Why DVDs are Still Important

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68

Why DVDs are Still Important

Why DVDs are Still Important

Okay, y’all. I admit. There’s a lot to be said about streaming videos. No extra clutter on the nightstand or when traveling. No storage issues (well, at least not at the house). And super bonus: no “ohmagosh where I did put that?” Or super-super bonus: no breakage.

But there’s something to be said for getting your entertainment the semi-old school way. And it comes with its own bonus.

Now, I enjoy Netflix as much as the next person. I mean, how many of you already know when Stranger Things Season Two is available? [Here’s a hint: Come home early from Trick-or-Treating this year.]

I love instant access to all the episodes of Fuller House. I’m watching my way through all eleven seasons of FRASIER this month. Last month it was FRIENDS, but you knew that.

But, see, I also love my DVDs and Blu-Rays for one very important reason: Behind the Scenes.

I love picking up a season of NCIS or ER [or the newest hottie I mean, hero, Avengers movie] and having access to bonus features.

Hearing Aaron Sorkin talk about why he wrote a certain episode of the West Wing, or picking up on Iron Man’s special effects . . . Those aren’t things you can get through online streaming.

And I don’t know about you, but I hope *fingers crossed* I’m not the only one who likes the rewind button. I mean, seriously. I’m talking laugh-out-loud or “what the heck was that?!” moments when you just have to experience it again now without waiting for the feed to reload. In writers terms, we call that taking the reader out of the story. That’s no way to keep the momentum!

Sure, you can’t take everything with you. But when you’re going on a trip, you don’t pack the kitchen sink, do you?

And here’s one more reason to love DVDs and Blue-Rays: Sometimes your shows aren’t available.

Okay? Who else cried when Netflix took down FLASHPOINT? And why is Pet Sematary only available around Halloween?

These things are important, people!

Oh, wait. One more awesome reason: I’m told by more than few to prepare for that foretold horror, the worldwide EMP. You know, that moment when the internet and all things attached go down. I know, I know. Let’s for a moment forget the correlation that in such an event my DVD and Smart TV will also most likely definitely not work. Let’s just stick to the streaming video for this conversation. Thanks.

So. What’s This Girl gonna do when I can no longer access my Netflix? I think I’ll survive.

I may have to learn how to churn butter . . . But in the event of an emergency, I can string my discs together and find a laywoman’s way to harness the power of the sun.

You can’t get a tan from Hulu. Just sayin’.

Why DVDs are Still Important

Why DVDs are Still Important

TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear . . . Why DVDs are Still Important @RealMojo68 #DVD #EMP #netflix

TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear . . . When streaming videos doesn’t give you full access. @RealMojo68 #netflix #streaming #DVD

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

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In Memory Of . . .

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68

Berries and mini marshmallows on pinwheel skewers

Patriotic Fruit Kabobs

It’s night of Independence Day. Most of the city’s fireworks have stopped, and now and then a neighbor child lights a popper. The neighborhood is back to being its quiet self.

I can’t help but wonder if tomorrow we’ll still remember what we’re supposed to remember today.

Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July?

Let’s not confuse this, the birthday of our nation, with Memorial Day, or Veteran’s Day.

Every day, let’s take a bit of today with us and remember, we’re always moving forward to something better.

There’s so much I’d love to write on the subject, but it’s late and I’m tired.

I hope we always remember how good we really have it, how it started, and how many wonderful people fought to get us here.

Celebrate independence every day. And remember those who can’t.

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

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Recipes: Freedom Cupcakes and Patriotic Kabobs

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68

[Originally posted July 4, 2013]

For you new followers out there, thanks! This repost from a few years ago is still quite popular, and I didn’t want you to feel left out.

Happy Fourth!

What better way to celebrate a birthday than with delicious cupcakes? And what better celebration than the birth of our nation?

I wanted to do something fun for the Fourth of July that would inspire you into your own kitchen with a touch of creativity.

FREEDOM CUPCAKES

Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes with white topping and red and blue sprinkles

Freedom Cupcakes

Looks great, right? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet! And the recipe? Easy-peasy.
But first, take a look at these mouth-watering photos:

Independence Day Cupcakes with Flag

Freedom Cupcakes with Flag

Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!

Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!

Independence Day Cupcakes with Flag

Look at those layers!

Independence Day Cupcakes

Rating: 51

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Yield: 24 cupcakes

Serving Size: 1 cupcake

Independence Day Cupcakes

This festive Fourth of July cupcake is sure to please everyone from young to old.

Ingredients

  • White cake mix from a box
  • 1 1/4 Cup water
  • 1/3 Cup cooking oil
  • 3 eggs
  • Red and blue food coloring

Instructions

  1. Prepare a white cake mix according to package directions.
  2. Divide uncooked batter into three equal parts.
  3. Set aside the white batter.
  4. Mix blue food coloring into the second batter.
  5. Mix red food coloring into the third batter.
  6. Line a cupcake pan with red, white, and blue cupcake liners.
  7. Drop one large spoonful of blue batter into each liner.
  8. Using a clean spoon, drop one large spoonful of white batter onto the blue.
  9. With another clean spoon, drop one large spoonful of red batter onto the white.
  10. Bake according to package directions.
  11. Allow to cool completely. Top with white frosting, then add red and blue sprinkles.
  12. Decorate with a small flag.
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2017/07/04/recipes-freedom-cupcakes-and-patriotic-kabobs/

She's a Grand Ol' Flag!

She’s a Grand Ol’ Flag!

And for a little more fun with your food, try these!

PATRIOTIC KABOBS

Berries and mini marshmallows on pinwheel skewers

Patriotic Fruit Kabobs

Longer drink umbrellas, drink stir-sticks, or these cute pinwheels work great with this refreshing treat for the kid in all of us.

Carefully place foods onto the skewer.
I used a flavorful blend of red raspberries, white mini marshmallows, and blueberries.
Leave enough of a tip for the skewer to be “stuck” into a base before serving.

Serve with a small cup of whipped topping for dipping.

After you’ve enjoyed the food, you can add more or just play with the pinwheel!

CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, My Dear . . .: Freedom Cupcakes and Patriotic Kabobs. @RealMojo68 #franklymydearmojo #freedom #food

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

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New Again: Stock That.

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68

Some years ago I shared a few posts on stocking up your pantry and cabinets for those moments when a storm hits or unexpected company arrives.

In keeping with my July theme of “Everything Old is New Again,” I recently found my old files, and combined my checklist into a single PDF download. How happy are we right now?! You can download your copy by clicking STOCK THAT.

I also themed out this month’s Meal Plan, thanks to my Happy Planner Menu Planner and some great washi tape and stickers.

MoJo's July Happy Menu

MoJo’s July Happy Menu

I love meals that offer two rounds, whether a second dinner or lunch the next day. Salads are a breeze to change up with a different dressing and add-ins like tomatoes and mushrooms. Rice? Well, that’s a staple here at Bedford Manor. I keep not less than four varieties on hand.

Comparing what’s already available to me and what I know I’ll be buying, this menu plan was a cinch to put together. My STOCK THAT checklist and Happy Planner Menu Planner are keeping me on track for healthy eating on a budget.

But before you give me too many pats on the back, I confess ice cream and chocolate snacks did make the grocery list this month. And I’m so okay with that.

MENU TIP: Writing it out is an idea, not a commitment. Can’t make dinner one day? Too busy or didn’t get to the store? Allow a few “open” days on the calendar. You can switch the plan around.

PRINTER TIP: If you want the PDF to fit in your classic size Planner, when you print, select “custom scale” to 84%, and that should give you a readable printout with enough white space border to trim and punch without losing any content. You’re welcome. :)

Do you plan your meals by the month?

CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, My Dear . . . New Again: Stock That. A checklist and a menu plan. @realmojo68 #ameating #mealplanner

Molly's Kitchen: Steamed Salmon on Rice and Spinach

Molly’s Kitchen: Steamed Salmon on Rice and Spinach

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

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Frankly, on Faith: You are Unique.

by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68

Frankly, On Faith.

Frankly, On Faith.

This world isn’t actually “one size fits all.” Heck, it’s not even “one size fits most.” In my family alone, you’ll find a bride, a widow, a grandma, two brothers, two daughters, four felines, and all the extensions that come with them. We are tall, short, skinny, not-so-skinny, loud, quiet, extroverted and introverted.

You’ve heard it said, “When God made you, He broke the mold.” I say, there was no mold to begin with. He didn’t use some manufacturing plant or a cookie cutter to make you. He took you in His own hands and formed you with His careful touch. He applied every dimple, smoothed every hair. He gave you the desires of your heart.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
~Psalm 139:13, NLT

He not only designed you uniquely, He filled you uniquely. Your gifts, talents, reactions, emotions, thought processes . . . Everything inside you. They are all uniquely you.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
~Romans 12:6-8, NLT

Do you hear that? He gifted you, so you can gift yourself to the world.

Believe in yourself. He already does.

CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, On Faith: You are Unique. @RealMojo68 #faith #FranklyOnFaith

CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, On Faith: God gifted you so you can gift yourself to the world. @RealMojo68 #franklyonfaith #faith

Frankly, On Faith: You are unique.

Frankly, On Faith: You are unique.

And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!

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