Wordless and Wordful Wednesday ~ World Series Edition

Since the World Series is in full swing I thought I would re-post some pictures of Sam getting an autograph from his favorite Ranger's player, Mitch Moreland.  Hit a major home run last night and had some amazing plays at 1st base including one where he practically did the splits!  GO RANGERS!!!!

To see more Wordless and Wordful photos head on over to Wordless Wednesday and J. Leigh Designz.

Please take a moment to link up and don't forget to leave a comment.

Tasty Tuesday ~ Pumpkin Soup

It's Tuesday and time to share some recipes over at Tasty Tuesday!  Just click on the button above and enjoy all the amazing recipes!

I had an amazing Halloween themed party at my house this past Friday evening and one of the hits of the night was my Pumpkin Soup.  Thought I would share it with you today.  It's super easy to make, makes your house smell good and best of all it's soooo yummy!  I did double this recipe and now have some in my freezer for later.  Can't wait to have it again. 

I'm thinking that I'm going to be making even more soups this fall/winter season.  Do you have any that are just outstanding that you'd like to share?  I'm always looking for new recipes to try.  

Pumpkin Soup

INGREDIENTS:

6 cups chicken stock
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 cups pumpkin puree (can use canned)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
5 whole black peppercorns

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat stock, salt, pumpkin, onion, thyme, garlic and peppercorns.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered.
2. Puree the soup in small batches using a food processor or a blender.  I used an immersion blender in the pot and it worked just fine.
3. Return to pan, and bring to a boil again.  Reduce heat to low, and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered.  Stir in heavy cream.  Pour into soup bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or some cracked pepper.

Look Ma....No Hands!

Finally after some major technical difficulties I can share with you one of my favorite features of the 2012 Chevy Traverse.  I have to say that I really enjoyed using the completely hands free calling.  It comes in handy when you have your phone stuck at the bottom of your purse while you're driving along and can't get to it.  Click on the video to see more about this amazing feature!

Thank You @chevydfw & North Texas Chevy Dealers for 2 weeks of FUN in the 

2012 CHEVY TRAVERSE

Hot Buns!

I've been driving the White Diamond Chevy Traverse now for just over a week.  I'm LOVING it!  There are so many features to talk about and I will in some upcoming posts.  I would have to say that the feature that tops my list is the heated seats.  Watch the video to find out why and you'll be wanting some heated seats even when it's over 100 degrees outside!  Trust me....




See what I mean...a heating pad that travels with you! I must say that the ladies out there will love this feature at least once a month.

You can find out more about this fantastic vehicle by following them on Twitter and looking for these hashtags: #chevygirls & #chevyfun.  You can also follow along on their Facebook page. 


The Chevy Traverse campaign is being sponsored by the North Texas Chevy dealers. They are letting me test drive a Traverse for two weeks as well as providing me with a gas card and a spa gift card.

Wordless and Wordful Wednesday ~ Handwriting

I heard a quote yesterday but didn't have any paper to write it down on.  I did the next best thing...I wrote it down on my hand.  Later I was outside taking some more pictures and looked down at my hand and thought to myself that it would make a good picture as well.

I know I'm late in getting this post up today but it's better to be late than not at all.  I'm working on a couple of other posts and hope to have them up today as well.  I'll make it around to see your posts as well so don't forget to sign the Linky then head on over to visit some new blogs!

To see more Wordless photos head on over to:

Please take a moment to link up and don't forget to leave a comment.

Shades of Autumn ~ Green

I'm joining in on the Shades of Autumn Photo Challenge. Every week they will post a color for us to take photos of.  This weeks color is green. Now for those of you that don't know I live in wonderful state of Texas. Unfortunately it's pretty hard to find anything green around here with the drought that is going on. I took Sam out behind our house to see if we could find anything green to take a photo of.  Luckily we did find more than I thought we would. We have a Hedgeapple tree behind our house and found quite a few on the ground. Sam picked up one and cradled it in his hands.  To join in on the fun or to just look at the other submitted photos click on the link below or go to one of these lovely ladies blogs: Bumbles & Light, Project Alicia and Live and Love Out Loud 

Here is a collage of some of the other green pictures that I took that afternoon:

Healing Hands for Arthritis ~ October 12

I think the year was 1997 when I went to my Doctor with complaints of overall pain.  I told him that I had experienced this pain for several years and was then to the point that I couldn't take it much longer and needed to find out what was causing it.  After quite a few tests I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  At that time I had never heard or it or had I known anyone that had it.  He gave me a quick overview and described to me that Fibromyalgia affects the muscles and soft tissue.  In addition to pain and fatigue, people who have fibromyalgia may experience a variety of other symptoms including:

• cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”)
• sleep disturbances
• morning stiffness
• headaches
• irritable bowel syndrome
• painful menstrual periods
• numbness or tingling of the extremities
• restless legs syndrome
• temperature sensitivity
• sensitivity to loud noises or bright lights

Now about 2 years ago I was diagnosed with Arthritis in my hands.  There are times where in combination with the pain from the Fibromyalgia and now the Arthritis that I can have a very hard time getting the easy and small tasks done.  But I carry on.  One way treatment that I find just wonderful is massage therapy.  After a session there I feel like I don't have either!  It's just so wonderful to have a day or so without so much pain.

I am happy to partner up with Massage Envy here in the DFW area to help promote the Healing Hands for Arthritis event.   Read further to find out how you can help.

Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient and affordable massage and spa services, has partnered with the Arthritis Foundation to host Healing Hands for Arthritis, a one-day national event to build awareness and raise funds to fight arthritis.

On World Arthritis Day, October 12, 2011, Massage Envy will donate $10 from every one-hour massage and facial to the Arthritis Foundation. Prices range from $39 - $69 for facials and massages depending on location.

"At Massage Envy, we witness the debilitating effects arthritis can have on our members and guests every day and recognize that more must be done to help raise awareness and find a cure for the 50 million adults and 300,000 children currently suffering," said Massage Envy President and COO Dave Crisalli. "I encourage everyone to participate in Healing Hands for Arthritis on October 12 by calling their local Massage Envy today and booking an appointment for this wonderful event."


Appointments are now being accepted for the Healing Hands for Arthritis event. To schedule your massage or facial, contact your local Massage Envy clinic. All proceeds donated during Healing Hands for Arthritis will support the Arthritis Foundation's education, research and advocacy initiatives to control and cure arthritis and related diseases.

Additionally, Murad®, Massage Envy Spa's exclusive skin care partner, will donate 10 percent of all sales from their products sold at Massage Envy Spa locations during the event to the Arthritis Foundation. Wyndmere, Massage Envy's retail partner at all locations, will also donate 10% of all their retail sales on event day.

With consumers visiting massage therapists at least 140 million times a year, it is evident that more Americans are turning to therapeutic massage to relieve the painful symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia, while improving circulation, joint flexibility, sleep patterns and an overall sense of well-being. The experienced, professional therapists at Massage Envy clinics can design effective and customized massage treatments to address the individual needs of any member or guest.


In exchange for this post, I will be receiving complimentary massage at Massage Envy.

My New Ride

I've been sitting on this since the beginning of August and I can now share it with you....I have been given the wonderful opportunity to test drive a Chevy White Diamond Traverse for the next two weeks.  All of the participating bloggers (and their families) got to go to the Texas State Fair to pick up our new rides and to have a fun day at the State Fair.  All in all yesterday was a FANTASTIC DAY!!!  Except for one thing...you see I remembered to charge my camera battery the night before, I even remembered to bring my camera....I, however, didn't remember to put the charged battery into my camera.  SO here I had all of this wonderful fun with my family and I had no camera.  Received a new car for two weeks to tell you all about, and I had no camera.  Tried some new foods (some really not good for me) and had no camera to show you.  So in the coming days you'll get to see photos that will be taken after the fact.  I do have to tell you that so far I'm really enjoying my new ride and I have to thank Chuck Fairbanks of Desoto TX for showing me everything little detail of my new ride!  Here is a stock photo from Chevy so you can see what my new ride looks like:

Booking Through Thursday

Thought I would answer the Booking Through Thursday question(s) this week.  It's been awhile since I've participated and I'm looking forward to seeing some of your answers as well.  To play along just click on the link. 

1. What do you think of reading aloud/being read to? Does it bring back memories of your childhood? Your children’s childhood?

It does bring back memories...I loved being read to and my parents were great at that.  I also read aloud to my son...even now.  He's 11 1/2 (can't forget the 1/2) and he would prefer that over reading himself.  I think that reading out loud to your children is one of the best things that you can do for them.  It increases their love of reading and it will show them how much you love it as well.  It's really a win win situation.

2. Does this affect the way you feel about audio books?

I love listening to audio books and I do think it affected the way that I feel about them.  I love hearing how they change their voices or inflections in certain passages.  But I do have to say that as far as listening to audio books I much prefer listening to fiction over non-fiction.  

3. Do you now have times when you read aloud or are read to?

I think that reading aloud sometimes will make me understand a passage that I'm having a hard time with. When I read with my son I often have him read aloud to me.  It gives me and my voice a break and I love listening to him read.  He's learned to change his voice as well as he goes along and it just makes my heart melt.

I'd love to know your answers....link up by clicking on the link above and sharing with everyone or just leave me your answers here.

Wordless and Wordful Wednesday ~ Bench and Flowers

 I'm greeted every morning to these flowers growing up the side of our bench.  I love how they seem to bring out the flowers in the metal.  They soon will be gone so I'm taking the time to enjoy them now.

To see more Wordless photos head on over to:

Please take a moment to link up and don't forget to leave a comment.

Tasty Tuesday ~ Cheesy Salsa-Mini Meat Loaves

It's Tuesday and time to share some recipes over at Tasty Tuesday!  Just click on the button above and enjoy all the amazing recipes!

The recipe that I am sharing today is SUPER easy and if, and I do mean if, you have any leftovers they are so easy to either freeze or pack up in your next days lunch.  They are even good cold.

Cheesy Salsa-Mini Meat Loaves

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 1 egg
• 12 premium saltine crackers, finely crushed (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 1/2 cups kraft mexican style finely shredded four cheese, divided
• 1 cup taco bell home originals thick n chunky salsa, divided 

Instructions:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Mix first 4 ingredients with 1 cup cheese and 1/2 cup salsa.
• Press into 12 muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray. Use back of spoon to make indentation in center of each. Place muffin pan on foil-covered baking sheet.
• Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until meat loves are done (160 degrees F). Top with remaining salsa and cheese; bake 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

I Heart Faces ~ Best Face Photo from Summer 2011

I have been thinking that I want to concentrate more on my photography again.  Don't know how much I can put into it as life is always changing.  One way to concentrate on it more is by participating in photo challenges that I find.  I love doing them as it makes me grab my camera and head on out there and take a photo that I otherwise would not have done.

I've been asked by many (and I'm very proud to say "many") if I'd be willing to sell prints of some of my photography.  I'm going to look into doing so this week.  Going to try to find out what all it would entail. So if you have any hints or tips my ears are open!

In the meantime I'm going to jump back into doing the weekly challenges over at I Heart Faces.  This week is a great week for me to jump back in because it's "Best Face Photo from Summer 2011" week.

The photo that I'm submitting is one of my son enjoying his favorite summertime treat....Berries and Cream Popsicles. I had originally wanted to take a photo of him eating one with his eyes open and ended up taking many.  But as luck would have it those photos didn't turn out nearly as well as this one did.  This one shows the pure enjoyment of taking a lick of the popsicle. 

The Muppet Movie

What is it about The Muppets that can make anyone feel so good inside?  I remember growing up watching The Muppet Show every week.  Would love to have the released seasons on DVD at some point.  Believe it or not but the other day Sam and I were watching the Disney channel when some Muppets and other personalities were singing The Muppet Theme Song and I started to sing along.  Sam then asked me, "Do you know this song?"  I responded..."Of course I do!".  Then Sam asked me if it was an old song.  My response was just a long and loud sigh.  He's seen some of the shows but not many of them.  So some day I'll get them and sit him down to watch them all.  For now...enjoy the trailer for their new movie which is due out on Thanksgiving this year.

Happy First Day of Fall

I "borrowed/stole" this from someone a few weeks back to share on the first day of Fall and now I can't remember who to give credit to (sorry). Either way...I love this list and hopefully we can do some of them this year. :)  What things would you put on your Fall Bucket List???  Inquiring minds would love to know.

Fall Into Reading 2011 ~ My Reading List

I can't believe it's the first day of Fall!  It's my favorite time of year and I look forward to it each year.  Especially after such a record setting summer of high temps.  Seventy days of this summer were at 100 degrees F or higher.  So, yes, I'm definitely ready for fall this year.  And I'm ready to start some serious reading again.  To join in head on over to Callapidder Days and read over the Basics.  Then put your list together and link up to share with everyone else.  You might even find some good books while you're looking around.

My List:

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J K Rowling (Book 2)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J K Rowling (Book 3)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J K Rowling (Book 4)
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix by J K Rowling (Book 5)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J K Rowling (Book 6)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J K Rowling (Book 7)
Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

I started re-reading the Harry Potter books after the last movie this summer but only finished Book 1.  Now it's time to finish the series again.  I waited until I watched the last movie before starting them again. I also have had Brisingr on my list the past few times now and really want to finish it.  Keeping my fingers cross that I finally do so.

What are you reading this fall?  We'd all love to know.

It's time...What are you waiting for?  Get reading! The challenge goes from today, September 23rd, through December 21st.

Wordless and Wordful Wednesday ~ 30 Day Project

I have decided to do a 30 Day Photo Project. Hence the name "30 Day Project". I'm going to take a picture of the same view for the next 30 days...hopefully...and share them here with you. I won't post the pictures every day but I will keep you up to date. I thought it would be neat to see how the scenery changes over a course of 30 days. We don't see it when we look at something every day but if we record it and then look back over it we will see the beautiful changes that are set out there for us all to see and sometimes don't see or refuse to see.

To see more Wordless photos head on over to:

Tasty Tuesday ~ Corn Casserole

It's Tuesday and time to share some recipes over at Tasty Tuesday!  Just click on the button above and enjoy all the amazing photos!

Mine this week is soooooo good and so inexpensive to make!  My kind of recipe.  Tomorrow is Wordless Wednesday...so make sure you come back!  On Thursday I'm posting my list for the Fall Into Reading Challenge.

Corn Casserole

Ingredients:

1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14 3/4-ounce) can cream-style corn
1 (8-ounce) package corn muffin mix (recommended: Jiffy)
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar


Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, stir together the 2 cans of corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter. Pour into a greased 9 by 13-inch casserole dish. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and top with Cheddar. Return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Let stand for at least 5 minutes and then serve warm.