Wednesday, February 04, 2015

Guest Blogger with self portrait



A Swimmer

by my son aka Nicolaus Flug



I am a swimmer.

I wonder who the best swimmer is?

I hear the waves crashing.

I see water splashing in the streets.

I want a new trophy.

I am a swimmer.



I pretend that I'm in the Olympics.

I feel water surrounding me.

I touch the crystal clear water.

I worry that I won't like swimming.

I cry when I lose.

I am a swimmer.



I understand what swimming is.

I say "awesome" to the other teams.

I dream to be the best swimmer in the world.

I try to win the race.

I hope I'll always like swimming.

I am a swimmer.




Saturday, January 31, 2015

Nanaimo Bars

Bottom Layer

1/2 cup butter
1/4cup sugar
5Tbsp cocoa
1 egg beaten
11/4 cup graham crumbs
1/2 cup walnuts
1 cup coconut

Melt first 3 ingredients. Add egg and stir till thicken.Stir in remaining ingredients. Press firmly in ungreased 8x8 pan.

Second Layer
1/2 cup butter
3Tbsp cream
1/4 cup vanilla custard ( birds )
2 cups icing sugar


Cream all ingredients together and spread over bottom layer. Refrigerate. 

Top
4 squares semi-sweet bakers chocolate or 4 oz
2Tbsp butter
Melt both on low, cool and pour over middle layer.chill and serve.



Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Day 4 - LaVerna's Almond Roca

So far this has been the swimmers favorite. This recipe was passed on to me by my SIL LaVerna. I have not lived in Canada now for 14 years, over those years I have made home where we have planted our feet. Homesick has never been an option, but I have 3 amazing Sister in Laws that I wish lived on my street to borrow a cup of sugar from. Baking not only relieves stress but for me it makes me feel connected.

Cover the bottom of cookie sheet with whole graham crackers, set aside.

In a sauce pan bring to a boil

1 cup of butter ( not margarine)
1 cup brown sugar

Pour over graham crackers. Place in oven 350 for 8 min - till bubbly all over

Remove from oven immediately sprinkle 1.5 cups semi sweet chocolate chips. Use a knife to spread and melt the chips. Sprinkle 1.5 cups of sliced almonds. Place in you guessed it the freezer till set.

Remove from freezer and break into random size pieces.

Cheers
Coralee

Day 3 - Whipped Shortbread

This one is easy too. Calories do not count at Christmas right. My husband likes those nasty cherries that are green and red you see in the baking isle especially at Christmas, but for the kids who will just pick the off I just add sprinkles. If you love chocolate you can also drizzle or dip 1/2 with chocolate.

1lb of butter
1/2 cup of cornstarch
1 cup icing sugar
3 cups of flour
Whip all ingredient together - I use my kitchen aid. I use a small ice cream scoop which gives a nice shape and all are the same size but a tsp would work too.

Bake 350 for 8 - 10 min just till the bottom edges are brown.

Side note - the pan in the picture is my favorite. When my Grandma P died there was a few items that I was lucky to get passed on to me, a couple of her cookie sheets, cook books with her hand writing in and her angel food cake pan. Each time I bring them out I just feel like she is here along side me baking and it makes my heart smile.

Cheers
Coralee

Life is messy - Just Bake



Sorry Bev! My life is messy, it is busy and some things just never get done like cleaning my oven ... and it is self cleaning eek. No one ever sees in my stove, the baking soda keeps the drippings and such from stinking up the house. If my fabulous MIL does see this picture I really hope she shakes her head and then calls her travel agent to book tickets - not to come clean my oven but because we miss having them come visit.

Day 2 - Nanaimo Bars

You can't get any more Canadian than these. Legend says a lady in the 50's entered a contest with this bar and named it after Nanaimo, British Columbia where she lived - but no one really knows. I have always loved these and was sure they would be extremely hard to make only enjoying them made by others. Many recipes and varieties are available out there but I will share the one my Grandma made. BTW it is not extremely hard to make, just need to be patient as the steps need to set up.



Bottom Layer
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
5 Tbsp cocoa
11/4 graham wafer crumbs
1 cup coconut - I prefer unsweetened
Melt the first 3 ingredients. Add egg, crumbs, coconut, walnuts. Press firmly into ungreased 8x8 pan. Bake for 8 min 350. Cool completely - I put in the freezer ( not patient at all )

Middle Layer
1/2 cup butter
2 Tbsp milk ( A little more if it is to think to spread )
2 Tbsp Bird's Custard Powder
2 Cups icing sugar
Cream butter, milk, custard powder, icing sugar together. Beat until light. Spread over bottom layer. Put in freezer till firm then use a smooth edge to press down any ridges.

Top Layer
4oz semi-sweet bakers chocolate
2Tbsp Butter
Melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Cool. Once cool but still liquid, pour over middle layer. Chill in refrigerator. ( you guessed it I freeze ) Use a sharp knife to cut and clean knife after each swipe ( preserves the layers - its just a visual thing)



Note - Bird's Custard can be found in the international isle at Kroger, HEB also sometimes

Cheers
Coralee

#swimmom and #swimmer approved 

12 days of treat - Day 1 - Peanut Butter Squares

Growing up these little squares appeared at pot luck dinners, church functions but if you ask my husband he will tell you they remind him of funerals. For me personally they give me a hug from my mom, make me not miss family when I do. Last year was the first time I made them, I had no idea how easy they would be. 


1/2 cup butter
1 cup peanut butter
1 bag of butterscotch chips
1 bag mini marshmallows

This recipe is super simple. Melt peanut butter, butter and chips together on low heat. Stirring constantly. Cool for a bit so not to melt marshmallows.

Stir in mini marshmallows.

Pour in a greased 11 x 13 pan

Refrigerate and cut in small 1 in squares.  Enjoy & great to share.

Cheers!
Coralee

#swimmom approved


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

12 days of treats - Swimmom

It is not always pretty. Mess but it works. 


12 days of treats. Baking has always been my go to stress relief ( got me through college), the few minute it takes to whip up a batch of cookies shuts out everything and results in happiness in a bite.

 I have an incredible group of kids in my life who work hard in everything they do. Hours in the water swimming, advanced classes in school, volunteering, working and squeezing in time to be a kid.
The way to a swimmers heart is directly through their stomach. Burning 1000's of calories each time they jump in the water means they eat ALL the time. Lets just say I have been known to bribe them to get in the water with food ( not just my own kids).

This time of year I love to spread the love and share my happiness bites. 5 large trays to my husbands office, little treats to my neighbors and this week I will drop off goody bags to a friend to add to back packs being given out to the homeless.

Many of my recipes are from my childhood so all have Canadian origins, are family recipes or I have experimented with on my kids. ( I will keep the disasters to myself )

Cheers
Coralee


Monday, November 24, 2014

Crockpot Stuffing

The idea of cooking stuffing in the crock pot comes from my husbands Uncle Ernie. It just makes sense. Prior to this method it was just hard to control the moisture when you stuff in the bird. Plus there is never enough room. Honestly the recipe is all my own and has developed over time. This recipe can be used to stuff chicken breasts or pork chops.

My favorite share of this recipe: My cousin Tracey who is an incredible cook with her OWN WAY. OMG asked me for my stuffing recipe :)


Thanksgiving - Orange Salad

Being Canadian my family celebrates both Canadian Thanksgiving in October ( just happens to be Columbus Day and a school holiday) and American Thanksgiving. Over the years I have perfected dinner MY WAY, but each piece has a history and a story. My Mother in Law shared this recipe with me however she was given the recipe by my husbands Aunt Jean.

The last time my husbands family was all together for Christmas in 2000, as we sat down to the table and started to pass around the dishes one of my brother in laws casually asks where is the Orange Salad. Bev proudly says, I didn't make it this year, I shook it up and made - I have no idea what. Honestly the reaction she got from grown adults you would have thought she forgot to make the turkey. We all laughed, but we all remember the moment ORANGE SALAD will never be left off the table when we have turkey.

If there is any leftover it makes great breakfast the next day.


Cheers!
Doing it MY WAY ~ Coralee



Pumpkin Cheese Cake ~ My Way


I have made the elaborate spring form cheese cakes, they are beautiful BUT they 
taste the same as MY WAY. Once my family tried this recipe, there is no going 
back to regular pumpkin pie. #newtradition #thanksgiving



Cheers,
Doing it My Way ~ Coralee 




Sunday, September 21, 2014

Dinner in 15 - Grilled Flank Steak

With 2 teenage swimmers in the house food is a major deal. From school to the pool a piece of fruit, a bar, cookies and water. After a 2 hour practice when we walk in the door they are STARVED. I must have a plan, I do use the crock pot but find my family works better with putting dinner together in less than 15 min.

As a family we have started planning on Sunday what we will eat during the week. This is to eliminate the drive through window because we don't have a plan.



Day 1: Grilled Flank Steak on Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing 
Shopping list:
Flank or skirt steak
Spinach ( I buy organic, pre-washed )
Blue Cheese
Greek Yogurt (staple in my house )
Fresh Garlic (staple)
Lemon juice (fresh or the kind found in the cute little lemon)
Balsamic Vinegar (staple)

1.Turn the oven on to broil
2. Cover the steak with pepper - I do use a lot
3. Place on a baking sheet - broil for 3-4 min on each side
4. Make dressing

Dressing - you can buy, but what I find is that every time we go to use dressing it has expired in the fridge. When I make from scratch I can control the amount plus I know what the ingredients are.

I use my bullet for the dressing.
1/2 cup of yogurt - if you do not have yogurt you could use sour cream
1tbsp lemon juice
1 clove of garlic minced
pinch of salt
1 tbsp of Balsamic Vinegar - could use regular white vinegar
1/4 cup of blue cheese ( this is what I used but we like the flavor you could start with a smaller amount and then add to taste )

5. Your steak is done - let rest for a couple min then slice - you want to slice on an angle
6. Drizzle balsamic on the plate ( looks snazzy and adds a layer of flaver )
7.Place a handful of spinach on a plate, add dressing and 4-6 slices of meat

Dinner in less than 15!
Cheers








Thursday, April 11, 2013

Shoe makers children

Watch for updates very soon here. I have been so busy working with my social media clients my blog has been neglected. Exciting new look and great tools to come. Thanks for shopping by!

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Baileys Irish Cream

I am not sure who to credit for this recipe, I have been making it for 20 years - I am sure my mom had something to do with its origin. Last year I went to Pier One and found some great Mexican Glass bottles with corks ... made a perfect gift. So share a bottle or a cup of coffee this is one of my holiday favorites that will add an extra set of squats but so worth it!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Peppermint Patties

Problem with these is you can not just eat one...makes a very nice gift in a pretty box. Freeze well, stacked between wax paper.

Saturday, September 01, 2012

Grandma's Fridge Pickles


12 cups pickling cucumbers - sliced and soaked in ice water for 1 hour
1 cup sliced onions
1/4 pickling salt
1 cup vinegar
21/2 cups sugar
1tsp Mustard seed

Mix solution (just mix donot boil) and pour over cucumbers in an ice cream pail or large jar.
Store in fridge. They will be ready to eat tomorrow.

Sunday, June 03, 2012

Chocolate Zucchini

This is a family favorite. When you have an abundance of zucchini you can shred and freeze in 2 cup increments to pull out for this recipe.
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup baking cocoa
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ( I substitute Chinese 5 spice )
  • 2 cups shredded zucchini
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

  1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in oil and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Fold in zucchini.
  2. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Fresh Peach Salsa



Peaches are coming into season here and I love finding different ways to use them. This weekend I picked up all the ingredients to make fresh peach salsa at the Burleson Farmers Market.
Here is what you will need:

5 or 6 Peaches or Nectarines chopped ( you can also substitute with mango or watermelon) - about 2 cups of fruit.
1/2 jalapeno pepper finely chopped ( you can add more if you would like hotter)
1/2 red onion finely chopped
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
pinch of salt
fresh ground pepper to taste
2 Tbsp lime juice ( I use orange juice because I forgot to get a lime
2 Tbsp Vinegar ( I used red wine but apple cider or plain white would work)

Serve with scoop tortilla chips for maximum fruit explosion.

Cheers!

I have watermelon I think I will try that today.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Questions with no answers ..... okay well I have a few

A corporate mentor of mine said to me years ago, "It is none of your business what others think of you". More than once I have forgotten these words ... I work hard and am very proud of the company I work for. Choosing to work from home allows me to do projects & volunteering and most importantly be 100% MOM..... why should it matter what others think...... It doesn't right...that's what I keep trying to tell myself???

How is it or shall I say why is it that I care about all those people around me? Would it not be easier to not give a rip about any one but my family....sure would free up plenty of time and energy.

Why do I care to help a local business? hmmm when did I or why do I cheer for the little guy???

Why do I promote a family business a million miles away? Oh wait I have an answer for this one ... They are family and isn't that what family is suppose to do - do you think Sam Walton's kids shop at Target or Walmart ( or at least send their staff to shop for them ).... I do what I can being so far away by telling my friends and promoting them to shop because I do not have the geographical means to.

Why do I get upset when my sister is hurt? oh I have an answer to this one too - BECAUSE SHE IS MY SISTER AND I HURT WHEN SHE HURTS. Do I always deal with the hurt in the right way, oh I am sure I don't, in fact I know I don't.

Why when a comment is made about Canadian Politics .... do I get upset? UM well this one I have too - no matter where I live I will always be Canadian.

Why do I defend a friend when she can clearly defend herself? oh hell I don't know - she certainly is a big girl and doesn't need me to defend her.

Why do I wish everyone could just get along? Is World Peace all that bad?

Why 

Do you have answers? Do the answers matter????

Does all this not make up who I am, if I stop caring would anyone notice? If today I decide to be selfish uncaring would it matter?

So many questions today and no answers for most of them.




Summer Favorite - Bruchetta


3 medium garden fresh tomatoes
3 cloves of crushed garlic
3 tbsp chopped Basil
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
pinch of salt and fresh ground pepper

Serve with thinly sliced bread.



Thursday, October 06, 2011

Curried Chicken Salad

One of my favorite summer recipes from my friend Pam:

2 Chicken breasts - chilled, cooked and diced
1 cup green grapes, halved
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 c water chestnuts, chopped
1/2 can crushed pineapple
4 celery stocks - diced
3 green onions, chopped

Dressing ( add just before serving)
1/2 cup light mayo
1T Milk
1T Soy sauce
1/2 tsp yellow curry powder

Serve in Pita Pockets, wraps, croissants or as a side dish or over a bed of lettuce.

Friday, June 03, 2011

Day 45 - Card is in the mail - Alice

 Today I celebrate my 42nd birthday :-) Life is Good!

I want to send a big thank you to Alice today, for as long as I can remember my entire family from my Grandma's on down to all my cousins - everyone knows Alice's Chocolate Cake partners with my Grandma's brown sugar icing. Alice's family and my parents ... partied together when I was a wee one. Their family farm was close to ours and my mom still to this day does coffee with Alice and Gardy. Hmmm I guess I better ask her who she got the recipe from one of these days.


For my Gluten Free friend you can just substitute gluten free flour ( Thanks Ann for testing it )
Also makes a really good Black Forest - just add cherries and whip cream


So today on my birthday I declare cake and cupcakes calorie free - enjoy the recipe.

Alice's Chocolate Cake

2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2/3 cup oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
2tsp. baking soda
2tsp baking powder
2/3 cup cocoa
2 2/3 flour
2 cups boiling water

Preheat oven 350 ( bakes for 1 hour in most locations - higher elevation 35-40 min )
In large mix together sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla for 4 min, add dry ingredients and then boiling water. Will make 9x13 + 6 cup cakes or a bundt cake, or 3 8inch round.

Elsie's Butterscotch Icing

1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 cups icing sugar

Boil butter and brown sugar over low heat for 2 min. Add milk. Continue to stir until mixture returns to boil. Cool until luke warm. Beat in icing sugar until spreading consistency. *** Make sure it is almost cold before spreading.

Change in me: Something as simple as a cake recipe can be the greatest gift families can share. I am grateful for being taught  to cook and have a passion for baking.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Actions - thanks Shauna for sharing this :-)

 One day, when I was a freshman in high school,

I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.
His name was Kyle.
It looked like he was carrying all of his books.
I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?
He must really be a nerd.'

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.
They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.

His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him...
He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes .
My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.
As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.'
They really should get lives.
' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'
There was a big smile on his face.
It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.
I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.
As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before.
He said he had gone to private school before now.
I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.
We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.


He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.
I asked him if he wanted to play a little football
with my friends .
He said yes
We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.
Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again.
I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!
' He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends.
When we were seniors we began to think about college.
Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.
I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never
be a problem.
He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship.


Kyle was valedictorian of our class.
I teased him all the time about being a nerd.
He had to prepare a speech for graduation
I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak .

Graduation day, I saw Kyle
He looked great.
He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.
He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.
He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.
Boy, sometimes I was jealous!
Today was one of those days.
I could see that he was nervous about his speech.
So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!'

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled....
' Thanks,' he said.
As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began ...
'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.
Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends....

I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.
I am going to tell you a story.'
I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the first day we met.
He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.
He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.
He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.
'Thankfully, I was saved.
My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.'
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.
I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.


Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.
Never underestimate the power of your actions.
With one small gesture you can change a person's life.
For better or for worse.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Day 44 - The Bank

My mom worked for years in a bank and many of those people who she worked with became a part of our life. She still keeps in touch with many of them. From those people come entire families and friends to us. Shout out today to all those families. Some became closer than others and thankfully for FB we have rekindled many of those temporarily lost people.

Change in me: People that you work with can leave a lasting impression on you and your family for a life time.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Dragonfly continued

 part 2....

# 4 - Distance between friends SUCKS
Recently I was asked to remove a post from Facebook, actually just a name. You see asking for prayers is not something I do but I figure if I ask for them they should know who actually they are for dont ya think. I also understand that facebook can be viral, I also know that the viral not always is good thing.
I also respect the wishes of family members. She understood! 3 years ago I started training for doing webcasts on line and really was the start to our friendship. Funny thing is my training consisted of here is how you sign in, this is where you pull up the slides and here is the outline...."I know you will be fine" She knew I would learn and pick up along the way. She has more than once talked me off a ledge in regards to business - sharing her years of experience. Years with the company - 8.5  Biggest check $17,000 - over all income $541,396.53

#5 - Cancer - SUCKS
3 times a week we ( Jen & I ) have a friends and family wellness webcast. Over the past 6 years I have learned more than I ever wanted to know about Cancer. My BFF is a 2 times breast cancer survivor and she just turned 35 - cancer does not define her but it sure has made her strong. She is an amazing mom of 3, married to the love of her life and as my daughter says about her friends "she just gets me". I have a magazine ad and our dear Beth to thank for her being in my life. We are as close as 2 people can be that live on opposite sides of the country. I am excited for her to come here to TX to do the 3 day Susan G Komen Walk for the Cure in November. This will be her 4th year in a row and she brings her Jenny's Army of angels. She is my partner in crime, we laugh together, we plan together she is really the flip to my flop. In 7 years her biggest check just over $5000 total earnings $145,324.45 ( not to damn bad for a Stay home mom of 3 who has had 9 surgeries in the last 6 years ) She is sure to show up again in the 365 days of a stamp.


#6 - It is just not fair!
A year ago in August I sat in a room with 5 of the 7 mentioned here and a journey began. That day each of us was given a rubber band - this came from the book, One minute Millionaire. It is a means of changing thoughts that are negative. Each time you say or think something that is not nice or ugly...you snap the rubber band. We when all returned home we started a conference chat thru skype and I grew to trust and cherish these women more than I already had. I worked with her on some design work - created her blog, designing & branding her logo, setting up her FB and creating ads for online as we work through this I got to really connect with her and get to know her on a one on one basis. About 6 weeks ago a tragic chain of events unfolded and we are very lucky to still have her here with us. She has a long road ahead to recovery but I just know she is going to do amazing things in the years to come. She is a rock, she stretches the limits of her comfort zone but the one thing I have learned from her is to keep it real, we all do deserve to earn a great income and to do great things with it. When she is home I will get the numbers posted of her income, but one truly amazing thing about our business is her business is growing and her check still arrives each and every month....that is a true blessing.


#7 - Love Story cut short - SUCKS

My dear friend lost her husband just a few weeks ago to a senseless motorcycle accident ( the driver that hit him was just not looking ). I did not know her husband more than to say hi at the winery but when he would walk in her eyes lite up. You could see they had that deep love that kind that just shines when they are together. She is the 7th to receive the dragon fly, she is the only one that does not work with me - some day I hope she gets to meet the amazing women who are my silver lining.

Change in me: Life does SUCK but if you let that stop you from living life then you will miss out on all the silver linings. We can not always see the silver lining at the time but embrace the people in your life close and far be present in every day and always look for those silver linings they will show up.
 
COURAGE, STRENGTH, & HAPPINESS.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Day 43 - + 2 SIL

My husband and I always joke that we have a family bush and not a family tree. I have 2 very special SIL's they come into my life because of my amazing Mother in law. Although we do not live close or have ever had a really close relationship - mostly because we have not lived in the same country for the last 10 years. Thankfully for facebook I am able to keep up with them and their busy lives.

This year we will celebrate a wedding the last of the kids is getting hitched and I could not be happier for them. She has the biggest heart and one of the oldest souls and I love that she has your back even if you dont live close. We will not be able to make it to the wedding but will be celebrating in spirit. Her kind heart puts her in a very noble profession and she amazes me how she can teach a family and parents to get it right so they can stay together - quick on her toes always with a solution.  One day I hope that she and our BIL get on a stage together and do some stand up comedy....

Being a single mom, that is when dad is out of town working for months is not an easy job. I have never had to do it for more than 3 weeks at a time but I know there has been times she has gone months flying solo. She is always on the go not only is she a hockey mom (my friends in Canada you know the commitment that comes with that) - oh and he plays summer league so it never ends she also has a dancer and I think I am missing activities. A few years ago she made the most brave decision, she had a stressful job with a commute and on top of being a single mom a great deal of the time - she like many women made a career change so that she could be home with her kids and not have a commute. She now has her own nail salon in her home and from what I hear a very busy schedule.

Change in me: Family is just really a 6 letter word and whether you share blood or not or if you live close or not or if you see each other or not....celebrate the relationship! Some day I hope to actually have the pleasure of working with the 2 of them....just sayin.

Day 42 - Royal name

Preschool - our sons attended school together from the age of 3 till we moved from WY. The year before we moved away I knew as a mom that my son needed to be split from her son in school - 6 years together in every class.  The reason was only so that my son would learn to make new friends because once we moved to TX he would not know anyone. What a year it was 4th grade - bullies and it was a tough year for my son learning some hard lessons. The 2 boys continued to walk home together no matter what happened on the play ground always stopping at Jack & Nana's ( his great grandparents ) to have a cookie and ice tea. Later in the year another hard lesson came but it was mine, his mom was trying to have him moved from his classroom as he was having a hard time and the principal said I requested them not to be together....when we dont know the whole story...well you can only imagine. Thankfully she called me and we were able to work through it as friends.

I am so excited for her to be getting married and she has added to her family. I will always be thankful for her friendship and for sharing her family with ours.

Change in me: Just because you think it is the right thing to do at the time you just never know how it will effect others around you.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

HOW TO BE A GRACIOUS BITCH - thanks Carmen for sharing



Jennifer's wedding day was fast approaching. Nothing could dampen
her excitement - not even her parent's nasty divorce.

Her mother had found the PERFECT dress to wear, and would be the
best-dressed mother-of-the-bride ever!

A week later, Jennifer was horrified to learn that her father's
new, young wife had bought the exact same dress as her mother!

Jennifer asked her father's new young wife to exchange it, but she
refused. ''Absolutely not! I look like a million bucks in this dress,
and I'm wearing it,'' she replied.

Jennifer told her mother who graciously said, ''Never mind
sweetheart. I'll get another dress. After all, it's your special
day.''

A few days later, they went shopping, and did find another
gorgeous dress for her  mother.

When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother, ''Aren't
you going to return the other dress? You really don't have another
occasion where you could wear it.

Her mother just smiled and replied, ''Of course I do,
dear.....I'm
wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night BEFORE the wedding.''

(NOW I ASK YOU - IS THERE A WOMAN OUT THERE, ANYWHERE, WHO
WOULDN'T ENJOY THIS STORY?)
Women are like phones: They like to be held, talked to, and
touched often.
But push the wrong button and your ass is disconnected!

Women are Angels.
And when someone breaks our wings....
We simply continue to fly ........ on a broomstick.....
We're flexible like that


 

Monday, May 09, 2011

Day 42 - 48 -Dragonfly

Dragonflies that stand for COURAGE, STRENGTH, & HAPPINESS.


Sometime life just SUCKS, yes you heard me it sucks. This is kind of hard to get out of my head, I normally let it rattle around in there and then it fades and I can either forget, forgive or at least I think less about it. So today I am sending 7 cards -  You have heard me say everything happens for a reason, well sometime it is hard to see the reason. My heart is hurts and on the other hand my heart is full because of the people in my life. Each of these 7 people are all special in my life and really are silver linings...so yeah see I told you once it rattles in my head and I shake it out good always wins.

#1 - Hurt feelings Suck!
I have been working my business for 6 years and many of my close friends and family whether they really know what I do or not ...or think they know they are not supportive and dont get me wrong it does hurt sometimes but I am good at what I do and I just do it without there support. My friend once told me on the phone in a heart to heart and it is always in my ear, "I have been doing this business for 10.5 years, I make over 6 figures a year now, my largest check was over $65,000 and her total earning over $720,000 and my family thinks  I am in a cult." The most amazing thing about our team and company is honest, caring people who if I pick up the phone and say I need you even though none of them live with in driving distance they would do what ever they could to help - to just lend an ear and share a little wisdom. Sure glad I was smart enough to join that same cult ( lol ).

#2 - Divorce sucks!
I just wish my mom could have met someone like my friend then.We all have people in our life who we look up to, people who we may not know all to well but we call friend who we watch from a far - or maybe all people dont but I have this group and every one of them has something they have given me. That gift has not come in wrapped box with a bow but in the gift of sharing there life experiences and wisdom. My mom was a single mom and I know life was never easy raising 3 kids and trying to make ends meet -  
My friends - I just have a ton of respect for her - she works hard, plays hard and is always on the other end of skype when I need her with no agenda. She has been with the team 10.5 years, her largest check was almost $30,000 and earning to date $1,297,678 ( yes a single mom of 3 working from home)

#3 - Husband that travels for work SUCKS!
Webcasts: One of the parts of my business is  live ( and no there is no pole dancing involved ), it is a tool that we use to educated and share information. I learned to fly, I really learned to find my voice here. Now I cant give credit to 1 person they have all have rubbed off a bit in my delivery. For well over a year we shared the same time spot and I could always count on her. We have had chats on the phone about frustrations, life, disappointments and celebrations. A listening ear on the other end of the phone that goes both ways is priceless.  She has been with the team 8 years, her largest check was almost $14,000 and earning to date     $354,000. So excited for to being moving so her husband will be home more.

#4 -7 coming, much more to come

Day 41 - Days at 33

So many great people worked at London Drugs #33, some longer than others. I spent about 8 years at 33. Each of those people played a part in my day to day life.

A reconnection on FB reminded me of a day we sold our Micra. Both Andrea and I learned to drive a stick shift in that car.

Change in me: Everyone in our life can effect our day, our thoughts we all should celebrate them!

Monday, May 02, 2011

Day 40 - BFF's mom

Some times people come into our life because of our children. I was reminded the other day by my son he said "mom if we had not moved to Texas, Carter would not be my friend". Some of you are aware how many times (16) we have moved as you have run out of room in your address book in the "F" or you maybe got smart years ago and started using pencil. Every move I have been blessed with new people in my life that have influenced me.

This weekend my daughter had a sleepover for her birthday and hubby was out of town, I sent over a quick txt to my friend to see if my son could spend the night. The return txt was he is always welcome! When you do not have family close, friends around you become your support and that is not always easy.

So thankful to have them in our life. Thank you also for choosing to be my customer and supporting my business.

Change in me: Don't wait 2 years to invite your childrens friends over, they may just end up being a great friend of yours.

Day 39 - More than Insurance

Early morning at Elemental Gym I could always count on the morning regulars to be there with a smile and a good morning - I do miss that. Energy of some people just rubs off and I love that she shares her passion for community freely. The first time I met her was actually to get insurance, we had a unique situation and she was not able to help me but as an amazing women she told me who she thought could help me. If you are in Wyoming she is amazing to work with, give her a call.

Over my 7 years in Lander I watched the amazing things she did just because it was the right thing to do. From reading to kids in kindergarten to hosting a bike rodeo and being part of the Rotary.  She was on my Safeway card list so I use to get to just pop in every month and see her and always loved the quick visit. BTW she is also one of the best dressers I have ever met - great style.


A customer and her shopping each month benefits one of my non profits ( if you work with a nonprofit and are looking for fundraising help email me I might be able to help ) - nothing better than passive giving, safe products for your family and saving money.

Change in me: A simple smile in the morning can change a persons day - all day! Being involved in your community can and will give you a full life!

Sunday, May 01, 2011

Day 34 - I've got you babe

I spent 10 years developing pictures in a photo lab right out of high school and all thru college. We had a unique window or a glimpse it to peoples lives as they captured them on film. Many people in the lab became like family, you see as we worked behind glass in a closed small room you just connected.

We celebrated, we cried, we laughed...boy did we laugh. In the 10 years we celebrated many weddings, graduations and promotions. Again FB has reconnected many of us. Over the years my dear friend and I have had our moments....more good ones than bad and we always come thru it in the end.

Remember the keys....

I read a post last week that said "if you dont cry then are you really living".

 I went to message her for her mailing address so I could send her a card as her day on my calender was getting close - only to find we were not friends any longer. Hey we all have had it done and we may have even unfriended. So I did send her a message but not the message I wanted to but to ask why, now most people I would just take it in stride but we had been friends for 20 years and we have been here before. I will tell you I totally own my short falls, my miss comings and my mistakes. It was heart breaking to me that my actions or words offended her. Once again our friendship prevails, just in time for her to share her scone recipe for the morning of the royal wedding.

Want to hear the story about the keys? email and I will send the story.

Change in me: Good Friendships are worth fighting for! 

Day 37 - Cooking Tip of the Day

Some of you know I have  the pleasure to work with many all over the country many who I have never met face to face. Those people I work with not only inspire me to be better at what I do but I also learn more than I could ever teach. A fellow blogger ( Cooking Tip of the Day )with incredible traffic and high search engine rankings and is always willing to share what she has learned from design to increasing traffic. Actually the entire blog community seems to do just that, it is a very sharing group - teaching their finds.

Change in me: Share what you know, keep blogging, enjoy cooking and just keep doing it till you get it right.

Day 38 - Wisdom Project

"Each time one person shares their wisdom - another person is strengthened." Connecting - Sharing - Inspiring...The Wisdom Project

It started with shoes. An encouraging comment turned into you should be friends with Kimberly. We are really just getting to know each other but I love what she stands for, what she spreads and fascinated by what she is doing. I can not wait for all that is to come ....

Check her out on Facebook, Twitter, her blog and get her book.

Change in me: Connections can inspire globally they can and will inspire you if you open yourself to it. Put yourself out there, find like minded people and be present in each others life.

Day 36 - Dancing Daughter

Honestly I am not sure how we met but we are facebook friends and one of these days I know we will sit down for a glass of wine together. What I can tell you is I love her being present in my life, her emails and her posts are always up lifting and encouraging. If you live in the DFW, I think she would be the best Realtor to work with - her website. 

Change in me: Surround yourself with positive people and be present build 2 sided relationships.

Day 35 - Derby

Facebook has made some unlikely connections. My first name and yes my married name are unique and many have found my on FB who actually knew my husband better than me. I have enjoyed getting to know each and everyone of them. I am fascinated by all the different things people do. I am especially curious about roller derby not because I  would every be tough enough to do it but I would love to go and watch the kick ass women of the derby.
Check out the girls in Red Deer   http://www.rdrda.ca/boutposter.html 

A simple post 1.5 years ago lead to coffee in Fort Lauderdale - more than 20 years after seeing each other. I had posted a count down to cruising which lead to an exchange of emails and phone numbers. The 2 of us realized we would be leaving on a cruise the same day. We all got in late and I had sent a txt about the location of our hotel in the morning to get a txt saying look out the window we are staying across the street. My husband and myself met for coffee with 2 girls he actually knew better than me, I really had gotten to know them over facebook. I wonder how often people you know are in the same location at the same time and we just dont know it?

Change in me: If you are in the same place at the same time take the time to have coffee. Girls ROCK on many levels.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Day 32 - Chamber

Connections become very apparent when you look back.

8 years ago I started a journey co-leading the building of a custom playground with Leathers and Associates. The project itself was amazing and will forever be one of my favorite things.

During the start of the project we needed to organize committees and leaders to run the committees, this was going to be a big commitment for 8 months. Most of the groups had 2 leaders, the specific one I am talking about is the volunteer group ( resonsible for finding and organizing at least a 1000 volunteers over 5 days ).

Sisters in laws took on the job and from this I gained an amazing friend and neighbor. At the time Jackie was the head of the Chamber of Commerce and from her I learned a great deal. Today I am thankful for her introducing my to her SIL. Sue and I joke that Jackie got her involved and then got busy and let Sue do the job, I think that is the key to making connections is being the person who can find the right person for the job.

8 months + 1000 volunteers + 5 day build = an amazing city park play ground to be very proud of

Change in me: It is always good to have a neighbor you can borrow an egg from, getting involved with your local Chamber of Commerce is always a good idea, knowing the right person to get the job done and how to get them involved is priceless.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Day 31 - Crazy


 
My dear friend, when ever I am feeling a bit blue I think about the night you swooped in and rescued me from being stranded. This song always makes me smile and think about you dancing around the living room with a candle holder singing from the top of your lungs.

Change in me:
Singing out loud can always make you smile and some how make all things good!