S'more S'mores

Say "S'mores" and I think of summertime, and an evening campfire.  Although we can also make them late into the fall sometimes too, since here in the south it is often nice enough to have an evening that is warm with a bit of chill in the air, perfect for a cozy fire in the backyard.  Also having a fire pit in the yard is common now days.  A campfire or backyard fire is always a great time for making and enjoying s'mores.  The thought often reminds me of the many times I would allow my kids and their friends to camp-out in the backyard during the summertime.  They just thought is was the coolest thing, real tents and everything, and especially the campfire!  I liked it because they were right here at home with all the benefits of home, but enjoying the benefits of camping too.  No camp-out would be complete without making s'mores, so they were always included in the plan.  

On one occasion, while having the campfire all ready and the kids excited to make s'mores, I realized I totally forgot to pick up some graham crackers when I had been shopping for all the camp prep.  "Seriously?"  Well it didn't stop me from making s'mores fun.  Sometimes you have to try something a different way.  Luckily I had chocolate chip cookies on hand...Yep, good ole Nabisco Chips Ahoy, chocolate chip cookies.  They were a huge hit, and most of the kids liked them even as much or better than the traditional way.  Personally, I to this day still prefer to make them using those chocolate chip cookies.  Give it a try, you might be surprised and find that you do like them too.  You can still add the chocolate candy bar if you like, or the chocolate chips in the cookies may be enough chocolate for you.  Although there's always room for more chocolate if you ask me!  Toast up those marshmallows and then squish 'em (don't you just love that technical term?), between two Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies, and mmm, mmm!  S'more please!

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This got me thinking about making s'mores cookies.  I found many recipes on my search and there are a gazillion different recipes for s'mores cookies that look easy and tasty, and would offer that s'mores flavor.  I came across a couple that can be made on the grill.  That's something I had never tried.  And who wants to turn on the oven when it's 90 degrees outside?


This S'more Pizza makes for a great dessert, also a fun treat for the kids to put together.  After cooking dinner on the grill, you make dessert on the grill too!  Yummy!

Grilled Chocolate Chip S’more Pizza

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Recipe from  Pillsbury

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I'm a huge fan of Nutella, and I also love bananas so this is very much to my liking.  Another interesting way to make s'mores on the grill.

Banana-Nutella S'Mores

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Recipe from Food and Wine

I think both of these could also be adapted to prepare in the oven.  How about a treat during winter to make you feel like it is summer again?!  I'll have to give that a try later on.  Oh my, did I just say...winter?  Pffft!

No worries!  It's still summertime, it is August 31st, and the temperature was 88° today! ;)...

Scarves & Scarf Tying

~ Tammy's Tip Today ~

...is all about scarfs & scarf tying!

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I've noticed that scarves have gained popularity over the past few years, and they're not just a fall and winter fashion anymore.  There are many different looks that you can achieve with them.  I like wearing scarves, and I have been asked on a few occasions *how I had tied my scarf.  Scarves are that little something extra for your outfit, kind of like jewelry.  There are many different types of materials, colors and styles to choose from.

I've often seen some interesting and really cute ways in which others would wear/tie their scarves, and I'd find myself wishing I knew how to make mine look like theirs too.  I discovered some helpful websites all about scarves and scarf tying, along with step-by-step instructions.  I was pleased with my new knowledge of mastering scarf tying!  I enjoy experimenting with all of the new ways of tying my scarves with these helpers, and they may be of help to you too!


One website Scarves.com, had several photos of different styles of scarves for purchase, and also had instructions for how to tie a scarf.  Another website Scarves.net, where you can also purchase scarves from a huge selection with many different styles and types, displays many more scarf tying examples, 50 of them, along with how-to-steps and video too.  They offer information on:  how to tie a scarf; and also cleaning and storing your scarves.  There's a Master list for scarf tying that has, as I mentioned before, 50 different styles with written step-by-step instructions, along with video instructions.  They also offer an e-book with 28 pages full of scarf-tips and advice that will have you in scarf fashion, whether it's winter, summer or anytime, and did I mention the e-book is FREE?  Yep!...Just might want to take advantage of that freebie!

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This is a very popular style that I see often, and as you can see here it's very easy to create!

The Four-in-Hand Knot

*Directions for -How I tied my scarf:  The technique I used on the purple scarf I am wearing in the photo above of me and Hubby, is simply begun similar to the example just above in the first small photo. Start with a U in the middle with both sides hanging down, the U should be shorter and the sides longer, then wrap each side inward until there is only a small tail hanging from the back of the U.(you can adjust accordingly until you get the desired look)  I like this tying method using thinner scarves as it can be more like a piece of jewelry, as well as a scarf.  So easy to create this look!  There is an example from one of the sites above for this method, it is the loop-d-loop.

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I really like this Bow Tie method too.  A simple bow!

All tied up!...

Monday Message

~ My Monday Message ~

All too often we expect big things when its the little things that count!

Outdoor Inspiration

I've been dreaming for some time now of a change to our outdoor space, specifically our deck and patio area.

I've been looking at many ideas and inspirational photos and dreaming of the changes we could make to our current outdoor space.  I like many of the design elements and possibilities, along with the decorating ideas for creating our own outdoor escape.  I have long wanted a covered porch where we can enjoy going outside and having a place to sit and relax or dine, even if it's raining, but keeping my outdoor furniture covered up most of the time to protect it does not provide an inviting place to dine, or to go have a sit and enjoy a glass of wine.  

We are currently in the planning stages of making this dream a reality!

These inspirational photos of beautiful decks, porches and patios have great design elements for ideas that I would like to include in planning our outdoor escape.

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-The best of both worlds in an outdoor space with covered and open areas.
A ceiling fan adds extra breeze.  A speaker tucked into the corner for some tunes is a nice addition too.-

image source - BHG/BetterHomes&Gardens

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-A deck area and a hardscape area.  One for sun, one for shade.-

image source - BHG/BetterHomes&Gardens

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-An outdoor fireplace offers a cozy warm place during cooler weather or chilly evenings.-

image source - BHG/BetterHomes&Gardens

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-When it's warmer, candles in the fire place are a great idea, and cozy too.-

image source - Southern Living

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-The louvered shutters are a nice way to add shade, and privacy to a space.
The white lightens up the area.-

Image source  - Southern Living

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-Curtains offer shade and privacy, and could make the space feel a little more intimate.-

image source - Southern Living

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-Two different levels of outdoor living space.-

image source - BHG/BetterHomes&Gardens

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-Having a TV outdoors would be great too!
We enjoy watching the games..."Are you ready for some football?"-

image source -BHG/BetterHomes&Gardens 

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-A mobile table could be moved easily and used in different locations.  A
rug could add softness, more color and also match furnishings or cushions.-

image source - BHG/BetterHomes&Gardens

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-I can just imagine having a nice nap or spending the night out here.
Roll down the shades and relax.-

image source - Southern Living

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Dreaming with great anticipation...
~ Tammy ~

Aeon @ 7 months

Aeon may be slowing down on the growth rate, but he's still growing!  We have had a busy month with some travel, and so Aeon had his first visit to a pet resort while we were away.  They provide private rooms with flat screen TVs and soothing music while boarding, and puppy daycare during the day where the dogs get to spend free time with other dogs socializing and playing, while being supervised of course.  He enjoys the car rides more now, especially since we added a cover to the back seat and he gets to ride there instead of in the travel carrier.  We take him on frequent trips to PetSmart for necessities, treats and more, also to check his weight and work on his social behavior.  He enjoys all of the attention, seeing other dogs and getting extra treats too.  Aeon picked out a new, big, soft, comfy bed on our last visit, with just a little assistance and help on our part.*wink*  He sure finds some funny ways to sleep on it.  Body on it, head off and head on it, body off, etc.  Now at seven months old, Aeon currently weighs 72.6 lbs.

We took Aeon along with us to a restaurant named Moxie Burger, a place where you can eat outside on their patio, and dogs are welcome.  The place even provides water bowls for your pets.  We met up there with Sara and her dog Dallas.  The dogs were happy to see each other and seemed to enjoy the place, although it was pretty hot on that day to the point of all of us almost being too uncomfortable to enjoy it.   Aeon is a very good natured dog and is well behaved for the most part, and he is certainly a strong willed fella!  He really gets his feelings hurt and pouts if he gets in trouble or is told "no".  It's quite a pitiful site.   I find Aeon to be so handsome that I could take photos of him almost every minute.  He is a beautiful dog.  Yeah, I am truly smitten with him!

He's a handsome boy all dressed up in his black bandana.

It was as if he struck a pose for me.

Aeon really liked this bed.

At the check-out and doing "down stay", then the nice lady at PetSmart is going to give the 'good boy' a treat.

Out for an adventure together.

At Moxie Burger Aeon, Dallas and Marty on the patio.

Aeon and Dallas, our good boys relaxing on the patio together.  

Aeon being a very good boy with me on the patio.

Aeon enjoys riding in the back seat.

  Wardrobe change, sporting his red bandana today.

We keep wondering if he is going to grow into those paws.

What a joy he is...

~ Tammy ~

'Maters and Memories...

Tomatoes are another great thing that I love about the summertime!

I love tomatoes, especially fresh tomatoes. I picked up these lovely tomatoes at the local farmer's market.  I really do love me some fresh summer tomatoes, ehem ...tomaters or 'maters as some call them!  These were huge and they smell and taste wonderful, they're very delicious.  There is the whole argument of whether they are a fruit, or are they a vegetable?  Either way I love 'em just the same!

The smell of fresh tomatoes always brings back fond childhood memories of my grandmother, and of her walking with me through her garden.  She would pick us a fresh tomato from the vine, and she was on the ready with a dish towel tucked to her somewhere, along with a salt shaker.  She would carefully wipe the tomato clean, and then we would sprinkle them with salt and eat the tomatoes right then and there!...mmmm All the while the wonderful aroma of the tomato plants and fresh tomatoes surrounded us as we enjoyed the warmth of a summer's day, as we shared in our love for tomatoes!

These also remind me of the tomatoes my Mother and Father-in-law would grow.  But theirs were the biggest tomatoes I have ever seen!  I remember a photo of one of their tomatoes sitting over the opening of a one gallon paint can, that's how big humongous those tomatoes were!  They had lots of fresh tomatoes, and also canned quite a bit of them.  I remember those jars of tomatoes being proudly on display, on shelves in the kitchen.  They always shared those tasty canned tomatoes and still gave away plenty of fresh tomatoes too.  Their tomatoes were awesome, and very delicious.  I was always delighted when their tomatoes were ready to eat, and also when I was given those jars of tomatoes that had been prepared with love, with those tomatoes grown with love!  Maybe that was the secret?! *wink*

  

That is a 9 oz paper cup to give a little perspective.

 Look at that deliciousness!  This was the largest one all sliced up and on a saucer.  Yum!

I think I should make some yummy Bruschetta with these!  Oh yes, and Tomato, Cucumber and Onion Salad!
(I'll post the recipes for these soon)

These are mouth watering goodness!
Definitely drool worthy!...
~ Tammy ~



Here's a fun video I found about homegrown tomaters!
Enjoy!!

~ Tammy's Tip Today ~ Makeup

My favorite cosmetics are Revlon brand...  

I have been using Revlon cosmetics for years and I really do like them, a lot.  OK, I love them!  I'll try other brands of cosmetics from time to time. Anywhere from the more expensive to the least expensive, or a mix and match using other brands of cosmetics, but I usually stick with Revlon. 

In all honesty, they have really only disappointed me by discontinuing a favorite lipstick line in the past. With so many different types of lipstick and colors to choose from though, it was easy to find another favorite. Especially after I visited their website and actually chatted online with a representative about it(I was just so disappointed about not finding my favorite lipstick anymore!), she directed me to other substitutes to try in their new line of lipstick.  In other similar situations of change, or shall I say "unexpected or even unwanted change", the Hubs always says "That's marketing for ya!"  Oh well, things do change and so sometimes we must change with them.  Like it, or not!  But 'change' can be good...

I recently discovered a new type of makeup, Revlon ColorStay Aqua Mineral Makeup.  Revlon's liquid makeup has always been a favorite, and I also like using the liquid to powder compact.  I have tried another very popular brand of mineral makeup before, but really wasn't all that pleased with it.  I sometimes use a combination of liquid and powder since I have combination skin.  I noticed Revlon's mineral makeup and decided to give it a try.  

This makeup surprised me when I first applied it.  It felt wet and cool when I brushed the makeup on my face.  I thought perhaps I had gotten the applicator brush wet somehow when I had placed it on my bathroom counter.  I wiped the brush on a dry tissue then tried the application of makeup again, and same thing, it felt wet and cool on my face.  I read the front and the word 'Aqua' on the label set in with me.  I thought, "Oh I get it now...'Aqua!', as in water or wet."  That's pretty cool, literally!  The wet/cool feeling wore off shortly after applying the makeup.  I liked the look and feel of the mineral makeup on my skin.

~ Revlon's Mineral Makeup ~
Revlon ColorStay Aqua 
Mineral Makeup

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* * *

The applicator brush is attached to the top.
I really like this because it's convenient and on-the-ready for use.

 Revlon's website describes this as:

"Colorstay Aqua™ Mineral Makeup delivers a burst of hydrating coconut water and an instant cooling sensation upon application. The result: your skin looks luminous and its texture smoother. With a shine-free formula that’s made with water, not oil, this lightweight powder gives you a fresh, flawless finish that lasts all day. Fragrance free and non-irritating. Provides medium coverage in 8 beautiful shades."

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 This makeup was priced at around twelve dollars, and I feel it is a good value and should last a while.  One might think it a bit of a pricey risk with purchasing cosmetics, and then perhaps not liking them (that sure 
can happen and haven't we all done that before?!  Although most do offer a refund if unsatisfied), but 
I was pleasantly surprised, and glad that I had bought it.

It's always nice to come across something that proves to be truly satisfying, and surprising, in a good way.  
So when I do, I am happy to recommend it to others too.

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I love my Revlon...

Simple Floral Wreath

The month of August arrived and while being busy with other things such as travel and life chores, I realized I still had my July decorations on my door.  I have no problem expressing my patriotism what ever the month, but my stars and stripes door decor had been up since the first of July!  Hurry send in the decorating authorities!  I had recently already started working on something new though.

This was a simple, inexpensive project I did using a wreath I discovered while browsing the Cracker Barrel shop, it had artificial succulents, cactus and ferns for the foliage on it.  I felt the original amount was a bit over priced, but it had been marked down to the 'must have it price' of eight dollars.  Although at the time the wreath was not completely to my liking, what I really did like was the form.  It was mostly flat and had a narrow basket at the bottom which I thought would be perfect for the tight space between my door and storm door.  Since I often enjoy changing something to make it my own, that's what I had in mind when I quickly decided it would be mine, and I would change it!

I removed the succulents and cactus first (I can find a another use for those too), then rearranged the ferns.  I had picked up some artificial flowers a couple weeks ago that I'd found in a 10 for $10 bin at the grocery store.  Two of them had two per pack, and get this, they're actually clip-ins for your hair!  I had liked the colors of the pretty flowers and I just knew I'd find a use for them.  They were perfect to use for changing this into the look I had in mind.  I simply clipped them on.  A chartreuse colored ribbon simply tied into a bow matched the fern and finished it off nicely.  It doesn't have to be complicated, or cost a lot, to make something pretty for your door!

~Tammy ~

What the ...Friday

an unusual event or item, something of question, or

things that make you go...hmmm?

What the...Friday 

is that?:

Eyelashes?  ...for your car?

I've seen wreaths on the front of cars at the holidays, but this was a first!  Eyelashes! ...Pink eyelashes at that!  I was wondering where one might get eyelashes for their car, and thanks to the wide-wonderful-web, I found that there is a website ...yep - eyelashes4cars.com.  

Actually the more I look at 'em the more I kinda like 'em!  

Would you, could you?...put lashes on your car?  

Maybe on a certain make or model?

How cute is this?

or this even?

Yeah I can just see a big ole truck with these added, or maybe an eighteen wheeler.  I'm pretty sure my guy would never, ever go for this look on the front of his FJ!

Oh well to each his, or her own!...

~ Tammy ~

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