The Art of Random Willy-Nillyness: 2015
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Monday, December 28, 2015

Christmas Childhood Memories #Storybookxmas #PersonalCreations

I was thinking about Christmas the other day and thinking back on all the Christmases when I was little. I used to love Christmas time. We usually had lots of people over our house for Christmas. Christmas is also my sister's birthday. But the one thing that stands out in my mind about Christmas is the tradition we had of making tamales to give out to friends and family.


Making tamales is a long and very time consuming process. But of all the Costa Rican dishes, I love these the most. Well tamales and olla de carne. The bottom line is that in Costa Rica you make like a billion tamales during the holiday season. You give them out to friends and family and anyone who comes by your house. You eat them for breakfast and at coffee time (sort of like tea time in the UK) and for dinner. At a certain point you get tamalied out because not only are you eating your own but others give them to you as well.

Anyhow, at our house this was something that was done once a year during Christmas and the whole family was involved. The process started a week or so before the day of making the tamales. And you had to have them done before Christmas Eve. The first thing was to gather banana leaves. We lived in Los Angeles and had several banana trees at our house. My dad would go out and cut down the leaves with is machete. He would bring them in where we would boil them and then cut them into a uniform size for the tamales. You can also "grill" the leaves to get them ready. In Costa Rica, you wrap the whole tamale in the banana leaf but my mom used parchment paper and banana leaves. We used the leaves for that flavor but the paper was easier to wrap around the tamales. If we didn't have enough leaves, we bought them at the Mexican grocery store where my mom bought the masa.






































The masa is a chore. My mom bought the raw masa and then we had to flavor it and cook it for the tamales. Now this is the part I am not sure about it. Because I remember that my mom would cook up a whole bunch of potatoes to add to the masa. This is the only part of the recipe that I would be iffy on if I had to make my own tamales. Somehow the potatoes were incorporated into the masa and then you would cook them together.

To flavor the masa, we used all type of things. The day before, my mom cooked up a few pork shoulders or butts with tons of spices. There were also a few whole chickens cooked up as well. The meat was heavily spiced because the broth was to be used to loosen up and flavor the masa. The meat itself was used in the tamales. So the day before it was heaven in our house with the smell of pork and chicken. Also used were chicharrones (fried pork skin) and pork fat. My god, I am all about pork fat. In later years, we decided that bacon was also a great way to flavor the masa.

So basically once the masa and potatoes were mixed, we added the broth from the chickens and pork, pork fat and finely chopped pork skin to flavor the masa. Salt, pepper, Salsa Lizano, Tabasco sauce and other spices were added as well. When I was real little my mom and grandmother were always the tasters. Somewhere along the way, I became the person who had the Final Word on the masa because I had a really good taste for it. I remember tasting it and saying it needed more salt, more Salsa Lizano or more pork fat. I usually said it needed more pork fat all the time.

Once the masa was flavored and cooked, the process of actually putting together the tamales began. Of course before this we would lay out the tamale fillings. Costa Rican tamales are filled with a lot of stuff. I can't remember everything but there were carrots, capers, olives, prunes, raisins , peas, pork, chicken, green beans, red pepper, garbanzo beans and rice. I am sure I forgot something but that is all I remember. The rice was usually over seasoned especially with pepper and undercooked so that it would finish cooking when the tamales were cooked.


So we had to cut up all these items. Many times we used frozen peas or canned green beans etc. to make it easier. All the fillings had to be laid out on the table so we could start the assembly line. The whole family would help. My dad I remember was the person who would pick up the giant pots of masa and bring it to the table so we could start the process. He also built a fire outside because once the tamales were ready, they needed to be cooked and since there were so many tamales, we cooked them outside. Me and my sister were usually the tamale stuffers.

To make a tamale you take a sheet of the parchment paper that has been cut to a uniform size. You then take a banana leaf and place it on top of the paper. The next step is a dollop of masa. I can't tell you how much masa because that was something you just figured out by eyeballing it. The next item on the tamale was the rice. At this point the tamale was passed on onto the next person who had 3-4 ingredients that they had to add to the tamale. After they finished it went down to the next person who finished adding the fillings. My mother or grandmother were always the last leg of the process because this was the tricky part. Once the items were placed on the masa, the last person would take another smaller dollop of masa and place it on top. Then a smaller banana leaf was placed on top of that. Then the tamale had to be wrapped up like a little present. Once you had two tamales, they were tied together and put aside to be cooked outside.




















We used to make hundreds of these babies and it would take all day. Luckily we could sit and I loved snacking on the ingredients especially the pork but I would always get in trouble because some item would always run out faster. But these were the best times ever. We would talk and laugh. It was during those times that I learned so many things from both my mom and grandmother and those were special times. We would also hear all the gossip about the family, which I loved. My grandmother would also tell us stories about her childhood and my mom's childhood in Costa Rica. I remember begging my grandmother to tell me stories I have heard 1,000 times before.

Anyway, at the end of the tamale-making process there was always too much masa left or too few ingredients so we made a tamale called a tonto. A tonto (dummy) tamale was the last tamale made. Usually it was huge and jammed packed full of some ingredients and missing others. Usually my dad ate this one. I never liked it because it had too many ingredients and I didn't like that.

As I got older, I would make my mom and grandmother make me my own special tamales. I hated capers and prunes and red peppers so ultimately, I would get my special tamales that consisted of just masa, rice and meat and sometimes an olive. Yummy. To this day I still would rather have my tamales this way.

After the tamales were assembled, the next step was to cook the tamales. My dad would take them out to the fire outside and place them in huge pots full of water. They would cook for awhile. While that was being done, we had to clean up and wait for the the first taste. My grandmother and mom were amazing because this process took so much effort yet they pulled it off every year. Once the tamales were done we had to sample them of course.

Oh the first bite of a warm tamale is something close to heaven. I always hoped my first bite was that of the pure masa with maybe just a little rice. Oh the taste! I would savor it. Then I would move on to my next bite and I always made sure I got a piece of pork in that bite. And it was always a great thing if you got a piece of fatty pork. Exquisite. The unexpected surprise was always the bite of the olive. It was tart and balanced well with masa.

That was the payoff to a whole day of slaving over a hot stove and standing all day on our feet. Once we got our reward, it was back to stacking the tamales in the refrigerator and trying to find a place to put them. Because these were always done right before Christmas, we knew that almost all of them would be gone by the 26th.

People would come on Noche Buena and have tamales. Then they would arrive all day on Christmas. After a few years my parents didn't even invite people, they just showed up. We never knew who would show up but people always did. And they expected tamales. On the 25th, we would also have ham or turkey or both and other foods but the tamales were always the favorite. Of course, when people left we had to give them 4 or 6 tamales to take back home in addition to any presents they got. Once in a while my parents friends would bring their tamales but, to be perfectly honest, they were never ever as good as ours. To this day, I still contend ours were the best ever!

Once I left Los Angeles to live in Miami where I attended the University of Miami, the days of wine and tamales were over. I never found tamales in Miami. But while in school, I would visit my mom and dad in Costa Rica at Christmas time. I would then help my mother make tamales. My grandmother was still in L.A. and my sister would often tell me that she would make her tamales. My grandmother didn't make the full on Costa Rican tamales. During the year, she would make tamales but they were filled with beans or mustard greens. Her bean tamales were one of the best things in this world. God, how I miss my abuelita's bean tamales.


Now I rarely get tamales. I had a few last year when we went to Costa Rica to visit my parents. My mom had already made them so I totally missed on on the process. I think I will have to ask my mom for the recipe and try to make some here in North Carolina. I know I can probably find masa because we have a Mexican grocery store here in town. I know my mom reads this so mami send me the recipe!!

I had to share this story because the one thing that reminds me of Christmas, besides my sister since her birthday is on Christmas, are tamales. Anytime I think of Christmas my mouth waters for those delicious packets of goodness. Oh I am so hungry now.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Rosewill RHAF-15001 Oil Less 1100W Low Fat Air Fryer Review!



After Tom's bypass this year, I have had to learn how to cook healthier food. The days of butter and salt are gone and we are now watching the fat content and sodium of everything I make. This is good because it means Tom stays healthy. This is bad because that means no more fried food or butter.

I have been pretty good about finding salt substitutes and am lucky I can still use olive oil in moderation but I do miss french fries and fried chicken. So when I was offered the opportunity to review and air fryer, I jumped at it because I really wanted my fried food back.


I have to admit that I was not sure if an air fryer would actually work. I never even thought of buying one. But now that our diet has changed, I needed to rethink that choice. I am glad I did.


I was sent the Rosewill RHAF-15001 Oil Less Low Fat Air Fryer. It is smaller than I have seen before so I was not sure if it could hold the food I am cooking. The Rosewill was not easy to figure out but once we finally got it working, it worked well.


Luckily, the Rosewill Air Fryer came wit cooking instructions so it was easy to cook my meals. The first hing I tried was fries. I really wanted to know if the Rosewill would actually make crispy fries It is easy to use. You program the temperature and cooking time. The air fryer has a removable basket. The basket comes our and you load it with you food. You close it and the air fryer starts cooking. It is small but it gets the job done.


My fries came out crispy yet cooked. I was afraid they would burn but they did not. The fries tasted delicious and Tom was able to eat them because I used no oil. The next thing I tried was chicken wings. They also came out crispy and tasty. I am so excited that I can have "fried" food without all the fat that we have to avoid now.


I really liked the Rosewill Air Fryer. It is small enough to fit on my counter top. It is easy to use and easy to clean. A little soapy water will clean the basket and tray. The food comes out crispy and fried. It gives us fried food without all the calories. I can't tell you how happy Tom is about our air fryer. It has been a while since he could have fries and chicken wings and now we can have them every week.

This is a great gift for the the holidays. Foodies will love it and so will those who are looking for a healthier lifestyle. I am going to get one for my sister because she is also living healthier and I now this would be great for her.

You can find this Rosewill and other Rosewill fryer at mass retailers and online. The price runs about $100 and it is worth every penny.

Monday, December 21, 2015

Holiday Gift Idea: Dunkin' Donuts Last Minute Gifts and Stocking Stuffers!

Do you have one of those "hard to buy" people on your list? I do. I also have to participate in my office Secret Santa gift exchange and that is always tough because you might get a co-worker that is hard to buy for.

I always try to buy something nice but neutral. That can be hard, This holiday though I got some great ideas from Dunkin’ Donuts. Duckin' Donuts has some great holiday items that you can purchase. They gifts can be for anyone and that's what I love. Since you never know who our Secret Santa will be, you have to get a gift that anyone will like.


I also loved some of these gifts as stocking stuffers and last minute gifts. I always keep an extra gift or two under my tree in case an unexpected visitor comes over. And, trust me, it has happened. So I like small gift sets or gift cards because I can keep those on hand and give them out.

Check out these great gift idea from Duckin' Donuts holiday selection:

New Donut Treats
* The new Snickerdoodle Croissant Donut features a glazed croissant donut filled with cookie dough flavored buttercreme, finished with white icing drizzle and sprinkled with cinnamon streusel topping.

* The new Caramel Cheesecake Square is a square donut with smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, frosted with caramel icing and topped with chocolate caramel candy cups.

Returning Festive Flavors
· Sugar Cookie Coffees offer the traditional taste of frosted holiday sugar cookies, while Snickerdoodle Cookie Coffees bring together the sweet taste of sugar and spice of cinnamon.
· Dunkin’ Donuts is also bringing back Peppermint Mocha Coffees to its holiday lineup, combining cool peppermint and rich chocolate flavors.

Stocking Stuffers
* For the perfect stocking stuffer for Dunkin’ Donuts coffee drinkers, Dunkin’ Donuts packaged coffee and K-Cup® pods are available this season in several varieties, including Original Blend, Dunkin’ Decaf®, French Vanilla, Hazelnut and the brand’s Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Dark Roast Coffee, and Hot Cocoa K-Cup® pods are available at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants only.

* This year, as a fun new way to customize Dunkin’ K-Cup® pods, guests at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants can purchase two 12-count K-Cup boxes in a special new Gingerbread House package.

* Also, a new K-Cup® Donut Box Variety Pack leverages Dunkin’s iconic dozen donut box, filled with 25 assorted K-Cup® pods for the special price of $19.99. Lastly, DD Perks® members can purchase two boxes of K-Cup® pods for only $14.99 at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants through the end of the year.



Fun and Affordable Gift Ideas for DD Fans
* Limited-edition branded holiday ornaments in five fun choices, including a Dunkin’ Donuts Ugly Christmas Sweater, a snowman, a holiday ball, a Dunkie Snow Globe and a box of the brand’s famous donuts.

* Dunkin’ Donuts also offers branded mugs, tumblers, gift baskets, and more. All are available exclusively at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide, or online at www.DunkinDonuts.com.

* Dunkin’ Donuts Cards are available in a variety of holiday and winter themed designs, including three new options: the Merry Mischief Card, the Mistletoe Card and the Igloo Card. Dunkin’ Donuts Cards can be purchased at any participating Dunkin' Donuts locations in amounts from $2 to $100, as well as online at www.DunkinDonuts.com and at many grocery, pharmacy, and big box retailers. Dunkin' Donuts Cards always have no fees and no expiration date.

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Friday, December 18, 2015

American Tourister Star Wars Collection.

When I first saw the new American Tourister Star Wars Collection luggage, I fell in love. I had seen them online but when I went out to the D23 Expo I was able to see them up close. I knew I had to have one or two or three. I received the Stormtrooper 21' spinner and I love it.


The new Star Wars collection is amazing. It includes a line of hard sided spinners that feature Star Wars characters. There is Darth, a Stormtrooper, R2D2 and BB8. The luggage comes in several sizes to suit your needs. The upright soft-sided luggage features R2D2, BB8, and Kylo Ren as well. You can also get a backpack as well.

I love my new luggage. I have to say that I have had a great experience with American Tourister luggage. I received a bag when I attended Disney Social Media Moms and I still have it and use it quite often so I know the quality of American Tourister. I am a fan.


This Star Wars collection is amazing as well. I never had a hard-sided bag because I wasn't sure if I would like it. But I really like it because it really holds up to the beating that luggage can take when traveling. I also love having a spinner bag because it si so easy to travel with. The handles on the luggage are sturdy and the wheels roll smoothly. The push button pull handle is sturdy and I know it will hold up for a long time.


I love the branded Star Wars pulls and the fabric on the inside makes it really unique and really captures the Star Wars feel. It is really such a fun for a Star Wars fan like me. I really want to get the whole collection.


My Storm trooper bag is wonderful and it fits quite a bit of clothing. The inside of the bag is roomy and the compartments are separated by a zippered compartment. I really enjoyed this because I can separate things like my delicates and my shoes. It also keeps me better organized when I travel. I had to take an overnight trip and this was the perfect bag.





I am headed to St. Martin this month and I am taking this bag on its first international trip. I was afraid that it was going to be too small to fit all my clothes but after packing, the bag fir all my items I need for 6 days on the beach. I love that I can also carry it on instead of checking it. But if I want to check the bag, it will hold up to the travel.



Overall, I love this bag. I love the Star Wars motif. This is the perfect fan for any Star Wars fan. The price is amazing as well. At $139 for the 21' spinner and $199 for a 28' spinner, you can't go wrong. This is the perfect gift for the holiday season. I am thinking of gifting myself the 16" R2D2 hard side bag.

If you are a Star Wars fan or know of a Star Wars fan, this might be the perfect gift!

Marie Callender's Makes My Holidays Easy and Delicious! #HomemadeTouches #ad

I love cooking and I love cooking during the holidays but sometimes I can't keep up with everything. Every so often, I like to take shortcuts and use products that make my life easier. Although I love cooking, I can't bake to save my life so that is where I take my shortcuts. I often buy ready made desserts and make them my own. Sometimes, I take credit, most times I don't.

One of the best brands for desserts is Marie Callender's. Marie Callender's uses high-quality ingredients that make their pies taste homemade. I love putting a Marie Callender's pie in my oven because my house starts smelling wonderful and delicious. I tried the Razzleberry Pie. I loved it.


The crust was flaky and tasty. It looked homemade. I am sure I could get away with saying I baked it but why? I want my guests to know that a Marie Callender's pie is just as good as homemade. I always think why should I spend hours trying to make a pie from scratch when I can easily buy a Marie Callender's pie to serve my guests. I would rather spend time with my friends and family instead of in the kitchen.


Since the pies are fantastic, I feel no guilt serving a pie I didn't bake. And there are so many others who do as well. Did you know that 58% of Millennials ages 18-24 would rather serve a frozen dessert instead of making one themselves if it guaranteed that nobody would find out? Looks like some Millennials are like me because I feel the same way.


When I entertain, I love making eating fun. I love creating do it yourself foods like a taco bar or a pizza bar. I put out the ingredients and let my company make their own food. I decided to do that for my pie. I made a pie bar that included several ingredients. I had sliced strawberries, blueberries, caramel sauce, whipped cream and peppermint candies. The fun thing about a do it yourself pie station is that you can add any toppings you want.


For the holidays, I am going to set up a pie bar and maybe I will include more Marie Callender's pies and more toppings. This is such a fun idea and saves me from having to worry about what people like for dessert! And I don't have to waste time baking pies yet I can have the taste of a homemade and my guests will never know the difference unless I spill the beans!


And another reason why I love Marie Callender's is that they support the troops. The Comforts of Home Project is a partnership between Marie Callender's and the USO that's dedicated to bringing the comforts of home to the brave men and women in the U.S. military. Just buy specially-marked packages of Marie Callender's meals and desserts and enter the code you find on the box online. Marie Callender's will make a $.50 donation tot he USO Operation Celebration program up to $300,000.

So this year enjoy the homemade goodness of Marie Callender's desserts!

I am participating in a VIN campaign for Marie Callender’s. I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Marie Callender’s and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Dole "Soaring over Paradise" Sweepstakes + Giveaway!


How would you like to win a trip to Hawaii? I know I would. If so, you need to enter the Dole Packaged Foods “Soaring over Paradise" Sweepstakes. Now through December 31, 2015 you can enter to win an exciting grand prize trip to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii! Apart from the grand prize trip to Hawaii, there will be 700 other winners who will win a Dole 2016 Limited Edition Commemorative Soaring over Paradise Pin.

While you enter to win a trip to Hawaii, Dole is hoping to continue its own winning streak, as the first contestant in the history of the Tournament of Roses to win the Sweepstakes Trophy five years in a row.

This year’s entry, titled “Soaring over Paradise” explores the world’s precious rainforests where more than 30 million species of plants and animals can be found. The float includes four fresh waterfalls, a zipline that will allow a rider to travel through the lush rainforest canopy, and a flock of brilliantly colored sculptured Macaws that appear to take flight over the dense floral floor of the float.

I love all the Dole Rose Parade entries, they are always one of my favorites. I am pretty sure they will win another trophy this year. I am excited to see it and I am excited to enter this fantastic Sweepstakes. I have been to Hawaii and I would love to go back!


So if you want to win a trip to Hawaii or some really cool prizes, then visit Dole.com/Paradise and enter. If you want to win a great Dole Prize pack that includes variety of coupons as well as a recipe book, a commemorative Rose Parade t-shirt and a pin! This is a great gift pack and I have 2 prize packs to give away! Just enter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA!!! Teleflora Peanuts Holiday Bouquets plus Giveaway! #sendcheer #teleflora


I love receiving flowers. It doesn't happen often enough but when I get a bouquet of flowers, my day is instantly better. During the holidays, I love getting flowers and giving flowers. I love sending flowers to my friends who do not live near me. It saves me from shipping a gift and they receive something that is special.

This holiday season Teleflora joins Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang in celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of the most beloved holiday favorites of all time, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Teleflora, the world’s leading flower delivery service, pays tribute to Charles Schulz’s unforgettable TV special with two exclusive floral bouquets and a festive lineup that is sure to delight everyone on your holiday list. The new Peanuts bouquets are beautiful, whimsical and original. The best part if they come in a "vase" that you can keep as a keepsake.

I love getting flowers. Thanks @teleflora for my peanuts gift.

A photo posted by Carolyn Gonzalez (@carogonza1) on



I received the Peanuts Christmas Mug. I was pleasantly surprised that the florist in my town actually took the time to track me down at work when I was not home. It was such a nice pick me up at work and my co-workers were all so jealous because the bouquet is wonderful. And a week later, the bouquet still looked amazing!

A photo posted by Carolyn Gonzalez (@carogonza1) on

You can buy the Snoopy's Cookie Jar and the Peanut's Christmas Mug for $49.99. Both are special and such a treat for any loved one. I love the Peanuts gang. These are extra special for me because Christmas is not Christmas without Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy and Linus. I never miss "A Charlie Brown Christmas" when it is on TV.



A Teleflora bouquet is special anytime of the year but these Peanut keepsake bouquets are even more special. They are a great last minute gift idea as well. And if you don't want to send a Peanuts bouquet, Teleflora has a large variety of Holiday bouquets to choose from. You can send a little cheer this holiday season!



If you would like to receive a Teleflora bouquet, then enter below on the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Krusteaz celebrates National Cookie Day + Giveaway!

December 4th was National Cookie Day. Now I love there is a National Cookie Day but, for me, cookie day is everyday!

The Holiday Season always means cookies to me because I participate in cookie exchanges and I love giving cookies as gifts. I make several types of cookies and pack them up in gifts. It is an inexpensive and personal gift to give to friends.



Sometimes I get crazy and make my cookies from scratch. Oftentimes, I use a mix because I am so busy. I might add my personal touch to the cookies but using mixes makes my life so much easier. Plus many mixes taste like homemade.


That's why I love Krusteaz cookie mixes. I can make these and most people will never ever be able to tell I didn't make my cookies from scratch. Plus there are so many varieties, that I can make several flavors of cookies.

I love making cool cookie gifts for he holidays. I put my cookies in boxes or gift bags. My new idea was to give away to-go cup and fill it with cookies. I know so many people love these cups and what goes better with cookies than coffee!


I also bought some cool labels from Zazzle so I could put them on the gift bag when I make the gift bags. It is so much fun to personalize the gifts you give to friends and family and Zazzle has so many ways to do it. Mine are adorable.


Remember if you want delicious cookies this holiday season but don;t have the time or skill to make cookies from scratch, then try Krusteaz. The cookies are delicious and easy to make. I also have a wonderful gift for one very lucky reader. The prize pack includes:

•Two boxes each of the following mixes: Shortbread, Gingerbread, Snickerdoodle, Butter Vanilla Sugar and Oatmeal Scotchie
•Some fun holiday baking items like an apron, tote bag, cookie cutters, frosting decorating pen and a mason jar (for gifting and storage!)
•Holiday cookie recipe ideas for inspiration

If you want to win this fabulous prize, enter below on the Rafflecopter widget.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Monday, December 14, 2015

The 2015 White House Christmas Card!

I am pretty sure I got on the list because I gave money to the Obama campaign for years. But I also know people who have given more and don't get the card every year. I also visited the White House a few years ago through a blogging group. Whatever the reason, I have been receiving the White House Christmas card for years. I never expect it but when I get it, I am always thrilled. Yes, I get millions of people get the card but there are also millions who don't. And it's no secret I admire the Obama family. I may not always agree with the president but I love him and think he and his family are amazing.

Last year, my Christmas card caused waves in Bulgaria. You have to read this post but the short story is that someone in Bulgaria (the Prime Minister) said he received a card from the President. Apparently someone then did a little investigating and found out that millions of these cards get sent out and called this guy out. They linked to my post and I had steady traffic from Bulgaria. It was pretty funny. I hope this one doesn't cause havoc.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Coloring and Activity Sheets!

Just 2 more weeks and Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be in theaters! I am so excited. I cannot wait to see it! Of course, I have some activity and coloring sheets for you all.

I love these! I already printed some out for me to color. I also printed some out to take to work for the kids in our shelter. They love these coloring sheets. Every so often I print out a bunch of them and leave them in the family area so the kids have something to do.

Remember to click on the image and then print them out. Also watch the trailer!














Like STAR WARS on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarWarsMovies  

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Visit the official STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS website: http://www.starwars.com/the-force-awakens/

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS arrives in theaters everywhere on December 18th!