Recipe: Stuffed Turkey Rolls

I used to work retail before I started my little online business.  During that time we always had to work Black Friday. It wasn't as bad as you may think. One reason being that the customers were generally in a great mood because they were just starting their holiday shopping. Another reason (my favorite) was because we had a potluck lunch. Everyone would bring something in to either eat or drink. One of my favorite things that a fellow coworker brought was stuffed turkey rolls. They were so good! Plus they looked relatively easy to make. So tonight I decided to give them a try--and they were just as good as Debbie's! And they were also as easy as I thought they would be. I thought I'd share the "recipe" for those of you who may be looking for something quick and easy to fix for dinner.

Ingredients:

1 box of stuffing (I used turkey flavor but you can use whatever you like)

1 can of turkey gravy

1 lb of thick sliced turkey (mine was thin so had to use 2 pieces for each roll)

Directions:

Cook stuffing according to directions. I substitute water for chicken broth. This is entirely up to you.

When stuffing is done, spread it onto a slice (or two if it is sliced thin) of turkey.

Slowly roll up turkey being very careful not to tear it. You may have to use toothpicks to keep it rolled up. 

Place in glass casserole dish and pour gravy on top. You can probably get more rolls than I did if your turkey is sliced thicker.

Cover and bake at 350º for about 30 minutes or until hot. 

Serve with your favorite vegetable and that's it!

Surprise for Me

Look what came for me last week! It's not my b-day and I didn't even ask for it. I'm not sure what the reason behind my getting this is.  You see, Mike got an I-Pad a couple weeks ago. For some reason he decided to get me the Kindle Fire. I already have a Kindle which I LOVE--and never asked for the Fire. But he thought I should have one (and really, who am I to argue) and so he ordered me one.

 I LOVE it!! It's a lot more portable than my laptop. I can take it out on the deck or in the bedroom to check my email, tweet and get on FB. Plus I can play games. Oh those games. I made the mistake of downloading Angry Birds. Oh those menacing little pigs! I still can't get past the first levels on some of them.  

Anyway...I haven't actually read any books (or downloaded any) yet because I still have a few books on my other Kindle I want to read first, but I've been told that the Fire is much better to read on than the Kindle. Will definitely be checking that out. There is one drawback: the battery doesn't last too long on this thing. Must be those menacing little pigs.  Oink.

Quick & Easy Safety Outlet Covers

Today I'm going to show you how to make some quick and easy (and cost effective) safety outlet covers for your child's room. These are so ingenius you'll wonder why you didn't think of it before!

Materials:
Painted wood shape (if you're feeling really creative you can buy plain ones & paint them yourself)
Gorilla Glue or other industrial glue
Safety outlet covers

Hold your shape in front of the outlet and then mark on the back where your cover needs to go. Be sure to mark it so the shape covers the whole outlet. Most of the time this will be towards the top of the shape.

Now squeeze some glue where you made your mark. If you are using Gorilla Glue, know that it expands so be sure not to add too much or it will gush around the outside of the cover.

Lay the safety cover over your glue making sure it's nice and straight and give it a slight push.

Now here's a helpful little hint: take something heavy (in this case I used a book) and lay it on top of the back of your covers. This will hold them in place while making sure they have a little pressure when drying.

And walla! you're done! Make sure glue is completely dry before you plug these cute covers into your outlet.

And of course if you don't want to make these yourself they are available on my website

Super Heroes

It seems that super heroes are all the rage now so I decided to make three of my great nephews super hero capes. I let them choose their own names (except for the 2 yr old--his mom chose his) and then embroidered them onto the capes. I even made masks and they LOVED them! My nieces liked them so much that now they want their own capes so it looks like they're not just for the kids.

Mighty Mouth

SpiderDude

I also decided to sell these in my Etsy shop and on my Website so if you'd like one for your little super hero, they are available in two sizes!

Shame on Me!

Shame on me for not writing a post in so long! It seems that life and my etsy business have made me a bit busy lately and I just haven't found the time (or inclination if you want the real truth). My etsy shop started picking up right after Christmas. What have I been so busy making and selling you ask--cupcake toppers! Lots and lots of cupcake toppers! There must be a lot of winter birthdays out there. I am so grateful to have been so busy tho since I wasn't getting very many sales at all. As a matter of fact, I was seriously contemplating going back to work (egads!) for real.

Another reason I haven't written in so long is because I finally decided to take the plunge and make my own website. So I got my hosting through PappaShop and it's finally all set up. There was quite a learning curve, but with their support I managed to figure it all out. Now everything in BOTH my etsy shops are all in one place! Plus I take PayPal on the site so it all works out great! Now I just need to try to drive traffic there.

Etsy Kids Team Treasuries

This post features some of my favorite Sept. treasuries from Etsy Kids Team members:

Baby It's Fall by Althea1326
Newborn Lovelies by Beanstalk by Yizzy
Keeps on Beating by Lil Princess Bow
 Making Lemondade from Lemons by Apple Tree Boutique
It's Game Time Baby by Baby Swank:

Flight 93 10th Anniversary Memorial Trip

This past Friday on Sept. 10th, we went to the Flight 93 National Memorial dedication. We were supposed to take part in a bike ride down to Shanksville and to the memorial on Sept. 11th, but when we found out they were doing the dedication and unveiling of the memorial wall and that George and Laura Bush, Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, and the group that are raising the money to build this memorial were going to speak we decided to leave a day early and went on our own. I'm glad we did.

Field opposite the crash site

So under some very dark skies we packed the bike, put on our rain suits and rode the 2 1/2 hours south to Shanksville. We got pretty wet a couple of times on the way down--which I can tell you on a bike doesn't feel all too great--but it was well worth the ride and I'm glad we went.

We got to the memorial at 9:30 am. We didn't get parked and in the park until noon. Traffic was that heavy. It's a very long, winding road that leads to the memorial itself--all through pastureland. We ended up parking about a mile or so away from the site because we got tired of the stopping and going--not to mention the above picture is what the parking area looked like. No way were we getting a bike in that mess.

Of course the line was long and security was pretty tight. The one thing I did disagree with was that they made people take the flags off the poles and toss away the poles. I didn't think that was right. True, the poles were pointy but we were going to honor the people who gave their lives for this country and I just thought that was wrong. Oh--and those are S.W.A.T. guys fully armed on top of the security roof.

This is what you see after you walk into the site. On the left, a black wall they have built to keep people away from the crash site. Far away to the right is where they had the dedication ceremony. We were all sitting in the open--the big white tent is Red Cross and the smaller tent is the pavilion where the speakers sat.

There was a lot of media. See all the trucks? Check out the guy on the left's jacket. We're still in Steelers country and two things we love are our Steelers and our country. There was a woman walking around with a Ravens bag. Wonder if she made it out unscathed.

 We were sitting pretty far away so it was hard to get a good picture of the dignitaries. Maybe you can pick out George and Laura Bush, Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden. Also the men who are raising money and started this memorial spoke (one of them wearing a cowboy hat). They all gave wonderful speeches and all called the passengers "heroes". As a matter of fact, the word "passenger" wasn't spoken as much as the word "hero".  Biden and Clinton gave credit to George Bush for pulling this country together when this happened and taking action. Biden even got a bit emotional towards the end of his speech because he recognized that these heroes saved his life--literally. If that plane had crashed into the Capitol building where he was, he and countless others would've lost their lives.

Rude People

One thing that did bother me was the fact that there were some rude people there. These people would NOT sit down through most of the ceremony (which was about three hours long) even tho they had chairs. Also the woman behind us wouldn't shut up and kept talking on her cell phone. Seriously. So disrespectful to others there and to the event itself. This was not a "celebration". So much different than when you go to The Wall. Thousands of people and you can hear a pin drop there.

The most emotional part of the ceremony was when each hero's name was called an the bells tolled after. There was a woman who was pregnant on that flight and her unborn child was also mentioned and they tolled the small bell for it. There weren't many dry eyes during this part of the ceremony and many, many heads were bowed.

The end of the ceremony came when they unveiled the wall with the 40 names. It's made of marble and each name has it's own "slab". We were a bit far away (and I was a bit too short) to see them actually unveil it, but Mike did get a picture beforehand when it was still covered. They gave the family members and guests 30 minutes to view the wall by themselves. I really wanted to see it but there were so many people there. Me and Mike are going to go down again either this fall or maybe in the spring when it's not so crowded so we can see the wall, the bells, etc. up close.

This picture was found online for one of the news agencies. We were riding for Deora Frances Bodley. I'm not sure who this man is who is touching her name-perhaps her grandfather (she was only 20 yrs old). I will never forget Deora and I will always think of her now.

Crash site. Where the heroes are laid to rest.

 Going to this memorial made this really sink home and made me realize that these were people like me and you who had lives and families, who either went to school or to work every day--just like you and me. They were ordinary people who did an extraordinary thing that day. Joe Biden said it best when he said, "Everyone has courage in them and maybe one day it will be called into use." It was called that fateful day at 9:58 am on Sept. 11, 2001.

Walking Out with a new perspective on life.

 So when you see shows, advertisements, etc. about 9/11, please PLEASE do not just think of the planes, victims, firemen, and police officers that lost their lives in NY--think of the 40--rarely spoken of--true heroes that died taking this plane down so it wouldn't reach it's destination. I give respect to those that died in NY, but the firemen and officers were doing their jobs---the passengers of Flight 93 knew they were going to die and instead of sitting back and letting it happen they took matters into their own hands and launched an attack against the hijackers and saved countless lives in so doing. That, in my opinion, is what a true hero is. I find it sad that the media does not give these 40 heroes the true recognition that they deserve. 

Just a footnote: it took the fire crew and police 15 minutes to get to this crash site after the plane went down. 15 minutes. There was no nicely paved road at the time only pastureland--and it only took them 15 minutes to get there. Please think of them too.

Deora Frances Bodley: A Fallen Hero

On Thursday of this week we received our Flight 93 memorial ride package. In it was a short biography of the Flight 93 hero we are to represent, a pin, patch, dog tags, t-shirt, and flag with the hero's name. The t-shirt has the Flight 93 Let's Roll Ride logo on the front with the names of the 40 heroes who lost their lives in a field in Shanksville, PA on Sept. 11, 2001.

Biography, T-shirt, flag, pin, & patch

Pin, dog tags with hero's name, and patch.

Back of T-shirt with heroes' names

Me and Mike will be representing Deora Frances Bodley. She was the youngest passenger at just 20 yrs old. She was from San Diego, CA and attended Santa Clara University where she was studying in French and psychology with her major and goal to be a child psychologist. Deora loved children and spent her free time volunteering at the San Diego Zoo and the Special Olympics. Deora loved her family, reading, and writing. She was on her way home after visiting friends in New Jersey.

I ask that on Sept. 11th, you keep Deora and her family in mind and say a prayer for them. So sad to lose someone so young to such a tragedy, but she will be remembered forever as one of America's young heroes.

Kids Day Event

Yesterday I set up a booth at a Kids Day Event held at our local Market House in town. I was hoping I would do well since most of my items are geared for babies and children--and guess what--I did!! It was such a BIG relief compared to the last show I did (only made $27). The man who organized it is planning to make it a yearly event, so I can't wait until next year! A lot of people were truly interested in my items and a few took my cards so I hope I get more local business from it. My main goal was to get my brand out there locally and I think I accomplished that.

Practice Booth Pics

 It was also a ton of fun! I had the PERFECT spot--right next to all the entertainment! There were clowns that were making animal balloons, face painting, and just entertaining the kids (who LOVED them!). There was also a pretty lady there who danced with hula hoops (she was SO amazing!), a band (which actually wasn't very good at all), and a DJ (who played golden oldies). So I got to watch the kids get their sweet little faces painted, try out hula hooping, and dancing. So cute!

Face Painting

 

Hula Hoop Dancer

 My biggest selling items were hair clippies and pins--mostly owls, flip-flops, and kitties:

 I also sold a bear tooth fairy plush, a couple of Cuddle Monsters, and a couple of aprons (size 3/4 seemed to be the favorite)

Oh--and did I mention the cute vendor apron I made for myself :)

 All in all it was a very good day and I truly enjoyed it!

Aging Parents

It's been awhile since I've blogged. Reason being: life in general. Seems sometimes (ok--a lot of times) things come up in your life that throws you completely off schedule. Something like this recently happened to me.

Dad and my great nephew Chase a year ago

Dad when I went to vist

A couple months ago, I got a message from my brother that said my dad was feeling really depressed and was saying that he didn't think he'd ever see me again (I live in PA--my family lives in TN). That same afternoon my oldest niece called saying the same thing. He's been having health issues. He has pancreaitis and was in and out of the hospital for a month or so. I guess this really got him down so he got a bit depressed. 

Well, he's the only dad I have so I decided I'd better get my tail down there for a visit. It had been two years since I last went. I usually try to go every year but finances being what they were, I couldn't afford to go last year. I spent three weeks there and it was a good visit. I'm glad I went.

If you have aged parents (mine are 73 and 74) I don't have to tell you how hard it is watching them age and have health problems that come with aging. I probably don't have to tell you either, that you realize your parents are not going to be here forever. What I do have to tell you is to spend as much time as possible with them and be there for them like they were for you growing up. It's the least we can do.

A Rat Named Daisy

 A couple of years ago I decided to get a new pet. I already have three cats and a chinchilla, but for some reason I've always liked hamsters, guinea pigs, etc. I do not know why. I thought maybe that feeling would change once I became an adult, but apparently not. So, while I have Rocky, my chinchilla, I wanted something I'd never had before: a rat. Now I know what you must be thinking, "A rat--ewwww gross!!!" which is what I always thought myself in the past, so imagine my surprise when I absolutely fell in love with Daisy!

Daisy is my very first rat and I'm so glad I made the decision to get her. She's very calm and docile, and believe it or not, extremely lovable! I know, I know, you think I've fallen off my rocker, but she really is quite a friendly critter. There's nothing she likes more than to lay on my lap under a blanket and get her nose rubbed. She'll lay there for hours enjoying the attention--talking to me all the while.

Saying "hello" to Rocky

Daisy is not only quite friendly towards me, but it seems as if she likes other furry critters too. One day last week when I took Rocky's cage outside to give it a good spraying down (he lives in a three story mansion that's almost as tall as I am), I decided to see how her and Rocky would get along (I usually let Rocky have free reign in the bathroom while I clean his cage). Well, she was friendly enough, but Rocky--well apparently he doesn't like other critters. I just happened to snap the picture above at the perfect moment because two seconds afterwards, Rocky bit Daisy on the nose. Poor Daisy--she ran into my arms as if to say, "Save me from that big, hairy beast!!".

Last night, I decided to take Daisy out of her cage, like I do most every night, while Scooter was in the bedroom (if she's in the house, she's stuck up my butt) just to see how they would react to each other. Well, I must say, that was a better show than what I was watching on TV! It seems Scooter was a wee bit curious at first, and Daisy being a friendly critter, just wanted to make friends:

Scooter was ok with that at first and was actually very well behaved: she didn't try to bite, scratch, or otherwise attack Daisy--just seemed curious was all.

Until.....Daisy decided to chase her around the bed. I haven't laughed that hard in quite some time! Every time Scooter would lay down and relax, here would come Daisy--trying to groom her and play with her, and up Scooter would jump and run away! I tried to get a few pics of the whole shenanigans but Scooter would jump up so fast every time Daisy came near her it was a bit difficult. But it was indeed good entertainment!

Now, while I dearly love Daisy (I never thought I'd say that about a rat), she is getting old. I've had her for a bit over two years and rats are only supposed to live 1-2 yrs at the most, so I'm afraid Daisy won't be with me very much longer. She's lost quite a bit of weight and mostly sleeps these days (even when out of her cage), so it was rather nice to see her show a bit of energy while she chased Scooter around the bed. I'm not sure if I'll get another rat or not after she's gone, but I wouldn't mind another one. By the way, if you're looking for a first pet for a child, I would highly recommend a rat over a hamster, gerbil, or guinea pig any day.