Why Pay More.....When you can pay NOTHING!!!!!!!

Tax Day is usually always April 15th. Well, this year it's April18th. I was wondering why until I looked it up online. Here's the reason why:

In 2011, Washington, D.C., will celebrate Emancipation Day on April 15, a day earlier than normal, since April 16 falls on a Saturday. Emancipation Day marks the anniversary of the day that President Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act. The Act, which was "for the release of certain persons held to service or labor in the District of Columbia," freed 3,100 slaves in the District, making DC residents the "first freed" by the federal government. In observance of the DC holiday, Tax Day will be moved forward one business day, this year landing it on Monday, April 18. That's the date your form has to be either submitted electronically or postmarked by for your tax return to be considered timely filed by the IRS.

Tax Day is a bummer for some people, but for those who are in the clear, you can enjoy having filed your taxes early plus some freebies that a number of businesses offer.  Here are just a few.  Check'em Out!!!!!!

Free mini ice cream sundae from 3pm to 6pm

15% off your ticket

I love the breaded hot wings from Hooter's, so I may have to put on my Hooter's tank and go get some wings....LOL  But for real...the wings are oh so yummy!

Casino Royale....

Here is a casino themed cake that I did for a really good friend of mine.  It is white cake with cream cheese filling.  I can say I learned from doing this cake.  It turned out ok, but my friend liked it so that is what matters the most.  Thanks for looking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grillin'

Today it was 81 degrees, so what better way to enjoy the warm temperatures than to grill.  We decided to grill up some meat for the week.  That way we will have dinner and lunch already made up for a couple of days.  We grilled steaks, hamburgers, polish sausage, hot links, potatoes with onions and bell pepper, and mushrooms.  It was all soooooooooooooo good!

You Never Know Unless You Try

Braised Beef Tortelloni

Ok, so today Scott and I went to Olive Garden.  I wanted to try something a little less safe,  so I got the Braised Beef Tortelloni.  It was sooooooooooooooooo good!  It did make me ask the question, what does braised mean?  This is what I came up with per one of my favorite sites, Wilkepedia.  Braising is a combination cooking method using both moist and dry heat; typically the food is first seared at a high temperature and then finished in a covered pot with a variable amount of liquid, resulting in a particular flavor. Braising of meat is often referred to as pot roasting, though some authors make a distinction between the two methods based on whether additional liquid is added.

All I know is that the beef was so tender, and really made this dish oh so yummy!  It is a must-try the next time you go to Olive Garden.

It's Beiber Fever!

Today was Emoni's birthday party at a local dance studio.  She, like just about every other young girl, is a big Justin Beiber fan.  That of course explains the theme for the party. Any who, all the kids got to try on different dance costumes and even performed a dance they learned while there.  They all had a blast!!!!!!!!!!

Emoni on her 9th birthday.

This is the Bieber Fever cake that I did for the birthday party.  Of course it was Emoni's favorite flavor, Chocolate.

Happy Birthday, Lil E!!!!!!!

One, Two...Buckle My Shoe

I was going through my closet, and the one thing that I have decided that I need is SHOES.  Here are a few shoes that I have seen online that I think are sooooo cute.

WEDGE SHOES.....I really love wedge shoes.  The thing I like about them is you can wear a higher heel and you don't feel like you are trying to balance all your weight on two little sticks just to walk.  I would wear these mostly on the weekends.  

 CASUAL SHOES.....Again, these are again weekend shoes.  Some days I like a flat shoe.  Flip Flops are probably my all time favorite type of shoe.  I would wear them every day if I could.  Here are some that I am eyeing.

 READY TO WORK.....I wear mostly slacks, skirts, and dresses to work.  I like to wear no more than a 3.25 inch pump or peep toe.  I just started wearing peep toes, and I actually like them.  That is if they are the right peep toe shoe.  I go for comfort when it comes to shoes.  A little style ain't too bad either though.

Project Monday

Being that it's the second day of Spring, what better way to get in the groove of the new season than mulching and planting new plants.  Today it was 83 degrees, and I was anxious all day to get out in it.  We remulch our landscaped area every year, so we finally got it out for the year.  Here's the finished product.

Leftside View 

Rightside View 

Here are some flowers (Encore Azaleas) that we laid out

Doh-Dum.........

This is my new show.  I am addicted.  It's been coming on for years, but I am just now starting to get into it.  It's not like I need another show to add to my list of shows, but I just have to watch it.

Reality TV Junkie

The Celebrity Apprentice has been coming on for quite some time, but I am just now deciding to watch it.  What might you ask has brought me to watch this show....the feud between NeNe Leakes and Star Jones.  I can't help it.  I am a sucker for celebrity gossip and getting the dirt.  It's my guilty pleasure.  Well, the first episode was a good one for me, and it has definitely drawn me in.  I really like Nikki Taylor and Lisa Rena.  I also like NeNe.  Star Jones seems like she is on a power trip, so so far she is not on my list of favorite people.  I can't wait until next Sunday to see the next episode.

Orange County is one of  my favorite in the whole Real Housewives series.  I am a Tamra fan.  I just like her and how blunt and fun-loving she is.  I go back and forth with Vicki, but she is on my good list so far.  I am excited about this season and can't wait to see all the drama.

This is the newest of the Real Housewives series, and I must say that I like it.  All the ladies are so different.  I have never been to Miami, so I enjoy seeing the sites of Miami.  This is a must see series.

Scott and I are avid foodnetwork show watchers.  Scott got me stuck on this show, and I can't give it up.  There are four chefs.  They have to compete with an appetizer, dinner, and dessert dish.  They are given 4 secret ingredients that they must use in their dishes.  Each round one chef is eliminated.  The ingredients are so off the wall, but these chefs come up with some great and some not so great dishes.  Either way, it's very interesting.  This season is for all-star chefs, so it should be very good.  Check it out Sunday nights at 8:00 on the foodnetwork.

I am hooked on Basketball Wives.  The season ended with Evelyn and Tami fist fighting after Evelyn relayed some very intense information to Tami.  I think I am on Team Tami's side.  The reunion show airs this coming Sunday.  It is a don't miss!

Well, I got the dvr set and ready.  I can't miss any of my shows!!!!!!!!!!



Blessed and Highly Favored....

Today was one of those days that I just reflected on all the wonderful things that God has done in my life especially here lately.  It just amazes me how you can just be going through life, and then all of a sudden God just throws blessings your way.  He is just so awesome!  If you just talk to God, listen to him, seek him, and acknowledge him, you will experience God's favor.  Basically, the way that we want others to treat us in our relationships is the way that God wants us to treat him.  I just wanted to share how much I love God and that he is showing his love for me in so many ways.  Thank you God for all you have done, are doing, and will do.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart
                                                                                                                                   -Jeremiah 29:11-13

Chocolate Chip Cookies

We have been watching "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" on the food network.  Bobby Flay goes around and challenges common folks who have restaurants around the country and specialize in a particular dish.  The dish may be anything from sloppy joes to cuban sandwiches to belgian waffles to .....Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Yep, you guessed it.....that is what inspired me to bake these 'oh so yummy' cookies.  I baked them from scratch, and they are moist and chewy with a little crunch on the outside.  So you ask, what's the recipe to these morsels of yummy goodness....Here ya go!

1/2 stick of a butter flavored Crisco stick
1/4 cup of light brown sugar
1/2 cup of sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp of baking powder
1/2 tsp of salt
1 tsp of vanilla
1 cup of flour
1 cup of milk chocolate chips (I used Hershey's chocolate chips, but any will do)
1 small package of chopped pecans (I did some with nuts and some without nuts)
Mix all the ingredients together, roll into small balls, and put on cookie sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 14 to 15 minutes.  Let cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes then place them on a cooling grid. 

Enjoy the Yummy Goodness!!!!

Winter-vention.....

So, Arkansas was hit with a big snow storm (or at least big for Arkansas).  We got about 5 inches and were off work for two days.  I was one lazy bee (as opposed to a busy one)...ha!  Any who, here are a few pictures during the storm.  It was sooooooooooooooo pretty!  It looked like a snow globe to me while it was snowing.

 The snow was coming down so hard here.



 Street view during the snow storm



 Scott decided to be a little goofball and write his name in the snow.

 Ok maybe he's not a goofball, but a sweetheart.  I thought it was so sweet that he wrote "Scott loves Christian" in the snow.  Gotta love'em!



I know I look tired in this picture, but I had been lying around for two days being L-A-Z-Y!

It's amazing how the snow just comes and goes so fast.  It is practically all gone now.  I hope Ol' Man Winter is gone for awhile.  Thanks for the days off from work Mr. Winter, but I am ready for Spring now. 

Latest Cake

This is a rodeo theme cake for a baby shower.  The baby's name is Brock (as you can see).  The top tier is strawberry with cream cheese filling, and the bottom tier is lemon cake with buttercream filling.  Marshmallow fondant accents.

Five Guys...

Last night, Scott and I ate at Five Guys for the first time.  We had heard that they have really good hamburgers, and even the #1 burger in the country.  Well, we must say that we did get some pretty "yum to the tum" burgers.  The meat is seasoned very well.  They have it, so that you can add all the toppings to your burger that you want.  The deal that I thought was awesome was no matter how many toppings you add to your burger, you pay the same price.  I love a deal, so that made my burger taste that much better (he he he).  I got a bacon hamburger with mustard, A-1 sauce, lettuce, pickles, and jalopenos.  Scott got a bacon cheeseburger with mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and jalopeno peppers.  Next time, we both said that we may try the mushrooms next time.  We gave this place an A, so we highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't tried it. 

Project Decor'

Why does Pier 1 send me coupons?  I just had to use it on this vase.  I really like it!  Now, I am trying to decide where to put it. 

Hey Kitty, Kitty!!!!!

Here is a Hello Kitty cake that I did for a wonderful little girl turning 5.  The first tier is lemon cake with cinnamon cream cheese filling, and the bottom tier is strawberry cake with cream cheese filling.  All covered in marshmallow fondant. 

Can't Miss TV.....

Grey's Anatomy season 7 starts Thursday at 8:00pm on ABC.  I really hope Christina decides to continue being a surgeon.

The Eagles play the Packers, Sunday at 3:30.  Go Eagles!!!!!

The much awaited show The Game will be coming back to tv on Tuesday at 9:00pm on BET.  I can't wait for this show to come back.  I never could understand why it was cancelled in the first place.  I can't wait to see if Jason and Kelly get back together, if Melanie can handle Derwin's new son, and if Tasha can mend her friendship with Kelly.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, it's 2011!  Happy New Year to all you.  You know the weird thing about January 1st is that it is the beginning of  the year and every one uses it as the beginning to improve themselves in some way.  Well, I am no different.  I have made a few resolutions that I am going to try really hard to follow through with this year.  They are as followed:

1.  I plan to blog a lot more.  I have so much to talk about, so I plan to let you guys in on some of my thoughts. Plusm it's fun to read some of your comments.  So to everyone out there in blog land....Stay Tuned!!!!!

2.  I really plan to work out more.  I know that this is the probably one of the most quoted resolutions, but I plan to fall into the same group as everyone else.  I really need to build up my cardio.  The air has a tendency to get a little thin when I am walking up stairs...LOL.  I also would like to tone up.  I know a few months back I posted my workout plan, and it kind of went to the wayside.  I am going to stick to it this time or at least that's the plan.

3.  I plan to cook more this year.  I may even plan our meals out on Sunday.  Cooking is so much healthier than eating out plus not to mention less expensive.  Scott and I want to try some recipes, so we may be able to incorporate some new meals into our diet.

4.  I want to learn some more cake techniques.  Each cake that I do, I am going to work on doing something new.  I want to practice a lot of things that I see on different sites.  I am kind of excited about trying some new stuff.  I will post pictures of course.

5.  I also plan to clean something every day in our house, so that it isn't so much to do all at once.  The one chore that I greatly DISLIKE is emptying the dishwater.  I have no problem filling it up, but emptying it is the worst.  I think that I may just wash the dishes and put them up instead of letting the dishwasher wash them.   Cleanliness is next to Godliness, so that is more of a reason to execute this resolution

I have more resolutions, but I just listed a few.  I challenge everyone to improve themselves in some way too.  We are all far from perfect and are just works in progress.  It's fun to try to be better, and it makes life interesting.  I would love to hear what some of your resolutions are.  Holla at ya girl!

Latest Cake....

This cake is chocolate cake with cookies-n-cream filling.  It actually made me want some chocolate cake.  I may have to make me one...he he he!  Thanks for looking!!!!!!!!

All About Me....

Scott and I out with some friends

1.  What's your favorite holiday of the year?

Duh!!!!!! CHRISTMAS.......I love Christmas!  First of all, it's Jesus' birthday.  Everyone is all festive with decorating their homes, out shopping, having Christmas parties, and watching Christmas shows.  I just love this time of the year.  Actually, I love from September until the end of the year, but Christmas is the finale.  I can't believe that Christmas is next week.  I mean, it snuck up on me this year.  Well, Merry Christmas to you all!!!!

2.  What is your favorite sandwich?

My favorite sandwich is the Great Steak sandwich from Great Steak in Park Plaza mall.  It's basically a philly cheesesteak sandwich, but it's sooooooo good.  I can eat a whole one by myself.  Mmmmmm, makes me want to go pick up one tomorrow after work.  Maybe I will...

3.  Did you have a pet growing up?

Boy did I?  We had lots of dogs.  My favorite and bestest pet ever was our house dog SugarBear.  We called her Bear for short.  Bear would sleep in my room on the floor.  When she had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, she was so considerate that she didn't wake me up.  She would walk in my mom and dad's room and wake up my dad....funny huh?  I remember painting her toenails and putting berets in her hair.  She was the best.  Bear ended up getting sick and dying unexpectedly.  I was sad, but her memories will live on forever in my heart....Tear!

4.  What's your favorite color Skittle?

My favorite is purple, then red, then orange, then green, and then yellow. 

5.  What's your favorite store to shop in?

The Limited is my all time favorite.  Their clothes fit me really well, and they send tons of coupons.  I love being able to use coupons especially on stuff already on sale.  I can't help it, I love a deal.  Any who, their clothes are really stylish and cute.  I can just go crazy in there.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas.....

I first have to say that I am soooooooooooo excited about Christmas.  I love the music, the cartoon specials, and the decorations and lights.  Man, I have been so excited that my tree has been up for 5 weeks already...LOL  Any who, I have already watched some of my favs...Home Alone 2, Shrek the Halls, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  I can't wait to watch Scrooged, Charlie Brown Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, and anything else Christmas related.  Well here is my Christmas tree. 

 Jolly Green Christmas Tree

 The "Cat in the Hat" topper.  I just fell in love with it!

 This is the ornament that Scott picked out for the tree.

 This is an ornament that my mom gave me.  When you open it, it plays Christmas music.  Thanks, Ma!

Here is a door wreath that I made for our front door.



Baby Shower Cake

This is another baby shower cake that I did for my girl, Starla.  Her craving while pregnant is chocolate, so of course the cake is chocolate.  Thanks for looking!!!!

All About Me...

I thought I would continue my "All About Me" Meme.  I like to attach pictures with my posts,so I here's an old picture of me from as you can see...Last Year.  Here's my latest questions and answers:

1.  What's your favorite Soap Opera?

I absolutely LOVE Young and the Restless.  I have been watching it every since Scooby Doo was a pup.  I mean, who can resist watching The Great Victor Newman in action.  Even if I don't watch it daily, I read what the daily episodes will be about online every day.  Me and about 6 other ladies have discussions about it via e-mail when something juicy happens.  I know that Grim Reaper has come for some other soap operas, but I hope that isn't the case with Young and the Restless.  I mean, it is the #1 soap opera.  If you are an avid Y&R watcher, let me know.  We will have to talk about the latest happenings.

2.  What's your favorite color?

I can't really answer this question right now.  For the longest, it has been dark pink.  When I was a little girl, it was purple.  Now, I just like all bold colors.  I am not a pastel kind of girl.  I love deep colors like Turquoise, Reds, Blues, Purples, Pinks, Oranges, and Greens.  As long as its a bold color, I love it.

3.  What do you like to eat for breakfast?

Well, I know I shouldn't say this, but, I am not a breakfast eater.  I usually just skip it.  If I do eat something though, it's a muffin, trail mix or fruit bar, or a bagel.  It has to be something quick.  I just don't have time in the mornings to devote to breakfast, so whatever I eat has to be something quick.  When I do cook breakfast for me and the hubby, it usually consists of turkey bacon, pancakes (that Scott usually cooks since that's one of his specialties), cheese eggs, or biscuits.  I actually cook breakfast once every 6 or so weeks.  I would just rather wait a few more hours and eat lunch.

4.  Do you know how to swim?

Unfortunately, No.  I do want to learn.  One of my line sisters took lessons this past summer with her husband.  That inspired me to get on out there.  I hope that we can take lessons this coming summer and I can learn.  I am not afraid of having my head under water or anything like that.  I just don't know the technique to keep moving.  That deep water is a bit intimidating, but I am determined to learn.  One of the things on my bucket list to do is to swim with the dolpins.  In order to do that, I gotta learn how to swim.

5.  What is your most favorite thing to do when you are by yourself? 

I would have to say reading.  I have been an avid reader since I could read.  I just love how books take you to another place and you don't think about anything else except the storyline in the book.  Scott says its equivalent to when he goes hunting, so I can understand why he likes hunting.  Any who, I could just read forever especially if its a good book.  My second favorite thing to do is to watch reruns of my favorite shows.  I will have to tell you what my favorite shows are in another posts. 

Until next time,

Tootles