Youth Camp

It's been a while since I have posted, but a lot has been going on. Recently, I got to spend a small bit of time at a youth camp on a military base. The camp is completely ran and sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. This camp is only a week long, but I am sure it is a week most of the kids will never forget. These children get to learn archery, shooting, survival skills, self defense and much more. They march everywhere they go and yell cadence . It's not all work either, there are crafts to do, paddle boating, and the counselors made a giant slip-n-slide for the kids and even joined in on the fun. But there are some very solemn moments as well. The children get to witness a flag retirement ceremony and become more aware of the sacrifices of our nations brave men and women who serve. I believe this camp is a wonderful thing for many of these children. The best part is that they are not allowed to have electronics and have to go outside. I know there are many kids these days who play on their iPads, Xboxes or whatever devices and never get some fresh air. And they get exercise! I know it's a dreaded word, but hey we all need to get up and get moving.

Savings Catcher

How could I have missed this?? Okay, I must have been living under a rock for a while in this age of technology. That's the only excuse I can come up with. My best friend, Elaine, just pointed out all of the money I could be missing. Did you know that Wal-Mart has an app that allows you to get money back after price matching??? Well, I didn't!
 
Here is how it works: after your trip to the mega store (or within 7 days), you scan the QR code at the bottom of your receipt into the app, then wait for the price match to come back (it's not instant). The app compared the prices to 40 different stores in my area. It's that simple. The app does all the work! I scanned a receipt last night and this morning I have $2.50 in price match (from a $30 receipt, that's a 8.3% savings!!!) waiting to be put on a gift card for me. Of course, I will wait until the amount to redeem is more substantial, but you get the idea.
 
So, I am not saying to run out to Wal-Mart today and shop your life away to save a penny (or suggesting you start shopping there if you don't already). But if you are like me, the convenience of this store makes it easier to shop there. I will never go without scanning another receipt again. Come on savings!!

Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox

My husband turned me on to a group called Postmodern Jukebox (http://postmodernjukebox.com/ or on youtube). I must say, I LOVE THEM! They take famous songs and re-record (possibly the correct wording) it into different genres. One of my favorites is a bit silly, but entertaining; Blurred Lines as a country-western tune with "more cowbell" (for all you SNL fans). I really enjoy their version of All About that Bass, as well. So if you are looking to kill a little time and want to try something new, look this group up! There is something for everyone. You won't be disappointed!

Office with a view!

This is the wonderful view from my actual job. I know some of you might not find this impressive, but I think it's beautiful. 

"I must be one of the wonders of God's own creation;
And as far as you see you can offer me no explanation."

Sorry for going old school Natalie Merchant on you. There I go showing my age again.....

“The Cold Within” by James Patrick Kinney

I remember reading this poem when I was a teen and it didn't have the same impact on me then as it does now. The words are very true of the human race. We are willing to freeze to death to keep another from staying warm. Hmmm.... Anyway, I am sharing this because I think everyone should read it at some time or another. Have a great day everyone!

The Cold Within

Six humans trapped by happenstance
In bleak and bitter cold.
Each one possessed a stick of wood
Or so the story’s told.

Their dying fire in need of logs
The first man held his back
For of the faces round the fire
He noticed one was black.

The next man looking ‘cross the way
Saw one not of his church
And couldn’t bring himself to give
The fire his stick of birch.

The third one sat in tattered clothes.
He gave his coat a hitch.
Why should his log be put to use
To warm the idle rich?

The rich man just sat back and thought
Of the wealth he had in store
And how to keep what he had earned
From the lazy shiftless poor.

The black man’s face bespoke revenge
As the fire passed from his sight.
For all he saw in his stick of wood
Was a chance to spite the white.

The last man of this forlorn group
Did nought except for gain.
Giving only to those who gave
Was how he played the game.

Their logs held tight in death’s still hands
Was proof of human sin.
They didn’t die from the cold without
They died from the cold within.

Pesto Chicken Panini

Here is my first recipe. I hope you all enjoy! :) 

I just purchased a new 4 in 1 grill by Farberware and I absolutely love it! You can use it as a grill, griddle, and panini press. Yes, I am the type of woman to get excited over kitchen equipment!

First, let's start with the needed ingredients. 

You can use any brand you would like, but I love shopping at Aldi for groceries. They are super cheap, but I can't always find everything I need there.

Red Roasted Peppers - WalMart

Tomato Basil Pesto - Aldi

Provolone Cheese - WalMart

Real Mayonnaise - Aldi

Bacon - Aldi

Sliced Chicken - Frozen from Aldi

Ciabatta Sandwich Rolls - WalMart

*Note: I like to buy bags of frozen chicken breast and precook it. I place the chicken in a slow cooker along with salt, pepper, garlic, and chicken broth. Cook on low for at least 4 hours. Remove chicken and allow to cool. Slice chicken and place in individual freezer bags. 

Pesto Mayo Sauce 

2 tsp. Pesto for every 1 Tbsp. of Mayo

Thoroughly cook bacon and chicken. I used about 2 slices of bacon on each sandwich.

Spread both sides of the ciabatta roll with Pesto Mayo Sauce. Place cheese on top and bottom of the roll. Layer with chicken, bacon, and sliced roasted red peppers. 

Close sandwich and cook on panini press.

The best thing about this recipe is the only thing you have to measure is for the Pesto Mayo Sauce.

I hope you love this as much as our family did!

Hello People of Cyberspace!!

Welcome to my very own blog! Since this is my first post, I will try to make it short (sorta) and sweet (not really). My plan is to keep things light-hearted and fun for the most part, but I am sure every now and again a serious conversation may be necessary. Just like most women, I am very opinionated and have my own mind. However, my hope is that I can convey those ideas in a humorous and witty fashion.  I started this blog because.....well, why not? My hope is that it is like the flu, not that it makes you vomit (no promises), but that it can be contagious.