Get up, Get Out  & Play!

Have you played the lotto lately? The Powerball is estimated at $67 Million !
That's 67 million happy reasons to go buy a ticket!
The Florida lotto is estimated at $2 Million-
 again...very happy reasons to play!
Good Luck to those who play..............rub your tickets for good luck!

I mentioned to a few of my friends that I would be posting the recipes here.... but time got ahold of me, and well.... here there are. Hope you enjoy:

Chicken and Dumplings:

1 1/2 - 2 lbs Frozen Chicken breast (about 5-6 large chicken breats)

3-5 TBSP Butter

2 cans Campbell's cream of chicken soup

1 can Campbells chicken broth

1 can Swanson chicken broth

1 onion - chopped

3-4 potatoes,peeled/quartered
1 bay leaf

1 can peas,drained

1 bag frozen baby carrots

1 can pillsbury biscuit dough

1 box Ronzoni Orzo

Spices: cumin, paprika, parsley,

garlic powder, kick n' chicken,

celery salt, salt & pepper to taste


7:00am- spray crockpot with Pam. Place frozen chicken breast in crock pot, top with 3-5 TBSP Butter, pour BOTH cans cream of chicken soup on chicken, pour BOTH cans chicken broth over chicken, add chopped onion, add potatoes, place bay leaf on top. Season according to like/taste with all seasonings- generally a sprinkling of each to cover the top.
7:30am: Turn crockpot on LOW. Place carrot bag on counter to defrost.
1:45pm take all chicken out. Place in bowl. SHRED chicken. Cut room temp defrosted carrots - put chicken and carrots into pot, stir. Open biscuit dough- place all biscuits on a cutting board. Press lightly to flatten each one. Sprinkle each biscuit with parsley and black pepper, press lightly again to make season stick. Cut each biscuit into 1/4ths. Toss all biscuit pieces into crock pot. Turn crockpot on HIGH for 1 1/2 hours more. Meal should be ready around 3:30pm-4pm. Add can of peas and stir, the peas will heat up in a matter of moments, without getting mushy.



While the biscuit/dumplings are cooking, you can cook the orzo on the stove. DRAIN VERY WELL. Place in separate bowl- do not add orzo to crock pot. When ready to serve, place a scoop of orzo in bowl, top with chicken/dumpling mixture. Enjoy.

This is really very good considering it is made in a crockpot. You wouldn't believe it when you taste it. I really did like it, but will once again state that I REALLY liked it the next day with mashed potatoes. YUM!!!

Ok everyone.....have a great evening, the final countdown is upon us...make sure you sign up to have a chance at winning the FREE 12pack of melting tarts from SimplyMeltAway, our sponsor for the 2nd Summer contest!

Less than 4 days remain to enter for your chance to win a FREE 12 pack of melting tarts from SimplyMeltAway - - Don't Delay!

Some find it difficult to get themselves motivated....feelings of being drained by the body snatchers begin to swirl about their foggy little minds.
Certain changes must be made in life to ensure that you will have,
 in fact,  a life.
Take time out of your busy schedule for yourself.
We all have spoken about that little timeout we crave so much,
yet get very little of.... "Me Time".
Taking time, even if you must schedule it into your day,
for yourself- is rewarding.
At first, your mind begins racing back to what you have put on hold...
work, laundry, more work...
But soon, you will begin to cherish those stolen moments -
then begin to yearn for them.
You find yourself packing your gym bag...mixing your shakes...
picturing yourself at the gym.
Or perhaps a quiet lunch in the park with a good book?
Wherever "Your Time" takes you...be sure to be there.
Don't let it ever get away from you......don't take it for granted.
This precious little moment is for you to recoup your thoughts, your health, your sanity.
Much needed, indeed.
Here is a wonderful recipe to try for your next shake:

Tropical Pleasure


Ingredients:
8 oz. pure water
1/2 tsp. pineapple extract
1/2 tsp. coconut extract
1 tbs heavy cream
1/2 frozen banana
1 heaping scoop (1 oz) of Egg Protein
Stevia or Agave to taste (optional)
2-3 ice cubes (optional)
(recipe courtesy of, as always, bodybuilding.com )

YOUR VOTE COUNTS!!!
Ok everyone.....need your help as there is a bit of cheating going on here.
Please log onto your computers everyday - and click this link:

Click here to Vote for Bubba's Car!!

Save it to your computer and vote for the Six Star General car - we need help!!
You can only vote once a day - so be sure to please go back everyday-
there are people who have been cheating and voting more than once by manipulating their computer systems.
Right now we are in the lead, but the numbers change everyday- and it is getting close.
Email this link to all your friends....ASK THEM TO VOTE!
Come on my TwitterMoms, and TwitterFriends....get to tweeting about this and pass it on to your blogger followers!!
Lets get these numbers jumping high for this car PLEASE!

There are only 7 days left to vote

The weekend is here....whooo hoooo! Ok, haha, not so much of a whoo hoo when you are a stay at home mom, every day kind of blends into the next. But- I woke up this morning feeling great- so whoo hoo to Saturday! lol
Such a great morning to get out early for my walk. We have not received any rain from "Bonnie" who at this moment has been downgraded to a tropical depression. So the weather is wonderfully summery!

I mentioned that I would be sharing some video recipes with friends who just don't cook, lol, so here is another one I liked:
Deluxe Enchilada Casserole


Very simple.....serve with rice for a filling family meal!
I think I may even add some shredded chicken to the mixture itself.....be sure to share some of your ideas to help make this your own.
Thanks Betty!

Remember.......only 6 more days to enter Contest #2, sponsored by SimplyMeltAway.

Today is, like any other day, cleaning day. I am planning on going for my afternoon walk, so I like to get everything done ahead of time-to be able to actually enjoy the walk...and not think about laundry, dishes, etc when I get home.
Right now.... my house smells so wonderfully clean! Almost too clean, haha...
While doing my usual house chores, I popped in one of my tarts from Simply Melt Away - Clean Breeze - which is similar to a Downy type of scent. I love this scent, it is just such a fresh,clean scent.
Remember to enter for your chance to win an entire 12 pack of these adorable scented wonders!
Just become a follower and you are automatically entered!

I came across a video on youtube.......because I am always looking for different things to try, and thought I'd share with you...........
Apple Dumplings from Betty's Kitchen



I am definitely going to make these, but I think I will add crushed walnuts to the brown sugar, and possibly serve with vanilla bean ice cream....or butter pecan...or both!

She truly is a southern sweetheart. You will just love her videos. I am sending this and a few others to a couple friends of mine, who, eh-hem.... don't cook, you just can't get any easier than watching a recipe!
Feel free to post comments, I am sure Betty would love to see the love here!

Have a great afternoon everyone!
Be Happy....Be Healthy.....Namaste

Spent the afternoon at our local reef club meeting today.
We visited The Fitzpatrick's- very nice home, extremely nice people to know.
The tank was awesome  - colorful, healthy- a pleasure to view.
The Fitzpatrick's have signed up to Host the December Meeting as well,
so we will be back during the Holidays!
Jim gave a cool presentation of Aquarium Photography,
very good to know, you don't want your photos coming out blurred!
 And his wife Gail was such a gracious host!
We truly enjoyed ourselves, thank you!

The next meeting will be hosted by our very own TanksALot family!
Can't wait to view the home tank!

I have started a video channel on youtube...
and will be airing my products there as well, so be sure to check them out. (kudos to hubby for the idea xoxo)
I am working on a new batch of soaps......
will put up a little video when they are complete.



Today's Protein Shake Recipe:
Chocolate Coffee Shake
(Blender needed of course!)
Ingredients:
Mix 2 scoops of Alpine Milk Chocolate Protein Delite or other protein with:
1 cup of skim milk
5 ice cubes
1 cup of water
1 spoonful of instant coffee!
Tastes like a gourmet concoction!
And of course, this scrumptious recipe courtesy of BodyBuilding.com !

Have a great evening everyone....Be Blessed!

Home Cookin' without the Fuss

I LOVE my crock pot, and this week have used it several times.
I made slowcooked island kielbasa, smokey bbq pork.....mmmmmmm......and chicken and dumplings.

As much as I truly love dumplings ~ the chicken mixture is better the next day served with mashed potatoes in place of the pasta.........Yummylicious!

The winter weather will soon be upon us, (hopefully,lol), and so I plan to be using my crockery often.
I love making stews, chilis, soups, or just chicken recipes.

I plan to be making cream cheese chicken this weekend.......will post a pic/review of how it turns out.

Remember.......only 16 days left to enter my 2nd Summer Contest- going on now, sponsored by Simply Melt Away.... simply sign up and follow this blog and you are automatically entered into this and all upcoming contests.
~~~ *** Good Luck To You *** ~~~

Summer Contest #2 is underway......
this is proudly sponsored by none other than SimplyMeltAway.
Kandi Taxel is donating a 12 pack of her melting tarts....
that's a full dozen of fresh made smell-oh-so-good melting tarts!
I have sampled three from her line:
Clean Breeze {which smells like Downy}(always a winner!)
Tropical Blast {my own private getaway!}
Apple Pie {come on, really...do I need to say anything  on this one...
                                                                       Mmm-Mmm-Yumm!}

This is what the tarts look like.....

And measure just under 2 1/2 inches wide.

They melt clean, no bits or chunks remaining in the warmer....


And the scent that fills the room is so wonderful. I had planned on putting one in the living room, and one in each of the bedrooms. But it turned out to work with just the 1 tart at a time- the scent that is thrown from these little guys is incredible - filling the entire house.

I am very pleased that Kandi is part of my contest giveaways, you will find her link to the right top corner of my blog, giving thanks to my contest sponsors!


Please take a moment to visit her shop, Simply Melt Away ,
and let her know what you think.
She also included several business cards and postcards, to which I will be adding to my mompacks.
I am including one here....so be sure to take advantage of the offer:

1 FREE Full Sized Tart with any order!

All you have to do is mention this card & add your scent choice in the

comments box when checking out - how cool is that?!

So place an order, and try a free tart in a different scent.

The best of both !

Contest Reminder:
You must be a follower to be entered into the contest.
 So be sure to follow!

To:

Sandie Lee !!!!

Sandie Lee is the proud Winner and lovely recipient of the first ever Summer Candle Contest!!

Way to Go Sandie Lee!

Sandie gets to visit Angie's Candles and choose her own scent!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the initial contest, and be ready for the next...coming this week!

Be sure to tell friends about it, rules are everlasting:

You must be a follower to enter the contest.

All those already following are automatically entered into each and every contest. So don't be surprised if your name pops up and you get a freebie!

Be on the look out for some interesting and different items coming your way!

P.S.: Visit Sandie Lee to see what she's been up to...

Imagination-Cafe Blog

Sandie Lee... Live It. Love It.Write It

Ok everyone....This is it.......
The Final Countdown!.


You are coming up on the final hour to enter into the
Very 1st Summer Contest of my blog!

Only a few short hours remain before you can pick your own
handmade scent of wonderfulness!

Hurry......You Are Running Out Of Time!

Tick Tock Tick Tock Tick Tock Tick Tock Tick Tock

Yeah to Me!!

Since June 13th, I have lost a total of 7.4lbs! Whoo hoo!

I have been trying to make sure I make time for my daily walk -

going about 2+ miles each time.

Besides the protein shakes, I have been adding tea to my daily diet.

I am drinking Dandelion Root Tea , I get mine from a local health food store....but you can buy it anywhere that is convenient for you. I've enclosed a link to a webstore - just click dandelion root tea.

I love it- I get the caffeine free, roasted tea bags, and add a teaspoon of honey. It's a great addition to any weight loss regimen!

So......7.4lbs down, and only 16 more to go. That's doable. Gotta make sure to stay motivated, though, as it is easy to get sidetracked. Potato chips & onion dip are my downfall. They get me every time!

I have also been adding more fruit to my diet. I am thinking of grilling some peaches this weekend... the taste is supposed to be out of this world from what I hear. Haven't tried it yet.  But here is a recipe I pulled from online- Grilled Amaretto Peaches - give it a try and let me know your thoughts!

Have a Happy Saturday!

Get out of the house and go do something healthy for yourself!

Wow! How time flies by!
I can't believe it's been almost a week since my last post.
Ok- well to start you off.....here is a great protein shake to try:

Protein-Carb Almond Blast

Mix 2 Scoops of Vanilla Econo Whey Meal or other protein with
10-12 oz of skim milk
1.2 cup of dry oatmeal
1.2 cup of raisins
12 shredded almonds
1 tbsp of peanut butter.
It's like pudding!
{ recipe courtesy of BodyBuilding.com }

Hope those that enjoy the recipes are able to give a few of these a try....
they are very good!

I am now working on yet another blanket....lol, crocheting in mid-summer? Crazy, huh?
But it definitely passes the time, and I enjoy it,too.
I love making the blankets.
Thinking of crocheting a baby quilt.

Ok contest is good for 4 more days! Make sure to tell your friends to enter for a chance to win a FREE Candle from Angie!

Have a great weekend everyone....Stay Cool and Safe!

Check This Out!

For movie lovers of all ages.......remember the movie The Wedding Planner , starring Jennifer Lopez?
The romantic scene where they met at the park, watching a movie and...
well you know the rest.
Well, for those followers local to my area..........tonight is movie night!
Citrus Memorial Hospital and the Citrus County Parks and Recreation have teamed up to present to you a: "Movie in the Park" for tonight June 19th - how cool is that!
The showing will be at Holden Park, right here in Inverness.
Show Time is scheduled to begin around 8:45pm, per the info given.
And the movie listed for tonight's feature:

OPEN SEASON

Note that this special presentation is FREE of charge - and there is to also be free popcprn.

You do have the opportunity to purchase candy and drinks from a concession stand as well.

So, gather your picnic blankets, coolers, and the kids, and head down for a great evening!

T.G.I.Friday!!! 

Well.....1 down, and a couple more to go. Love crocheting- it is very relaxing. I have to stop myself I've learned, because I have noticed I can crochet the day away- before I knew it the day was coming to an end!
So- I will pace myself.....lol, can't sit and knit the whole day!
This weekend I am hitting the local craft stores to search for some really nice colors.
There are so many that I like, that I have decided to just keep it at about 3 blankets at a time. So as not to have an entire room devoted to yarn skeins!

For those that have been following.....good for you!.....remember to share with a friend:
Only 10 days left to enter the contest for Angie's Candle ~ Don't miss out!

Wait til you see what I have in store for the upcoming contests.
Remember, you have to be a follower to be entered.
So once you have signed up- you are automatically entered- each and every contest.


Today's Protein Shake Pick:
Berry Good Shake

Mix 2 scoops of Raspberry Yogurt and protein powder
4 strawberries
15 blueberries
16 ounces of nonfat milk
1.2 cup of ice cubes.
It is so good that you should serve it with a little umbrella in it!
(Recipe courtesy of BodyBuilding.com)

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you all enjoy your weekend.
Be sure to take time out for yourselves, grab a book, head to the beach (or pool!), and just enjoy the beautiful nature around you.

Hello friends! How are you today?

Well, today was pretty productive...........started 3 different blankets for my Etsy Shop, crocheted most of the day. Going to add the crocheted pieces in a special section of my shop. Be sure to check them out.
Great gift items.....baby shower, gift baskets, etc.

You now have 12 days to enter for a chance to win one of Angie's candles, don't miss out!
Remember the winner will get to pick their choice of scent!

I am sticking to my workouts, and so far so good.......
Yeah! So far a total of 0.8 lbs lost!
(umm...yeah I cheated and weighed in early,lol)

Today's choice for Protein Shakes:
Orange Vanilla Shake
Mix 2 scoops of Vanilla Protein Powder
8 oz. Orange Juice
4-5 ice cubes
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
½ banana
2-3 frozen strawberries
2 packets of sweetener
(recipe courtesy of BodyBuilding.com)

Wish me luck in achieving my goal!

Only 13 Days Left To Enter For Angie's Candle!
Make sure you visit the link to Angie's Etsy Shop
and check out her candle creations!

Today was such a nice day. Went for a great walk at Whispering Pines Park-
sticking to the daily routine is easier than I thought- seems I just jumped right back where I left off.

To my reef friends: I have had this itsy bitsy bta for the longest time, like months- well, I moved my room around, and in doing so I moved my tanks around. So... when I moved the clown tank, I had moved the rock around as well. Turns out the bta has split! I now have two identical itsy bitsy bta's!
Pretty cool, but it would be nice to see them get bigger. Right now they are about the size of a mini peanut butter cup! Beautiful coral pink foot with pearl white tips.
The clowns are hosting the green bta- (it's about time!) and look to be doing their lovey-luv dance again, so I expect them to be expecting soon enough!

Also spent the afternoon baking up some goodies for my Etsy Shop .
Mmmmm......smells so nice! Will be posting them within a day or two.

Ok everyone.....the yummy pick for today's protein shake is Banana Bread!
Let me know what you think of this scrumptious too-good-for-you shake!

Banana Bread Shake

2 scoops Whey Protein
1 Banana
1/2 Cup Quaker Oatmeal (cook with boiling water)
3/4 Cup Kellogg's Bran Flakes
1 Bottle of Water
Sugar, Brown Sugar or Artificial Sweetener to taste
Blend and enjoy

Be Blessed & Healthy!

I have had such a great response to the Candle Contest , that I have reached out to my friends in the mompack- and let me just say that the contests I have in store are following suit in offering some very special, unique items. Some handcrafted by fellow Etsy members, some generously donated by gourmet shops, all wonderful in their own way! These items are being offered as gifts to my followers, as a Special Thank You for following my blog. So many times good things go unnoticed, and I just want you to know that you are appreciated! Good Luck in the contests....remember you have to follow to win....there will be rules designated for each item presented.........and all followers who signed up prior to the contest are automatically entered.

Here is today's Protein Shake Recipe:

The Bad Girl

12 Oz Skim Milk
4-8 Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies
Handful Of Ice
2 Scoops Of Chocolate Whey Protein
Recipe Courtesy of BodyBuilding.com

Blend and enjoy!

A Little Me Time

Sunday.....another week is upon us. Are you ready for it?
 Got a plan on how to tackle things ahead?
Well, let's get you started on the right foot.
For myself, I plan to put a little bit of Me time in each day.
My original goal of working out daily kindof got sideswiped by life.
So I am now adding that back into my daily schedule.
Here I will be adding a bit of daily inspiration found from my TwitterMoms, and I will also be posting my weightloss tracker on my sidebar, and updating it bi-weekly. (lol, I think that's the only way to stay on track!)
I also am starting my protein shakes back up again, so for those who enjoy them as well:

Reeses Pieces Shake

1 Cup Skim Milk
1 Cup Egg Beaters
1 Heaping Tbsp Peter Pan Honey Roasted Peanut Butter
2.5 Scoops Double Rich Chocolate Whey Protein
1 Heaping Tbsp Micronized Creatine
A Sufficient Amount Of CoffeeMate Sugar Free Hazlenut Flavoring!
Blend For 30-40 Seconds
recipe courtesy of one of my favorite forums: http://www.bodybuilding.com/


I also have been setting aside time for my Chemistry Creativity, and having fun making up new batches of soaps, bath salts, etc for my Etsy Shop . Be sure to check out my new listings. I am stocking the shop back up, so let me know if there is something you are seeking.

And, as a reminder:

Be Sure To Enter The Candle Contest! You cannot win if you do not enter.
 So far there are quite a few entrants.......you only have 15 days to enter for a chance to win 1 of Angie's Candles.
Remeber the winning follower gets to choose their own scent! Here is her shop , be sure to check it out and choose a scent you'd like. If you don't see one of your favorites- you can send her a message and she will let you know if she has it.

To all my ReefBuddies out there........we had a very nice turnout at our meeting today. We had several new members join our club, and we look forward to the next meeting - to be hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick. Visit our forum  to join or check out our facebook page to get to know the members.

Ok everyone........Wish You A Wonderful Week.......
Be Sure To Get Some You Time!
Have a Great Day & Be Blessed................Namaste

It's that time again!

Join us for our monthly

Reef Club Meeting !

This month's meeting will be held  at TANKSALOTPETS in Ocala.

Tomorrow, Sunday June 13th at 3pm.

There will be refreshments, how-to's and

the opportunity to meet & greet fellow hobbyists.

Please do feel free to come join us, we'd love to see you!

Mojito Lip Sugar Scrub

Mojito Sugar Lip Scrub
Yep......a scrub for your lips!
Your lips go through so much:
being windburn, sunburn, chapped, dry, cracked .
Let's not forget that we all bite our lip from time to time.
Treat your lips to a mini spa getaway!
Mojito Sugar Lip Scrub .........Your Lips Will Thank You!