ROCKY ROAD FUDGE & NATIONAL STAY AT HOME & BE WELL DAY

One of the best books around for yummy desserts has to be Six Sisters' Stuff.  The recipes are super simple and inexpensive to prepare, and they have plenty of ideas sure to please everyone in the family.  In addition, there are tips to help with special decorations. When it was initially published in 2015, the price was about 21.99.  Now you can get this fantastic cookbook for a bargain at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.  It's also available in your local library.

This recipe is perfect for kids to make, is a great gift idea for friends, and has only 4 ingredients!

INGREDIENTS
1 - 12 oz Bag of chocolate chips
1 - 14 oz Can sweetened condensed milk
3 Cups Miniature Marshmallows
1 1/2 Pecans, Walnuts or Almonds

DIRECTIONS
Line a 9 x 13 in baking dish with aluminum foil and use a nonstick cooking spray.
In a large microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and condensed milk.  Heat for  1 minute, stirring and continuing to heat in 15 second-intervals. Keep stirring until completely melted and smooth.  Fold in the marshmallows and nuts until they are fully incorporated.

Press the fudge mixture into a prepared pan and refrigerate for 1 hour.  When set, lift foil from pan, and cut the fudge into squares. All done!




Sweets & Treats with Six Sisters' Stuff: 100+ Desserts, Gift Ideas, and Traditions for the Whole Family; Paperback; Author - Six Sisters' Stuff

$6.84

Barnes & Noble

This is probably one of the best holidays created ever! According to http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/, today is National Stay at Home Because You are Well Day!

But I'm not sure that many bosses are actually aware of this celebration. While we may be tempted to throw caution to the wind and hang out fishing, watching the Hallmark Channel, sleeping, or shopping for the holiday, giving this as a reason to stay home may be a little iffy.  So come up with something a little more believable if you plan to call in. But you didn't hear that from me. (lol)

According to the CDC, in the case of an emergency, at least 3 gallons of water per person is what's needed to be prepared for just 3 days.That's assuming that one gallon is used each day, per person. This includes water to drink, cook and clean up.  It's worth it to get lots of bottled water to keep ready, just in case.

Did you know that Tardar Sauce has over 8 Million LIKES on Facebook? If that seems like a lot, she's actually better known as the very popular Grumpy Cat. (lol)

WIN $10,000 FROM OPRAH'S FAVE THINGS!

THIS PROGRAM HAS NOW EXPIRED



I enter this every year, and even though I haven't won yet, I'm not giving up! Wouldn't it be great to win a cool $10,000? Enter this sweepstakes by November 30, 11:59pm ET and get your chance.  Entry is super simple, and you can also score additional entries by posting on Facebook and Twitter.  The prize will be awarded as a gift card or check.

Website Entry Form 


THIS PROGRAM HAS NOW EXPIRED

Thanks to Sweeties Sweeps.

HAVE YOU EVER MET A BLOGGER YOU FOLLOW?

Since starting this blogging thing I've met a gazillion people, and most have come from other states or countries.  But there are plenty right here in NC. 

Luckily, Anna is not a serial killer or anything crazy like that. But can you imagine following a blogger for years, then meeting that person face to face, only to find out they're nothing like who they are on paper? Suppose he or she is a total ***hole?  Wouldn't that be a mess? 
Through my love of reading, I met Anna Cade from Herding Cats and Burning Soup, and we've been following each other since 2014.  Yep, that's a strange name for a blog, but it definitely speaks to who she is and then some.  Well, Anna doesn't burn any soup, (at least that I know of-lol) but she does like trying out new recipes.  Uh...she also really rescues a lot of cats, which is super admirable.

The irony is that we live about 25 minutes from each other, which we didn't know initially, and I think that happens with a lot of bloggers.  Eventually we did connect in person, and every time we get together, I laugh like a nutty person because she's super funny.  Her life adventures are something we can probably videotape and make a ton of money one day.  She may be x-rated at times and opinionated, which is why I love her, but  most people don't realize that Anna is one of kindest women on the planet.

Just because, she's been known to take people out to dinner at Chili's, or to hang out at a blogger event just to hang out, or to show up at your home with lots of chocolate goodies and over the top stories of her life.

They also may not know how organized she is by actually using an old-fashioned planner.  Nope, there's no Google Calendar for her, and I totally agree.  Give me my SpongeBob Address/Phone Number Book any day.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving in the US, and I'm grateful for being alive, the love of family, kindness from friends like Tawanna, Kelly, Kelly, Tianni, Mary and Lanie.  But I'm also thankful for connecting with a quirky blogger who basically lives right around the corner that I can hang out with on-line and in person, and has these really great ideas.  Well, she also shares a lot of pictures that will either have you laughing out loud or blushing, and there's nothing wrong with that.  Have you met a blogger you follow?  I'd sure love to meet more!

Plenty of Goodies from Anna yesterday.  Yay!!!!!

Visit Awesome Anna Here:   http://www.herdingcats-burningsoup.com/2016/11/tag-the-cat-herder-edition24.html#disqus_thread

CRANBERRY/STRAWBERRY TRIFLE & GIFT CARD DEALS

There are two things you are guaranteed to see every year without fail, and I bet you already know what they are.  If you said cranberry sauce and fruit cake, you go to the head of the class.  For some reason, I always ended up with about 4-5 cans of that stuff and at least one not very tasty

fruitcake from a friend.

Now I use fresh cranberries that are versatile and allow you to be creative with a dish. My girl crush Martha Stewart made this, along with Good Housekeeping back in 2007 and Better Recipes, so I tweaked it for my own yumminess.  They want you to cook the pudding and some other hard stuff that I passed on! (lol)

INGREDIENTS
2 Oranges
1 Bag of Cranberries
1 Cup Strawberries that have been hulled
1 Cup of Sugar
1/4 Teaspoon of Ginger
1/2 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
1/4 Teaspoon of Cinnamon
1 Can of Whipping Cream
2 - 4 Pack of Vanilla Pudding (This is enough for 2 people)
1 Pound Cake or Angel Food Cake, cut into 3/4 inch slices or whatever size you like.  Does anyone ever actually measure this?
Nuts for topping (Optional)

1. From oranges, grate 1 teaspoon peel and place in a saucepan. With knife, remove all remaining peel and white pith from oranges. Holding 1 orange at a time over same saucepan, to catch juice, cut sections from between membranes and add to saucepan, then squeeze juice from membranes into saucepan; discard membranes.
2. Set aside a few cranberries and strawberries for garnish. In the same saucepan, stir remaining cranberries & strawberries with water, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla. Heat to boiling over high heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to medium and cook 10 to 16 minutes or until cranberries pop and the sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature.
3. Meanwhile, in bowl with pudding,fold in whipped cream until blended.
4. In an elegant glass, or even a beer mug or other serving bowl, place one-the pieces of cake on bottom. Spoon some of the cranberry/strawberry mixture over the cake, spreading .Top with your pudding mixture. Repeat layering 2 more times. Garnish with reserved cranberries, orange slices and strawberries.  Add nuts if you like.
5. Cover trifle and refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 2 days.
6. 
   

GIFT CARD DEALS - you know there is a friend in your life who has everything, so avoid having your feelings hurt when she regifts that ugly sweater you gave her last year.

Go ahead and get a gift card to her favorite store or restaurant. But who says you have to pay full price? Save money by visiting missiontosave.com or www.thebalance.com .

SCOTCH BRITE SCRUBBING DISH CLOTH & UNWANTED SEXUAL ADVANCES

Typically when I do the dishes, a sponge is my weapon of choice. Once that sponge starts to get yucky, in the trash it goes.  So a little while ago, I received a Scrubbing Dish Cloth by Scotch Brite from PinchMe for FREE to test, and I saw for myself what all the buzz has been about.

With such a vivid hue, there's no way it can be lost , and there are plenty of fun ways it could be used to dress up your kitchen. If blue isn't your color, there's a link below for more info.  It's 92% Polyester/8% Nylon, and even though it's not stretchy, the front portion of the cloth sort of feels like a bathing suit, and the back feels like a thin towel.  This blend makes the cloth both sturdy and soft, and easy to use.

For minor scrubbing, it worked perfectly well when cleaning the top of the stove, kitchen table and dishes.  When it came to hardcore work for baked on messes such as  macaroni & cheese or lasagna, I had to switch to a scouring pad.

The towel side of the cloth was super absorbent and dried quickly - almost like a paper towel, so spills were easily wiped away.

I still have one sponge on standby, but I would absolutely give this 4 pumpkins out of 5 for cleaning like it said it would. Count on grabbing a couple of these scrubbing cloths for your Thanksgiving cleanup next week.

Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrubbing Dish Clothes, 2 count, Pink

$4.98

Walmart

During the holidays, it's fun to try new drinks at parties or get togethers. Here's a great one that's not too heavy and very simple to prepare.

FRENCH 75
In a cocktail shaker, shake 2 small sugar cubes (same as 2 teaspoons)
2 Tbsp fresh Lime or Lemon juice
2 Oz. Gin
1 Cup Ice
Add in pomegranate seeds or raspberries, then top with  8 oz. Champagne or Wine.  Serve in a decorative champagne flute and you're all set.  This recipe will serve 2 people.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

We've heard about the infamous casting couch when actresses or models sought work way back when, and we thought those days were behind us. Fast forward to 2016, and we are sadly reminded once again that it's a man's world.  Bravo to Gretchen, Laurie, Taylor  (yep, I'm talking about Taylor Swift who was groped under her dress by a DJ back in 2013) and Megyn for having the guts to tell the world that sexual harassment is still alive and thriving.  Now some may assume that receiving a compensation of $3 million or even $20 million dollars was well worth the discomfort.  

To those people I say that no amount of money can take away the humiliation or embarrassment suffered while being forced to do something against his or her will. Being kissed without permission, touched inappropriately or being forced to to listen to lewd comments is not funny or cute.   Sexual harassment and assault, just like domestic violence are crimes.  It's a shame that this man who shall not be named got away with this horrific behavior at Fox for over 20 dang years!

 
What about those who work in McDonald's, or a hospital, or a bookstore, or an architectural firm, or a cable company, or as an author? Women  are being mistreated every day, and despite their personal strength are in fear of losing their livelihoods because a man chooses to exhibit his power and control.  I shudder to think about all those women who cringe as they go to work every day having to deal with another day of torture so they can earn an honest living. 

 

If you are being sexually harassed, the first emotion you may feel is anger, but don't panic or curse your boss/co-worker out. Calmly advise your harasser to stop.  If it persists, start documenting dates, incidents, and locations.  If it's legal in your state, record it.  If you feel comfortable going to human resources, that's your next option. Even though it's illegal, be prepared for eventual retaliation, making the situation even worse.  But don't stop there, even though you may feel as if you're fighting a losing battle. The next step is to file a complaint for FREE by clicking on the site below:

How To File A Charge - EEOC

This blog specifically deals with the rights of women, but men can be abused or harassed as well.  It doesn't matter if you are purple or green, male or female, gay, transgender or straight.  No one deserves to be mistreated, degraded or disrespected.

YOUNGER MAN LOVE - ARE YOU IN OR OUT?

When I was a teenager, anyone who was 30 or over was a geezer unworthy of my time or energy, and all my friends pretty much felt the same way. To us, they were just plain creepy. Surprisingly enough those older gentleman used to hit on us all the time, and we were not fond of the attention.

Fast forward, and everyone below 40 is a kid to me. (lol)  This is also when I noticed many more romance novels dedicated to the older woman/younger man scenario.  You know who they are. Society calls these hot older ladies, "cougars".  *heh*

Even though we've heard the phrase, "age ain't nothing but a number", I am not a fan of dating younger men.  I made that mistake when I was about 23 and he was 18, and to say it was a nightmare would be too tame a word. I lasted a whole 9 days before pulling that proverbial plug. Nothing he said ever made any sense, or he had nothing to say at all! (lol) Ironically, he's a newscaster now and speaks for a living, but he sure wasn't that grown up back in the day.  Who knew, right?
           

Anywho, do you enjoy reading about the older woman and younger man in your romance novels? Would you date someone significantly younger than you?

Is it all about all that lusty  and sweaty sex, or do you need some more substance? Have you tried before and it just didn't work out? Inquiring minds are dying to know.

A CHOCOLATE TREAT AND TRIVIA

Are you already thinking about all the desserts you're going to make for the holidays when guests come to visit?  This is a perfect treat to serve up at a family gathering, and is simple to prepare. I love the addition of fresh raspberries mixed with yummy chocolate for a unique flavor combination! I snagged this from Better Homes and Gardens.




Raspberry Cocoa with Chocolate-Hazelnut Cream

Ingredients

• 1cup premium unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 - 1/3cup sugar
• 1/4teaspoon salt
• 1/2cup hot water
• 4cups half-and-half or light cream
• 4cups whole milk
• 1/3cup bittersweet chocolate pieces or 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2cup raspberry liqueur
• 1tablespoon vanilla
• 1cup whipping cream
• 2tablespoons chocolate-hazelnut spread
• 2teaspoons sugar
• fresh raspberries (optional)
• shaved chocolate (optional)

Directions

1. In a 3- to 4-quart slow cooker combine cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Stir in the hot water until mixture forms a paste. Whisk in half-and-half and milk.
2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. (Do not boil.) Add bittersweet chocolate, whisking until chocolate is melted.
3. If necessary, skim "skin" from surface; discard. Serve immediately or keep warm, covered, on warm-heat setting or low-heat setting for up to 2 hours.
4. To serve, stir in vanilla and raspberry liqueur.
5. Meanwhile, in a chilled bowl combine whipping cream, chocolate-hazelnut spread, and 2 teaspoons sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Pipe or spoon cream mixture onto cocoa. If desired, garnish with fresh raspberries and shaved chocolate.
   

ARE YOU ORGANIZED FOR REAL?

When my son was a baby, I found the perfect babysitter.  In addition to being this really great person, Nina had some over the top organizational skills. To this day, I have still not met anyone else who alphabetizes an entire refrigerator and pantry! Have you?

According to a recent survey Redbook Survey of 1000 women, 8 out of 10 women say they are organized, yet 72% admit it takes from 5 to 20 minutes of their time looking for misplaced items! I'm definitely in this category. (lol)                   

COLOR INSPIRATIONS

Are you ready to make some decorative changes with furniture, walls or bookcases, but not sure about colors?  If you're a shoe-aholic like me, take a peek in your closet.

The color of your shoes speaks to your personality, and can provide really neat design ideas you may not have considered.

 Grab one and take to Home Depot or Lowes for expert advice on choosing that perfect tone.  

Around since 1992, http://www.onewarmcoat.org/ has provided thousands of coats to those in need, and they always appreciate donations.      

WIN $50,000 IN THE GREAT ADVENTURE SWEEPSTAKES

One of the shows I love to watch on Great American Country (GAC) is Flea Market Flip, and it's so amazing to see these couples recreating old pieces of wood or rusty file cabinets by turning them into elegant mirrors, trendy bar sets or rustic coffee tables.  Wow!

Anywho, once you've finished watching your favorite program, be sure to enter for your chance to win a $50,000 check just in time for the holidays. Yay! This sweepstake is open to those 21 or older in the US, and entries may be made once per day through December 6, 2016 by 5pm ET.

Website Entry Form 

FREE TACO - YAY!

Even if you're not a fan of baseball, you can steal a deal at Taco Bell today from 2pm - 6pm!

Go ahead and score your FREE Doritos Locos Taco today for a quick afternoon snack at participating locations.  Doritos and Tacos sure seems like a fun combo, right?