Monthly Archives: October 2012

Hurricane Sandy & Cravebox

Wow – what a day it has been.  Started early this am with consistent winds of 25-30 MPH.  Around noon time it changed.  Trees in my yard started to fall.  I am very thankful that they were at the back of my yard and fell in the right direction.  I think we have just passed the worst of it.  I was lucky in that we have not lost power (yet – fingers crossed).

Here is hoping that everyone on the East Coast has a better tomorrow.

On another note – I received notice that I was selected for the next Cravebox.  Very excited because it is a Cooking Light box.  This can only hold things that I will love.  I will keep you posted.  I totally recommend you sign up to be involved with these.  I am having a blast!

That’s it for now – Enjoy your night.  If you live on the East Coast – be safe!

Travel & Hurricane Sandy

Miami Beach

Just returned from a brief trip to Miami.  On the trip down we ran into Sandy off the coast.  It made our weather the first day and  a half, very rainy and windy.  After that it improved.  It remained windy for the duration of our trip, but the sun came out and that was all I needed!  The surf remained wild after Sandy moved on.

I love Florida in the fall.  This is the time of year when it starts to get cold and dark in New England, and it will remain that way for months.  Too many if you ask me.

The second round of fun came on our return trip.  We were the last Boston flight being allowed to leave Miami.  Sandy is headed our way and they were making preparations for a very windy and rainy few days.  I am not a great flyer.  I do it with reluctance, only because I know it is what allows me to get from point A to point B in a reasonable amount of time.  So imagine how thrilled I was to hear the captain come over the load speaker and say that he will do his best but there will be turbulence, especially the closer we get to Boston.  Yipee…  Well, the flight was not the smoothest I have been on, but it wasn’t the worst either.  I think knowing that there was going to be turbulence, helped with my usual panic.

As much as I didn’t want to leave Miami earlier today, I am glad I did.  When the weather is bad and travel is dangerous, there is no place like home…  Stay safe everyone!

Birds a Sign of Change & DIY Kit Arrival

Yesterday was a very nice day.  The weather in the end was “make me happy” nice.  Since I love to bird watch – it was a great day for that.  Lots of migrating birds both to and fro…  Favorite of the day was the Baltimore Oriole.  He stopped by my yard to eat some of the fruit off my trees. Loved the surprise of seeing him. This is not the best picture – but he was loving the fruit on the tree!  I also had the opportunity to view a Mocking Bird. Unfortunately he was too far on the out skirts of my yard to get a good picture.  I will so miss these guys during the winter.  Saw two signs that winter is on its way – the White-crowned Sparrow and the Dark-eyed Juncos have found there way to my yard.  Oh well, I will have to face that winter is coming, even if I would prefer it doesn’t.

If you read this blog you know I am a big fan of Pinterest. Well if you use the site you may want to check out  Brit + Co.

She decided to create kits  based on DIY ideas found on Pinterest.  I thought this was a fabulous idea, so I immediately subscribed. There is a cost – her sight spells it out.  I received my first kit yesterday. Very excited to find out it is all the supplies to make these balloon lights.   I really like this idea when I came across it on Pinterest – I pinned it, but the problem was I could not find the blinking lights.  Well now I don’t have to look any more. I am doing this for my Christmas party.

It is football Sunday so we know what that means…  Have a fantastic Sunday!

College Visits, Football Sunday & Happy Columbus Day

Friday – my youngest and I visited a couple of colleges.  It is always a nice time of year to visit colleges in upstate New York.  My favorite was Utica college.  Though it is on the smaller side, it offered the program my son was looking for.  Bonus –  it also has a swim team.  Not sure what he is thinking yet, but we will find out soon.

Yesterday was Sunday and for me that means football. I am an avid New England Patriots fan.  Would not matter where I lived, they are the team for me.  I have been following them since the Mid 80’s, so I have been there through the bad as well as the good times.  My football game was the 4 pm game, so that gave me time to get a little crocheting done.  I have been working on a afghan.  I found the pattern on this website.  I decided to do my own thing and add an additional color.  I will post the completed project once it is done.  These are pictures of where I was at the beginning of football afternoon and then what I had done at the end.  Progress – right!

Squares before

Squares After

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love having a Monday holiday.  It seems to make the entire weekend much better.  For me it is a relaxing, catching up on some chores kind of day.  Here  it is a little chilly, so my dinner choice is comfort food.  Planning on meatloaf, mac & cheese, salad and cornbread.  I have found a few good recipes for mac & cheese on Pinterest.  I have a good recipe from my Mom, but I love to try others when I can.  I also like to use whatever cheese I have on hand.  This time I added a little smoked Gouda.   I also made my own breadcrumbs using some left over rolls I made.  I am hoping the family likes it!  Back to reality tomorrow.  Enjoy the rest of today!

Michelle

Cravebox – politics banned!

Today is Wednesday – normally a nothing kind of night, middle of the week boring.  This week it has taken on new meaning.  The presidential debate is on.  No, I am not going to get political here.  You will vote for who you vote for.  The important thing is -that you vote!  Well others in my family have different opinions and they are very into debates, etc.  Me, I look for an escape.  Don’t get me wrong, I think it is important that you gain knowledge so you know what you are voting for.  But I can figure that out early on and not much they say in these debates will change my opinion.  Wasted TV time.

So what do I do?  I turn to my favorite TV channels – HGTV or FoodNetwork.  I love their shows and the commercials do not include political ads – a big bonus as far as I am concerned!  Plus – I can learn a thing or two.

Today I was excited because I received my first Cravebox.  I mentioned that I was expecting this in my last post.  I was quite excited to receive it.  My guess about the book was correct, so I know I am very excited about reading it.  If you want to read the first few pages as I did, go to Amazon. I also received a package of licorice from Natural Vines.  I have had licorice before, mostly form the grocery store.  Well, I have to tell you, there is a BIG difference.  This licorice is soft and very flavorful.  I had my son try it as well and he agreed. Another part of the box was a very cute bracelet from Alexa’s Angels, it spelled out Gratitude.  When I look at it, it does make me think about what I am thankful for.  Go to their website.  They have a lot of great gift ideas there. The last (but not least) sample in the box was a bag of soy nut mix.  I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about this one.  I am pleased to announce that it was good.  The bag had soy nuts, but also included a little bit of chocolate.  The combination made this work.  It was also the perfect snack size.  I will be buying from Crum Creek Mills again.

This may seem like an advertisement – but it isn’t totally (though to be honest, I want to be selected for more boxes…).  I am very impressed with what I received from Cravebox.  The products I received are definitely things I will use and seek to purchase in the future.

Book Lover's Cravebox Image

Well, I am off to read my book and eat my snacks.  Hope I get picked again soon!

Michelle