

When she saw what could be done with jewelry, she was hooked. Her jewelry design business, Lindseymade Originals, was born.

“I like being a businesswoman because making jewelry is a big part of my life,” Lindsey said. “What I like most about having a jewelry business is being with my customers. I really enjoy sharing my jewelry with them and talking with them.”

If you’ve been to Willowstone Antique Marketplace in Colorado Spring, Colo., you’ve probably already had a glimpse of Lindsey’s unique creations. If not, check out her exclusive online store, lindseymadeoriginals.com.

Lindsey says her designs are fairly straightforward. Different ideas and images spark her interest and allow for a sense of play in the materials she uses.

She says her playful jewelry collection makes you look at artistic beadwork in a whole new light.

Vintage Treasures is the name of her current jewelry line, bejeweled with colorful glass beads, pearls, antique gold charms and clasps.

Recently, Lindsey expanded her skills to create costume accessories for a local theater. Captivated by the flexibility and beauty of beads and costumes, Lindsey says she loves mixing materials to form new works of wearable art.

“Jewelry making is important to me because whatever you want in life, you can make it happen.”

Lindsey finds self-confidence in self-expression

Lindsey, a person who was born with Down syndrome, took to artistic expression as soon as she was able to hold a crayon.

“Years of artistic expression made it clear that my life would be centered on my passion for art and music,” she said.

Her determination to live life well began with her education in an inclusive school setting throughout her childhood.

Lindsey says she is able to accomplish much of what she puts her mind to in everyday life surrounded by her friends and family.

She has high hopes for her future as a jewelry designer – and a performer.

Acting, singing and dancing, the stage is Lindsey’s home.

Her passion for performing in front of an audience led her to the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs where she studies as a dance and performing arts student.

She also belongs to the Imagination Celebration: Dragon Theater, which is a community-inclusive theater, as a performer and costume accessory designer.

“My future has a lot to do with art, acting, singing and dancing,” she said. “I would really like to be a rock star on stage…or dancing with the stars on stage.”

http://www.apostrophemagazine.com

Cathead Biscuits

My husband made these Cathead Biscuits.

I ask him why he called them Cathead Biscuits?

He said he really didn't know that is just what he grew up hearing them called.

He is just too funny!

I would have called them Drop Biscuits, because you drop on a sheet and bake.

 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Mix (cut in) 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) cold Real Butter

2 cups Self Rising Flour

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

1/2 teaspoon Salt

Stir in 1 1/4 cups Buttermilk

Drop by the handful onto a greased cookie sheet my husband uses the spray.

Bake 15 minutes

 

These are really light and flaky. Yummy! 

Personalized Christmas Wreath

I looked through my craft supplies and made a last minute personalized Christmas wreath for my Granddaughter's door. I used a wreath I had purchased on sale, left over silk flowers and ribbon. Hot glued everything on the wreath.

 

First I hot glued the flowers on and then wrapped silver ribbon around the wreath using the hot glue to hold it in place. Next I made a bow for the top of the wreath.  That used every bit of the 9 foot of ribbon on the roll.

I used tinsel pipe cleaners to spell out the last name.

Hot glue the pipe cleaner name on the wreath and it is done!

I looked at lots of wreaths in OKC at lots of stores

and this one is as nice as any I saw, plus it is personalized.