Saturday, December 22, 2018

JUST SOME STUFF

Don't get me wrong, I adore the holiday decorations, goodwill and Christmas movies but there are 3 things I'm not a fan of, and that would be gingerbread cookies, fruitcake and fake snow. (lol)  How about you?  Do you have a Christmas or holiday turnoff?


CHEESY TWISTS (Sandra Lee)

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (17.3 ounce box), thawed but chilled
  • 1 tablespoon large egg lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated  
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Unfold puff pastry onto a cutting board. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush half the egg mixture over puff pastry. Sprinkle with ¼ cup Parmesan and gently pat down so the cheese sticks to pastry. Carefully turn pastry over and repeat with remaining egg mixture and Parmesan.
  3. Using a pizza cutter, cut pastry into 1-inch-wide strips. Twist each strip by turning the ends in opposite directions. Arrange evenly on prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until twists are golden brown. Transfer twists to a wire rack. Serve warm..

If you're looking for a place in the states next year that has lots of vendors, plenty of tasty goodies and boasts over a million Christmas lights, check out Leavenworth Washington.  This place looks so amazing!


Do you still send out handwritten notes to thank friends or family, or is that a lost art?  Ironically, December 26 is National Thank You Note Day, so if you have some Thank You cards sitting around the house, that's the day to use them.

Have you ever watched the very wonderful Carol Burnett in her variety show on tv?  It's hard to imagine that it was on from 1967 to 1978, then came back on for the final time in 1991.  This program was laugh out loud funny, and won a staggering 25 Emmys!

She's still around, still churning out some amazing reads, and with over 400 million books in print, and a net worth of a little over 390 million, Eleanor Marie Robertson  never ceases to reinvent herself.  Oh, did I mention this great author is also called Nora Roberts?  Be sure to check out her latest fantasy series called Chronicles of the One.


Do you have a favorite color when it comes to your vehicle?  Mine would be purple or pink, but neither one of those is in the ranking.(lol)  According to the Axalta Coating Systems for 2017, the top color that people prefer for any type of vehicle (trucks, sedans, sports cars, etc.) is white/pearl white with black as a close second.  Also, the top selling car in 2017 was the Toyota Camry.

This seems hard to believe, but according to researchers at the Virginia Commonwealth University, eating a cookie or a small piece of pie with breakfast can rev up your metabolism by 25%, possibly getting rid of about 37 pounds a year.

Did you know that you can donate litter and much needed food to cats and dogs for FREE by visiting www.freekibble.com?  Answer fun trivia questions for FREE and you'll be helping pets in need.



Grover Cleveland is considered the 22nd AND 24th president because he served 2 terms that were not consecutive.


I'm sure not one of them, but two billion people actually enjoy eating bugs (ugh), and the official word for it is entomophagy.




I think most of us get caught up in the holiday hustle and bustle, but I can't forget about the families who are struggling because they've lost a loved one due to domestic violence, or many who are hungry and homeless.  

Someone you know is cringing in fear of being physically harmed,  or struggling with low self esteem because they were degraded or humiliated at a holiday party because of weight, clothing or a conversation.  That friend you work with has no place to go for a Christmas meal, and is forced to sleep in a car and to wash up in the local Walmart.  The child you see with bruises almost every day in your neighborhood cries at night praying to be saved from the horrific abuse he or she is suffering from at home.
Statistically, domestic violence is even worse during the holidays, and every year my Christmas wish is that homelessness and abuse will one day be eradicated.  

This note below is from a blogger who has fallen on hard times.



 

 
"In desperate need of help"
 
Our situation seems to get worse by the day. We are.asking for.help to be able to stay in our home and take care of our 2 children. Please help our family.
 
View Updates
 
 




62 comments:

  1. What a wonderful Christmas post, RO! No fake snow here, and NO fruitcake. I hate citron. I'll eat any cookie fresh out of the oven. No store bought ones, though.

    I just won free kibble for cats and free litter, too. I'll be going back every day as long as they have the offer. Thanks for the link.

    You and I are in agreement about the abused, bullied, and gas-lighted people we know. I would love to do more for the homeless and just took 10 pair of men's socks to the homeless shelter and 10 pair to the women's shelter, along with one gently used coat. Unfortunately, that is about all I can do,

    Merry, merry Christmas, dear friend. Hope you stop by my blog on either Christmas eve or Christmas day for T (tea) time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That fake snow just looks crazy because it never moves or melts(lol) I'll keep the cookie oven thing in mind for next year. Yay, I'm so glad you like the kibble site and that you won!!! Socks are very much needed in shelters, and I know your kind gift was greatly appreciated. Of course I'll be over to visit on Christmas! I wouldn't miss it at all, particularly since I'll be quietly alone this year. Hugs...RO

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  2. Oh yea, we don't care for those 3 things either! I might have told you this before, but the Mom and Dad met Carol Burnett once at a fundraising event and they ended up talking about soap operas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kindred spirits are appreciated indeed(lol) How blessed you were to meet ms. Burnett. I'll bet that was quite a wonderful experience. Hugs...RO

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  3. I just "stole" your free kibble logo because I couldn't get one to link from their site. I now have a way for everyone who visits my blog to click on the free kibble link daily.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a cool idea, and I'll bet they love you for doing it, dear Elizabeth! Hugs...

      Delete
    2. I did send that address you requested to your email yesterday. Hugs...

      Delete
  4. Gingerbread? Bleah.
    And the insistence that the ONLY way to show someone you love them is to spend a lot.
    Christmas is the happiest time of year. Except when it isn't. And the bereaved, the lonely, the homeless, the poverty stricken do it tough. So I help when/where I can.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so right EC. Giving gifts is definitely not a pass to be mean-spirited and to treat them unkindly. I never have understood that mindset. You're so right - those in need really have it so hard, and I know you always understand and reach out when you can. I'm sending lots of hugs your way! RO

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  5. My sister loves Fruitcake! I can take it or leave it. And, thank you for taking special note of those who need more prayers than usual at this time of year. Best wishes to you, RO.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh no!!!(lol) It's a hard pass for me on fruitcake. I wish you and your family the best holiday ever, Angela! Hugs...RO

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  6. Yes, I do remember Carol Burnett. She was very funny. Good reminder about domestic violence, which although perhaps not directed at children, can have a profound effect on them too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carol Burnett just seems like she'd be a great person to hang out with for sure. Very sad about the domestic violence and abuse that continues to happen year round. Hugs...and Merry Christmas dear Andrew! RO

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  7. Grover Cleveland fathered a child out of wedlock

    his foes chanted "Ma Ma, where's my Pa?"

    when he won

    his supporters said "In the White House, ha ha ha"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YIKES! Didn't know that tidbit, but I'll bet he did have the last laugh despite the baby issue. I love your trivia knowledge Adam! Merry Christmas to you and your family! Hugs...RO

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  8. Hey roisterous Ro!! I don't really have any big turn-offs per se, although for me the jury is still out on whether I like those houses that have the flashing lights displays- I mean the really dramatic ones! I just don't know about those (and my apologies to anyone who has them and likes them lol).

    I could probably get behind a cookie at breakfast. :)

    I do believe in thank you cards, I think it's just common courtesy, but I don't know if thinking has changed on that in the digital age? Not sure. Oh and my mom loved carol Burnett (and Mama's family) so I was familiar with those growing up. They were hilarious at times.

    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've heard some people really get riled up by lots of blinking lights and massive crowds in the neighborhood. I like looking at, but to be honest, I'm not sure what I'd do if it was actually in the neighborhood(lol) I'm a BIG believer in thank yous, and I adore when people send cards, but it seems like that is becoming a lost art these days. Carol Burnett truly seems like a classy and funny lady in everything she does. I remember her telling a story of a very famous star who gave her money and a head start, asking only that she never tell who he was. It's been over 40 years, and while she tells the story, she still won't divulge his name. Very cool. Hugs...RO

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  9. HeHe! I must be honest..there isn't anything that
    turns me off at Christmas or holidays..if there
    were..l'd just simply..'turn it off'..! Period! :).

    Eating bugs...Yep! Loads of them over the years...
    In fact there isn't anything l don't eat..nothing
    l turn my nose up to..l even collect garden snails
    keep them in a box for a couple weeks to purge...
    Quick boil..garlic butter..Yum! Yum! :).

    And...I'm afraid statistics about food go right over
    the top of my head..they say one thing one week, then
    another thing the following week..coffee's good for you,
    then it isn't..and so on..! Everything in moderation, l
    say...!

    Well best get on..just getting light over here, pop up
    the supermarket shortly..few more bits and pieces needed
    for Christmas..though my Christmas won't really start
    until next Friday..! I've got a nice haunch of wild boar,
    goose, and some wild game..washed down with a few bottles
    of vino...Hic! :).

    Well..All the very best to one and all...hope everyone has
    a great time, and ALL the very best for 2019..! 🎄✨🎄

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very cool that you're all about Christmas dear Willie, and quite brave that you'll eat pretty much everything!(lol) You're right, what we can and can't eat sure does change daily. Sure sounds like you have lots of goodies to prepare and eat for the holiday, and I wish you the merriest of Christmas! Hugs...RO

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  10. I don't like fake snow, the kind that gets sprayed on the real tree's. It makes such a mess. lol I do however like fruitcake as long as there's no alcohol in it. I think it tastes good. I like gingerbread cookies too and gingerbread houses. The one thing that I hate though is Christmas music. Not a fan at all. It's all so sad, so depressing and makes me want to cry. I don't watch those 'feel good' Christmas movies either. For some reason they always make me want to cry and depress me. But I love all the lights and decorations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really bugs me to see snow that never melts, stays in one place or looks like feathers when it lands on coats and hair.(lol) If there's no snow, why add it to the movie?(lol) I tasted one fruitcake from this bakery many years ago, and it was fabulous. Other than that, it feels like a brick(lol) that I don't want to eat. I adore seeing gingerbread house competitions, but the taste is ugh. I've heard a lot of people want to pass on the Christmas music for various reasons, so I totally get it. You already know how much I love Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel and Lifetime Network, which most people hate(lol) But this year, I was a little disappointed by a few. I agree that some do make you cry a lot. Give me the lights and decorations too! Merry Christmas Marvelous Mary! RO

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  11. Yep, the fake snow is a turn off, but fruitcake done a certain way is not so bad to me. I can't really think of anything else in particular, but I will say something in excess (my subjective line for determining that, LOL) will turn me off.

    Loved the Carol Burnett show. Hey, I knew that about Cleveland's presidency. I make the cheese sticks like that though I'll use crescent roll dough instead.

    Well timed reminder about the uptick in domestic violence and homelessness during the holidays and a family in need. Thanks, lady!

    Have a joyful Christmas and a wonderful New Year, Radiant Ro!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just don't understand it. If there's no snow, why spread out the fake stuff so that it just sort of sits there and never moves or melts. Then when it rains down on people, it just doesn't work. Saw a lot of this year on Christmas movies. Carol Burnett just seems like a really classy lady. Crescent rolls sounds like it saves lots of time and cash! My heart goes out to so many in need, or suffering all year round and during the holidays. Sure hope you're having the best holiday ever! Hugs...RO

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  12. Ok cookie with breakfast it is!

    Fake snow sucks. But no on the gingerbread, ok most suck, but there is this Swedish brand that is delish

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm definitely with you on cookies for breakfast!(lol) That fake show really bugged me this year. Yay to you for finding good gingerbread cookies! Hugs and Merry Christmas! RO

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  13. I love gingerbread, but i HATE all the sappy, sloppy movies we get served all through December, and I am slowly but surely turning into a Grinch! Have a great time, hugs, Valerie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! I'm one of those people who get glued to the tv for all those Christmas movies, but this year, they weren't as good as they have been. I watch Lifetime, Netflix, Hallmark and Ion. No to Gingerbread unless someone is building a house, but glad you like them. I can never imagine you as a Grinch. You have some of the best stuff where you are to celebrate the holidays. Merry Christmas and lots of hugs...RO

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  14. I think what drives me crazy is how mean people get around the holidays, and it should be opposite from that. I am glad to live in a place that has snow. But I do love christmas pudding but I don't care for fruitcake.

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  15. Always good to read the mix of items in your posts.
    I think it's lovely to hand write a letter, just extra special somehow.
    My best wishes for Christmas

    All the best Jan

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    Replies
    1. Happy soon to be New Year! I agree that the handwritten notes are super special. Hugs...RO

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  16. I always write thank you notes. You'll see if you haven't already. :) Can't read my writing but I always do it.

    I love your heart Ro.
    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very cool that you write Thank You cards, and I was honored to receive mine! Thanks again for your kindness! RO

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  17. Hey, Ro!

    Boy, I've been having so much trouble with commenting using my Google account. Bah. So frustrating. Anyway, I just want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

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    Replies
    1. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Joyous Joy! I've sure missed you and hope that 2019 is the best ever for you! Hugs...RO

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  18. I remember watching the Carol Burnett show, she was so funny :)
    Have a wonderful Christmas and New year RO.

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    Replies
    1. Quite a classy lady, and I used to laugh at her shows all the time. Sure hope your holidays are as amazing as you are! Hugs...RO

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  19. I hope you had a good Christmas Ro!
    I'm going to start eating pie or cookies in the morning! LOL!
    Thanks for the cheese twist recipe!
    I think Christmas is one of the hardest times for people!
    I always loved watching Carol Burnett!
    Big Hugs!

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    Replies
    1. Hope yours was good too, and yes I adored the Carol Burnett Show too. Happy New Year! Hugs...

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  20. Lots of good information! I do still write handwritten thank-you notes. I did love to watch Carol Burnett. And those cheesy twists look wonderful. I'm about to go visit www.freekibble.com to see what that's all about. Thanks so much for the information!

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    Replies
    1. Very cool about the handwritten notes. I think they are so special and personal. Carol Burnett is definitely a class act for sure. Hope you like freekibble. A few people have won some things already! Hugs and Happy New year, Ruth!

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  21. Merry Christmas RO, my cars are white, I do write handwritten notes but not for Christmas gifts which are reciprocal. My UPS man's wife runs a shelter and I donate food and treats to it all the time. My charity of choice anytime of year is St. Judes and what little I can afford to give goes to them. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Debbie, sounds like you're part of the stats(lol) Very cool that the UPS Man's wife runs a shelter for those in need, and sending some hugs your way for donating when you can. St. Jude is definitely a great place to give, because seeing children suffer is particularly rough. Your kindness is truly appreciated! Happy New Year! RO

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  22. I don't really like the holiday season. It's starts coming at you in October and is relentless until Christmas - then it's already switched to Valentine's in the stores here.

    My husband and I are are low key about so I enjoy our little traditions and I do like gingerbread :-)

    I love writing notes and two of my nieces always send me handwritten notes which is really sweet.

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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  23. Merry Christmas RO!! :)
    I'm not a fan of candied fruit anything really, but Alex is so I tolerate lol...and he tolerates watching Christmas Vacation with me hee hee.

    I've tried those cheese twists and they are really good, but you have to eat them quick! They get stale fast!

    I remember the Carol Burnett show, I howled every week watching that! Great memories!!

    Very thoughtful of you to talk about domestic violence and families in need. It's a fact of life and I personally feel the way the world is going, it'll only get worse. When I was in that situation, I always wished for bruises so I could prove abuse. Emotional abuse and domestic bullying are silent killers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You guys are such an adorable couple and a reminder that good relationships focus on compromise. YIKES to stale cheesy goodness!(lol) I hate that so many suffer from the domestic violence that can't be easily seen, making it even harder to get out of. I am so thrilled that you found happiness and got out of that horrible situation. Happy New Year! RO

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  24. holiday turnoffs? I really hate those santas ringing the bells for donations, it's kind of ignoring if they keep doing it straight on especially if you're on the same streets for a while. I actually prefer the ones where they just play music.

    I can't drive or even like driving but if I have to choose a car color, proably blue. white is just so plain and also, I have not see a clean white car in years.

    have a lovely day.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! It looks like I need to start eating a little bite of a cookie with breakfast. LOL That's so interesting though.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

    ReplyDelete
  26. I hope you had a lovely Christmas, RO! In the past I would have said that my biggest holiday turnoff are those cheesy Hallmark holiday movies, but this year I seem to be addicted to them. I'm not sure what's happening to me, lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm addicted every year, but the choices this year weren't quite as entertaining. I totally get what you're saying. My family can't understand my fascination and shake their heads all the time. Still, I'll be back again next year with Lifetime, Hallmark and Netflix once again.(lol) Hugs and Happy New Year! RO

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  27. That's so funny about the car colors. when I was looking white was an absolute NO. Black was not the color I wanted (but ended up with because it had everything else) either. Heh

    I don't think I've ever had gingerbread. Huh!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's pretty ironic about the car colors. Gingerbread definitely has a unique flavor, but there's still time for you to get a few.(lol)

      Delete
  28. Hi Ro! I love Christmas but yeah there's one thing that makes my eye twitch the most and that's the Christmas music. I know right?! But they're basically just 26 songs (if that) on repeat for weeks with different people singing them. They drive me batty.

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  29. Thank you for all your interesting and fun posts RO, always enjoy them. Wishing you and your family a Very Happy New Year.

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  30. I am back!
    Right there with ya on gingerbread cookies and fruitcake:(
    Just finished Blood and Bone. Thumbs up. I told you I stayed at her inn, didn't I? Thumbs up for that too:)
    Thanks for stopping by on more than one occasion to check on me, Ro.
    Wishing you a prosperous, good health filled, and joyful year.
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  31. Those cheesy twists look good! I don't really have a holiday turnoff. I dislike the pressure of finding the perfect gift, but I generally love that holiday spirit.
    Happy new year!

    ReplyDelete
  32. THANK YOU! I'm the worst. I had family in town and forgot to write thank you cards! Then I got hit with a rough migraine cycle and forgot again. I'm going to get them out of my desk right now. You're a lifesafer, thank you for the reminder!

    My family gets handwritten greeting cards during the year so they know I'm thinking of them, handwritten Christmas cards and of course....thank you cards. To me, it's more personal and let's them know I'm taking the time to write them. Happy New Year!

    Elsie

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  33. I think I just might abuse that morning cookie bit of knowledge, hahaha... - www.domesticgeekgirl.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Do hope 2019 has started well for you.
    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hmm- that cookie with breakfast and it helps lose weight? That sounds like a delicious plan. Not sure if it really works- but it would be tasty. I also want some cheesy twists. :)

    I hope the family you featured is doing better in 2019.
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
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