Sunday, November 1, 2015

Memory Monday from April 2014... Ginger Raspberry cookies

Easiest. Dessert. Cookie. Ever.
Amaze your family and friends with your Culinary talents.

I discovered this at Trader Joe's, with the Demo-Diva's. So easy to make

1 container of Ginger Snaps
1 pint of fresh raspberries
1 container of Creme Fraiche

lay out some ginger snaps. Top with 1 teaspoon of Creme Fraiche. Top with a raspberry.
So Simple! So delicious.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Loving my CSA

I am loving my CSA. Every other week I get a box filled with fruit in season from Collin's Family Farm in Wenatchee. The fruit quality is A-1, as you can see I start eating it right away. Nothing better than a fresh ripe plum or peach. So tasty and so juicy..and so much better  than those hard golf balls they try to pass off as fruit at Safeway (and other stores). Tdis is my first year in a CSA and most definitely won't be my last!

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Monday, July 20, 2015

So what's happening with the Dog Park?

Photo: B-Town Blog

New news... The Burien off-leash dog park recently became the receiver of some great monetary gifts... First up was Burien Toyota/Burien Chevrolet who ponied up $10,000 , than Purina Beneful dog food surprised us with $20,000. You may remember, Kellie Bassen, head of the B-Town Dog Owners Group, was a finalist in the 2013 Beneful Dream Dog Park contest, and Beneful did not forget the video that Kellie sent in and they wanted to help. Next up, we need to have the council "speed up" the process so ground can be broken, new fences put up. The B-Town DOG group is planning on going to the city council, meeting July 20th at 7PM to ask this. Hopefully if you are local or in Seattle you can come and Join us. More on Beneful and Burien Toyota/Chevrolet's amazing gifts HERE

The Video:

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Frozen Pea Salad

Easiest salad to put together ever! I use Ranch dressing to kick it up a notch. Great with or without bacon!

FROZEN PEA SALAD
2 c. frozen peas (uncooked)
1/2 c. green onions chopped
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Bacon bits or crisp bacon broken into pieces if desired
1/2 c. ranch dressing or mayonnaise

Mix together with salad dressing or mayonnaise. Garnish with a rosemary sprig if desired. Serve

Monday, June 22, 2015

Rustic Willow's DIY Concrete Planter


I get some of the craziest things posted on my Facebook timeline by friends who know me well. This is a DIY Concrete Planter, and will probably be my next project! Very cool, and sounds easy but messy (right up my alley).Just an old towel soaked in concrete! The instructions can be found at Rustic Willow.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Senior Discounts


My Cousin Margo posted this list of places that offer discounts for Seniors:
RESTAURANTS:
Applebee's: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Ben & Jerry's: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan's: discount varies by location (60+)
Bob's Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee ( 55+)
Chili's: 10% off ( 55+)
CiCi's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Denny's: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members ( 55 +)
Dunkin' Donuts: 10% off or free coffee ( 55+)
Einstein's Bagels: 10% off baker's dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddrucker's: 10% off any senior platter ( 55+)
Gatti's Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee's: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off ( 55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off ( 55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal ( 55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off ( 50+)
Long John Silver's: various discounts at locations ( 55+)
McDonald's: discounts on coffee everyday ( 55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney's: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak 'n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday ( 50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off ( 55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off ( 50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy's: 10% off ( 55 +)
Whataburger: 10% off (62+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+) This is for me ... if I ever see one again.
RETAIL & APPAREL :
Banana Republic: 30% off ( 50 +)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month ( 50 +)
Belk's: 15% off first Tuesday of every month ( 55 +)
Big Lots: 30% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days ( 55 +)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
Clarks : 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 20% off ( 55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 40% off (Wednesdays only) ( 50+)
Kohl's: 15% off (60+)Modell's Sporting Goods: 30% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday ( 55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off ( 55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month ( 55 +)
GROCERY :
Albertson's: 10% off first Wednesday of each month ( 55 +)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday ( 50 +)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 60% off every Monday (60+)
Fry's Supermarket: free Fry's VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
Publix: 15% off every Wednesday ( 55 +)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe's Marketplace: 15% off (62+)
TRAVEL :
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
American Airlines: various discounts for 50% off non-peak periods (Tuesdays - Thursdays) (62+)and up (call before booking for discount)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Rail:
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Bus:
Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50+
Car Rental:
Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Budget Rental Cars: 40% off; up to 50% off for AARP members ( 50+)
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off ( 50+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
Overnight Accommodations:
Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
Best Western: 40% off (55+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Waldorf Astoria - NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 40% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler's Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 25% off (62+)
Motel 6: Stay Free Sunday nights (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT ;:
AMC Theaters: up to 30% off ( 55 +)
Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
Massage Envy - NYC 20% off all "Happy Endings" (62 +)
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley's Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
SeaWorld, Orlando , FL : $3 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS :
AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service ( 50 +)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+).
MISCELLANEOUS:
Great Clips: $8 off hair cuts (60+)
Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)

NOW, go out there and claim your discounts - - and remember -- YOU must ASK for discount ---- no ask, no discount.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Selling The Famer's Market

Well we did it. We survived our first day selling at The Burien Farmer's Market. My partner in crime, Kellie and I set up a booth, under our business names, Hammer And Stitch, LLC, and sold our crafty wares! Was a beautiful day in Burien, sun was shining and a light breeze blowing. Perfect Market day! We will be back next month on the 18th. The Burien Farmers Market operates once a week on Thursdays, May through October, at 5th and SW 152nd St, from 11-6pm. Hope to see some of you there!
 
Stress Pencils- one of our items!
 

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Burien Farmer's market opens!

One of my favorite things is our local Farmer's Market. This year, especially, because my Business partner, Kellie, (an accomplished seamstress) and I are going to hopefully, have a booth there. Our business is called Hammer and Stitch, (I'm Hammer, she's stitch). Anyway our plan is to be at the third week of every month selling crafted items. So hopefully see some of locals out there this year. But Back to the Market... Opening day is cool because, for me at least, it marks the beginning of spring, the onset of Summer. I picked up some duck eggs, fresh asparagus, some OMG! Balsamic vinegars and some beautiful white radishes. It turned into this dinner for me: Duck Egg omelette, with roasted Asparagus and a green salad with Raspberry Balsamic vinegar. Quite tasty, quite good. And farm fresh!

Friday, May 1, 2015

Concrete Castings. Part One

My latest thing is casting concrete into stepping  stones and yard art.
No boy's that is not a Milk Bone!


 's
Paw Prints

Zen and the Art of Peace (A piece I donated to a fundraiser)
 

Friday, April 24, 2015

Terrarium city


My terrarium- complete with Dinosaur
Yesterday, I took a class in making Terrariums at ReTreasure in Burien. It was a fun class, where we learned to make our own "Plant-Scapes" in vessels, or rather in containers. One of these days I will do an interview with Yon, the owner at ReTreasure. But back to the terrariums... Me and the ladies had great fun playing in the dirt, sand vermiculite and rocks to create our own little mini gardens.

Another view

My Friend, Danielle's terrarium

Top view
 
Jennifer's Terrarium
 

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Happy Earth Day!

You know, first thing, every day should be Earth Day. Second, California apparently has learned that you don't miss the water until the well runs dry- literally. So in honor of Earth Day 2015, I present, again, Penn and Teller's Showtime Show, BULLSHIT. To see how ridiculous people get with the bottled water. William Shatner is bringing up the dreaded pipeline to bring water to California<. I really don't think this bright... water from my state to support green lawns in the dessert, golf courses etc. Sorry Bill, love you as Captain Kirk, but no deal! ALERT THIS VIDEO HAS NAUGHTY WORDS IN IT- VIEW AT YOUR OWN RISK. But it is so worth it.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Artsy Kids!!!


We did the B-Town Beat, our local art walk, and Yon Flora, of ReTreasure and I partnered up so the kids in our fair city, could have a go at the Spin Art Spinner I made. Here is what the amazing kids came up with:





I think the kids all had fun making little works of art. I know I did!

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Alien Invasion

Crazy Alien drivers!
The Men and Women in Black- my town of Burien was invaded by Aliens!!! Burien holds an annual UFO Festival every year, since B-Town Blog and Emmy winner Scott Schaefer, released a movie, The Maury Island Incident ,  chronicling a UFO incident right here in Burien! Every year Aliens and Spacecraft invade area 152 ( SW 152nd Street, Burien's Main Drag) for an evening of alien merry making, all the time watching out for the MIB. It featured a costume contest, A tribute to Spock (complete with a dance mob) a 5minute Film short festival (locals made 5 minute movies). It is always a great time.

A certain Cephlapodian visitor enjoys his time at the festival!(Picture by Crystal D. German)
 
A star fleet officer driving thorugh town!
 
A traditional Vulcan  dance mob (photo by Kellie Andersen Bassen)
 
RIP Mr. Spock... Live Long and prosper! (Photo by Kellie Andersen Bassen) 

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Spin Art!

Another retirement project I have completed is a spin art machine. I pretty much followed these instructions I found on YouTube.

Anyway I constructed the machine. Then I experimented using different papers. I found that card stock worked best, but standard paper  like the kind used in a printer works fine also. When you get the machine done, the results are something like this:
 
The only plans I have right now for this is a booth at The B-Town Beat, our local art walk, partnered with ReTreasure, a local store that specializes in Re-purposed art, or rather art that reuses things people throw away. Anyway should be fun for kids of all ages to make an art masterpiece!

Monday, March 23, 2015

Zen and the Art of Peace

One thing I am doing in retirement is making some yard sculptures out of concrete. I call this one Zen and the Art of Peace (Named by my friend Andrea Reay)
Zen an the Art of Peace
 
I recently donated it to the Discover Burien organization sell at a silent auction to raise funds! 

Friday, February 20, 2015

Sign this petition!

I came across this today. This has got to be one of the most disturbing sites I have ever seen on Facebook. Please sign this petition! Close Master The Art Of Cat Cooking's Page Petition | GoPetition

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Start the first with a last....

Well here it is another years. This one, bound to be a bit different than others. 2015! THe Year I retire, the year of some changes. The year to let my hair down so to speak.


JANUARY 2015- the 30th will be  my  last day to work for the Boeing Company, and while it has been an emotional filled train ride in this JET factory, it will be one of those "what now?" moments for me. I have never much lived life to a plan, much less one that will derail my income by over half. But, since I feel that after 30 years with one company one should get to do what one wants, I am retiring. Just days away! I will miss al the people I work with and the comraderie,  with it. It is time for me to have ... well time! I will for the first time be able to be home for the pups, which will be a first. And time to do the little things I think about like volunteering for the local animal shelter, and the local arts scene.

So while I am retiring work, I am not retiring life. Not just yet... anyway!