Substance of Living

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. Kristen was our lucky winner!  Congratulations!!! Every time the Universe answers one of my requests, I'm always amazed.  I've been searching for the perfect recipe organizer and Cook'n Recipe Organizer v.11 comes as close as possible. "Cook'n is the #1 Best-Selling Recipe Organizer and is the ultimate kitchen companion." Cook'n Recipe Organizer v.11 How many times have you found yourself or someone in your family asking "What's for dinner?" or looking in the refrigerator or pantry and saying "There's nothing to eat"?  You find yourself getting stressed or upset, throwing in the towel, and going out to eat.  This is a vicious cycle. We used to find ourselves eating out quite a bit and not really even enjoying the luxury.  Then I got a little older and wasn't as willing to put up with the side effects from my food intolerences/allergies and decided t...

What do you think of the name "The Traveler" for a drink?  When I made this the other night, it made me feel a bit like a big city dweller at the same time a world sea traveler. The two drinks that I chose to combine for The Traveler are the Cosmopolitan (more widely known as the Cosmo) and the Salty Dog. Ingredients 1/2 oz. Triple Sec 1 1/2 oz. Vodka Grapefruit Juice Splash of Lemon Lime Soda * Garnish with a sugared rim or a wedge of orange dipped in colored sugar. Directions In a shaker add ice, vodka, triple sec, and grapefruit juice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled margarita or martini glass. Add a splash of lemon/lime soda. Garnish. Note To garnish the rim of a glass, lightly dip the top of the glass in water, juice or rub a piece of fruit or rind around the edge of the glass top. After wetting the glass top, rub in salt/sugar/cinnamon/or any other garnish. We wanted to see how the taste and look would alter so we added a...

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. One of our favorite vacations! Are you starting to panic about the upcoming spring break and summer vacations? You're probably asking yourselves, "Where will we go, what type of accommodations are within our price range, how much will eating out cost and how many meals will we eat?  Will we be able to get a hotel room that will have enough beds and space for all of us?  Will there be a kitchen?"  I don't know about you but I'm stressed already.  Tempted to throw in the towel and just stay home. Family vacations are about making memories and of course we all know that there is a financial cost to those memories so why not enjoy the vacation and spend the money on the actual memory making fun and not the room. Have you ever thought of renting a timeshare at an exclusive resort?  Did you know it was possible to stay at a resort for a fraction or the same cost as a nearby hotel? Why Ti...

When you and your family head out for vacation this year, don't leave your household budget at home.  The price of rest and relaxation ought to be priceless but in more cases than not are quite expensive. Add up all your cost: transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, souvenirs, food, attractions -- you might be tempted to cancel the trip altogether. Alas - you can still enjoy your vacation, family, and stay within budget by following these simple tips. Be Flexible Travel during "Shoulder Season" (Not during peak season or off season) April - May or Mid-August - October Choose alternative dates or days of the week to travel Try Vacation Packages or All-Inclusive Packages   Eat for Free (or nearly free) Many restaurants offer a free child's meal for each paying adult.  There may be restrictions such as two children maximum or might only be available on certain days. If you do eat out, lunch might be your best time.  The prices are reasonable a...

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies DH and I were trying to figure out when Red Velvet anything is not appreciated.  What we were able to decipher is that Christmas, Valentines Day, Birthdays, Parties of any sort, Weekdays, Weekends, in fact any time is appropriate to serve up Red Velvet something or other. We are serving Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies by Duncan Hines with tea this afternoon.  Here's how we did it (of course I had to change up the actual recipe a bit as you'll see in the notes). Duncan Hines Signature Red Velvet Cake Mix Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies Ingredients: (Taken directly from the box) 6 tablespoons Butter 1 cup Powdered Sugar 1 teaspoon Cornstarch 1 box Duncan Hines Signature Red Velvet Cake Mix 2 Large Eggs 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Directions: Preheat oven to 375F. Melt Butter and set aside. Combine Cornstarch and Powdered Sugar in a shallow bowl - set aside. Combine and mix by hand the Cake Mix, Cooled Butter, Eggs and Lemon Zest...

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.  Lilly Lilly, whom you may have seen around here and here, is our unofficial Substance of Living mascot.  I mention Lilly and not the other kitties because she has to take medicine on a daily basis.  Lilly has, what I've been able to understand, feline equivalent to human lupus. The type of illness that Lilly has is one that her body has for some reason become allergic to the enamel on her teeth.  She has had some of her teeth pulled but the rest are in such good shape that the consensus is to not pull them but to manage the inflammation and pain for the time being. Lilly has to take Prednisolone on a daily basis.  Sometimes, depending on her stress level or allergens in the air, she may have to take more than one pill a day and other times she gets to skip a day.  She gets a break twice a year when she is allowed a steroid shot that is really strong.  The shot is nice...

Are you new to our book club?  If so, WELCOME!  In case you're up to your ears in hearts , pink, love, and chocolate ; we have mystery, murder, comedy, and of course some flowers for you in this month's reading selection. Join us once again as we find out what Myrtle Clover is doing...  A BODY IN THE BACKYARD - written by Elizabeth Spann Craig  A DYEING SHAME - written by Elizabeth Spann Craig  We promised you some flowers...   THE FINAL ARRANGMENT - written by Annie Adams Each month we have a selection of books that might include different genres or a particular theme.  To find out more, please visit our Book Club page. BEVERLY HILLS DEAD - written by Stuart Woods We wish you all a month (not just a day) full of love and happiness.  Enjoy your reading and let us know what you thought.  Now grab that box of chocolates, a cozy blanket and snuggle up for some hilarious and thoughtful reading. ...