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FAVORITES

ONFinally FRIDAY!

I can do whatever I want for the next two days.  And so can you.

As long as we stay home.

To celebrate the end of the week, I’m going to begin by naming five of my favorites.

Last week, LB and I joined my family on a trip to Orlando to celebrate my sister’s birthday.  I published a blog post about that later than I meant to, but you can read it here.  We shopped all afternoon at Disney Springs and one of my favorite stores there is COACH.  It was there that I found my

Favorite # ONE

This Coach Handbag

It is a little handbag, crossbody bag, and backpack.Don’t let me loose in a COACH shoppe.

I won’t leave without something cute!

~

Favorite # TWO

On Tuesday, LB and I took a ride to COSTCO to pick up his new glasses.

While we were there, I was browsing through the books for sale and found this…I remember listening to my 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. McKean as she read this to our class.

I was ALL IN!

Chapter 1. Before Breakfast

“Where’s Papa going with that ax?” said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.  “Out to the hoghouse”, replied Mrs. Arable.  “Some pigs were born last night.”

I can’t wait to read it to Lydia!

~

That same Tuesday was National Banana Split Day.  So LB said, “Let’s go to Dreamette to celebrate.”

Favorite # THREE

 DREAMETTE

  I told him that I was counting calories and it would not be helpful if I consumed a banana split from Dreamette.  He assured me that we would stop by, purchase one item, have one bite, and throw the rest away…

Are You KIDDING ME???

It was incredibly delicious!

Although it was delicious and obviously we were unable stop ourselves from devouring the entire 12 ounce cup… I was a little disappointed in the presentation.

After all this is what I expected…

 

I am pretty sure I can do better…

Favorite # FOUR

YEP!

#NationalBananaSplitDay

~

Today is the 55th Anniversary of my Mama and Daddy’s wedding day.  They were high school sweethearts and this photo is my

Favorite # FIVE

I Love you Mama!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

What’s Up Wednesday

What’s Up Wednesday is a monthly compilation of

What’s Up

 posted on a Wednesday.

Here it is…

What we’re eating

WE are counting calories on our MyFitnessPal app so WE don’t overdo it (WE = ME).  But at the same time, still enjoying a tasty treat here and there, though LB enjoys them more than I do.

And speaking of tasty, a no-bake pie recipe caught my eye  on Pinterest.  I tweaked it a bit to make it mostly sugar free and gluten free and not over 494 calories per serving.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

  • Servings: 8
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients

Chocolate Crust

  • 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup Swerve confectioner’s sugar-substitute
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt

Peanut Butter Filling

  • 12 ounces of cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Swerve confectioner’s sugar-substitute
  • 1 cup all natural peanut butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Chocolate Drizzle

  • 2 1/2 ounces of sugar-free chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil

Peanut Butter Drizzle

  • 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Instructions

Chocolate Crust

  1. In a medium-sized bowl combine the almond flour, Swerve, cocoa powder, and salt.
  2. Add the melted butter and mix well.
  3. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate with butter or coconut oil.
  4. Press crust to the bottom of the pie pan and slightly up the sides of the pan.
  5. Place in the pie pan with the crust in the freezer while you make the pie filling.

Peanut Butter Filling

  1. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer beat the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, all-natural peanut butter, Swerve, and salt.
  2. Add the heavy whipping cream and combine.
  3. Spread the pie filling evenly over the chocolate crust and place back in the freezer.
  4. Next make the chocolate and peanut butter toppings.

Chocolate Topping

  1. Melt the sugar-free chocolate chips with the coconut oil in a microwavable bowl in 30-second intervals or using a double boiler. Stir until well combined. Set aside.

Peanut Butter Topping

  1. In a small microwavable bowl melt the tablespoon of coconut oil and combine with creamy peanut butter for about 30 seconds. Set aside.
  2. Remove pie from freezer and drizzle the peanut butter topping on top of pie, then do the same with the chocolate topping.
  3. Alternate the peanut butter and chocolate drizzles until you are satisfied that you have enough.
  4. Place the pie in the freezer to chill for 30 minutes to fully set or 2 hours in the refrigerator before slicing.
  5. When ready to serve, garnish the top of the pie with salted peanuts and optional whipped cream.
  6. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 weeks.

 

It won’t last that long in this house.

LB hasn’t complained, but I did not like the taste of the almond flour crust and if I make this again will use a store bought chocolate graham cracker crust.  No shame in that, and not many more calories.

~

What I’m loving

Since we are confined… I am loving the fact that I have a big yard and part of the back yard includes a screened in pool.  This COVID confinement is stifling, but it is great to be able to go outside of the house and relax without having to wear a mask.

~

What we’ve been up to

Still working from home and, as I previously mentioned, doing a lot of baking, which leads to a lot of time on the treadmill.

~

What I’ve been working on

I recently started listing items for sale on Poshmark and try to list or update at least one item per week.  It is slow going, but that is pretty much what I expected.

Still in the early stage, but I have a landscape project that I am planning with the help of Better Homes and Gardens…

Not exactly the same, just using as a guide.

~

What I’m excited about~

What I’m dreading

INDS 400

I am trying to be positive and have every reason to be because I have begun the last class I will need in order to graduate.

Class of 2020 WOO HOO.

Why I’m dreading it is because the class is described as “research intensive” and I’m not in the mood for research, especially the intensive kind.  It is going to be a rough 8 weeks.  Keep me in your prayers.

~

What I’m reading

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

and

The Cengage Guide to Research/MINDTAP, Miller-Cochran/Rodrigo, 3rd edition.
Only because I have to.

~

What I’m watching/listening to

My most recent obsession, which may eventually drive LB crazy, is Erin Busbee.

Her blog is BUSBEE Style

but I really love watching/listening to her on BUSBEE Style TV

She has great style tips.

~

What I’m wearing

same as you…

~

What I’m doing this weekend

I’m not sure yet!

Probably working on one or more of the many things I mentioned earlier.

~

What I’m looking forward to next month

Taking a couple of days off from work.  I can’t wait!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

There’s No One Like A Sister

There IS NO ONE like a Sister

and that is why when my baby sister reached the age of 50, I traveled nearly 3 hours to be with her on her birthday.

I believe it was Clay’s idea.  He texted me one evening to tell me about the plan to surprise her while she was away on her Disney birthday adventure and asked if LB and I would be able to get away to join in the fun.

My response was “We can make it happen”.

My first thought was that we would leave work early on Monday, August 17th, then make our way to Orlando’s Disney Springs where we would meet up with family, and surprise Gina.  That was a pretty good plan, but LB had other plans.  He decided we should head to Orlando on Sunday, spend the night, and enjoy Monday away from work/home.

So we did.

We went to Universal CityWalk on Sunday and spent the day sight-seeing, but making sure to follow all the rules. Then later had dinner at Antojitos.Before making our way to the Residence Inn, we made a stop at Target… just because I like to

SHOP~

On Monday LB and I took our time getting ready, but eventually we were out door and headed to Disney Springs.  For the next 5 hours we would…

SHOP SHOPSHOP

You cannot tell by my expression, but I was having a good time.

 

To wrap up the Orlando event, we followed my sister and her crew to Sprinkles.

We walked up behind her and SURPRISE!

And she was surprised!  It brought tears to her eyes.We each ordered cupcakes at Sprinkles and found a place to sit and have a little visit.  It was a nice time together with family.We ate cupcakes and Gina opened her birthday gifts…I’m very lucky to have Gina in my life.There is no one else like her!

~

There’s no one like a sister…

’cause she’s known you all along.She gets your jokes, shares your folks, and likes the same old songs.There’s no one like a sister…

’cause she’s there no matter what –To talk, check in, see how you’ve been, and sometimes save your butt.There’s no one like a sister…

she’s a friend your whole life through.And none could be as good to me or loved as much as you!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Happy Friday!

Today is the day I typically post my

FRIDAY FAVORITES

but alas, nothing has happened this week except rain and weight gain.  I try to find the good in every week and highlight those favorite things on Friday.

Since I can find little good in the rain that has caused a flood in the yard and the leak in the roof and NO good in the pounds that I’ve accumulated, I’m taking a different approach.

Today I will highlight the

National Day Calendar

for this first week of August 2020.

Sunday, August 2

National Sister’s Day

How could I have missed this?

It has typically been one of my favorites that I’ve mentioned here and here.

I have one sister She is my favorite.

I’ve shared pics of some other special sisters in the past and here they are again…

~

Monday, August 3

National Grab Some Nuts Day

How to observe?

Grab a handful of nuts to snack on today! Or better yet, get baking.  Share your celebration of nuts by posting a pic on social media using #NationalGrabSomeNutsDay.

~

Tuesday, August 4

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day also National Night Out Day

I love to do BOTH.

But today we won’t be doing either!

~

Wednesday, August 5

National Underwear Day

How do you observe National Underwear Day?  Why you embrace your body image and post on social media using #NationalUnderwearDay.  I’m not going to celebrate National Underwear Day.

~

Thursday, August 6

National Wiggle Your Toes Day

#NationalWiggleYourToesDay

~

Friday, August 7

National Raspberries N’ Cream Day

Raspberries are in season and were also mentioned on Sunday in observance of National Raspberry Cream Pie Day.  One of my favorite recipes that include raspberries is Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies.  I made them for our Mother’s Day lunch and as always, they were a hit.

Celebrate Every Day!

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Room for Tuesday

I have Always Loved Barbie!

Not too long ago I was lamenting over the innumerable Barbie dolls that have become a permanent part of my home.  My daughters left them, most of them are 90’s Barbies.  At some point I decided to embrace the situation and make the most of my Barbie world.

This is Barbie World

Barbie world involves the dolls that were left at my house by the 2 little girls who once loved them.  Those little girls are all grown up now, but their mom is too sentimental to part with their Barbie dolls.

  In addition to these dolls, it now involves all of the other paraphernalia I’ve added to entertain 2 other little girls.  When Lydia and Rory are at Glammy’s house, we spend most of our time together playing here.

I love Barbie and other Fashion Dolls, like Darci.

Darci has been mine for many, many years.  She came with a pink one-piece swimsuit which I cannot find, but I do have her wrap-around skirt, flower, silver shoes, stand, and briefcase filled with fashion magazines.

Last week, when my family met at Mama’s house, my sister and I began a discussion that involved the many Barbie dolls and other fashion dolls that we’ve had over the years.

I insisted that I had a Tuesday Taylor dollbut I was actually thinking about Darci.  I know they look nothing alike… apparently I was mentally overwhelmed and I took leave of my senses.

But I’m happy to announce that I’ve have made

Room for Tuesday!

It must have been the brunette hair that confused me!

Tuesday Taylor

Tuesday Taylor is a fashion doll which was presented by Ideal Toy Company in 1975.  She was Ideal’s “answer” to Barbie.  Tuesday Taylor had a remarkable rotating scalp, which could be manually turned to switch her from a blonde to a brunette and back again.

“Tuesday’s world is full of magic”

I should probably leave her in her container.

~

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Meet Maurice

A post by Mary

Today the Lord came to me in the form of the man collecting trash.

I had failed to put my little bag of trash out last night, so I put it in the car and was going to drop it at the curb when I left this morning.

About that time I heard, then saw, the garbage truck pass by.

Collection Companies

So I got out of the car and took the bag out and left it in the garage instead of taking it to work with me. As I turned around to get back in the car, this young man was standing there.

He told me that he always looks out for his customers.

I was overwhelmed with his kindness.

It literally brought tears to my eyes. I asked him his name.

Meet Maurice Jones.

I told him I was going to pray for him today. If you feel so inclined please pray for him, too…He is going the second mile. I reached out and hugged his neck, not seeing a man collecting trash.

I saw Jesus.

The Lord bless Maurice Jones!

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2 NASB

 

~

MDR

Friday Favorites

It is the last Friday in July, but still it is a

Favorite # ONE

This is Kathy.

Kathy works with me.

Kathy took this WHOLE week off from work.

Bad Kathy.

I’m just kidding.

Kathy celebrated her birthday on Monday and her anniversary on Wednesday and I hope her time off was wonderful!

She is our team lead and she is VITAL. When she is out of the office, the people who typically drive her crazy begin to panic.  They look for someone on her team to drive crazy.  Madness ensues.

She will be back from her much deserved week of multi-celebrations on Monday and

I AM SO GLAD!

~

Favorite # TWO

This is Darci.

She has been mine for many, many years.  She came with a pink one-piece swimsuit which I cannot find, but I do have her wrap-around skirt, flower, silver shoes, stand, and briefcase filled with fashion magazines.

My Darci is a brunette;  there is also a blonde and a redhead.

Last week, when my family met at Mama’s house, my sister and I began a discussion that involved the many Barbie dolls and other fashion dolls that we’ve had over the years.  I insisted that I had a Tuesday Taylor doll, but I was actually thinking about Darci.

I am sorry Gina and I look forward to making everything right.

~

Favorite # THREE

Tuesday Taylor

I’m not sure how I could have mistaken Darci for Tuesday Taylor.

~

Favorite # FOUR

Ann Taylor

It is no secret that I love to buy clothes from LOFT, but this week I ventured out and browsed another of Ann Taylor’s websites.  I found this cute little Ruffle Trim Shell in Apricot Zest that I had to have.

Right now it is on sale for $20.

Last week I purchased it for $8.

Ways to Wear It is a great feature of Ann Taylor websites.    

~

Favorite # FIVE

Star Trek

The original series first aired in 1966, just a few months after I was born.  When I was a little girl, back in the 1970s, I remember my Daddy loved to watch Star Trek.  It aired at 5PM each weekday and I can still picture Daddy sitting in his chair laughing at the banter between Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock.  And Bones.

This week LB and I watched the Movie Star Trek the Wrath of Khan.  Later when I was flipping channels I came across the 2009 Star Trek movie featuring Chris Pines as Kirk during the early days of the starship USS Enterprise.  I’ll always be a Star Trek fan.  I never followed the Next Generation, Voyager, or any of the others, but I never tire of the original Star Trek stories.

~

Live long and Prosper!

 

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