Yum!

You may recall that I make cookies for the holidays.  I got this recipe in my email this week, I believe from Kraft.com.  I liked it enough to print it, and think I’ll bring these bars on Thanksgiving.  Maybe I’ll substitute apricot preserves.  I really like apricot.

 

Czech Bars (24)

• 1/2 lb. (2 sticks) butter (salted or unsalted—not margarine)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
• 1 cup strawberry jam

1 Cream butter (better to warm up in microwave for about 10 seconds). Do not melt butter, just soften to cream.

2 Add all other ingredients slowly, except jam. Mix well.

3 Use 1/2 of batter to spread onto 8″ x 8″ or 9″ x 13″ cake pan. Pat down.

4 Spread approximately 1 cup of strawberry jam over this first layer evenly. Crumble remaining batter over jam layer. Pat down slightly.

5 Bake at 350° F. for approximately 25-30 minutes. Cool slightly before cutting into bars.

Read Full Post »

Buzz, Download & Review

I think you know I’m sort of addicted to programs that do fun things to photos.  Today Giveawayoftheday.com has a good one  Sketch Drawer, by SoftOrbits.,  http://www.softorbits.com/photo-to-sketch-converter/.

Thought I’d share with you.  Some people had trouble with activating.  Mine went through one-two-three.  Some had it crash during photo process.  Mine didn’t.  I have a Win7 64 OS, and I had no trouble with the program other than it not fitting in my screen right, so I had to move it around.  Because of my poor vision, I have different settings.  Anyway, go grab it.  It’s as nice program.  I’m going to go play now.

http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/sketch-drawer/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+giveawayoftheday%2Ffeed+%28Giveaway+of+the+Day%29

Read Full Post »

Buzz & Handbag Bargain

I am the Imelda of purses.  I just love handbags.  When ever I get a new one, I leave stuff in the current one, so I can’t get rid of it when I start using my new one.  I’m thinking about going through my tons of handbags and seeing if I can collect enough hidden money to take us out for a nice dinner…………but then, I could donate the bag, and that would make me sad.  Is the expression “An empty purse is the sign of a sick mind”???

Bradsdeals.com has been having some great deals.  Speaking of purses, I’ve never owned a Vera Bradley, but I like the color (discontinued), and the price of this one ($24.50).  Trying to talk myself down.

http://www.verabradley.com/product/Color/Rhythm-and-Blues/Tote/154817/defaultColorVariantId/173191/pc/639/

c/0/sc/709/p/154817.uts

Read Full Post »

Buzz & Perfume Bargain

I’ve worn Shalimar since I was a teen.  Actually, it was my ex’s favorite, and I stuck with it after I dumped him.  Lately I’ve been trying out some more up to date fragrances, and I did buy Burberry, but it’s not exactly what I want.  I think I want something vanilla/peachy/amber-esque.  Whatever it is, I’m still looking.  Suggestions?

Anyway, I thought this was a good value, and a way to try a lot of fragrances. (from Bradsdeals.com)

Sephora Deals

12

Sephora Fragrance Sampler + Full Size $35

This Deluxe Fragrance Sampler for Her, a $90 value, drops from $50 to $34.99 at Sephora. Plus, it comes with a voucher for a full sized bottle of one of the included fragrances. This set includes Ralph Lauren Romance, Michael Kors Gold, Vera Wang Lovestruck, Oh, Lola Marc Jacobs, Taylor Swift Wonderstruck, and more. Shipping is $5.95 or free with $50. Sales tax is charged in most states.

Read Full Post »

Sunday Quickie – Buzz & Review

The plumbers came and it appears all is well.  I’m thinking positive.

**********

We got this from HSN.com.  Har loves his hard boiled eggs, and while it doesn’t poach well, it makes great, as far as I can tell perfect, hard boiled eggs.  Real easy to peel.  We set the timer on the microwave for what we estimated to be the right time to turn the egg thingy off, but that wasn’t necessary.  It honked for all it was worth at us till we turned it off when the eggs were ready.  Handy feature for forgetful me.

http://www.hsn.com/products/dash-egg-cooker/6873678

Read Full Post »

Buzz, Plumbing and Bargain

I know I haven’t written for a while.  Nothing too exciting to write about.  Don’t want you to forget me though.

I have only been able to take 7 minute hot showers since I moved here.  Washed my tush length hair in shifts.  Finally decided to break down and get a new hot wataer heater.  Simple huh?  I was gong to havae the development put one in for me.  I had a thirty gal (tiny) and wanted a a50.  They ordered it, but it was too tall for the space.  Then they wanted me to take a 38 because a 40 required pipe work and they charge $50 an hour.  I told them to call me in the afternoon and I’d let them know after I talked to Harry.  They never called back.  I googled “plumber+zip code” and got 4 plumbers.  I okayed for them to call me.  Only 2 did.  One said he’d call back wioth a quote since his partnere worked in this development before.  Second called and said he’d be here at 2pm to measure.  First called and wanted twice as much as developmenty asked.  Second didn’t call till 3pm to tell me he could make it but would be here in the morning with a 40 gal tank to install.  My daughter said that’s like showing up for a date naked.  Anyway, he and his coworker showed up and put it in for less than my development wanted, before labor.  Happy me.  Anyway, started a cold water wash and saw steam coming out of washer.  They switched the pipes.  They’ll be back today, I hope.

**********

 I have an Oreck air purifier, and it’s good enough that my bil, who is hyper sensitive to cats, can be here for several hours without a bad reaction.

Only$99.99

List Price – $199.99

plus $5 shipping

• 

  Oreck XL Professional Air Purifier w/Truman Cell Filter

**********

For my Long Island people, this is a good deal, and you know you were going to the mall anyway.

$10 or $22 to Spend on Sandwiches at The Great Steak & Potato Company QNQ Enterprises Sold by QNQ Enterprises 332 Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove $ 5 Value $10 Savings 50% ($5)

Read Full Post »

Buzz & Bargain of the Day

Since my daughter was a small child, I’ve been giving her a holiday ornament every year.  This year I found one I love so much I ordered one for me too.  To me, it kind of celebrates Chanukah, Christmas, and winter in general.

I recently got a sample box from Smashbox.  They make the best eyeliner ever.  Totally expensive, but with 25% off, I’m indulging.  Perhaps it will end up in my stocking.

***********

Macy’s is having a Friends & Family sale.  25% off with code FRIEND.  (Don’t use PERFECT)   IF you spend $99 you get free s&h, which otherwise would be $9.99.  For a total of $91.67, including tax, I got all the following.

(2) Wedgwood Christmas Ornament, Pierced Snowflake Ornament

Color: No ColorWeb ID: 580241In Stock: Usually ships within 3 business days.

Sale $19.99

Reg. $29.00

123456789101112

$39.98

Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner

Color: JavaWeb ID: 717336In Stock: Usually ships within 3 business days.

$19.00

123456

$19.00

717336Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner119.0030077falsecmexplore=-_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_–_-SINGLE ITEMAnolon

Advanced Bronze Skillet Set, Hard Anodized Nonstick 10″ and 12″Color: BronzeWeb ID: 330286

Sale $49.99

Reg. $120.00

123456

$49.99

Read Full Post »

Buzz, Hurricane & Humor

I know some of you are still without power, and some have suffered devastating losses to their homes and properties. If I can do anything to help, I’ll be glad to.

My daughter and her Fella are going through a Sandy made trauma of their own. When they moved in together recently, he agreed to put his 50+ cartons of collectible graphic novels into storage, with hopes they’d some day put their children through college. They were worth thousands of dollars. Just last week they put them into a storage unit. Hurricane Sandy was upset at his leaving them alone, and decided to drown them under almost 4′ of water. It’s not just a financial loss, they’re his collection passion. I know what I felt like when my house burned down, and my doll collection, (and everything else), was gone. This collection came from much time and effort, and I know he’s devastated. If anyone has graphic novels, particularly DC, that they are willing to part with, please contact me.

**********

Now, to lighten the mood, the wisdom of children, sent to me by my daughter.

Read Full Post »

Sandy Buzz & Recipe

I hope you’ve all survived Sandy in good shape.  I know a lot of you are from NJ and NY, and some of you have lost power.  I hope it comes back soon, if it hasn’t yet, and since we were super lucky here, you’re welcome to come wash with hot water and eat.  Speaking  of eating, I tried a new recipe today.

I originality saw this made on Paula Deen’s show.  I love cabbage and potatoes (I think original recipe from Ireland is made with kale), so I went for it.  Due to my total inability to follow a recipe true to form, I sauteed a thinly sliced onion, a chopped clove or garlic, and a chopped small shallot with the cabbage.  I also added some butter and half & half to the potatoes, and less broth.  What can I tell you???  It’s good, and I’ll use leftovers to make potato pancakes tomorrow.

Colcannon

• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Salt
• 3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• Ground pepper
• (+ onion, shallot & garlic if desired)

Begin by boiling the potatoes in salted water (1/4 tablespoon) until fork tender. Drain in a colander.Saute the sliced cabbage in the olive oil on medium heat with the thyme. Cover and cook until soft, stirring occasionally.In a small saucepan, warm the broth. Return the cooked potatoes to the pot they were boiled in and mash. When the cabbage is cooked, fold into the potatoes. Add the Chicken Broth, 1/2 cup at a time, using only what’s needed to make them creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Read Full Post »

Just Buzz

I’m so disappointed I want to cry. I went to an Octoberfest party Saturday night, took tons of pictures, and the SD card says the card can’t be used, and I can’t get to them. Hubby brought it to work to see if anyone can fix it.

Anyway, we had a really nice time. Unlike the New Years Eve party , our table was very friendly and Hubby and I were talking to different people all night. The food was good, though they mixed up Hubby’s order. He ate well anyway. The band played a lot of polka music, but some my hips were better suited for, There were dancers in lederhosen doing folk dances. A fun night. Nobody took the pretty mums on the table so someone said I should take them. They probably look nice on my bistro table, where I placed them, but I’m not going out in the rain to check.  I hope I can post the pictures tomorrow.

The kids (Daughter and The Fella), came out for the weekend. They helped get some stuff, that we couldn’t lift, into the Subaru, and brought it to the dump. Glad to get that done, and have some time with them.  First time in a while. All in all, a very good weekend.

Read Full Post »