I WAS ALMOST SCAMMED ON CRAIGSLIST!

As much as I read, research, and watch television, I never in a million years would have thought something like this could have happened.  In fact, I'm still sort of reeling from the shock and unmitigated gall of this scam!

Recently, I've been apartment/house-hunting, with a concentrated focus in Wake County, NC.  I've been checking out the newspaper, driving around certain areas, and of course, I've perused Craigslist.

I found what I thought was the perfect home in an affordable price range, and was super excited.  Suddenly, a red flag popped up in my head, screaming "Warning, Warning!"  The "owner" told me to ignore the "For Sale" sign found at the property and after he received payment, the keys and necessary paperwork would be sent to me via courier because he was out of town.  Huh?

This is the actual home listed on Craigslist as a Rental, but is actually For Sale!

I did a search and found out that this home was in fact for sale, and had never been on the market to be rented!  When I asked the owner for inside pictures, no response. When I asked to do a walk-through, no response. The listing provided on Craigslist also did not match what was listed on-line. Finally, I told the scammers that before I would provide payment, my friend, an attorney, would need to walk through the property to take a quick peek just to ensure I was moving into a safe neighborhood.  A woman responded, (I had previously been speaking with a man) asked me what I needed, even though all the e-mails were concise and detailed.  I don't have to tell you that I never heard back from these people, and I wonder why? (lol)

House-hunters beware!  Of course, I'll be passing this info on to the necessary people, but I'm sure it will amount to nothing. These con artists are long gone. The good news is of course, that

Inside pic listed on-line

I just wasted a little of my valuable time, and no money.  By the way, the posting has been mysteriously deleted-lol. Meanwhile, I'm still searching for that perfect location. *heh*. Any ideas?

This is the Let's Make A Deal Zonk I would have received! (lol)

CHOCOLATE PEANUT TREATS & KUDOS!

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine cracker crumbs and butter. Stir in sugar and peanut butter. Press into a greased 8-in.-square pan.
2. In a microwave or double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and stir until smooth. Spread over peanut butter layer. Chill 30 minutes; cut into squares. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes longer. Store in the refrigerator. Makes: about 2 dozen.

I found this recipe in the Taste of Home - 5 Ingredient Cookbook, but it's actually been around since 1998 as one of those treats that are quick to make and yummy to eat.

There are only 2 steps to this entire recipe!  Yay!!!  This is so simple that it's a super way to get kids in the kitchen.

Friendly reminder to partake of a gourmet breakfast!

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to stay at the B & B Garden Inn in Apex, NC and if I told you I was pampered, it would be an understatement.  Fishing, eating dinner in front of the lake with NO bugs, enjoying a good book in an elegant room AND a phenomenal home-cooked breakfast with Linda Daniels and her husband, was the height of my Veterans' Day.  Their kindness and words of wisdom certainly couldn't be matched anywhere else.  If you're ever in the NC area and need a place to stay that is homey and peaceful, stop by to visit. http://www.bnbcountrygardeninn.com/
1041 Kelly Rd, Apex, NC 27523

Great view of outside or to watch television.

See my name in red on the wall!?!

Cool picture on the wall in the room.

The other day, I visited a blog of a really neat lady from http://postcardsfromtherain.blogspot.com/ , and she reminded me that we need to have some semblance of order in all we do.  Sadly, I'm not nearly as organized as I should be! (lol) Lissa also mentioned that it seems more people are using Instagram and other forms of Social Media instead of blogging.  I'm not on Instagram, but I've heard that you put in pictures and that's pretty much it. Is there any interaction going on?  What are your thoughts regarding blogging in the future?  Great topic, Lissa!

Meanwhile, I have 6 e-mail accounts and one has over 106, 000 e-mails that I need to purge. It's so bad, that even Google is sending me reminders. (lol)  

VETERANS' DAY FREEBIES!

Let me first give some mad LOVE and HUGS to B & B Country Garden Inn , located in Apex, NC for showing their appreciation for vets by offering a FREE night's stay at their amazing Bed and Breakfast! Kudos to you Beth McKinney!

Many places list veterans' discounts, but I always use www.military.com (thanks!) for the latest and greatest on deals, and other military benefits throughout the year.

One of the biggies that I'm taking advantage of first thing in the morning is a FREE oil change at Meineke!  Yay!!!

2015 Veterans Day Restaurant Offerings:

54th Street Grill -- Veterans and active duty military get a free meal (up to $12) on November 11.

Applebee’s -- Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal from a limited menu, on November 11.

Arooga’s -- Veterans and active duty military get a free meal from a fixed menu on November 11.

Bakers Square-- Veterans and active duty military get a free breakfast from a set menu on November 11.

Bar Louie – On November 10 and 11, veterans and active military personnel get a free meal up to a $12 value.

BJ’s Restaurant -- Active duty military and veterans receive a complimentary entree under $12.95 on November 11.

Bob Evans -- Veterans and active military personnel receive a free breakfast from a select menu on November 11.

Bonanza Steakhouses -- Active duty and retired military get a free buffet on November 11, 4 pm to close.

*NEW* Buffalo Wild Wings -- Veterans and active duty military personnel receive one small order of wings and a side of fries for free on November 11 from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm.

Burntwood Tavern -- Veterans and active military get a free lunch or dinner on November 11.

*NEW* Calhoun's -- Veterans and active duty military get a free meal on November 11.

California Pizza Kitchen – Veterans and active military receive a complimentary entrée from a special menu on November 11.

*NEW* California Tortilla -- On November 11, active duty and retired military get a free taco all day long.

*NEW* Carlo’s Bakery -- Veterans and active service members get a free large cannoli on November 11.

*NEW* Carrabba’s -- All veterans and active duty service members get a free appetizer November 9 through 15.

Cattlemens -- Active, inactive, and retired military personnel get a free Small Sirloin Steak Dinner on November 11.

*NEW* CentraArchy Restaurants -- Veterans and active duty service members get a free entrée and 25% off to their accompanied family and friends on November 11 at participating restaurants.

Cheeseburger in Paradise -- Active and retired military personnel receive a complimentary burger with fries on November 11.

Chicken Salad Chick -- On November 11, veterans and active duty military receive one sandwich or scoop of their choice of chicken salad, one side, a pickle spear and a cookie.

Chili’s -- Veterans and active military service members get a free entrée from a limited menu on November 11.

Claim Jumper -- On November 9, all Claim Jumper locations will provide veterans with a complimentary meal from a special menu.

*NEW* Cotton Patch Café -- Veterans and active duty military get a free chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken on November 11.

Country Cookin -- Veterans and active duty military personnel receive a free meal from 2 pm – 8 pm on Tuesday, November 10.

Cracker Barrel -- Veterans get a complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert during lunch and dinner on November 11.

Denny’s -- Active, inactive and retired military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on November 11, from 5 a.m. to noon at participating locations.

*NEW* El Fenix -- Active duty and retired military members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.

FATZ Café -- Veterans and active military get a free World Famous Calabash Chicken meal on November 11.

Figaro’s Pizza -- Veterans and active duty service members get a complimentary medium 1-topping pizza on November 11.

*NEW* Fire and Ice -- Veterans and active duty get a free lunch or dinner on November 11.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill -- Active duty military and veterans get a free lunch or dinner entrée on November 11.

Friendly’s -- Friendly’s is treating veterans and active military to a free breakfast, lunch or dinner from a limited menu on Veterans Day,November 11.

Golden Corral -- Golden Corral Restaurants' Military Appreciation Night free dinner will be available on November 11, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.

Gordon Biersch -- Veterans and active military personnel receive a free appetizer on November 11.

Green Mill Restaurant and Bar -- Veterans and active duty military get a free lunch or dinner on November 11.

Greene Turtle -- Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11 at participating locations.

*NEW* Hale and Hearty Soups -- Veterans and active duty service members get a complementary Small, Medium or Large cup of soup on November 11.

Hooters -- Veterans and active duty military get a free meal from a select menu at participating locations on November 11.

*NEW* Hoss's Steak and Sea House -- Veterans get a free meal from a select menu on November 11, from 11 am to 9 pm.

Hy-Vee -- Veterans and active duty military members get a free breakfast buffet on November 11.

IHOP-- On November 11, participating IHOP Restaurants offer veterans and active duty military free Red, White and Blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

IKEA -- Veterans get a free entrée from November 8 through 11.

Johnny Carino’s -- Veterans and active duty military get a free meal with their choice of unlimited soup or salad from a Veterans Day Menu on November 11.

Krispy Kreme -- Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut and small coffee to all veterans on November 11 at participating locations.

Krystal -- Active and retired military receive a free Krystal Chicken or Sausage Biscuit from 6 AM to 11:00 AM on November 11.

LaMar’s Donuts -- Veterans and active duty military get a free donut and 12 oz. coffee at participating locations on November 11.

Little Caesars -- Veterans and active military members receive a free $5 Lunch Combo from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. on November 11.

Logan’s Roadhouse -- In addition to the 10% military discount offered every day, military and former military guests will also receive a free dessert on November 11.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants -- On November 8, participating McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants will offer a complimentary entree to veterans from a special menu.

Max & Erma's – On November 11, participating Max & Erma’s locations are offering veterans and active military personnel a free Best Cheeseburger in America Combo meal.

Menchie's --  All active and retired military personnel will receive a free 6 oz. frozen yogurt on November 11.

Mission BBQ -- Veterans and active duty military get a free sandwich and a slice of cake on November 11.

O’Charley’s – Veterans and active duty service members get a free $9.99 meal on November 9, as well as free pie on November 11.

Old Country Buffet -- Current and former service members receive a free lunch at participating locations from 11 am until 2 pm onNovember 11.

Olive Garden – On November 11, all veterans and current service members get a free meal from a limited menu. Family members dining with them enjoy 10% off of their meals.

On the Border -- Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free meal from the “Create Your Own Combo menu” on November  11.

Orange Leaf -- Veterans and active duty military get a free cup of froyo on November 11.

Outback Steakhouse – All active and former service members receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage on November 11. Outback is also offering active and former service members 15% off their meals Nov. 12 through Dec. 31.

Pizza Schmizza -- Veterans and active duty service members get a free slice of pizza on November 11, between 1 and 4 p.m.

Ponderosa Steakhouse -- Active duty and retired military get a free buffet on November 11, 4 pm to close.

Red Hot & Blue -- Veterans receive a free entrée with the purchase of a second entrée on November 9, 10 and 11. Coupon required.

Red Lobster -- Veterans, reserve and active-duty military personnel receive a free appetizer or dessert from a limited menu from November 9 through November 12. 

Red Robin – Veterans and active duty military get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11.

Rock and Brews -- Veterans and active military personnel receive a complimentary pulled pork sandwich with a side choice throughout the day on November 11.

Ruby Tuesday -- Veterans, active duty and reserve service members get a free appetizer on November 11.

My friends who are on a diet, should probably use tomorrow as a HUGE cheat day!  (lol)

MEET THE GREAT FOOD TRUCK RACE TEAM - POSTCARDS

As you already know, I'm a HUGE fan of the Food Network, and love watching The Great Food Truck Race every year.  I fell in love with the Postcards Team because their food looked so yummy!  So having the opportunity to meet the innovative creator of Postcards, Greg King, from the show, all the way from California had me doing the Happy Dance! True, this is reality food television, but I was super impressed that everyone got along and the competition was friendly and exciting.  No backstabbing going on here, folks! Sit back with a cool drink and enjoy this fun and informative interview: We're thrilled to have you on board today and can't wait to find out more about the Postcards world. 1.  What's your food truck all about? Well, Postcards is a fusion soul food concept, where we deliver flavorful and savory soul food served in a wrap or a bowl. 2.  How long have you been in business and what made you choose the food you cook? I've been in business 2 1/2 years now. When I was a child growing up my dad owned a soul food restaurant. It was the groundwork for my decision today. I love soul food and I love to cook. It was just a natural fit. 3.    How in the world did you end up on the Food Network?   The casting department spoke with someone who recommended us. The person had tried our food and suggested they call us because they thought the food was great. From there it's all history. 4.      Did you feel nervous about being with other food truck vendors?  We're on the road every day working with a number of really talented gourmet food vendors. Never one moment did we feel fear or trepidation. Food is what we do! No matter if we are on TV or on the street, we work hard to deliver a great product for customers. 5.      How did you feel when you won the $1000 challenge for the soup, chiles and yummy cornbread preparation? It was exciting to win the challenge. It's important to showcase your food talents on the show. Having the greatest sales is not the bar that dictates whether or not you are a great cook. When people say they love your food, that signals real success. 6.      How did you end up using your daughter and “big sis” as you co-partners in crime, and do you ever find it difficult to work together? They were the natural choices. I work with my big sis on the truck almost every day. My daughter is the light of my life. I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to be on this journey with me. They both empower me and believe in the food in our vision. That's why they were the natural choices. 7.      Everyone seemed so calm.  Did you feel stressed out when you were by yourself? I always take on the perspective of there's no reason to be alarmed by any situation. When they gave us challenges, I just went with the punches and continue to try to do the best work I could do. That's also how much Teams work. We are calm and we work hard to just deliver a great product. We also made it a point to rally the teams together. We didn't want to be catty or have drama. We promoted The notion of supporting each other and each team. We knew that the only people we were competing against were ourselves. Knowing that allowed us to stay very calm. 8.      Inquiring minds are dying to know – where in the world does everyone sleep and eat during the show?  Did you cook for each other? They put us up in hotels. Most of the time we ate out. 9.      Since being on the show, has your life changed and do you see more business? The show was a great experience for us. We have seen some great people come up to the truck and let us know they saw the show. People have been extremely supportive. It's been great! 10.   Do people recognize you at the supermarket? Recently I was in Chicago and a woman walked up to me and said I saw you yesterday on the show. She wanted to take a picture on the street. We did. It was a lot of fun! 11.   Would you want your daughter Gray to carry on the food tradition?   Gray wants to be an actress. I want her to do whatever she chooses in life and I fully support her. If he chooses to going to food, I know she's going to be a superstar in that area. 12.   What about opening up a restaurant?  Will it still happen? We will have a restaurant in 2016. 13.   Would you ever travel to other states to sell your food? We will do this too. 14.   What’s your favorite food to eat? I love soul food. I also love french fries. 15.   What movie are you dying to see when you have time? I love dramas. Nothing on my radar right now, but I'm sure something will come to me soon. 16.   Now that the show is over, what (if anything), would you have done differently? We were our authentic selves. The entire incident with the car accident was really blown out of proportion. I wish that it been portrayed differently on television. At the end of the day we were true ourselves and I don't think I'd change anything. 17.   If someone gets sick on your truck, what do you do? It depends on the severity. First thing is to let them go home. If it's really severe I call 911. 18.   Was there anything about the show that you didn’t like?  Did a contestant ever get on your nerves?  Did you have a fave food truck other than your own.  We really loved all of the other contestants. When the truck accident happened, if you look at social media you'll see that a number of them really came to our defense and let people know that we were a stand-up team. I can't say I had one favorite. I had six favorites. 19.   What state do you wish you could visit within the next 5 years? I can't say state, but how about country? I'd love to visit South Africa soon. 20.   What can you tell us that people would be surprised to know?  My daughter is a Howard University legacy. I attended Howard. Now she attends Howard. She got accepted to some top schools, but Howard was her first choice. I'm a very proud father. I had quite a few friends who attended Howard and was very close with a DJ on the Quite Storm, waaay back in the day.   What a proud legacy for you and your family to be a part of, and we wish you all the greatest success throughout the rest of this year, and in 2016 when you open that restaurant!  Stay in touch and thanks again!

NUTELLA CHEESECAKE & PARKING

I've never really been a fan of the Oreo Cookie until they started coming out with all these really cool flavors, but did you know it's actually been around since 1912? Oreo's are also the best selling cookie in the United States with over 360 billion sold!  That's pretty amazing.

Anyhoo, this recipe from the dessert cookbook, "Sweets and Treats with Six Sisters' Stuff".  If you're on a diet, or even thinking about that word, this is not the book for you, but if you love desserts that are yummy AND easy to make, give this one a try.  You won't even need to use your oven!

NUTELLA CHEESECAKE

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 12 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
• 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
• For the filling:
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups Nutella
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• For the topping:
• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine crushed cookies and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a pie pan and set in the fridge until firm. In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, Nutella, vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth. Spread filling over crust and place in fridge until it sets up. In a microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until chocolate chips are melted. Stir until smooth and spread evenly over cheesecake. Cover and keep in fridge until set.

Feel free to add walnuts or pecans for even more decadence and crunch.

PARALLEL PARKING
Many years ago when I got my very first license in North Dakota, thank goodness I didn't have to do any parking.  Fast forward a few years later when I allowed my license to expire in Maryland, and had to take the entire dang driving test.  I had absolutely NO clue how to parallel park, so I called a friend and we did a quick 30 minute test in his tiny car.  For those that are thinking that's pretty fast to pick it up - not really.  Our plan was to try to keep the things he taught me in my head long enough to pass that test, hence the quick turnaround. (lol)  

I passed, but just barely. If you talk to anyone who knows me, they'll quickly tell you that I can't back up very well, let alone parallel park. I'm so bad at it, that someone usually has to direct me to get out of tight places, AND I'll get laughed at.  On my own, I'll drive around the block for hours to avoid parking, if I have to. What about you? Is parallel parking still required where you live when you get your license?

I'm behind in watching one of my favorite programs, called Madame Secretary starring Tea Leoni, but I binge watched the other day. Originally she was the one who fascinated me, but the more I watched, I ended up with a serious crush on Tim Daly, who plays her hubby.  Apparently, she agrees with me because they're now dating in real life!  Yay! The topic of one of the shows that I never really thought about was what would happen if the president got sick, was impeached, or died?  Who actually takes over, and is there any way that person could get out of it! (lol)  Here's the list in order, and it's been this way since 1947:

• 
  
• Vice President
• Speaker of the House
• President pro tempore of the Senate

• Secretary of State
• Secretary of Treasury
• Secretary of Defense
• Attorney General
• Secretary of the Interior
• Secretary of Agriculture
• Secretary of Commerce
• Secretary of Labor
• Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Secretary of Transportation
• Secretary of Energy
• Secretary of Education
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs
• Secretary of Homeland Security