Giveaway - 18x24" Digitally Printed Poster

If you love to take photos, and who of us doesn't, you will be thrilled with the great products at Online Poster Printing. They offer:

• Photo Quality prints up to 60" x 100" from your digital photos
• FREE Next Day service on all rolled products
• Custom Size prints to fit any occasion

This is a picture that I took of my daughter, the dancer, back when she was only dreaming of performing at Disney World. We had just moved into our house when PG donned leotard, tights, and her Minnie Mouse slippers. Nine months later, she replaced those slippers with real ballet slippers, and started dance classes. Sixteen years later, she landed the Disney gig.

Because embarrassing my offspring is what I do best, I would be thrilled to present PG with a custom poster printing of this cute photo. I know that she would get a kick out of looking at herself as a two year old.

If you would like a chance to win a custom poster printing, so that you too can delight yourself or a family member, enter this giveaway!

HOW TO ENTER:

Online Poster Printing wants to give one lucky reader an 18X24 Poster Print.

To enter: Describe a photo that you would like to have printed.

For an additional entries:

Post to your blog about this contest and link back to here as well as Online Poster Printing.

Follow me, and let me know that in your comment, and receive another entry.

Poster Prints will be awarded by a coupon code on Friday August 7, 2009.

Open to US and Canadian Residents only.

Mmmm....

When we moved a few months back, I poured gallons of alcohol down the sink, as if it were the middle of Prohibition, and the feds were knocking at the door. Okay, maybe it was just a half a dozen bottles, including some peach schnapps last opened sometime in the eighties, but it seemed very wasteful, except for watching the gin hit the drain. Gin tastes like rotting garbage. There are just some things that you can imagine entering your mouth, and how putrid they would taste. Gin, even the so-called good stuff, equals garbage. Bourbon is wonderful. Have ever heard of anyone serving gin chicken? My point exactly.

When we are out of the Land O' Boxes, and settled in the house, and if we actually make a few zillion friends whom I want to invite over for a shindig, this is the recipe that I will serve.

Bourbon Slush

2 cups sugar
9 cups water or 7 cups water and two cups tea (I use tea that I brew)
12 oz frozen orange juice concentrate (store brand is good- I use no pulp, as pulp makes me gag)
12 oz frozen lemonade concentrate
2 cups bourbon

Soda-Squirt, Wink, etc. You fill the glass with half slush and half soda, or you just let it melt a bit, and enjoy. Take a guess on how I best savor this concoction.

Bring the sugar and water to a boil. Simmer for15 minutes. Let the syrup cool then add frozen juices and bourbon. Freeze for a few days covered.

You need a big container or containers. It makes 2 1/2 quarts.

For recipes to serve along with the bourbon slush, check out Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tuesdays at the Table, and Tasty Tuesday.

Sunday Stealing

We are back from a week in Pittsburgh. SH's mom passed away. I attempted to keep my mouth shut, act compassionately, and generally failed miserably. SH is in a better mood having shot a 90 today on the golf course, while I accompanied church girl to her favorite house of worship. Are you listening from Heaven, mother in law??? See, I am not all bad.

Sunday Stealing: The "Leave It to Meme" Meme

1. Who was your FIRST date?

When I was nine, yes nine, Howie and I went shopping, and then to lunch at Isaly's.
Yes, times were different back then. What normal parents send their fourth grader on a date with a 25 year old? Just teasing...he was eleven.

I remember that he told me that I was a slow eater. I believe I had a hotdog for lunch. No, not his.

2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love?

No

3. What was your FIRST alcoholic drink?

I was always allowed to have a small glass of wine, or a bit of beer, when I asked. Somehow, at age nine, I convinced a babysitter that I was allowed to drink. She was the first cousin of Howie, my first date. Hmm, maybe my parents should have been a bit worried. Anyway, I drank a large glass of wine, while my parents were out for the night. I was rather tipsy when they came home. Being that my mother was always very understanding, i.e., no puking had occurred, all was forgiven.

4. What was your FIRST job?

From ages 12-14, I babysat. I was more interested in fantasizing about the dads than playing with the kids. It didn't help that one of my favorite dads always left porn mags scattered about the family room. Sorry for the digression, but Mr. B was a cutie. His son was two, and very verbal. I can still remember blushing when he said, "I'm a boy, and I have a penis." I was sort of hoping his daddy would follow suit.

My next position was telemarketing. I sold magazines. This was quite a good job for a 14 year old. Of course, the company folded, still owing me money. I then moved on to cashiering at G.C. Murphy. I was 15 and looked 12. My favorite part of that job was kissing the 21 year old shoe salesman in the stockroom at Bakers.

5. What was your FIRST car?

I stood in the car dealer with my mom, and I chose a Toyota Corolla station wagon. My other choice was something sporty, and being that cars don't thrill me, I can't recall what it was. I still drive a Toyota.

6. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?

I went to Houston when I was ten. For many years I wanted to live in Texas. It has been a long time since I changed my mind.

7. Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk?

My first best friend was Jamie. We were four. Both of us were short, shy, had lazy eyes, and wore glasses. She lives in Atlanta. Our moms spoke a few years ago, and Jamie didn't even remember being my friend. This doesn't bode well for me when it comes to people remaining my friend, since I moved over 800 miles at age 45.

8. Whose wedding did you attend the FIRST time?

My Aunt Ruthie's in 1968. It was also the first time that I tasted asparagus with hollandaise sauce. I was a few weeks shy of age five, and already my life revolved around food.

9. Tell us about your FIRST roommate.

In college, my first roomie was named Mary. My stepbrother read her diary when we slipped out of the room for some sort of freshman activity. When we returned he told me to ask for someone new. I scoffed at the idea. It took me a wee bit of time, and Mary eating my cookies, and hanging cheesy cat and dog posters, to understand that stepbro had learned something in Andover besides how to sneak into the girls' dorm. Mary and I parted ways within a few weeks.

10. If you had one wish, what would it be (other than more wishes)?

I wish that my daughter could hear.

11. What is something you would learn if you had the chance?

I could use a dose or twenty of motivation. Nothing comes to mind.

12. Did you marry the FIRST person you were in love with?

No

13. What were the first lessons you ever took and why?

I took ballet and tap lessons at age four. Why? Well, don't all little girls take dancing lessons?

14. What is the first thing you do when you get home?

After I remove my shoes, I often reach under my shirt, and remove my bra in that through the sleeves manner that turns on teenage boys. Okay, it wouldn't excite anyone, but it sure feels better to remove the padding, and wires that make me look presentable.

Sand, Strangers, and Buckets

Visit Outdoor Wednesday for more of the great outdoors

For two hours last Saturday, I occupied the chair on the right.
Yes, I am the only family member who does not sport a tan.

BG loves the water.

This little boy was cute.
He posed a bunch, but never entered the water.
I was hoping to get some action shots.

Beach bike riding can be fun.

The pier is perfect from the beach.
I would hyperventilate if I were up that high.

This is my favorite photo.
Did you think that all I did was take pictures of tattooed women at the beach?
Another bucket.
There were tons of buckets.
Imagine that.

Miss Mermaid was hanging around just waiting for me to spot her.

She wasn't as cute as this little mermaid.
Attention Fiona, I am forced to take pictures of stranger's children,
and while adorable, they aren't as precious as your daughter.

For my best friend in PA , A1A has special meaning.
It was risky trying to get this shot.
I sent BG up the pole.

No Ink!

1. Do you have a tattoo...?? if so What and where is it??
If not do you have a secret desire to have one?

I abhor tattoos, and would never get one. That said, I am equally fascinated by people who do choose to permanently alter their skin. I was going to type deface, but as much as I don't care for tattoos, I have nothing against people who have them, and do not want to give off some "I am better than you" vibe, in this post. My friend, Lou Ann, will attest to that. She has 21 tattoos, and each is very important to her.

I often photograph tattoos. This is not a case of some secret longing, but a fascination with something that I do not understand. Last Saturday, this woman was applying oil, not realizing that I was behind her clicking away.

As much as I am afraid of tanning, at least that makes more sense to me than tattoos. Maybe that is crazy thinking. Tattoos don't cause skin cancer. Hmm, I got to think about that.

Note to my daughters: Please wait until I am dead before you get even the most minuscule tattoo.

2. You have been offered a free botox treatment...where do you have them put it?

I would love to be able to afford Botox. I am rather needle phobic, but those lines in my forehead aren't too pleasing, and I would gladly have injections, if you'd like to foot the bill. While we are at it, Restylane, and some additional hair on my scalp, would be greatly appreciated. You have just missed my birthday, but an early Christmas present sounds perfect.

Yes, I would have all sorts of injectables, even poison, put in my skin, but not ink.

3. Do you have a good luck charm? what is it?

I don't recall ever having a good luck charm. I will, under great stress, count things. Wait, OCD is another story...so sorry.

4. When was the last time that you said something to someone that you REALLY wished you hadn't said?

That would be more along the lines of when have I said something that I haven't regretted. I rank as one of the most self-conscious people ever born. Right now, I am wondering whom I am going to offend with my tattoo answer.

5. The bath water is running, the phone is ringing, the dog is barking and there is someone at the door.....what do you do?

No way would I ever own a pet, so scratch the dog part. I would answer the phone and the door simultaneously. I use the bathroom while chatting on the phone. If I could somehow have portable plumbing, I would answer the door while...I know, that is gross.

6. Your best friend from high school just popped in from out of town. do you offer them a place to stay or suggest a hotel?

There are very few people I would want to stay at my home. Unless money were an issue for the friend, I would gladly find a hotel.

Best friend from adulthood, this doesn't not apply to you. I am looking forward to your visit.

7. Have you ever seen a ghost?

I am not much of a ghost believer. If they do exist, I would prefer they visit others.

8. Someone is driving in front of you rather erratically and slowing you way down...now you see that they are talking on a cell phone and checking themselves out in the mirror. The other lane is blocked off so you can not go around them. What do you do??

I don't mind being slowed down. The erratic driving would make me anxious, though. I would listen to the radio, or call a friend (and yes, I use a Bluetooth).

Proof

Doris, Doris, Doris, here is proof that I did, in fact, order a pair of shoes with the birthday gift money that you so sweetly sent to me, and did not buy twenty more boxes of
frozen bananas at Publix, as you probably suspected.

YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMY

But, not worth going barefoot, and risking bug bites

Dear Lisa,

Thank you for your order.

Your order will ship in 1-2 business days. Once it ships, you will receive an email with shipment and tracking information, so that you can send a copy to Doris, proving that you will stop wearing the same pair of slip-on shoes that you purchased five years ago, on clearance at JC Penney's for $5. They cause people to wonder about your sanity. We are sorry to inform you that we do not carry apparel. You are on your own when it comes to the issue of clothing yourself in the same pair of blue jean capris, seven days a week.


BG's lip reading skills proved useful, while we were out and about. She noticed two women on a bench talking about my pitiful footwear choice. Because we were both signing, they thought I was also deaf, and literally pointed to my feet and commented. I was too busy trying to remember how to sign, to listen to their nasty words. HA! When I am wearing my cute, new sandals, people will not make snide remarks. Nope, they will just laugh at the bows.

A Visit with our Firstborn

While SH was trying to fix PG's computer, I attempted to take a few pictures, and was met with this:

Huey, always a good doggie, did not make a silly face.

PG takes performing very seriously. This lovely booboo on her leg is the result of a Disney rehearsal. Disney has its cast members prepare for the worst. PG was told to pretend that she was falling. She decided that she should actually fall, and skin her leg. Dedication, or method acting, that's my girl!

Later that night, we had a delicious dinner at Bahama Breeze. I devoured a plate of the largest scallops that I have ever seen, surrounded by a lemon sauce, corn cakes, and a tangy jicama slaw. SH wasn't quite the pig that I was, and ordered chicken tortilla soup and a salad.

PG had chosen this restaurant by saying, "I know where we could go. I don't like it, but you will."

She then amazed me when she enjoyed the meal. The chicken, green beans, corn cakes, and mango salsa, were to her liking. PG stands for Pumpkin Girl, but could often sub for Picky Girl. I'm just sayin'.

MANGO SALSA

2 medium cut in ½-inch dice - Mangoes
2, stemmed, seeded and chopped - Jalapeno peppers
1/3 to ½ cup- Finely chopped cilantro leaves
3 Tbsp - Fresh squeezed lime juice
2 Tbsp - Fresh squeezed orange juice
1 small - Red bell pepper diced
1 small- Red onion, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in mixing bowl; gently fold together until evenly mixed. Refrigerate, covered for up to 3 days.

Since the mango salsa received PG's stamp of approval, I would imagine their apple mango salsa would be equally as tasty.

APPLE MANGO SALSA

Serves: 6

½ pound - Apples Granny Smith, core removed, diced ¼"
½ pound - Mango, firm ripe peeled, diced ¼"
4 oz wt - Red bell pepper, diced ¼"
4 oz wt - Red onion, diced ¼"
½ cup - Orange juice, fresh squeezed
2 Tbsp - Lime juice, fresh squeezed
3 Tbsp - Cilantro, chopped ¼"
Salt to taste

Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well to evenly combine.

BG was pleased with her shrimp.

Fire Roasted Jerk Shrimp

Serves 2
Makes 2 3/4 cups

Beer, your favorite ½ cup
Allspice, ground ¼ tsp
Scotch Bonnet Pepper*, minced ½ tsp
Garlic, chopped 1 tsp
Thyme leaves 1 tsp
Scallions, sliced 1 TBSP
Shrimp, medium size 12 oz
Butter, melted 4 TBSP
Cuban or French Baguette 1 loaf

*Be sure to use gloves when mincing Scotch bonnet peppers.
Wash hands thoroughly to prevent heat transfer from peppers.

Preheat oven to 500ºF; place beer, spice and herbs in a 1 quart baking dish; add the shrimp. Top the shrimp with melted butter. Slice the loaf of bread into 1-inch thick slices. Place shrimp and bread on the middle rack of the oven, separately. Remove from oven when bread is golden and shrimp is bubbling hot. This should take 4 -5 minutes. Enjoy!

This jicama slaw recipe isn't from the restaurant's website, but it sounds delicious. I especially like how the directions are for camping. My one foray into camping, included sleeping in a trailer, which I don't think really counts as roughing it. Prissy Girl, I mean, PG, hasn't even done that, while her sister, once slept at camp, on the ground, without even a tent. Since SH does not have fond memories of boy scout camp, I better save this recipe for serving at home.

Jicama Slaw

• 2 carrots, peeled and julienned
• 1 small jicama (about 1 1/4 lbs.), peeled and julienned
• 1 large red bell pepper, cored and very thinly sliced
• 1/4 head red cabbage, cored and very thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, halved lengthwise and very thinly sliced lengthwise, rinsed, and patted dry
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon minced cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes

At home: Put cut vegetables in a large resealable plastic bag. Keep, chilled, up to 2 days.

At home: Combine oil, vinegar, lime juice, minced cilantro, salt, pepper, sugar, chili powder, and chile flakes in a small resealable plastic bag or container. Keep, chilled, up to 2 days.

At campsite: Add dressing to vegetables, shake to combine well, and let sit 15 minutes, stirring 2 or 3 times. Serve garnished with cilantro, if you like.

Visit Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tuesdays at the Table, and Tasty Tuesday to see what everyone is cooking!

How my Mind Works

Walgreens is having a ten cent photo print sale.
Reading that, I decided to upload photos to Snapfish,
which is where I normally order prints.
Emailing my mom the Snapfish album from a campout
that BG and SH took in May,
made me take notice of frog photos that BG took.
That led me to think of a conversation I had yesterday about frogs.
I decided to add a frog quote to a photo, to email it to the friend
who mentioned frogs.
Her grandmother's birthday would have been today.
A frog photo seemed a nice way to remember.

Okay, that makes no sense at all.

Yesterday would have been another friend's mom's birthday.
She has known me for a long time.
I could send her anything and she wouldn't think it odd.
Or at least she wouldn't tell me.

There weren't any suitable frog quotes.

I came upon the lyrics to Belle and Sebastian's song, Funny Little Frog.
That reminded me that I first heard that song
when I did merchandising at Best Buy.
Best Buy is where I met the lone male follower of my blog.

(He is 26, single, creative, funny, and smart. Someone needs to grab him)

I really, really like that song.
I think the CD is in one of the boxes here.

Bell and Evans is a brand of chicken that Whole Foods sells.
It is very tasty.
I only like tiny pieces of chicken.
Giant chunks of cooked flesh make me feel sick.
Meat is useful as a vehicle for sauces.

Just Because

BG snapped this at a car show last weekend.
She took a bunch of photos.
This was my favorite.