Tie One On Tuesday

I'm taking a break from my usual cocktail hour to focus on some nonalcoholic drinks for the kiddies. Now lift those collective sad faces. I'll be back next week with some monstrous spirits but for today, we gotta take care of the kiddles, Haloween style.

This kiddie beverage sounds so wonderful that I may have to make it for myself, plus, the name makes me giggle. Boo Beverage is a fruity and creamy drink that kids will just love.

Boo Beverage
2 cups orange juice
2 cups milk
2 pints orange sherbet
4 ripe bananas
2 cups whipped topping
miniature chocolate chips
In small batches, blend the orange juice, milk, sherbet and bananas in a blender until smooth.
Pour into glasses.
Cut a hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; fill with whipped topping. Pipe a ghost shape on top of each beverage. Position chocolate chips for eyes.

Okay, I found this one on another site and couldn't refuse it by the name alone. It has nothing to do with Halloween, the name just grosses me out.

Day Old Bathwater.
1 12 ounce can of frozen lemonade
1 12 ounce can of frozen pink lemonade
1 12 ounce can of frozen limeade
1/2 gallon rainbow sherbert
Set out cans of lemonade, limeade and sherbert out to thaw (about 45 minutes before serving)
After 15 minutes, scoop out sherbert and mix until it becomes a brownish color and then pour into punch bowl.
Prepare lime and lemonade according to can and pour over brown mixture
For extra scum, take the remaining sherbert,  mix up until brown and float on top of the punch
Special thanks to www.countessbloodshalloweenhorror.com for the recipe

Pumpkin is the king of the Halloween world! A simple pumpkin smoothie will put a smile on those little ghouls faces.

Pumpkin Smoothie
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
3/4 cup milk or vanilla yogurt
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. brown sugar
4 ice cubes
Combine ingredients in blender and puree until smooth.

Pour the smoothies into small glasses (this drink is rich) and garnish each with a dollop of vanilla yogurt or whipped topping.
For a fun touch, add a pinch of cinnamon or a few colored sprinkles.


Perfect mocktails for your perfect little monsters. These drinks are wonderful for a trick or treating get together or just hanging out with your mummy...get it, mummy....Hello? Is this thing on?

BOO!

I love scary movies! I don't know what it is but horror movies ranging from silly to down right scary just get my blood pumping.

Ghost stories are the scariest movies to me. You can outsmart of outrun a monster or a killer but when you can't see what is messing with ya, all bets are off for your survival.

My first real scare was when Poltergeist came out. I remember seeing that movie as a preteen and being scared for weeks. The wonderful thing about this movie is that it still holds up well. Tell me that you are not scared of snow on the TV and I will call you a liar! At night, if the channel goes out and you get snow on your TV-you wet your pants. You can admit it and you can thank Poltergeist for that. I'm not even gonna start on the clown.

The innocents is absolutely brilliant. It will scare you,  but in a slow, "am I going crazy" kind of way. The opening credits alone will have you hiding under your blanket. Deborah Kerr plays a nanny who believes that the children and the house she is watching over is haunted. She thinks that it is her duty to take matters into her own hands and help the children.

I saw Ringu at a second run theater and was completely blown away. I became obsessed with Japanese horror and ghost stories and couldn't get enough of them. Apparently, I wasn't the only one bitten by the Japanese horror bug, many American studios jumped on the bandwagon and remade wonderful Japanese horror movies into weak, teen shockers. I'll admit, I'm a little bitter-but I'll save that for another day. Ringu tells of a video tape that if watched, will kill you. They could have just shown the video tape over and over to me and I would have been scared out of my wits! Creepy! The 2001 UK DVD release cover carries a disclaimer, stating that the distributor accepts no responsibility for "for any injuries or fatalities that may occur during or after the viewing of this videocassette. How is that for good marketing...or bad.


There are so many good ghost stories out there that I could go on and on, but I will save you from my words and just allow you to soak these three in. Make sure that you watch them with the lights on, just in case you feel a cold  hand on your shoulder.

Feel Good Friday

 special thanks to auntpeaches.com

It seems like it's been forever since I've hit ya'll up with a Feel Good Friday. I need to make up for lost time!


October is here! One of my favorite months. It starts the season of celebration, which doesn't stop for me until Easter. No wonder summer is so lazy for me, I need time to recoup from all the celebrating!

October can mean many things. It can mean Shocktober....

Ghost and Stories is a great site for all your paranormal needs. You can find great stories, pictures and even games! It might be a little too scary for the younger ghouls but all you old crypt keepers will love it.

For others, October means, Rocktober.Yep, pretty sure I would be rockin' in these shoes.

My friend Ellen brought these shoes to my attention this morning and I'm pretty sure I need to mortgage my house to get them. She also turned me on to a great blog, The Terrier and Lobster. She's good like that.



I think for me, my favorite is Tocktober. Who can resist a cute little butt? (And you thought I was going to put up a picture of OMP's butt, well, I was but he promptly took it down!)

Whatever October means to you, make sure you get out there and enjoy the crisp fall air and while you're at it, grab some of that yummy candy being passed around. It will make you happy!

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on 
the feelings, as now in October." 
-  Nathaniel Hawthorne

Worms, the Other Dark Meat

WORMS! GROSS! I made these super gross jello worms for the latest Craftster video. They actually tasted pretty good but man, they gave me the shakes! The best part about this shoot was the clean up.

And now for the "how-to"...


PS-Heidi, don't watch, come back tomorrow for a non-worm post. xoxoxo

Keeping It Classy

Ya know, life isn't all about fun and games. You really need to be serious sometimes...

I mean, really have some respect for yourself...

Appearance and keeping up with the Joneses are two very important things to remember if you want to get ahead in this world...

People...let's keep composure during these trying times...

Really, I can't be silly all the time.

Tie One On Tuesday

Well, it was bound to happen, fall is here and the rainy season is upon us. Not that I mind at all, I actually like the rain (just as long as it's in the designated season).  Why, even last night we built a fire and curled up on the couch. It was wonderful.

As the season progresses, here are some yummy drinks for you to take that chill off.

Lately, my obsession has been anything with apple cider. I just LOVE it! One of my favorite nonalcoholic drinks is warm cider with Earl Grey Tea.

Brew up a cup of Earl Grey tea but substitute apple cider for water. This drink should be made in small batches, ideally one cup at a time. Anything more is overpowering and a waste.


If you are looking for something a bit stronger to warm your bones, try a Cinnamon Toast-just please don't drink it for breakfast, it might not go over too well with the boss.

Cinnamon Toast
1 1/4 oz. spiced rum
6 oz. hot apple cider
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Mix hot apple cider with rum.
Mix sugar and cinnamon together and coat the rim of the mug with the mixture.

This last cocktail isn't warm but it will definitely heat you up. This cocktail is a old family hunting recipe.

Hunter's cocktail
1 1/2 oz whiskey
1 1/2 oz cherry brandy
Mix together, put it in your flask and after a day out in the woods, let this little baby warm ya up.



Mmmmmmmm.......these yummy drinks will warm your bones and cure what ails ya. Whether it's a nice cup of tea or a shot of whiskey, you will be warm on the cool autumn nights. 

My Hair Should Have Its Own Blog

Recently I was reading a thread on Facebook about how someone felt unattractive. I was surprised by how many people chimed in that they felt the same way. It completely bummed me out that so many wonderful women and men have body image issues. These are people, who on every other level, have their entire life together, but when it came to being comfortable in their skin-they couldn't do it.

I started thinking about my own body and how I perceive it. I know I have days when I feel less than stellar but for the most part, I'm okay in my skin. I have spectacular boobs (sorry to offend, but they are damn great) and I love the way my tattoos look on my skin, each one is a piece of my history. Don't even get me started on my fab hair-it should have its own blog.

Now, there are things that aren't so great with my body. I have a huge gap in my teeth that I would love to fix once I have insurance-but it doesn't keep me from laughing my loudest and flashing a big smile. My body is less limber than it use to be  but I can dance when a great song comes on the radio. I do have a bit of a belly, but even then-I love my body. It has carried me through life and so far has been a pretty amazing vessel.

I guess what I am wondering is, what makes you love your outer skin as much has your love your inner being? What would it take for you to look in the mirror and instead of saying, "I'm fat, ugly and gross" to "I am curvy, beautiful and fabulous!"

We should love ourselves as a complete person. When it comes to the end of the day, even the end of our lives-we are truly all we have. Sure, we have friends and loved ones to be with us but our best friend should be ourselves.

Think about this, when a friend starts bad mouthing herself, do you say,"Goodness, you are right, lose some weight fatty." Of course you don't, and if you do-you need serious help, like a good pop on the head. You tell them how beautiful they are, how amazing they are, how wonderful it is to have them in your life. Why is it so hard to do that for yourself?

I guess my bottom line is, no matter what size, what "flaw" you have, you are you. There is no one out there exactly like you. There is no one who can laugh like you, who can smile like you and love like you. To me, that is mind blowing.

Always act like you're wearing an invisible crown.

~Author Unknown

Tie One On Tuesday

My friends Casey and Rey are getting married this week. Although they are stressing out, I am super excited to visit with old friends and partake in a beverage or two. So, to honor happy stressing couples everywhere, here are a few cocktails to request at your next wedding (be it your 5th marriage or your first).


I'm all about tradition and the bride definitely needs something blue. I think this cocktail should cover it.

Something Blue
2 oz Hpnotiq (this is a liqueur that is made of fruit juices and vodka)
2 oz white wine
1 oz Ginger ale
Mix all ingredients into a champagne flute and serve

Let's say you are craving a little cake but want it in liquid form. The Wedding Cake cocktail is right up your ally. I have seen several versions of the recipe, I am going to use the one with cream.

Wedding Cake
3/4 oz gin
3/4 oz Amaretto
1/4 oz orange juice
1/4 oz pineapple juice
1/4 oz cream
Pour the gin, Amaretto, orange juice, pineapple juice and cream in a blender with ice. Blend well.
Pour into a hurricane glass.

The last is a perfect cocktail to toast the lucky couple and their fine romance.

Fine Romance
1 1/2 oz Gin
1/2 oz Grand Marnier
2 dashes Grenadine
1 oz Passion Fruit Syrup
Mix together with crushed ice in a glass and garnish with mint leaves.

Big congrads to Casey for making an honest man out of Rey. You both are such wonderful, beautiful friends and I wish you years and years of happiness and yummy cocktails!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

The one thing I really hate about pets is that you will outlive them. It's inevitable. They come into our hearts, wrap us around their little paws, make us smile and when they know that we are in a good place and they have done their job on this earth, they are called away. This morning a dear, sweet friend of mine lost his wonderful terrier, Teddy.

I know that Teddy is in that big terrier playground in the sky, doing what most terriers do, digging, begging for treats, barking and destroying your favorite pair of shoes.

Teddy was a silly little man who made his friend very happy. Sadness fills my heart and today is a gentle reminder for me to give my pups extra love.

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.

Gilda Radner

Salivating Saturday

Man! Have I been slack lately! Boo on me! If I bake you a quiche, will you forgive me? I know it's not cake but I've been craving a quiche, so there ya go.

Little bit of a back story...this week has been crazy busy for us and that means we haven't been able to get to the grocery store. Anyhoo, for a few weeks I've been craving quiche and I finally broke down and baked one. The only problem is, you guessed it, I haven't been to the store and I didn't have all the ingredients for the quiche I wanted. So, instead, I made a whatchagot quiche. It includes any ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients:
Really, whatever you have on hand, but the essentials and a few of my favorites are...
ready to serve deep dish pie crust
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup half and half cream
5 pieces of extra crispy bacon, crumbled
3/4 cup of swiss cheese
French's onion rings sprinkled

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
In a medium bowl, mix the bacon, onions, and cheese. Place this mixture in the unthawed pie crust.
Mix the eggs and half and half in a bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the cheese mixture.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F and bake for an additional 35 minutes, until top of quiche begins to turn brown.
Don't overbake or your quiche will be rubbery.

Awwww yeah! My whatchagot quiche is so yummy and it saves me another day of going to the grocery store. I cut the quiche into individual slices and froze half so next time I have a craving, I can just warm it up.

Sneak Peak Part Two, The Return of the Sneak Peak

Scary stuff coming at ya! Look what else is in store for you!

Scary, Scary dip..coming up from the depths of hell...AH HA AH!!!!

Cupcakes that will give you a cavity...horrible!

The scariest, most gross thing you will ever see, I'm saving for the video. I don't want to give you all the spoilers!

Tie One On Tuesday

Why hello fall, you are looking mighty apple-y. Fall is just a few days away and that means lots of apples!


 The easiest and probably one of the yummiest apple drinks is a Autumn Delight

Autumn Delight
2oz scotch
6oz apple cider
Fresh cinnamon 
Pour scotch and cider into a shaker with ice, pour into an old fashion glass and dust with fresh ground cinnamon. Easy peasy!


Next on the list is a yummy twist and will give you something to do with all the basil left over from the summer

Basil North
4oz apple juice
2oz vodka
2 basil leaves
juice from 1 lemon
dash of sugar
Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice, pour into a martini glass.

Let's see what I can find to keep you warm on the chilly nights and help you fall into a deep slumber.

Hot Apple Toddy
2oz apple brandy

1 tsp sugar
hot apple cider
Mix brandy, hot cider and sugar together in a mug, garnish with cinnamon. If you need extra smoothness, coat the bottom of the mug with honey.

Yahoo! It's fall! Time to pull out the sweaters, have a nice fire and pour yourself a yummy apple drink.  Your tummy and mood will thank you!

Super Sneak Peak Sunday!

I just wrapped up the latest Craftster video and wanted to give you a sneak peak. It's so devilish!

It's ripe for the picking...

It's a ghoulish delight...

EEEP!!!! You are gonna love it! In the meantime, check out Craftster.org for more videos, crafts and fun!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Who's the most handsome boy in the whole world?

Who barks, "MOM!" then runs and hides under the couch? Such a teenager!

Who gives me the look to stop taking pictures or she was going to bite my face off, but in a loving, leave me alone kind of way?

And last, who likes to remind their puppies that it's tough love?

WIP 4 Seasons

Well, we had our two weeks of summer and now fall is upon us. Know that that means? Scary movies, fires, lots and lots of stitching. There is something about fall and winter that just make me want to curl up with a good black and white film and stitch until sunrise. Add some apple cider and I'm in heaven.

My dear friend Becky knows I am a sucker for a vintage pattern and when she stumbled across this at a thrift store, she thought of me and knew I would be more than willing to stitch it up. It is the four seasons with a sun dial in the middle. I'm not really what color to do the middle yet.

Here is the entire piece. It is about a foot in length and maybe 10 inches wide. I have no idea what I am going to do with it once I'm finished. Any suggestions?


Winter

Spring

My little space heater and critic

What are you working on for fall?

4am Thoughts

UGH! It's 4am and I can't sleep. I normally don't get up at 4am. I get up at 5 and that seems okay to me. Ya know, have some time to check email, have some breakfast, not rush before work but for some reason, I'm up at 4am and it just seems like a weird time to me. It's like the hour before everything starts to happen. It's just not right.

Anyhoo,  I began to write this prolific post about loving yourself, being good to yourself and acceptance, but when I went back and reread what I wrote, it just sounded ridiculous (how's that for acceptance?) So instead, here are top 10 things that you should love.

1. Yourself
2. Yourself
3. Yourself
4. Yourself
5. Yourself
6. Yourself
7. Others
8. Life
9. puppies
10. kittens

Pretty mind blowing, huh? C'mon, what do you expect? It's 4am in the morning! Fine, I'm just gonna fix a bowl of Capt. Crunch and watch cartoons.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

 Via The Nesconset Fired Depatment

Today is 9/11, a dark day in United States history. As we remember today, and still try to heal from such a horrible event. I am here to celebrate the animals that helped that day. Without canine rescue dogs, the toll would have been higher.


Not only did the rescue dogs help first responders, but they also lifted their spirits. They were there for the responders to pet, hug and just hold when they needed someone. They gave a gentle smile, a warm heart and an unconditional love that only a dog can give. It's as if they said, "we will get through this together."

Bretagne is one such dog. This 13 year old golden retriever is trained to find people in disasters such a this. She has somce been to other natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and Rita. She has retired but she refuses to believe that. She was just one of the 100 FEMA dogs at the site.

 I think we all can learn a lot from these dogs, they are strong, loving and never asked for anything in return. They faced devastation with love in their heart and never once judged the outcome or a person. In the days after 9/11, they showed determination, a shoulder to cry on and support when needed.  A special thank you to those dogs and their trainers who came from all over the United States to offer their support.

Feel Good Friday!

AWWWWW YEAH! Friday is here! Tune up your air guitars and rock out! YAHOO!

LimeRiot is so amazing! Not only does she have the second cutest batch of dogs in the world but she is also so talented in the stitching department. She pretty much rocks my socks.

I'm pretty sure I need this wallpaper. It's fuzzy! Madison Humphrey has amazing wall paper and fabric.

Speaking of awesome, my sister from another mister, Becky made this for me in a movie swap. I seriously about died when I got it. Thin Man! EEEPPPPP!

And that's what I'm gonna do! Pam "Kittykill" is out of here! Peace!

Yarn Wreaths Are So Thursday Sept. 8, 2011!

I am such a sucker for a cool wreath and when I was asked to do yarn and felt flower wreaths for Craftster.org, I couldn't resist.


Here is the finished wreath

And because I think you need to make one too, here's the video.

Tie One On Tuesday

You guys I normally bring my A game to the plate, but babies, momma is tired! So tired that she can barely lift the cocktail shaker. I promise I will be back next week with delightful cocktails and wonderful booze ridden stories, but for tonight you get a shot of whiskey and a bag of Doritos. Don't judge!