KRW Designs

13 Reasons Why: Talking Points for Parents and Educators

2017-04-30T17:17:00.002-04:00

I'm sure you've heard all the hype about Netflix's 13 Reason's Why. It's a story about a girl named Hannah Baker who commits suicide and leaves behind a series of cassette tapes to explain why she killed herself.

I've watched the series and one thing that bothers me is the (SPOILERS) very ineffectual help the main character received when she went to her school counselor. The guy was really out of his depth and I do not think it was a fair portrayal of what kids should expect when they reach out for help. Is it possible that somewhere there are people in these positions that are really not suited/trained as they should be? Sadly, I have to admit that there probably are. But they are the rare exception and not what kids should expect to encounter.

All that being said, I worry, I do truly worry about the world we live in today and how easy it is to bully in our cyber society. I am so glad I didn't grow up in it. But my daughter is and it scares the crap out of me.

Below are some talking points and some PDF documents that you can download to help you discuss 13 Reasons Why with your kids, if you choose to watch it with them. I think it's an important show for parents to watch, even if they don't watch it with their kids. Your kids are going to be exposed to it one way or another even if it's just through conversations with other kids. Make sure you know what's going on and that you can be there to guide them through. I hope you find this helpful.

(For those who don't watch, try the 10 Tips for Parents PDF)

God bless and keep you all!

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide:

Text START to 741-741
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

TALKING POINTS FOR 13 Reasons Why:

13 Reasons Why is a fictional story based on a widely known novel and is meant to be a cautionary tale.
You may have similar experiences and thoughts as some of the characters in 13RW. People often identify with characters they see on TV or in movies. However, it is important to remember that there are healthy ways to cope with the topics covered in 13RW and acting on suicidal thoughts is not one of them.
If you have watched the show and feel like you need support or someone to talk to- reach out. Talk with a friend, family member, a counselor, or therapist. There is always someone who will listen.
Suicide is not a common response to life’s challenges or adversity. The vast majority of people who experience bullying, the death of a friend, or any other adversity described in 13RW do not die by suicide. In fact, most reach out, talk to others and seek help or find other productive ways of coping. They go on to lead healthy, normal lives.
Suicide is never a heroic or romantic act. Hannah’s suicide (although fictional) is a cautionary tale, not meant to appear heroic and should be viewed as a tragedy.
It is important to know that, in spite of the portrayal of a serious treatment failure in 13RW, there are many treatment options for life challenges, distress and mental illness. Treatment works.
Suicide affects everyone and everyone can do something to help if they see or hear warning signs that someone is at risk of suicide.
Talking openly and honestly about emotional distress and suicide is ok. It will not make someone more suicidal or put the idea of suicide in their mind. If you are concerned about someone, ask them about it.
Knowing how to acknowledge and respond to someone who shares their thoughts of emotional distress or suicide with you is important. Don’t judge them or their thoughts. Listen. Be caring and kind. Offer to stay with them. Offer to go with them to get help or to contact a crisis line.
How the guidance counselor in 13RW responds to Hannah’s thoughts of suicide is not appropriate and not typical of most counselors. School counselors are professionals and a trustworthy source for help. If your experience with a school counselor is unhelpful, seek other sources of support such as a crisis line.
While not everyone will know what to say or have a helpful reaction, there are people who do, so keep trying to find someone who will help you. If someone tells you they are suicidal, take them seriously and get help.
When you die you do not get to make a movie or talk to people any more. Leaving messages from beyond the grave is a dramatization produced in Hollywood and is not possible in real life.
Memorializing someone who died by suicide is not a recommended practice. Decorating someone’s locker who died by suicide and/or taking selfies in front of such a memorial is not appropriate and does not honor the life of the person who died by suicide.
Hannah’s tapes blame others for her suicide. Suicide is never the fault of survivors of suicide loss. There are resources and support groups for suicide loss survivors.

Original New York Seltzer - Get it in New England

2016-09-19T19:50:00.001-04:00

Ok - WHO LOVED NEW YORK SELTZER? I did! And not just because it was an 80s thing. When I first tried it, 30-odd years ago, I was sure I'd hate it, but I loved it! I have never found any other seltzer I can even tolerate. They all have a weird, sort of salty aftertaste to me.

But now ONYS is back! Unfortunately, it isn't currently being sold anywhere in New England. You can buy it online, but it's really expensive. (the price gouging on Amazon is obscene). I have been emailing the company for several months and know they are trying to get a distributor for this area.

If you like New York Seltzer and want to see it on shelves in our area, please take a minute to send an email to your favorite supermarket(s) corporate website and request they carry Original New York Seltzer. The more stores interested in carrying the product, the more interested distributors will be in making it available to them. And spread the word!

Links:

Official ONYS website - http://drinknewyorkseltzer.com

Stop and Shop Product Request

Shaw's/Safeway Customer Service

Hannaford Customer Service

Market Basket Customer Service

DO NOT Subscribe to The Box by Letitia Elizabeth

2016-02-25T13:26:00.000-05:00

DO NOT SUBSCRIBE TO THE BOX! The owner, Letitia Elizabeth is dishonest. When she launched her Decoterie box last year, a lot of people were unhappy with some of the very cheap contents for what was an extremely expensive "luxury" box. She told people to send back these really awful coasters and she would send out new ones with her fall mailing. I have never received my new coasters or anything at all to compensate. She answered all my emails when she thought I'd promote her. But now that I am angry that she hasn't fulfilled her promise on replacing the coasters, she hasn't acknowledged a single email and I have no new coasters or replacement product of any kind. AVOID HER AT ALL COSTS

I used to run subscriptionboxreport.com (I recently sold the blog), and when she thought I would promote her, she was all sweet as pie and always replied immediately to any email I sent her. But now that I'm fed up with her excuses and want what was promised - low and behold - not one single reply. Not from her personal email or her business email.

I gave her the benefit of the doubt that she would make good on her promise and she has proven that she won't. She is dishonest and can't be trusted. This is NOT a woman to give your hard earned money to for so-called luxury items that are often not worth anywhere near what she claims the retail value to be.

New Dark Shadows T-Shirts

2015-11-02T18:42:00.004-05:00

My husband and I have been watching the original Dark Shadows on Amazon and I was inspired to make these t-shirts.

The original vampire heartthrob! Barnabas Collins of Dark Shadows. Available in other colors. Get ours now!

Every episode of the cult classic tv show, Dark Shadows, was introduced by a voice over that began "My name is Victoria Winters." What a great way to pay tribute to one of tv's greatest cut classics! Other colors available. Get yours now!

New Twin Peaks T-Shirts

2015-10-11T14:22:00.000-04:00

Four new designs from KRW Designs to celebrate one of my most favorite show - the 90's TV classic by the twisted and fabulous David Lynch - Twin Peaks!

This is my favorite (so far). Poor, tragic Harold Smith. Agoraphobic grower of beautiful orchids in Twin Peaks. Who could forget his haunting suicide note? "J'ai une âme solitaire" - loosely translated from French, it means I am a lonely soul. Get this exclusive "I am a lonely soul" shirt.

Who can forget when Pete Martell accidentally served Special Agent Dale Cooper and Sheriff Harry S. Truman coffee that had been fish filtered? Classic! Get this exclusive "Fish in the Percolator" shirt.

And who didn't wish they could be Diane and be on the receiving end of all of Dale's hilarious recorded messages? Get this exclusive "Chocolate Bunnies" shirt

Then there's everyone's favorite - The Log Lady! Thank goodness Margaret was there to translate for her log! Get this exclusive "My log does not judge" shirt

Murder By Death Talking Moose T-Shirt

2015-10-07T21:52:00.001-04:00

Who doesn't love Murder By Death! See the video clip below.

Get this Exclusive T-Shirt from KRW Designs

Oy with the Poodles Already Gilmore Girls Shirt

2015-09-24T20:21:00.000-04:00

Get this one-of-a-kind Oy with the Poodles Already Gilmore Girls Shirt!

$25.99 - on SALE now for $22.09

Get Yours Now!

(watermark does not appear on printed shirt)

Tribute to the Late, Great Robin Willimas

2015-08-11T16:11:00.002-04:00

This is a tribute video my son, Aidan, created for Robin Williams

Tips For Creating a Successful Subscription Box

2015-08-04T19:38:00.000-04:00

This post was originally made on my Subscription Box Report blog

I recently received a box to review from a nice lady who was offering demo boxes to bloggers. I have to say, I was disappointed and I felt horrible making my reveal video, which I have chosen not to post. Why? Because I truly believe this lady can do better, and I hope she will. And while some may think I owe it to my readers to help them avoid what I think is a sub-par box, I just couldn't in good conscience post it.

I could see the effort that went into what was sent. I am a crafter and creator myself. I saw the heart she put into what she made. It was a failure based on, what I believe, is truly not knowing better rather than not caring or trying to get away with not doing her best, as some boxes might do. So, I sent her a long email and explained my position. I've only just sent it, so I don't know yet how she'll take it. I hope she takes it in the spirit it's intended. I do think with a few tweaks and a little extra effort she can produce a much better and more desirable box. And I hope I will be fortunate enough to see that happen.

But it has made me think. I get emails and Tweets a lot from people asking me questions about starting subscription boxes. Honestly, I'm not sure why people ask me. I don't run a subscription box myself. But I suppose I subscribe to enough of them to know what works and what doesn't. I did work for a company for 2 years representing independent artists at celebrity gift lounges in Los Angeles, and I did work with many of them to improve their packaging and presentation.

(Dance Mom Kelly Hyland with my Swarovski Crystal Clutch)

I have come up with what I feel is a good rule of thumb: The Three Ps of Subscription Box Creation: Presentation, Packaging and Pricing. (** Actually now the Six Ps - the other 3 will follow at the end)

Presentation: To me, this is one of the most vital parts of a subscription box. Yes, obviously, the content of the box is the most important part, but packaging is the 2nd. Unless you purchase custom shipping boxes like the ones PopSugar, Loot Crate, Marvel Collectors Corp and Nerd Block use, you really need to make sure you are packaging your products inside some sort of container before you put them into your shipping box or envelope.

Many companies purchase boxes from suppliers and customize them with a label. You can print the labels at home or get them from a company like Vistaprint. If you really want to make an impression, you can get custom printed or embossed packaging, which, obviously makes a great impression, but it's not necessary.

Now, not every outer packaging needs to be expensive or custom. For example, Ipsy, a monthly cosmetic subscription, puts all its products into a small cosmetic pouch every month and then ships in a fun, hot pink bubble wrap envelope. The cosmetic pouch is part of your monthly subscription, but it holds everything together and protects items during shipping, plus makes a fun reveal. And every month when that hot pink bubble wrap envelope comes, I know my Ipsy bag has arrived!

(My last 3 Ipsy bags)

Packaging: Is closely tied to presentation. Presentation goes beyond the outer packaging. Once your customer opens that box or bag, what do they see? Is everything tossed in willy-nilly? Are your individual products packaged? Now, naturally, depending on your items and packaging, you might not be able to arrange things nicely. Or perhaps you can, but by the time they arrive at their destination they are all jumbled. Customers understand the difference between those packages which could have been organized and those that will shift around no matter what. And some items won't have additional packaging. For instance, lip stick and lip glosses usually come as is. So do nail polishes. But other items, especially items that you received in packaging originally, should be packaged when going to your customer. If you purchase something in bulk to divide up amongst your subscription boxes, make sure you create packaging for them. Customers know when something that should be wrapped up isn't an it doesn't sit well.

If you have a lot of items to send, or items that you can't arrange nicely, consider a bag. E.L.F Cosmetics send their items in a nice black box, but when you open that box, there is a big, black, drawstring bag with their logo on it. You get to reach into that bag and take your treasures out one by one - or dump it all on the table if that's your preference. It's like Christmas! Consider your items and your customer and what will make the best reveal for them.

Also, if you create products to go into your box, or you curate items from creatives, insist on professional packaging. No cardboard cut outs. No slips of home printer paper. No zip lock baggies or brown paper lunch bags. The internet is full of sources to package products. Whatever you put in your subscription box should look like it's ready to be put on display in a retail store. If you wouldn't want to see something in a retail store packaged like that - don't put it in your box.

Scented items: Most of us love a nice scented candle or other scented item. They're lovely. But items with an odor, no matter how pleasant, can leach into other items in the box. If you have an item that has an odor or will absorb and odor (like a cloth item), please make sure to package it, even it if is not normally packaged. No one wants to get a lovely eternity scarf that smells like the eucalyptus foot balm that came in the same box.

Pricing: Most boxes promise a retail value of a certain amount or range. This is one of the draws of subscription boxes: Getting a deal on items you might not otherwise have tried or even known about. But you must be realistic and honest about your pricing.

Of course, if you obtain your products from known retail channels, people can see for themselves what the retail value is and you are covered. But if you include hand crafted items, please take the time to research the items on various channels, such as Etsy and eBay. Just because an artisan you are considering including tells you their item is worth $20 doesn't mean it really is. If you look around and similar items are selling on various markets for only $12, you need to have a serious talk with this vendor. Your customers are savvy. They know what they are getting and they know if you are valuing it too high. Sadly, in the world of hand-crafted, far too many people aren't willing to pay what an item is truly worth to begin with, which is unfortunate, and can, understandably lead to the temptation to inflate a value. After all, if an artist can say his or her work was featured in a subscription box with a value of $20 and now they are offering it to you on sale for $18, you should think you're getting a deal, even though in reality you can buy similar items from other vendors for $12.

Ask yourself: If I saw this in a store for this price, would I buy it? And be completely honest with yourself. If the answer is "no", don't include it, or reduce the value to a more reasonable and realistic value.

If you are getting products from retailers and you want to include luxury products, make sure your customers know you are working with luxury brands. If a customer is expecting $40 worth of product for their $20 investment and you send them 2 items and say 1 of them is worth $35 and it's some tiny sample size of some big luxury line, that customer might not feel they got their money's worth, even if that really is what the vendor charges for that trial size. Perception is everything. Your customer needs to be prepared for the idea that they could get such items, so if you work with luxury products or high ticket items, make sure it' clear to your subscribers.

UPDATE:

The other Three Ps: Paperwork, Perspective, Philanthropy.

Paperwork. I recently received a box from someone with no paperwork inside. The return address was a shipping warehouse. I have no idea who sent it to me. It's not something I subscribed to. I have had several people say they are going to send me a box to review, but they don't always follow through. So.... I have no idea who sent this box. None.

Also, I have received boxes where the list of items or other info was on regular printer paper. Look people, even if you take the time to trim the edges with fancy scissors, it's still basic printer paper and looks cheap and unprofessional. No one wants to subscribe to any box that gives an impression other than being 100% professional. Avery and others offer postcards, business cards, rack cards etc, that you can print at home. Invest in some. Or use Vistaprint - but invest in putting your best foot forward. A subscription box that comes across as someone's home hobby does not instill confidence.

Perspective: What your customers perceive your box is about versus what they actually receive, and the perceived value of those items is paramount to the success of your subscription service. You must make sure your box is clearly defined. I got a box that is literarily called a "fashion box" - it's in its title - that contained a can of coconut water. Huh? What was I supposed to do - put it on a cord after I drank it and wear it around my neck? How is that a fashion item?

Do not deviate from the niche you have designated for your product. You have given your customers a certain expectation and you need to meet it. If at any time you decide you want to broaden the scope of your company, you need to either offer additional box options or redefine your box and give our customers ample time to decide if they want to stay with you or not. Don't pull the rug out from under them and say "surprise, we're becoming a lifestyle box! Here's your latest box!" You need to give them at least one billing cylcle's notice.

Perspective also comes into play with your products. As I discussed in the Pricing section, the concept of luxury is subjective. If you claim to offer luxury products, make sure your items are something your customers can easily verify as luxury. Now, if you are Nina Garcia or Rachel Zoe and you include an item in your box from an up an coming designer or artist and call it luxury, you have an established reputation to back up your claim. Customers acknowledge not only your years of experience and hard work in your field that have earned you that reputation, but that you are putting that reputation at risk when you back a new horse. If you aren't famous or well-known, you don't have the clout to support your claims of newly discovered sources. So what do you do? Stick to brands and designers that can be found and verified by your customers, or do not refer to items by new sources as 'luxury' if you aren't 110% certain there is evidence to support your claim. It's going to take a long while for your word to mean something. I know that's hard for some of you to take. especially if you've got an education and job experience that you believe qualifies you to make these decisions. And perhaps you are qualified and you are right - but, unfortunately, it comes down to Perspective, and you are going to have to earn your customers' trust first.

Not just with luxury products, but with all products. Don't fill out your box with items from Oriental Trading Company and places like that. If it looks or feels like it could come from the Dollar Tree or the dollar bin at Target - leave it out. You might think it's cute, but your customers are expecting a perceived value and you have to meet it. No skimping, no cutting corners and no simply pleasing your own self. You must always consider it from the perspective of the people who have paid you for their subscription.

Philanthropy: This is a tough one. To donate or not to donate? It may be cynical, but a lot of customers will say "oh isn't that great, part of the subscription price goes to charity", but what they are thinking is "why do I have to pay more so you get a big tax write off at the end of the year?" Does that mean everyone thinks that? No. Of course not. There are some customers who will like the idea of a donation going to some organization or other. But they will be the exception, not the rule - on most boxes. There are exceptions to this rule too.

So, what do you do if there is a cause dear to your heart and you were hoping to make a difference with your subscription boxes? You have to make a choice. Do you want to be in the subscription box business or do you want to be in the fund raising business? If your main goal is to raise funds for charity, a subscription box service is probably not the best choice. But if your main objective is a subscription box business, consider other avenues for the charity. Put links on your website. Offer special items or limited edition boxes for sale where the proceeds go to that charity. Enclose info about your charity with your boxes. You can even offer a choice to opt in for an extra charge for a donation per box. But let your customer decide if and when they want to contribute.

The exceptions: Some boxes may be in so specific a niche that having the price raised slightly to include donations might be a plus. For example: If you offer a food box that is all non-GMO and part of the subscription price goes towards lobbying for GMO labeling and other causes that matter to the type of people who would subscribe to your box, then that is probably actually a selling point. But it's only in niche boxes where things are very specific that involuntary charitable donations would be a fairly universal plus to your customers.

Bottom line: Competition is fierce in the subscription box industry. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make sure you are always putting your best foot forward every time a box goes into the mail. Always ask yourself if you can do better, look for ways to improve and offer your customer a better experience. Remember, you are creating these boxes for your customers, not for yourself, so put yourself in their shoes. Even Wantable, one of the leading subscription box companies, recently made a change to its packaging for its accessory box for a better experience for customers.

I hope some of you who have subscription boxes or are looking to start subscription services find this helpful.

Some Helpful Links:
VistaPrint
PaperMart
Nashville Wraps

** This page contains affiliate links

PHISHING WARNING: AVOID WALLPART AT ALL COSTS

2015-07-25T12:41:00.000-04:00

Reposted from Peter and Company

PHISHING WARNING: AVOID WALLPART AT ALL COSTS
Over the past 24 hours I have been notified by several people about pages of Peter & Company and other pieces of my artwork being supposedly “available for sale” through a site called Wallpart (which I will not link in this post, for reasons explained below), and in the same time span I have seen many other artists make journals/submissions/posts talking about finding their own work on there as well. Naturally, the inclination of any artist finding their work available for sale without their consent is to head to the “Report Violation” link attached to every listing and file a complaint to have it removed.

PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, DO NOT FILL OUT THE VIOLATION REPORT ON WALLPART’S WEBSITE.

This site already has a bit of a history, and I’ve read several posts from people who dove into their site code and snooped around. Long story short, there are some very devious bait-and-switch tactics going on. Essentially:

- I have not found any confirmation that they are actually selling any of the images/prints that appear on their site. Their “search function” is nothing but scraper software, which essentially just loads up hits from Google Images and displays them within a pre-built “shop” template based on the image’s resolution. This is why every single piece on there has a title that is lifted directly from whatever gallery site (FA/DA/Weasyl) or general website was hosting it. Example: They have my title card from my Kickstarter page for the P&C pilot, with the title lifted straight off the description.
- The dependence on Google Images is also why doing a search for your own name will turn up different results each time, or possibly no results at all, even though the listings still seem to exist if you have a direct URL to them. Their “search” function never actually searches their own listings; it even offers the same real-time suggestions that you’d get from a Google search bar. Confusingly enough, performing the same search multiple times often returns different results at different times throughout the day. I was able to find dozens of P&C pages supposedly for sale by searching my name yesterday, but today none of them show up in search results – even though the direct links to the page forms (which I saved) still exist.
- Their “Report Violation” link is actually a 100% phishing form. If you fill it out, no matter what you put there, you will be sending them a LOT more than you anticipated. This is actually the main purpose for the site’s existence – they completely anticipate artists being upset about their work supposedly being sold, so they developed a system to exploit those who complain.
- Various pieces of malware and other malicious code have been found embedded throughout their pages at different times. This site is just bad news all around.
- The site itself is hosted in Russia, and has already swapped web hosts 4 times in the past few months. The current host is listed as ENOM, and other bloggers/artists have already sent complaints and reports to their contact page, with little luck. It looks like it’s already been branded and caught in the past and is trying to keep itself alive.
- Also, for a site claiming to have “billions of images” available for print, to only have a little over 3,000 “happy customers” should be a pretty big red flag on its own.

So please – DO NOT VISIT THIS SITE. Do not attempt to search for your own artwork in its listings; if your work shows up on Google, it is guaranteed to be on that site. They’re even listing “prints” of web banners and other graphical elements that were never intended for printing. Do not give it page views, and most importantly DO NOT FILL OUT ANY VIOLATION FORMS, EVEN IF THE ARTWORK ON THE PAGE IS YOUR OWN. Instead, there is a Change.org petition asking for the domain to be stripped and brought down.

Please share the word around as much as possible so other artists don’t potentially fall into their trap by thinking that their “Report Violation” page is actually what it claims to be. These people are pure scam artists, plain and simple. Avoid them at all costs.

Zoro the Gay Blade, Dressing Poorly T-Shirt

2015-07-13T00:00:00.003-04:00

Zoro the Gay Blade, Dressing Poorly T-Shirt

An original design by KRW Designs on American Apparel Unisex Fitted Tee – Red. Available only at Skreened

One of the funniest movies of all time. Well, I think it's one of the funniest movies of all time. If you haven't seen it - I highly recommend it! George Hamilton is hysterical! An original, one-of-a-kind design by KRW Designs $22.99

WKRP Turkeys Away T-Shirt

2015-07-12T23:55:00.001-04:00

Classic WKRP Turkeys Away Thanksgiving T-Shirt

An original design by KRW Designs on American Apparel Unisex Fitted Tee – Lemon. Available only at Skreened

Perhaps the most iconic Thanksgiving television episode of all time. Who can forget Less's remote report from the Pine Dale Shopping Mall? Don't wait for Thanksgiving though - this baby's good all year long! An original, one-of-a-kind design by KRW Designs $22.99

Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right Funny Tee Shirt

2015-07-12T23:49:00.001-04:00

Clown to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right Funny Tee Shirt

An original KRW Design on American Apparel Unisex Fitted Tee – Black available only at Skreened

I've always loved the Steeler's Wheel song "Stuck in the Middle With You", even before Reservoir Dogs made it cool again. Now you can have this humorous shirt with clowns lining up on your left and jokers lining up on your right. An original, one-of-a-kind design by KRW Designs $24.99

Don't Forget The Inner Beauty

2015-05-23T22:33:00.003-04:00

This was originally posted to Subscription Box Report

As you may have noticed, if you've been following my blog, Pinterest, FaceBook, YouTube etc., I haven't posted any photos of myself. Not even in the videos. All you see are my hands and arms. I don't like to have my picture taken. I avoid it as much as possible.

I wasn't always this way. When I was young, I'd jump in front of the camera, especially with my friends without any provocation at all. Just so long as a camera was present, I was ready to be photographed, even if it would end up being a silly picture. I didn't mind being laughed at. Then.

I'm 47 now. I have 2 wonderful children, who you may have seen in the May BarkBox video. And I am happily married. Like most women, I look very different from when I did when I was young. And I'm ok with that, for the most part. I've got no problem with growing older. I'm vain enough to cover the grays when I get fed up with them, but I don't obsess about looking younger. I'm 47, and I don't care if I look 47. I've lived all of those years and gone through a hell of a lot. Some of it good, some of it bad, some of it terrible and some of it wonderful. And it's all made me who I am today, and I'm a pretty darn good person, even if I do say so myself. Oh, sure, I'm as full of flaws as anyone, and I admit it. But I try to be a good friend, good sister, good wife, good mother and good person in general and I think I succeed more than I fail.

So what does this have to do with photographs? Good question. One of the things that has happened in the course of 47 years is that I have gained weight. A lot of weight. I was never thin and I have always had a very round, full face that made me appear heavier than I was, even when I wasn't plus sized. But now I am very plus sized. And there is a long list of things that went into making me this way. And no, it wasn't sitting on the couch, eating bon bons while I watched soap operas. I've had various illnesses and life situations that have contributed, and yes, I take responsibility for the fact that I do not always eat well. I eat too much take out and too much junk food, though I have tried to curb that.

But one of the things that has contributed the most was the 2 years I didn't want to leave the house and literally hated myself. Why? Because when I weighed much less than I do now, but was still quite heavy, I noticed people starting to treat me differently. They looked at me different. I would try and strike up conversations with the other moms waiting for their kids at school and I would get the "once over". You know, where they do an obvious up and down look, letting you know they are judging you on how you look. And then it would be made clear that I wasn't welcome to the "group". Nothing would actually be said, it was all body language. Like closing ranks, so I was standing outside them and their backs were to me and I wasn't included in conversations. I would be in stores and people would think it was ok to make comments. Like the day I was shopping and I put a bag of Doritos snack packs in my carriage because my son liked to have them with his lunch and a total stranger actually said to me "yeah, 'cuz you need those."

Those are only a couple of examples, but there are many more. And eventually, I felt worthless. I felt I must be so disgusting to everyone who saw me that I shouldn't even be allowed to be seen and I wouldn't leave the house except to take my son to and from school, go to Dr.'s appointments or go to my sibling's homes. For nearly 2 years. Two years.

I won't get into how I eventually over came it and fought to get myself back in the world, but I did. It wasn't easy but I did it and I had a lot of help from people who came to know me without seeing me and didn't judge me when they did.

Recently, on May 4th, I was out with my family at a comic book store. I was sitting alone on the steps while the others were inside because I have arthritis in my hips and knees and there were no chairs in the shop and I had been standing and walking a long time. While I sat a lot of people passed the shop. Two young guys pointed at me and said "look, they got Jabba the Hut out for Star Wars Day." What makes people think that it's ok to say things like that? For a little while I was taken back to that time in my life where I didn't want to leave the house. It was a terrible feeling. I posted about it on FaceBook and got a lot of positive reinforcement from friends on there. Ironically, even from some people who picked on me for being fat when we were kids. Just goes to show how times change.

Today, I had to go renew my driver's license. Since I had put on makeup and gone through all the trouble of dealing with our RMV, I decided to try taking a "selfie". Not something I'd ever done. I debated posting it and then made a command decision to post it without thinking. I don't know when I've got some many likes and comments on a picture. People I've been friends with online for years were "glad to see me". Friends from the past were happy to see me again and say they can still see the "me" they knew. And many kind and complimentary things were said, though, trust me, that wasn't expected. A couple of "nice pic" comments from my nearest and dearest were the most I thought would happen.

I was brought to tears, happy tears, by some of the comments people made. And those comments made me remember, these friends see me as beautiful even though many of them had never seen my face. I am beautiful to them because I am kind, generous, thoughtful, etc. One of my friends said: "...and the smile that makes other people happy and makes THEM want to smile is still there.. NONE of its changed honey. Plus the heart, soul, spirit that drives the whole thing has just gotten better with age, making the whole Damn pkg MORE beautiful. Don't let some lil dumb stranger keep you from the world or hiding in the house, the world outside might be a better place if you joined it."

And she's right. The world needs people who are kind and thoughtful and want to be good to others. So, for all you plus size ladies, or ladies who aren't "perfect", don't hide. You are more beautiful than you realize. And the world needs you so much more than it needs another anorexic Barbie doll who cares more for their own looks than for other people. (or jerks who think it's ok to amuse themselves at the expense of others. Who raises these people?)

This was me in 1985. I was very average sized. But I was still picked on for being "fat", though I was not plus-sized.

This was me in 2011 when I self-published my first book. People asked for pics of me to promote the book. So what did I do? I hid behind the book.

And this is me today. Literally, today. I took this in the car this morning and it's the first "selfie" I've ever taken. And I'm actually posting it here for the world to see.

So, while I post on this blog, FB, Pinterest, etc about beauty products and fashion accessories, I hope you will all remember that there is so much more to beauty than what comes in those boxes and what we see on the magazine pages. You are worth the cost of any beauty products you choose to buy and use. If they make you feel good, feel happy, then buy them and use them - and be seen! Don't be afraid to wear the big statement necklace because you don't want to attract attention to yourself - attract all the attention you can! You are lovely! You do that jewelry just as much justice as someone in a size 2. Develop a style, a flair of your own and fly your flag high and proud!

Because you are beautiful!

TCM's 2015 31 Days of Oscar Schedule

2015-01-30T18:14:00.002-05:00

It happens every year, just like clockwork. Turner Classic Movies shows some of the very best movies ever made during its 31 Days of Oscar salute. Here is the schedule below. Set your DVRs! (Especially since, inexplicably, some of the most popular movies seem to be on in the middle of the night)

I have highlighted my most favorite recommendations in red. Not that that doesn't mean I don't recommend other movies on this long list. Just that these are the ones I return to again and again.

For more info, go to TCM.com

Enjoy!

2015 SCHEDULE

Sunday, February 1
Daytime Genre: Adventure
6:00 AM The Old Man and the Sea (1958)
7:30 AM The Jungle Book (1942)
9:30 AM The Four Feathers (1939)
11:45 AM The Wind and the Lion (1975)
2:00 PM The Great Race (1965)
5:00 PM Around the World in 80 Days (1956) (best picture winner)
Primetime
8:00 PM And the Oscar Goes To… (2014)
10:00 PM Wings (27) (Paramount pool title) (best picture winner)
12:45 AM All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) (best picture winner)
3:00 AM Cimarron (1930) (best picture winner)
5:15 AM The Broadway Melody (1929) (best picture winner)

Monday, February 2
Daytime Genre: Melodrama
7:15 AM Camille (1937)
9:15 AM Random Harvest (1942)
11:30 AM Humoresque (1946)
1:45 PM The Great Lie (1941)
3:45 PM Magnificent Obsession (1954)
5:45 PM Imitation of Life (1959)
Primetime
8:00 PM Little Women (1933)
10:00 PM 42nd Street (1933)
11:45 PM Public Enemy (1931)
1:30 AM Grand Hotel (1932) (best picture winner)
3:30 AM Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932)
5:30 AM The Champ (1931)

Tuesday, February 3
Daytime Genre: Spy
7:00 AM The Red Danube (1949)
9:00 AM Suzy (1936)
11:00 AM The Fallen Sparrow (1943)
12:45 PM Ice Station Zebra (1968)
3:15 PM Foreign Correspondent (1941)
5:30 PM North by Northwest (1959)
Primetime
8:00 PM A Tale of Two Cities (1935)
10:15 PM Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) (best picture winner)
12:45 AM The Thin Man (1934)
2:30 AM Top Hat (1935)
4:30 AM The Lost Patrol (1934)
5:45 AM Roberta (1935)

Wednesday, February 4
Daytime Genre: Sports
7:15 AM Good News (1947)
9:00 AM Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)
11:00 AM Grand Prix (1966)
2:00 PM Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)
4:00 PM The Pride of the Yankees (1942)
6:15 PM Pat and Mike (1952)
Primetime
8:00 PM Swing Time (1936)
10:00 PM The Awful Truth (1937)
12:00 AM Grand Illusion (1937)
2:00 AM The Life of Emile Zola (1937) (best picture winner)
4:15 AM The Last of the Mohicans (1936)

Thursday, February 5
Daytime Genre: Gangster
6:00 AM Manhattan Melodrama (1934)
8:00 AM Star Witness (1931)
9:30 AM Smart Money (1931)
11:00 AM The Public Enemy (1931)
12:30 PM G-Men (1935)
2:00 PM Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
4:00 PM Pete Kelly’s Blues (1955)
5:45 PM Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964)
Primetime
8:00 PM The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) * a 'must see'
10:00 PM And the Oscar Goes To… (2014)
12:00 AM You Can’t Take it with You (1938) (best picture winner)
2:15 AM Four Daughters (1938)
4:00 AM Boys’ Town (1938)

Friday, February 6
Daytime Genre: Coming-of-Age
6:00 AM Captains Courageous (1937)
8:00 AM Little Women (1949) * a 'must see'
10:15 AM My Life as a Dog (1986)
12:00 PM The 400 Blows (1959)
1:45 PM Splendor in the Grass (1961)
4:00 PM Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
6:00 PM The Reivers (1969)
Primetime
8:00 PM Wuthering Heights (1939)
10:00 PM Gone With the Wind (1939) (best picture winner)
2:00 AM The Man in the Iron Mask (1939)
4:00 AM Pride and Prejudice (1940)

Saturday, February 7
Daytime Genre: Westerns
6:00 AM How the West Was Won (1962)
9:00 AM The Naked Spur (1953)
11:00 AM And the Oscar Goes To… (2014)
1:00 PM She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949)
3:00 PM Cheyenne Autumn (1964)
5:45 PM The Professionals (1966)
Primetime
8:00 PM The Philadelphia Story (1940)
10:00 PM Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)
11:45 PM Citizen Kane (1941)
2:00 AM Mrs. Miniver (1942) (best picture winner) * always mean to watch. Going to make sure I dvr this year!
4:15 AM The Great Dictator (1940)

Sunday, February 8
Daytime Genre: Family
6:30 AM Tom Thumb (1958)
8:30 AM The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm (1962)
10:45 AM Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
1:15 PM The Brave One (1956)
3:00 PM National Velvet (1944)
5:45 PM The Yearling (1946)
Primetime
8:00 PM Lassie Come Home (1943)
10:00 PM Casablanca (1942) (best picture winner) * a 'must see'
12:00 AM Gaslight (1944) * a 'must see'
2:00 AM Woman of the Year (1942)
4:00 AM Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (1944)

Monday, February 9
Daytime Genre: War
6:30 AM Destination Tokyo (1943)
9:00 AM Bombardier (1943)
10:45 AM Sahara (1943)
12:30 PM They Were Expendable (1945)
3:00 PM Battleground (1949)
5:00 PM The Young Lions (1958)
Primetime
8:00 PM The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) (best picture winner)
11:00 PM The Story of G.I. Joe (1945)
1:00 AM Laura (1944)
3:00 AM Mildred Pierce (1945)
5:00 AM The Harvey Girls (1946)

Tuesday, February 10
Daytime Genre: Mysteries
7:00 AM Julie (1956)
9:00 AM Crossfire (1947)
10:30 AM Suspicion (1941)
12:30 PM Mystery Street (1950)
2:15 PM The Fallen Idol (1948)
4:00 PM After the Thin Man (1936)
6:00 PM Charade (1963)
Primetime
8:00 PM Gentleman’s Agreement (1947) (best picture winner)
10:15 PM The Killers (1946)
12:15 AM Duel in the Sun (1947)
2:45 AM The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947)
4:30 AM Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman (1947)

Wednesday, February 11
Daytime Genre: Swashbucklers
6:30 AM The Corsican Brothers (1941)
8:15 AM The Flame and the Arrow (1956)
9:45 AM The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
11:30 AM Captain Blood (1935)
1:30 PM The Sea Hawk (1940)
3:45 PM The Three Musketeers (1948)
6:00 PM The Four Musketeers (1974)
Primetime
8:00 PM All the King’s Men (1949) (best picture winner)
10:00 PM Twelve O’Clock High (1948)
12:15 AM The Bicycle Thief (1948)
2:00 AM The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
4:15 AM Mighty Joe Young (1949)

Thursday, February 12
Daytime Genre: Biographies
6:00 AM Edison, the Man (1940)
8:00 AM Lust for Life (1956)
10:15 AM Sergeant York (1941)
12:45 PM The Miracle Worker (1962)
2:45 PM The Spirit of St. Louis (1957)
5:15 PM Funny Girl (1968)
Primetime
8:00 PM The Gunfighter (1950)
9:30 PM The Third Man (1949)
11:30 PM An American in Paris (1951) (best picture winner)
1:30 AM Born Yesterday (1950)
3:30 AM Father of the Bride (1950) * a 'must see'
5:30 AM The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)

Friday, February 13
Daytime Genre: Horror
7:00 AM The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939)
9:00 AM The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)
11:00 AM The Bad Seed (1956)
1:15 PM What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
3:45 PM The Birds (1963)
6:00 PM Poltergeist (1982)
Primetime
8:00 PM How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
9:45 PM Roman Holiday (1953)
12:00 AM From Here to Eternity (1953) (best picture winner)
2:15 AM A Place in the Sun (1951) * a 'must see'
4:30 AM Ivanhoe (1952) * a 'must see'

Saturday, February 14
Daytime Genre: Romantic Comedy
6:30 AM Vivacious Lady (1938)
8:15 AM Libeled Lady (1936)
10:00 AM Holiday (1938)
11:45 AM Skylark (1941)
1:30 PM Adam’s Rib (1949)
3:30 PM The More The Merrier (1943)
5:30 PM Irma La Douce (1963)
Primetime
8:00 PM The Red Balloon (1956)
8:45 PM The Harder They Fall (1956)
10:45 PM The Caine Mutiny (1954)
1:00 AM Marty (1955) (best picture winner)
2:45 AM Blackboard Jungle (1955)
4:45 AM The Man with the Golden Arm (1955)

Sunday, February 15
Daytime Genre: Film Noir
7:00 AM Johnny Eager (1941)
9:00 AM T-Men (1948)
10:45 AM The Naked City (1948)
12:30 PM The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
2:30 PM The Blue Dahlia (1946)
4:15 PM The Maltese Falcon (1941)
6:00 PM Key Largo (1948)
Primetime
8:00 PM The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) (best picture winner)
11:00 PM The Defiant Ones (1958)
1:00 AM I Want to Live! (1958)
3:15 AM Raintree County (1957)

Monday, February 16
Daytime Genre: Epics
6:15 AM Quo Vadis (1951)
9:15 AM Exodus (1960)
1:00 PM Giant (1956)
4:30 PM Doctor Zhivago (1965)
Primetime
8:00 PM Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
11:00 PM Pillow Talk (1959)
1:00 AM Gigi (1958) (best picture winner)
3:00 AM Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)
5:00 AM The Brothers Karamazov (1958)

Tuesday, February 17
Daytime Genre: Crime
7:30 AM Fury (1936)
9:15 AM Monsieur Verdoux (1947)
11:30 AM The Mark (1961)
1:45 PM In Cold Blood (1957)
4:15 PM The Thomas Crown Affair (1967)
6:00 PM Bullitt (1968)
Primetime
8:00 PM Ben-Hur (1959) (best picture winner) * a 'must see'
12:00 AM Psycho (1960)
2:00 AM Sunrise at Campobello (1960)
4:45 AM The Sundowners (1960)

Wednesday, February 18
Daytime Genre: Religion
7:15 AM The Big Fisherman (1959)
10:15 AM The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968)
1:00 PM The Singing Nun (1966)
2:45 PM The Nun’s Story (1959)
5:30 PM The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
Primetime
8:00 PM The Apartment (1960) (best picture winner)
10:15 PM To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) * a 'must see'
12:30 AM The Hustler (1961)
3:00 AM Days of Wine and Roses (1962)
5:15 AM Lolita (1961)

Thursday, February 19
Daytime Genre: Courtroom Dramas
8:15 AM Twilight of Honor (1963)
10:15 AM Trial (1955)
12:30 PM Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
2:30 PM Inherit the Wind (1960)
5:00 PM Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)
Primetime
8:00 PM Dr. Strangelove (1963)
9:45 PM The Sand Pebbles (1966)
1:15 AM A Man for All Seasons (1966) (best picture winner)
3:30 AM A Hard Day’s Night (1964) * a 'must see'
5:00 AM Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)

Friday, February 20
Daytime Genre: Prison
7:00 AM Weary River (1929)
8:30 AM The Big House (1930)
10:00 AM I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
11:30 AM White Heat (1949)
1:30 PM Caged (1950)
3:15 PM Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
5:45 PM Cool Hand Luke (1967)
Primetime
8:00 PM Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
10:00 PM Planet of the Apes (1968)
12:00 AM Easy Rider (1969)
1:45 AM Oliver! (1968) (best picture winner)
4:30 AM Rachel, Rachel (1968)

Saturday, February 21
Daytime Genre: Comedy
6:15 AM Speedy (1928)
7:45 AM She Done Him Wrong (1933)
9:00 AM The Ladykillers (1955)
10:45 AM A Day at the Races (1937)
12:45 PM Way Out West (1937)
2:00 PM Ruggles of Red Gap (1935)
3:45 PM Auntie Mame (1958) * a 'must see'
6:15 PM The Producers (1967) * a 'must see'
Primetime
8:00 PM Patton (1970) (best picture winner)
11:00 PM McCabe and Mrs. Miller (1971)
1:15 AM Papillon (1973)
4:00 AM Klute (1971)

Sunday, February 22
Daytime Theme: Science Fiction
6:00 AM One Million B.C. (1940)
7:30 AM When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth (1970)
9:15 AM The Time Machine (1960)
11:00 AM Forbidden Planet (1956)
12:45 PM 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
3:30 PM 2010 (1984)
5:30 PM Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Primetime
8:00 PM The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
10:30 PM One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) (best picture winner)
1:00 AM Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
3:15 AM Network (1976)
5:30 AM Bound for Glory (1976)

Monday, February 23
Daytime Genre: Drama
8:00 AM A Patch of Blue (1965)
10:00 AM Kings Row (1941)
12:15 AM Of Mice and Men (1939)
2:15 PM East of Eden (1955)
4:15 PM Jezebel (1938) * a 'must see'
6:00 PM Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974)
Primetime
8:00 PM Annie Hall (1977) (best picture winner)
10:00 PM The Goodbye Girl (1977)
12:00 AM All the President’s Men (1976)
2:30 AM Barry Lyndon (1975)

Tuesday, February 24
Daytime Genre: Fantasy
6:00 AM Finian’s Rainbow (1968)
8:30 AM The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964)
10:30 AM The Thief of Bagdad (1940)
12:30 PM Kismet (1944)
2:30 PM A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1935)
5:00 PM Berkeley Square (1933)
6:30 PM It Happened Tomorrow (1944)
Primetime
8:00 PM A Little Romance (1979)
10:00 PM Being There (1979)
12:30 AM Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) (best picture winner)
2:30 AM The Great Santini (1979)
4:30 AM “10” (1979)

Wednesday, February 25
Daytime Genre: Military Comedy
6:45 AM General Spanky (1936)
8:00 AM What Next, Corporal Hargrove? (1945)
10:00 AM Take the High Ground! (1953)
12:00 PM Once Upon a Honeymoon (1942)
2:00 PM The Americanization of Emily (1964)
4:15 PM Here Comes the Navy (1934)
5:45 PM Mister Roberts (1955) * a 'must see'
Primetime
8:00 PM Arthur (1981) (WB)
9:45 PM Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)
12:00 AM Out of Africa (1985)
2:45 AM Fame (1980)
5:00 AM Gloria (1980)

Thursday, February 26
Daytime Genre: Political
7:15 AM The Gorgeous Hussey (1936)
9:00 AM Seven Days in May (1964)
11:00 AM Z (1969)
1:30 PM Meet John Doe (1941)
3:45 PM Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
6:00 PM The Candidate (1972)
Primetime
8:00 PM Absence of Malice (1981)
10:00 PM The Verdict (1982)
12:15 AM Chariots of Fire (1981) (best picture winner)
2:30 AM The Big Chill (1983)
4:30 AM Diner (1982)

Friday, February 27
Daytime Genre: Historical
6:30 AM Julius Caesar (1953)
8:45 AM Disraeli (1929)
10:15 AM Knights of the Round Table (1953)
12:15 PM The Lion in Winter (1968) * a 'must see'
2:30 PM 55 Days at Peking (1963)
5:15 PM The Emigrants (1972)
Primetime
8:00 PM Running on Empty (1988)
10:15 PM Gandhi (1982) (best picture winner)
1:30 AM Glory (1989)
3:45 AM A Cry in the Dark (1988)

Saturday, February 28
Daytime Theme: Thrillers
6:00 AM The Window (1949)
7:15 AM Night Must Fall (1937)
9:15 AM Kind Lady (1951)
10:45 AM Wait Until Dark (1967)
12:45 PM The Narrow Margin (1952)
2:00 PM Strangers on a Train (1951)
3:45 PM Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
5:45 PM The China Syndrome (1979)
Primetime
8:00 PM A River Runs Through It (1992)
10:30 PM A Few Good Men (1992)
1:00 AM The English Patient (1997) (best picture winner)
4:00 AM The Fisher King (1991)

Sunday, March 1
Daytime Genre: Musicals
6:30 AM Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933)
8:15 AM Shall We Dance (1937)
10:15 AM You Were Never Lovelier (1942)
12:15 PM On the Town (1949)
2:00 PM The Music Man (1962)
4:45 PM Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
Primetime
8:00 PM Life is Beautiful (1997)
10:15 PM Chicago (2002) (best picture winner)
12:30 AM Shakespeare in Love (1998) (best picture winner)
2:45 AM The Cider House Rules (1999)

Monday, March 2
Daytime Genre: Disaster
5:30 AM San Francisco (1936)
7:30 AM Green Dolphin Street (1947)
10:00 AM The Hurricane (1937)
11:45 AM The Last Voyage (1960)
1:30 PM Them! (1954)
3:30 PM The Swarm (1978)
6:00 PM The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Primetime
8:00 PM Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
11:15 PM Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
2:30 AM Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) (best
picture winner)

Tuesday, March 3
Daytime Genre: Romance
6:00 AM The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
7:45 AM Far from the Madding Crowd (1967)
10:45 AM That Hamilton Woman (1941)
1:00 PM Dodsworth (1936)
2:45 PM Now, Voyager (1942) * a 'must see'
4:45 PM Love Affair (1939)
6:15 PM Georgy Girl (1966)
Primetime
8:00 PM The Artist (2011) (best picture winner)
10:00 PM The King’s Speech (2010) (best picture winner)
12:30 AM No Country for Old Men (2007) (best picture winner)
2:45 AM The Queen (2006)

Funny Cat Video

2015-01-30T00:15:00.003-05:00

Absolutely funniest cat video I have ever seen!

Be patient - it's there - it just takes a second to load.

Post by Murfreesboro.com.

Thanksgiving Dinner Meatloaf

2015-01-07T16:15:00.001-05:00

Those who know me know that I am a "let's see what I get if I put these ingredients together" kind of gal. I also am one of those annoying cooks who doesn't measure, so it often makes it hard for me to share my recipes. However.... I knew that if this idea turned out, I would want to share it. So, like a good girl, I tried very hard to write down everything I did and remembered to measure and not just add by sight and smell. You're welcome.

So, as the title says, this is a Thanksgiving Dinner Meatloaf. Ok, so other than ground turkey, what does that mean, right? Well, it means cornbread stuffing (sort of), and veggies, and cranberry sauce and potatoes. All in one dish. And yeah, I know - ugh, ground turkey, it's always dry - right? Well this was not!

Now, to be clear, I made this by the seat of my pants. I had no idea what I was doing. I made it all up as I went along. I am going to give you the recipe as I made it and then, at the end, I will give you some notes as to anything I might change, add in, leave out... you get the idea. Also, this is a great recipe for using up left over veggies, so keep in mind, as you read the ingredient list, you can easily substitute other items or even add some more.

One more thing before we start. Like a total doofus, I was doing this without my glasses on - which means, my pics are not in focus. Yeah - that's right - idiot! But I figure better a few blury pics than nothing. So - sorry guys.

Here we go!

Ingredients (enough for 2 meatloaves, I always make 2 at a time. 1 to freeze)

3.25 lbs of turkey (approx.)
1 bag 14 oz Pepperidge Farm Corn Bread Stuffing Mix (or any brand)
1 small shallot
1 stalk of celery
salt pork (you can get from butcher if not in meat case)
2 cans diced potatoes
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup green beans (canned, frozen or fresh)
1 cup chicken stock/broth plus a splash
1 8 oz can cranberry sauce
1 tsp sage plus 1/4 tsp
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
3/4 tsp ground rosemary
1/2 tsp ground thyme
1/2 tsp celery salt
1 pod Knorr Chicken Homestyle Stock
approx. 2 oz apple sauce
3 tbsp. brown sugar
butter
olive oil

Finely dice the shallot and celery and sauté in a pan with butter and olive oil until soft.

In a bowl, place approx. half of the corn bread crumbs. Add the 1 cup of chicken stock to the crumbs. Add the celery and onion. Add 1/4 tsp sage. Mix until just combined. Set aside

Place ground turkey in a large mixing bowl.

In blender or food processor add the carrots, the green beans and the salt pork.
Why the salt pork? Because turkey tends to dry out easily. I don't want to add a package of pork and alter the flavor, but I want to add a little extra fat to help keep it moist. Personally, I choose not to use the heavy rind. I cut out two of the fattiest parts. They weighed out to be 1.7 oz, but you can see from the pick they weren't particularly big. Remember, you are just trying to add a little extra fat. And of course, this is entirely optional.

see - sorry, blury. But give you an idea of how much salt pork I used.

Blend until completely pureed. You may need to add a splash of chicken stock to keep the carrots from sticking to the side of the bowl. Be prepared, when you are done, the contents will look very unappetizing lol. Add to the ground turkey. (these pureed veggies worked as a binder and helped keep the meatloaf moist)

Add 1/4 cup of cranberry sauce. Reserve the rest of the can. Add the Knorr chicken stock. Add the stuffing mixture. Add the sage, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme and celery salt. Mix together until well blended (you will probably want to use your hands.) Once mixed, the mixture will definitely seem too wet. Add some of the remaining dry crumbs from the remainder in the bag of PF cornbread. Apprx 3/4 -1 cup, until consistency feels right.

Knorr chicken stock pods

Open the can of diced potatoes. NOTE: I wasn't sure if missing them in would crush the potatoes, so I chose to layer them. I may decide to try mixing them in next time. It's a matter of preference.

Place a small amount of the meat mixture in the bottom of your loaf pan. Cover with a layer of your diced potatoes. Cover with another layer of mix, be sure to press down to get the meat all around the potatoes. Repeat the 2 layers and cover with remaining meat mixture.

Bake at 400 for about an hour and 10 minutes. Oven times may vary. We have a double oven and the top oven is small and does tend to cook just a little faster than the large one - so you may need to cook a little longer.

Sauce/Glaze: In a small sauce pan, combine remaining cranberry sauce, apple sauce and brown sugar. Cook, stirring frequently until mixture is smooth. During the last 15 minutes or so of baking, brush the sauce on top of the meatloaf for a tasty glaze. The remainder can be spread on the meatloaf when it's served or placed on the side of the dish to dip in.

We served ours with herbed corn bread. Easy peasy! 2 boxes of Jiffy cornbread mix made as directed, plus all the same seasonings in the meatloaf recipe, same measurements and everything (minus the salt). I suggest stirring in the herbs into the cornbread before you add any of your wet ingredients to help ensure they get evenly dispersed. You don't want to over mix your bread. It's delicious! And a great base for making actual cornbread stuffing for Thanksgiving!

Since this has our meat, veggies and potatoes already all in it, we decided to have it with just a piece of the cornbread and a side salad. It was a hit. It did fall a part a little bit when trying to take it out, but that didn't effect the flavor at all. And..... it was NOT dry!

NOTES: Now, we are not big on veggies here. But... if your family is, you could leave the shredded carrots whole and have them as a nice crunchy contrast in your meatloaf. Also, if you have leftover veggies in your fridge, puree them and use them! Great way to use up peas, Brussel sprouts, squash, sweet potatoes, etc. You could add Craisins, use turnip, squash or any combination instead of/or with your potatoes. I would not recommend keeping things like green beans or peas whole as they would just be mush by the time the meatloaf is cooked and then be unappetizing. If you prefer, you could layer with mashed potatoes. If you really want to be jazzy, alter layers with sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows, or butternut squash with pecans. You could also serve with canned/jarred turkey gravy instead of cranberry sauce. The possibilities are endless, but you can easily get that wonderful Thanksgiving dinner taste without having to deal with a big turkey and piles of side dishes any time you want. Enjoy!

Oh! I alost forgot - want more stuffing? Want to have a side of stuffing with this? Have 2 bags of stuffing mix. Increase the amount of celery and onion. When you put it all in the bowl, add more chicken stock, just until moist. Add all of the seasonings listed in the recipe, add some Craisins and chopped walnuts and 3 tbsp. of melted butter. Mix. Put into a backing dish or individual ramekins and serve with your meatloaf.

Easy Dessert Filling To Keep On Hand For The Holidays

2014-12-14T13:07:00.001-05:00

I had to make a dessert for a family party the other day and decided to try and make something from ingredients I already had on hand. I almost always have nuts in my pantry and always have brown sugar, so I knew I had a filling. I just needed something to fill. I ended up with a ton of leftover filling and I realized it is great for so many things! First I will give you the original recipe I used it for and then I will tell you my ideas for other uses.

Now, you need to know, I'm not big on measuring unless a recipe really needs things to be precise, so be prepared - there are no measurements here. It's all by look and smell. Sorry.

The filling ingredients are simple.

Ingredients:
Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, almonds (or whatever kind you like/have)
Brown Sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Melted Butter (optional)
*See not at bottom about other add in items

First I got out my food processor. (I think the bowl holds about 6 cups - but it doesn't really matter) I filled the bowl with walnuts, pecans and almonds. Mostly walnuts, they're the biggest and also what I had the most of. I pulsed just until they were ground up.

Then I put them in a mixing bowl and added brown sugar. Again, sorry, didn't measure. I just dumped it out of the bag until it looked like enough. I mixed it all in with the nut mixture, breaking up the lumps of sugar as I went. If you're not confident with just winging it, start with little and just add a bit at a time until it looks and smells right to you. The mixture should be a good balance of the brown of sugar and the white/yellow of the nuts.

Then I added the cinnamon and nutmeg. I happen to be fond of cinnamon, so I added a lot. It's a matter of taste. I just poured it right in. If I had to guess, I'd say about 5 tbsp., maybe more. I didn't have much nutmeg, so I just added what I had left and mixed everything together.

Note: I had a few sliced almonds in a bag leftover, so I added them. I also added a small handful of chopped pecans and a handful of chopped walnuts - just so there'd be a little piece of nut now and then - but that's up to you

As luck would have it, I had some frozen puff pastry sheets in the freezer. Unluckily, the kitchen got so warm throughout the day that when I went to use the dough it was too soft and I couldn't use it! Doesn't that figure! But.... Luck was on my side. Earlier that day, my hubby had bought me some Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations (crescent roll dough without the perforations). So I used that instead.

I unrolled the dough onto a foil lined cookie sheet. I brushed the dough with melted butter (again, a matter of taste - it's not essential, but I like the flavor of the added butter). Then I used a spoon to spread the filling across the dough. Don't go right up to the edges as it will spread out as you roll. You can add as little or as much as you like. Then carefully roll up the dough and leave the seam side down on the cookie sheet. Some of the filling will spill out the sides. Just push it back in or pinch the ends together. Try not to worry too much. You cut the ends off before serving anyway.

I brushed a little more melted butter on the top before baking. Bake at 375 for about 20 - 23 minutes, until golden brown.

Once the log has cooled, cut off ends, slice and dust with powdered sugar and you have a delicious strudel.

(this was all that was left when I decided to do a blog post)

Now - you will have a ton of nut/sugar mixture left over. I put it in a canister so I have it handy and ready to go. What do you do with it? What can't you do with it is a better question!

Of course, I can use it with my puff pastry. I can use it more crescent dough and slice it before cooking and arrange it in a cake pan and cook like cinnamon rolls, glazing after they bake. I can cook it in layers of phyllo dough or puff pastry and top with a honey glaze for a mock baklava. I can use it with sugar cookie dough. Use it with any kind of dough - bread dough, pizza dough, biscuit dough. Even cake batter. Use it as a streusel filling in a Bundt cake. Add some flour and butter to it and use it as a crumb topping on a cake or fruit dessert. Mix it with Chex and mini pretzels and bake for a sweet take on Chex Mix. Put it on top of a sweetened cream cheese and make Danish. The possibilities are endless!

With this on hand in a canister or zip lock bag, you have a quick dessert ready to make. Get a last minute invite? Have company come over unexpected? If you have this and a can of rolls, biscuits or cookie dough in your fridge, in 5 minutes you can have something delicious baking in the oven.

ADD INS:

Of course, you've probably already thought of lots of ways you could alter this filling. I know lots of people love clove for the holidays (I don't happen to be one of those people) but you could certainly add some of that. You could add dried fruits. You could leave it basic and just add to it when you use it for a particular batch of whatever. Here are some ideas for things you can add in - I'm sure you'll think of even more!

* Cloves
* Allspice
* Ginger
* Orange/Lemon zest
* Cocoa Powder
* Chocolate Chips/White Chocolate Chips
* Peanut Butter Chips
* Butterscotch Chips
* Toffee Chips
* Dried Fruit (raisins, currants, Craisins, dried cherries, etc)
* Candied fruit/fruit peel
* Coconut flakes

Hope this gives you lots of ideas and makes your holiday baking easier. Enjoy!

NOTE: Someone asked me if this was gluten free. Natural nuts that have not been flavored are gluten free. So is natural cane sugar - so yes, as long as you are careful with your ingredients (which you probably are if you need gluten free) then you are fine. What you use it with is up to you - so again, you can control it being gluten free

When Did "Indie" Become Synonymous with "Vanity"?

2014-07-29T17:00:00.002-04:00

When I was in my early teens I remember hearing Independent filmmakers being heralded as "groundbreaking", "bold", "daring", "pioneering", "trail blazing", "fresh", "confident", and even fun adjectives like "cheeky" and "spunky". Indie Rock Bands were often described the same way. They were beheld with a certain amount of, well, if not exactly respect, admiration perhaps, for getting out there and doing what their art dictated.

These people didn't wait for The Man to decide whether or not he would grant his Divine Approval on their talents and deem them fit for the masses. They had faith in themselves. They had a voice that cried out to be heard. They let the people decide for themselves if their art spoke to them. And while not all of them were successful, several were.

If not for Independent Film we would never have had Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs", David Lynch's "Eraserhead", James Cameron's "The Terminator", Terry Jone's "Monty Python's the Life of Brian", Bryan Singers "The Usual Suspects" or Martin Scorsese's "Mean Streets" just to name a few.

Without Indie Rock the world would not have R.E.M, The Smiths, Pixies, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Oasis, and The Strokes. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea musically, but important bands in their own rights none the less.

But when an author decides to take their work and publish it themselves rather than be at the mercy of the big publishing machine, they are termed "vanity projects". Huh? Wait a minute. If I create a film and go outside the studio system to create it I'm "bold" and "groundbreaking". If I create music and choose not to battle the recording studios to get my music to the people I'm "fresh" and "trail blazing". But if my art is in the form of crafting stories from thin air; of creating characters and situations that touch and entertain people, and I make the difficult decision not to spend years hoping for the benevolence of a publisher somewhere to buy my story and instead elect to go through the cost and constant effort of self-publishing to get my art to the people, I am merely engaging in a "vanity project".

NOT! Perhaps there are some people with an awful lot of free time and expendable cash who might publish a book just to be able to see it in print, but they are most certainly the exception, not the rule. Authors are just as much artists as filmmakers and musicians. Without authors, what would filmmakers make movies about? If there were no stories, how limited would be the world for other artists to draw inspiration.

It is hard to put yourself out there and say "here's my book, please read it." You'd have to be a real egomaniac to do that just to satisfy your vanity. Self-published authors are just as much an Indie Artist as any other creative person who works outside the system to bring their creations to life for the entertainment of others. So why aren't we considered as such?

It should be that way. From now on, I am not a self-published author, I am an Indie Author. I am an artist. Damn it.

Kerry Rockwood White

Author of the Fair Hero Series

Banana, Peanut Butter and Bacon - Cupcakes Fit for a King!

2014-07-07T22:21:00.001-04:00

My nephew Billy just loves bacon! Who doesn't? But he is seriously crazy about bacon. So for his birthday party this year I made him some special cupcakes. Roasted banana cupcakes with creamy peanut butter frosting and candied bacon! You can almost hear Elvis singing, can't you? They were a hit. I was skeptical about the bacon - but it was actually good. I love me some bacon - but I was leery of having it with something sweet (other than maple syrup). But it was really tasty.

Banana Cupcakes with PB Frosting and Bacon

(shown with chocolate cupcakes with salted caramel)

Roasted Banana Cupcakes: (I doubled this recipe)

Ingredients:
3 ripe bananas
2 cups cake flour, sifted
(I always use cake flour which would be 2 cups plus 4 tbsp)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs, separated - room temp
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions:

1.Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place 3 whole unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and roast for
15 minutes. The peels will darken (black!). Remove from oven and allow to cool before
peeling. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.

2.Line a regular muffin tin or two with 16 paper liners. Sift together cake flour, baking soda,
baking powder and salt. With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream the butter and sugar
until pale and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add roasted bananas, and beat to combine. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of sour cream. Beat until just combined after each. Beat in vanilla.

3.In another mixing bowl, with electric mixer on medium speed, whisk egg whites to soft peaks
(about 5 minutes); fold one-third whites into batter to lighten. Gently fold in remaining whites in two batches.

4.Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake, rotating tins
halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in centers comes out clean, about 18-20 minutes.
Transfer tins to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

I frosted with peanut butter frosting - recipe below

Peanut Butter Frosting:

Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 heaping cup creamy peanut butter (I used Peter Pan - but any good PB will do)
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
pinch of salt

Instructions

1.In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the peanut butter and butter for 2-3 minutes. You want the color to lighten by a few shades.

2.Add the powdered sugar, scrape the sides of the bowl and mix until combined.

3.Pour in the heavy cream and beat until smooth. Scrape the bowl again.
4.Mix in the salt.

5.Beat on high for 3-4 minutes or until the buttercream has become light and fluffy.

6.Use immediately.

We also candied some bacon to crumble on top. My nephew just loves bacon! To do this, we sprinkled brown sugar on a foil lined cookie sheet. Then laid out several strips of thick cut bacon and sprinkled more brown sugar on top. We baked it at 400 degrees, turning once, until the bacon was well done. Lay it on parchment or wax paper or even a rack to cool. Do not put it on paper towel - it will stick. When it's cool, crumble or cut into pieces and sprinkle a few on each cupcake.

Zucchini Cupcakes Recipe

2014-07-07T21:47:00.001-04:00

I've been making a lot of cupcakes lately. My daughter, Julia, and I have discovered Cupcake Wars and have been having a great time watching it together and we have enjoyed baking together for a few years now. We have both been inspired by the show, and of course, now that summer is here, we love making cupcakes to take to parties, cookouts and when we're just visiting.

Julia and Auntie Julie

(Photo by Diane Gillet)

My older sister, whom my daughter is named for, isn't much of a cake eater. So I asked her, what type of cake could I make to tempt her? She said she loved zucchini bread and hadn't had it in years. Well, not my cup of tea, but that's ok - glad to make them! And that's what we did! Zucchini cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and pecans on top.

I know these look like they are still in the pan but they are actually in a carrier I just bought

Zucchini Cupcakes Recipe

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, (I always use cake flour - which would be 1 1/2 cups plus 3 tbsp)
1 cup packed dark-brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts
1 zucchini (10 ounces), coarsely grated (1 1/2 cups)
(squeeze with paper towel to get some of the excess moisture out of the zucchini)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cups of a standard (12-cup) muffin tin with paper or foil
liners. Set aside.

Step 2
In a medium bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix in
nuts.

Step 3
In another bowl, combine zucchini, oil, eggs, and vanilla; add to flour mixture, and mix just until
combined (do not over mix).

Step 4
Divide batter evenly among cups. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake
comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.

NOTE: The original recipe said to bake for 40 - 45 minutes. Fortunately, I checked at 35 and they were definitely done. I wished I would have checked a minute or two sooner. Perhaps they did not squeeze the excess water out of their zucchini and that's why it took longer. I don't know.

Step 5
Let cool and frost with your favorite icing. (I used cream cheese icing)

Coq Au Vin - Chicken in Red Wine Recipe

2014-07-07T21:06:00.001-04:00

I have been wanting to make this recipe for ages but thought it was too complicated. After recently finding the original The French Chef episodes on Amazon Prime and having a great time watching Julia Child make this recipe in her electric skillet, I decided I had to try it. I have such great memories of watching this show on PBS with my mom when I was very little.

Now, I absolutely hate mushrooms. Hate them. Yes, I've tried them - again and again, various kinds prepared in various ways. But I hate them. Not just dislike - I hate them. Even the look of them grosses me out. But, my hubby loves mushrooms and even though neither of my children has ever liked mushrooms, there's always the chance that they might like them in this recipe. (they didn't, but they tried. My daughter did like the onions though) So, I included the mushrooms. They are cut big enough to easily pick out, so if you have someone who is finicky like me, tell them to chill because you can pretty easily avoid dishing them any onto their plate.

Unlike Julia's, I added carrots to my dish so I would have a veggie that I knew everyone would eat. I can say that I have never enjoyed carrots so much in my life! Next time, I'm adding a few more carrots.

A few other notes before we begin: You want chicken with skin on and bone in - the recipe needs to have the flavor you can only get from the skin and bone in slowly cooked dishes. I'm a big fan of boneless/skinless chicken breast, but this dish would not taste the same if you used that.

This dish can be messy, especially for kids if they aren't used to eating bone in chicken. We took the chicken off of the bone and served each person a plate with chicken pieces, veggies and sauce over white rice (as pictured below). We found that the dish cooled off very quickly. The next time we will remove the chicken, remove the skin and bones and put the chicken meat back into the pan the reheat a bit before serving to help keep it hot as long as possible.

This makes a lot of sauce. You may want to cook some extra chicken in a separate batch and perhaps a little extra veggies to put aside for a second meal or for lunches the next day. It's too good to waste.

I know this looks like it's hugely complex, but it's really not. Don't be put off by the long list of ingredients or the directions. It's really not a hard dish at all. And it is SO yummy!

Cooking in the electric skillet

In the serving bowl

Served with rice, the chicken has been pulled off the bone

This recipe is adapted from Julia Child's.

Ingredients

3 to 4-ounce chunk lean bacon (I used Irish bacon)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 1/2 to 3 pounds frying chicken, cut into pieces (I used 4 leg quarters)
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus additional for seasoning (I used kosher salt)
1/8 teaspoon pepper, plus additional for seasoning
3 cups young, full-bodied red wine, such as Burgundy, Beaujolais, Cotes du Rhone, or Chianti

(I used Pinot Noir)

1 to 2 cups brown chicken stock, brown stock or canned beef bouillon (I used beef stock and beef consume)
1/2 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cloves mashed garlic
1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves (I used several sprigs of fresh thyme)
1 bay leaf (I used 2 fresh bay leaves)
12 to 24 Brown-Braised Onions, recipe follows (we're not big on onions so I used 12)
1/2 pound Sauteed Mushrooms, recipe follows (I used a little less)

Approx. 8 fresh carrots peeled and chopped to large pieces

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons softened butter
Fresh parsley leaves

Brown-Braised Onions:

1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 tablespoons oil
18 to 24 peeled white onions, about 1-inch in diameter (again, I used 12)
1/2 cup brown stock, canned beef bouillon, dry white wine, red wine, or water
Salt and pepper
Medium herb bouquet: 4 parsley sprigs, 1/2 bay leaf and 1/4 teaspoon thyme tied in cheesecloth

(I tied the bouquet together in cooking twine)

Sauteed Mushrooms:

2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, washed, well dried, left whole if small, sliced or quartered if large
1 to 2 tablespoons minced shallots or green onions, optional (I used shallots)
Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Remove the rind and cut the bacon into lardons (rectangles 1/4-inch across and 1-inch long).

In a heavy large heavy bottomed casserole or Dutch oven, saute the bacon slowly in hot butter until it is very lightly browned (temperature of 260 degrees F for an electric skillet). Remove to a side dish.

Dry the chicken thoroughly. Brown it on each side in the hot fat in the casserole. (360 degrees F for the electric skillet.)

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Return the bacon to the casserole with the chicken. Cover and cook slowly (300 degrees F) for 5 minutes, turn the chicken, season the other side and cook for 5 more minutes.

Pour the wine into the casserole/skillet. Add just enough stock or bouillon to cover the chicken. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic and herb bouquet. Bring to a simmer.

Add carrots. Cover and simmer slowly for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and its juices run a clear yellow when the meat is pricked with a fork.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the onions and mushrooms. (see directions below)

When the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken to a side dish.

Simmer the chicken cooking liquid in the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes, skimming off fat. Then raise the heat and boil rapidly, reducing the liquid to about 2 1/4 cups. Correct seasoning. Remove from heat.

Blend the butter and flour together into a smooth paste (beurre manie). Beat the paste into the hot liquid with a wire whip. Bring to the simmer, stirring and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon lightly.

Arrange the chicken in a casserole, place the mushrooms and onions around it and baste with the sauce.

If the dish is not to be served immediately, film the top of the sauce with stock or dot with small pieces of butter. Set aside uncovered for no longer than 1 hour or cool, cover and refrigerate until needed.

Shortly before serving, bring the casserole to a simmer, basting the chicken with the sauce. Cover and simmer slowly for 4 to 5 minutes, until the chicken is heated through.

Serve from the casserole, or arrange on a hot platter. Decorate with sprigs of parsley.

DIRECTIONS - Brown-Braised Onions:

When the butter and oil are bubbling in the skillet, add the onions and saute over moderate heat for 10 minutes, rolling the onions about so they will brown as evenly as possible. Be careful not to break their skins. You cannot expect to brown them uniformly.

Pour in the stock, season to taste, and add the herb bouquet. Cover and simmer slowly for 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are perfectly tender but retain their shape, and the liquid has evaporated. Remove herb bouquet. Set aside.

DIRECTIONS - Sauteed Mushrooms:

Place the skillet over high heat with the butter and oil. As soon as you see that the butter foam has begun to subside, indicating it is hot enough, add the mushrooms and finely chopped shallots. Toss and shake the pan for 4 to 5 minutes.

During their saute the mushrooms will at first absorb the fat. In 2 to 3 minutes the fat will reappear on their surface, and the mushrooms will begin to brown. As soon as they have browned lightly, remove from heat.

Set aside with the onions until ready to add to rest of dish.

Rhode Island Clam Cakes Recipe

2014-07-05T17:35:00.000-04:00

Last night I tried making these delicious clam cakes. They were pretty easy to make and my hubby couldn't eat enough of them. Even my finicky son liked them. Recipe below.

RI Clam Cakes
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk or beer
1 (6 ounce) can minced clams, undrained
1 teaspoon onion powder
pepper to taste

hot oil - 350 degrees

Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Batter will be thin.

I used corn oil to fry them in because it's what I had, but you can use any oil of your choice. How much you use depends on the pot/pan you are using to fry the cakes in. You want enough for the cakes to rise in and float freely.

The pic above is a Revere pot that was approx half filled with oil then preheated to 350 degrees.
Drop by soup spoon or cookie scoop into the hot oil. Let the batter drop down into the oil in a straight line. You will get odd shapes. It will hit the bottom of the pot, form up and then float. The batter is runny so you won't be dropping dumpling like scoops into the oil.

Use a slotted spoon to get out any little bits that form.

Do not over crowd the pot. Just do a few at a time.

As the cakes turn golden on the bottom side, turn them gently in the oil and let them brown on the other side. Remove to a bowl lined with paper towel to drain.

When you are done you can sprinkle salt on them if you like, or leave it up to your guests to salt their own. Serve with lemon and/or tartar sauce/cocktail sauce.

TIP: This recipe makes a very subtle clam flavor. If you want to amp up the flavor you may consider substituting clam juice for the milk/beer. You can also increase the amount of minced clams.

TIP: Make to many or want to serve for a party? Left overs can be reheated in hot oil. Or if you make the day before a party, heat up a fresh pan of oil and reheat the cakes for a few seconds each in the hot oil.

TIP: Cooking burns off the alcohol in the beer, so it is ok to use beer in the batter if you have people who don't drink or minors/children eating these cakes. Consider using a special brew for your recipe. We used Sam Adams Porch Rocker.

TIP: This same batter would also be great for chicken or small bite size pieces of fish.

Southern Sweet Tea Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Recipe

2014-07-04T17:04:00.001-04:00

Made these yummy cupcakes with my daughter Julia today :) Recipe below.

SOUTHERN SWEET TEA CUPCAKES - makes 24 cupcakes

1 cup whole milk

10 black tea bags
3 1/3 cups plus 1/2 tbsp Cake flour
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup canola oil (or veg oil)
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 eggs
Pinch of lemon zest

Preheat oven to 350

Heat the milk in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir

and heat for another 30 seconds. Add teabags to

milk and allow to steep for at least half an hour

until it's nice and strong.

Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt. In

the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a

paddle attachment, mix the granulated sugar, oil,

vanilla and the eggs, 1 at a time until fluffy.

Alternate adding the flour and most the tea until

incorporated. * Add a pinch of lemon zest and

incorporate.

Fill the cupcake liners and bake for 15 - 18

minutes. Allow to cool completely before

frosting with lemon buttercream.

*After removing tea bags you will have a little

less than 1 cup. Add as much as you feel you

need for batter to be correct consistency.

Batter will be thin and runny. I added approx 3/4

cup

TIP: I wanted a really strong tea taste so I

added approx 2 tbsp of ready made sweet tea

(Arizona brand) and a few squirts of MIO Sweet

Tea drink flavoring. You could also use ice tea

mix crystals, Crystal Light or any other

flavoring you choose to bump up the flavor, but

don't skip out on the genuine tea in the milk. That

gives it the genuine tea flavor and smell.

LEMON BUTTERCREAM ICING

1 cup of salted butter

4 cups of icing sugar

2 tablespoons lemon zest

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons heavy cream or milk

Whip butter with mixer until fluffy

add sugar 1 cup at a time

add zest and add lemon juice to taste (I used

zest of whole lemon and juice of 1/2)

add cream to thin

beat until light and fluffy

We decorated them with straws and lemon jelly candies.

Other tips: I don't have a zester so I used the fine edge of a cheese grater and got the zest off with a pastry brush (because it's damp it will stick to the grater). Also, when squeezing the lemon to get the fresh lemon juice, cut the lemon in half and wrap a piece of clean paper towel around the lemon. The juice will come out, but the pulp and seeds will stay behind the paper towel.

A lot of times flavors will bake out of cakes so what might seem like a good amount of flavor in batter might be missing when it's baked. You want to make sure it tastes strong of tea before baking or you'll have a nice tasting cake - but it won't really taste like sweet tea.

Avoid Auto Drive 1 in West Bridgewater!

2013-04-06T17:26:00.000-04:00

AVOID AT ALL COSTS! Total scammers, rude, ignorant, offensive. Sure - they'll give a loan no matter how bad your credit is, but they won't tell you the rate unless you ask - and it will be a lot higher than the going rate. Then, if you complain, they'll tell you for a little more down you can get a better rate - but they won't offer that unless you complain.

They offered us 1 car and 1 car only. Did the old "It just came in and won't last long so give us a deposit to hold it" BS. After a little searching we found their price to be THOUSANDS more than any other price for this same make and model anywhere in all of Massachusetts - and that was even looking at models that had more extras like heated seats and dvd players and the price was still way, way off. They wanted $10,500 and the nearest I could find was for $8,300 (again with a lot more options). So my husband makes a call and leaves a message. No call back - shock. We had sent an email asking for the car fax and details the day before. No reply. Another shock. So we try again and manage to get the guy on the phone. My husband asks why the price is so high - and the sales rep, Mike Salerno, doesn't offer any explanation or excuse - he simply says "I'll send your check back to you and cancel the loan" and hung up. Yup. That's exactly what happened. Nice huh? Wait - it gets better.

So I called and ask for a manager. I get a guy who identified himself as Andrew. He talked over me right from the start, not letting me get out the entire story and trying his best to BS me like I was some kind of idiot. He actually tried to tell me that sites like Autofinder and Carfinder and even Kelly Blue Book "don't tell you that the price they show is after you put a couple thousand down" Um... that would be illegal and he had to think I was a real moron to believe that. They can't list a car as "list price of $X" and then when you get to the car lot they say "oh - but that is actually the price only after you give us $2,000". Can you believe this? And he started telling me that the car has leather seats and they had to pay a lot for it at auction.... blah blah blah. I'm sorry - if Kelly Blue Book says the value is X and you paid that much for it for resale then you are the one who's an idiot because you can't expect people to over pay for a car. He constantly talked over me and no matter how many times I pointed out to him that one of the main reasons for my call was the way his salesman treated us he refused to even acknowledge it. Then he said "listen lady, I've let you talk for like 3 and a half minutes" Um - actually - no he hadn't - he tried to talk over me the entire time and we'd barely been on the phone that long - I have a digital clock across from me. And his tone made it very clear that he thought it was some great concession on his part that he'd let a woman talk at all - I don't even have the words to describe his voice when he said "lady".

So - I told him I'd be coming here and anywhere else I could find to let people know about them. Don't waste your time. They will try to sucker you in with an outrageously high interest rate and gouge you on the car price and obviously have the worst customer service skills ever.

If you know anyone in the South Shore area looking for a used car - pass this on to them! And if you don't believe me, just do a Google see how many other bad reviews come up for this place.