Braggin' On My Sissy

I have to take a moment and brag on my sister-in-love.....I am so proud of her.

She's the one who has given me all the girl nieces.....I am so thankful.

Well.....she is pregnant again....21 weeks.....I am so excited.

It will be a surprise.....I am believing it's a girl.....because that is what they do.

Well.....anyway......

She is running a marathon this weekend.

Yes.

A MARATHON!!!

If you don't know.....that is 26 miles.

She will be running the Big Sur International Marathon in Caramel, California.  This race is on the bucket list for many marathoners......is ranked as one of the worlds top five races.....and is said to be "one of the greatest running experiences on the planet."

Did I mention she is 21 weeks pregnant.

Think I will eat a donut this weekend in her honor.



(Photo credit: BSIM Facebook Archive)

My Peeps is Cool! (Guest Contributor - Scout)

Hey!  It's me.....Scout!

My mom is having a serious case of writers block the last few weeks.....so she finally asked for my help.  I am an expert about a lot of things.  Just ask me.

One thing that I know a lot about.....is my Peeps.  No.  Not my gang of people, friends, or groupies.  But....my Peeps.  Ya' know.....my grandpa.  My mom's dad.  I call him Peeps.  My mom calls him Mac Daddy here on "the blog."  Blog, blog, blog.....we hear a lot about the blog.  She loves to blog.  Though it doesn't seem like it because she doesn't post very often.  Just sayin'.  (She HATES that saying.)

Anyway.....I am going to tell you all about him.....and how cool he is.

Here I am hanging with him, when I was a seriously little dude.  Two cool dudes.  This is before his 'stache went all grayish.  It's been awhile.  I am gonna be nine soon.

Here I am sitting in his office.....on his desk.  I didn't fart on it.  Though that woulda' been really funny.....my dad (Biker Man) would have not thought that was cool or funny.

My Peeps has a bridge named after him in my mom's hometown.  I think that is really cool.

He was in the Army.....

.....and served in the State Highway Patrol.....like forever ago.  He retired before I was born.  It took my parents A. LONG. TIME. to have me.....Meemaw (a.k.a R2D2 on "the blog") was like....."FINALLY!" when I was born.  Isn't she pretty.  Peeps was smart to marry her.

Peeps plays the git-tar.  This isn't him.  He is more like a hobbit.  He plays the bag pipes too.  He tried to teach me once, and my mom said it sounded like a bunch of terrorized geese needed liberated from the basement.

Peeps is so cool.....he is willing to have his picture taken with me in a facial net, at Hershey's chocolate factory.  I think he thought the chocolate was worth the scrutiny.

You have to admit.  THIS IS SUPER COOL!!!  My Peeps rides a Harley.....

My Peeps finds every excuse possible to take me out for ice cream.  We are like peas and carrots.....Peeps and me.  Here's Meemaw again!

My Peeps is cool!  (Good thing for spell check!  I just typed in Poops.....oops!....That could get funny real fast!)  Anyway.....I love that I have a cool Peeps.  Don't you think he's cool?

Why I Get Up At 5:00.....IN. THE. MORNING.

I like to get up at 5:00.

Yes.  IN. THE. MORNING.

Crazy!  I know.

But the reason is.....

I HATE making the bed.

 I don't mind that it looks like this.

 Biker Man wants it to look like this.


So I decided.....the last one up.....is a rotten egg.

Whoever gets up L-O-N-G after the other.....is the bedmaker.

Biker Man gets up at 6:00 a.m.

So I decided to get up at 5:00 a.m.

IN. THE. MORNING!  Because I am lazy.

The primary reason I get up at 5:00 in the morning, is not because.....

 .....I try to workout.....or have my quiet devotional time.....or to make a hot breakfast for my family.....or to get a head start on laundry.....and to do other homemaker-ish type of things.

The sheer truth, of what motivates my hind quarters, to hop out of my warm flannel sheets, during this wind whipped cold season.....out here in God's country.....

.....is so that I don't have to make the bed.

For real and for serious.  (Southern Sweet Biscuit says that.....I stole it from her)

Just being honest.  Bad.  I know.

Just for the record.....I don't care if Scout makes his bed or not.  GASP!!!  I know that is breaking the law in Principals of Parenting 101.....and that Scout could be on a slippery slope into adulthood because of it.

Biker Man wants Scout to make his bed.....teaching responsibility, discipline, and all that jazz.

Biker Man was an officer in the Air Force.....once upon a time.

I was not.

The end.

Cookbooks...Look-Books...Get Hooked-Books

There is a Dr. Seuss cookbook.....in case you are wondering......

Someone asked me a couple of days ago what my favorite cookbooks were.  How providential!!!  As I was literally in the process of writing a post about that.....which is quite a miracle.  I really didn't become interested in cooking.....and the like.....until I was married.....had a soul to feed, and another one seven years later.  R2D2 tried to teach me when I lived at home.....but I was about other things.  Sigh.  Luckily.....I had watched her enough, that I remembered the basics.

The following are seven of my favorites.....listed in the order of original publishing date.  I have many more.....as I have become somewhat of a cookbook junkie.....although I do try to keep it minimal, as not to take up valuable space.  I am very scrupulous in my choices, and what I want to invest in, for my cookbook library.  There have been a couple favorites.....that somehow.....through seven moves in our nearly sixteen years of marriage.....have been lent out.....misplaced....or lost.  Poor things never found their way home.  One of them was irreplaceable......

Okay.....moving on.....as not to start snottin' everywhere.

 1)  THE SETTLEMENT COOKBOOK 
This cookbook made the slogan "A way to a man's heart is through his stomach" famous.  Published by Simon and Schuster originally in 1901.  Mine is from 1976.....and was given to me by R2D2, who used it a lot.  It is falling apart.....but I treasure it.  The recipes are basic and vintage.  My favorite being "Quick Potato Soup" on page 515.  We ate this many, Many, MANY times when I was a girl.  The ingredients are only: potatoes, butter, salt and pepper, onion, and milk.  This is comfort food for me.

 2)  THE JOY OF COOKING 
Also by Simon and Schuster in 1931.  This is a family legacy of cookbook authors!  Originally by Irma S. Rombauer.....her daughter Marion Rombauer Becker followed suit.....and her son Ethan Becker (Irma's grand-baby) came behind.  My copyright is 2006.  This family hails from my parts of a southwest Ohio heritage.....specifically Cincinnati.  It is so basic in teaching you how to cook ANYTHING, that in the original edition, Irma says in step one "Face the stove." 

My favorite recipe is the "Cincinnati Chili Cockaigne," which is an AUTHENTIC version of the Cincinnati style chili you would find in the restaurants of Skyline and Gold Star.....local to our area.  It is a bit labor intensive, and takes two days to make.  BUT IT IS WORTH IT!  I usually make a big batch once a year in February.....divide it up in about 7 meals.....and freeze it.  This stuff is to die for.....and is healthier than the chemical laden yum, you would get out to eat.....or in the can.  The cookbook is worth it's weight in gold.....but you can find the recipe online.

 3)  MORE WITH LESS
Given to me by a dear friend from the South, this is a Mennonite cookbook (1976), and a classic in their communities.  Authored by Doris Janzen Longacre (deceased).  If I were forced to have only ONE cookbook (or if we were going into the mission field).....hard choice, but it would probably be this one.  Any description that I attempt, will not give it justice.  You must get it for yourself, and read it cover to cover!  It is a regular resource listed in support groups for those desiring to grow in homesteading, and self sufficiency lifestyles.

 4)  THE FRUGAL GOURMET 
By Jeff Smith (deceased).  He was on PBS for many years, a college professor, and Methodist minister.  My mother watched him FAITHFULLY!  This is his original work (1984) among MANY cookbooks that are worth having.....ALONE.....on the historical commentary, and geographical identity, he gives with each recipe.  Amazing, fun and intriguing information!!! 

I have several of his cookbooks, but go to this one most often.  I have cooked the "Red Beans and Rice" on page 292 a gazillion times.....as well as "Lentil Salad" on page 371, that I also mention in my post "The Dinner Bell ~ Fresh Hobbit Food."  His Christmas cookbook is where I get my gingerbread cookie recipe from.

You MUST check out all of Smith's cookbooks!  His "Cooks American" could be a whole year of homeschool history.....and I have his "Cooks With Wine" as an alternative for low sodium flavorful options.  There are several others to explore.

 5)  BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS ~ NEW COOKBOOK 
This was given to me by a very special Aunt.  It is a modern classic, and I refer to it often for home style basics involving the common American family fare.  She inscribed it for me, with a very special note, early in my marriage.  Therefore, this cookbook will be handed down someday.

 6)  FIX-IT AND FORGET-IT LIGHTLY 
The cover of this describes the simplicity of why I invested in this.  I needed assistance as I embarked on more crock pot cooking, in light of a busy schedule, as many of you have.  I have TWO crock pots that I have fired up regularly at times, trying to get a day or two ahead of the ballgame around here.  This speaks for itself, and has a great variety.

7)  THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS 
I know this doesn't surprise you in light of my starstruck awe with the Pioneer Woman.  If you have at all been a frequent reader of my blog, or my Daisy Boots Facebook page.....you know that I love, Love, LOVE her!  This is her first cookbook, and has a second one out that is just as wonderful.  I own them both.  Her recipes are not for the light at heart.....uh.....literally.  With her hard working ranch husband, hands, and family.....they don't skimp on what makes food taste good.  So.....you can tweak these recipes a bit for your preferences.  I don't.....and only go to this on occasion for something special, or if we need something different outside of our normal health conscious fare.  This book is very user friendly.....packed personal stories, and is a photographic journal for the recipes.....which made her blog famous.  She is a humor, and human interest story DELIGHT!!!

So.....there you have it folks.....an effort to inspire you with fresh creativity, as you fill your loved ones bellies.....and nurture their souls with family, and memories.

Oh!  ONE MORE THING.....cookbooks can be a family heirloom.  Write down the dates and occasions RIGHT IN YOUR BOOKS, to commemorate when you made the recipe.  A simple and easy way to journal your common family life....that generations to come, will appreciate.

Don't Tell Biker Man We Do This

I was cleaning out the fridge today from sinful holiday indulgences.

This being one of them.....

I have such a hard time just throwing stuff out.....and wasting it.  Don't you?

So.....I went to Scout to help me.

Here, he looks like he's auditioning for Wallace and Gromit, coming to Broadway.

R2D2 was cleaning out her fridge of cherry tomatoes that day.

But today, we needed to finish off the valuable, above pictured whip.

Scout, was being studious at the kitchen counter, working on a Cub Scout report about St. Bernard's.

These are just notes.  We have to go into town tomorrow and get some poster board.

I interrupted him.....and said, "Tilt your head back, and open your mouth little bird."

He did.....and I squeezed the rest of the lusciousness into those sweet cheeks.....till they were full.

Overcome with joy.....he savored every bit of it.  He is VERY "What About Bob" ish, in regards to the enjoyment of his food.  It gets a little embarrassing at times. 

There was a small amount left.....so I tilted mine back.....(a hem.)....to finish it off.

In a panic.....and a split second.....Scout worried that there would be no more for him.  He swallowed fast and.....LITERALLY.....spit out these words....

"tweet, TWEET!"

I about choked on the remaining air from the aerosol can.....laughing so hard.

Don't try this at home.

Well.....maybe you should.  The death risk is worth the fun.

WINNER of the Thirty-One Organizer!!!

Well.....the green goblins I hired to help me navigate the innards of my computer are getting fired.  They have caused many not to be able to post comments on the blog.....so sorry for the problems that many of you experienced in trying to do so.  For now, when I do a giveaway, comments on the Daisy Boots Facebook page, will also be accepted for entry.

There was only ONE Heather that entered to win.....and she won!!!  So Heather....message me on Facebook so that we may arrange delivery of your new Thirty-One organizer!

Thanks to Stephanie Combs, Thirty-One Consultant, for donating for this giveaway!  Please check out her page if you are interested in other products, or would like to have a show to earn free stuff:

www.mythirtyone.com/stephaniecombs

If you are a small business owner, and would like free exposure, and have a product or service to giveaway....let me know.  I can whip up a story to go with about anything.....maybe.....we'll see.....I'll try.

Over and out.

Who is Your Neighbor? (GIVEAWAY)

I have had many neighbors in my lifetime.

When I was three I called the guy across the street "Sexy Virgil."  Obviously I had heard that from someone.....to avoid incriminating anyone.....I won't try to guess who I heard it from.....or why I would have called him that.

At about the same age I learned what a neighbor was from this video.....

Our garbage man does not wear a hat like that.

When I was four I picked all the tomatoes off of our neighbors tomato plants.....(It wasn't "Sexy Virgil's".....who lived across the street.....which I wasn't allowed crossing alone).  The damage was so bad, that R2D2 felt she needed to buy them tomatoes for the rest of the season.  She sent me over to knock on their door.....every week.....with a bag of tomatoes.

In college I had a lot of neighbors.....I don't even remember all of their names.....but for an only child, living in an all girls dorm away from home for the first time.....was fun.....hanging out in various rooms all hours of the night.....doing whatever college girls do.  Ah hem.....

After Biker Man and I got married.....our first apartment was a cultural melting pot in a northern part of Cincinnati.  Every time we walked into our building, we got a whiff of Indian food.....soul food.....pizza delivery.....or Chinese cuisine.  ALL. AT. ONE. TIME.  I don't miss that apartment.

Our first home-ownership-real-neighbors entered our lives when we moved to North Carolina, in the third year of our marriage.  We lived in that house for almost 10 years.  Mr. and Mama S, who are my parents age, became (and still are) our family.  We had keys to each others homes.....taking care of pets.....talking over the fence.....helping me when I was pregnant.....and then planting a flower bed after Scout was born.  Numerous meals in care for one another, passed through our doors.  But one night when I was coming home from somewhere.....(Biker Man was traveling).....I was SO sick.  Scout was only a few months old.  My mom lived states away.....and I desperately needed help.  Mama S works at a hospital, and that night I prayed she would be home.  She was, and when I called in tears.....telling her I needed a "Mom" to help me.....she came right over, without concern of herself.  Her and her adult daughter cared for me, and my baby all evening until we were both sound asleep for the night.  I will never forget the love I felt being cared for by them.  We now live states away from one another.....but EVERY time we are there.....we see our neighbor-family.

When we moved from our southern home.....we specifically prayed for good neighbors.  We not only got one.....or two.....but THREE great sets of neighbors!!!

We have the grandparents two doors down, who I have had to call late at night.....(again, Biker Man was traveling).....to come help me when my well pump got hit by lightening.  He came RIGHT away.  I have also had to take shelter in their basement during Tornado season.  They have brought me birthday cakes and presents.....and are always available if we need them.

Then we have the teacher wife.....tattoo artist husband.....and an Angel-Baby-Girl.....who have brought me soup when I was sick.....toys and drawings to Scout.....spontaneous treats.....birthday surprises....and helped with projects that we have been involved in.

On the other side we have the good-ole'-boy family.  They work hard.....and a lot.  He is in construction to provide for his family.  She has sold all kinds of things here and there, to help take care of her family.....and to be available to their girls.  Right now she is selling Thirty-One.....

I have fallen in love with it's products and mission.  With some extra birthday money, end of the year bonuses, and Christmas......I have been able to treat myself!

This is my favorite piece.....the Large Utility Tote.  A couple of my friends have these and rave about them!!!  I love the sturdiness and the metal brace that frames the top.  I was able to pack an entire week of clothes in it, for a recent trip.  (Uhh.....to be honest, I'm not your typical girl.  I pack light.)

This was a total splurge and not needed at all......but the pattern made me smile and can go with so many colors.....it is the Retro Metro Bag.....and can be carried as a purse, carry-on,  or diaper bag.  It has a feminine rugged look.....whatever that means.....I just made that up.

I have bought the Mini Utility Bin to use for a trash can in my car......the Timeless Beauty Bag for travel.....and the Thermal Tote for snacks in the car.

This one is super cute......and IT CAN BELONG TO YOU!!!  My neighbor is giving this away to a Daisy Boots reader!

This is the All in One Organizer.....great car catch all....lunch box.....or make-up caddy.....there are countless ways it can be used.

For a chance to win.....make a comment in the comments section below.....before noon on Wednesday, January 2.....by answering:

"What is the most special thing a neighbor has done for you?"

A winner will be picked from our friends at www.random.org and will be announced on Wednesday evening.

Hope you win!!!

***To check out other great products go to:
www.mythirtyone.com/stephaniecombs