Friday, November 30, 2018

JUST SOME USELESS STUFF YOU DON'T REALLY NEED

Years ago I decorated with a traditional green Christmas tree inside, and outside I'd display a colorful one.  Sometimes my ornaments were Barbie dolls from Happy Meals or Hot Wheels that I've collected over the years.  Once I did all ribbons.  Now I just admire everyone else's trees, and don't use any of my own.

So the other morning while watching the news, I found out that black Christmas trees are trending.  Some people love it, and others say that's a big fat NO.  What are your thoughts? Is it too gothic or something fun to try?



DO YOU FEEL LUCKY?
If you do or you don't, be sure to get your name in the hat for a prize package of Oprah's Favorite Things that's worth over $16,000!  And yes, I enter every year. (lol) That's right, 12 people can win all these prizes by visiting https://oprah.com/12days up through 12/9/2018.  Some of the prizes include a Phillips Indoor Grill, jewelry, a mixer, slippers, sparkling water maker and lots more.  However, if you're looking for a special or unusual gift, everything may also be purchased at Amazon.

According to Gina Bria, author of Quench: Beat Fatigue, Drop Weight & Heal Your Body, eating an apple and drinking a glass of water is more effective than 2 glasses of water.  Fresh veggies and fruit have gel water(H3O2) and hydrates better than water.

SATURDAY
Deck the Halls on December 1 and celebrate National Christmas Lights Day!  Get lights on the cheap from the Dollar Tree, or go over the top with lights from high end stores.  Be careful to not get on your neighbors nerves though with too much glitter, which is the case in New Jersey. 

Appruzi Property
For the past 15 years the Apruzzi family has been lighting it up with over 10,000 lights, but his neighbors do not approve siting safety reasons and chaos in the neighborhood.  City officials are fining them $3,000 for each day they show off their display to visitors, and Mr. Appruzi refuses to pay.  That may force the show to shut down.  Let's hope it all works out for everyone involved. 


Okay, who wants to admit that they've used the original Polaroid camera, which was sold for the first time in 1948 for about $90.00? 


I remember getting yelled at by my mom in the 70's-80's because I wanted to take pictures all the time, and that color film was so dang expensive.  Also, everyone hated that there was no way to get the same picture twice without having to waste even more film.(lol)


Throughout the years, Polaroid upgraded to smaller digital styles, but in 2017, they offered up the new 2-step analog version, which ironically costs about $99, causing the company to pretty much come full circle.


Want a clean pan without all the fuss? Once it cools off, spread the surface of the pan with 2 Tbs. baking soda, 1 cup hot water and 1/4  cup vinegar.  Let it sit for 5 minutes before easily washing it out  because the chemical mix does all the work.  These ingredients will also clear a clogged grain, but the measurements are different.


CRANBERRY CHIP COOKIES (Taste of Home)

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1-1/2 cups dried cranberries
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup English toffee bits or almond brickle chips, optional

Directions

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips, cranberries, pecans and toffee bits if desired (dough will be stiff).
  • Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten slightly. Bake at 350° for 11-14 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.




76 comments:

  1. Black Christmas tree...just doesn't look right to me.
    I use baking soda and vinegar to clean bathrooms and kitchen, as to avoid chemicals.
    I just bought a packet of cranberries today, I could make those cookies :) thanks for the recipe RO.
    Have a lovely weekend.

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    Replies
    1. Feel free to send those cookies my way! (lol) Hugs...RO

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  2. Hi RO :) I don't know about the coloured Christmas trees...my aunt had a really bold white one, I hated it. I'm old school, I like a real tree in the house. We get one every year in early December.

    Oh the Polaroid...I always wanted one but we never could afford it. Actually Alex and I found a few at thrift stores over the last few years. They are basically dust collectors at this point though.

    Those cookies look great!

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    Replies
    1. I've only had one real tree ever in my life, and it was cool, but my cat couldn't stay away from it.(lol) No trees this year for me at all, but I really enjoy looking at what everyone else has. Quite a few dust collections in every house I think. So thrilled that you stopped by to say hello! Hugs...RO

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  3. Well, I didn't put up a tree but decorated my Halloween skeletons for Christmas so I guess you can tell where I stand on a goth Christmas lol

    I like anything weird or offbeat.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. I'm kind of quirky that way too, but over the years I've mellowed quite a bit. Still, every once in awhile I'll do something totally off the wall and surprise people. I love that you enjoy the upbeat. Hugs...RO

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  4. I am not sure I would like a black tree. I know they are pretty, but I never cared for the white ones, the silver ones with the rotating light that sat in front of the tree (became retro popular a couple of years ago), and now I fear I'm not going to care for the black one, either.

    BTW, the way to clean a pan sounds good, but not so for a clogged GRAIN!

    I never had a polaroid, and am not sure I've ever seen one. My first venture into the world of photography was SLRs. I had two and loads of lenses, filters, etc. Talk about expensive When I went to NYC the first time, I shot 48 rolls of 36 exposure each. I spent more to have the film developed than I did on gas getting there and back!

    Those cookies look delicious. I want one, but don't seem to have the time to bake this year.

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    1. LOL! Nothing wrong with liking the traditional colors and keeping it old school for sure. I love your fabulous tree decorations in your home so much, and a few are quite unusual. That measurement is really change up in order to unclog a drain, or I think you would see me on the news.(lol) The polaroid was something else at our house for sure. I know what you mean when it comes to developing. People still can't believe that I use those disposable cameras and have pictures developed every once in a while, and it does cost more than I like. I may bake once or twice, but I think I'll be busy sending cookie recipes for others to bake so I can go to their house.(lol) Happy Thursday and Hugs...RO

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  5. Any color tree is fine with me if I am not putting it up.
    I had a polaroid asa well. Never took selfies though. :-)
    I am the original scrooge so no tree this year. But I have a candle that makes it smell like I do. :-)

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    1. That's exactly how I feel this year too, Peggy. Don't feel like putting one up at all, and would rather be watching tv or reading.(lol) I love, love, love scented candles, so I can totally to you wanting to have them in your home. They just seem so elegant to me, and I passed that on to my son who loves scented candles in his home too. I tried to have people take so many pictures of me with that thing as a kid, that my mom was furious.(lol) n Fast forward to today, and no pictures are ever to be found of me. Happy Thursday and hugs...RO

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  6. Black Christmas tree. I would so totally do that if I had the money to spend on all new ornaments. Right now I have a white tree that I've had for a few years. I think I might go back to a traditional green tree soon. I know Ken would never go for a black tree. He'd say it was for Halloween. lol

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    Replies
    1. I agree, getting ornaments to match could be so expensive, but I love looking at what everyone else is doing these days. Your tree looks quite lovely by the way! Hugs...RO

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  7. I can't wait to try those cranberry cookies. Thanks for the recipe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This time of year, I love cranberries so much, and enjoy trying new recipes that include them. I also find myself adding cherries too. Hugs...RO

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  8. Sorry, a black Christmas tree doesn't seem right.
    I love to see green please :)

    Those cookies will be popular this month!
    Happy December Wishes

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A lot of people are definitely turned off by black Jan, and prefer the traditional green. Yay to cookies! Hope your Thursday is going well! Hugs...RO

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  9. Black Christmas Tree...What ever turns ya on..!
    Up until my daughter left for Uni we always had
    a tree..a green one..the cats loved it, there the
    best decorators of trees ever..you get a different
    display..every day..! 😸 😻

    And those Polaroid cameras were horrid things, big,
    bulky and useless..by the time you got all set up,
    everyone had fallen off the cliff...! :(.
    HeHe! I'll stick with my Brownie 127...! :).

    Ah! Good old Arm and Hammer..I use their tooth
    paste, without the vinegar of course..supposed
    to be the best thing for teeth..! :).

    Just finished my first lemon tea of the day..off
    to get smartened up for town, might even brush
    my teeth..HeHe! Must'nt forget my brolly...! 🐾🐾🐾

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I absolutely adore looking at all the Christmas tree decorations, including the ones you send my email. So fun and beautiful, and I thank you! As a kid, I was trying to use that camera all the time, which drove my mom bonkers.(lol) Baking soda is definitely the old school way to keep teeth white. I'm off for some tea too dear Willie. Hugs and Happy Thursday! RO

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  10. A black Christmas tree and dark pink decorations work well for me. I will be interested to hear how Mr Appruzi's case goes. My grandfather bought a Polaroid camera in the 70's. I remember flapping the photos about to get them to dry after the chemical smear was applied. Praise Mohamad for digital cameras.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This year, no Christmas trees, but I sure adore lookin at different types. I remember doing the flapping thing too! (lol) Hugs and hope all is well Andrew! Hugs...RO

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  11. We'll stick with a green tree....oh, and a batch of cookies too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think more and more people prefer the traditional, but I love looking at the decorations and cookies too!(lol) Happy Thursday to you all! RO

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  12. Only green. White no, red no, black...I had no idea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's amazing all the different colored trees that are out there these days. Hugs...RO

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  13. Mmmmm, I like different things. But don't think I'd want a black tree. The whole basis of the Yuletide Tree, is that it's green. Ever green. Ever life. And all that... :-)

    Blinking outdoor lights would drive me bananas!!!!! Eeeeek!!!

    Since I pre-date Polaroid, I'm fine with saying we had one. ,-)

    Baking Soda and Vinegar, are magic!!!!!! ,-)

    Oh my, those cookies do sound good.

    🎄✨🎄

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    Replies
    1. I had a friend who used a black tree a few years ago, but it was mostly because her son had passed away. I love looking at all the different colors and decorations that people come up with though. I like blinking outdoor lights but only if they are clear. You pre-date Polaroid, huh?(lol) Merry Christmas to you! Hugs...RO

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  14. Cranberry chip cookies! Yummy! Thank you! I love coloured Christmas trees! When I have a place of my own, I would love to have several medium sized ones and have them all decorated nicely. That's interesting about the apple and water! I say, if people want to have bright Christmas lights, let them! Smile people! Thanks for the info about the vinegar and baking soda! Big Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Some of the colors are definitely magical, and give me cranberry anything. I'm with you - bring on those lights!(lol) Hugs...RO

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  15. Big fat NO on the Black Christmas Tree
    And I'm definitely baking those cookies
    Happy Happy!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No black tree for you Debbie(lol) I'm coming over when you bake those cookies. Merry Christmas and Hugs...RO

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  16. Those cookies sound so delicious! I'm not sure how I feel about the black tree trend. I definitely wouldn't want one for my home, but I guess they could be interesting in certain themed settings. We saw one at the store last week and my son kept calling it the Darth Vader tree, lol.

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    1. I know there are lots of mixed feelings when it comes to a black tree for sure Suzanne. I totally get it being called a Darth Vader tree too(lol) Metty Christmas and Hugs...RO

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  17. I am all about traditional trees....I could NEVER use a black one really?? I mean trees are meant to be GREEN hehe I love seeing people decorate their homes with Christmas Lights. My mom's hometown in Idaho, there is a street that the neighbors work together and every house is decorated full blast and its so festive and fun.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Lots of people are saying no to the black tree, and prefer old school. I sure would love to see your mom's street in Idaho. That sounds truly fun! Merry Christmas and Hugs! RO

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  18. This recipe makes me totally want to make some cookies. People love decorating where I'm from. It's funny how whenever I decide to take the van out and go christmas light searching, There's always like five people at a house almost like they were going to watch a movie at the same time.

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    1. Yay to cookies! I enjoy looking at the decorations that people come up with too, and the movies work too! (lol) Hugs...RO

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  19. I don't feel that strongly about different colored trees if they are someone elses. Half the time I don't do a tree, but I like the pine green ones for my own use. Fun that you used toys to decorate. I have a hodge-podge of ornamentation, too.

    We don't really have any obnoxious Christmas light folks around here. I can see both sides of that one when you're the neighbor who can't get your car up the street or sleep at night.

    Never owned a Polaroid for myself, but the classroom I taught had one so I could take quick picks and save them to share with the kids or parents. It was fun.

    Cranberry cookies sounds good.

    Have a good week, Radiant Ro!

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    Replies
    1. No tree for me this year, but I like looking at what everyone is doing. The Hallmark Channel actually has some great trees on display, and I enjoy looking at what the white house does every year too. I think I would be ok with lots of lights from a neighbor and traffic, but who knows(lol) The polaroids were fun, right? Merry Christmas and hugs...RO

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  20. I'm not kidding, if I had an unlimited budget I would decorate the house to where you could see it from space. Lol. I love holiday lights they make me happy and I do love Christmas trees though I don't like to set them up.

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    1. If I had an unlimited budget and could pay a decorator to do my house, I would totally go for it. I'm not sure I should be up to my own devices(lol) Merry Christmas! RO

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  21. Hm...I'm not opposed to a black tree, but maybe in a smaller size? I can't really see myself wanting a huge black tree. LOL I would love to have a tree decorated in different lights though - like all purple or something fun like that!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    p.s. thanks for reminding me to enter Oprah's giveaway! You never know!

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    1. I really like looking at how they are decorated. Some are very clever. Purple lights sound so fun! I've been trying to get in quite a few contests this year.(lol) Hugs...RO

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  22. Hmm. A black Christmas tree. I'm going to have to think on that one....and think...and think.
    Hugs received and returned.
    15 minute weather today:)

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    1. LOL! I hear you on that one Super Sandra. Got in my 15 minutes this morning and feeling it! Hugs...RO

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  23. Thanks for the Cranberry Chip Cookie recipe!

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  24. What a shame the city is trying to shut the lights down. We always watch the show The Great Christmas Light Fight and those people don't have neighbors complaining that they can be seen from space.

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    1. They're doing a rerun of it tonight, and like you, I love seeing all those fantastic lights and decorations. Pretty fantastic. Merry Christmas! Hugs...RO

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  25. I'm not a fan of the different colored trees. Christmas trees are supposed to be green! I do think they're pretty when I see other people with them but I don't think they're for me! That's too bad about the light show. We have a few houses here who have massive lights displayed and they always put a sign out about respecting the neighbors and then turn them off at 10 or so and it seems to work out okay. That Cranberry Chip cookie recipe looks amazing!

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    1. Lots of people prefer old school just like you Katherine! I love seeing all the different decorations to see what people come up with, but I dare not try to decorate in full mode at my place.(lol) I think the respect for other neighbors is always important to keep the peace. Yummy recipe! Hugs...RO

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  26. I don't think I'd like a black tree! No thanks. I'm not a super big fan of those flashing displays either, but to each their own I guess. Luckily our neighborhood is nice and quiet- lots of lights but no flashing madness haha!

    Hope you have a great week rocking Ro!!!

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    1. Lots of people are feeling that way, Gorgeous Greg. I love all the flashy decorations, but then again, there's never been anything too over the top where I lived.(lol) Hope you're having fun on your mini trip and Merry Christmas! Hugs...RO

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  27. Interesting info on the Apple and Water. Makes sense.
    Hugs

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    1. I thought that too Super Sandra! Hugs...RO

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  28. I love decorations at this time of the year!

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  29. I really don't see much of a difference in the two trees. To me it comes down to lights and decorations. Not the actual color of the limbs. Unless they're white or pink...that I don't care for. $3000 a day. That's a lot of dough. I saw the interview and I can understand both sides. A tough call.

    Elsie

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    1. Oh, I forgot to add, the idea for the cleaner is a great one. I need something like that for my tub. I can't use bleach because of my migraines. Other cleaners also trigger migraines so it's tough to keep up with it every week.

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  30. Hunter green is good enough for me.

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    Replies
    1. Sometimes simple is best! Merry Christmas! Hugs...RO

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  31. I can see where it would be annoying, but I bet people drive for miles to see the Apruzzi's lights, don't you imagine?
    Hugs,

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    1. I agree. When people create these massive light shows, people travel from all over the place to see them, so the traffic has to be pretty crazy! Hugs...RO

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  32. I always had a pretty standard small green fake Christmas tree with red ornaments, but I always like seeing what other people do with their trees. There are some great ideas around on the internet.

    I've used baking soda to unclog the drain a few times, but didn't knew it could be sued to clean pans too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sometimes at home, simple is best, and like you, I really enjoy seeing all the cool things other people come up with. It's pretty amazing to see what baking soda can do. Hugs and Merry Christmas Lovely Lola! RO

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  33. I've read about baking soda and vinegar to help with clogged drains but haven't used them so far!

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    1. That combination can do lots of stuff for sure! Hugs...RO

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  34. Hrms. I'm going with no on the black tree. I don't love the white ones or strange colored trees for my house. Give me a green one, please! lol But I have seen some pretty ones others have done :)

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    1. I think a lot of people prefer to stay traditional, but like you, I enjoy seeing the decorations that others come up with. Hugs...RO

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  35. Love the cleaning info on vinegar and baking soda! Thanks!
    YOU have a great day.
    Hugs

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    Replies
    1. Pray that you and the family are doing well, Sandra! Hugs...RO

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  36. If my house were ultra modern, I would love a black Christmas tree with silver trimmings, but my house is way over 100 years old so I'll stick with the green one.

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    1. The back and silver sounds pretty neat, Joey! Hope you're doing well! Hugs...RO

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  37. I've seen black kitchen appliances, a black wall, black toilet paper - so I guess it's also OK with a black tree.
    Vinegar, even the cheapest brand, is the best cleaning agent on the market. Look no further, pay no more!

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  38. I don't really mind one way or the other on what color your tree is. I personally like the old traditional trees, but I'm not opposed to a black one. :)

    ReplyDelete

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