CAN YOU HULA HOOP & DO YOU LOAN OUT YOUR THINGS?

A wooden ring that was selling in retail stores in 1957 by an Australian Company made Richard P. Knerr and Arthur K. Melin of Wham-O in California pay attention.  In 1958, they recreated the ring into a colorful plastic hoop and sold it for $1.98. This is unbelievable, but in just 4 months they sold 25 million of those now classic toys called the Hula Hoop! 

The person who kept  the hoop spinning the longest is Aaron Hibbs from Ohio. How long did he actually keep it going?  74 hours and 54 minutes! Now that's some serious aerobic activity.

As a kid, I could rock that hoop on my neck, hips and my ankles with no problem.  Now, I'm totally embarrassed to admit I can't keep it moving for even a full body roll. (lol) In fact, I  checked around with some other friends and not one of them can still Hula Hoop either! (lol)

What about you?  Still have what it takes to keep that ring spinning round and round and round?

Blood Orange Bars 

Ingredients

• 1cup all-purpose flour
• 3tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/4teaspoon salt
• 1/3cup butter
• 1cup granulated sugar
• 2eggs
• 2teaspoons finely shredded blood orange peel or orange peel
• 2/3cup fresh blood orange juice or orange juice
• 2drops red food coloring (optional)
• 2tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4teaspoon salt
• Better Home and Gardens
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8x8x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Grease foil; set aside.
2. For crust, in a large bowl stir together the 1 cup flour, the 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, and the 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake about 15 minutes or until light golden around the edges.
3. In a medium bowl whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, orange peel, orange juice, and food coloring (if using) until smooth. Stir in the 2 tablespoons flour and the 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pour orange mixture over the hot crust.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until set. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Use foil to lift uncut bars out of pan. Place on a cutting board. Cut into bars. Dust bars with powdered sugar.

DO YOU EVER LOAN BOOKS OR OTHER ITEMS TO FRIENDS OR FAMILY?
When I was younger, I was the go to person for lipstick, socks books and movies.  In most instances, I didn't want to be the bad guy by saying no.  It didn't take long before I was taken advantage of.  Some things came back ruined, but more often than not, I never saw the merchandise again.

 No one really understood how important these things were, and I ended up having to re-purchase what I could.  Some items could never be replaced.

I think you already know that I rarely lend anything out these days. (lol)  I'm okay if someone gets mad at me.  That insures my precious book collection stays in order, or I don't have to waste time finding that crazy lipstick color again.  Do you loan your items?

Don't you just love new ways to find FREE Stuff?  These are two really cool sites.  

Hunt4Freebies.com - Various categories of free stuff you'll love

Fribbble.com -  Design Fonts, Templates, etc.

TREMENDOUS DIPS AND TIDBITS

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Aren't you tired of seeing the same old dips that are store bought and blah? With Superbowl just around the corner, these dips are sure to score a touchdown if they're taken to a potluck, or you're the one who is hosting the party.  Even better, these recipes from Lisa Cericola of Southern Living serve up to 8 people and are very simple to make. 

BACON-PIMENTO GUACAMOLE
Coarsely mash 3 peeled and pitted ripe avocados with 2 1/2 tbsp Lime Juice and 3/4 Kosher salt. Fold in 1 drained 4 oz jar diced Pimentos, 1/4 cup chopped Red Onions, 6 cooked and crumbled Bacon Slices, and 2 tbsp Cilantro.  Works great with tortilla chips. Isn't everything better with bacon???

CREAMY CRAB DIP
Stir together 12 oz. fresh Lump Crabmeat, (don't use imitation) drained and picked free of shells; 1/2 cup Sour Cream; 1/2 cup Mayo; 1/3 cup Scallions; 2 tbsp Lemon Juice; 1 tbsp Parsley, and 1 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning.  Top with fresh Chives.  Serve  with celery sticks or crackers. 

NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN DIP - Someone is sure to bring chicken wings-lol
Microwave 3 softened -oz packages Cream Cheese on high until melted, 1-2 minutes, stirring after a minute.  Stir in 3/4 cup Buttermilk, 6 tbsp honey, 1 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper and 3/4 tsp Garlic Powder. Microwave on high until hot, 2-3 minutes.  Top with 1 tbsp sliced Scallions.  Serve with wings instead of Blue Cheese Dressing.

Hector Manuel Sanchez

SUCCOTASH SALSA DIP
Stir together 1 pt. grape tomatoes, diced; 1 (15.25-oz.) can baby lima beans, drained; 1 (15.25-oz.) can whole-kernel yellow corn, drained; 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onion; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley; 3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar; 1 tsp. kosher salt; and 3/4 tsp. black pepper in a medium bowl. Serve with scoop-style corn chips.

President William Henry Harrison served a very brief term.  He caught pneumonia during his inauguration and sadly died just 31 days later.

President William Taft was the only president to also serve as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
President:1909 - 1913 and Chief Justice: 1921 - 1930

Did you know that you can get on the waiting list of your fave restaurant right from your phone to save time?  You can also see the waiting list of various restuarants in advance so you can arrange your schedule accordingly. Visit www.nowait.com for more info.

If you're a trivia junkie like I am, you're gonna love this FREE App called Trivia Crack!  It has a 4.5 rating from Google Playstore, and can be found on Twitter and Facebook.  Show off all that knowledge with friends and family with this fun download.  This is also a great way to keep kids occupied on a day trip.

All fans of The Walking Dead - you don't have much longer to wait. Set your DVRs for 9pm on AMC, February 12.  No, I do not like Zombie movies, tv programs or books. (lol)

WEDDING DEALS & SWEEPSTAKES 2017

If you're getting married and looking for unique ideas, PINTEREST is a great place to visit. Attending Bridal Expos and Wedding Shows is also a fantastic way to get freebies, bargains and package deals that may not be listed publicly.

Speaking of Pinterest, here is a great sweepstakes you can win just by pinning your wedding plans and ideas!  Enter one time only at www.maggiesottero.com no later than January 31, 2017.  You'll have the chance to win a wedding gown, a trip to Fiji that includes hotel accommodations and airfare & $1000.  All of the details, along with the entry form are listed on the site.  Then head over to Pinterest to get started!                                                                                                                       
The Great Bridal Expo is a large event held for brides to be throughout various cities in the United States.  The fee is minimal, and there are lots of benefits for attending this exciting annual show.  A few of the participating cities are listed below.  Click on the city below to find out more information from their website.

Boston, Massachusetts 1-29-17 Sunday, January 29, 2017 12:00 pm Westin Boston Waterfront

Ft Lauderdale, Florida 2-4-17 Saturday, February 04, 2017 12:00 pm Bonaventure Resort & Spa

Miami, Florida 2-12-17 Sunday, February 12, 2017 12:00 pm Conrad Miami

Orlando, Florida 2-19-17 Sunday, February 19, 2017 12:00 pm Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld

Phoenix, Arizona 2-26-17 Sunday, February 26, 2017 12:00 pm Phoenix Convention Center

Dallas, Texas 3-5-17 Sunday, March 05, 2017 12:00 pm Hyatt Regency Dallas

Baltimore, Maryland 3-12-17 Sunday, March 12, 2017 12:00 pm Martin's Valley Mansion

Los Angeles, California 3-19-17 Sunday, March 19, 2017 12:00 pm

Shape Spa Retreat $15,000 Sweepstakes

Do you want to get in shape BEFORE the wedding?  Here's a great sweepstakes that's easy to enter, and a great way to relax before the big day! One (1) winner will WIN $15,000 for a spa retreat! No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. UNLIMITED ENTRY. Ends: April 12, 2017. 

ENTER NOW

Are you a first responder, or in the military and planning to get married?   Check out Brides Across America, which may allow you to receive your dream gown for FREE if you meet all the criteria.  If you don't see your state listed below, or for more information on registering, please visit www.bridesacrossamerica.com or click on the REGISTER Button Below.

Colorado

Compleat Couture

First Friday every month

By Appointment Only

7562 S. University Blvd - Suite A

Centennial, CO

CompleatCouture.com

South Carolina

The Barn at Forevermore Farm

April 21, 2017 - 10am-6pm

135 Waldon Rd

Moore, SC

TheBarnAtForevermoreFarm.com

Register

Before choosing a date for your wedding, try to get an idea about special events going on around the same time. This includes Marathons, NBA All Star Games, Olympics.etc. which could cause a hotel or traffic nightmare for guests coming in from out of town.  If you're a wedding planner, stay away from the month of June!

Friends will be talking about your special day for all the wrong reasons, so ditch that cash bar!  Stay budget friendly and elegant by offering one red and one white wine.  If your bottles are the standard 750 ML, you can expect to get 5-6  wine glasses.  If you decide to use wine boxes which are normally 3 liters, expect to get about 20 glasses.  You can even offer a signature Sangria that's fruity and fun! If the venue allows you to purchase your own wine, that's the best way to go.  

HONEYMOONS - Everyone talks about going on cruises or to the Bahamas after the wedding, but there are lots of other places that may be just as memorable to celebrate.  Here are a few where you can dare to be different:

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Brunswicks Islands - North Carolina
Blackberry Farm - Tennessee
Buttermilk Falls Inn - New York
Grand Sirens Rivera Maya Resort and Spa - Mexico
Naples Beach Hotel - Florida

Do some research and look around in the state that's right next door to where you live. You'll be amazed at what's available by driving just a few hours away from home.

WIN A $15,000 TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Do you need a break, or want to explore that trip you've been dreaming about? US residents who are 18 and over can get that chance by entering the Vita Coco Take A Sip, Win a Trip Sweepstakes for $15,000!  By the way, this drink tastes pretty yummy, and can even be used in certain recipes. Enter online by March 31, 2017.  If you choose to enter by mail, your entry must be postmarked by 3/31/2017.

Entry By Mail: Hand-print your full name, postal address, home phone, and email if any on a Piece of Paper and mail in an envelope to the address listed below:

Vita Coco Take a Sip, Win a Trip Sweepstakes
250 Park Avenue South, Florida
New York, NY 10003

If you're a winner, the grand prize will be awarded as a check for $15,000

Click Here to Enter 

Thanks Sweeties Sweeps

CHOOSING AN AUTHOR'S WORK & BACK IN THE DAY.

When I was a kid, the only things I read were romance and Mafia novels. In fact, the very first book I picked up was by Barbara Cartland, before moving on those thin Harlequin love stories. I know, I know.  One has nothing to do with the other, but somehow that's what I was into. (lol)

Fast forward a zillion years later, and I'm still a serious fan of romance/erotic romance with a good mix of motivational,  mystery, thrillers, and cookbooks thrown in.  Despite reading almost anything these days when I have the time, there are certain authors that I read consistently.

These are the people who cause me to go through withdrawal once I've finished a book, having to wait for a year or two before the next release.  There's no need to read a blurb or a review because I'm going to skate, drive, fly, crawl to the bookstore, or hit the send button with a blindfold on because I have to have those particular books.  

Different things attract me to a particular novelist, but the four biggies are authenticity, heart string pulling, (tears or laughter), suspense, or if I can learn something that's unique and thought-provoking.

What about you?  Why are you drawn to a specific writer's books?

BACK IN THE DAY

The other day at the grocery store, two really cool things happened.  I was given a bouquet of flowers FREE because I was laughing very loudly with two of the cashiers, (I'm sure he really wanted to me to just leave so everyone could get back to work-lol) and I saw someone in Bell Bottom Jeans.

The flowers were lovely,  but I was much more fascinated by those jeans that I used to wear waaay back in the day. I even had the nerve to wear them as Hip Huggers. *heh*

What else did I wear back then that I wouldn't dare be caught in now, even if you paid me a zillion dollars?  Hot Pants!

 Raise your hands if you remember any of these fashion trends from the 70's that are still hidden in your closet. (lol)

You may notice that Hot Pants from the70's, Daisy Dukes from the 80's and  Short Shorts from 2016 are strikingly similar!