When Plants Learn to Talk, I'll learn to Feed them!

I'm not a gardener. I don't have a green thumb. Quite honestly, your plants may very well be in grave danger if they are anywhere near me! Seriously!

See the problem with plants are they don't jump, scream, cry, bark, or holler to remind you that they need to eat. If they could just do that, then they might    might    be okay,  hmmm   maybe. But they don't they just sit there and fade off into the oblivion of my mind, and to there certain death.

Last year when I had surgery, a friend sent me a very nice plant to cheer me up. She chose a plant rather than flowers so it could keep on bringing me joy. That's the concept of dish gardens right? They're like a little garden in a dish that you can care for. Yeah, I got some of those from friends, too; they didn't make it. Again, not a gardener of any kind dish or otherwise!

So, the plant. It was gorgeous. I loved it     right up until I no longer had to stay in bed, but it didn't get up and follow me to the living room. It didn't yell "pick me up, take me with you!" It just sat there in the bedroom until it dried up and I threw it outside for it to live out it's last days in the sun.


But then

♪aaaaaaaah♪

Hubby got a hold of it, and apparently

he     has a green thumb!

Look at it now!

This post was written from Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop prompt Do you have a green thumb?

Another Pinterest Find, Simple 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Muffins

I spent the good part of the afternoon lost on Pinterest, but I walked away with some good ideas, and some new recipes, so it was well worth it! One great find was this simple 2 ingredient recipe for pumpkin muffins.

And then I thought, "wait, I can make this now!" I have pumpkin and cake mix! Why wait?! So with my daughter's help, we baked!


I poured the ingredients in the bowl.

And, because I wanted a touch of spice, I added about 1/2tsp cinnamon, and mixed with a hand mixer.

 I lined my muffin pan and filled each one.



Baked at 350 for 25 minutes, and sprinkled with powdered sugar. (no fancy sifter in my house, so they're not pretty, but, they are covered in sugar)


The result was a very dense moist muffin with a hint of pumpkin spice. Hubby liked them and said that it tasted better than any boxed muffin mixes we've had. He says he's looking forward to a lot of them in the winter (it's too hot in the summer to bake a lot.) I like them but I think they'd be even better with a little something added.

Next time, I'll add some chocolate chips or pecans, or maybe try adding some banana. We can do a lot with this recipe, but it's also good on its own. 

Big thanks to Sweet Verbena and Big Red Kitchen for this recipe.

Time to Link up those Old Posts at Tuesdays Gone

Welcome to Life Music Laughter, home of Tuesdays Gone with Amethyst Moon (that's me!)




With so many blog posts going up everyday, I'm sure there's some great stuff out there that has just been forgotten, or maybe some stuff that just didn't get much attention the first time around.  So, Tuesdays Gone is a way to bring your old post back into the light. I can't wait to see what you have that I might have missed the first time around.  Let's support each other by bringing new attention to these old posts with this blog hop.

It's great looking at old posts and remembering those moments when you first wrote it.  What will you be reminded of when you look through your old posts?!

Get In the Game, New Contest could have you a part of Game Nights everywhere!

Last year, I did a review for a great game called "Say Anything." It's a great party game, and was the perfect game for my daughter to get to know her new dorm roommates in her first year of college. You can read more about it in my Say Anything game review .

We still love this game and I'm excited to tell you about a new contest they're running. This is your chance to get your own questions included in the game with your name on the card if your question is chosen. Plus, the winners will receive the special Facebook Fan Promo packs for FREE!

Music Monday, It's still Rock and Roll to me

Happy Music Monday! With Tropical Storm Debby hanging out with us here in Florida, it's been a little too wet to go outside. So, why not enjoy some good music while chilling out inside?! No theme this week, just some good ol' rock and roll music. Have a happy Music Monday and a fabulous week!





Aloha Friday, Bucket Lists, What's on yours?


It's Friday! ♪do a little dance...get down tonight♪

It's been a long week, full of hard work and unfortunately, for a couple of my friends...some very bad news! One is sitting in ICU with her son that was in a car accident, another was diagnosed with uterine cancer, (thank goodness it's early stage, ) and another very sadly, lost her 16 year old son. A long week like this leaves me sad for them and grateful for all that I have. It's a reminder to hug your loved ones, and to live your life daily!

With this in mind, today's Aloha Friday question is:  Do you have a bucket list? A list of things you want to do in your life? If so, what's at the top of the list?

Disney Pixar's Brave, Not your Typical "Princess" Movie.

 I have been excited for Disney Pixar's Brave since I saw the early production trailer. I immediately fell in love with the tomboyish Scottish princess, partly for her spunk and because of her awesome red hair (it may look a little like mine.) After seeing the film, I can say that it DID NOT DISAPPOINT! It was better than I could have ever expected.

I'm telling you Disney out did themselves on this one! This is like no other Disney Princess movie! Merida the Scottish Princess is not looking for a Prince Charming, she's looking for her own independence. She's looking to change her fate and she'll test her own limits to do so.

First look at Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, as production begins on Disney's new film.

Disney has started production on "Maleficent" which is scheduled to hit theaters in March 2014. This is our first look at Angelina Jolie in the title role. It looks like perfect casting to me!


The film will tell the untold story of Maleficent, the much loved Disney villain from Disney's Sleeping Beauty. I am excited to see just what made Maleficent so evil!

When I need something refreshing I reach for...a Pickle Pop?

I'm a somewhat picky eater, so, there are many things that I turn my nose up to just because I know I won't like it. Though usually, I can look at something and at least understand why someone might like it. Example: onions, I have an uncontrollable gag reflex to onions...nothing I can do about it, I just don't like them, but I wish that I did.

This, on the other hand... I just. Don't. Get it! Why would you ever eat a pickle pop? Frozen or Unfrozen? If you're craving pickles why not eat, oh, I don't know...maybe...a pickle?!

Pickle Pops at your local Walmart

Link up one of your great old posts at Tuesdays Gone

I'm late getting this blog hop up because I just got back from the screening for Disney's Brave. I can't say much about it now, Oh my gosh it was so awesome!  but, I'm bubbling over with excitement to tell you about this movie, so check back later this week for my review.

Now, onto Tuesdays Gone...



With so many blog posts going up everyday, I'm sure there's some great stuff out there that has just been forgotten, or maybe some stuff that just didn't get much attention the first time around.  So, Tuesdays Gone is a way to bring your old post back into the light. I can't wait to see what you have that I might have missed the first time around.  Let's support each other by bringing new attention to these old posts with this blog hop.

It's great looking at old posts and remembering those moments when you first wrote it.  What will you be reminded of when you look through your old posts?!

Music Monday, Summer Songs Chosen by My Teen.

It's Music Monday! This week's theme is Summer Songs, and the songs were chosen by my 19 year old daughter. Enjoy!


 

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island DVD Giveaway

Journey 2: the Mysterious Island is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray, and you can win your own DVD right here!

Check out the great activities, and be sure to take the quiz to see if you would be a survivor on The Mysterious Island. Then Enter to win the DVD below.


Free Paint Saturday at Ace Hardware

Participating locations of Ace Hardware are giving out Free paint this Saturday June 16. 

Even if you're not planning on painting a room soon, this is a great time to get a fun color for craft projects. It's a quart so it can go a long way! Make sure to print your coupon before going on Saturday. And... Hurry...it's only while supplies last!

Free Paint Coupon

Changing a Door Mat Into a Garden Piece.

I had this old iron door mat that I wasn't using anymore. I didn't want to get rid of it because I love the curves and lines of it.


Hubby was nice enough to help me liven it up a little with a new coat of paint.

Valspar had to be the best spray paint we've ever used. It went on smoothly with a beautiful gloss finish, and no drip. It's now our new spray paint of choice.

The finished product is now a perfect whimsical addition to our garden.




♪One pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small♪ (Jefferson Airplane)

Music Monday, In Honor of 20 Years of Marriage

It's Music Monday, and with no theme for this week, I turned to hubby for inspiration. His response, "In honor of our anniversary, "Where've you been?"

You see, tomorrow's our 20th anniversary, and "Where've you been" by Kathy Mattea is the song that was playing when he proposed to me. He turned to me and said "Where've you been all my life? Marry me?"



We were young (17 &19) and no one thought it would last, but, I was in love with the boy then, and I still am... 20 years later.



This song always reminds me of when Bear and I were dating, and it's a good reminder that for a marriage to work, you must meet in the middle.


It's been a great 20 years, and I'm looking forward to many many more.





An Aloha Friday Rant, What's Bugging You?

Happy Aloha Friday!

 I've got a few things irritating me today, and I know venting them to you will get it off my chest and make my Friday so much more relaxed. And that's what Aloha Friday is all about, relaxing...

So here goes, my Aloha Friday Rant, or a list of things irritating me,  right now! It's short, I promise.

Rollercoaster airfares: Even with following the when to buy/how to save rules, it’s still a gamble. I bought tickets to NYC for BlogHer12 in August, for what I thought was a good deal in February, though higher than in January, and now I could save $150 on 1 ticket! But, If I hadn’t bought airfare may have doubled!

Airline change fees: see Rollercoaster airfare and know that it would cost me $150 to change said ticket!
Giveaways/Sweepstakes in which the company doesn’t actually provide the prize: I won a new phone from Samsung and T-mobile. I responded with info. They responded with timeframe to expect the phone, (2 weeks.) 8 Weeks later, I still haven’t received it! And, worse, no one will respond to tell me if it’s been sent yet! Is it lost or have you just not sent it?!

Clothes: the ones that fit too big yesterday but are too tight today. What's up with that?!

Chores: They don't do themselves, and the kids don't do them without being asked.

There! Thanks for listening! I feel better already.

So,

What's bugging you lately?


Answer in a comment, and make sure to check out An Island Life for more Aloha Friday questions.

♪I've got you under my skin♪ (Frank Sinatra)

Tour of Cheese, Raspberry BellaVitano

While hubby and I were admiring the many gourmet cheeses at Publix the other day, we decided to try a new cheese every 2 weeks. Why every 2 weeks? Because that's when we get paid. Makes sense right? Yeah, we thought so! Anyway, we love love LOVE cheese, so it sounds like a great idea for us.

We started our little cheese tour with a Wisconsin Cheese, Raspberry BellaVitano from Sartori Cheese. What a great way to start! The wedge of cheese was so good it was gone in less than 30 minutes. It had a great texture, much like a Parmesan, (very dry). It was nutty, buttery, sharp, and had this amazing after flavor of raspberry ale. This cheese is a winner! Hubby didn't think it was his favorite ever, but said he would get it again.

I can't wait until our next trip to the cheese department.







Link up a great post at Tuesdays Gone.





With so many blog posts going up everyday, I'm sure there's some great stuff out there that has just been forgotten, or maybe some stuff that just didn't get much attention the first time around.  So, Tuesdays Gone is a way to bring your old post back into the light. I can't wait to see what you have that I might have missed the first time around.  Let's support each other by bringing new attention to these old posts with this blog hop.

It's great looking at old posts and remembering those moments when you first wrote it.  What will you be reminded of when you look through your old posts?!

Production has begun on Marvel's "Iron Man 3"

As a long time Robert Downey, Jr. fan, and a lover of all things Marvel and Disney and well, movies...I'm super excited to see that production on "Iron Man 3" has begun! "Iron Man 3" will be the second Marvel film to be fully owned and distributed by Disney. It is set for release in the U.S. on May 3, 2013.


If you're in North Carolina, be on the look out for "Iron Man 3" film stars including, Robert Downey Jr., (a total hottie!) Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, & Jon Favreau. Filming has begun in Wilmington, NC. Other filming locations will include Raleigh/Durham, NC, as well as Miami, FL, & China.

 ♪I am Iron Man♪ (Black Sabbath)

Music Monday, Wedding Songs

Happy Music Monday! It's June and along with graduations, June is also known for weddings. 20 years ago I was looking forward to both my graduation and my upcoming marriage to my soul mate and best friend. We didn't have an actual wedding, so I can't tell you what songs were played at our wedding, but I will share a few of my favorite wedding songs.

This song may be a bit cliche, but I'm a hopeless romantic, and just think it's the ideal first dance song.



Another romantic first dance song.
.

This is great for those couples that maybe took a little longer to get to the knot tying.



and of course, there's this great by Ol' Blue Eyes! (I can't help but think of "My Best friend's Wedding" when I hear this. great movie.)
 

Join in on the fun at 4M and check out her special giveaway for Week 100!
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It's Graduation Day, What advice do you have?



Today, my youngest daughter graduates high school. It's hard to believe that my little girl in pigtails is all grown up. She's overcome many obstacles to walk across the stage, and I couldn't be prouder of her achievement. I love you, Rose!

 

Today's Aloha Friday question: 

 What advice do you have for a high school grad?