Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recipes. Show all posts

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Home Cooking: Dishes My Mom Used to Make: Oxtail Stew

Are there any dishes that your mom used to make when you were growing up that you thought were incredibly delicious? Real comfort food. Dishes that are even more comforting when you think back fondly on that dish or those dishes and realize that you never learned the recipe or how to prepare it for your own family!

My mom used to cook oxtail stew.


My mother is passed away now. I never got her recipe. Of course, you can Google oxtail stew and find a bazillion recipes. But I’ll bet none of them will taste like the stew my mom used to make. Nevertheless, if you’ve never eaten a hearty bowl of oxtail stew and would like try, here are a few recipes.



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Recall fond memories of the smells from your mother’s kitchen? Ready to fill your bowls?

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NOTE:  This is my original content first published April 2018 at Virily, a social blogging community ~ Dishes My Mom Used to Make: Oxtail Stew



Saturday, March 16, 2024

World Cuisine : Focus on Food Contributions of the Irish

Since March is Irish-American Heritage Month, this post will share information about Ireland's food history and various recipes which were likely brought to the United States by way of Irish immigrants (or were adopted by the Irish-Americans and made their own).  ๐Ÿ˜

  

Timeline of the Irish Potato Famine 1845-1851

Some may say there's plenty of meat and potatoes when it comes to Irish food.  But that was not always so.  7 years of famine? Sounds biblical, doesn't it?

Timeline of the Irish Potato Famine 1845-1851

March 24th 1847: British people, led by Queen Victoria, held a National Day of Atonement, fasting and doing penance, for the Irish famine.[16] April 1847: A report, to the Central Board of Health from Killarney, showed that people were literally dropping dead in the street.





How to Make Irish Stew

How to Make Irish Stew

Irish Stew is the kind of food that is great on a cold winters night, but is simply perfect on any occasion. The aroma combined with the flavor make it one of my favorite meals. I currently have about five, but the addition of the barley in this recipe add a lot of texture and flavor to the stew.


Why Do We Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage on St Patrick's Day?

The complete question is: Why Do We Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage on St Patrick's Day When Corned Beef and Cabbage is Not Irish Food?

Why Do We Eat Corned Beef and Cabbage on St Patrick's Day?

by JoHarrington I'll admit that I was somewhat taken aback. I'd just finished telling an American friend that her country is responsible for St Patrick popularly wearing green (traditionally he wore blue), and for linking shamrocks with the Irish.



The Best Irish-Inspired Recipes

The Best Irish-Inspired Recipes

Yes, there's plenty of meat and potatoes when it comes to Irish food, but there's a lot more too, and it's all delicious.




Is Traditional Irish Food in America Accurate? | PBS Food

Is Traditional Irish Food in America Accurate? | PBS Food

by Allison Gray If an Irishman came to America on St. Patrick's Day, he might be a little bit shocked by the leprechaun outfits, green beer guzzlers, and yes, even the corned beef and cabbage. To be Irish in America is no rare thing-about 34.5 million people in the United States claim Irish heritage according to the 2011 U.S.



Irish American Mom's Top Ten Recipes

Irish American Mom's Top Ten Recipes

With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, I thought why not review my recipes to see which ones are most popular with readers. And so I've come up with my Top Ten Recipes of all time. Believe it or not, all of the most viewed recipes on my site are Irish recipes.

Decorative divider images from glitter-graphics.com

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Food Blurb: Much Ado About Mushrooms

If you have been following this foodie blog then you know that my love affair with mushrooms began the same time that I started dating my late husband, I shared those details in this blog post:
This short post (or food blurb) is just an add-on to tell you more things I have discovered about this wonderful fungi!  Did you know that there is such a thing as a Mushroom of Immortality?


“Reishi/lingzhi has been referenced as far back as 100 B.C. as a supplement used to improve human health.” It is called a Mushroom of Immortality and you can grow it on your own. They're quite tasty. Just don't believe for one minute that they will make you live forever.  




Here is a wonderful veggie soup will get you through the winter months. Totally comfort food!  It includes a variety of mushrooms:  cremini, shiitake, and reishi. 


Also, if you love Asian noodles, you'll love this Reishi Mushroom Ramen Bowl.





Saturday, February 3, 2024

Recipe Sharing: White Christmas Cheesecake That's Perfect From Valentine's Day (Guest Post)

Ever met a cheesecake you didn't like?  I haven't  This is a White Christmas Cheesecake that is perfect for Valentine's Day.  Here's the recipe.  

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Homemade Soups That Start With the Letter C

Recipes for cabbage, cauliflower chickpea and coconut soups.
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Cabbage Soup

Ingredients for Cabbage Soup:

  • 1/4 cup ghee

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 lb. cabbage, chopped

  • 1 lb. potato quartered

  • 2 1/2 cup water

  • 1 1/4 cup vegetable stock

  • 1 tsp. cornstarch

  • salt and pepper to taste


Preparation Method for Cabbage Soup:

Step-01: Heat ghee in a pan and fry the onion until soft.

Step-02: Add cabbage and stir until wilted and coated with ghee.

Step-03: Add potato, tomatoes, and water, bring to a boil, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Step-04: Add stock, return to boil and cook for 5 minutes.

Step-05: Remove from heat and mash or puree the soup.

Step-06: Blend cornstarch with a little soup then stir it into the pan and bring it to boil, stirring until slightly thickened.

Step-07: Season to taste with salt and pepper.


Cauliflower Soup

Ingredients Cauliflower Soup:

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1/2 tsp. salt

  • 2 Tbs. butter or margarine

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 1 potato, sliced

  • 1/4 C. plain (all-purpose) flour

  • 3 cup milk

  • salt and pepper


Preparation Method for Cauliflower Soup:

Step-01: Place cauliflower, bay leaf, and salt into a pan and add just enough water to cover.

Step-02: Cook till the mixture boils, then reduce the flame and cook for an additional 7 minutes.

Step-03: Drain, reserving the liquid.

Step-04: Meanwhile, melt butter and fry onion and potato for 5 minutes until soft but not browned.

Step-05: Blend in flour and cook, stirring continuously for 2 minutes.

Step-06: Then add milk by stirring and cook till boiling.

Step-07: Add cauliflower, reduce heat, and simmer gently until tender.

Step-08: Puree in a blender or food processor then return to the pan and stir in enough reserved liquid to desired consistency.

Step-09: Check and adjust the seasoning to taste and reheat before serving.


Chickpea Soup

Ingredients for Chickpea Soup:

  • 2/3 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight

  • 3 3/4 cup water

  • 1 tsp. cumin seeds

  • 2 tsp. coriander seeds

  • 1 tsp. fenugreek seeds

  • 3 dried red chilies

  • 1 Tbs. grated (shredded) coconut

  • 2 Tbs. ghee

  • 8 oz. tomatoes, skinned and chopped

  • 1 tsp. ground turmeric

  • 1 tsp. sugar

  • 1 tsp. salt


Preparation Method for Chickpea Soup:

Step-01: Bring chickpeas and 2 1/2 cups water to a boil, cover, and simmer for 1 hour until tender.

Step-02: Grind cumin, coriander and fenugreek seeds, chilies, and coconut.

Step-03: Heat ghee and fry spices for 1 minute.

Step-04: Puree chickpeas then stir in the fried spices, tomatoes, turmeric, sugar, and salt and add the remaining water.

Step-05: Cook till boiling, then cover with a lid, reduce the flame and cook on simmer for 20 minutes.

Step-06: Remove from flame, serve hot.


Coconut Soup

Ingredients for Coconut Soup:

  • 2 coconuts grated,

  • 2 blades of mace,

  • 1 salt-spoonful of cinnamon,

  • 3 pints of water,

  • Juice of a lemon,

  • 2 eggs,

  • 1 oz. of fine wheat-meal,

  • pepper and salt to taste.


Preparation Method for Coconut Soup:

Step-01: Cook the shredded coconut in water till boiling, add cinnamon, mace, and season.

Step-02: Then cook the mixture on low flame for an hour, and then strain through a sieve the mixture and then return the soup to the saucepan.

Step-03: Add wheat-meal, eggs, and lemon juice to form a paste, mix it well in the soup.

Step-04: Then allow the soup to simmer for 5 minutes, and serve hot with plain boiled rice.

♦♦

Soup recipe from Homemade25 Soup Recipes for Nutrition and Health Benefits. Be a part of the healthy eating family at viaindiankitchen.com.


Thursday, November 30, 2023

Which Clam Chowder is on Your Menu?

Do you like clam chowder? New York OR New England? Manhattan or Boston?  Red OR White?

I prefer the white or New England clam chowder. But I'll eat either one that's served to me.

New York vs. New England: Who has the better clam chowder?

chowder






Quick Manhattan Clam Chowder Recipe | Allrecipes

~ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/256170/quick-manhattan-clam-chowder/


New England Clam Chowder - Spend With Pennies

~ https://www.spendwithpennies.com/new-england-clam-chowder/


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NOTES:

Sometimes people call New England clam chowder Boston clam chowder. So if you hear somebody say Boston clam chowder, it's just New England clam chowder by a different name. But I've never called it Boston chowder.  Also, I have never called Manhattan clam chowder, New York chowder.  Come to find out there is a Long Island clam chowder which combines "two types of clam chowder: New England and Manhattan" and results in a "creamy, tomato-based clam chowder".  

Some recipes don't add corn. But I add corn to mine.  I thought I was being clever.  Plus I knew my kids liked corn.  However, a little food history research revealed that earlier chowder recipes also added corn.

If you don't have clams, you can make it vegetarian (and then you'll really appreciate the addition of corn to the recipe).

  • "Chowder is a type of soup or stew often prepared with milk or cream and thickened with broken crackers, crushed ship biscuit, or a roux. Variations of chowder can be seafood or vegetable."  (Wikipedia)
  • "The word chowder is a corruption of the French chaudiรจre (“cauldron”), and chowder may have originated among Breton fishermen who brought the custom to Newfoundland, whence it spread to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and New England."  (Brittanica)
  • " ... a soup is usually made with stock or broth and can have vegetables, meat or fish as ingredients and is generally not very thick. A chowder may have the same ingredients, but is more chunky, creamy and thick, much like a stew." (Soup vs Chowder)




Which clam chowder is on your menu?





Wednesday, November 1, 2023

World Cuisine : Potatoes or Rice? Rice! It Has Jewels!!

Potatoes are wonderful food.  There is no limit to the recipes for preparing them.  But if one were to ask me about rice.  I would say the same thing.  If someone were to ask me to choose between a potato dish and a rice dish, I would have to go with this rice dish.  How could I resist?  It so pretty and exotic!  Plus.  It has jewels!

Persian Jeweled Rice is a spectacular rice pilaf topped with colorful gem-like fruits and nuts ~ this popular wedding dish is a celebration in itself!




More rice dishes you'll love just as much!

This rice dish has cranberries is a perfect American Thanksgiving side dish. Don't you think so? 

PERSIAN CRANBERRY RICE PILAF | littlespicejar.com




Rosh Hashanah Sweet Basmati Rice with Carrots & Raisins | mayihavethatrecipe.com




Your Kids Are Going To LOVE These 4 Fried Rice Ideas | buzzfeed.com

Food Blog Spotlight : Sam's Place ~ Old and New Family Recipes

Sam Monaco publishes a food blog sharing awesome photos and recipes of scrumptious food that he makes himself. Visit his blog to find recipes for:
  • Appetizers/Snacks
  • Main Dishes/Grilling
  • Soups/Salads/Sandwiches
  • Pasta
  • Desserts/Cookies/Candy

Why would anybody like this blog?  Because it's just good old-fashioned home cooking.  Nothing overly fancy or ostentatious.  It's everyday family-style hearty and comforting food.  The blog's tagline reads "Old and new family recipes prepared with the most delicious and fresh ingredients."



I publish a food magazine via Flipboard ~ My I Like Eating Channel. A few of Sam's blog posts are circulated via my magazine. I'm doubling the fun and resharing content from Sam's Place that was flipped first to my foodie magazine. Enjoy!



Baked Butter Garlic Chicken Wings

These baked butter garlic chicken wings made the perfect game day treat last week. You don't have to wait for a game day to enjoy these. Serve these for a nice appetizer or snack at your next party or just a snack for the family. It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of garlic.


Italian Peasant Soup

We are certainly in the cold season now, and when it gets cold outside we like our soups. There is nothing better than serving your family a hearty and healthy bowl of soup. I like all kinds of soups, especially in the winter months, which happens to last a long time in here in Western New York.

Cast Iron Skillet Pork Chops

It's winter here in Western New York, and there is nothing better to get you through those cold days than some good fashioned comfort food. I decided to make some cast iron skillet pork chops. This is another quick and easy meal to put on the table after a long day at work.

Glazed Lemon Almond Biscotti

Every year my cousin sends me a box of fresh lemons from his backyard lemon trees in Arizona. So, I put them to good use with these Glazed Lemon Almond Biscotti. The lemon and almond are a delicious combination of flavors for biscotti. If you're not a fan of almond flavor you can leave it out.

Poor Man's Pizza My Grandmother's Recipe

Poor Man's Pizza, another recipe passed down from my grandmother. I really don't know why my grandmother called this poor man's pizza, I never asked. I learned how to make this by watching her. Although my grandmother made it best, isn't that always the case? 


Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Food Blog Spotlight : A Fall Neapolitan Style Dinner | jovinacooksitalian (Reblog)

Have you ever found a food blogger or food blog that is undeniably magnificent? Several years back I came across this woman's blog and am so happy to find that it is still being published. Her posts not only have great recipes but great food history too!


This one that is being shared as a reblog is perfect because it's for the fall season and it's about Italy, one of those places on my bucket list of "Places to Visit".  Will likely never realize that dream but dreaming about it is a wonderful thing.

Dream Italian?  Think Italian.  Be Italian!


The post begins by giving the reader a quick history of Neopolitan cuisine.  Neopolitan is a cuisine?  Only ever knew it to be a flavor for ice-cream!  In 3 short paragraphs, she took me from ancient Greece and Rome to modern-day Italy and the United States.  Then she set forth an entire Neopolitan dinner, recipes and all, from the first course to the dessert.  Of course, I skipped the courses and went straight to the dessert.  But that's just me!  :)


This blog post is dated 2013.  Liked it then.  Like it now!  The image from her post is an Italian Apple cake.  Isn't it gorgeous?!!

 





  • Italian Treasures - Moon Valley Sardinia (jovinacooksitalian.com)

  • Mediterranean Recipes for Lunchtime (jovinacooksitalian.com)

  • Deliciously Easy Upside Down Apple Cake (yumgoggle.com)

  • Top 10 Most Delicious Foods in the World 2016(themeshnews.com)



  • Celebrate National Apple Month in October  (or any month! ๐Ÿ)




    Friday, September 1, 2023

    Foodie Friday : Pesto Around the World

    Going to take aim at pesto for my foodie Friday topic.  Another wonderful delight for enlivening salads, adorning sandwiches, dressing pasta … you name it! Always sing the praises of salsa. This time, doing a song and dance routine for pesto.

    Hear the word pesto and one usually always thinks Italian. Right? But different cultures have their own version of pesto. Africa. Mexico. Australia. This link is an awesome foodie find! Not only does it tell you the main ingredients in everybody's version but it introduced me to a new word. “Permaculture”.

    Preserving With Pesto – It’s Not Rocket Science




    Preserving With Pesto - It's Not Rocket Science




    Wheatgrass Pesto Recipe | inSpiral


    Wheatgrass Pesto Recipe | inSpiral

    Here is a quick recipe for Raw Wheatgrass Pesto, using our premium, organic, raw super food powder. This will m ake your taste buds go wild! Adds a good dose of vitality to any diet. Made in a blender there is virtually any preparation to do! Just the way we like it!

    Mexican Pesto Recipe by emilie_ 1 - Key Ingredient



    Thai Basil Pesto


    Thai Basil Pesto

    This one's for my Thai lovers. But before I even start talking Thai basil pesto, I feel moved to have a little rant about how much I love Thai food. It's like an instant exotic vacation right in my kitchen.

    Raw Macadamia Pesto | Vegan Semi-Dried Tomato Pesto | The Blender Girl


    Raw Macadamia Pesto | Vegan Semi-Dried Tomato Pesto | The Blender Girl

    This raw vegan semi-dried tomato and macadamia pesto is super easy and seriously delicious. Just throw everything into your food processor.

    African Blue Basil and Lavender Pesto


    African Blue Basil and Lavender Pesto

    Combine all ingredients, except cheese, in bowl of food processor. Process, adding additional oil or water, until desired consistency is reached. Stir in cheese. Use immediately or store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. (Tip: pesto can also be frozen in ice cube trays.)

    Chimichurri Pesto Sauce - Culinary Envy


    Chimichurri Pesto Sauce - Culinary Envy

    Chimichurri Pesto Sauce combines Italian parsley, cilantro and basil with jalapeรฑo and parmesan cheese. It is vibrant, nutty and tangy. Perfect for pasta. I will never forget the first time I tried Chimichurri Sauce. It was at my incredibly talented friend Bibi's home. She had me over for dinner and prepared the most mouth-watering steak.



    * * *
    Content first appeared at Persona Paper on July 27, 2015.


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    Friday, July 28, 2023

    Choose Sides: How Do You Like Your Green Salad? Fruit or No Fruit

    Been married to my husband for over 40 years. This is a long-standing DIVIDE. My husband says fruit has no place on a bed of lettuce or other greens used to make a salad. I say all green salads taste better with fruit - nectarines, pears, strawberries, raisins, mangos! Love that sweet taste. He says "Forget about it!" This coming from the man who taught me to eat carrot and raisin salad.

    Whose side are you are you on? 

    Fruit is fantastic in a salad. Yes??

    If you say NO.  These recipes might persuade you to change your mind.
















    Saturday, July 15, 2023

    ATTN: Newbie Cooks! Best Seasonings and Cookbook for Cajun and Creole Cuisine

    If you have ever been to New Orleans, Louisiana US, then you know that region is known for its Cajun and Creole cooking.  There is a difference between Cajun and Creole cooking.  Some say Cajun dishes are spicier.  

    But I say no matter which ... it's all good!

    Even though I have stood at a stove for 40+ years, my culinary skills are still at the newbie level.  Dining out at "authentic" restaurants or even ordering for delivery is usually not an option.  That's why I find shortcuts to creating the taste of a particular cuisine.  I am happy to recommend two brands of seasonings for those who want to prepare their own Cajun or Creole dishes.  The official websites for each of these companies have a section dedicated to recipes.  But you might also find this cookbook helpful: The Easy Creole and Cajun Cookbook: Modern and Classic Dishes Made Simple by Ryan Boudreaux.  

    (NOTE:  Read free with your Kindle subscription OR ... the paperback book is less than $10 so it would be a great idea for a white elephant gift exchange. ๐ŸŽ…)

    Best Seasoning for Cajun Cooking:  Slap Ya Mama!

    Yes, there is a difference between these two types of cuisines, but for my palette, there is no difference. Every dish I have ever tried whether it was Cajun or Creole, it was delicious.

    But I have only been to New Orleans once and it is likely I will never visit again.  If you are like me and you don't live in New Orleans but you want to try to make your own Cajun food, use slapyamama seasonings.  You can shop for their products via the Amazon store OR go directly to their official website. You can also find recipes on the website.  I met the company owner through Facebook years ago. They sent me free samples of their products to try. Even though the Original Cajun Blend is the best seller, my favorite is the Cajun seasoning for fish fry.  This company was founded in 2001 and is owned by
    The Walker family, (TW, Mama Jen, Jack, Joe, Tana, Andi, and Ruby).


    ***

    Best Seasoning for Creole Cooking:  Tony Cachere

    Creole refers to people who are of mixed European and African descent (A little French, a little Spanish, a little Afro-Caribbean, etc.). That specific group of people made their home in Louisiana USA. (Just ask Beyoncรฉ Knowles, the Creole Queen.) They have their special style of cooking which is referred to as Creole cuisine.

    If you have ever tasted Creole recipes and you want to make your own, Tony Chachere is one of the best products on the market. They have been in business since the 70s, about half a century.  I discovered the Tony Chacere brand because one of my children bought a can of the seasoning home from the local grocery store. He didn't want to use the herbs and spices in my kitchen cabinet for his cooking, so he bought his own flavorings.

    Once I tried their Original Creole Seasoning, I was hooked! I use it to season meat, in my rice dishes, and on my veggies.

    For those who may have to watch their salt intake, they have No-Salt seasonings.  If you can not find their products at your local grocery store, go to Amazon OR to their official website.  Tony Chachere is a real person. He is retired now but his business is still thriving.



    Are you a newbie cook in the kitchen? Check out some of my other FW posts.

    Friday, July 14, 2023

    Foodie Friday : Let's Do Sushi! Keep It Kosher!

    Determined to make your own sushi? The four ingredients listed below are considered the "basic sushi essentials".

    1. Gari, thinly sliced and pickled ginger.
    2. Wasabi, aka Japanese horseradish
    3. Nori, dried seaweed used to wrap the sushi roll
    4. Sushi rice, a Japanese rice that is sticky and short-grained.

    Got these tips from Bani Grill. Great basic information to get started. But beyond this point? Uuuhh ... Let's go together.




    *
    "Revolutionizing the way you eat sushi."

    Starting with:
    KOSHER SUSHI











    Monday, July 3, 2023

    Spice Spotlight: Cinnamon

    I can smell nutmeg, apples and cinnamon.

    I can sprinkle a little powdered pumpkin spice or a dash of plain old cinnamon in my morning cup of coffee.

    For an evening meal, I can enjoy a hearty bowl of butternut squash soup or cook up a stew chocked full of root vegetables and meat, made with that special secret ingredient:  cinnamon.


    In the USA people associate cinnamon with the autumn seasons and/or the Christmas holidays.  But for me, any time is a get time to enjoy cinnamon.
    ๐Ÿ˜  


    Shining the spotlight on one of my favorite warming feel good spices.  Cinnamon!






    http://amzn.to/2gi4rq4
    Did you know:

    - There is a mythological creature called the Cinnamon Bird?
    - In Ancient Egypt, cinnamon was used in the embalming process?

    There's probably lots of other things you didn't know about cinnamon as well.

    If you're curious, read more:  20 Facts about Cinnamon.



    Community Post: 35 Crazy-Good Ways To Indulge On Cinnamon This Fall: Because it is the best of all the fall spices!






    Links to a sampling of recipes using cinnamon that reflect world cuisine and global tastes:




    Kunafeh, the Middle East's Favorite Cheese Delight!



    Kunafeh, the Middle East's Favorite Cheese Delight!

    It's about time to share with you one of my favorite recipes ever. It´s not only delicious but also has a special place in my heart. Sometimes we feel strongly towards a dish or a dessert not just because it tastes great but because it brings back memories we cherish.




    Chinese Cinnamon Beef Noodle Soup Recipe - Chinese.Food.com


    Chinese Cinnamon Beef Noodle Soup Recipe - Chinese.Food.com

    This was published in a Fine Cooking magazine a couple of years ago. I was so excited to have found a relatively easy yet very flavorful noodle soup for my family. My husband (the ultimate food critic) loves this and doesnt mind eating it for days.






    A Taste of South Africa - Tomato Bredie (One stick of cinnamon required.)



    A Taste of South Africa - Tomato Bredie

    This Tomato Bredie photo was featured in Brazilian Magazine blog, Verdemar - Copa de Sabores: รfrica do Sul One of my favorite book series is the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series writted by Alexander McCall Smith, a Zimbabwe born, Scottish writer.


    Featured Products from SpiceCubed.





    About the Blog Publisher

    My photo
    Work-at-home professional since 2007.

    ***

    Treathyl Fox aka Cmoneyspinner – Home Business Entrepreneur.  Think. Dream. Focus. Believe in yourself? Hire yourself! Be your own boss! Do it! Self-employed and loving it!   ♦ DISCLOSURE: In compliance with FTC rules and guidelines, be advised that some links shared via my my websites and blogs might contain affiliate referral links which means commissions might be earned if product sales resulted from your click-through to the vendor’s website. Contact or Connect via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr, HUBPages, or Medium.