the trouble with girls.

I am going to rant here for a minute...I am sick to death of women and their cattiness towards each other.  Okay, let me rephrase that, their cattiness behind eachothers backs.  "My best friend's sisters boyfriend heard from this guy, who told this girl..."  
I mean seriously ladies.  Are we still in junior high, or what?  Why the competitiveness?  Why the mean-spirited comments about one's children?  Why the need to call, text, facebook, email ME to tell about a certain situation in which you have not even been witness to the wrongdoing.  You were simply a 3rd, or 4th, or even 5th party to the person offended or doing the offending.  YET, you make it a point to further that gossip--lots of times even prefacing what you are about to say with the actual words "I know this is gossiping, but".  GIVE ME A BREAK!  I do not claim to be faultless when it comes to listening or spreading some of trash talk, but the more I try to take notice of it; the more it makes me sick to my stomach.  My JOY is squelched when I participate in this behavior.  It takes up much needed brain space that I could be using on interesting projects, stimulating conversation, or simply enJOYing my life and those around me.   SO, here is my official notice.  From this point on, I will no longer listen to your two-faced "story telling".  I will confront you with yourself.  I will turn the story around on you and make you aware of how damaging your words can be.  I will not passively hold my opinion.  I will stand up for justice and not be afraid to stick up for what is right!   ( that being said, if I have not a single friend left on this planet after tomorrow... it's been nice knowing ya)

Lemons #2 thru #11~ Meyer Lemonade

Middle Sister and Little Sister squeezed all 10 lemons.
I think Big Sister even got in on the action.
Who doesn't enJoy a bit of lemon squeezing?
The finished product was amazing! It really is true...If life (or your sister-in-law) sends you a box of lemons~ make lemonade. Only about 40 more to go. Next up, candied lemon peel and a tarty lemon tart. Stay tuned...

Lemon #1~ guacamole, of course

The 50 Lemon Challenge

so my wonderful brother and sister-in-law sent me a very fruity food challenge. Oh, I am up for a good challenge.  Stay tuned...





by the way, before the lemons arrived...we made this tasty little treat for dinner.  Mussels are such an amazing addition to any pasta dish...so are beans (my new favorite add-in)

just a few thoughts.

I haven't posted those pictures of the finished Valentine box.  Needless to say, little girl did not win the prize.  It's ok, she made her box just like herself...creative, unique, and beautiful.  She loved it & that's all that matters. 

I am collecting food quotes and thought I'd post a few.  enJOY!

Eating in its proper context is not the problem. God gave us food for nourishment, strength, and even celebration. But, when pleasure becomes unrestrained, there's a problem.

Do vegetarians eat animal crackers?  ~Author Unknown

The belly rules the mind.  ~Spanish Proverb

When baking, follow directions.  When cooking, go by your own taste.  ~Laiko Bahrs

A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat.  ~Old New York Proverb

We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons.  ~Alfred E. Newman

inspired.

My youngest daughter, little girl, informed me that there will be a Valentine Box contest at school. Hhmmm...nothing I like better than a bit of friendly competition. Since we have yet another snow day, I thought we might as well get started. I found this cool idea online at one of my favorite blogs www.OurBestBites.com and had to give it a try. These are the ones out of crepe paper. Cute.

These are all of the designs...2 out of crepe paper, one out of a long piece of fabric and one out of felt. The idea is pretty much the same and because I am not yet savvy enough to post a tutorial, you will just have to take my word for it... easy! It's basically a twist and roll idea. I will put the finished project up with photos of little girl actually working on it (I am not a cheater mom) later this afternoon.