Oct 24, 2012 |
In one week, it will be Hallowe’en. In one week and one day, it will be November! Yikes! I’ve been pulling double-duty on the Blog this last week. While I’m posting every day, I’m also reviewing product and formulating my giveaways to start November 1. I’m super excited to be partnering again with Scharffen-Berger chocolates and Aroma Housewares. New sponsors include Klutz Books, CLR Cleaning Product, and Winnie’s Inky Fingers.
Our weather has cooled drastically and the winds have ushered the leaves off the trees. Not completely, but enough to carpet the ground. I cleaned out the fireplace and changed the furnace filter. That pretty much takes care of our winterizing out here. Oh, that plus wearing socks. Cuz the Flip-Flops just aren’t warm enough any more.
The World Series starts tonight, and I’m so very happy! Although I’m saddened that my beloved Yankees missed it again, I’m glad the Tigers are getting their chance.
My friend Danny took his wife to Mackinac Island, Michigan over the weekend and sent me some photos. What a rotten souvenir! I’d rather have a plane ticket! (Just kidding, Danny. I’ll still take the photos.) I’ll write about their trip tomorrow. For today, you get this teaser:
Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
Even though it’s spelled MACKINAC (with a “c”), it’s pronounced “MACK-IN-AWW”. Some people wrongly spell it Mackinaw. There’s Mackinaw City which is at the very north tip of the Lower Penninsula of Michigan. Then you take the Mackinac Bridge to Mackinac Island. It’s a shorter version of the Indian term, Michilimackinac, which references the entire straights that surround the area.
I’ll have more history and photos for you tomorrow. Well, the O’Rourkes will. I’m just the conduit, living vicariously through text messages photo posts.
I’ll be volunteering at the local Trunk or Treat next week, but I haven’t yet figured out in what capacity. I can host my own trunk, help with the set up, greeting, or even hang around the Bounce House.
Whatever I do, I’m pretty sure a Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice will be a part of it.
Autumn Bliss
[I know… you’ve seen this photo before. But it was my first Instagram, and so delicious to boot. It’s worth the repeat, dontcha think?]
Do you celebrate Hallowe’en? What do you do to usher in the holidays?
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:
- Each week’s link-up is valid from Wednesday through the following Tuesday. So if you link a post today, you can still come back and link another post tomorrow! In fact, you can link up as many posts as you want.
- If you add a link, please put the badge on your post as well.
- Each week has a new link-up. Please make sure you grab the correct Badge Code.
- Be sure to check out what others are posting, and even leave a few comments.
- You can now show your “likes” by voting for your favorite links.
So, c’mon. Join the conversation. After all, a great coffee date is one where everyone gets to chat, dontcha think?
Oct 23, 2012 |
The debates are over. In two weeks, America will chose a President. Will he be the same one we’ve had for four years, or someone new?
The polls are neck-and-neck on this one. Every day sees a slight change for this, a small hope for that.
Contests and conversations are everywhere. Jet-Blu is offering free flights if your candidate doesn’t win. 7-Eleven is running their “7-Election” coffee campaign. Front yards, wire poles, and every print ad in America right now seems to have an opinion.
There is no perfect candidate. There is no one person who will come in and miraculously fix what’s wrong. America is not perfect. But let’s also admit that not everything is wrong. Somethings will take a while to fix, somethings aren’t really broken.
There are a few thoughts that have bothered me in this political season.
- I’ve heard people say their vote won’t count, so they just won’t vote. Whether their candidate is the underdog, or not on the list at all, they’re opting to abstain from voting altogether.
- I’ve heard people say that since the choice is “the lesser of two evils”, they will vote for a Candidate “C”… someone who has their values and principles but no chance of winning.
- I’ve heard people complain about the extreme negativity this season. It must be true… I’ve seen complaints and finger-pointing all over Facebook. (When did it become unacceptable or “stupid” to have a different opinion?)
I care very deeply about being an American. I’m proud to be American. I love living in America.
Please. Don’t throw your vote away on a third candidate. Don’t sit and do nothing.
Between the two top choices, pick the one who best represents your beliefs and issues, and VOTE.
Oh, and the same goes for your local governments as well. A President has to start somewhere. The person you put in local office today could be your Executive Leader tomorrow.
So please. Choose wisely. And VOTE.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!!
Oct 22, 2012 |
A year ago I posted my recipe for Baked Frittata. It’s still a family favorite: inexpensive to make, delicious to eat.
It’s why Hayley calls me “Momma” with a smile.
It’s my Go-To Lazy Weekend recipe.
It’s what I bribe my brothers with. [Let’s just say they’re coming home for the holidays… trust me!]
But the new Blog look mandates a new recipe look, dontcha think? So here it is. A familiar recipe with a new look.
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This delicious Italian baked omelet is a favorite! Add or omit ingredients to suit your own family's flavors. Onions, mushrooms, diced chilies... the ideas are endless.
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni (or other diced meat)
- 1 can diced, seasoned tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach, cut
- salt
- pepper
- seasonings (Italian mix, basil, garlic salt)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Scramble eggs in bowl.
- Add all other ingredients.
- Mix well.
- Spray 9 x 9 inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Pour mix into baking dish.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes, until eggs are cooked and edges are slightly browned.
- Serve big or small portions.
- Enjoy!
3.1
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2012/10/22/baked-frittata-with-photos/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press
You can also bake this wonderful mix in muffin tins for an individual-sized bite.
However you choose to make and bake your frittata, I wish you Happy eating!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Oct 21, 2012 |
You’ve seen it. Every website you visit has that little box enticing you to leave your email address so you can get great content delivered to your inbox. Well, here at Frankly, My Dear… it’s no different (sorry).
Just recently I signed up with MailChimp to format and deliver newsletters.
This is more than just posting on the Blog each day. These newsletters will be filled with updates, recipes, and content not always posted on Frankly, My Dear… of course, they will highlight some of our more popular posts as well.
Next month’s issue is already being planned. You and your friends won’t want to miss it! I hope you’ll spread the word and be a growing part of our growing Blog. If you don’t already subscribe by email, it’s easy! Just enter your email in this box, and you’re all set!
You’ll get an email asking you to confirm your subscription. Please do so. This makes it easier for the Blog to reach you.
We promise not to spam you with newsletters everyday… maybe just once or twice a month. Wanna see what it’s about? Click here to see our THANK YOU to you (and to subscribe only to the newsletter).
As always,
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Oct 21, 2012 |
Recently I posted a question on my Facebook page: How do you feel about abortion? I know it’s a Hot-Button issue. My intent is not to stir the waters, not to preach my personal views. Just to find out what other people think.
It’s been eye-opening and I appreciate everyone’s input.
The two most popular words in this discussion are “choice” and “murder”. When all the color fades away and the soapboxing is over what’s left is “choice” and “murder”.
Abortion is a political topic, a religious topic, and a personal topic. I strongly believe that no matter where you fall in the spectrum, your view contains both those words.
Everyone makes a choice when it comes to abortion. You choose to be Pro-Life or Pro-Choice. You choose whether to allow abortion into your life or not. And you may choose differently in different stages of your life.
Everyone chooses to believe whether or not it’s murder. Differing studies and beliefs state life begins at conception, in the womb, or at birth. Your personal belief strongly affects your choice.
I’m not going to delve into scientific research and religious views. Because for every pro there is a con, and for every “A” there is a “B”. And it bothers me when people pit religion and science and politics against each other. Every side has their own foundation.
But I’d like to ask a few questions:
- At what stage does a fetus become a person?
- If a woman has the right to choose what happens to her own body, who chooses what happens to the baby?
- Why is it okay to legislate against murder, but not against abortion?
- If abortion is a religious topic, does it belong in legislation?
- If abortion is a legal issue, how can it be Pro-Choice (left up to the individual)?
- If abortion is a personal decision, why should it be publicly decided?
- Are there other issues that fall under the Religious v. Political umbrella?
I’m not sure where I stand on abortion legislation. I have my personal beliefs, but I’m not a “one size fits all” kinda Doll. I realize no matter what I feel/think/believe, there are others who support my views and others who don’t. And there are situations in which my perspective has no bearing.
I believe, whether or not abortion is legal, it will still be performed. The world as a whole has grown comfortable with the idea and you can’t un-ring a bell. If abortion is legal, it protects women. If not, while it tries to protect the fetus, it will cause abortionists and women to become criminals in the eyes of the law.
I don’t quite understand why, what so many claim to be a personal choice, needs to be decided so publicly, for everyone.
Everyone’s story is different. Everyone’s background, heritage, experience, and life is different.
After reading and talking with you, you’ve reaffirmed that abortion is not a “one size fits all” kind of discussion.
And I’m left with this simple statement:
There is no simple answer.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
