Not just any Sunday roast

Not just any Sunday roast, mind you – this was actually the first time I’d cooked roast beef. Got the cut from an actual butcher this afternoon. Even made gravy the old-fashioned way.

Didn’t skimp on the veges either: onion, garlic, peas, carrot, swede, parsnip, potato, broccoli, cauliflower. I timed them reasonably well, and nothing was left hanging (though the potatoes could have been slightly crunchier).

I’ve cooked roasts before – but only vegetarian ones. This was, as far as I can recall, my first

Amazing!!!

It amaze me on how those physically disabled people able to live and achieve their dreams despite their condition, compared those able people who often lost hope and give up on living. Like Geoff Holt, 42 yrs old a briton who becomes the first disabled yatchman to sail 4,300-kilometer journey to single handed around Britain. He inspired both able and disable people to live their dreams and make a difference in the life of others.

I made a few cards last Christmas

I made a few cards last Christmas, something that ended up re-igniting my long lost passion for crafts, so this year I’ve started a lot earlier and will do a lot more. I want EVERYONE to get one…now I just need to make a list of who to send to so I can make enough :)

The Christmas cards were fun, I suppose I could find a formula that works and sick with it, and lash them out, but I am enjoying experimenting with all the materials I have at the moment, so I am concentrating on the process, not the goal. At the moment there are stamps, and fancy paper, and glitter, and cut out shapes, and stick on shapes, and all kinds of everything gone on

I hope the people receiving them will have as much joy as I did making them!

I think a folding table would help me with this in future, at the moment I do my crafty stuff on the living room floor, with a cover over the floor of course! But the muscles in my back get very sore after a few hours!!

Life is Love

Understanding other people and to show your love towards them. It is not an easy task! Life is Love and vice versa. I do understand the feeling when you want others to feel happy by understanding them. You see you cannot understand everyone's behavior just to please them. Life and love is beyond that.

Happiness is a feeling that each and everyone of us decides. It is a personal gift that each of us develop and accept. You will be consumed yourself if you can't see that your purpose is not attained and become unhappy yourself. You are not God therefore do not expect to be one. There is no state of perfection in life on earth. Happiness is measured beyond the human material needs. There is the heart and spirit to also take account for. There are things in life that you just have to accept without being happy. Monday can be a sad day but there is still Tuesday, Wednesday etc. to consider. We have to move on with our lives. The past is gone, the present is now and let God take care of the future. We are not here to please others but to please God by showing our love and care for others. The happiness part, we have to decide ourselves. You take care and don't stop loving others.

How often do you try new restaurants?

I tried a new restaurant today and WOW i was impressed. I'd totally go there again.

I'm really not one for change - especially where i eat. I like the tried and true restaurants...the restaurants i KNOW don't serve something that will kill me.
So that being said... when i decided to try this new place (open 3 weeks now) I stood like a dummy and stared at the menu for a good 10 minutes trying to decide what to get (and making sure it was safe to order food there).

I was very impressed because I was overwhelmed with choices and the waitress was VERY helpful...the prices were reasonable and the food was AWESOME. I left a tip.

How often do you try new restaurants? do you feel overwhelmed with all the new choices? or do you stick to the familiar?

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I like the plastic bags. But i hate paying for them!

I've found lately that more and more stores are charging 5 to 10 cents per cheapie plastic bag to get your groceries in. Then they turn around and sell the reuseable bags for 1.99 to 3.99 a peice depending on the store and the size of the bag.

The prices of these drive me nuts so I decided to make my own bags. I've made a couple "t-shirt" bags so far and recently decided to make some out of some old blue sheets i have.

I'm trying to be "green" "frugal" and "Cheap"!

I thought i would share the pattern for the t-shirt bags I found and see if anyone has any other neat or easy patterns for bags. (found on marthastewart.com/article/good-thing-t-shirt-bag )

"T-Shirt Bag How-To
1. Turn T-shirt inside out and pin bottom of the T-shirt along the hem. Using a sewing machine, sew bottom of T-shirt closed. Flip shirt right side out and lay flat on table, making sure all seams are lined up.

2. Place medium-size bowl about half-way over the neck hole. Using a water-erasable marking pen, trace along the edge of the bowl. Cut along the outline, making sure to go through the front and back sides of the shirt, in order to create an opening for the bag that's larger than what the neck hole allows.

3. Line up the hems on the front and back side of the sleeve and cut, making sure to go through both sides of the shirt. Repeat on the other sleeve. Tip: A jersey shirt would also work well for this craft, as it is already sleeveless, and it's made of a great mesh material."

La Serious Griller Contest

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of henderson bas. All opinions are 100% mine.

Grilling Steaks is something we combine with summer, warm temperatures, open windows and great backyard barbeques right?

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There is not much better in this world than sitting down to eat a perfectly grilled, tender, and juicy steak. There are many opinions and techniques available regarding the best way to master cooking a steak including whether or not to marinade or use a rub, how long the steak should be grilled, and how to correctly grill the steak. If you are interested in finding out how to grill the best steaks you can check out the videos from Chef Michael Cloutier where he will share all the best secrets to the perfect tender, juicy steak.



Steak is absolutely heavenly. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Damn, now I REALLY want a nice juicy steak with a massive portion of fries and BBQ sauce, but that ain't gonna happen today.

My shyness would have ruined it.

I never wanted to rush on this one. My shyness would have ruined it. I've been fighting for this one for a long time. I never said no to an improvised appointment for a beer, to meet old friends, to attend to parties or dinners, etc.

Through the past years I've met a lot of new people, I've gathered with old school mates, attended parties or appointments with people I didn't know much, but I was perfectly able to enjoy it, to feel free and be myself, as long as making the others comfortable when socializing with me.

It was a long fight, but I now feel richer inside, more confident and able to do almost anything related to human relationships.

Probably, the most important change I had to do to achieve it was to avoid judging the others with my rules and morale. We are all imperfect, and my imperfections are equal (when not higher and worse) than the ones that I see in the ones that surround me. So I started approaching them as equals and so I learned that I could perfectly bear some particularities of people and enjoy their great parts.

Another great chance of mind that I had to do was to realize that one can not make a great friend in a couple of days, weeks or months. It takes time and you cannot force it. It's a two lane highway, and you need a particular stat of mind (and so does the other one) to feel this kind of friendship.

The greatest obstacle I had to overcome was to accept that, even if I'm now more sociable, I still dislike many social scenarios. For instance, I don't feel comfortable in a room full of lots of strangers who know each other (and I do not know them). I'm not good at starting conversations with a complete unknown. And I'm not good either in some other scenarios, but I accept it and don't feel it as a flaw or let it completely destroy the sensation that I'm a sociable person.

Buy New Clothes

This year I want to buy less brand new clothes and more clothes from opp shops and markets. It’s so much more fun, interesting and affordable.

I bought this in orange, on sale for half off. This will be the first clothing purchase (other than a bra I needed to replace) I’ve made in months. Since October maybe? It still felt pretty extravagant, considering we have no income right now.

Last week I stumbled upon a really cute singlet thing that buttons up (which is kind of weird but it’s cute, I swear!) so any-who, it’s originally from Tree of Life but it was in Vinnies for $2! Who could resist something originally from Tree of Life when it’s that cheap?

Year of the Mom

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of henderson bas. All opinions are 100% mine.

My mom... She is without doubt the best mom in the world. If I told you about all that she does, and has done for me, you'd agree. But for now, just trust me....she's the best. And I love her. And I don't tell her that enough.



I have the best mom. Give me hugs is what my mom does best. No one else cooks like my mom. I think my mom is special and loving. She paints with me in the summer time. We go shopping at the Mall together. She has lunch with me on weekends. We mostly eat Chinese food together. She is the greatest mom ever in the world. I love her so much. She's out of town today, so I hope she sees this post :)

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The meaning of life

I have been asking this question since I was about 10 years old. Laying in bed and sometimes crying myself to sleep scare of what this is all about. Now in my fiftys I am still wondering but not afraid. I truly believe there is something after this and we will find out then what this is really all about. There has to be something better then this for all of us. I just hope and pray I'm right.

There is a reason why we are living, we are not born just because we wanted this life there is someone above who made the decision so he must also have plans for each one of us but then why do we struggle to understand the meaning
who can really lead us to the meaning of life the bible says god has a plan and we need to be in his plan as u see each one us is given the free will to choose what we want in life.

So its important that we remain in his plan

makes life worth living

I just got involved in the things I'm already interested in which in turn led to meeting new people and helping out and socializing more often, so had plenty of excuses to get out the house and do something more constructive than watching tv in my room alone.

First I joined some clubs at uni which led to a better social life as nights out are pretty frequent. But also it help you network and meet new people which who wouldn't wont? Then I also got more involved closer to home, but joining the committee at my local tennis club. I had been a member for years but its only now do I feel like I can help out more and I enjoying using my time more constructively too.

Win a NESCAFE Dolce Gusto machine!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Nestle Nescafe Dolce Gusto. All opinions are 100% mine.

My current job is so boring that for the first time I am drinking coffee for recreation. If I am going to be sitting and waiting for hours on end, I may as well have a good caffeine buzz going. I am trying to educate myself on the different varieties of coffee and at least learn something. We have a great market in town that switches up their coffee varieties and only charges $1.25 per large cup.

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As I have gotten older

Are you kinder to yourself as you get older? I was thinking about it the other day and I realized that I have become much more kinder and forgiving of myself as I have gotten older. I have become less critical of myself, become my own friend and I don't chide myself nearly as much as I use to when I don't do some little something that needs doing. I have begun to figure out that if I don't get it done at this exact moment then I will in a few minutes! I don't mean I procrastinate forever about doing things as I can't stand to do that, but I now know that a few minutes here or there won't hurt!

As I have gotten older I have also started to treat myself a bit more and if I want to be extravagant and pamper myself I now think, "why not, I am worth it"!!

I also don't care about what people think as much as I use to, which makes it easier for me to be positive. I don't question myself nearly as much as I use to and I know that sometimes I am wrong and when I am it's not the end of the World to me now days.

I wear what I want, when I want, and as long as I am not breaking any laws of the land then I should be able to wear the clothes that I feel comfortable in and not worry about what society tells me is in vogue at the moment!

Also as I have gotten a little older, I am also a bit forgetful at times. Who knows, maybe some of the little things that I have forgotten or will forget in the future are just not important enough or worth remembering!

I find as I have gotten older my life has gotten to be so much easier! I enjoy the person I have become and since I am not going to live forever I am not going to waste a lot of time thinking about what might have been or worry about what will be.

I can not say that I am glad that I am getting older every day, but we all are, it's a fact of life and I am happy for the benefits that it affords me. Many times I think it is just too bad that life isn't lived in reverse where you start out old and get younger because then you could probably enjoy your life a lot longer than you do now!

As far as where I am right now in my life...I'm very content!

So how about you? Do you find that you are kinder to yourself with each passing day or are you still stuck in that very confusing place and don't really know if you deserve to be kinder to yourself?

p90x recipes

This is a difficult goal for me. I hate to exercise. I have started and stopped p90x So many times. Unfortunately I have also gained 15lbs since the last time I actually worked out on a regular basis.

p90x recipes has always seemed like the answer to me. I don’t know why, but it just seems right. I know that if I were to just make a habit of it, I would actually enjoy it. I realize now that I am too far out of shape to do this program. I want to work out for a couple of months at the gym, just doing cardio. I would like to lose 20 pounds doing that. I then plan on doing the insanity program, and i would like to lose another 20 pounds doing that. Then I will start this program May 28, after I get back from Vegas.

redesigning my budget

I haven’t had much money to save in the past few years, but I recently started a new job with better pay. It has allowed me to redesign my budget so that I will be able to devote a set amount of money to savings and stocks out of every paycheck. I even have an appointment with a financial adviser this Saturday. I’m rather proud of myself for getting this far! I feel like I am actually on my way…

Taking Care of Me

My face is pretty high maintenance and now that warm weather is here, I’m going to have to invest in some blotting tissues to keep the shine down on my nose and forehead. Are oily pores something people just have to live with or is there something I can do besides obsessively cleansing, squeezing (haha gross), and fortifying?

I think my mouth is healed enough to handle another whitening treatment (my third). I had salsa the day before yesterday and the effects of the bleaching gel touching my sensitive mouth tissues made itself known. Ouch. Micro fissures. I’m happy with eventually being able to go back to wearing bold lipsticks and having a dazzling pearly smile to accompany the effect though.

Have started taking my vitamins again, adding biotin back into the mix (I thought it would be too much. We’ll see). I STILL need to work on my water intake. In due time.

San Diego Fence Company everyone needs a fence!

Putting a fence is a major responsibility. If you do not want to be a do-it-yourself and you are no Handy Manny, your next-best bet is to hire a fence company to do the job for you. The fencing helps to keep away from illegal entry to our properties and also to endow with privacy. If you are looking for finest Fence Company, then you just no need to search more.

San Diego Fence Companies is the best choice, san diego fencing are a leading moving agency with expertise hand in relocation and transportation industry, they offer a comprehensive and cost-effective solution to all your relocation needs.

It all pays to peep into the small little things to way to health.

There are reasons to keep fighting fit, its the health which matters the most. But at times people who put on so much of weight for lack of exercises, diseases or may be some natural problems then think of loosing weight quickly by joining some of the rapid program. But it is not to be so. Weight is gained over a period of time and it would need some time, regular exercises and most importantly a tab on the diet in eating habits. .

It all pays to peep into the small little things to way to health.

Parents

I always thanked them for always encouraging me to be the best that i can, parents are really important to us,and I'm grateful for being they are and showing me what truly matters.

If i have failed to learn the lessons, they taught me, it is not due to lack of encouragement but a lack of my understanding and appreciation on my part. All that i am today, i owe to them. i thanked them for being there for me always

Vacations time again!

It is summer vacations time again and it is the kids as well as parents who look forward to the summer fun. But before we step out of the home, it should be made clear what and where we travel to. It is real pleasure if the trip is planned well in advance and organize so as to have the much relished fun and frolic. This is because you need to book travel and lodging, as later on you never know if there is vacant lot!

do you think one-piece bathing suits already old-fashioned?

I love wearing two piece bathing suits and my husband prefers them also. But in all honesty, I don't need to be wearing them in public! I am going to a pool party this afternoon and will be wearing my old fashioned one piece. Yesterday I spent half a day trying to find another one piece that looked half way decent and didn't cost a small fortune with no luck. So I will wear my bikinis at home and my ugly one piece in public. It really doesn't make much sense does it? I have friends that are much bigger than I am that strut around in their 2 pieces. It just seems more modest (old fashioned?) to me to wear a one piece.

It’s not always easy to drink water everyday.

I have passed in and out of “phases” where I drink a little or none at all for days or weeks and then I have it daily. I had a kidney stone, that pretty much took away the option NOT to drink enough every day.

BUT I STILL HAD PERIODS WHERE I JUST DIDN’T WANT WATER!!!

Finally I remembered something I was told a LONG time ago.

CHEW YOUR WATER

Seriously, I started chewing it like gum. Keeping it in my mouth longer.

This was awesome, for one I forgot how much I was drinking and like GUM, I kept wanting to keep some in my mouth so I could keep chewing.

It crazy sounding but honestly, I have learned a few cool things about Chewing rather than drinking Water

First:
- Keeping it in your mouth longer keeps it near your brain. This is a good thing, because water doesn’t digest like food. It doesn’t have to go through your stomach to hydrate your body. Ever heard of Osmosis? There’s a lot of Reverse Osmosis in filters etc. which means to opposite of osmosis, but Osmosis is how water moves through the body (digests).

Since we are made mostly of water, when a cell has too little water(dehydrated), the instant water touches it it absorbs the water directly. That’s osmosis.

You know how your hands get all “Pruney” wrinkly after swimming or a bath? That’s when our cells get too much water and they literally POP and collapse, cool and gross huh?

Anyway, another good thing about chewing water is if you have a stuffy nose or allergies, the water will immediately move past the cells in your mouth into the Sinuses and nose, and immediately you will be able to blow your nose.