New Dining Room Set has arrived

and look it didnt take me long to stuff our crap inside the stools! This is going to be the best part about this set. Baldyman always tosses his hats, gloves, and junk on my table and it just irks me to no end. When I saw these stools had storage--I knew this was the one. AND its deep storage AND he has 2 stools to fill up. I did toss my ironing in there to but he wont figure that out!
See it all looks nice and neat--no one has any idea what pigs we are!
And this is the table and chairs. I wont get the other chair for a couple weeks and it does have a leaf so we can still seat 6-8 when all the ankle biters are over. For now, for just me and Baldyman its nice and small and compact. What else we liked about this set is that its counter sized so its higher. That will be nice for baking, or working on things. So there it is...nothing fancy...but we like it!

You will be amazed at Monday's post. I did take pictures of my bedroom, clean side, dirty side..and its pretty bad...and I hate to admit this is how it is EVERY day.

Before......Todays the Day!

Please dont look at all the extras I seem to have laying around--but this is the spot where my new dining room table will be going today. Sometime between 12 and 2 it should be arriving. Baldyman moved out the old one last night, we vacumned up the little rug and this is what we have left.
I need to get in here this morning and clear out all the extras that dont belong. I have a huge bag of birdseed, shoes, Baldyman has boxes for god knows what. Can you tell we are clutter freaks? I'm getting excited, and I'll be back later to show you the new set!

P.S. When I'm feeling brave--I'm gonna take a picture of my bedroom on the clean side--and then MY side...talk about disgusting!

Just a reminder

that summer really does exist in Wisconsin. This is me and my 3rd grandaughter Ms. Ellie last July. I love this picture of her and I. We were getting ready to empty the pool out but decided we would do it slowly and just lay on the pool and let the water run. Funny thing is--after this shot--I laid back on the back side and she went over to that yellow ball and so much water came out--she floated right out of the pool and down the grass. If you could have seen her face! She looked at me--Grandma where the H..... am I going???? I laughed so hard. Being that we still cant get much above 0 here,, this picture is reminding me of the fact that YES Wisconsin does get hot...and I'm definitely getting ready for it!

P.S. Please excuse the semi-undecent dress of myself!

Ducks and Dining

Look at what arrived yesterday! My little Spa Ducks. I have a pretty neat collection now of these little fellas. I never knew you could get so many various kinds of ducks. The Valentines one and the one in fur are so tiny its funny. The fur just about buries the one duck. I think I need to start checking the measurements of some things!
This here is my dining room set now. This table is about 25 years old. The Chairs could use some work but the table itself is in pretty good shape. I normally have a tablecloth on it--but after Baldyman's birthday dinner the cloth was in pretty bad shape. So I figured since its leaving here tomorrow night--I will shine it up and enjoy it for acouple of days. Our oldest son is taking this so its still in the family. We've had many fun, happy meals around this table. Our children grew up on this table. Many relatives that are now gone sat here with us and enjoyed holiday dinners, birthday dinners. Many of you know how that is--Memories!

Strawberry Angel Cake

Here it is! In all its glory. I dont know why--but it didnt collapse this year. Probably because I told all of you it does.....this sucker held up! If you look close you can see how it kinda started collapsing...
This photo shows just how much it was going downnnnn....I figured after the first cut--it would split wide open....but....
look! It didnt collapse! It just stayed together! Amazing! This cake is very refreshing...pretty easy to make. I cant guarantee you it wont collapse on ya--but go ahead and try it. Even it does fall apart-it dosnt affect the taste.

1 Angel Food Cake--I dont EVER use off brands--I always use Pillsbury or Betty Crocker

1 Large Cool Whip--actually you can go smaller
3 Large Pkgs. Strawberry Jello
2 Boxes Frozen Strawberries

Cut around the cake about 1 inch from the edge..pull out the pieces and set aside.

Add 3 pkgs jello to 2 cups hot water. Stir--add frozen strawberries--Chill this until firm.

Once firm--add the broken cake pieces to the jello mixture. I also throw in some Cool Whip until you like the taste. Place this inside the cake,,,and cover with Cool Whip. Chill until ready to serve! Its delicious!

P.S.---We did end up getting a new dining room set! It arrives on Friday. We took our daughter in law to shop for a new mattress set and as we were walking out--all 3 of us just said--Hey look at this one...we sat on it and new instantly it was the one we both liked. Its not fancy by any means...its a high counter top set with stools and armless chairs. For us, its perfect. I'm excited and cant wait to show ya!

Cracker Barrel!

Ok I went to look at the dining room set AGAIN, I emphasize that because this will be our 2nd LONG time looking at it. We left without ordering AGAIN. I dont know why, we both like it--but for now nothing! I'll keep yas updated but I do think I want to go check one more store. When your getting an item that you know will probably be your last purchase, you want to make sure its "you". Okkk, so on to other things. We went to Cracker Barrel for dinner which was amazing. Each of us had dinner and we split a dessert and our bill was only $22.00. We were sooo happy. Thats a deal in these times. I had the fish fry, baldyman had the chicken soup in a bread bowl and for dessert we had the bread pudding. The food was great, we sat right in front of the roaring fireplace. It was heaven! Sooo, after dinner I had to shop. Anyone who has been to Cracker Barrel knows they have really unique things. Sooo for starters, I got this Relax sign. Dosnt this rock? I put it in our guest room which always has a breathing body in it...so I never get to enjoy it....this is totally me.

And when I saw this pillow I literally laughed out loud! I dont even eat truffles but yet it just struck me. This is gracing my chaise and I love this to.

And this--well all people that love chocolate--nothing more needs to be said! This is a little doorhanger that also graces my guest room with a forever breathing body in it. I have it on the bed that I never get to sleep in!
And the last is this pitcher. Its quite large actually. Its a Valentines Pitcher but you wouldnt know it. Its ceramic and I love it. I'm going to get some pretty flowers for it today and it graces my old dining room table that for some odd reason I cant get rid of..but will soon! lol... anyhow so that was my Friday shopping adventure. They had some adorable things-but since my birthday is coming up I let baldyman know thats where I would like to go...he says this year there are no gift exchange..I said I cant go without gifts yet. I hope he dosnt stick to that! Happy Weekend everyone.

yipeeee FRIDAY HAS ARRIVED!

Not sure what everyone has planned but whatever it is--have fun doing it! For me, I'm thinking its time to finally go get my dining room set. We've had one in mind for awhile now and both of us like it--so i might finally take the plunge. It's exciting to think of a new dining set--I've had this one for 25 years! Our oldest son is taking it, so for the memory part, at least its still in the family.

I've got a new Lip Balm Fragrance, Hazelnut Latte. I DO NOT drink coffee, never could develop a taste for it--BUT this fragrance is divine! Pure mellow scent, not overwhelming. I will be making it in my new Spring containters, colors of yellow, rose, lavender, blue, they are petite in size--but the balm will last a while. Price on these will be $2.00. Again--made with Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E! Great stuff for the lips.

Other than that, I have no plans other than to be a domestic mouse. Baldyman's birthday is on Monday--so I'm cooking dinner for him on Sunday. He always requests his favorite cake he grew up with as a child--and each year I ruin it. While it tastes great--it collapses EVERY year...EVERY year. I swear under my breath--ask him why he insists on me making this--and yet here we go again! Everyone laughs when you first cut into the cake--and poof--it all falls apart. Maybe thats why they want me to make it--so they can laugh at me!
Have a great Friday and a Great Weekend!

Friend or Enemy?

Look at it....it dosnt even look nice. It LOOKS mean. It is mean. I hate it. I dont even like going down into the basement to look at it. Its been living with us for 3 years now and I still dont like it. When it first moved in, we were dedicated. Baldyman and I were down there faithfully 3 to 4 times per week. It kicked my butt. Literally for the first few weeks--I crawled back up the basement stairs when it was done torturing me. If you look at the creature, the bench, well the top part comes off and you just have that little seat...that slides back and forth on the machine and one part of the exercises you add alot of weight and place your heels against the weight part of the creature,,,well DO NOT ever attempt doing that while wearing socks. When the creature was new and we didnt know how mean it was--I wore socks. My feet slipped off that back part and because of the high amount of weights I was pulled into the that part of the machine. I slid so fast there was nothing you could have done to stop it. You dont get hurt--its just the funniest freakiest thing you ever saw in your l ife. Baldyman's eyes nearly popped out and I was so scared I blew enough gas to start a fleet of cars. I'm tellin ya--this creature is NOT nice.

Ohh, for awhile I could tell I was trimming up nicely--still fat but firm fat. There's something to be said about that! About a year ago--we slacked off. I'm sure you all know how that is--time gets away and before you know it--its been nearly a year. Well, Baldyman said NO MORE. We are going back to the creature in the basement. Soooooo, every other day I sadly walk down the basement stairs. For about the first 5 minutes I swear under my breath and use inproper sign language. It dosnt answer me back--it already knows what its going to do to me. Soo, you tell me,,,is this my friend or enemy? Today is my day off thank GOD! So , i can walk by the basement door and smile and use that sign language. Tomorrow--well I'll deal with that in the morning!

Easy Delicious Cream Cheese Dessert!

Here ya go! Another easy, just a few ingrediants fantastic tasting dessert! A Co-worker brought these in on Monday and I already whipped up a batch last night. I know my picture dosnt do it justice--believe me its good!

Ingrediants:
2 pkgs Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
2 pksg Philidelphia Cream Cheese--dont subsitute--there the best!
1 Cup Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
1 egg--both the yolk and white need to be separated

Lay one pkg of Cresent Roll Mix along the bottom of a pan--smaller than 9x13--I dont know what that size is--lol. Mix 2 pks cream cheese, the sugar and egg yolk and vanilla until mixed.

Place that over the Crescent roll. Place the next pkg of crescent roll over the top of the cream cheese mixture. Spread with the egg white. Sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar over the top! Bake at 350 about 30 minutes! Thats it! Serve it with whipped cream maybe a few berries-and ummmmm its good! It was tasty warm but cream cheese is best served chilled.

History being made is awfully expensive

History will be made today. Surely and exciting day across our land, for many reasons, for many people. Even for those who didnt vote for Obama--you have to admit--there is still that teeny tiny spark of --HOPE. All of us no matter who we voted for, wanted a change. We want the war to end, our soldiers home safe, we want our country safe, we want better economics and the overall feeling in this country to change from dismal to hope.

Today is it--its here. No going back now. Obama starts and all we can do now is wait and see. Yesterday at work the ladies had a discussion about today. All I could think and it popped right out of my mouth was--I realize history is being made, but what I cant justify or understand is the cost of what its going to be--to make history. Everyone--was like--There ya go--thats how I feel to. Maybe being in the field we are in-makes us a different breed I dont know. All we can think about are the jobs lost, the homes being lost, businesses closing, homeless shelters full, food pantries empty, mothers and children not having their needs met--programs not having anything available for low income families due to funding being gone, and here America sits willing to spend $170 million PLUS for a darn party. YES its history,, I get that..YES its cause for a huge celebration of some sort. BUT...I said I cannot imagine having a dress put on me that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. I would literally puke. I cannot fathom that. I cannot fathom getting into a vehicle that is brand new at a cost of hundreds of thousands--when the other vehicle is still superb and fits the needs a President has. I cannot understand this. All of us regular folks--know full well a beautiful dress can be had for hundreds of dollars...period. Haircuts and styles dont have to be hundreds--they can be $20.00's lol.

Theres just something very wrong when our country is in the place it is, to see this kind of money being spent. I'm not saying its Obama--heck in fairness to him alot of it probably isnt. I've seen some of the donations some of these Corporations are giving--well heck--take those donations and give those to trustworthy charities so that we can ensure human beings have food, shelter, medical care, personal supplies etc. Give those donations to Human Service Organizations that will provide services to families to keep them from falling apart. There are endless needs across our land that can use that money to ensure basic human needs are met. I can tell you what wont be met--beautiful gowns, plates of overpriced food, overpriced exotic flowers, over priced hair salons,over priced jewelry, and on and on.

Today begins a new journey for our Country--I'm scared to say the least. Very scared. As the excitement is being promoted by the Media--all I see are the continuation of loss of businesses, lack of services for the needy, and a continued high need for basic needs for our fellow Americans. That really bothers me as a human being. For me, I cannot rejoice and party (unless its a small party) when all around me there is an ocean full of sinking people. I dont know how those in our government can do it...I just cant.

Ronda's Interview with Dawn!

I was willing to be interviewed and here are the questions! You can visit Ronda here!

1. What is your favorite part of your day and why? The older I get my most favorite part is early morning. I love the quietness of it, the silence, the birds feeding and the sun starting its job of warming us up!

2. As a fellow 50 year old, I am curious... What do you think is the best and worst part of being 50?
For me, the shock of turning 50 was hard. Just hearing yourself say...I'm 50, just dosnt feel right. I do know now what people mean when they say they feel younger inside, that part of me feels the same as when i was 20 or 30...the body part--well you do feel your aches and pains. What i do like about being 50....I know what I want--what I need, I know whats important and what is not. I also understand about picking your battles, some things are just not worth your energy.

3. My Hubby loves being an empty nester but I still struggle with it. How has your life changed since becoming an empty nester? Well honestly, sometimes I feel it hasnt. With 5 kids, 3 grandkids--I feel my household is still to busy. Its very rare I have quiet time and I need it. That is why I have the goal of being able to stay back home full time so that I can carve more time out of the day for me. I think the struggle when I do feel it--is that I just cant believe our kids grew up...and there are many days you wish you could have them small again so that you could do things different or better. We remember all our mistakes as Moms--hopefully the kids dont!

4. We have the ups and downs of having our own business...How do you like or dislike having your own business? I'm just beginning in this little business..so far-no complaints. I dont want to get to big though because i dont want anything to rob me of the joy I am getting from it. I just want to earn a small income and create good things that are good for us ladies-and allow us to pamper ourselves more.

and last but not least...

5. Have you always lived in Wisconsin? And tell me why or why not I should visit there! Yep I've always lived in Wisconsin. I would say I hate it--but at times I dont mind it. The 4 seasons can be absolutely stunning here. We have many beautiful places to visit..the scenery here can be amazing. I think if your ever planning on visiting this area--I would encourage you to visit either Door County, Mincoqua, Wisconsin Dells in the summer, Madison or Milwaukee. Those cities have alot going on culturaly and for things to do. Plus add the lakes and views and its pretty amazing. What I dont like about Wisconsin--I think our business climate does nothing to entice or attempt to keep businesses. Our taxes can be overwhelming and from what i hear its very hard to keep a business going here. So many leave--you would think our governor would figure that out! I also think our winters are about a month to long. By Febuary--end of it-early March--we've all had enough. Perhaps thats why our drinking statistics are so high. We joke about it--but really--it does get so hard to be inside so long.

Thanks for asking me these questions!

If anyone would like me to interview them--Please let me know on here and I'll ask you 5 questions!

Here are the directions:
Here's the directions:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Announcing My Giveaway Winner!

I took a yellow piece of old ugly paper--wrote all the names down, pulled one out ANDDDDDD.... (can you hear the drum roll) its SHELLMO!!!! Email me your address and I'll get it out within the next day or two. I hope you enjoy it.

My email-Dawn53094@yahoo.com!

Another Giveaway-Ends tonight!

Go here and sign up! She has an adorable blog--alot of great posts. I love supporting new bloggers as I'm VERY understanding of how exciting it is to gain new followers--regular posters and new online friends. Its not easy promoting yourself--so lets all help each other out. Besides, a giveaway is something we can never pass up!

Check out this giveaway!

Please visit this blog and check out her giveaway.. great stuff, and just in time for Lovers Day.

Her cats are sooo cute and her dream home is already what i live in, I just dont think she knows that yet...but heck either do i!

P.S. I know I"m behind on my giveaway--I'll do it tomorrow--I promise!

Calming Scents-Body Care Products by Dawn!

Here it is-the onset of my new little venture! Body Spritzs begin the show--8 oz of Spritz for $6.50 a bottle! There are 0 chemicals in this--hence no color...but the fragrance is awesome--Essential Oils are used for the Scents!
These next little gems are my Foot Fizzies. These are best used in the foot tubs, 2-3 per foot bath. Fragrances are Spearmint-Peppermint--or Eucalyptus, or a combination of Eucalyptus and Lemon. These sell for $6.00 a container.
My favorite Bath Soaks! Called Bath Bombs-Bath Fizzies...I am calling em Bath Soaks! Why? Because thats exactly the best way to use these. 1 per Soak and its enough. They are made with Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Epson Salt, Cornstarch, Baking Soda, Citric Acid and a Scent. The Scents I have available now are Sweet Orange, Jasmine (this is DIVINE), Rose, Lavendar, Eucalyptus, Tranquility, and please check for my list of Scents which I will post Below! These sell for $3.50 per Bath Soak
This is also one my favorites! Lip Balms in a neat little carrying packet of a Seashell! How cute is that? These are made with Shea butter, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Sweet Almond Oil & Beeswax. The scents I have available right now are Spearmint, Vanilla Vanilla, and Sweet Orange. I will be adding to these as we go along. Be good to your lips--Shea Butter is awesome for anti-aging, and moisturizing. Price $3.00
And to end my little show...Bath Salts. These are made with Fine Sea Salts and Essential Oils, Vitamin E and Sweet Almond Oil..just a tad of this. Its mainly used again for Soaking and Relaxing yourself. I however have been using mine for everyday washing and I havent noticed a problem with my skin. These also have Epson Salts in them. You cant beat this for pampering our skin either! These sell for $8.50 an 8 oz jar. The Scents I have in these are Soothing, Sweet Dreams, and Energize. The Essential Oils used for these Scents will be a mixture of Oils to promote Soothing and Healing, Relaxing at the end of the day--Scents to promote a feeling of Creation and Excitement in being alive!

I will be making Massage Oils and those will be available next week--I will add those Scents at that time. My goal is to continue learning and creating products that are good for us--promote Relaxation and Pampering and Self-Love. All my life-I've been on the quest for Serenity and this is a way for me to express that and incorporate into my everyday life. I hope to share this with everyone else who want it--as well as products that are not full of chemicals. Anyone interested in anything just contact me by email--Dawn53094@yahoo.com. For purchases $25.00 and up--I include a Spa Duck--because every woman enjoying a soak needs alittle cutey companion! I will also include some samples of products that dont look well--but have all the right ingrediants--these are just things I've flopped while making!

Attention all my Blog Followers

Unfortunately you may be drawn into my birth family's sick and disturbing harassment. They attempted to comment on my blog and since I blocked them they are now choosing to email the blog list. Please forward all these emails and comments. I will be taking those to our attorney and see what legal charges can be pressed for this harassment. I'm sorry you are being drawn into this and hopefully this will end soon, my wish is that legally they will face some criminal charges. Again, I apologize for anyone being drawn into this!

P.S. I did not forget the drawing, I will do it tomorrow--between all my computer problems and me trying to launch my body care business, I've had no time to breathe!

Did I really hear this?

Last night on TV which I rarely watch...but hey Baldyman was gone and its -40 below zero..anyhow..I'm sittin on the couch with Genie watching Lifetime--(she's farting up a storm) and I see this commercial come on. New Charmin Ultra Soft--the tag line???

Fewer pieces left behind!!!! OMG--did I really hear that??? YEP--I sure did..I started laughing my butt off. I mean picture that...fewer pieces left behind. Who thought of that..and what an EUUUU thought. If you havent seen it yet-I'm sure you will. Soo, the next time your in the Supermarket shopping for necessities, pick up a package of this. After all, it will mean fewer pieces left behind, or fewer pieces left in the behind! EUUUUUUUUUU but LOL!

Dont let it fool ya!

It might look nice out here but its NOT! This is a picture i snapped about 730 this morning. Sun was just peeking out and it looks really nice out.
The temps today on the way to work were -11. Add the wind chills to that-and we are talking close to 40 below zero. All the schools are closed..many businesses to. I made it in and thru the day but i tell ya--its bone chillin. You can only be out for a few minutes and you can feel the pain of the temps. We have one more day of this--tonight is suppossed to be the worst of it. They say by noon tomorrow it should begin to warm up....lucky us we may see 7 or 8! Grab your shorts and sun bonnet and head on over! I'll light up the grill....

A Virus!!!

My computer is NOT right...add that on top of the mess I have from not being able to change the background--lol. I do think I have some sort of virus..but so far its not detecting it. If I'm not around for awhile--its because my computer is on the fritz! Hopefully Baldyman will be able to figure this out tonight--I am pretty good at removing viruses but nothing is getting picked up to remove as of yet.

Just Because

Just because I like this picture. No other reason. Its snowing here today, its below zero--and going to get colder yet. This is how many of Thomas Kinkaid's paintings look and I absolutely love them. I wish the snow was animated in this picture but I dont know how to do that. To me, this is how I would hope my home looks on a cold winter night.