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The Super Bowl Event

Every year, mid January, all of a sudden, as if some miraculous transformation has taken place, I am aware of what is happening in the world of football.  I can’t explain this, as I don’t follow football throughout the season.  But I’m happy to jump aboard and take part in the fun.

This year, to celebrate Super Bowl LII, LB invited some friends over to watch the game and eat.

 

Laurie and Wayne

Debbie and Ray

Clearly none of us are skilled in the use of photo booth props.

 

 

We had great food provided by everyone.  It was the usual party food such as an assortment of chips, dip and salsa, veggie platter, Hot WINGS, brownies and cookies.  There were also special treats like the smoked pork sliders, courtesy of Ray and Debbie, and buffalo cauliflower prepared by Laurie.

I was particularly excited about my

Jalapeno Popper Football Cheese Ball

It was a great big mess to prepare, but I thought it tasted delicious and everyone seemed to enjoy it

This is how I made it:

 

  • Using my Kitchen Aid mixer, I combined 16 oz. softened cream cheese, 8 oz. shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño, 3 Tbsp. chopped onion, 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.  It took a couple of minutes to mix everything together.
  • Once combined, I scooped out the cheese mixture and placed it on a piece of parchment.
  • Using cling wrap (so I didn’t have to touch the cheesy mess), I formed it into a football shape.
  • In a pan I fried 4 slices of bacon until crispy then placed on a paper towel to cool and then be broken into bits.
  • Using the same pan and a little bit of the bacon grease, I added 1/3 cup of Panko bread crumbs and lightly toasted, stirring  for about a minute or two until golden.
  • Next I covered the cheese ball with the toasted Panko and bacon bits, pressing firmly onto the cheese ball.
  • For the laces, I used a slice of pepper jack cheese.

 

And this is why I’m dieting hard today.

If you would like the original recipe, you can find it here on someone else’s blog.

 

 

One of the highlights of the program was the singing of the

National Anthem

by Pink, who had the flu, and still sang beautifully.

I was happy to see that many of the players showed respect.

It is worth watching:

 

 

Everyone was pulling for the Eagles initially.

With a final score of 41 to 33, the Eagles beat the Patriots and won their first Super Bowl title.

Fly Eagles Fly!

And we had a Great Time!

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

Kim

XO

 

Lunch Lady Brownies

Since baking is my superpower, I don the cape every other week or so and bake up a sweet treat using a recipe I’ve found on Pinterest.  Last week I made brownies, but not just any brownies.

I made

Lunch Lady Brownies

I don’t remember having brownies prepared by the Lunch Lady from my school cafeteria, however I’m fairly certain that there was nothing to be found in the school cafeteria that remotely resembled the brownies pictured on this page.

 

This is more like what I remember…and I don’t see any brownie.

If you search “Lunch Lady” on Pinterest you will discover many Lunch Lady recipes, and several variations of Lunch Lady Brownies.  I adapted (and by adapted, I pretty much mean copied) my recipe from one published by Holly Lofthouse.  The recipe on her blog Life in the Lofthouse is simple and the photos are more appealing than others I’ve seen.

The following are not the aforementioned photos.

But my cameraman took them for me and I like them.

My giraffe inspired KitcheAid makes short work of the brownie batter

The frosting is the best part… spread while the brownies are still slightly warm

It is a good idea to use foil for easy lifting from the pan

 

Here’s the recipe

Ingredients
  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and spray foil with non-stick spray.
  2. Combine the melted butter and cocoa powder; blend until smooth.
  3. Add the flour and sugar. Beat together then add eggs and vanilla. Mix just until combined. Don’t over mix. (Batter will be thick)
  4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and spread out evenly. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove brownies from oven and let stand 15 minutes before frosting.
Chocolate Frosting
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Beat together all the frosting ingredients until smooth. Pour and spread over warm brownies. Let cool completely before cutting and serving.

No kidding… these are the best brownies I’ve ever tasted!

 

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

Kim

XO

Friday Favorites

It’s Finally Friday again and I am looking forward to another wonderful weekend with my LB.

Today I am celebrating Friday and

Sharing my Favorites

Favorite # ONE

Groundhog Day

it is a celebrated tradition that is based on superstition.

Observed in the U.S. [and Canada] on February 2nd and originating with the Pennsylvania Dutch, it is said that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day sees a shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat to its burrow and winter will persist for six more weeks.  However, if it is cloudy, and no shadow appears, the spring season will arrive early.

Today, the little guy predicted six more weeks of winter…

This, my friend, will NOT STOP fashion bloggers from Spring Fashion trend posting.

 

Favorite # TWO

Groundhog Day

The Movie

A tale of a weatherman who finds himself mysteriously re-living Groundhog Day over and over again.

It was released in 1993 back when my parents had a movie date every Friday night.  After he saw this movie, my Daddy gave me a full synopsis, as best he could, laughing all the while.

He was especially tickled by the scene with Bill Murray driving recklessly through the town of Punxsutawney with little Punxsutawney Phil at the wheel.  My memory of him sharing this with me brings a smile to my face.

 

Favorite # THREE

Today I surprised Wendy with a pint of Halo Top

Having beat the traffic for an early arrival to work this morning, I decided to stop by the store to pick up a treat.  The only flavor in stock was Peanut Butter CupI busted into mine around 3:30 and polished off half of it.

 

Favorite # FOUR

Today LB surprised me with Concert Tickets

I was minding my own business, muddling through my workday, when I received a message from LB that he had purchased tickets to see:We’re going to see Huey Lewis and the News in April!

My nephew Clay will be SO JEALOUS!

Favorite # FIVE

It’s gonna be GOOD!

 

 

 

 

 

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

Kim

XO

A Bonus Mary Post

If you search the word “Mary” in the search field to the right, you will find that there are four pages of matches.  Some of my “Mary post” favorites are:

“Mary Duckworth Reid“

“August 1965“

and

“Happy Birthday to Me“.

Although “Mary” can be found in many of my posts, TODAY is her birthday and I feel that this necessitates another mention.

As I’ve indicated before, I call her

Mama

and this is for her…

 

Here’s a birthday wish to tell you
just in case you haven’t guessed… Of all the Mamas in the world
You’re the sweetest and the best.

 

Your CHICKADEES concur,
not a-one the least contrary…
You ARE the finest grandmother
they love their Mema Mary.

 

Some know you as their President, and also call you sister

Some others call you cousin

But no one calls you Mister.

Your friends, they all adore you
some for very many years

And when you get together
You are like the musketeers.

Throughout the years your patience
has continued every minute

You sweeten up our family,
I’m so glad to have you in it!

A finer model for “that quote”
in all the world there never was
What you’ve always tried to teach me…

Pretty is as Pretty Does

On this day I wish you gladness,
just like what you pass around.
May your joyfulness continue,
And your happiness abound.

 

WISHING YOU THE HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS AND MANY MORE!

 

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

 

 

The LB Calendar

A calendar is a system of organizing days for social, religious, commercial or administrative purposes.  This is done by giving names to periods of time, typically days, weeks, months and years.

The Gregorian calendar is internationally the most widely used civil calendar.  It is named after Pope Gregory XIII, who introduced it in October 1582 (source).

The LB calendar is a system of classifying LB by each month of the year for appreciation purposes.

Today is LB’s birthday,

and what better day could there be

to share how special he is to me.

In

January

He is The Birthday Boy

Last January we celebrated LB’s birthday in one of our favorite places… St. Simon’s Island.  There was, as always, music, dancing, presents, and cake.  Bennie’s Red Barn featured the Traveling Riverside Band and an evening of celebration.    This year will be someplace different, but just as celebratory!

In

February

He is my ValentineIn February 2017 we enjoyed Valentine’s Day together with dinner at Culhanes Irish Pub.  There must be Irish in his blood… as the following month would later prove.

In

March

He is My Good Luck Charm

“May the luck of the Irish Lead to happiest heights

And the highway you travel Be lined with green lights”

…just like LB’s blinking tie.

In

April

LB became My very own Cameraman

and now

He is My InspirationIt was in March 2017 that I started my blog.

LB began to follow me with his camera snapping pictures of everything I do.

Within a few weeks of blogging, I realized how his photos influence my posts as they remind me of the fun we have had.

In

May

Though spring fever typically takes hold and all I want to do is stay home and chill…

LB is My MotivationHe keeps me going.

His delightfully cheerful ways, light up my dreary days.

In

June

of this past year,

LB added a new skill to his resume…

 

Superhero.

 

LB and I took a 3 day vacation to celebrate my birthday.

On the last day of our trip, I had an experience that I hope not to relive.

As if he were straight out of a DC comic, he whisked me to the ER.

LB is My Hero(his Mustang is his superpower)

 

In

July

no matter what the weather

LB is My SunshineMy only Sunshine.

(he makes me happy when skies are grey)

 

In

August

and throughout the year

LB is the Reason that I SmileHe is always doing something to put a smile on my face.

 

In

September

When vacation time rolls around, there are new places to go.

Whether it be an outdoor adventure or a new outlet or boutique…

LB is My Exploration Escortand

My Bag Boy

In

October

LB is My Sidekick

…or maybe I’m his.

Last October

LB was the Joker to my Harlequin

In

November

He is a reason to be Thankfuland he looks good in my favorite color.

I am thankful for the days, months, and years we have spent together and am looking forward to the ones yet to come.

In

December

  of 2017, he saw me to the close of an ordeal that few would likely overcome.

LB is My White Knightand I am forever grateful!

 

LB is my Calendar Boy

and if I were as talented as Neil Sedaka, I would compose a tune to commemorate him!

 

Now it is January again and on this 26th day we celebrate another LB birthday!

Congratulations on your many years

And here’s to many more!

 

Happy Birthday LB!

~

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

 

Friday Favorites

Favorite # ONE

My Aunt Debbie

Yesterday was her birthday.

She is the youngest of six and my Mama’s “baby sister”.

Mama spent a lot of time looking for a favorite picture that I have of Debbie and myself from back in the day.  Sadly, it has mysteriously disappeared.  Debbie was only 11 years old when I was born.  At the time, she didn’t like me much.  When I was in high school, she was one of my best friends.  I would call her early every morning and she would pray with me before I headed off to school.

Favorite # TWO

Jacksonville Jaguars

Last Sunday the Jaguars delivered a game that even I couldn’t tear myself away from.

Despite playing in a hostile environment amongst fans [and referees] that wanted to see them lose and losing Myles Jack to a leg injury when they needed him most, the home team brought their A game to the AFC Championship.  I was proud of the Jaguars as they played hard against the Patriots last Sunday.  It was such a disappointment to see the outcome was not in their (our) favor.  Hopefully it will happen next season.

Favorite # THREE

Brownies

Since baking is my superpower, I pull out the cape [at least] every other week and bake up a sweet treat using a recipe I’ve found on Pinterest.  Last week I made brownies, but not just any brownies.

I made

Lunch Lady Brownies

You can find them in my Brownies, Blondies and Bars (Oh My) board on Pinterest

 

Favorite # FOUR

My

New Blouse

You can find it at venus.com

The comment was made that a picture of me wearing this blouse brought my Mema to mind.  My Mema Reid was vibrant, animated, and had a great sense of style.  I wish I had pictures of the great outfits she could pull together.

Favorite # FIVE

My Sweet LB

It’s his birthday today.You can read all about him here.

The Sincerest Form of Flattery

The Sincerest Form of Flattery?

If you had a Mama like mine (who likes to quote quotes) you know it is

IMITATION

that I’m talking about.

‘Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’ is a quote by Charles Caleb Colton,  meaning that imitating [or copying] someone or something is an absolute form of paying them a compliment.

Today I am complimenting two bloggers.  I have not asked for their permission to talk about them, but I can’t imagine that they would turn away any prompt to send visitors to their blogs.

First up is J.

She is the author of J’s Everyday Fashion and the first fashion blogger I began following.

Back in 2012 J would find inspiration in a picture of a well dressed model and then she would pull items from her own closet to create the same or a similar outfit, without spending money to buy the advertised article(s) of clothing.  Though her blog has changed just a bit, she is still very creative.  She describes her blog as “not a personal style blog, but the study of one girl’s closet”.

Click here for an example of her “peachy keen” outfit and the picture that provided the inspiration.

Today I am imitating J’s blogging styleby using an inspiration photo that I first saw on Instagram, and recreating it from items in my own closet.

 

 

 This inspiration outfit belongs to a blogger named Shauna, author of ChicOver50.

My cropping of this photo is in no way meant to be offensive, this is how I save outfits to my stylebook app.

You’ll be able to find the full picture on her site.

 

 

Vest: Classy Crossroads Boutique, (similar)
Sweater: Venus, $30
Jeans:  Lauren Conrad @ Kohl’s, $50
Shoes: Kenneth Cole, $39
Scarf: Target, old (similar, similar)
Earrings: gift (similar)
Sunglasses: Coach, prescription Target Optical

 

 

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

Kim

XO

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