I hate the Cold Weather!

Yes, I live in South Texas and I don't really know the meaning of cold.  The snow in the northern states is ridiculous and I wouldn't be able to live!  When we get the slightest bit of ice everything in the state will shut down and schools canceled.  Texas weather is crazy, the saying is wait 5 minutes and it will change.  Earlier this week it was 80 and then you turn around and is in the 30's.  Until summer I am just going to dream about Jamaica.

What are you doing to forget about the cold weather??

Keep Love

Two weeks ago I was introduced to a new company named Keep-Collective.  Keep is from the creators of Stella & Dot and their moto is "tell your story".  Personalize your jewelry to tell your own story brilliant.  I guess this is the modern version of a charm bracelet.

I love the idea of being able to change your bracelets or necklaces to say how you are feeling that day.  The bracelets or necklace plate are called keepers and the charms are called keys.  The keepers range from $19 to $59.  The keys are from $9 to $19.  They keys can be alphabet letters, numbers, Greek letters, sports, color stone, animals and adventure or a hobby.

They also have Time Keys, or what you and I would say a watch base.  You are able to purchase a double leather band and add a time key and personalize it however you choose.  This is such an awesome and inexpensive way to express yourself.  I am hosting an online party and I would love for you to take a look for yourself!

If you want to check out the site, please visit keep-collective.com/with/jeskinner.  If you join Keep before the last day of March you will be a founding designer.  I would love to talk to you more about this awesome opportunity!

My Latest Obsession Stitch Fix!

                                                           Try It and You Will Love It!

I can't believe this is already my 4th Stitch Fix!   I am really loving my stylist Sara and Stitch Fix in general.  I was a little skeptical at first but they have won mope over.  I live 45-60 minutes from any mall, so this service is a life saver!

First off,you need to sign up for an account with Stitch Fix.  You will be able to specify all of the details about your Fix. Price range, any particular pieces you need (a dress to wear to an upcoming event, for example), the type of clothing you want (office-appropriate clothes, big night out clothes, casual clothes, etc.), your style preferences (preppy, edgy, etc.)—you name it, you can customize it. I do not work so I chose casual, classic clothes with no wool (I live in South Texas) and dresses only when I ask for them.  

There is also a place to link your Pinterest Page , they will look at your personal style also to help with their picks.  I just recently started my Pinterest Page but I am doing a better job n

On my first fix I only kept one item because two of my five were to small. I did go back to my style profile and adjusted my jeans and jacket size a little bigger, I know what every girl hates to do!  There is a $20 stylist fee but if you buy any of the items in your fix, they will subtract your fee.  They will also give you 25% off if you buy all 5 items.  In my December box I had one shirt that I wasn't  crazy about, I mean it was OK.  I did the math and it was more expensive to send the blouse back because of the 25% off the entire box.

 They recently updated their service so now you can elect to receive shipments at a frequency that’s 
right for you — every 2-3 weeks, every month or every other month.  You can always change your 
frequency or cancel your subscription without a penalty.

My January fix was a thumbs up/ in my book.  I received three shirts, an infinity scarf and some earrings.  The first blouse is a Collective Concepts  printed tab sleeve  blouse in a melon color.
The second is a Papermoon Zelda Dolman Knit Top in black and gray.  This is a comfortable shirt.  My last top is probably my favorite!  The shirt is from a Skies are Blue in a sheer black with beautiful embroidery down the front.  The top does come with black cami.  This shirt could easily go from casual to dressy in an instant.  I also received some Leanne infinity drop earrings from Zad.  These are light weight, which I love.  The fifth and final item is a Octavia Herringbone Infinity Scarf in gray.  Talk about sold this a comfy scarf.  Hopefully I won't need it when I go to NYC next month.

You can always opt out of accessories, dresses, outer ware whenever you want.  If you refer anyone, they will also get a $25.00 credit.  I referred my daughter in college and I received $25 but I still ending up paying for hers.

My next fix will be here around the end of February.  I am going to ask for something to go to some shows on Broadway .  : )

I LOVE rolls!!!

I love homemade rolls , especially ones that are easy to make.  I have had a bread machine for years and rarely used it until recently.  I found a Hawaiian sweet bread recipe that I love (we'll get to that at another time) and an awesome dinner roll recipe.  I usually make these at family dinners because it does make two dozen.

Bread Machine Dinner Rolls

1 cup milk (I used 2% milk)
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups bread flour
2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

Place the ingredients in the bread machine in the order that they are listed.   Select the dough setting on your bread machine.  When the cycle is complete, turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface and punch down to get rid of all of the air bubbles.divide the dough into 24 even size pieces and shape into balls.  Place the balls into two lightly greased 9x13 inch pans.  Cover the pans and let rise for 30 minutes or until the rolls have doubled .  Bake at  375 for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.    Remove from the oven and  rub butter on the top of each roll.

 Get ready for to hear pass the rolls please because these rolls will be gone in no time at all!

Cinnamon Honey Butter Yum!!!

I could make a meal of the rolls and cinnamon butter at Texas Roadhouse, seriously!  I found this recipe on Pinterest and had to try it!  The recipe does make a lot of the butter so either eat up or be prepared to share.  I have a daughter that lives in Lubbock, so sharing was a better idea for me and my hips.

Cinnamon Honey Butter

1 cup butter softened
1 cup honey
1 cup powdered sugar 
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3 half pint canning jars

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl using a mixer until smooth and creamy, scraping the sides of the bowl to mix completely.  Using a spatula scoop mixture into a large pastry bag or a zip lock bag, then cut off the tip and squeeze into the jars. 

Keep refrigerated and serve at room temperature.


I am in heaven!

Couples Tower Isle...a Piece of Heaven!

We just celebrated our 20th anniversary and decided to take a tropical vacation.    My husband hates flying and said as long as we can drive.  I' m not sure if you know this but you can drive ten hours and still be in Texas.  There were only a few choices for tropical and I have been going to Port Aransas and South Padre Island all my life so that didn't excite me.
Finally, after a lot of convincing, we both decided on Jamaica and Couples Tower Isle.  There are a lot of things included here besides the alcohol and food.  We (he) could scuba dive, go on a tour to Dunns River Falls, go on a catamaran ride, wind surf, snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides, room service, shopping tours and they would take you to Margaritaville .
We flew non stop from Houston to Montego Bay in two hours.  Once we landed in Montego Bay and we headed straight to Club MoBay: we again got both the arrival and the departure service, and it was 100% worth it. The line for customs on arrival in Jamaica was going up the ramp; meanwhile, we had to wait about 10 minutes at most. I think we were on the shuttle to CTI before some of the people on our plane were even to the Couples lounge area.   We were given Red Stripes beer while we waited for our free transfers.  The commute to Ocho Rios is about 1 1\2 hours from the airport and they drive like crazy!  When we arrived at the resort, they were waiting on us with a cool washcloth and a glass of champagne.

This hotel was the hotel for the stars in the 1960's.  I love character and this hotel had plenty of character.  The hotel was completely remodeled in 2010.  We booked a Premier Ocean view room and were glad we did. We had a large king bed that overlooked the swim up bar and ocean , which we enjoyed. There was a desk and a large closet area to keep your belongings. Also there was a mini bar in our room fully stocked with regular bottles of Appleton's Rum and a whiskey, I don't remember what brand.  We also had bottle of wine, juice, soda and water but we hardly touched it.  Our view was breathtaking.  Waking up in the morning, ordering room service and sitting out on the deck was SO relaxing.  We did bring our IPAD but we didn't have good service in our rooms. We had to sit outside on our balcony to get service.

Food was very good for an all-inclusive hotel. We ate at all the restaurants, and on Saturday night, they had the most elaborate buffet I've ever seen with TONS and TONS of food. The detail and display of each item was so impressive. Lots of ice sculptures and fruits with designs carved into them. My husband raved about the lamb chops and I had snapper on several occasions and thought it was the best I've ever had! The breakfast and lunch buffets were really good. There is something for every taste bud - even a pool grill that has burgers. Bayside restaurant is over the water and really good. The Eight Rivers requires a more formal dress code, the guys wore linen pants and the girls wore maxi dresses.  The food here is amazing, we actually ate here twice. The drinks were NOT watered down at all. My favorite drink was the dirty banana and the guys enjoyed a Jameson slushie.  Every single staff member there were so genuine, friendly and helpful.  Over all they did a fantastic job at keeping the drinks filled and taking away our plates when we were finished.

The beach is kind of  small, but it was very clean and the water was beautiful. It was very quiet and private. The pool water was perfect! There are two pools offered, one is a swim up pool.  They offered activities throughout the day on the beach and at the pool bar, such as Jeopardy, Bingo, trivia, etc. They do have lots of water activities that you can do throughout the day as well. There is a private beach/island that is Au Naturel.  We took the boat over one day, but came back pretty quickly when we realized it was all or nothing! The island does have a pool with a bar and access to the ocean and they also bring a hot lunch over everyday. It doesn't have a "beach" area though. The

pier is suppose to be the 'topless' area but I never seen anyone there topless. We usually went outside around 9:30 or whenever the dive boat was ready.  We didn't have trouble finding chairs at the beach. As the day progressed, the chairs at the beach filled quickly. Each chair has a mat that can be used on top of your chair or to float in pool/ocean. They also operate under a flag system.  When you raise your flag, the waiter comes over and asks you want drink you would like.  There are two nice pools there.  One pool is the swim up bar pool (where we spent most of our time)and the other one is near the
 restaurant area.   The resort has a game room with pool tables, ping pong tables, and a TV. A lot of the guys would meet in here to watch games throughout the week. There was also board games to play. - There was a nice gym

Throughout the day, photographers will come around and ask to take pictures of you. You can view your photo in the photo shop and buy it if you like. The also have a wonderful spa and steam room.  The hot stone massage was excellent!  There is an Internet room with computers. There is also a wonderful spa with a  steam room. There are Jacuzzis over at the spa that are a little more private if you wish.

We also did the catamaran cruise and the snorkeling, which were both fun. It was so nice that these things were included in the price of the stay! I have never windsurfed before and that was a lot of fun, definitely want to do it again!  My husband scuba dove almost every day since this was included in the price.  He did tip the dive captain a little every day just because.   We also did the trip to Dunn’s River Falls one morning. This was nice because you did not have to sign up ahead of time; just meet in the lobby at 9 am. Everything is paid for on this trip except the tip for the guide that takes you up the falls.

 The evening entertainment was a bit hit or miss but the Jamaican steel drum band who perform there once a week are nothing short of brilliant. The Piano Bar was always a lot of fun!  All of your new friends from the swim up bar came out to socialize some more.   We would definitely recommend this hotel to others!

If you register for their Romance Rewards, you are eligible for trading places.  Trading places also you to go over to Couples San Souci for the day and check out their hotel for the day.

Needless to say, we have already booked again for this summer but this time for seven days!

Just a little over a month..........

I can not wait to watch my daughter and friends run in the Princess Half Marathon!!!

Who says I don't have a gift for the party?

 

This weekend we are getting together with our camping group and we are having a late Christmas party.  We normally don't give presents but I wanted to give each family a little something.
When we bought our house, there were a whole bunch of 12x12 tiles in the workshop in our backyard. I vinyled a few for Christmas decorations recently and they turned out cute.  I decided to personalize a tile for each family with their kids, names, pets and a few hobbies.  Before anyone asks, yes, drinking wine is a hobby especially when we are camping.

After I brought four tiles inside, I cleaned each one really good with alcohol and then let them dry completely.  Next, I opened my Silhouette program on my computer and tried to come up with a personal subway art for the family.  After, I cut the 12x12 vinyl out, it was time to weed out the picture. A good transfer tape is the key to moving the vinyl to the tiles as easy as possible.   Because I have shaky hands and my vision isn't great right now, four tiles took me most of the day.  I really didn't mind because at least I know they will not have another one just like it!

I really don't mind sharing them because I know the recipients don't read my blog.    I have really gotten my money out of my Silhouette Cameo.  The price was a little steep at first but I have made Christmas decorations, personalized Bubba kegs for a Disney cruise, personalized beach bags and made most of the decorations for my daughter's house at Texas Tech.  

Old Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits are a great start to any day

It is so easy to pop open a can of biscuits on the weekend but let's face it, they don't compare to homemade.  The frozen biscuits are a good alternative but it still screams store bought.  Here is a good buttermilk biscuit that doesn't take long to make and your family will appreciate the effort.
Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
         

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon sugar

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

pinch of baking soda

1/2 cup butter, cubed and cold

3/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 425

In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients.  Next, cut the butter into the mixture until it begins to look like cornmeal. Make an indentation in the middle of the dry mixture and add the buttermilk.  Combine the milk and dry mixture until it starts to pull away from the bowl. Try not to handle the dough too many times.  Place  the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead a few times. Roll out with a rolling pin  into 1/2 inch thickness.  Cut out with a small biscuit cutter that is lightly floured.  Do not twist when cutting the biscuits out, the biscuits will not rise properly.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown

Welcome Home!

I have loved Disneyworld since I was first married.  We have taken our kids many times to see the Mouse.  every time we were there, I would see a sign that said "Disney's Best Kept Secret".  I knew it was a time share but just assumed it was way,way out of our price range. 
My oldest daughter, Megan, was in college at Sam Houston State University and applied for the Disney College Program.  She was chosen to go for the Spring 2011 Semester and was going to "be friends" with Pluto.  I was so excited, another reason for me to go to my favorite place!  This internship came with an added perk for me, if I bought into the Disney Vacation Club, I would receive a percentage off!

She's Official!

After Megan was an official employee of the Walt Disney Company, I talked my husband into letting me buy 220 points at Animal Kingdom Lodge and I believe the original price was $95 a point.  Mind you, that isn't a whole lot of points, but it gets me to WDW once a year.  I am so glad I bought when I did, I just received an email that the points are going up to $155 a point!
My youngest daughter and I went to Orlando for a week to see Megan that semester.  We stayed at Saratoga Springs and were amazed how much more room you have in the DVC rooms.  Not only did you have a kitchen and a normal size bathroom, but a living room, balcony and washer/dryer!  This does only apply to 1 bedrooms and up.

In 2011, I was able to bank my points because I knew I wanted a bigger trip with more people when my girls graduated from high school and college.  After our Disney Dream Cruise with extended family (awesome by the way), we were able to stay in a three bedroom Grand Villa and a two bedroom Value room.  Even my Disney humbug husband was impressed with our accommodations!

Husbands are happy! 

I would love to buy more points but with my kids grown and my Disney humbug hubby, I will just have to visit more often with my Disney obsessed best friend Amy!

Woo, hoo February 22nd, Animal Kingdom here we come! 

 

Simple Strawberry Jam , I love the sound of popping jars!!

My daughter's love Strawberry Jam and go through it like crazy!  When I find strawberries on sale, I usually grab three containers and proceed to make jam.  This is SO much cheaper and tastes 100 times better!!




Strawberry Jam
5 cups hulled and mashed strawberries
7 cups of sugar (crazy I know, but so good)
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 49gram package of powdered fruit pectin
pat of butter

1. Place eight 8 ounce mason jars in a large hot water bath canner and cover with water and bring to a simmer.
2. In a separate pot put the center and lids in a pot of water and simmer.
3. Place the mashed strawberries and lemon juice in a third pot and stir in the pectin until dissolved.  Next, you want to bring the strawberries to a strong boil. 
4. Add the sugar and the pat of real butter, I like to go ahead and measure it out ahead of time, then return the mixture to a full boil.  When the mixture can't be stirred down when boiling, boil for another 2 minutes. 
5. If there is any foam on the top, skim it off.  The pat of butter should make the foam minimal.
6. Remove one jar at a time from the pot and with a large mouth funnel fill the jars so they have 1/4 inch space left at the top. Repeat this until all of the jars are full or jam is gone.
7. Take a knife and run it down the side of the jar to get rid of any air bubbles that may there.
8. Next, you want to wipe down the jars makig sure there isn't any residue left on the edges.  Take the lids and centers out of the pot and screw bands on the jars, making sure not to over tighten. 
9. When all of the jars are secured, put them in the canning rack and place them back into the water with the lid on.  Boil for 10-12 minutes.
10. Turn off the heat and let them rest for an additional 5 minutes before you take them out.
11. Remove jars carefully with a jar lifter and place them on the counter where they can remain undisturbed for 24 hours.  Let the popping begin!!

I need a Disneyworld fix!

I will be at Walt Disney World in late February but I am really needing some of "the happiest place on earth"  in my life right now !

I use to love to go to Magic Kingdom in the morning and go to Main Street Bakery and get their French Toast Loaf.  Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!  I can't believe they don't serve it anymore : (

At least I have the recipe and can make it whenever I want now, happy girl!

French Toast Loaf
Main Street Bake Shop
Magic Kingdom                    
YIELD: 1 Loaf
Ingredients:

12 slices day-old white bread a home style white does best
8 oz. butter (chilled and sliced)

Brown sugar batch:
9 oz, light brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
Mix together and set aside.

Batter:
10 oz. heavy cream
4 large eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Mix together and refrigerate until ready to use.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Let's put it together : )

    Liberally spray a loaf pan with Pam or other vegetable spray. Layer three slices day old bread on bottom of pan. Sprinkle 1/3 brown sugar mixture on top of bread, then layer 1/3 of the butter. Repeat these steps two more times. Top off with three more slices of bread (should have a total of 12 slices of bread). Press down with hand to compact bread into loaf pan.
Slowly pour 16 oz. of batter over top of loaf, covering completely. This may take a little time, to allow it to fully absorb into bread and flow into spaces at bottom. (Take
your time here and pour into corners. Lift bread at corners a little to get into bottom quicker if you want.)
Place loaf pan on some paper towel in case of overflow. Cover top of loaf with parchment paper and wrap top tightly with aluminum foil. Place in refrigerator and allow to sit overnight.
Heat oven to 325º F. Bake for approximately 1 hour or until internal temperature in center of loaf is 160 degrees. Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Place a plate on top of loaf pan and invert to remove from pan. Cut into 7 slices and serve.

New Year, New Resolutions!

I haven't been very good about updating this blog.  So, one of my new year resolutions is to do a better job at keeping this blog up to date!  Of course, my second resolution is like everyone else in America, to eat better. This will be very hard for me because I love sweets!

Unfortunately, this new year has already hit my health.  I have been home for over a week now with extreme dizziness and loss of balance.  This blog is going to take me forever to write LOL.  The doctor's are saying either my MS or Meniere's Disease or a combination.  Meniere's Disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can affect hearing and balance.  It is characterized by vertigo, ringing in the ears and hearing loss.  I had a hearing test scheduled for today but it was postponed due to me still being extremely dizzy.  I am one lucky girl!

I am going to lay down for awhile, I hope everyone has a blessed day!

Dollar Store Crafts!

We live in a small town and have three Dollar Stores.  My favorite is Dollartree because I can always find something to craft with there.  Two weeks again, before all my issues, I found these cute spice jars for a buck.  I bought five thinking I could put my more spices in them.  We'll I am up to 15 and I still need another five.  They looked so cute, I decided to uniform my whole spice cabinet.

Completed so far,

I purchased these jars and they are so cute!  They let you sprinkle on one end and scoop out on the other!  PERFECT : ). After hand washing them and letting them dry, I warmed my trusty Silhouette Cameo up.  There labels are simple to make I purchased a frame from the Silhouette shore and wrote the spice name inside!  Easy Peasy!

Labels waiting to be attached

Close up of the finished product!

Today I am thankful for my Daddy, he has been a rock in my life since my mother passed away!  

Happy Tuesday everyone!

I am released to go back to my real job today!  I hope y'all have a blessed day.

I am thankful for the teachers that mold are young people's minds.   My oldest daughter is a high school English teacher and I am always amazed at her passion towards the kids learning.

Optic Neuritis is a bummer!

Sorry it has been awhile since I posted.  My MS flared up for the first time in over five years.  My left eye was blurry and had a horrible pain behind it.  I mistakenly thought it was just allergies giving me a headache and lived with it for over a week.  A call to my local doctor , led to a call to my neurologist, which led to driving to Houston that day.  A round of IV steroids and I am finally feeling better, not sleeping well, but feeling better.  When I am on steroids they mess with my sleep and I tend to eat more.  I also get to take a taper dose of steroids for the next ten days.

I have missed the first part of the month so here is a list what I am thankful for in a November so far.  I am thankful for a loving husband of twenty years, two beautiful girls that I am extremely proud of, a wonderful family, friends that are always by my side, my doctors that keep me going, the Maxine Mesinger Multiple Sclerosis Clinic for the awesome care, a job that has always been understanding, a happy home to call my own, my husband's stable job that provides excellent health care, my furry babies that provide unconditional love and finally today, Veterans Day, everyone who has fought for our freedom!

Sunday Funday!

I love Chicken and Dumplings, it is one of my favorite comfort foods.  Sunday is the only day my hubby doesn't work.  He is working 12 hour days right now, so the last thing I want to do is stay in the kitchen all day!  Here is another recipe I found on Pinterest and I give it a thumbs up!

Crock Pot Chick and Dumplings

4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons butter
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can chicken broth
1 onion diced (I used half of one)
1 tablespoon dried parsley
2 Grands Homestyle refrigerator biscuits

Put the chicken, butter, cream of chicken, chicken broth, parsley and onions in the crock pot and cook on high for four to six hours. Mine only needed five, and probably didn't even need that much.

As the chicken cooks and gets tender, break it up with a spoon or fork, whatever.

Get your biscuits and cut them into nine pieces. I kind of rolled them into balls to ensure they stayed whole but it’s not necessary. Stir into chicken mixture and cook for another hour.

(The recipe says to cook for 30 minutes and my biscuits were not done at that point. One hour did the trick.)

If it is a little too think for your tastes,the recipe said to add chicken broth if necessary. 

To die for Apple Pie Jam!

This jam is in no way low calorie, but it is to die for!  This is my treat to myself on Saturday mornings! : )

Apple Pie Jam

Ingredients: 

6 cups peeled and diced Granny Smith Apples

(about 6-7 medium size apples)

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon  butter

3 cups white sugar

2 cups packed brown sugar

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1   1.75 oz. box fruit pectin

Directions:
Cook apples, water and butter over low heat, stirring until apples are soft but not mushy.

Stir in pectin and bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.

Add sugars and cinnamon and bring back to a boil (220 degrees use a candy thermometer), stirring constantly.

After the mixture comes to a full boil and reaches 220 degrees boil for one full minute. Remove from heat and skim off foam (if there is any).

Pour into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch head space. Process jars in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Recipe yields: 7 - half pint jars

 Properly processed jam will keep in the pantry for up to twelve months.



I so want to go back.....

Disney blues

www.mythirtyone.com/janskin

As everyone knows, I sell Thirty One and we have bags for all occasions.  These are a couple of CUTE examples for a trip to Disney.  Two of my loves together, Disney and Thirty One!  I am a little bummed I am not going to be at the World until February when my youngest daughter runs The Princess Half Marathon with my best friend.  They are crazy and I will be there to cheer them on.

I have also booked a couple of rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge for the girls to go this summer with some friends.  Hey, I have points right, might as well you them!

I must admit these are not my own pictures and I found them on the internet.