We see you, Manatees!

Manatees are struggling to survive...let's help them! Please watch this video detailing the importance of keeping Three Sisters Springs a safe winter sanctuary for Manatees.

Some Dangers Manatees Face:

• Boat strikes
• Entanglement
• Red Tide
• Cold stress

Here's a message from The Save the Manatee Club:

Please send a message to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service letting them know that you still support Alternative B- Manatee Viewing from Land Only within this small but critically important winter refuge. Please submit comments via email to crystalriver@fws.gov before December 18th, 2015.

We encourage you to include your own comments and let the FWS know why this issue is important to you. Whether you are a local resident, Florida resident, or a national or international visitor, it's important that you connect yourself directly to this community. If you have previously visited this community and spent money, or plan to do so in the future, and you support stronger manatee protections, please emphasize that in your comments. Otherwise, the agency and opponents of the proposal will try to dismiss your input.

Here are some points you may wish to include in your message:

• Thank the Service for recognizing that Alternative C would not have resulted in the necessary level of protection for manatees or allowed the agency to meet its legal obligations.
   
• Express your continued support for Alternative B- Manatee Viewing from Land Only within Three Sisters Springs, since it is the most effective and easily manageable solution to protect manatees and create the needed level of certainty for the tourism industry. The boardwalk around the springs would allow visitors to observe manatees exhibiting natural behavior, undisturbed by human presence in the water.
   
• Express your concern over this most recent delay, which leaves manatees subject to continued harassment. Remind the FWS that its rules from last year, which are still in effect, allow for emergency closures.
   
• Ask the agency to exercise its legal authority for emergency closures of Three Sisters to protect manatees from the well-documented illegal take and harassment that occur here since manatees will be left unprotected in the meantime.
   
• Manatee use of Three Sisters is highest when human use is lowest (Figure 5 in the November Draft).
   
• Disturbance is only truly minimized when no one is in the water.
   
• The Refuge Improvement Act states that the Refuge's mission is "focused singularly on wildlife conservation."
   
• Only Alternative B ensures equal access for all while also protecting manatees.
   
• Key holes should not be allowed to facilitate snorkeler access into any closed areas.
   
• The Service needs to get to work with stakeholders to develop improved standards of conduct for all of Kings Bay including a Bay-wide "no touch" policy. 

If you wish to donate to the Save the Manatee Club cause, please visit their website. 

November has been designated Manatee Awareness Month, & I can't let November pass without acknowledging these adorable creatures. I have such great love for them, such gentle giants. 

Fun activity: draw a Manatee! Makes great fridge decoration!

Here's my 10-year-old's creation.

Here's my 12-year-old's submission.

Both of these masterpieces adorn my fridge. :-)
Lend your voice to help save the Manatee! Wildlife is our responsibility! 

 

The Thankful Eyes of a 10-Year-Old

As a parent raising two boys in a "1st-World, privileged country", I feel that instilling a thankful heart and mindset in my sons is of the deepest priority.  I want them to understand how lucky they are to have their basic necessities met--food, water, shelter--and how beyond lucky they are to have things that exceed their basic needs--the privilege to have and be surrounded by their wants.  I was so touched to receive a beautiful "thank you" letter from my son this past week addressed to both his Dad & I.  It was an assignment in class, but all thoughts & words are his own, even the Scripture choice (I asked the teacher to confirm this because I was truly curious).

 Here's what he writes: Dear Mom and Dad, Thank you for caring about me for all the years of my life and helping me stay on track. "Ride on in majesty to victory for the defense of truth and justice! Your strength will win you great victories." Psalm 45:4.  You are the best parents ever, who feed me, help Puffy <that's his stuffed Manatee plush toy>, and send me to a great school with great teachers.  You take me on vacations and always cheer me on.  You never stop comforting me in times of sadness.  I can look up to you for guidance. Love,...

I'm thankful for my 10-year-old son and his equally fabulous 12-year-old brother.  They seem to have a solid grasp on what it means to be good people. I'm incredibly proud of the both of them. And I'm truly, truly grateful that they are growing positively in mind, body, and spirit. I know my husband feels the same.

Artwork that came with his thankful letter!

I Give Thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength for my work. I thank Him for considering me worthy and appointing me to serve Him.

Here is my A Thankful Reflection post published last year, November 2014. One year later, still holds relevance to my life.

Wishing all the happiest of Thanksgivings!

 

Unique Pumpkin Recipes

 We take our pumpkin obsession very seriously. Thanks Trader Joe's for indulging us!

Right when it hits the Fall Season, my family and I immediately start craving pumpkin flavored things.  If it has pumpkin in it, we'll try it. This particular season, we really indulged. You'd think that we were on the cusp of a pumpkin drought apocalypse the way we've been consuming pumpkin these past few weeks. LOL! There are so many options and variations out there from sweet to savory.  I prefer the sweet variety though. I'd like to share some of my more unique finds--awesome recipes I've come across-- this season. And I'm putting it out there....if you make any of these, please feel free to send me a sample.

Stuffed Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) pumpkin spice cookie mix
•  1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
•  30 caramels in milk chocolate, unwrapped 
• 1/2 cup creamy cream cheese frosting
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans 

Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms.
2. Shape dough into 30 (1 1/4-inch) balls. For each cookie, wrap 1 dough ball around each caramel. Place 2 inches apart on cooking parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are set. Cool 5 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. 
4. Place frosting in small microwavable bowl. Microwave uncovered on High 10 to 15 seconds just to soften frosting; stir to blend. Drizzle frosting over cookies; sprinkle with pecans.   

and finally, wrap some up & send to me....okay not part of the official recipe, but a girl can wish. 

 

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pancake Bake

Ingredients 

Pancakes

• 2 cups Original Bisquick™ mix
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2/3 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla

Filling

• 4 oz of softened cream cheese
• 6 eggs
• 1 & 1/2 cups of milk 
• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla

Topping

• 1/2 of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 cup of cold butter, cubed

Directions

1.  In large bowl, mix Bisquick™ mix and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
   In medium bowl, mix 2/3 cup milk, 2 eggs, pumpkin and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add to dry ingredients in large bowl, and stir until just combined.
2.  Heat a greased skillet over medium heat. Pour batter by 1/3 cupfuls into skillet. Cook until edges appear dry. Repeat with remaining batter; let pancakes cool completely.
3.  Grease 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish. Spread each pancake with cream cheese, then cut in half and place cut side down into baking dish.
4.  In large bowl, beat 6 eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, the cream, granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon vanilla. Pour over pancakes. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least 2 hours but no longer than 8 hours.
5.  Heat oven to 350°F. Remove baking dish from refrigerator.
6.  In small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Cut in butter with pastry blender until the size of small peas. Sprinkle on top of pancakes in baking dish.
7.  Bake about 1 hour or until topping is golden and filling is set. If topping browns too quickly, cover with foil.

Let it stand for about 20 minutes before serving....me. Still wishing here... 

Mini Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Pies

Ingredients

• 1 box of refrigerated pie crust
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted 
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 
• 10 tablespoons of sugar

•  1 & 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree

  1 large egg

  1/2 tablespoon of cinammon

  Whipped cream, if desired  

  Directions 
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Unroll the pie crusts, use a basting brush to coat one side with melted butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar per pie crust.
  3. Roll pie crust back into a log. Cut into 3/4 pieces.
  4.  Spray two 12-count mini muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray. Press the cut pieces of pie into the bottom of each cup, pressing with your thumb to move the cinnamon swirl all the way up the sides of the muffin cup, and making a well in the center of the muffin cup.
  5.  In a medium bowl, whisk together remaining sugar, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and egg until smooth and well combined. Spoon mixture into the center of each cinnamon-roll crust.
  6.  Bake in oven for 12-18 minutes, or just until the edges of the crust have turned a light golden brown.

   
  Cool slightly before removing mini pies from the muffin tins. Top with whipped cream, if desired. And again, just reminding, if you need a taste tester, I'm available.  
  
  
  Recipes Source: Tablespoon
  
  I hope that you enjoy these recipes. Please feel free to leave a comment or tweet me with how these recipes turned out for you! Have a great rest of the year!
   

Blessing Bags in Memoriam

Last year around this time, the boys' school suffered the sudden loss of a beloved teacher. It was a big blow to the community made even harder since it happened so close to the holidays. This teacher was extremely special, always doing kind things and solidly representing the Christian faith (do good works).  She always carried what she called "Blessing Bags" with her so that when she encountered someone in need, she would have something to give them.  So, in honor of her memory, my son's 7th Grade class along with their newly formed 1st grade buddies have decided to create their version of "Blessing Bags" to give out to the homeless and those in need in the area.  Here is the letter that was sent out to the parents, and I was told, was edited by the 7th Grade class:

Class Service Project: Create "Blessing Bags" for the less fortunate.

 The Blessing Bags will include but are not limited to such things as:

• granola bars
• mini water bottles
• gum
• band aids
• washcloths

What an amazing way to pay tribute to a kind teacher's memory. And I'm so grateful that my son has the opportunity to participate in it.  I believe that it's vital that even during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, he's exposed to needs (not wants) that our outside of himself.

This 7th Grader is happy to know that these fruit bars will go to someone who really needs it.

I hope that these beautiful 7th and 1st Graders and their fabulous teachers have inspired you to create your own "Blessing Bags"...no matter how big or small. We all can make the world a better place, one kind act at a time.

Pampering My Skin with Aveeno

The Aveeno Skin Relief Gentle Scent Body Wash and Lotion are a great combination to pamper my skin. The body wash is very creamy and lathers on quite nicely. I can detect the moisturizing effect it has on my skin and I love that soft, silky feeling. The lotion pairs up nicely and completes the whole skin regimen. The scent is just slightly above subtle and is pleasing to the senses.

Funny story: I had just finished applying the lotion on my hands and elbows and jumped in the car with my husband and kids to do some errands.  My husband says, "What's that smell?"  I'm thinking, "Uh oh." But I said, "It's the new lotion I'm trying. Do you like it?" He says, "Yeah, it smells like detergent, but in a good way. I like it." 

Okay, I'm not sure the folks at Aveeno were going for "smells like detergent", but let's not dwell on that comment but instead focus on "in a good way".  The husband liked the smell, so that's good. Trust me, if he found it unpleasant, he wouldn't hold back on his opinion.  LOL!

The Aveeno Active Naturals brand have ingredients that are "selected from nature and uniquely formulated by AVEENO^® through the power of science to deliver visible benefits for skin and hair." Please check out their website for more information on their process and other products they offer. 

My opinions and experiences are genuine and sincere and truly my own. Please try out these products and comment to let me know what you think or tweet  me your experiences.  

I'm a member of the Crowdtap AVEENO® rewards program, and AVEENO® sent me samples of its AVEENO® SKIN RELIEF GENTLE SCENT Nourishing Coconut Body Wash and Lotion to review.

 

My Answers to Some "Would You Rather?" Questions

The Parenting Edition...

The following questions are taken from the article  'Would You Rather?' Parenting Edition. The Game That's Making Parents Squirm. Here are my honest answers.

The Questions

Would you rather have two of every color of every cup in your house or be able to turn every hairpin in your house into a granola bar? Every hairpin into a granola bar. Can't say no to adding to our food stash.

Would you rather hear "I love you" only once ever or "are we there yet" 1,000,000 times in three days? "Are We There Yet" I want to hear "I love you" more than once in my life. I value that phrase.

Would you rather your child be out of diapers but blow their nose on your pillowcase or be in diapers but have boogers that dissolved toilet clogs? Geez, tough choices. Out of diapers. I can just launder the pillowcase. I don't have any desire to go back to changing diapers.

Would you rather be able to accurately predict your partner's rock, paper, scissor moves or a dog that can handle nighttime kid wakeups? Predict my Huz' rock, paper, scissor move. He'd be confused and amazed and I'd be more than amused. ☺

Would you rather have a child who gets up eight times during the night but wakes up at 9 a.m. or a child who sleeps through the night but wakes up at 4:30 a.m. and has a fog horn for a voice? Child who gets up eight times. The fog horn voice made the decision for me. 

Would you rather put your kids down on a public toilet you aren't able to clean first or go wipe a public toilet for your kids using only one square of toilet paper? Wipe using only one square. It's better than nothing.

Would you rather lose all of your hair or let your kids play "hairstyles" on you for three straight days with that brush they always yell at you for using? Let my kids play "hairstyles". I don't want to lose all my hair. ☺

Would you rather sit with them as they eat the peanut butter sandwich you cut into triangles like a jerk instead of circles like they asked or eat a sandwich they prepared after they went to the bathroom and "swear they washed their hands"? Sit with them...I don't want to eat anything prepared by unclean hands.

Would you rather have your partner kick you in the crotch only one time or try and play a 15-hour long game of climb on Mommy and Daddy with your kids without being able to protect your crotch? This one is a truly tough one. Okay, I'm going for it....Kick me one time. It's a risk, but I had to make a choice.

Would you rather watch Max and Ruby for three weeks straight or never watch television again, ever? Max and Ruby three weeks straight. I admittedly have never watched whatever that show is, but I'll endure it (or enjoy it) because I enjoy my television shows too much to NEVER watch it again.

Would you rather find your kid eating the cat's food or find your cat conspiring with your kid to overthrow your parenting regime? The kid eating the cat's food. It won't really hurt 'em.

Would you rather have clothes that grew as your kids did but had the attitude of a tired three-year-old or clothes that cleaned themselves but shrunk every time your child said both please and thank you? Man! Tough choices! Okay, I'm just choosing....Clothes that cleaned themselves but shrunk every time my child said both please and thank you. Having to buy more clothes could be too much., but at least I'd have polite children.
 
Would you rather have your child tell you they've made up their mind and their going to be a cliff jumper when they grow up or tell you they've made up their mind and their going to live with you when they grow up? Cliff Jumper. I love my kids and would love for them to live with me forever (I really would), but it wouldn't be what's best for them. Follow your dreams, grow, be independent. 

Would you rather have your kids walk in on you and a partner in the middle of a sexual rendezvous or have your face be permanently the color your face would be if your kids walked in on you having a sexual rendezvous? Easy...have my face be permanently the color.  I can't, I won't have my kids walk in on us.  That would be too traumatizing for all parties involved. 

Would you rather have your kids say "fuck" in your house when they wanted or have your kids say "how the fuck are you?" to their grandparents or teachers just once? "Fuck" in our house. I would not want them to disrespect others--especially grandparents and teachers. 

And just for the heck of it and in keeping with the theme of "games", here's some eye candy in the form of Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer playing a game of "Never Have I Ever"...       So, play a fun game of your own soon and maybe learn something about yourself!  

 

Not Daring Enough to Go Commando

In Cottonelle's  new ad campaign they make the bold challenge, "Do you dare go commando"?  I have to hand it to them for coming up with a funny way to bring attention to the sometimes taboo subject of toilet paper and wipes. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a sample package of their flushable wipes and I have to say, it's a good product. The flushable wipes have a mild fresh scent and enough thickness to do its purpose.  Ever since my boys began potty training over 10 years ago, I've been purchasing flushable wipes and have continued to do so even after potty training was completed.  Let's just be real here, it's a fresher way to go...no matter how old you are. And to answer the question....no, no I don't dare go commando. LOL!

 Here's an interesting video about rigorous testing to ensure that their products are flushable.

Stay clean!

Thank You,Veterans, for Your Service!

Happy Veterans Day to all service men, women and families! Thank you for your sacrifice! And in that spirit, here are some deals from businesses putting their gratitude where their money is! All deals are subject to change so please check with the businesses for specific rules and restrictions. Have a wonderful day celebrating and again, thank you, thank you!

Bed, Bath, and Beyond

20% Off entire purchase with a Military I.D.

 California Pizza Kitchen

Veterans and Active Military receive a free entree from the restaurant's special menu. Valid only on Wednesday, Nov 11.  

Boston Market

Use this coupon and get a free dessert with a meal purchase.

Hof's Hut

Get a free slice of pie!

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour Restaurants

Through Nov. 13th, any Military personnel, past or present, who show their valid Military I.D. will receive a deliciously patriotic treat. 

Hometown Buffet 

Come in between 11am-2pm and get a free lunch buffet!

 Applebees

Get a free meal all day! #ThankYouMovement

Ruby's Diner

Free dessert, breakfast, lunch or dinner for all Veterans and Active Military! 

Black Angus Steakhouse

Enjoy a free Steakhouse Bacon Cheeseburger & fries for all Vets and Active Military! 

Starbucks Coffee Company

Free coffee for Veterans, Active Military & their spouses!

 Acapulco Restaurant Y Cantina

$3 Margaritas for everyone & 20% off food purchases with Military I.D.

El Torito Cantina Autentica

Another offer for $3 Margaritas & 20% off food purchases with Military I.D.

 And now that you're definitely NOT hungry anymore, here's a deal from Payless ShoeSource:

Take an extra 20% off online or in-store. Take note of the above code.

  And here is a feel-good story: WWII Vet Returns Home in Time for Veterans Day

I REALLY Want What Phil's Having!

...and I want to taste everything Phil is tasting and experience everything Phil is experiencing!

This has emerged as one of my favorite shows of the Fall Season and go figure, it's a reality show found on PBS!  It combines pretty much all of my favorite things: traveling, experiencing new things, eating unique and exotic foods, and laughing at witty humor.

So, the premise is pretty simple. The viewer follows writer Phil Rosenthal around as he travels pretty much the world, showing us incredible views of the most famous landmarks on the planet, meeting interesting people, and trying the most amazing creative foods from the most brilliant winning chefs.

He goes to Tokyo in Episode 1 and samples some of the best Sushi and  Ramen there is. He shows us the enormity of the location--comparing it to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and Los Angeles. He shows us beautiful food and tells us what it all tastes like with the clarity of a true story teller. It looks, sounds and tastes like a feast for the senses, and I took the journey with Phil!

In Episode 2, he goes to Italy and visits with his good friend, Nancy Silverton as she takes him on a tour of her lovely home in a quiet town called Umbria. If not for this show, I would never have even known a town like that exists. There's even Cafe "wars"...Nancy can really only go to one location (you'll have to see the episode to understand why that's so.) The people Phil meets are so passionate about food, including a butcher who treats meat with respect and love. Phil has a heartwarming reunion with old family friends and yes, I got a little teary eyed.

Then he travels to romantic Paris in Episode 3, drinks this fabulous looking hot chocolate (it looked really thick and delicious), eats this gigantic croissant that he groaned with pleasure over, ate some beyond fresh vegetables, and then made me watch him eat this tempting roasted chicken cooked in duck fat that I imagine to be the best tasting chicken anyone could put in their mouth. If I ever make it to Paris, I will hunt down one of these roasted chickens and savor it. Yum!

 Episode 4, finds Phil in Hong Kong. And just like Phil before this trip, I've only seen this city through movies. It looks overpopulated and busy. But Phil breaks it all down & takes us on the best sites and shares his encounters with some fabulous (and maybe not-so-fabulous) food. Phil has the most unique experience with Chinese medicine. I have to say I laughed out loud quite a few times during this episode. And then I really craved some Dim Sum and tea. ☺

 Phil shares his journey to Barcelona, Spain with us in Episode 5. This was a mouth watering journey in search of "the best" the city has to offer--from tapas to jamon. I found myself wanting to reach through the screen & wishing I could taste all the delicious food Phil was having!  I'm not sure how he can eat all that good food and still stay slim. Lucky you, Phil! The architecture he shows us is a feast for the eyes as well. Barcelona, Spain seems to be one very delicious city!

 For Episode 6, Phil features my own backyard-ish...Los Angeles! I love when he says, "The world comes to me!" Because LA truly is a fusion of so many cultures and some really great ethnic foods! In the mood for Mexican, French, Korean, sweets, sandwiches, & more?...LA's got it! And this episode was so heartwarming and feel-good. Phil did a great job showcasing this great city.

I'm sad that this season ended so quickly. I enjoyed every travel destination Phil took us to. And he doesn't know it, but he's a close personal friend of mine now.