The Good, The Bad and The WTF...

It's been one of those weeks.  I can't form coherent sentences...so I'm hauling out the bullet points.  You've been warned.  :-)

The Good

• Wills and Kate.  So sweet!  Did anyone see him whisper "you look beautiful" when she walked down the aisle and finally reached him?  Where any of you up!?!?
• I'm having another giveaway.  Hurry on over and enter HERE!
• In Plain Sight comes back this weekend.  HURRAY! Is anyone else going to watch?
• This little face.  How can this not make life better? :-)

The Bad

• Weather has been devastating for the South this week.  I'm so thankful that all my family and friends are safe.
• I misplaced my rings after surgery in February.  Two months later...I still can't find them.  I'm so upset.
• Work has been utter chaos.  I'm not particularly a fan of leaving my house at 6:45 each morning and then not arriving back home until 8 o'clock, 8:30, 9 o'clock each night.
• Only two of you noticed my absence this week. Really?  *sniffle* (To the two of you who did each email asking where in the world I was - I LOVE YOU!)

The WTF

Seriously, Princess Beatrice?!?!

Tuesdays At The Table - Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Happy Tuesday!  Was the Easter Bunny nice to everyone?  I hope so!!  I had the most boring Easter that I've had in years....  Brunch with mom, JC and his new girlfriend (dear old dad is in Myrtle Beach visiting friends), movies with mom, a trip to the garden department of Home Depot and then home to veg out with the pups.

How did you spend your Easter?

Oh...guess what?!  I'm having another giveaway!!  Enter HERE!

This week I'm sharing a Betty Crocker casserole.  It's yummy.  :-)

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

1 package (30 oz.) frozen potato wedges
2 cups (about 12 oz.) cooked ham (chopped)
8 slices of bacon (cooked crispy and crumbled)
1 medium bell pepper (chopped)
1 cup (about a dozen, chopped) green onions
1 jar (15 oz.) nacho cheese dip
1/2 cup sour cream

Spray a 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray.  Arrange potato wedges and cook at 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes (until thawed and beginning to brown).  Top with half of the ham, bacon, bell pepper and onions.  Spread cheese dip over the top and sprinkle the other half of the ingredients.

Bake for 20-30 minutes, uncovered.  Top with dollops of sour cream.

What's cooking in your kitchen?

BambooPink Giveaway!

It's here!!  BambooPink has gone live and I want to CELEBRATE!!  What better way than a giveaway?!?!

I'm giving away a pair of hoops.  You'll have your choice of either the Classic large hoops in silver or gold...

...or the Signature Marquis hoops in silver or gold.

Here are the rules:

You get ONE entry for visiting my site and telling what piece of jewelry you like most.

You get ONE entry for commenting on this post.

You get ONE entry for following my blog.
You get ONE entry for following me on Twitter.
You get ONE entry for Tweeting about my giveaway.
You get ONE entry for blogging about my giveaway or putting it on your sidebar.
You get *FIVE* entries if you book a virtual trunk show with me. (To occur before June 15th)
You get *FIVE* entries if you opt to become a BambooPink Consultant or are already in my downline. (Please don't do this for entries!! This is just a little bonus if you are interested in joining our fabulous team.)

Please tell me what to give you credit for; I want you all to get the right amount of entries.

Entries/comments need to be in by midnight EST on Sunday, May 1st and the winner will be announced on Monday, May 2nd (or very soon thereafter).

Good luck!!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter, everyone! I hope you get to spend time with those you love.  :-)

A Flip-Floppy Reminder

A quick reminder for you flip-flop swappers to please get your packages in the mail to your partners.  :-)

If, for any reason, you haven't been in touch with your swap partner - raise the red flag and email me!!

I'd like us to do a swap reveal on the 27th or 28th.  Sound ok?!?!

Tuesdays At The Table - Pineapple Bread Pudding

Happy Tuesday, ladies!!  And - HAPPY EASTER!!

Did anyone get today off for Patriots' Day?  Getting Friday off for Good Friday?  At my company...you get neither of them off.  Oh well.  I'm looking forward to my next long weekend - Memorial Day!!

This week I'm sharing a bread pudding that just yells "spring" to me.  My mom brings it to church, and it's gone in a flash!

Pineapple Bread Pudding

1/2 cup butter or margarine
4 eggs
5 slices of bread (crustless and cubed)
1/2 cup sugar
1 20 oz can of crushed pineapple (drained)

Cream together butter and sugar.  Add eggs, one at at time and beat well.  Add cubed bread and then pineapple.  Stir, but take care not to over mix.  Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 for an hour.

What's cooking in your kitchen?

P.S. I'll be hosting another giveaway this week!!

How I Spent My Saturday... (Or - Hey LOOK At My New Car!)

Yesterday I spent my day (literally) at a car dealership.  But let me back up and tell you how I ended up there....

I have always loved SUVs.  More specifically - I have a love for the Chevy Tahoe.  While I didn't get one for my first (or second) car, I was aggressive in paying off my Jeep Cherokee and bought my first Tahoe in 2001.  Meet Blanche... White on the outside, Cookie Monster blue on the outside and a fabulous car.

Then in 2007, it was time to trade her in and I got Tanner. Seriously, being tan inside and out - there was just no other name that would fit.

Well, Tanner has been getting "temperamental" over the past few months.  My mirrors would move by themselves, my radio would change stations or completely off, and 4 wheel drive would engage and disengage on its own.  But then came the doozy.  Last week, while on the highway, my fabulous, fabulous vehicle decided to play with my seat.  Being a short girl - my seat is up almost as far as Chevy will allow.  While motoring through rush hour traffic, my seat decided to move ALL the way back and lay ALL the way down.  And because Chevy has the seat belt ON the seat instead of along the outside perimeter of the car - I found myself quickly drifting away from the steering wheel. 

I'm fine!  No one got hurt!  I was completely freaked out though...and it was the straw the broke the Tahoe's back.

So I asked my dad to come with me to look at a new vehicle.  And by "new", I mean "used" - just new to me! This was just supposed to be a "looking" field trip.  No buying!!  But, I found myself test driving a pretty new Tahoe within 20 minutes of arriving on the lot.  Then, waiting hours (no lie) as they crunched number, determined the trade in value of my car, did my bank loan, detailed my car, etc.  But when all was said and done - I drove my car off the lot last night.

This sucker is LOADED! 

• Touch screen navigation and radio
• A camera so I don't run over anything when I reverse
• Remote start (not ground breaking - but so exciting for this New England girl!)
• Heated rear seat (again, not ground breaking - but fun for my passengers)
• Running boards the fold away when they aren't needed.

Now she/he needs a name.  Ideas? Do any of you name your vehicles?

Bath Time!

Greetings from the kitchen sink....

                                                                                   Love, Meadow

Tuesdays At The Table - Chocolate Biscuit Cake

Thanks to everyone that entered my last giveaway, and to everyone that is participating in my flip flop swap! You ladies are fabulous.  :-)  NOTE: THERE WILL BE ANOTHER GIVEAWAY STARTING MONDAY (4/18)...OR SOONER!!

In honor of Prince William & Kate Middleton's upcoming nuptials, I'm sharing a nice British "tea" cake.  Thank goodness I don't live across the pond, or I'd be looking for this cake a few times a week!

Cake:

7-ounce package butter tea biscuits
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
16 ounces (about 2 1/2 cups) bittersweet chocolate bits
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze:
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
6 ounces (about 1 cup) bittersweet chocolate


To make the cake, with your hands break up the biscuits into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces; you want chunks, not crumbs.

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream, honey and butter. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes, or until bubbling. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla, then the crumbled biscuits. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, using the back of the spoon to smooth the top. Gently tap the pan on the counter to eliminate any air pockets.

An 8- inch Springform pan is recommended, but not required.  Just make sure you spray the pan down with cooking spray!

Refrigerate for 3 hours or until thoroughly chilled.

Once the cake is chilled, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and cream. When the mixture reaches a boil, remove it from the heat and add the chocolate, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

Carefully remove the sides from the pan (you may need to slide a paring knife around the inside upper edge to ensure the sides come away cleanly from the cake). Invert the cake onto a wire rack, then remove the pan. Set the rack over parchment paper to catch drips.

Pour the glaze evenly over the cake, allowing it to drip down and completely cover the top and sides. Allow to firm up, then transfer to a serving plate. Refrigerate leftovers.

What's cooking in your kitchen?



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Flip Flop Swap Partners

Time to announce swap partners, ladies!  I used the uber-scientific method of putting everyone's names in a hat and picking two at a time.  :-)  I think we should do a linky party to unveil our packages. I really want to see what you get! Maybe on Wednesday, April 27th? Thoughts?


Quick reminder of the rules - budget is $10- $20 (not including shipping) & I ask that you please ship to your partner by April 20th. 

Pair A: Mrs. Jones @ Keeping Up With The Joneses
            Cajun Cowgirl @ When In Doubt, Add More Salt


Pair B: Jennifer @ For Such a Time as This
            Debbie @ Love The Decor

Pair C: Kristin @ Lady Kirstren
            Jane @ Dissecting Jane
            
 Pair D: Kathie @ Like A Box of Chocolates
             Heather @ Life, Love, Laughter

Pair E: Faith @ In The Kitchen With Butters
            Me :-)

Please reach out to your partner soon to learn a little about them and - most importantly - their shoe size! Have fun!!!!

It's Good For A Laugh...

Have you signed up for my flip flop swap?  I'm so excited for it!!  You have until Friday at midnight to join in, and I'll post swap partners over the weekend.  :-)

I saw this video during a meeting today, and being a Red Sox fan - just had to share.  Let's not think too much about why I was watching a video during a meeting.  Mmmkay?


Who can say no to a doxie commercial?


And finally...a video of one of my high school friends (Nate) and other actor/comics lip-synching to The Flight of The Concords. (And watch Nate on Harry's Law!!)


What makes you laugh?

Mystery Giveaway - WINNER!

Wow, I certainly got more entries for my mystery giveaway than expected!  Guess you think I'll give away something good!!  :-)  I'm giving away one of my favorite things...apples.  Caramel apples to be exact.

Last year I sent some to Jane, and she can testify to how yummy they are.  Sticky Fingers really outdoes themselves!

An Easter basket with one "sprinkles" apple, one "sunshine" apple and a 4-pack of chocolate covered Oreos.

A 4-pack of Pecan turtles

And the winner?!?!  That would be the fabulous, super sweet, and adorable - Mrs. Jones!!



Another giveaway will be coming.  Soon!!  Stay tuned for details!

Tuesdays At The Table - Bean & Greens Salad

Happy Tuesday, ladies!!  (For those of you reading this Monday night - you still have time to enter my mystery giveaway; it closes at midnight!)  Did anyone else get the powerful thunderstorms that Boston did?  Can I admit that I was secretly hoping the power would go out?

Warmer weather is coming...and this week I'm sharing a lighter dish.  I just love a good salad during the summer.  :-)
(This week's recipe comes from the Land O Lakes "Simply Spring" magazine.)

Beans & Greens Salad

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans, drained
1/2 cup vinaigrette or Italian dressing
1 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest
1/4 cup sliced green onion
4 cups baby spinach
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 oz provolone or mozzarella cheese, cubed

Combine beans, dressing and lime zest.  Stir well and refridgerate until well chilled (and ready to use).  Before serving, stir in remaining ingredients.

What's cooking in your kitchen?



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How Does Your Garden Grow?

What?  Too early to start talking about gardening?

I've already plotted out where my garden will be next year.  Along the back of my property line is a raised place that the old owners used as a parking spot.  The dirt is too compacted for me to fix it up this year...but next year, it will look gorgeous!

Or I'll just take the empty lot next to my house by eminent domain. I'm joking!  Maybe.

In the meantime, it's container gardening for this girl!  My parents have always maintained a garden, and it's become quite the tradition for me. :-)  I can't wait for the weather to warm up and to start harvesting some yummy home-grown veggies.

Wanna see what I've ordered for this year?

Biggie Chile Peppers... Hot.  But not too hot!

Cubanelle Peppers... Sweet and good for stuffed peppers.  Plus, they freeze well.

Jalapenos! I do them every year.  And every single one of them gets used or given away to others that swear they'll use them!

Golden Rave Tomatoes... about the size of a quarter and slightly oblong.  Everyone RAVED (pun intended) about these last year.  So yummy and the color livens up a salad.  :-)

Heirloom tomatoes.  Something about them just tastes better!  And I love not knowing which of the varieties I've been blessed with until they start growing.

Red and yellow Pear Tomatoes.  Super sweet; cook well and are just fun in general. Love them!

Dwarf Meyer Lemon Trees.  These lovelies lived until I had surgery in February.  Then they died a swift painful death.  Not casting blame on anyone *ahem*, but my brother doesn't have a green thumb. I ordered two more and I'm sure they'll live a long, happy life!

Dwarf fig tree! I saw this and just had to order one.  Who knows if it'll grow...but trying to grow new things is always fun.

Have you started thinking about gardening yet?  If so, what'cha gonna grow?

BTW, you still have time to enter my mystery giveaway & join in on the flip flop swap!

Flip Flop Swap

Has everyone entered my giveaway?  You still have plenty of time!  And guess what?  I'll be doing a second giveaway soon too!!

After doing Tuesdays At The Table for almost two years & hosting over a dozen giveaways in the past two years - I'm ready for a new blogging experience.  So, bring on a swap!  Thanks to my Tweeties for helping me decide what kind of swap I want to do.  :-)  You're all a fabulous sounding board!

I'm having a FLIP FLOP SWAP!!  What a great way to embrace the warmer weather.  And show off some freshly pedicured toes!

A few rules:
You have a week to sign-up.  (aka - your deadline is midnight on Friday, April 8th)
The flip-flops should be in the $10-$20 range (excluding shipping!)
You don't need to be a blogger to participate.  If you aren't a blogger, leave your email address in the comment.

Your swap buddy will be announced next weekend.
Everyone should ship their swap buddy a package by Wednesday, April 20th.

Feel free to grab the swap button. :-)  It's another Kirstren original!




Come one, come all
I'm hosting my very first bamboo*pink call!

April 2nd @ 6 EST
Conference dial-in number: (712) 432-0900
Participant code: 293828#