MIX IT UP MONDAY

Deb Hoffman of Wisconsin seriously loves all things Winnie the Pooh. It's hard to believe that we've been reading these fantastic stories about this cute little bear since 1926. With close to 14,000 items, Deb is a proud member of the Guinness World Book of Records for all the Winnie the Pooh merchandise she's collected over the years.  Does she ever plan to stop?  That would be a very emphatic NO!

LONGEST ICE CREAM SUNDAE
Can you believe how long this is?

In January, Nashville Michigan broke a Guinness World Record with a 3,656 foot long ice cream sundae that weighed 5400 pounds and included 864 gallons of ice cream!  I wonder how long that actually lasted outside.

I love cheeseburgers, so imagine how thrilling it was to hear that Akron Ohio will pay homage to this amazing treat from August 12 through August 14 with their National Hamburger Festival.  Yay!

There are a zillion writers out there, and sadly most don't make the money they deserve with their passion - but they should. On the other hand, there are some authors who've hit pay dirt with earnings in the millions.

But there is only one author in the world who is above all the rest, with a net worth of $1 billion dollars.  This history maker's work was initially rejected by 12 publishers, but she didn't give up.  If you guessed the very famous JK Rowling, you go to the head of the class.  I bet all those people who rejected her work kick themselves every day. 

Who's in second place with a net worth of about $700 million?  James Patterson, of course!

Coca Cola was created in 1886 in Atlanta, Georgia.

In Springfield, Missouri, you can actually find the world's largest fork. At a whopping weight of 11 tons, I don't expect anyone will actually try to use it for a meal.

Are you a fan of tomatoes?  Here's a quick recipe that takes only 15 minutes to prepare, and tastes absolutely delicious.

CHOPPED TOMATO SALAD

INGREDIENTS
2 Lb Assorted small tomatoes (halved or quartered)
1 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Mint Leaves, roughly chopped
1 Tbsp Fresh Oregano or 1 Tsp dried from a jar
Zest of 1 Lemon and Juice of 1/2 Lemon
1/2 tsp Salt
Black Pepper to Taste
1/4 Cup Pitted Kalamata Olives, Quartered
3 Oz. Feta Cheese,Crumbled

Combine the tomatoes, olive oil, mint, oregano, lemon zest & juice, salt, pepper, olives and feta. Toss to coat all the ingredients.  Serve within an hour.

Keeping it simple for your Marvelous Monday, whip out the blender that's been sitting in the closet and cool things off with a Frosty Peachy Slushie. 

FROSTY PEACHY SLUSHIE

INGREDIENTS
1 Lb Frozen Peaches
1 Cup Ice
1/2 Cup + 2 Tbs  12-oz Can Frozen Limeade
1 1/4 Cup Water

Pulse your ingredients until fully incorporated and relatively smooth. Divide among 4 decorative glasses, and top off with just a splash of club soda.  Garnish with more peaches and you're all set.

Feel free to use strawberries, mangoes, pineapples or raspberries if you prefer different flavors.

TIPS TO TRY
If you're stuck and want to do some different exercises that include dance and strength training, sign up at www.qinetic.com.  You'll be able to get in on LIVE classes for FREE.  You can also download the app for FREE at iTunes.  This is the perfect program if you're not ready to join a class at a gym, and you can wear whatever you want. I've used this site and it's pretty much like having a personal trainer right in my living room for FREE.

Decorative pillows are a great way to accent things around the house, and they're even useful in the car on long trips. When I was a kid, I really used to enjoy making pillows because it was very relaxing.  To save money and to add some color, I'm back to making my own with a twist.  Place mats come in all these great materials and unusual colors, and many already have the fringe.  You know all those old towels you've been hanging onto with holes in them?  This is the perfect opportunity to cut them up for stuffing along with some foam.  Small baby pillows are good to use, as well. Yes, I sew them by hand with yarn or thick thread because I haven't quite mastered the use of a sewing machine. 

When's the best time to purchase all those summer outfits and outdoor gear? Right now, this month.  

When I lived in Virginia Beach, I used to visit Stein Mart in July and found crazy deals on designer shoes.  Most were marked down significantly to $5 - $10. 

Men and women can find over the top bargains on bathing suits too.  If you a new speedo or tankini, now's the time to grab them for a steal.
What shouldn't you buy right now?  BBQ Grills

BEER PARTIES
Are you a beer drinker?  I'm definitely not. I tried a Budweiser once, and it smelled like cigarette ashes. (lol) Everyone tells me I'm nuts and that beer definitely tastes different, and I haven't found the right one, but to me...ugh. Anywho, there are lots of beer festivals this summer.

The Great Arkansas Beer Festival, Little Rock Arkansas - July 22:  5:30pm - 8:30pm (These people don't want you hanging out at their festival all day-lol)

Palm Beach Summer Beer Fest, West Palm Beach Florida - July 22: 12pm - 9pm

Downtown Newark Food & Brewfest, Newark Delaware - July 22: 2pm - 9pm

DO YOU KNOW A PHUBBER?
Doesn't that sound like a really descriptive word?  Well, it does have a meaning in today's society. According to www.dictionary.com, the definition is to ignore a person or one's surroundings when in a social situation by busying oneself with a phone or other mobile device. I have a friend who literally does this all the time, despite my frequent comments about it. (lol) Has it ever happened to you? Are you guilty of this habit?