WOULD YOU WEAR THESE?

There have been occasions where I've worn some kooky items, and most of my friends just go with it. But as much as I love my shoes, a few of these had me scratching my head and wondering who to re-gift these to for the upcoming holidays.*heh*

Even better, this proves that with a little creativity, we can all probably make our own shoes with no problem, and save a ton of money. I'm going to use some spaghetti cans to see what I can come up with. (lol)

I would wear these!

Yes, these are men's shoes

Men's Shoes

Don't these look like comfy slippers?

I would try these out!

This is what to do with all that leftover Christmas Candy!

Uh...No!

Crazy!

Will they fall apart when walking?  Still, very cool!

Are these real fish???????

No, no, no!

These men's shoes are from Tom Ford and cost $2 Million Dollars!

According to the University of California Olive Center in Davis, all Extra Virgin Olive Oils are not created equal, and may not even reach the minimum requirements. The most authentic oils are protected from light in those expensive dark glass bottles or stainless steel containers on grocery store shelves. If you use this healthy oil a lot and want to save money, contact the manufacturer via email or snail mail for high value coupons. You can also do a coupon search online.

THE WHITE HOUSE
The White House didn't start off with that name.  It's been called The Executive Mansion, The President's Palace, and The President's House.  It doesn't look this large when we see it on television, but this massive home is about 55,000 square feet with 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms.

Touring the White House is FREE, but you can't just walk in to say hello.  Tours have to be requested through your local congressperson about 90 days in advance and proper ID is needed.

Despite the size, tours are only conducted in the public areas within the East Wing.

KNOCK YOU NAKED BROWNIES & SOME TRIVIA

This recipe comes from Ree Drummond and her book, The Pioneer Woman Cooks.  She includes a lot of great recipes but this one was chosen because of the name, which gave me the giggles, and I was trying to figure out if eating this treat would really want to make a person actually get naked.

KNOCK YOU NAKED BROWNIES

INGREDIENTS
1/3 Cup + 1/2 Cup Evaporated Milk
1 Box German Chocolate Cake Mix
1/2 Cup (1 Stick) Butter, melted
1 Cup Finely Chopped Pecans
60 Unwrapped Caramels
1/3 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar, Sifted

DIRECTIONS
1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, then grease and flour a  x  inch baking pan
2.  Into a bowl, port 1/3 cup evaporated milk with the cake mix.
3.  Add the melted butter and chopped pecans, then mix together.  The mix will be pretty thick.
4.  Divide the dough in half down the middle and press it into the bottom of the pan to make the first brownie layer.
5.  Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until set, then remove it from the oven and set aside
6.  While the brownie layer is baking in a double boiler (or a glass bowl set over a bowl of simmering water), combine the caramels and 1/2 cup evaporated milk..  Stir occasionally until the caramels are totally melted and the mixture is smooth.
7.  Pour the caramel mixture over the first baked layer, spreading it so that it's evenly distributed, then sprinkle the chocolate chips all over  the top.
8.  Next, on a clean surface or a sheet of parchment paper, press the remaining brownie dough into a square shape slightly smaller than the baking pan.  Carefully set it on top of the chocolate chips, and bake for 20-25 minutes.  Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool to room temperature, then cover the pan and refrigerate for several hours, allowing them to set.
9.  When ready to serve, sprinkle them with powdered sugar and cut into large rectangles before removing them from the pan.

HALLOWEEN TRIVIA
I don't watch scary movies the way I did as a kid, but this is the time of year to get your binge on with plenty of classics.  Here's a few secrets from behind the scenes.

Hocus Pocus - 1993 - was almost titled The Halloween House

The Craft, released in 1996, went through 600 girls, tested 90 women and struggled for 9 months before all 4 girls were cast.

The Blair Witch Project released in 1999 only cost $60,000 to film, however, it actually earned close to $287 million world-wide. 

They saved money by wearing their own clothing, holes and all.  In addition, the small handprints on the wall were placed there by the art director's nephews by using black paint.

HALLOWEEN VACATION
If you're really into Halloween and want to experience the day in all its glory, take a trip to St. Helens, Oregon, which is also where Halloweentown from the Disney Channel was filmed in 18.  They have haunted houses, parades, a monster fun run and a haunted hot rod rally for your scary enjoyment. 

HAUNTED HOUSES
Have you ever been to a haunted house?  I went to one in Baltimore when I was a kid, and one in Virginia Beach as an adult.  Let me just say that both places pretty much scared me to death.  One thing I hate is that once you go in and get started, you can't turn around to go back  - and believe me I tried in both places.(lol)So then you end up trying your best to run through the place as quickly as possible and maintain your sanity.  What's scary is the surprise of someone like a vampire appearing unexpectedly, or being touched with an unseen creepy finger on your ankle or neck. My throat was pretty much raw from screaming, so you already know I won't be going back.

ARE YOU A BOSS?
October 16 is Bosses Day which originated in 1958.  If you're a boss, give yourself permission to take off today.  If you have a boss, give him/her a cupcake or card of appreciation, then ask for the day off.

STRANGE PRACTICE by Vivian Shaw
A fan of vampire novels, I've never heard of a physician who specializes in treating the undead, so I was intrigued.  But that's what Dr. Greta Helsing quietly does in her London neighborhood, until trouble comes.  This sounded pretty fascinating, or so I thought.

This novel was hilariously reviewed by someone on Youtube, and while he bashes it to death, this guy does give some really solid reasons of why you should NOT read it ever.  By the time he was done, I felt really sorry for that author. YIKES!

Taylor Winston, a veteran,  grabbed a truck with the keys in it that had been left at the festival unattended, and miraculously managed to get 30 critically injured people to the hospital in the midst of all the chaos and danger in Las Vegas. Not once did he think about his own safety. To show gratitude for Taylor's bravery and kindness, BF Motors provided him with a brand new truck.  Bravo!

WEDDING GOWN GIVEAWAY FOR FIRST RESPONDERS/MILITARY & STUFF

Every year I do a post  reminding military brides and first responders about the Brides Across America Wedding Gown Giveaway in various states, honoring those who serve our country.

It's important to register in advance by clicking here, event list page, and paying the one time $40 registration fee. This information is provided to the bridal salons to ensure they have gowns in your size to choose from, and one will be FREE.

Don't be discouraged if your state isn't listed.  Be sure to check with some of  the salons in your area just in case because they may be participating, but haven't signed up yet for the program.

More details of the necessary criteria and documentation needed is available at:   

Brides Across America

362 N. Main Street

Andover, MA  01810

877-650-3309

http://www.bridesacrossamerica.com

info@bridesacrossamerica.com

PODCAST LOVE
Are you a podcast fan?  Is there someone in particular that you listen to all the time?  Here's a few that might interest you based on what your hobbies, or what you watch on television.

STARTALKRADIO.NET introduces us to a comedian, soccer player and broadcaster that break down really important sports moments in history scientifically.

TMSIDK.COM talks about news in a format similar to a game show, which is really cool.

NPR.org has a group of people gathered around to talk about pop culture and recent trends.

EARLY PROGRAMMING
I enjoy watching cooking shows and ballroom dancing on PBS, (Public Broadcasting Service) and one of the very first cooking shows actually aired there in 1963 called The French Chef with Julia Child.  The Antiques Roadshow, This Old House ,a Chef's Life, and Curious George are also still around.

WOULD YOU EVER DO THIS?
When I was a kid, we had a best friend who's mother insisted that we call her first name.  It took us a while to get it, but we finally got on board.  I remember calling my mom by her first name once, and that was one time too many because I ended up getting punished for 2 days with no television or books,  thought the world had ended. (lol) I learned my lesson quickly!  For the record, my son couldn't call me by my first name either. (lol)

Now it seems like kids are ditching the tradition of calling their parents Mom & Dad. What about you?  Do you call your parents by their first names?  Have you ever done it?

IS BLACK ONE OF YOUR FAVE COLORS?

Do you think that black cats are a bad thing? When I was a kid, my mom pounded in my head that  a black cat crossing your path is serious bad luck, and for years I believed that.  Don't ask me how, but eventually, I got past that superstition. Eventually after joining the USAF, I ended up getting Skye, my black Persian cat, who was eventually stolen while she was at the veterinarian for a checkup.  No such thing as cameras or android phones back then.

True fully black Persians are rare, but I thought it was okay to leave her in the case in the waiting room while I went to the restroom.  For Pete's sake, I was in an office that treated pets, right?  When I came back, she was gone and I was devastated.

Anywho, now I think that black is elegant, unusual and classy and decided to share some really neat items dedicated to this phenomenal color.  And it's a great way to focus on Halloween.

Yummy chocolate

Gorgeous Cuff links

Black Diamond $18,000!

Planner Ideas

Those are tattoos!

Rolls Royce

Taxi in London

Thermal Underwear

Paper Towels

Would you use black toilet paper?

Yes, this is black ice cream that is all the rage these days...

Spaghetti

Bathroom

Coffin Bookcase

Gothic Bookcase

Black Wedding Gown

Do you dare to wear black lipstick?

It's almost 2018, and hard to understand that 1 in 8  women in the United States will get breast cancer at some point in their lives, 1 in 17 women will get lung cancer, and 1 in 24 will get rectal or colon cancer.  This means that someone in your family or someone you know will be affected  by one of these cancers in your lifetime.  Some may not even tell you until it's too late! 

About 3 years ago, a friend told me that she had breast cancer, and she looked fantastic.  Two months later - just like that - she died, and we were shocked. She didn't know she had it, then on top of that, once she was diagnosed, she didn't tell anyone until the last minute, knowing that she only had a short time left on this earth.  Early treatment is critical to saving a life.

If you've been reading this blog, you know I'm passionate about victims and survivors of domestic violence. For the past 30 years, October has been recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Be aware of what's considered unhealthy, and to remember that abuse can happen to anyone regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or economic status.  Also keep in mind that YOU are not to blame.