Nov 7, 2012 |
There’s a whole lotta discussion going on by the time you read this, I’m sure. I’m writing this on Election Night and the results are not yet in. I’m excited to see what the morning will bring.
Regardless of whether or not you voted, and regardless of whether or not your chosen candidate won, I’m sure there’s both elation and disappointment.
I’m looking forward to a sense of continuance; of moving on from where we are. I believe that whoever wins this election, America will begin to regroup and, I hope, to come back together instead of being so derisive.
The Election Process disappoints me in two ways.
First, I’m in California. But before our polls even close, the race is called. It discourages people from voting after work hours.
Second, I don’t like the all-or-nothing Electoral Vote. I believe that if Candidate A receives 52% of the Popular Vote, he should receive 52% of the Electoral Vote. I cannot understand how, if any candidate receives the majority of the Popular Vote by a very small margin, the opposing candidate can win the election by a near-landslide. To me, that’s equivalent to giving someone a College Degree when they barely completed high school.
The Election Campaign disappoints me in one way.
There was much more mudslinging this year than ever before. Instead of focusing on real issues, each side seemed bent on pointing fingers at the other. It was disappointing, to say the least.
In any event, I’m hopeful we can get back to some sort of normalcy. It will be strange to not see political ads interrupting my television viewing. Oh, well. I’ll manage.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
“What’s the Word?” Wednesdays is a link-up that allows other bloggers and readers to share whatever they want to talk about. Think of it as a virtual coffee date with some great friends. What’s going on in your world? Tell us all about it!
A few things to remember:
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So, c’mon. Join the conversation. After all, a great coffee date is one where everyone gets to chat, dontcha think?
Nov 6, 2012 |
Have you subscribed to Frankly, My Dear…’s Monthly Newsletter yet? If you subscribe to the Blog via email, the Newsletter should already be in your inbox.
It’s chock full of Thanksgiving, a recipe for all that leftover turkey you’ll have, and links to a few of our favorite posts.
If you missed it, just subscribe by email on the Blog’s main page. If you already subscribe, but haven’t received the Newsletter, drop me a line and we’ll make sure you’re added to the list.
And since we’re feeling generous, and thankful for all our readers, you can click HERE to view this month’s Newsletter. [Be sure to subscribe so you won’t miss any future editions!]
Thank you for being a valued reader!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Nov 6, 2012 |
Whatever your plans are for the next few months, I can guarantee one thing: You need cleaning supplies. That’s why I asked C*L*R to sponsor one of this year’s giveaways.
C*L*R Product
Whether you’re preparing to host the family from out of town, or needing to clean up after the rugrats open their gifts, you need cleaning supplies. Maybe you live alone in a small apartment. You need cleaning supplies.
When I knew this great assortment of product was on the way, I stopped wiping my stove after every use. For several weeks, I let the grease and spills build up. Gross, right?
Gross Grease
I fell in love with their Bath and Kitchen Daily Cleaner spray. It’s so easy! Just spray, soak, swipe.
Spray and Soak
The spray instantly foams up as it activates. It not only cleans off the layers of gunk, it leaves a bright shine.
Spray and Soak
That easy! Ok, a little scrubwork is involved too, but very little. Some hot water, a little sponge. And very little time.
Slight Scrubbing
That’s important, too, right? Cuz while you want a clean house for the holidays, or any day, you don’t want to take all day to get it that way. This stuff does the hard work for you.
I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing better than cooking holiday treats on a beautifully clean stove.
Shine On!
To help get your house clean and shiny, C*L*R wants to give you this great assortment! Five of their best products for all your indoor and outdoor cleaning needs:
C*L*R Assortment
All you need to do is leave a comment below telling me what your toughest cleaning job is. And there’s a few bonus entries, too.
So how ’bout it? Let Frankly, My Dear… and C*L*R help you get your house in order!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Nov 5, 2012 |
It’s been a long time coming. I haven’t been able to tell one day from the next. But now… Now, I’m (almost) ready. Now, I’m less anxious and more amped.
My Bento Lunch is packed. My purse is gathered. My clothes are hanging neatly. Did I miss anything? After my emotional vomit on TGIF as well as the outpouring of encouragement and support that followed, I can say I’m faced with a renewed emotion today: Excitement.
It started out as anxiety as I prattled off a list of “What If’s” to my brother, who immediately assured me those thoughts are natural… But I’m not so sure how natural it is to contemplate being the sole survivor of a catastrophic event the first week I start work and having to run the office alone amidst a deficit of knowledge and working skills… Just sayin’…
Faced with the ridiculousness of my writer’s brain, I already informed my new boss that I think a little differently than most. I promise (or so I told her) that it won’t affect my professionalism. I mean, really. I’m back in the Insurance industry. My creativity won’t affect that. [I do hope I get to use the word, defenestration, at some point… but I highly doubt it.]
As I filled out documents last week, I broached the subject of Identity Fraud. My new boss questioned me, “Why would someone do that?” To which I promptly responded, “I have no idea. But I watch a lot of crime drama so I know it happens.” Yeah. Cuz my reality really should be a TV movie.
What started as trepidation as I perused the 300 page “Office Bible” quickly turned to confidence. I’ve done this job before. I can do it again. I loved it once. I’ll love it forever.
I am now, again, officially a Nine-to-Fiver.
My boss asked me a great question during our initial interview: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” I responded, “The same. Only… better.”
That which I have prayed for has arrived. And whatever comes of it, I’ve been here before.
So I know it’s going to be alright.
I’m turning a new page. And pretty excited to write a new chapter.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Nov 4, 2012 |
Yesterday I posted my interest in Bento Box Lunches. And today, I followed up by going to my local Wal-Mart where I found all I needed to get started on this new eating venture.
Lunch Supplies
Now, I don’t claim or even pretend to be a Food Artist. I knew before I started that I wouldn’t be winning any Food Blogger of the Year Awards with this one. But I still wanted to give it a try.
Bento lunches are attractive to me because I love putting together something healthy yet inexpensive. I love playing with my foods. I love portion controls. I love that there are so many ways to style a lunch and have it taste good, too. I really love the experimenting that leads to creating something visual and edible at the same time.
For starters, I found this great container. Don’t you just love the fork and knife on the lid?
Bento Container
The best part? There were two sets for less than $4.00. Gotta love Wal-Mart!
For my main course, I planned a healthy pinwheel roll on a whole wheat tortilla. I spread a thin layer of Cream Cheese before topping it with fresh baby Spinach leaves, three slices of Buddig corned beef meat slices, Sargento baby Swiss cheese, and sprinkled with a dash of Lowrey’s Salt Free 17 Seasonings.
Pinwheel Ingredients
Layers
Seasoned Roll
I placed toothpicks in the pinwheel to keep it from unrolling as I cut it into six pieces. They didn’t fill the large compartment of the container, but I know it’s more than enough. Portion control, remember?!
Then I moved on to the vegetable side dish. I rinsed the baby carrots and sliced a few stalks of celery. After patting them dry (you never want to put moist or juicy foods into your Bento container), I layered them along with several plum tomatoes and sliced mushrooms. Doesn’t this look colorful?
Colorful Vegetables
For my sweet dessert, I filled a cupcake liner with Planters’ NUTrition Mix: a sweet and salty combination of mixed nuts and dried fruits.
Now, I know myself well enough to know that even with the idea of a healthy, portion controlled, tasty lunch, I’ll still get the munchies. So I also bought Graham Crackers in the shape of Angry Birds, a salty granola bar, cheese stick, and a Gogurt. To complete my feast, I added two tea drink mixes. I even bought eggs to boil, but forgot to do so until after the pictures were taken. You’ll just have to take my word for it.
When it’s all put together, this is what my lunch for Monday looks like:
Bento Lunch and Other Snacks
Pretty tasty, dontcha think? So it’s not exactly a Bento in the style of Food Artistry. But I’m proud of it. Oh, I forgot to show you all the leftovers:
Bento Leftovers
After separating out what I want to keep for this entire week, Dot has an ample supply for her own lunches and snacks. It’s been nearly a year and a half that I haven’t been home to make snacks for her (yes, she’s in college, but she’s still my little girl, right?!), so this is a comfort to us both.
All of this wonderful food cost me less than $50. Which means, after you figure my five Bento lunches, her five lunch/snacks, and even more leftovers; my Bento lunch costs me just about $2.00.
I get to eat healthy and not spend time, gas, or money going to the local fast food place.
Now I call that Happy Eating!
Pinwheels
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
