Time to Get Organized!

As the year draws to a close, I always like to reflect back on what happened that year, good and bad, and sort of take stock of my life and decide what I want to accomplish next year.  I don't really like the word resolutions, but more like goals?  I like that word better.

My number one goal is always to be better organized.  Looking back at myself 10 years ago, I am MUCH more organized thanks to technology and computers, but I still have a long way ago.  Yes, that stack of papers and receipts on my desk finally needs to go!

This year, I purchased a NeatDesk Desktop Scanner and Digital Filing System and my goal for this year is to actually use it.  I've done some playing around with it, and have found it to be an amazing scanning system, but only if you use it every day or at least once a week.  If you wait two months and have a pile of receipts, you'll be so overwhelmed it won't help you at all.

The whole concept is easy to use, and it categorizes and organizes all your receipts, business cards and paperwork so that you can throw all that junk away, and keeps a digital copy of the original just in case!  Check it out at Amazon.com and read the reviews.  I think it's going to make my year a lot easier!  If I use it… lol.

Are You Trending On Twitter

If someone had asked me this a year ago, I would have asked them what they'd been smoking.  To a non techie, it sounds like gibberish.  I do actually consider myself a bit of a techie having owned a few websites for the last 15 years, but I wasn't a huge twitter fan until recently.  

Now mind you, I don't really follow people, and I don't go crazy with hash tags, and honestly, I sometimes forget I have it, but some days, it's really nieces to just pop a random thought on there and be a bit comforted by the fact that maybe someone out there read it.  It gives you a little satisfaction to know that someone out there actually heard you.  

As for trending, I am pretty sure I will never do that.  I am too told to be that into it.  HA.  If you don't know what trending is, log into your twitter account, or easily create one at http://twitter.com.  

Frequently Asked Questions:

How are Trends determined?

Trends are determined by an algorithm and are tailored for you based on who you follow and your location. This algorithm identifies topics that are immediately popular, rather than topics that have been popular for a while or on a daily basis, to help you discover the hottest emerging topics of discussion on Twitter that matter most to you. 

You can choose to see Trends that are not tailored for you by selecting a specific Trends location on Twitter.com. 

What does the # sign mean?

You may notice that some Trends have pound - # - sign before the word or phrase. This is called a hashtag and is included specifically in Tweets to mark them as relating to a topic, so that people can follow the conversation in search. Click here for more information about hashtags.

Traveling With Sex Toys?

"Can you pack a sex toy in your luggage and check it in on an airplane legally while flying within the United States ?”

The answer is yes, so long as you can handle the potential embarrassment that could come with it.

TSA screens and Xrays all luggage, but you can still bring your sex toys with you without letting all the other passengers know about the transportation means to your “other arrivals.”

TSA will x-ray luggage and see what's inside.

TSA-SAFE TIPS

1)You should also be sure the batteries are out of your vibrating items. Smaller, more discreet toys attract less attention on the x-ray screen.

2)If possible, store your sex toys in your luggage, not your carry-on.

3)If you must place it in your carry — especially for those long international flights — then put it inside a zip lock bag and place it deep inside the caverns of your bag.

4)And lastly, if the TSA do end up pulling out your toy and ask you what it is, tell them the truth because lying can get you in a whole lotta more trouble.  Find lots of travel friendly items at the Taboo Essentials Website.

Christmas Leftovers

Candy Cane Ideas

I am not a fan of candy canes.  I don't buy candy canes, but somehow, we always end up with a lot of them.  I scoured the web on how to get rid of them, and short of the elf throwing them in the garbage, here's some I came up with:

• Use candy canes as stirring sticks for hot beverages.  Makes a nummy minty cocoa or kick to coffee
• Add crushed candy canes to vanilla frosting and make cookie sandwiches with purchased cookies or graham crackers.
• Add crushed candy canes to Rice Krispy treats.
• Melt some purchased white almond bark and add crushed candy cane pieces. Pour onto waxed paper and chill for instant Candy Cane Bark.
• Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of iced cupakes or on top of ice cream sundaes.
• Layer ice cream and hot fudge sauce with crushed candy canes and top with whipped cream for a peppermint twist treat.
• Dip the candy canes in chocolate coating, following the directions at Coated Candy Canes

Merry Christmas Prime Rib Style

For the first time this year, I am going to make prime rib for Christmas dinner.  It wasn't a big planned out meal, it just happened to catch my eye at the grocery store as being on sale ;)  That and I love prime rib like a fat kid loves cake.  HA.

So, little did I know that a lot of work goes into just picking the right roast and cut and cooking it. Read more here about picking the right roast.  When choosing a prime rib roast select at least a three rib bone portion. Anything smaller is less forgiving to cook. A three-rib roast will weigh in at about seven to eight and a half pounds and feed about six people. Count on feeding two people per rib.  

While you are shopping, pick up a good digital instant-read meat thermometer if you don’t already have one. It's the only sure way to tell when you're roast has achieved a desirable cooked temperature

It is crucial that you allow the roast to come to room temperature to ensure even-cooking. This means leaving it out for up to two full hours right before roasting.

* Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.

* Use a paper towel to pat the roast dry.

* Rub butter on the cut ends of the roast.

* Create a seasoning rub or paste with ingredients such as pepper, coarse salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make a series of ½ inch deep slits all over the top of the roast as well as the sides. Rub your seasonings all over the roast, covering all exposed meat.

* Place the roast in a heavy metal roasting pan, bone-side down.

No matter what size roast you have, you will start it in a pre-heated 450 degree oven for 15 minutes then reduce the temperature to 325 degrees for the balance of cooking time. Cooking times will vary depending on size of the roast and desired level of doneness. The following chart gives approximate times for to reach "rare" at various sizes.

Cooking Time for Rare (120°)

(3) Ribs, 7 to 8 lbs. 15 minutes at 450°, Then 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours at 325°
(4) Ribs, 9 to 10 lbs. 15 minutes at 450°, Then 1 ½ to 2 hours at 325°
(5) Ribs, 11 to 13 lbs. 15 minutes at 450°, Then 2 to 2 ½ hours at 325°
(6) Ribs, 14 to 16 lbs. 15 minutes at 450° Then, 2 ¾ to 3 hours at 325°
(7) Ribs, 16 to 18 lbs. 15 minutes at 450° Then, 3 to 3 ¾ hours at 325°

Every half hour or so, baste the ends of the roast with the drippings. Use your meat thermometer about a half hour before the expected end of the roasting time. Make sure to insert it in the thickest part of the meat, not touching the fat or bone. When the internal temperature reaches 120°, pull it out of the oven and cover with foil. Let the roast sit for twenty to thirty minutes. It will continue to cook during this time, reaching a temperature of about 125° to 130°. This resting period allows the juices and flavors to permeate the roast.

Rare meats measure in at 120° to 125° with a bright red center that grows slightly pinkish towards the exterior. Medium rare meats measure between 130° to 135° and are characterized by their extremely pink center portion that grows brown towards the exterior. Medium meats have a light pink center, brown outer portions and readings of about 140° to 145°. Medium well is not pink at all and is achieved at 150° to 155°. Well done is reached at 160° and above and is characterized by a uniform brown color.

Use a long, sharp knife to carve your roast. Serve with Yorkshire Pudding, Au Jus and Horseradish Sauce. 

How to plan a family holiday vacation

When to plan

• You should begin to plan a family vacation as soon as you know the dates and destination.
• Airlines are cutting flights and capacity, so book your flights as early as possible as you will find lower choices and higher prices this fall.

Where to go

• If you want to plan a for a longer family holiday vacation instead of a brief visit you can take advantage of last-minute travel deals. Consider looking by theme, not location. Instead of the beach in Florida, look for any beach. The key is to be flexible with your travel dates and destinations.
• Warm weather locations are usually the most popular—and most expensive.

When to go

• Try traveling mid-week to save on the air fare.
• You can often find good deals during the “low period” between Thanksgiving and Christmas, even to some warm weather family vacation resorts and destinations.

Cruises

• Cruises are great options for planning a family vacation as you can control your costs. You can find almost any cruise to meet your budget.
• Look for larger ships with the most inventories. These have lower prices.
• Look for cruises that launch from a port city within driving distances of your home—this will save you extra travel expenses.
• Look online for the best deals.  Go with a reputable place like Carnival.

Bringing gifts vs. shipping ahead

• Don’t bring gifts—shop online and ship ahead.
• Wrapped gifts will be unwrapped at airport security.
• The airlines’ additional baggage fees have made traveling with anything extra very expensive.  Pack light!!!

Reindeer Food

Ah, traditions with family.  That is what the holidays mean to most of us.  What are some of your traditions?  Do you travel for the holidays or stay home?  Do you celebrate with Christian theme, or secular?  Whatever your family does, many of those traditions include Santa on Christmas Eve.  Many families leave cookies and milk for Santa, but what about his reindeer?

Sprinkled on the lawn on Christmas Eve, Magic Reindeer Food leaves a glittering path--and a sweet snack--for Rudolph and friends.

An inexpensive stocking stuffer, Magic Reindeer Food makes a great classroom or Secret Santa gift.

Package this simple recipe in zipper food storage bags, and add a free printable gift tag containing the Magic Reindeer Food poem to make Magic Reindeer Food easy to make--and to give.

Make sure to visit Organized Home for this and many more fun recipes for your family to fold into your holiday traditions!

Beverage Mix Recipes

Beverage Mixes make wonderful gifts for teachers, family, friends or those last minute gifts for unexpected company. You can package them in Mason jars, jelly jars or any pretty container, including tins, that you have on hand.

In the tins be sure to put in a plastic bag first then place in the tin. These are easy, tasty recipes that will bring rave reviews!

Orange Cappuccino Mix
Ingredients:
1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup instant coffee
1 tsp. dried orange peel
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Place all items in blender or food processor. Cover and blend on high or 30 seconds, stopping blender after 15 seconds to stir until well mixed. Store in tightly covered container. For each serving, place 2 teaspoons mix and 2/3 cup boiling water in mug.

Spiced Mocha Mix
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup cocoa
3 tablespoons powdered instant coffee
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

In large bowl combine all ingredients. Store in airtight container. For single serving place 3 tablespoons mix in mug and add 3/4 cup boiling water. Makes 2 1/2 cups mix.

Peach Tea Mix
Ingredients:
1 cup instant tea mix
1 3 ounce box peach-flavored gelatin
2 cups granulated sugar

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; mix well. Store in an airtight container. Give with instructions to serve. For one mug use 2 tsp. tea mix with 8 ounces hot water. Makes about 3 1/2 cups tea mix.

Sugar Free Cherry Tea Mix
We all know people who are diabetic or simply need to cut down on their sugar intake. This is a great gift, combined with some pumpkin or zucchini bread in a nice basket!
Ingredients:

1 package unsweetened cherry-flavored soft drink mix

1 1/4 cups sugar-free instant tea mix (artificially sweetened)

Combine items in a small bowl until well blended. Store in an airtight container. To serve, stir 2 teaspoons tea mix into 8 ounces hot or cold water. Makes 1 1/4 cups tea mix.

Instant Cappuccino Mix
Ingredients:
1 cup powdered chocolate milk mix
3/4 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1/2 cup instant coffee granules
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

In a medium bowl combine all ingredients. Store in airtight container. To serve: Place 1 heaping tablespoon mix in a cup or mug. Add 1 cup boiling water and stir.

Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients:
1 8 quart box nonfat dry milk
1 6 ounce jar coffee creamer
1 16 ounce dry chocolate milk mix
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Mix all items until well blended. Store in airtight container. To serve add 1/4 cup mix to 2/3 cup hot water. Make 3 quarts. You can also create a gift basket with mini marshmallows, a nice mug, a chocolate coated spoon, and a few peppermint sticks. Place all in a nice wicker basket and wrap with colored cellophane tied with a bow. Any chocolate fan would love this!

Tips for Wrapping and Giving
*Any of the above can be placed in a quart or pint canning jar. Place jar on a large piece of colored cellophane, bring up to the top, gather and tie with raffia. Attach a gift tag with instructions.
*The coffees can be part of a gift basket with petite cookies, a pretty coffee mug and a sterling silver spoon, which can be easily found at any antique or thrift store. Place in a nice wicker basket and wrap with cellophane or place in a large gift bag.

For more recipes, crafts and holiday tips visit Brenda at
http://www.seedsofknowledge.com

Christmas Movies

One of my favorite things about that long winter break is that my kids get some much needed down time.  I have very A type personality kids who excel in school and sports, but often are under a bit too much pressure and crazy schedules.  Christmas break is a wonderful lazy time at our house.  We eat cookies for breakfast, sleep until we wake up and are just generally content to hang around the house and do nothing but watch movies!

My favorite Christmas movie of all time HAS to be National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation!  Hands down best ever!  Followed in a close second by the cult classic, A Christmas Story.  We watch these every year, and every year we laugh and laugh and laugh.  In light of the tragedy in Connecticut last week, some simple downtime, enjoying my family and especially laughter is exactly what I need!

If you are looking for other Christmas movies, Wiki has a pretty comprehensive list of Christmas movies grouped by category at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christmas_films.

Christmas Shopping

I will be honest, I'd love to be that woman that starts shopping in July, and by September is busily decorating her home for fall, and then by October, can decorate lazily for Halloween, and by the time December rolls around, has ever gift wrapped and the house is perfect and spends all month making cookies and hosting holiday parties.

That is not even close to me.  I am a procrastinator to the extreme.  I am that idiot out on Christmas Eve at the gas station trying to decide if my husband would rather have an assortment of stale candy bars or a new ice scraper.  Oh wait, a keychain!  Yes, that's it. 

UGH!  This year though, I vowed to be better.  With the help of Amazon.com, and their awesome Discover deal - I can get free one day shipping on everything!  YAY!  I can be that idiot, but I can do it at home in my jammies.  LOL!  It's only good until Dec 15th, but for free one day shipping, I think I can up my game by 9 days!  Happy shopping, peeps!

I Love Late Starts & Pancakes!

I really dislike winter with a passion.  Actually, it's really not THAT bad, except for the fact  of driving.  I hate winter driving.  Makes my stomach all tied up in knots.  But what I do love is those precious days where school is late or closed.  Why you ask?  Because it reminds me of how very cool that was when I was a kid!

Whenever there was a late start, for some reason, my mom decided that meant it was time for pancakes.  From scratch.  No Bisquick.  They are NOT difficult to make at all!  Here's an easy recipe from Martha Stewart.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, or vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Assorted toppings, such as butter, maple syrup, confectioners' sugar, honey, jams, preserves, sweetened whipped cream, or chocolate syrup

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees; have a baking sheet or heatproof platter ready to keep cooked pancakes warm in the oven. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, butter (or oil), and egg. Add dry ingredients to milk mixture; whisk until just moistened (do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine).
3. Heat a large skillet (nonstick or cast-iron) or griddle over medium. Fold a sheet of paper towel in half, and moisten with oil; carefully rub skillet with oiled paper towel.
4. For each pancake, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of batter onto skillet, using the back of the spoon to spread batter into a round (you should be able to fit 2 to 3 in a large skillet).
5. Cook until surface of pancakes have some bubbles and a few have burst, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip carefully with a thin spatula, and cook until browned on the underside, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a baking sheet or platter; cover loosely with aluminum foil, and keep warm in oven. Continue with more oil and remaining batter. (You'll have 12 to 15 pancakes.) Serve warm, with desired toppings.

Goodbye Jenni Riviera

In looking for things to blog about today, I found this news from EOnline.  "Tragedy has struck, and now Jenni Rivera's friends and fans are sharing their condolences for the loss of this great singer. 

Along with many celebs who have tweeted their sympathies for the late star, Telemundo, the network which aired Rivera's reality TV show, I Love Jenni, released this statement:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Rivera family and the families of her team, as we await for details and official confirmation from the authorities on this tragic accident."

Until today, I'll be honest, I had no idea who Jenni Riviera was.  So I did a little looking up on her, and found she was an amazing woman.  Not only did she overcome great adversity and abuse, but she did something with her God given talents and reached out to help others in need including having recently been named as spokeswoman for the National Coalition for Domestic Abuse, she will be sorely missed by many.  RIP Jenni.

On My Feet!

I am not going to lie.  I hate winter.  With a passion.  I hate driving.  I hate worrying about my kids driving.  I hate scraping ice off my truck.  I hate shoveling snow.  The only thing tolerable about the season is Christmas, and I do love that.  But the one thing I REALLY love about winter?

The clothes.  Oh sweet Jesus, I love winter clothes.  Jeans, sweaters, scarfs and fuzzy socks!  YUM! And it is always nice to hide the extra weight that I keep telling myself will fall off now that the baby is 15.  HA.

Anyway,  I was shopping online the other day, and found these amazing UGG slippers.  At Victoria's Secret!  I couldn't believe it.  Vicky's of all places.  Not only do I find shoes that feel like I am walking on a cloud, but I get angel points to boot?  Life is truly good.  These would make a great gift for someone, or yourself!!

Kate is Pregnant!!

Ya, I am way late with this post, but you write when you can write!  You'd be surprised to find how hard it is for a blogger to get time to write.  Between shopping, cleaning, cooking, getting ready for Christmas, running kids around, it's always something, I tell ya!


Anyway, I am not a big follower of celebrities or the royal family,  but I have to admit, I was tickled pink to hear that Kate was pregnant!  According to sources, she's been hospitalized for a bit, but  "The Duchess of Cambridge is continuing to feel better," a rep for St. James's Palace said in a statement. "She and the duke are immensely grateful for the good wishes they have received."

There's just something about these two that makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.  Not quite sure what it is, but she just seems like someone, given the circumstances, that I would like to know.  I wish them the best of luck - and let's be honest, they are going to make gorgeous babies!!!

Best time of year to buy a new car!

I know with all the hustle and bustle of trying to get ready for Christmas that the last thing you want to do is deal with the hassle of buying a new car, but listen on for some info that could really help you save some big cash in pocket!

First off, it's the time of year where the dealerships are trying to get rid of all this years models that haven't sold yet to make room for the brand new ones coming in. They are usually offering cash back and or very low financing to move these cars off the lot.

The next thing to your advantage is that most banks want to get as much new business on this years books as they can, so this is the perfect time of year to get yourself the lowest interest rate possible. Just go to your bank, apply, then go to the dealership and ask them to beat it. Chances are they will!

Always try to buy local. Not only are you putting money and jobs back into your town, but its easier to build a buyer/seller relationship with someone in town. I always buy my vehicles from Snell Motors from Jeff Wondra! Superb service above anyplace I've ever gone. Check them out and tell him I sent you!
http://www.snellmotors.com/

Do you want flowers or do you want meaningful?

Last Friday, I was teasing my husband while we were at Sam's Club about flowers.  Our 20th Anniversary was coming up THE NEXT day and I will shamefacededly admit that I was "hinting".  Blatantly.  I wanted flowers.  I LOVE flowers.  Flowers say, "I love you."  Right?  OOOF.  What he said next could have tipped me over with a feather.  He said, "Do you want flowers?  Or do you want meaningful?

Well, pretty sure I'd be a real jerk if I didn't pick meaningful.  I did, of course.  He just smiled a secret smile and went on with his day.  Curiosity didn't kill me, but pretty sure it beat me within an inch of my life.  By the end of the day, I was exhausted just from wondering what he had planned.

He finally decided to put me out of my misery right around midnight.  He suddenly got up, pounded on our son's door, and said, "I need that stuff you've been hiding for me."  Good place to hide it.  I wouldn't go in his room with a ten foot pole.  LOL!  He came out with a picture board and a box.

The tears started immediately.  With 12 pictures, the help of my son and Mr. Monogram, he gave me meaningful.  He went through our crazy life of over 20 years together, and somehow managed to pull out 12 of my favorites pictures of our life that told "our story".  And then he titled it....."The First 20 Years".   He also worked with Lori and Owen at Mr. Monogram to create the most amazing blanket I've ever seen with the same lovely words.

I love flowers, but I love meaningful more.  Thank you, Rick, for the most amazing anniversary ever!  Here's to the next 20 years!  LOVE YOU FOREVER