CALIFORNIA VEGGIE SLIDER & OTHER STUFF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW

If you've been reading this blog, you know I'm no fan of veggies, but I've been trying to incorporate more into my diet.  Two things make this absolutely delicious - the cream cheese, and it's small.  You can find this recipe and more on the Food Network.

CALIFORNIA VEGGIE SLIDER
Hollow out the bottom  of 12 mini multigrain rolls, drizzle with olive oil, then spread with cream cheese. 

Fill with shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados, shredded lettuce and alfalfa sprouts, then drizzle with a little lemon juice.  If you're still hesitant, feel free to add to some bacon or a meatball to spice it up. (lol) But I've tried this without meat, and I still can't believe how it tasted!

LET'S DANCE!
Okay, who remembers the Macarena, and were you dancing along with everyone else?  For 14 weeks in 1996 it topped the Hot 100 charts as we sang along to this catchy tune,and I was one of them.(lol)  Did you know that 50,000 people got their groove on in Yankee Stadium doing the Macarena at one time?  Can you imagine the fun?!

SWEETS AND MORE SWEETS
Are you up for 40 minutes of pure decadence and imagination?  If so, let's take a trip to Fairfield California to experience all things Jelly Belly at their headquarters.

These tasty gourmet treats that I adore take about  a week to create, but during the actual tour you can taste old school and exciting new flavors.  Get deals on these at Big Lots, Harris Teeter and Walmart to name a few, but if you visit the gift store, they offer irregular beans for 1/2 price.  What are some of the cool flavors offered?  Birthday Cake, Stink Bug, Dr. Pepper, Strawberry Daiquiri and lots more.

SHOPPING DEALS
Most people know I love a good deal and use coupons all the time, but I also find lots of bargains and unique items in second hand stores. Just in case you didn't know, National Thrift Shop Day is August 17.  Not only will you be able to find your usual deals, but owners may offer other specials too.

Thanks Kels, and yes I do really say that a lot!(lol)

Speaking of coupons, my friend Kelly knows me so well, and believe it or not we actually met via Facebook.  She sent me a bag for my birthday that shouts out what I actually say to people all the time.  Isn't it glam? 

Hey There Kelly M!

WIZARD OF OZ
How many times have you seen The Wizard of Oz?  This delightful movie starring Judy Garland has been around since 1939, but did you know the hit song Somewhere Over the Rainbow was almost axed?  Apparently MGM felt that at 2 hours, the movie was already too long, but a producer worked hard to keep it in, and the song we all love is considered to be one of the greatest songs of the 20th century.

WATCHING PORN CAN KILL YOU
In Arkansas, 69 year old Patricia Hill really reached her boiling point over her husband' porn addiction when she discovered that her husband had ordered a pornographic network from Dish Network. They argued and she told him never to do it again or he would need to move out. 

A few days later, she received the bill, and saw that he had in fact re-ordered the naughty channel, sending her over the edge. She went to the utility shed, aka The Man Cave in their yard, and told him to leave the house, which he refused to do.  Livid by this point, she went back into the house, grabbed a .22 pistol and shot him in the leg and head, then called 911 to tell the operator what she did. She waited in the yard until the police arrived and arrested her.  Prior to this, there had never been any violent acts between them. 

Well, I made it to another year, which I'm grateful for, and I'm so appreciative of the friends I've met through blogging, friends who never cease to encourage and help me, and my son and his family.  I can't believe the kindness of so many people I've met over the years.

It will be raining today, so the plan is to watch movies, finish a book I've been reading and eating a cheeseburger. (lol)

Yep, this is a birthday card from Kelly who knows I'm heavily addicted to cheeseburgers.(lol)

Thanks for the yumminess Peggy!

I need to give a huge shout and thanks to Peggy for my birthday gift from 

http://straightupnochaser.blogspot.com/, who knows I adore my spicy goodness.  This is some homemade pepper jelly that was absolutely fantastic as a roast glaze, and I also used it with coleslaw for a nice kick and some sweetness.  If you want to hear some really funny stories, check out her blog.

Waving at Peggy!

By the way, today is World Elephant Day!

Outside my house last night