MANGO MADNESS + SPILLING SECRETS

What if you experienced writer's block, and as a way to break through it, wrote a novel about your best friend's affair that ended up becoming not only a bestseller, but the talk of the town?  Well, that's the setup for a new summer read from Elin Hilderbrand, entitled The Rumor. To be honest, I would be highly upset with my friend for cheating, so even if the money was good, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't write about it.  There's just no way I could diss my best friend in that manner.  But what about you? Would you throw caution to the wind and just go for it and collect that check?(lol)   Order it here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Rumor-Novel-Elin-Hilderbrand/dp/0316334529.  

While pondering that one, check out these really neat recipes below that are simple to make.

If you're a foodie and watching Masterchef on the Fox Network, you've already met the James Beard Award winning Pastry Chef, Christina Tosi. She's an author and co-owner of a restaurant, too. Time permitting, she enjoys making mango drinks to use throughout the day for a cold treat.

MORNING
1 Cup Mango Sorbet
1 Cup Plain Yogurt

AFTERNOON
1 Cup Mango Sorbet
1 1/2 Cups Club Soda
1 Lime, zested and juiced
1 Tablespoon Honey

NIGHT
1 Cup Mango Sorbet
1 Cup Club Soda or Tonic Water
3 Ounces Vodka or Gin
5 Fresh Mint or Cilantro Leaves

 Combine the ingredients in your blender, mixing for a minute, or until completely smooth.  Each recipe will only serve you, so if you want to impress friends, be sure to get more stuff to go around so no one will be mad at you. (lol)

JUST ONE MORE THING
Don't forget - being called degrading names or humiliated in public, lied on, threatened with the loss of your children or personal belongings, gaslighted, emotionally taunted or isolated from friends and family, are all considered acts of control and part of domestic violence.  You are not alone. You have nothing to be ashamed of, and you are not at fault.

STRESS-FREE SUNDAY & SIMPLE RECIPE

Don't forget to stop by to visit our very good buddy Kim from the www.caffeinatedbookreviewer.com.  She always has tons of great info about book reviews, blogging tips, movies and other fun stuff. If you've been reading this blog, you probably know that I adore amusement parks, so being invited to a water park yesterday had me doing the happy dance.  Yay!

Getting there was an adventure in itself, because anyone in the car was stuck listening to me for about an hour and a half. (lol)  I only wish I recorded it via phone so you could see the antics of family and friends, but I was sworn to secrecy.  I giggled the entire time even though there may have been a point when people grew tired of hearing me say, "remember when?"  Uh...then we arrived at the waterpark that cannot be named. (lol)

Even though I would never get on a ride at local fair that was built in a day, at least there was more than one.  Ride that is.  This park had a total of ONE (1) slide, and I'm not kidding.  The rest of the venue included 4 mini-pools with perks for the Lilliputians from Gulliver's Travels, a place where you can float on a tube, one that you could ride on that had very questionable water, and the final one that was all of 2 feet tall was one you could sort of hang out in.  There was a food shack, of which I passed on.  That one ride was fantastic, of course, but then there was a thunderstorm forcing everyone to get out of the water as per the rules.  After waiting a while, we (13 people) eventually picked up rainchecks and headed off into the sunset.

If you can relate, tell me if we're on the same page when thinking about waterparks. (lol)

The equivalent of where I was:

Yes, I did a get a mini-tan on the slide-lol

Meanwhile, try this easy Greek and very tasty recipe from Real Simple Magazine.  I used it on a cheeseburger, but this relish may be used to enhance lamb dishes, or as a topping for hotdogs or salads.  It only takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and you're all set.

MINT & SCALLION RELISH

Ingredients

1/2 C

up O

live Oil

1/4 C

up F

resh Lemon Juice

2 T

easpoons H

oney

1 S

mall Clove Garlic, finely chopped

Kosher Salt and Black Pepper

1 

cup 

chopped fresh mint

4 S

callions, chopped

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
2. Stir in the mint and scallions.
3. Don't forget, if you like it spicy, feel free to add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Relax if you can and do something for YOU! Hugs...

ARE YOU BLOGGING LESS DUE TO WARMER WEATHER?

With millions of writers in the Blogosphere, someone always has something interesting to say.  I'm noticing that lately though, my blogger buddies are not around, and I miss them, dang it! (lol)

Kids get out of school for summer vacation. TV programs are broadcasting repeats until the new Fall season.   Is that perhaps the case with bloggers as well?  Are they taking a hiatus and doing other things with plans to come back in September, or are they simply blogging a few less days during the week in order to catch up with life?

What about you?  Are you more active during the winter months with your Blog, and then winding down in the Summer?

WIN 1 of 25 TRIPS TO UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT + TRIVIA THURSDAY

Universal Orlando is giving away 25 trips to Universal Orlando Resort, to celebrate their 25th anniversary, along with with theme park tickets, airfare and a hotel stay. Add your photos to their timeline and you will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of the vacation packages to create even more unforgettable #UniversalMoments. Add as many photos as you’d like, and receive up to one entry per day.  Your photos won't be judged, they are simply required by entering on-line.  If you are 18+ years of age and a resident of the US, you're eligible to enter once per household, per day through July 31, 2015 11:59pm.

Website Entry  

Twenty-five (25) Grand Prizes: A trip for the eligible Grand Prize Winner and up to three (3) Travel Companions to Universal Orlando® Resort in Orlando, Florida. The trip will include round trip coach class air transportation from a major commercial airport near winner’s home to Orlando, FL; Three consecutive nights standard hotel accommodations (one room, quad occupancy, room and tax only) at an on-site hotel; non-exclusive ground transportation to and from airport and Hotel in Orlando, FL; Four 3-Day Park-to-Park theme park tickets good for admission to Universal Studios Florida® and Universal’s Islands of Adventure® theme parks; and Universal Express℠ Unlimited ride access at both parks to skip the regular lines at participating rides and attractions for Grand Prize Winner and his/her Travel Companions. 

Even though I'm not a fan, I notice Kingsford Barbecue bags in the grocery stores,  drugstores and places like Wal-Mart and Target all the time, but never realized how they became so popular. Eventually, all those scraps built up until  he found a way to use them.  Brilliantly, he chipped the wood and was able to convert it into the shape of mini pillows called briquets. Can you believe that he sold these through his car dealerships?  Eventually he named it Kingsford Charcoal Briquets and the rest is history!  -Favorite Brand Name Best-Loved Recipes of All Time

If you have $150,000 - $500, 000 sitting around, you can invest in these successful franchises and be guaranteed to make a profit.Forbes

• Jimmy Johns - Serves Sandwiches
• Jet's Pizza - Deep Dish Pizza in a Square Pan
• Marco's Pizza - Authentic Italian Pizza
• Plato's Closet - Purchases and sells YA clothing and shoes, however I've shopped at their Cary location (Hey Anna!) and found fantastic new or next to new name brand shoes for just $5!!!

No one knows why, but for some reason, Bruce Willis wears his watch upside down. Wonderful World of Odd.

Do you remember having to type up your book reports on typewriters as a kid and using white-out to fix those errors?  I wish I still had mine, but I do still have a bottle of correction fluid. Tom Hanks is a collector of old typewriters.

1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.

Men are victims of nearly 3 million physical assaults in the USA.

Many people are still unaware that verbal and emotional abuse are acts of domestic violence.

WHAT'S THE INSPIRATION FOR THE NAME OF YOUR BLOG?

Kudos and thanks to my buddy, Lanie of www.laniesbookthoughts.blogspot.com, who nominated me and a few other cool bloggers for the "Beautiful Blogger Award".

Lanie blogs about books specifically, but because she enjoys the fantasy genre, occasionally talks about sci-fi movies or tv programs. What I like about this lady is that she's super funny, and frequently has me laughing out loud because of something she posted.  Check her out when you get a chance.

In keeping with this theme, Better Homes and Garden chose their winners for the 2015 BHG Blogger Awards.  They split this up into 6 categories:

1.  Decorating:  www.themakerista.com and www.theinspiredroom.net
2.  DIY:  www.sugarandcloth.com and www.iheartorganizing.blogspot.com
3.  Gardening:  www.thehorticult.com and www.penick.net/digging
4.  Everyday Eats:  www.mynameisyeh.com and www.gimmesomeoven.com
5.  Fashion & Beauty:  www.coralsandcognacs.com and www.maskcara.com
6.  Baking:  www.sprinklebakes.com and www.mybakingaddiction.com
As you can see, they missed a section for Book Bloggers(lol), but this list is still pretty neat.

Millions of bloggers all over the world have something important to say about sex, cooking, book/product reviews, fashion/makeup tips, relationship issues, news, entertainment, or how-to, and these are phenomenal accomplishments. But inquiring minds are curious about the inspiration behind how blog names are actually chosen.  Do people poll their friends for ideas, do they do it alone and just run with it, is it tied to the theme of the blog, do you make fun of yourself?  One title that really caught my attention is:

Chumplady

The name sounds funny, and so is she, but everything about this blog is brilliant.

The name associated with my blog is tied to a couple of things. My obsession with trivia and how it actually rhymes with my name. (lol)  

What about you?  How did you choose the name of your Blog?

TRY A NEW RECIPE TUESDAY & TASTY TIDBITS

WATERMELON-LIME COOLERS

INGREDIENTS
12 Cups Seedless Watermelon 
2 Tbsp Honey
1/2 Cup Fresh Lime Juice

INSTRUCTIONS
In a blender, puree the watermelon and honey in batches, until smooth.  Set a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl and strain, pressing gently to squeeze out the juice. Discard any pulp.

Transfer to a pitcher, t, then stir in the lime juice.  Garnish each glass with a lime wedge, or if using straws, use a watermelon cube. Cool in the fridge, then serve over ice when you're ready.

Add a little spice by adding a cup of vodka to the pitcher.  Enjoy!

DID YOU KNOW?
If you get divorced just one day short of 10 years, neither you nor your spouse will be able to collect a dime in spousal or survivor benefits when you become eligible.  This can cause the loss of thousands of dollars.


PANERA GOODIES Sign up for FREE at Panera Bread and get goodies.  I just signed up and scored a FREE pastry when I go to visit the store.  Very easy.
https://www.panerabread.com.

RED ROBIN FREEBIE
Every year I share this info, and many still don't believe me!  Sign up with Red Robin Gourmet Burgers for a Red Royalty card and on your birthday, you'll get a FREE Cheeseburger of your choice along with unlimited fries!  There are 5 locations in NC, 5 in Virginia, 4 in KY, etc.  Visit their website, key in  your zip and find the one closest to you.  
https://royalty.redrobin.com/

ICE CREAM CELEBRATION
If you live in the RTP area and love ice cream, be sure to visit Whisk, a locally owned kitchen store in Cary this weekend to experience demos, amazing tastings and giveaways.

Whisk: Waverly Place (Upper Level) 316 Colonades Way, Cary, NC 
June 27 - 10:30am - 2:30pm 

https://www.whiskcarolina.com/ice-cream-and-soda-shop-celebration-whisk

HOOPLA

It's not available in my neck of the woods, but over 3000 libraries throughout the country use this program to allow you to check out Hollywood hits, or hard to find movies, as well as music, ebooks and comics simply by having a library card.  New titles are added weekly and you have access around the clock to find what you're looking for.  This is amazing and FREE!

https://www.hoopladigital.com/home

SEPHORA MAGIC

Get a FREE makeover at Sephora or have your hair touched up with their latest products.  This information isn't easy to find by just visiting their website. (sneaky-lol) If you visit www.sephora.com, click on store locator, or use the link below. Click on classes, then key in your zipcode to find a store near you, and what classes they have to offer.

http://www.sephora.com/store-locations-events

MARTHA STEWART

Every time I read her magazine or see her on television, I'm constantly amazed at the all the cool stuff Martha Stewart knows how to do. In her magazine this month, she shows how to not only make glassware slip free, but using colored rubber bands makes it fun and festive.  I happened to have a huge bag of assorted rubber bands and tried this.  Totally fab and simple.

PEACH, TOMATO & BASIL SALAD

Try this light, super simple salad as a quick side for dinner, or eat it for lunch.  With just 5 ingredients, it's easy to make, and many of the items may already be at home.




INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp White Balsamic Vinegar
2 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Lb Peaches (3 Medium), each pitted and cut into 6-8 wedges
1 Lb Tomatoes (3 Medium), each cored and cut into wedges

1/2 Cup Basil Leaves from the Garden, torn or roughly chopped, or use from a jar
Salt and Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and olive oil.  Arrange the peach and tomato wedges on a platter, drizzling your dressing on top.  Scatter with basil, and season with salt and pepper.  Serve right away.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ANIMALS?

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that the animals seem to be missing from the Animal Planet Channel?

The Last Alaskans, Alaska: The New Frontier, Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters, Treehouse Masters, Insane Pools, The Pool Master and Dirty Jobs are neat programs, but I don't get it. (lol)

Anywho - I love my furry friends, but I'm particularly partial to cats, and I'm a real fan of Persians.  Many assume they are snobby, but I've always been intrigued by their loyalty and fluffy glamor. Unfortunately where I live, pets are prohibited so I live vicariously through bloggers who post really cool pics and share neat stories about their friends. 

Years ago, if you wanted to vacation away from home, pets had to be boarded, or left with friends, now that's no longer the case.  Businesses are realizing that pets are part of our families and should be allowed to have vacations as well.  Thankfully, many hotels are now pet-friendly, allowing our 4 legged friends to join in on the fun.

There are many hotels, but this one really caught my attention because it looked so elegant and allows pets up to 25 pounds.

The Turnberry Isle

Named one of the “World’s Best” by Travel and Leisure magazine in 2009, and recommended in Forbes Travel Guide in 2015, Turnberry Isle Resort boasts 408 guest rooms and suites designed with a classic Mediterranean theme. They feature flat-screen TVs, private balconies, high-speed Internet, three dual-line telephones, work desks, marble baths, Keurig coffee makers, balcony furnishings, exclusive bath toiletries, plush bathrobes, and in-room safes for your convenience. Feel free to request dog/cat beds, bowls and treats. There is a pet fee of $125, however. Activities include two 18-hole championship golf courses, 25,000 square-foot spa, tennis center, 3-mile jogging trail, beauty salon,  retail boutiques and shops, and an award-winning gourmet restaurant with its own celebrity chef.  Get there special 4th of July package which includes your room, fireworks, and barbecue party for just $349 per night!  Well, ok!

Turnberry Isle Resort
19999 West Country Club Drive
Miami, FL 33180
305-932-6200 
 www.turnberryislemiami.com

May your Sunday be soothing and stress-free.