Veni Vidi Scrappy

2013-03-14T10:31:00.000-04:00

Quote of the Week

2012-11-04T02:30:00.000-05:00

Swag Code Haunt

2012-10-29T08:02:00.002-04:00

For all of you fans of Swagbucks, TODAY will be a terrorizing treat: an all-day Swag Code Haunt where you can get multiple codes that add up to 70 reward points that you can use to get free stuff on Swagbucks.

The fun begins at 4am PT on the Swagbucks blog and you should download this image - it's got a bunch of hidden images that will serve as clues to help you get codes all day long.

New to Swagbucks? Enter CODEHAUNT during sign up to start with 100 Swag Bucks!

Happy Haunting...

Quote of the Week

2012-10-28T02:30:00.000-04:00

Tasteful Thursday - Potato-Topped Mini Meatloaves

2012-10-25T03:00:00.000-04:00

This recipe came from Kraft Recipes and it's one I will definitely be making again. ♥♥♥

My daughter even asked for seconds and she normally doesn't finish firsts. J

Now granted, mine did not look like this....I need to learn to take pictures. L

source

Total Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 package (6 oz.) Stove Top Stuffing Mix
1 cup water
2 tablespoons A! Original Steak Sauce
6 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cubed (I didn't use this)
3 gloves garlic, minced
3 cups hot mashed potatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 jar (12 oz) beef gravy, warmed

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees
Mix ground beef, stuffing mix, water and steak sauce; press into 12 muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until done (160 degrees)

Add cream cheese and garlic to potatoes; stir until cream cheese is melted. Stir in parsley. Scoop over meatloves and serve with gravy.

Linking up to some of these fabulous parties!

HallowEARN Collector Bills

2012-10-24T10:31:00.000-04:00

With Halloween right around the corner, let's celebrate with more rewards from Swagbucks. Enter the HallowEARN bills!

Starting Wednesday, October 24th, collect five HallowEARN Collector's Bills just by using Swagbucks for your online searching needs

Collect all five bills and you automatically win 13 bonus Swagbucks

Use Swagbucks Search to collect the bills and help you earn towards your Daily Ghoul Meter

The HallowEARN Collector's Bills end October 31st, 11:59 PM.

So what are you waiting for.....start searching and earning!

Quote of the Week

2012-10-21T02:30:00.002-04:00

I just love Walt Disney.....you're never too old for a Disney Movie!

Tasteful Thursday - Crock Pot Apple Crisp

2012-10-18T15:42:00.003-04:00

If you like using your crock pot and like apple crisp - you NEED to try this Crock Pot Apple Crisp recipe from Crock Pot Girl. Head on over for the recipe.

It is to die for; oh my goodness so delicious!!!! ♥♥♥

Fall Swag

2012-10-18T13:34:00.000-04:00

I love Fall and Halloween; but never really decorate. I can't seem to find items I like or they are too expensive. If I wait until after the holiday or season it seems all the good items are taken. I do LOVE to do things on my own and I 'think' I have some good ideas at times. ♥♥♥ My hubby and daughter agree sometimes. J

If you've read my about me page or have been around for a little while you know my husband does not allow me to use his power tools or spray paint. It seems every single time I use the spray paint the nozzle clogs and I can't finish or the wind picks up so bad that spray paint goes everywhere. I can't walk through the house without saying OUCH....I am always running into something or stubbing my toes. I think you get the idea. Hence, my hubby not allowing me to use the tools or spray paint. He says I would end up in the hospital.

So I'm rambling and not really sure why I'm telling you all this other than I finally convinced my hubby to 'help' me a little. I even used spray paint and the nozzle didn't clog and the wind was kind to me. J

With some cash and gift cards I won with Swagbucks I was able to make five different projects with the pictured items.

I'm hoping to put the finishing touches on them tonight and tomorrow so I can do a fall decor post this weekend. Wish me luck!

Quote of the Week

2012-10-14T02:30:00.001-04:00

Secrets of the Lost Summer

2012-10-11T02:30:00.000-04:00

Such a unique romance and mystery - definitely one I'll read again! This was a first by this author for me, she has earned a spot on my bookshelf and I'll be looking for more books by her. For those who enjoy something a bit different from the normal romance - this one is for you. It's a cute romance novel with a little adventure and mystery thrown in.

A wave of hope carries Olivia Frost back to her small New England hometown nestled in the beautiful Swift River Valley. She's transforming a historic home into an idyllic getaway. Picturesque and perfect, if only the absentee owner will fix up the eyesore next door.…

Dylan McCaffrey's ramshackle house is an inheritance he never counted on. It also holds the key to a generations-old lost treasure he can't resist…any more than he can resist his new neighbor. Against this breathtaking landscape, Dylan and Olivia pursue long-buried secrets and discover a mystery wrapped in a love story…past and present.

Happy reading friends!

Quote of the Week

2012-10-07T02:30:00.001-04:00

Zombies vs. Vampires - Earn More Swag

2012-10-04T13:55:00.002-04:00

... are you ready for the challenge?

From now until the end of October, Swaggernauts will have the chance to earn more swag by joining a team - will you be a Zombies or a Vampires? You will earn points for your team by completing the Daily Ghoul Meter. The team with the most points at the end of the month gets more bonus swag:

If you’re on the Winning Team, the team with the most points at the end of the challenge (10/31), this is what you will earn:

If you contributed between 5 – 19 points you will earn your daily bonuses plus 40 SBs.

If you contributed between 20 – 30 points you will earn your daily bonuses plus 150 SBs.

If you contributed 29 points you will earn your daily bonuses + 150 Special Bonus points + 150 SBs for reaching your goal every day of the month

If you’re on the Runner Up Team, this is what you will earn:

If you contributed between 5 – 19 points you will earn your daily bonuses plus 30 SBs .

If you contributed between 20 – 30 points you will earn your daily bonuses plus 130 SBs .

If you contributed 29 points you will earn your daily bonuses + 150 Special Bonus points + 130 SBs for reaching your goal every day of the month.

But even if you aren't on the winning team, there are ways to earn bonus Swag Bucks for as little as completing five (5) days of your Daily Ghoul Meter throughout the month. The more days you complete, the more opportunity you have to win bonus Swag Bucks.

The challenge starts on your homepage. Click on "Max Your Bonus" on the Daily Ghoul Meter (it's the October version of your Daily Goal Meter and thus will remain like this the whole month), and you'll arrive at the official Zombies vs. Vampires page to join in on the Ghoulish earning spree.

To learn more about our challenge, take a look at the detailed blog post here. Check the SB Originals page on SBTV later today for a video tutorial of how it works.

Not a Swaggernaut yet? Sign up here for FREE!

Chesapeake Shores

2012-10-03T16:10:00.003-04:00

The best time for me to read is on the beach, while we are driving or when we are camping. Over the last month of day trips and short trips I was able to read one of the books in the Chesapeake Shores Series. This book was amazing. I never lost interest and it was definitely a page turner.

Falling for "Maddening Moira" O'Malley was the unexpected highlight of Luke O'Brien's Dublin holiday. So when she pays a surprise visit to Chesapeake Shores, Luke is thrilled…at first. A fling with this wild Irish rose is one thing, but forever? Maybe someday, but not when he's totally focused on establishing a business that will prove his mettle to his overachieving family.

Given Luke's reaction, Moira has some soul-searching of her own to do. Scarred by her father's abandonment, she wonders if Luke, with his playboy past, is truly the family man she longs for. Adding to her dilemma, she's offered an amazing chance at a dream career of her own.

Deep down, though, Moira knows home is the real prize, and that love can be every bit as enchanted as a summer garden.

I can't wait to get my hands on the another Chesapeake Shores book and start reading! ♥♥♥

Oh my,

2012-10-02T02:30:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's October already; I also can't believe it's been almost two months since I last posted. I'm so sorry to my readers. Since my last post as you can image we've been extremely busy.

This last month has been jam packed.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park which my six year old absolutely loved. I think she took pictures of all the animals on the safari bus tour. Look for lots of layouts to come.

Ocean City, MD...this was her first trip to the beach that she can remember. She had a blast playing in the sand and jumping over waves (as she tells it). We visited the water park for a day and so much more.

HersheyPark and Zoo America.....this was with the entire family...aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. Was a blast as Hershey always is. We will be sure to visit for Hersheypark in the Dark at Halloween and Christmas in Hershey in December.

My little munchkin started 1st grade....I can't believe it. She comes home everyday telling me all about her 'green' day. A story for another post. J I am taking Becky Higgins Project Real Life with Big Picture Classes to record all her wonderful memories from school. I have saved EVERYTHING and when I say everything I mean EVERYTHING from kindergarden and now first grade. They are all organized by day and I figured the easiest and fastest way to document her school years is with Becky Higgins. I can't wait for class to start!

Dance also started right after Labor Day for Little G. She has been taking dance since she was three years old and she loves it! She is constantly practicing her moves at home. I just know one of these days she is going to break something in the house if not a bone.

My hubby spent eight days in Maine bear hunting; and he came home with one. I'm not sure that I will try the meat (probably not) but he is getting the bear mounted in some way for his 'man cave'. I will be sure to get pictures and share once it's done.

Plus some weekend camping trips thrown in there.

The week hubby was in Maine after working full time; homework; housework and dance we squeezed in a little craft time. Little G and I finally organized all our craft supplies and got a little busy. All sorts of holidays were being crafted during that week. Be on the lookout for them....however; I didn't take any during pictures since it was very late and dark. I'm not a good tutorial person. L

If you are still with me...THANKS for stopping by!

Zombies vs. Vampires

2012-10-01T15:35:00.000-04:00

Swagbucks puts the "treat" in Trick or Treat with its latest team challenge: Zombies vs. Vampires.

Starting Oct 3rd through the rest of the month of October, this ghastly team challenge will make your Daily Earning Meter more rewarding and help you earn reward points towards free stuff.

Every day from the start of the challenge, you can win a point for your team by completing your Daily Ghoul. Whether your a zombie or vampire, score points for your team to be declared the ultimate monsters.

You can read more about Zombies vs. Vampires on the Swagbucks blog.

Quote of the Week

2012-09-16T02:30:00.000-04:00

Quote of the Week

2012-09-09T02:30:00.000-04:00

Quote of the Week

2012-09-02T03:30:00.000-04:00

Quote of the Week

2012-08-26T03:00:00.000-04:00

Tipful Tuesday - Time of Day

2012-08-21T03:00:00.000-04:00

The ideal time of day to do just about anything as revealed by experts.

Do you know the best time of day for the following:

take a nap?
read and retain information?
visit your doctor?
take a multivitamin?
walk the dog?
cardio workout?
ask for a raise?
return merchandise?
go to the post office?
get a haircut?
to fly?
clean the house?

I thought I knew some of them; but wait to you see what the 'experts' say. J

Take a Nap - 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm - doctors used to think afternoon sleepiness was a result of a big lunch; however they found there's a dip in body temperature, which causes sleepiness. A similar decrease encourages you to shut down at bedtime. They also suggest an ideal nap should only last 15 to 20 minutes; more than 30 minutes can cause you to feel even more groggy when you wake up.

Read and Retain Information - 8 am OR 10 pm - If you're going over notes for a presentation or trying to remember names for a dinner party do it early in the morning, when your immediate recall is highest. If you need longer retention of the information evening is better. Hence, why college students cram for exams late into the night and do a quick review in the morning

Go to the Doctor - 8 am to 9 am or 1 pm to 2pm - you'll spend less time in the waiting room if you book the first appointment of the day or the first after lunch. If you're seeing a doctor who performs surgery, ask that your appointment not follow an operating time. It's also best to fill or refill a prescription before 3 pm on weekdays.

Pop a Multivitamin - breakfast time - taking your supplements with a meal is important because multivitamins are components of food; therefore absorbed better with food. Also, as with many pills you're more likely to get queasy if you take multivitamins on an empty stomach

Walk the Dog - 8 pm to 9 pm - to you walking the dog is about exercise, to him (her) it's about the social life. Owners have more time to stroll in the evening and to let their pets linger over exciting smells and sounds missed on the morning-rush walk. Evening walks also avoid midday overheating

Do Your Cardio Workout - 5pm to 6pm - for increasing fitness, decreasing the chance of injury, and improving sleep, the best time to exercise is late afternoon or early evening. At these times your lungs use oxygen more efficiently, you're more coordinated, and your muscles are warmed up, so you're less likely to suffer a sprain or strain. Finish exercising at least three hours before bed so the extra adrenaline will no longer be pumping through your bloodstream when your head hits the pillow

Ask for a Raise - 5pm - The key is finding the moment when your boss is not rushed and has time to truly listen and that's most likely to be the end of the day. That's when they are getting ready for the next day or looking ahead to the next week, and they are in a good mood because they are going home soon. Track your boss's daily habits to find the ideal, low-key time for him or her

Return Merchandise - 10 am - arrive within the first hour a store is open. Workforces are leaner these days, but retailers still need enough staff to open up, so that may be when they have the best ratio of staff to customers. It is also the only time of day when staff are at assigned posts, so you can usually get someone to help

Go to the Post Office - 7:30 am to 10 am - According to USPS spokesperson Monica Suraci; find out when your post office opens (generally between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.) and arrive a half hour or so later. You'll hit a midmorning lull, missing the rush of early birds line up at the door as well as distracted window personnel chatting with carriers sorting the day's mail. Heavy traffic is more likely at lunch, and at the end of the workday, and just before closing. She also suggests looking for 'contract stations' which offer services in locations like supermarkets and drugstores

Get a haircut - 8 am to 9 am - booking the first appointment of the day will help you ease into the chair on time. That's because no latecomers will have thrown off the schedule. Saturday mornings are usually least frantic, however some salons fill up then with bridal parties. An early appointment may also get you the best cut as stress levels are at their lowest. For the best service, they suggest asking your stylist 'What's your favorite time of the day to do hair?

The Best Time of Day to Fly - Although U.S. Department of Transportation statistics show that flights taking off between 6 am and 7 am have the best on-time record, they are also misleading. On time refers to when the plane pushes back from the gate. You can wait on the tarmac because of weather problems, which cause the vast majority of delays. Scheduling arrivals and departures between 11 am and 1 pm local time will help avoid most delay-causing weather patterns. This will also help avoid airport rush hours which mostly coincide with workday rush hours. For best results check for regional weather patterns and schedule accordingly. For example for the West Coast, fly in and out after noon PST when marine-level fog has dissipated. For Gulf Coast hops, stay clear of the thunderstorms that kick up around 3 pm. Airline schedules are based on weather conditions. You're more likely to be punctual if you follow Mother Nature's schedule. J

Clean the House - 4 pm - You're more likely to whistle while you window wash (and not kick over the bucket) if you do it late afternoon. That's when hand-eye coordination is at it's peak and mood levels are high. If anyone in the house has allergies or asthma, avoid insomnia-hour and morning cleaning sprees (allergy symptons are most severe between 6 am and noon; asthma attacks more likely between midnight and 6 am) and finish well before that person walks in the door. It takes about an hour for allergens and dust to settle after you clean.

Linking to some of these wonderful parties.

Happy Tuesday my friends!

Quote of the Week

2012-08-19T03:00:00.000-04:00

The Lakeshore Chronicles

2012-08-18T04:00:00.000-04:00

As I've mentioned before I love to read but don't have a lot of time. I like to share some interesting books I find that I will EVENTUALLY read; but I also post them so I won't forget the name or author. ♥♥♥

You know when you are on Amazon or at the bookstore.....what was the name of that author? or what was the name of that book? J Or is it just me? I hope it's not just me getting old. J

So on with the real post....The Lakeshore Chronicles by Susan Wiggs has really caught my attention. I've seen many ads online and in magazines about the collection; so without further ado

Summer at Willow Lake

Real estate expert Olivia Bellamy reluctantly trades a trendy Manhattan summer for her family's old resort camp in the Catskills, where her primary task will be renovating the bungalow colongy for her grandparents, who want one last summer together filled with fun, friends and family. A posh resort in its heyday, the camp is now in disarray and Olivia is forced to hire contractor Connor Davis—a still-smoldering flame from her own summers at camp.

The Winter Lodge

On the longest night of the year, Jenny Majesky loses everything in a devastating house fire. But among the ashes she finds an unusual treasure hidden amid her grandfather's belongings, one that starts her on a search for the truth, and on a path toward a life that she never imagined. The Winter Lodge, a remote cabin owned by her half sister on the shores of Willow Lake, becomes a safe refuge for Jenny, where she and local police chief Rourke McKnight try to sort out the mysteries revealed by the fire.

Dockside

With her daughter grown and flown, Nina Romano is ready to embark on a new adventure. She's waited a long time for dating, travel and chasing dreams. But just as she's beginning to enjoy being on her own, she finds herself falling for Greg Bellamy, owner of the charming Inn at Willow Lake and a single father with two kids of his own.

Snowfall at Willow Lake

Can a single moment change your entire life?

International lawyer Sophie Bellamy has dedicated her life to helping people in war-torn countries. But when she survives a hostage situation, she remembers what matters most—the children she loves back home. Haunted by regrets, she returns to the idyllic Catskills village of Avalon on the shores of Willow Lake, determined to repair the bonds with her family.

what are your thoughts?

Happing Reading my friends.....

Tasteful Thursday - Kielbasa & Summer Bean Salad

2012-08-16T03:30:00.000-04:00

Warm weather calls for light meals that don’t require a lot of stove time. This dish fits the bill, with two steps and just 15 minutes of prep. Serve it with bread for dinner, or pack up as-is for lunch.

(sorry it's a little blurry)....took with my phone

Serves 4
Total Prep 20 minutes

Ingredients:

15.5 oz can small white beans, rinsed
4 oz green beans, sliced crosswise into 1/4 in. pieces
1/2 12 oz jar roasted red peppers, cut into 1/4 in. pieces
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper
1 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1 12-oz package turkey kielbasa, sliced 1/2 in. thick

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the beans, peppers, onion, vinegar, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; fold in the cilantro
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kielbasa and cook until slightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Toss with the bean salad

Make it ahead - refrigerate the salad (without the cilantro), covered for up to one day. Fold in the cilantro just before serving.

Use up the ingredients by making a quick dip - in a food processor, finely chop 1/4 cup roasted almonds and 1 clove garlic. Add 1/4 cup (1 oz) grated parmesan, 1 tablespoon each olive oil and red wine vinegar and the remaining 1/2 jar of roasted peppers and purée until smooth.

Linking up to some of these fabulous parties!

Happy Snackin'

WOW-O-WOWZA Wednesday

2012-08-15T03:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Wednesday my lovies!!!! I hope you are all having a WONDERFUL week.

This WOWZA post is all about SUN, FUN, SURF, SAND and of course some good SEAFOOD!!!!

The hubs and I (along with my brother-in-law, sister-in-law and nieces) took a few days off and we have been relaxing at the beach for the past couple of days with the little one. She is six years old and has only been to the beach once (about 4 1/2 years ago) when the hubs and I got married. Yes, we had her before we were married. ♥♥♥

I thought I would share a few of my favorite things to do while at the beach.

I'll be dropping the hubs, brother and sister in law here for some drinks and cocktails; the girls and I are headed to the beach. J

Aerial view of the wonderful beach I will be reading and relaxing on for a few days!

The boardwalk where I love to walk, ride my bike early in the AM and of course people watch

my daughter wants to have Old Time Photos taken...she thinks they look cool J however, she may be the only one in the photo

I hope to be eating a few of these babies!!! YUMMY!

We will be coming home soon and I will share pictures.

Until then.....have a wonderful day!