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hangin tough new kids on the block GIF

New Kids On The Block

had it!

Thirty years later, this “boy band” has still got it!

New Kids On The Block may not be New (formed in 1984), but they are undoubtedly better than ever!  After a split in 1994, NKOTB reconnected in 2007 and have been going strong since!

On Friday night LB and I had the opportunity to see them in concert on their

Mixtape Tour

We trekked through the rain to the Arena, passed the wand test, headed to concessions for nachos, and then made our way to our seats.

When I stepped into the row toward my seat, someone was anxiously awaiting my arrival.  The young lady introduced herself as Shianna and gave me a hug.  I felt so welcomed!  Although this was not her first, she was so excited to be at the Mixtape concert!  I’m so glad she had experienced a NKOTB concert previously, because she did not make it through the entire show.

BUT WHAT

GREAT SEATS

LB & I HAD! 

Because there were TWO stages, we basically had 4th row seats for half of the concert.

Illtown Sluggaz warmed up the early crowd with a preview of things to come during a sing/dance-a-long performing a fast-paced mix of hits from our 80s mixtapes.

NKOTB was the main attraction on their Mixtape Tour which included special guest musicians Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, Salt-N-Pepa, and Naughty By Nature.

Unlike most concerts I’ve attended, the featured group opened the show and kept it hopping for the next 3 hours, taking turns with their guest performers, moving between stages   and popping up in the audience.They sang songs like “Hangin’ Tough,” “Block Party,” and “Cover Girl,” and “Single” which were full of energy.  Then they toned it down with some of my favorites :

“Please Don’t Go Girl” which was performed with emotion by Joey, and “I’ll be Loving You” by Jordan, both nostalgic and loved by all, receiving an extended ovation.

 

The concert ended with “80s Baby,” a collaboration performed by NKOTB and their guests:

It was an appropriate nod to the mixtape those of us living our teenage years in the 80s used to amass our favorite tunes.

Although I’m hoarse, I’m still singing as I write this! I would have to say it was the best concert ever!

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

Friday Favorites

Because today is a very special Friday

happy birthday GIF by Amy Ciavolino

I’m sharing a special edition of Friday Favorites dedicated to a very special little girl.

On July 12th, four years ago, Lydia was born!

Favorite # ONE

My Favorite 4-year-old

Lydia!

 Beautiful Smart Creative Talented Lydia!

She is a perfect blend of Richard and Emily!

She loves all things Disney and enjoyed seeing Toy Story 4 recently, which brings me to my

Favorite # TWO

This Picture

I borrowed it from Stephanie’s FB post because it is adorable!

Favorite # THREE

Inspiration

for a BLOG.
A one-year-old Lydia was featured as the subject of my very first blog post.

You can read my first blog post HERE.

Thank you for inspiring me Little Lydia!

 

Favorite # FOUR

Birthday Parties

To date, we’ve had three of them for Lydia.

Her Glammy missed her first birthday party because she HAD TO WORK !  But Glammy left early that morning and stopped by Lydia’s house to wish her a happy day and deliver presents.

Lydia’s second birthday party was supposed to be at Mema Mary’s house, however there was an incident that caused the party to be moved next door to Glammy’s house.  It all worked out great and everyone was happy!  You can read about Lydia’s second birthday party HERE.

 Last year Emily decided that the theme of Lydia’s 3rd birthday party would be Mermaids.  It was the cutest idea for a birthday party!  There were all kinds of activities and mermaid inspired food. I participated by creating Mermaid Tail Cupcakes for the party.  The blog post I began writing wasn’t finished in a timely manner, so I haven’t published it.

Yet.

Birthday party #4 happens tomorrow!

Favorite # FIVE

Being Glammy

I love it!

Thank you Lydia for making me a GLAMMY!

 

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

Friday Favorites

I didn’t have to work today!  Talk about a HAPPY FRIDAY!

It’s the first week of July and a significant time in America as we celebrate our nation’s independence!

happy flag day GIF

Although it is JULY, June was a great month and in my family there were several Birthdays.  We gathered last Saturday evening at Mama’s house to CELEBRATE

Favorite # ONE

JUNE Birthdays

Stuart became part of our family in 1988 when he married my sister.  Chynna joined the family when she married my nephew Clay.  Emily became my daughter-in-law when she married Richard in 2013.  And the newest member of our family is Adrian who was born in 2018.

There was a time when I was the only person in my family to celebrate a birthday in June.

Now there are FIVE of us!

~

Favorite # TWO

A Short Work Week

This week I went to work on Monday and Tuesday then took off on Wednesday for a Beach Day in St. Augustine with LB!

and later that evening…

Favorite # THREE

Hanging out at the Pier

Each Wednesday night throughout the summer there is the Music by the Sea event at the St. Johns County Pier.  This week the Ain’t Too Proud band entertained and motivated LB and I to sing along.

With Thursday being a holiday, we were able to stay for the entire event.

We had a GREAT time!

~

Favorite # FOUR

Independence

presented by individual style!

vacation love GIF by Molang

To celebrate Independence Day the family came by for food and festivities!

LB grilled hamburgers and hotdogs.

Some of us enjoyed the pool.

Emily brought sparklers, which we had a good time with later that evening.

~

Favorite # FIVE

Outdoor Décor

to show our patriotism.

We finally got around to displaying the American Flag.

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

I am blessed and grateful to be an American!

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

 

Free samples and Floor models

Everyone appreciates something free!  One of the perks of shopping at Costco is the free samples.

Occasionally LB and I will go to

Costco

 and, by the time we leave, there is no reason to have dinner.

At least for me.

Since we are planning to cookout on July 4th, last Sunday LB decided we would go to Costco to pick up some of their sirloin burgers.  I agreed with his good idea, so off we went.

While LB was looking at some Levis, I noticed a lady handing out samples.

“I wonder what she’s giving away”, I said.

To which he replied, “let’s go find out”.

Although very odd in appearance, the chicken burger was okay.  Nevertheless, LB and I decided to purchase the sirloin burgers instead.

Then there was potato salad raspberry jalapeño dip with crackers salsa with tortilla chips a popsicle (aka a piece of a popsicle) Madeline’sNathan’s hotdogs and more.

After all of that, I was done.

But the shopping continued.

LB and I have been looking to purchase patio furniture.

We saw a very nice set floor model at Costco which was marked down $600 less than the online price.  I liked it.

He liked it.

But there was still some uncertainty.

After some discussion, by the time we arrived back home, the decision was made.  Later that day, LB called Costco. He learned that there were 3 sets available and he would be able to pick up a set that was still packaged the next day.  LB checked with Wayne to see if he would be available to help, and on Monday morning, LB and Wayne collected and delivered 3 large boxes to our backyard.

The Barcalounger 6 piece Theater Seating Set

It was quite an undertaking to unbox and setup the collection, but LB was a champ, and I helped a little.

We enjoyed the remainder of the evening relaxing in our new Barcalounger recliners!

~

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

Friday Favorites

What a whirlwind of a week this has been, and the activity began six days ago.

Last Saturday morning LB and I left for Georgia to attend the wedding of his youngest nephew.  After lunch at the Thomasville Garden Club we headed back to Florida to attend the birthday party of one of his closest friends.

Heading up my Friday Favorites is LB’s Friend!

Favorite # ONE

Wayne

Also known as “The Count”

I like him too.

And his sweet wife Laurie.

LB and Wayne worked together for many years and have been there for each other through good times and not-so-good times.

I would venture to say that Wayne is his best friend.

Happy Birthday Wayne!

🎂

Sunday was a bit more laid back as we attempted to recharge after a busy Saturday.

A private pool party was the prescription for rejuvenation!

Favorite # TWO

This Pool

And this photo is dedicated to my co-worker Kathy, who (though she follows me on social media), had no idea that there was a pool in my back yard.

🦢

It has been a HOT week and, as such, a great time to have a pool.  LB and I are not the only ones who have enjoyed it. On Tuesday evening, Richard, Emily, Lydia, and Rory came by.  Lydia wanted Glammy to go swimming, but Glammy needs a swimsuit that will stay in place and is appropriate for community swim time.

It arrived Wednesday.

Favorite # THREE

My New Swimsuit

Mine is RED!

Although I didn’t have it in time for this first weeknight pool party of the summer, I’ll have it next time.

Luckily Lydia’s Mama and Daddy enjoyed swimming and playing in the pool with her.  Rory, however, did not want to participate.  She “told” me that she wanted to go back inside and play in the bath tub.  Lydia would eventually come in for her bath too, and where there is Lydia, there is creativity and imagination.

🛀

Favorite # FOUR

Bath Time

with all its particulars!

🦆

And last but not least, there is a new recipe in my life

Favorite # FIVE

Low Carb Chocolate Cupcakes

Read about my Low Carb Chocolate Cupcakes HERE!

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

Low Carb Chocolate Cupcakes

Wendy has been sticking to her KETO diet lately, and I’m proud of her for being so disciplined.  Although she hasn’t cheated (as far as I know), she has talked so much about chocolate cake that it won’t be long before she does.  She has one specific cake on her mind.  The cake she is longing for is one that was brought into work several months ago by one of the managers at our office.

That cake had a special ingredient…

Zucchini

When Wendy admitted to not knowing that there was a difference between liquid and dry measurements, I knew I would need to step in to help.

I told her I would try to duplicate the recipe.

On Tuesday she handed over 5 small zucchini,a zip top bag filled with cocoa powder, and a bottle of Stevia concentrate.  Seeing that she was serious, I committed to create this cake for her.

My low carb chocolate cupcake recipe was adapted from Lisa’s Low Carb Yum Best Low Carb Chocolate Cake Recipe.

This recipe makes 24 cupcakes, contains 96 calories, and 2.5 net carbs.  It requires planning ahead because unless you bake low carb/sugar-free regularly, you probably won’t have all the necessary ingredients on hand.

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 cup low carb sweetener (1:1 sugar replacement)

1/4 teaspoon Stevia concentrated powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)

8 large eggs (beaten)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 cups zucchini (shredded)

Using my food processor I shredded 4 small zucchini which is apparently the secret to making this low carb cake recipe so moist.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.  Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk coconut flour, sweetener, Stevia concentrate, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt.
  3. In a separate container whisk eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
  5. Stir in the shredded zucchini.
  6. Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling about halfway.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  8. Cool on wire rack.
  9. Once cool, frost with chocolate buttercream frosting, if desired.

I highly recommend frosting with chocolate buttercream frosting.  The recipe is from Lisa’s Low Carb Yum, is unbelievably tasty, and completely worth the extra calories!

 

 

Low Carb Chocolate Cupcakes

  • Servings: 24
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients

1 cup coconut flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 cup low carb sweetener (1:1 sugar replacement)

1/4 teaspoon Stevia concentrated powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)

8 large eggs (beaten)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 cups zucchini (shredded)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

In large mixing bowl, whisk coconut flour, sweetener, stevia concentrate cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt.

In a separate bowl whisk eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.

Combine wet and dry ingredients.

Stir in zucchini

Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling only halfway.

Bake for 15 18 20 or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool on wire rack. Once cool, frost with chocolate buttercream frosting, if desired.

prettyis.me

 

 

Wendy had a happy day!

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

Friday Favorites

On my way to work this morning I was listening to Mark Kaye and Meghan on 95.1 WAPE.

They were discussing their upcoming Hot Ones Challenge and welcomed James from 9 Ball Heaven Sports Grill & Billiards to the studio.

At 9 Ball Heaven, James offers a hot wing challenge to anyone who can eat 10 of his hot wings in 20 minutes.

If the challenge is met, there is a prize.

One of these: The hot wings are doused in James’ own chief sauce (made with ghost peppers).

Taking turns, Mark and Meghan each tried 3 wings from 9 Ball Heaven: 1 mild, 1 medium, 1 hot, while the other presented interview questions.

Mark went first.  He declared the mild wing to be delicious while Meghan asked him to name his last meal (food/drink) if he were on death row.  Mark said it would be those wings and a cold beer.

He then tried the medium wing which he described as appetizing and finally the hot wing while Meghan asked him to name 2 items he would want to have if he were stranded on a deserted island:

“AN AMBULANCE AND A DOCTOR”

was his immediate response.

He later changed his answer to ‘his inhaler and family’, but his first answer was indicative of the effect the hot wing had on him.

Meghan’s response was to this Hot Ones Challenge was hilarious.

She was so nervous that I was expecting she would back out.  I was laughing out loud to the point that I can’t even remember Mark’s interview questions for her, with the exception of the 3rd one:

With Meagan’s first taste of the hot “chief sauce” wing Mark asked her to sing Baby Shark.

This is what she said:

That wasn’t so bad…

WHOA… OH MY GOD… NO… Baby Shark Doo Doo Doo Doo… (sniff) Grandpa Shark…

I gotta GO

It was a great show and as I pulled into my dreaded office parking lot,  I think it may have been the first time I’ve ever arrived laughing!

Today my

Favorite # ONE

is

The Morning Mess with Mark Kaye and Meghan

By the way, I think this would be a good challenge for my nephew Kyle.

~

Favorite # TWO

Women’s Rosalynn Block Heeled Mule

(a birthday gift)

 

Thank you Richard and Emily!

~

Favorite # THREE

Earrings

(a birthday gift)(similar)

Thank you Stephanie and Amanda!

Also from my girls…

Favorite # FOUR

A Purrmaid Pool Float

and other pool time accessories:

Magical Unicorn Beverage Boats and Stretchy Fling FlamingosIt is about time for me to get in the pool.

Ordinarily, it would be considered past time to get in the pool.  But my pool doesn’t get warm until late June/early July

Now I have no excuse!

~

Favorite # FIVE

It’s Friday

and

I’m out of the office like

Happy Weekend!

 

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

 

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