Wild Card Wednesday-A Leap of Faith

 Special thanks to Maeve Holler

Lately I have been struggling with what to write about on Wednesdays so instead of sticking to one thing-I'm going to have a Wild Card Wednesday. Basically, anything I want to write about-I will. The next couple of weeks I will be focusing on Leaps of Faith-both with myself and all the wonderful peeps out there. So....sit back and enjoy the ride. I guarantee your stomach will drop and you will feel a little woozy but you will beg for more.

I'm not sure if many of you know, but I worked for a crisis line for almost 8 years. I have seen and heard just about everything. I saw the worst in people-literally. Recently I decided to leave. I didn't leave because I was burned out. I love helping people but decided that I wanted to do something different in my life. Now, here's where the crazy part comes in. For the first time in my life, I didn't have a solid back up plan. No solid job to go to, not a huge year amount of savings. Just an idea to venture out to a new life and an awesome husband supporting me. It is the first time that I didn't have a plan "B". I know it seems scary and sometimes it is to me but it has also renewed my faith in myself, my family and friends. Because I don't have a lot of extra cash (really, who does these days) it makes me appreciate what I have more and is allowing me to rediscover what and who are important to me. I am taking time to spend with my husband, my dogs and myself. It is a beautiful feeling.

So, when I said I didn't have a plan "B", I wasn't completely honest. I do sorta. Actually, I have lofty ideas. I want to go back to school and get my degree in Spanish/Rural studies. I want to work with family farms and farm workers. What I really want to do is to show the connection between rural and urban communities and how we can work together. I also want to preserve the history of the family farm/rural community.

Am I scared of what's around the corner? You bet, but I'm even more excited! Will I stay this positive and level headed? I hope so. I know there will be rough days and I'm this is a huge thing for me to jump into. Sometimes you just need to take that first leap and see how you land.

Do you have a leap of faith story? Something you just dived into? Let me know! I want you to inspires us.

Tie One On Tuesday!

One thing that I am so passionate about is the history of the cocktail. If you look at  what people were drinking at certain times, you can tell the climate of the world. 1900 brought the death of Queen Victoria, the Wright Brothers flew their plane in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina and San Francisco had a horrible earthquake followed by a 3 day fire. So many amazing changes came during the first ten years of century. So many wonderful cocktails chronicled the times.

The Original Negroni was named after an Italian gentleman who ordered the same drink every day. Nowadays the cocktail is considered a Aperitif  to stimulate the the appetite for dinner. Although the drink originated in Europe, it rose to popularity in the US during the early 1900's.

The Original Negroni
1 oz. Campari (in the family of bitters)
1 oz Gin
3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
Combine all ingredients in an ice filled shaker. Shake until well chilled and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

The Old Fashioned is considered the very first cocktail. Although the drink was around  before 1900 it hit it's height of popularity during 1900-1910.The drink was served at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky and to some it is the perfect concoction of what a cocktail should be. A little hooch, a sweet and a bitter.

Old Fashioned
1 sugar cube
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
2 orange slices
3 oz bourbon
Cherry for garnish
Place the sugar cube at the bottom of an old fashioned glass
Saturate the cube with bitters
Add one orange slice and muddle
Fill the glass with ice 
Add the Bourbon
Garnish with a cherry and the other orange slice. 


Another drink that came about a few years before 1900 but rose up through the ranks is a Tom Collins. First off, there was never a man named Tom Collins. There was a Jerry Thomas( he is considered the father of American mixology). So, the Tom part comes from the type of gin used and the Collins was named after the type of glass used. The lore around Tom Collins continues, but I will tell you that regardless of who or what Tom Collins is-I love this drink. 

Tom Collins
2 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
1 tsp superfine sugar 
3oz club soda
1 cherry for garnish
1 orange slice
In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine the gin, lemon juice, and sugar. Shake well. Strain into a Collins glass almost filled with ice cubes. Add the club soda. Stir and garnish with the cherry and the orange slice.

So, what do our cocktails tell us about our history during the early 1900's? Like our world history our cocktails are full of flavor, have a dash of mystery and  wet our appetite for bigger and better things. Until next week! Bottoms up!

That's What Mama Likes

Yesterday was Mother's Day. I hope all the moms out there had a wonderful day. Even though my mother passed away 9 years ago, I still miss her. I miss her laugh. She didn't laugh, she cackled. When I was a kid, I was so embarrassed of that laugh. Now I realize that it was the best belly laugh on the planet. It meant that she was having a good time, throwing her head back and wanted everyone to know that the world shouldn't be taken so seriously. Now what does my mother have to do with movies-a lot! She loved a comedy and to honor her, I am sharing with you a few of her favorites. I'm not claiming these to be the best, but they brought a smile to her face.

When my mom was going through a rough time, we watched Blind Date over and over again. She didn't really like Bruce Willis (does anyone?) she loved John Larroquette. Every time he went a little crazy, that loud cackle came bellowing out. I have to admit, the movie was pretty funny. Bruce goes out with Kim Basinger and she has an allergy to alcohol. Well, of course you know what happens-she drinks and craziness ensue. John plays her ex boyfriend that wants her back. It is a definite winner to lift your spirit.

My mother LOVED Nick Nolte. I'm glad that she passed away before he went crazy homeless guy on us. She would have been disappointed. I'm sure in her best southern voice she would say, "Bless his heart, he can't help it. He's a drunk homeless mess." and all would be forgiven. 48 hours was Nick Nolte at his finest. The comedy was raunchy, the voice was hoarse and that's just the way my mom liked it. Nick Nolte plays a cop who works with con Eddie Murphy to solve a crime.Eddie may have stolen the movie but Nick stole my mom's heart.  The movie was so popular that they made a second one.

 Good old mom loved a man's man. She loved the bad boys. I remember asking her why she married my dad and her reply was, " He looked good in his uniform, not to mention, he had a tattoo." and my dad's reply-"She could stop traffic-36-24-36" Ain't love grand? Another thing my mother loved was a mustache. She again thought they were for bad boys, which is probably why she loved Burt Reynold in the role he was meant to play as the Bandit in Smokey and The Bandit. We even had a Trans Am-don't judge! It was the 70's and we were cool! Jackie Gleason as Sheriff Buford T. Justice is prize winning. The banter between him and his mind numbing son is hysterical. I am not ashamed to admit that I own this movie. How can you not love a movie about bringing Coors beer across the Tex-arcana border? Really? Coors? Maybe that's what made my mom laugh so hard.

Those are just three little gems that made my mom smile. To this day, I will pop in one of these great films and can hear her cackle, oh wait, that's me. Love you mom-thanks for passing on your passion for a good laugh and the loudness to let everyone know.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

I'm turning over Scrappy Dog Sunday to Jujube. This is her Mother's Day card to Lola. 

Happy Mother's Day Mom! Sometimes I feel alone.

But then I realize that you are right there beside me. 

You keep me snuggled and warm. 

You can be silly with me...

But most of all you love me. Thanks for always barking at me and making me do the right thing. You're my best friend.

Love, your super cute and very talented daughter-Jujube

Happy Mother's day to all the moms of fuzzy babies out there. Thanks for bringing sunshine, joy and treats into little lives. You make a big difference in the world.

Sweet Saturday

Maybe it's because I have always secretly loved Alice in Wonderland or just because having a tea party is so much fun. Dressing up, having cakes and tea. It brings out the little girl in me.  I don't think there is any prettier way to add color to your average sugar cube than with these adorable royal icing flowers. They are so easy to make. I got these flowers at our local cake decorating shop but you could make your own. All you need is a little bit of royal icing to "glue" the flowers to the sugar cubes. Let them sit over night and then when you have your tea, drop one in and watch the flower float to the top as sugar cube melts. It will brighten your morning or put a smile on your guest's face at your next brunch.

Now I hear you-sweet just isn't your thing.How about a little bit of spice to take the edge out of that sweetness. These Hot Mexican Chocolate cookies will definitely wet your appetite.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter at room tempature
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees, with racks in the upper and lower thirds. 
• In a medium bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.
• In a large bowl, blend  11/2 cup sugar and butter, use an electric mixer on medium (if you have a kitchen maid, use that-trust me-it won't be as messy or hard to mix). Mix until sugar and butter are fluffy (around 2 minutes)
• Add eggs and beat to combine
• Gradually add flour mixture and beat until combined.
• In a small bowl, combine 1/4 sugar and cinnamon and chili powder (if using). 
• Using a heaping tablespoon, form balls of dough and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture. 
• Place a few inches apart on parchment lined baking sheets.
• Bake until cookies are set in center and they begin to crack-about 10 minutes, Rotate on rack half way through. 5 minutes on top, 5 minutes on bottom. Transfer cookies to cooling rack. If stored in air tight container, they will last a week. 

Let me tell you-OMP can not keep his hands out of the cookie jar with these little babies! They are going to be in definite rotation.

A little sweet and a little spice for next special occasion or just to treat yourself. Come to think of it,  isn't that what everyone needs in life? A special sweet occasion with a dash of spice. Enjoy!

Feel Good Friday!

Special thanks to Uros Petrovic

Wow! What a crazy week it has been! Even though the week has been crazy the weekend is going to be nice and relaxed. The sun is shining and it's actually going to be warm this weekend! Can you believe it? Since the sun has put a smile on my face, let's see if I can do the same for you.

Do you love aprons? I do! I hardly wear them to cook but I love wearing them around the house. Just so I can look like the cute little alt-country housewife. You should check out Calamity Kim's blog! She is giving away the cutest apron ever! Even if aprons aren't your thing, check her out anyway. You will find something you love-I know I have. 

Recently I was in the button swap on Feeling Stitchy and got the cutest buttons ever from Rectangel. They are going on my green cameo sweater.

Things I remember from growing up: weird beer shampoo that I always wanted to try but my mom said she didn't want me smelling like the town bum or Tangee lipstick-it goes on clear and turns the color you want (if you want orange) or my favorite shoe in the world-Tretorns in red or black if you wanted to be fancy. Well, if you are like me and pine away at the good old days and wonder where you can get that beer shampoo then I have the place for you. The Vermont Country Store has all these things and more. Are you looking for that candy you just had to have when you were a kid-they have it (except Marathon bars-shoot!). I could spend hours on this website waxing about the good old days.

I usually don't advocate having your pups help with baking. Some people are a little whoozy when it comes to dog fur (I just don't understand) but this is just too adorable! He's helping!

Well my little chickadees! Hope this helps lift your spirits, bring a smile to your face and  puts you in a better mood. I know it has me! I am off to enjoy some much needed sunshine. Have a wonderful weekend! 

Love is life.
And if you miss love,
you miss life.
-Leo Buscaglia

Puppy Patterns!

I was recently going through my patterns and found these adorable puppy patterns. I absolutely love vintage patterns. I truly believe that they are a piece of history. What better way to see what the average woman was doing during her day.

I love any pattern that shows someone or something stitching. Her little wink is just too cute.

This little lady has a lot of mixing to do! Her little puff cuffs are the best

Oh my goodness! Be careful and don't burn your paws! Poor little pooch!

This one reminds me of Lola Mae. I like to think she looks this cute and innocent while waiting for me in the window. Hey, I can dream. 

Happy stitching!

Tie One On Tuesday!

Arriba! I feel a fire in my belly and for the first time it's not the salsa at the local Mexican joint. It's my favorite Mexican cocktails to celebrate our annual Cinco de Mayo festival (by our festival, I mean Mark and I have dinner).

Lake Chapala is the largest fresh water lake in Mexico, and apparently a tasty drink. It is a very simple drink that has a wonderful fruit taste to it. After a few of these, you will want to go skinny dipping in the nearest body of water.

Chapala Cocktail
 1 1/2 ounces premium Tequila - I'm a fan of Patron
  1/2 ounce Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
  1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
  2 teaspoons Grenadine
  1/2 teaspoon Triple Sec Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh fruit.

Oh my goodness! I do love a spicy cocktail. The combo of spicy and lime will clear your sinuses and make you smell fruity fresh. This cocktail is so good, it could make the devil weep.

Sweet and Spicy Diablo
2 cilantro leaves
1 Serrano chili sliced 1/4-inch thick, seeds removed
4 ounces tequila blanco
1 ounce lime juice
1 ounce simple syrup
Combine cilantro and chili in a cocktail shaker and muddle well. Pour in tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup and shake well. Strain drink into a rocks glass and garnish with a slice of Serrano chili.

Last but not least is a good old fashion Margarita. You can pretty much add any flavor to a Margarita and it will taste great. Strawberry?  Mango? Cucumber? It doesn't matter-it's still a tasty treat. A Margarita has three simple ingredients and really is one of the easiest cocktails you can ever make. You can have it on the rocks or blended (slushy) .

Classic Margarita
1 1/2 ounces Tequila
1/2 ounce Triple Sec
1 ounce lime juice
Line the rim of a cocktail glass with lime juice, and dip in salt. Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into the glass, and serve.

Here you go muchachos and muchachas, some wonderfully delicious cocktails to celebrate your 5th of May! You can go sweet, spicy or salty-the decision's yours. Just remember to be careful and drink responsibly , don't go mistaking that jerk at the end of the bar in a bad colorful sweater for a candy filled pinata.

Dios Mio!

Hola Amigos! Cinco De Mayo is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate the victory of the Mexican Militia over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 than with some of my favorite Mexican movies. So, when you are on your next siesta , sit back and watch some of Mexico's finest imports. 

Okay, so this has NOTHING to do with Cinco De Mayo, Militias or even the French but it does have to do with fighting for what's right and one of my favorite past times-Lucha Libre. I can not get enough of  Los Campeones Justicieros. Describing this movie is as easy to describe as making a Margarita. Take one part evil scientist, two parts Lucha Libre and sprinkle with little people wearing superhero costumes and you have the perfect recipe for a campy action packed fun. It doesn't matter if you can speak the language (there are no subtitles) watching a gang of masked wrestlers riding motorcycles through the lush  Mexican countryside is worth the price of admission alone. 

Keeping with the theme of not having a thing to do with Cinco de Mayo is my next favorite Mexican film, Brainiac. Baron Vitelius is convicted of consorting with the devil and the penalty is death. The Baron vows revenge as he burns to death. Fast forward to present day Mexico (well 50's Mexico) and the Baron is resurrected as the forked tongue beast that devours the brains of the living. There are so many questions concerning this movie but my biggest one is how many flamethrowers does it take to destroy the Brainiac? The world will never know.

The last but not least Mexican film in my Cinco  De Mayo tribute is an atmospheric Gothic tale of romance and blood sucking, El Vampiro (The Vampire), is one of the better Vampire movies ever made. You can cut the style of the film (and the fog) with a knife. Well acted, with a classic look that rivals a lot of the early Hollywood Horror flicks.

I'll admit it-these films have really nothing to do with Cinco De Mayo except the fact they were filmed in Mexico. I like to think that these wonderful actors channeled the fighting Militia on that May day and rose to the challenge of becoming their characters and entertaining us to the best of their abilities. Maybe that's just a tad too noble, but I for one, will raise my monster size margarita and salute those fine thespians of Mexican cinema.


     

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

I have three little dogs. The girls are my vicious  hunters. They can catch a mouse, hunt a bird and basically make sure that our yard is free of varmints..... then there's Pete-our boy Min Pin.

Pete lives in his own world. There's not a lot that goes on his world. He has mastered the art of being a gentleman of leisure. 

Some people say to let sleeping dogs lie - but I just can't resist tickling the belly.

Oh! I'm sorry, did I interrupt your nap? Sorry Pete - didn't mean to harsh your mellow.

I expect Pete to yell at me that there is a beverage here in his best Jeffrey Lebowski voice.

I think I want to live in Pete's world. Wonder if there is a vacancy.

If April Showers Bring May Flowers....

Remember the old riddle-If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? - Pilgrims! I always told my mom that joke and each time I thought I was pulling something over on her. Yeah - I was a funny kid. I've been getting a little tired of the rain but know that it will help the grass grow green, the flowers bloom a little fuller and provide us with drinking water during the summer time So, to tied me over when it's raining, I watch these enlightening movies about our puritanical friends - the Pilgrims.

The Devil and Daniel Webster, also known as All That Money Can Buy, is a 1941 classic tale of instant gratification, greed and sorrow. A poor farmer makes a pact with Mr. Scratch for seven years of good luck. Although it seems like he  has everything he wants - he is still lost. After 7 years, Mr. Scratch comes to collect on the debt. Daniel Webster steps in to help his farmer friend. A little known fact - there really is a Daniel Webster and he was highly regarded during the Antebellum period. The Simpsons did a parody of this story which is almost as great as the film.

I remember reading Nathaniel Hawthorne's book The Scarlet Letter when I was in high school. I was outraged that young Hester was singled out as such a horrible woman. Only the 1926 silent movie version of this book has truly captured the passion and sorrow of our young heroin. A beautiful Lillian Gish plays Hester and does a command performance as the shunned woman in a Puritanical society. It is well worth the watch.

A more recent film is The Piano. This is one of Holly Hunter's greatest roles. She plays a mute woman who has an arranged marriage to a man in New Zealand. Life is very rugged for her, not only the terrain, but also the relationship with her husband. Once she begins teaching piano to a very sensual Harvy Keitel (I can not believe I used sensual and Harvey Keitel in the same sentence) her life begins to change. It is a story of triumph and love set in the 1850's.

So, as I transition out of this rainy seasons and wait for my flowers to bloom, I'll sit back and watch a few of my founding fathers and mothers learn about hard work, break through stereotypical molds and find true love. It looks like not much has change in a couple hundred years-aren't we still learning those lessons and breaking those molds and as for love-we will always be searching for that. Okay-enough with the heavy stuff, I'm gonna see if my joke will work on OMP for the 20th time.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

I think I found Lola's long lost twin.

Lola

Her twin Eddy. Now, Eddy really isn't her twin but he could be.

Eddy.......

Lola.....

And Eddy....

The resemblance is uncanny. Let's hope Eddy is a bit better behaved.

Feel Good Friday!

We made it through the week and ready for the weekend! YES! I am so ready for some cocktails and relaxtion! I'm also ready to share some happies with you. Are you ready to have a smile put on your face? Well, let's get to it!

I love cutey things. They put a big smile on my face and remind me never to take anything too seriously. Life will happen, but in the end you have a choice to be happy or not. I choose happy! I also choose to wear a tiara and think that these are good every day tiaras. Ya know-when you go to the store in your sweats or just lounging around the house.   Roxy Creations made these adorable crowns for her friend's children but I think they are perfect for any age.  If you want to find out more about them, check out her blog.

I can't remember if I have told you about one of my favorite websites, Indie Fixx. If I have, then I'm telling ya again. If I haven't-welcome to Indie Fixx! Contest! Pen Pal Program! Free Art! This site has it all. I could spend hours on this site and never see the same thing twice.

Remember early this week when I went to see The Pioneer Woman? Well, I have been obsessing about cooking and food every since. Lucky for me, I found a great site that shares my obsession. Foodzie is a website that sells artisan food and gifts.  It's like having having a farmer's market at your fingertips. There is something for everyone at different price ranges, just don't be like me and surf it when you are hungry-you may end up with one of everything.


I've been told that I must put up animal pictures on Feel Good Friday-one reader said it made her day and I just can't let her down. So, here's an animal for you! This animal also happens to be one of my husband's heros.

Okay all you animals! Get out there and make a difference! Put a smile on someone's face! Shake those money makers! Have a great weekend! You deserve it!

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.~ Buddha

A Few of My Favorite Things

Raindrops on Roses? Whiskers on Kittens? Are these a few of your favorite things? Wanna know what some of my favorite things are? Swaps! I love a good swap-don't you? Nothing is better than getting a surprise in the mail~ I've decided to host my first Blog swap and the theme is My Favorite Things. So if you want to join, fill out the form and email it to me. Sign up's will be for 2 weeks. PLEASE only sign up if you have time to commit! NO FLAKERS! Everyone will get something! Here are the guidelines:

What: My favorite Things Swap

When: Sign ups-April 21st-May 5th
             Crafting May 5th-June 5th
             Send out by June 5th

Guidelines:
1.Must send 1 small and 1 medium (1 small is 1-2 hours or $5.00, 1 medium is 3 hours or $10.00) You can spoil your partner more but that is the minimum. Please try to be crafty!
2.You must feel comfortable giving your email and address to someone so they can chat with you and mail your swap package to you. I also require a DC# to track the package.
3. Answer the questionnaire and email it to me with the title "Favorite Things Swap". My email is v1313@hotmail.com
4. I will have  create a flickr group for us to post all of our goodies (that sounds so naughty!)
5. THE MOST IMPORTANT! You have to publicly follow my blog.


Okay....Now on to the questions! Remember to email me with your answers-do not post here.

Name:
Real name and address formatted for shipping, with country:
Allergies:
Favorite things-Likes:
Dislikes:
Favorite colors/color combos:
Favorite quotes/sayings/mottos:
Do you collect anything?
Favorite crafts to receive:
Favorite supplies to receive:
Favorite Scents:
Scents you dislike:
Are you willing to ship out of the US?
Please list any other kind of specific extra (not necessarily a crafted item) that would give you happies if you were to receive? (bookmarks, pictures of kittens, whatever)

I am SOOO excited! C'mon and sign up! It will be a blast!

Candyland!

It's no secret that I love candy! Sour candy, gummi candy, chocolate. You name it-I probably love it-except for circus peanuts-those things creep me out. I also love a good cocktail so when I get the chance to combine the two-watch out! I will be on cloud nine for days! Here are a few of my favorites.

Remember Sweet Tarts when you were a kid-the sour edgier brother of smarties? Well, you can now have the alcohol version of it. It is so yummy and definitely has pucker power!

Sweet Tart
1/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/4 oz pineapple juice
1/4 oz Raspberry liqueur
1 oz. vodka
 Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a shot glass. Another adult version of a candy great.

Oh Orange Creamsicles! How I love thee even though you melted down my arm as I tried to finish you on a hot day.  Well, this version will definitely not cause you to be a sticky mess( unless you have too many of them).

Orange Creamsicle
1 oz. Cointreau
1 oz light cream
1 oz. orange juice
1 oz. vodka
Shake all ingredients with ice in a shaker. Serve in a highball glass filled with ice.

OMP loves Reeses Peanut butter cups! I personally have not tried this drink yet but i think it would be a great after dinner dessert cocktail for all you chocolate peanut butter fanatics.

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
2 tbsp. chocolate syrup
2 tbsp. peanut butter
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 1/2 oz. coconut rum
1 1/2oz. vodka
Blend until smooth and pour into a cocktail glass. Drink with a straw. This would be a great non alcoholic version for the kids too. Add coconut milk instead of the rum.

Oh my goodness! I'm in a sugar coma from all these fun candy drinks! After a few of these sweet treats, your inner child will be dying to get out and do that little kid dance that you are so famous for.  Bottoms up!