A Haitus

This blog will go on a haitus while I deal with some health issues. Once I am back up and running, this blog will be back. Hopefully the break will be brief. I will continue to keep up my other blog, Photographs From Here, as best as I can.

Take care,

Thoughtful Thursday- Miracle Max

Have fun storming the castle.

~~Miracle Max from the Princess Bride

Thoughtful Thursday- William Arthur

Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not forget you.

~~William Arthur

Monday's Menu- Queso Blanco Dip

I looked around the interwebs for a queso blanco recipe that had gotten good reviews. This one sounds wonderful, but DO NOT look at the calories per serving. Only look at the recipe and think of the yumminess it will create.

Queso Blanco Dip

Things to Celebrate

March continues to speed by. This week is National Bubble Week. Bubbles remind me of Sponge Bob and Patrick. Those two have some great times. Get some bubbles this week and go out with your best friend and have some fun!

March 21- Memory Day (See. It is already working. I remembered to post this early in the day)
March 22- International Goof-Off Day (Oh, do I have plans for this day...)
March 23- National Chip and Dip Day (Yum. I love queso dip and tortilla chips. Unfortunately there are not in the house...Note to self...get some for Tuesday)
March 24- National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day (Gah! I abhor these things, but it is all I could find for this day)
March 25- National Letting Go of Stuff Day (Always a good reason for a day. Let go of bad feelings, stuff you don't use, or the balloons in your hand. Let it all go.)
March 26- Make Up Your Own Holiday Day (Mine will be called "Do Everything Your Mother Tells You To Day" or "Heavenly Day" for short)
March 27- Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day (I could not choose just one to list, so here are 5 good ones- "I Liked You Better Before I Knew You So Well", "I Want a Beer as Cold as My Ex-Wife's Heart", "You Done Tore Out My Heart and Stomped That Sucker Flat", "How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away", and "I'm so miserable without you, it's almost like having you here")

I almost forgot and let this pass...March 27 is National Joe Day. Call yourself "Joe" for the day and celebrate all of the "Joes" in your life. Joes are usually great guys! (Lin- this one's for you :)

Thoughtful Thursday- Unknown

Persistence is far more important than perfection.

~~Unknown

Wordless Wednesday- Sweet Pea Stitch Markers

Sweet Pea Stitch Markers by Cheese and Chocolate

Monday's Menu- Chocolate Macadamia Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Did you know that Godiva had recipes on their web site? Well, me neither. I was looking around and found this one that looks like a winner. Chocolate- check; peanut butter (of some form)- check; nuts (macadamia no less!)- check. Everything we need for some yummy cookies...

Enjoy.

Chocolate Macadamia Peanut Butter Chip Cookies

Things to Celebrate

Chocolate Week is celebrated this week. One of my favorite weeks of the year. Make sure you celebrate this week with your whole heart! Just think of the possibilities...

March 14- Pi Day (Our pal, Pi. Celebrate today with some pie or something pie shaped. I had some cheesecake. It is cut in wedges like pie, so I say it counts)
March 15- Absolutely Incredible Kid Day (Do you have one or more of these in your life? Do something special for that incredible kid in your life)
March 16- Everything You Do Is Right Day (Don't you wish this happened every day?)
March 17- Submarine Day (Give a round of applause to those brave souls who have lived and worked on a submarine. Talk about not having much personal space. I don't think I would like that)
March 18- Forgive Mom & Dad Day (As parents, we seem to be constantly doing something- usually unintentionally- that embarrasses our children. Today give mom and dad a break and remember they love you)
March 19- National Chocolate Caramel Day (Yum)
March 20- Won't You Be My Neighbor Day (I loved Mr. Rogers. He was always so calm and peaceful. The perfect neighbor. Much better than say...Mr. Robinson- if you remember that SNL skit)

Thoughtful Thursday- Unknown

When you find yourself in a hole, put the shovel down and stop digging.

~~Unknown

Wordless Wednesday- Serendipity Necklace

Serendipity Necklace by Cheese and Chocolate

Monday's Menu- Crabmeat Au Gratin

I had a senior moment and forgot to post Monday's Menu recipe yesterday. Never fear...I am here now with a good one. Crabmeat Au Gratin. Mmmmm. It is goooood. Maybe you can give it a try this week since we celebrate National Crabmeat Day today. Enjoy!

Crabmeat Au Gratin by Chef John Folse

Things to Celebrate

This week is Celebrate Your Name Week. Do you have a common name or one that is original as you? I remember growing up I was always Merry S. because there were other Marys in the classroom. I would have loved to have been the only one. I have not heard of a child named Merry or Mary in a long, long time except when it is said together with the middle name, such as Mary Catherine. I like my name now, especially the spelling.

March 7- National Be Heard Day (Stand up and shout your wishes to the rafters!)
March 8- Panic Day (Some people celebrate this holiday every day. It you are not one of "those" people, today is your day to bring out the "drama llama")
March 9- National Crabmeat Day (I am not much for all of the work involved in picking crabs, but I do love me some crabmeat...Hooray for crabs!)
March 10- Paper Money Day (Go out today and celebrate by buying something expensive and be happy you didn't have to pay for it all in pennies)
March 11- Name Tag Day (Should you wear one today? I'll leave that up to you)
March 12- Middle Name Pride Day (Do you have a good old tried and true middle name or one that is exotic and different? Regardless have pride in that name today)
March 13- International Fanny Pack Day (Ok, you know you have worn one at least once. Maybe you still wear them as the activity dictates. Dig out that fanny pack and wear it proudly!)

Thoughtful Thursday- Mario Benton Ray

Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake.

~ Mario Benton Ray

Wordless Wednesday- Opposites Attract

Monday's Menu (on Wednesday)- Fantastic French Toast

March is National Peanut Month, so here is a yummy recipe to try. It sounds delicious!

Fantastic French Toast

Things to Celebrate

March is here! Will it come in as a lion or lamb? March is National Peanut Month, National Sauce Month, and National Noodle Month. If you go out and eat Pad Thai, I you can celebrate all three in one.

This week is Return Borrowed Book Week. Hurry up and finish that book. Someone else may be waiting for it!

I thought it would be fun to choose all food celebrations this week...

February 28- National Chocolate Soufflé Day
March 1- Peanut Butter Lover's Day
March 2- National Banana Cream Pie Day
March 3- National Mulled Wine Day
March 4- National Pound Cake Day
March 5- National Cheese Doodle Day
March 6- National Chocolate Cheesecake Day

Thoughtful Thursday- Unknown

To get what you've never had, you must do what you've never done.

~Unknown


I have been a little scarce lately because I have been totally engrossed in the Winter Olympics and the Ravelympics on Ravelry.

Monday's Menu- Recipes using Girl Scout Cookies

I was a Girl Scout Leader for 10 years before I "retired". My younger daughter is still active in a troop and I help out when needed. This year, what was needed was a "Cookie Mom". No problem. I picked up our troop's cookie order on Friday and had the parents come by this afternoon to pick up their daughter's cookies. These blasted cookies have been calling my name for the past 2 days. I can feel myself starting to bend to their will. It is only a matter of time...

This week I am offering you multiple recipes using Girl Scout cookies. Each one sounds delicious.

Girl Scout Cookie Recipes

Things to Celebrate

February is almost over. Poor February. We just got to know ya and then you are gone.

Build a Better Trade Show Image is this week. I have nothing to say on this matter. Absolutely nothing. It speaks for itself.

February 21- Card reading Day (Head on over to your closest card shop and read some funny cards. I love reading cards.)
February 22- Single Tasking Day (Can you truly do just one task at a time?) and for all you Girl Scouts out there...today is World Thinking Day
February 23- Curling is Cool Day (Since the Olympics are on, try to catch a game of curling. It is very interesting to watch them sweep the ice)and for all you puppies in the house, it is also International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day (This is a huge event at our house)
February 24- Inconvenience Yourself Day (I am not sure how much fun this day will be)
February 25- Quiet Day (This brings back memories of my childhood and playing the quiet game. I never won.)
February 26- National Pistachio Day (Pistachios are something that you either love or don't. I fell into the don't category.)
February 27- No Brainer Day (One of the best days of the whole year!)

Monday's Menu- Magic Mint Chocolate Bark

Friday is National Chocolate Mint Day. You knew I was going to find a recipe to celebrate this! Enjoy!

Magic Mint Chocolate Bark

Things to Celebrate

The Winter Olympics are happening in Vancouver, B.C. and I am a very happy camper right now. Also if you are a knitter or crocheter, the Ravelympics are happening over on Ravelry.com

This week is Love a Mench Week and National Pancake Week. Take a mench out for pancakes sometime this week. You will be glad you did :)

February 14- Chinese New Year (It is the year of the Tiger)
February 15- National Gum Drop Day and the first day of the Westminster Dog Show (I love Westminster and gum too. Yea for both!)
February 16- Mardi Gras (It will be a party down here. Tomorrow will be ugly though)
February 17- My Way Day (Cerebrate Old Blue Eyes and do it your way)
February 18- Pluto Day (Poor Pluto...so misunderstood and a great dog too.)
February 19- Chocolate Mint Day (An excellent reason for a holiday...just sayin')
February 20- Hoodie Hoo Day (This holiday reminds me of Carla, a past contestant on Top Chef. I loved her)

Thoughtful Thursday- Buddhist Proverb

If you are facing in the right direction, all you have to do is keep walking.

~~Buddhist Proverb

Wordless Wednesday- Simplicity Necklace

Simplicity by Cheese and Chocolate

Monday's Menu- Pascal’s Manale BBQ Shrimp Recipe

Since this is Saint's Celebration Week down here, I thought I would post a recipe for a wonderful recipe for BBQ Shrimp. This is Pascal's Manale Restaurant signature dish. It is so yummy. Lots of restaurants have this on their menus, but this is the one that started it all. Bon Appetit!

Pascal’s Manale BBQ Shrimp Recipe

Things to Celebrate

This post is a little late due to the excitement of the Super Bowl yesterday. It was foremost on every one's mind.

This week is Celebration of Love Week. We all have persons, places, or things we love. Celebrated them all this week. We will be celebrating the Saints win down here! It is also Jell-O Week. If you love Jell-o, then you get points for a twofer.

February 7- Super Bowl Sunday! (Can you say Who Dat?)
February 8- Clean Out Your Computer Day (Now is a great time to go through your computer and clean out all of that old junk you don't need anymore. You know you have a ton of it. Once you are done, back that baby up!)
February 9- National Bagel and Lox Day (I love a bagel and cream cheese. Lox...not so much. If you love them both, go out and eat some for me)
February 10- Umbrella Day (Love your umbrella today. Love it because you don't have to use it or love it because you have one when you need it.)
February 11- Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day (I never understood why one would cry, but if you spill milk today, try not to cry.)
February 12- National Lost Penny Day (I am one of those people who will pick up a penny on the ground. So many people don't. I think it is fun to find money, especially in an old purse.)
February 13- Get a Different Name Day (Choose a different name today. Always wished you were named something else? Today is your day to have that name. I will go by Melissa on Saturday.)

Thoughtful Thursday- Robert H. Schuller

Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly.

~~Robert H. Schuller

Wordless Wednesday

Carnelian Dreams by Cheese and Chocolate

Monday's Menu- Nutella Milkshake

Friday is World Nutella Day. I know you are searching high and low for recipes to serve family and friends for this momentous occasion. I was surprised to find so many recipes that used Nutella. I have been out of the loop.

The Nutella Milkshake recipe looks very promising. Scroll down a bit to find the recipe at the end of the linked post. Let me know what you think.

Nutella Milkshake

Sorry this is a little late. I was tallying up Girl Scout cookie orders yesterday and forgot to post.

Things to Celebrate

Well, hello February! Where did January go? February is Pull Your Sofa Off of the Wall Month and Spunky Old Broads Month (I am kinda partial to the later). So if you pull your sofa into the middle of the room and sit down for a chat with your favorite spunky old lady friend, you will have both covered!

National Patient Appreciation Week is celebrated this week. Does it count if I am say...standing in line at Wal Mart and I cam being patient because they don't have enough lines open? I would love to get some appreciation for that.

January 31- Inspire Your Heart with Art Day (Every day should include a love for the arts)
February 1- Give Kids a Smile Day (Hopefully your teenager will give you a smile back before storming to her room and slamming the door...I know nothing about this. Oh no not me...)
February 2- Sled Dog Day (Those silly puppies deserve a day of recognition along with a big juicy bone)
February 3- National Carrot Day (If you see Bugs, throw him a bunch from me)
February 4- Liberace Day (Our younger generation has no clue who this interesting man was. Take today to broaden their knowledge of showmanship and rhinestones)
February 5- World Nutella Day (A couple of year ago, Robyn's eyes were opened to the world of Nutella. We usually have a couple of jars in the house in case of emergencies)
February 6- Dump Your Significant Jerk Day (If you have a jerky significant other and were waiting for a reason to dump him or her, now is your chance. You can tell them you had to do it because it was the day for it and you had no choice)

Thoughtful Thursday- Edward Teller

When you get to the end of all the light you know and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.

~~Edward Teller

Wordless Wednesday- I Believe Earrings

I Believe Earrings by Cheese and Chocolate

Monday's Menu- Chocolate-Peanut Butter Layered Cupcakes

You knew it was coming when you took a look at this week's calendar. You had to know. CHOCOLATE cake! I have a recipe that I am itching to try. Few things in life are better than chocolate and peanut butter. What more can I say?


Chocolate-Peanut Butter Layered Cupcakes

I Am Offering a Giveaway!

Wouldn't you or your loved one look great in these earrings? I can see you shaking your head yes and you are 100% correct. I am offering these earrings as a giveaway on the Handmade Louisiana blog and you can be the lucky winner.

The earrings are created using Swarovski crystal and sterling silver and will go with everything.

Pop on over to the HML blog (www.handmadelouisiana.com) and enter to win.

Things to Celebrate

This week is National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Week. Does this mean cowboys gather their poetry? Or do we gather poetry about cowboys? Or do we gather cowboys and then write poetry about it? Things to ponder...

January 24- National Compliment Day (Who doesn't love a good compliment! Make sure you hand them out right and left)
January 25- Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day (Bubble Wrap is one of the world's greatest inventions...along with Velcro)
January 26- National Speak Up and Succeed Day
January 27- National Chocolate Cake Day (Now here's a day after my own heart. Cake for everyone!)
January 28- National Kazoo Day (The only instrument I can play without embarrassing myself)
January 29- Fun At Work Day (It's a Friday after all)
January 30- National Croissant Day (mmmm)

Thoughtful Thursday- Unknown

Forgiveness does not mean what you did is "ok" to me. It simply means I am no longer willing to carry around pain in response to your actions.

~~Unknown

Wordless Wednesday- Perfectly Silver

Perfectly Silver by Cheese and Chocolate

Monday's Menu- Black-Bottom Chocolate Pie

In honor of National Pie Day on Saturday, I thought a pie recipe would do nicely. As you know I am all about the chocolate, I bring you this goodie. This recipe might make me a pie convert after all.

Black Bottom Chocolate Pie

Things to Celebrate

This week is National Thrift Week. Do something this week thrifty. From cutting your paper towels in half to making your own yarn from plastic shopping bags, there is always a way to make do and save.

January 17- Ditch New Years Resolutions Day (Did you make it this far? I quit making resolutions years ago.)
January 18- Winnie the Pooh Day (I am so happy A.A. Milne shared Winnie and friends with us. I love me some Tigger.)
January 19- National Popcorn Day
January 20- Penguin Awareness Day (Watch either "March of the Penguins" or "Happy Feet". It doesn't matter which just celebrate those cute little guys.)
January 21- National Hugging Day (Robyn has a friend who celebrates this every day. Yea Shelby!)
January 22- Answer Your Cat's Questions Day (I don't know if there is enough time in the day to do this, but I will try. I know Pretty's first question will be "When is everyone else in the house leaving?")
January 23- National Pie Day (Pie always reminds me of one of my favorite movies, "Michael". They have a great scene in the movie about pie...I am more of a cake person tho.)

Handmade Louisiana Craft A Long - Winter Wonderland

Tomorrow is the last day to vote for the December Craft A Long- Winter Wonderland. There are 8 beautiful pieces entered; one of which is a pair of earrings by Cheese and Chocolate. Please come by, take a look at all of the entries and vote for your favorite!

Thoughtful Thursday- Henry David Thoreau

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined.

~~Henry David Thoreau

Wordless Wednesday- Puzzled (Black Lab)

Puzzled- Black Lab by Cheese and Chocolate

Monday's Menu- Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Ice Cream

Since we celebrate National Strawberry Ice Cream Day this week, I thought a nice ice cream recipe would hit the spot. Combining strawberries and cheesecake into an ice cream? Genius!

Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Ice Cream

Things to Celebrate

This week is Cuckoo Dancing Week. Does anyone out the know how a cuckoo dances?

January 10- Secret Pal Day
January 11- Clean Off Your Desk Day (I do this all of the time, but it just gets messy again!)
January 12- Working Woman's Appreciation Day (This should be everyday because we work everyday)
January 13- Make Your Dreams Come True Day
January 14- Dress Up Your Pet Day (if you dare...)
January 15- National Strawberry Ice Cream Day
January 16- Appreciate A Dragon Day (Makes sure you are friends before you get too close, ok?)

Thoughtful Thursday- Eleanor Roosevelt

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

~~Eleanor Roosevelt~~

Wordless Wednesday- Marissa Necklace

Marissa Necklace by Cheese and Chocolate

Monday's Menu- English Toffee

With English Toffee Day coming this week, I thought it would be fun to look up a recipe for toffee. I came across one on Cooking for Engineers. I loved just reading the recipe. I can just see a couple of engineers standing around the stove with all of their instruments out to get the details just right. I love engineers. My dad was one of the best!

Enjoy!

English Toffee

Things to Celebrate

Have you said goodbye to 2009 yet? Time's a wasting and the new year is here.

This weeks is Someday We Will All Laugh About This Week. I am not quite sure what this week means, but I am always ready to laugh.


January 3- J. R. R. Tolkien Day (Put in your favorite of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in the machine and enjoy the day!)
January 4- Trivia Day (I love love trivia)
January 5- Bird Day (Celebrate your fine feathered friends)
January 6- Three Kings Day (In my part of the world, this also means it is time to break out the King Cake)
January 7- I'm Not Going To Take It Any More Day (Now if Publishers Clearing House is at your door with a gigantic check, take it)
January 8- English Toffee Day (Yummmm)
January 9- National Static Electricity Day (It will be hard to celebrate something so shocking)

Thoughtful Thursday- Miracle Max

Have fun storming the castle.

~~Miracle Max from the Princess Bride