Squidoo : Lenses by stargazer00

Cheese Salsa Crustless Quiche

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:02:34 -0600

Would you like to simplify things in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day? Why not make breakfast the day before while you are making your pies? Cheese Salsa Crustless Quiche is very simple and can be cut, heated in the microwave and served on Thanksgiving Day morning. Cheese Salsa Crustless Quiche is low carb, easy, and it looks nice. It will save you lots of time on the morning of the cooking marathon known as Thanksgiving Day. Everyone can get their own slice when they get up or you can sit down to a family breakfast together. Either way you can make some toast, pour some orange juice, get some coffee going and you have a nice healthy breakfast with no fussing. I only have one oven and the turkey is in there on Thanksgiving Day so I do as much as possible the day before, including Cheese Salsa Crustless Quiche! This lens is entered in the Squidoo Thanksgiving Cookoff and if it wins, Soldier's Angels will get a $1000 donation! Update: This lens was chosen as Lens of the Day on November 3, 2009. This means that Squidoo will send a $1000 donation to Soldiers' Angels which pleases me no end! Creative Commons Photo by: captaincinema

Borders and Dividers for use on Squidoo

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:01:49 -0600

I like to use clip art dividers and borders to dress up my lenses. I like them so much that I've accumulated quite a collection! These dividers and borders are derived from public domain sources such as vintage publications, or I've made them myself. Therefore you are free to use them for whatever purpose you wish. Borders and dividers are fun, so dress up your lenses! Near the bottom of this lens you will see links to two other Borders and Dividers lenses. I split these up because otherwise this page takes too long to load. Be sure to check those out too if you don't find what you need here.

Angels Unaware

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:03:19 -0600

These flowers are called angel trumpets. Aren't they beautiful? They are dramatic too. This lens serves as my angel trumpet to call attention to the great lenses I have found. Angels are message bearers so this is my message to you: Angels would love to bless your lens if it is bless worthy. What makes a lens bless worthy? I like to see a lens free of typos. This is not a complete deal breaker but please proof read. I love to see modules used in a creative way, lots of great images, an interesting viewpoint, a great review, or a lively respectful debate. If you don't know how to make a great lens, read some of the top rated lenses on Squidoo and you will begin to see what a good lens looks like. You can go to the SquidU Forum and ask for help or a critique and don't forget to browse all the great information at the Answer Deck! There are many helpful lenses on "how to Squidoo" as well.

The Kidnapping of Jaycee Lee Dugard

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:20:44 -0600

On June 10th, 1991, eleven year old Jaycee Lee Dugard was walking to her school bus stop in South Lake Tahoe, California. She never made it there. Carl Probyn, Jaycee's step-father was in his garage and saw a car swerve over to Jaycee, open the door and pull her in. She screamed. Mr Probyn didn't have his car keys so he jumped on his mountain bike and gave chase. He couldn't catch up to them so he went back home and called 911. That was the last time anyone saw Jaycee for the next 18 years. We lived in South Lake Tahoe during that time and over the next several years we often heard about Jaycee Lee Dugard on the news. There would be at least 1500 leads that didn't pan out. It was if she had vanished into thin air.

Navy Nukes and the Navy Nuclear Program

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:06:07 -0600

This lens is about Navy Nukes and the Navy Nuclear Program. I hope to give you information that you may be looking for but haven't been able to find. There is a tradition of military service in my family. My father-in-law was a Pearl Harbor survivor. My husband was Special Forces in the Vietnam war. My step son and his wife are both in the Army and have done tours in the Middle East and Japan. Now my own firstborn is in the Navy. He's a Navy Nuke. I have become quite good at shopping for, packing, and shipping care packages both overseas and domestically. I've even sent out some of my Navy Nuke shirts to my son and his friends. Check them out below! If you are looking for information on the Navy Nuclear Program I hope you can find it here. Photo is of sailors manning the rail on the nuclear aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise.

Stuffed Grape Leaves, a Greek Recipe

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:05:35 -0600

There are many, many variations on recipes for stuffed grape leaves. They are a popular part of many cuisines in the Middle East including Greek, Armenian, Turkish, Egyptian, Albanian, Algerian, Syrian, and Lebanese, countries that make up the old Ottoman Empire. Stuffed grape leaves can be eaten as an appetizer, a side dish or a main dish, as our family eats them. My husband was adopted into a Greek family and learned to eat stuffed grape leaves (dolmathes) at an early age. When we got married his Aunt Sarah taught me to make stuffed grape leaves. She got the recipe from her mother, Stravula who was a recent immigrant from Greece. Our children grew up eating stuffed grape leaves and it is now our family's most treasured recipe and most beloved comfort food. I've been making stuffed grape leaves for my family for almost 27 years. I expect that one day I'll be passing this recipe on to daughters-in-law and there will be a new generation of children being raised on stuffed grape leaves. This grape poster may be purchased at AllPosters.com

Borders Dividers and Separators

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:22:25 -0600

I love to use borders, dividers and separators to dress up my lenses. Borders can break up long blocks of text to make your lens more readable. They can add a splash of color and some visual interest. I have three lenses of borders, dividers and separators. One of them manages to get found but the other two go pretty much unnoticed. I thought if I put them all together in one place they would be easier to find and could provide you with some other options for borders, dividers and separators. All of these lenses contain instructions on how to get the separators onto your lens. All of these dividers are either made by me or derived from public domain sources so they are completely free to use. A link back to my lens would be nice but not mandatory. Each lens has a plexo called "Borders and Dividers in Action." You can add your lenses to show how you used Borders, Dividers and Separators.

A Tasty Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipe

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:21:21 -0600

This stuffed bell pepper recipe reminds me of those comforting foods that Mom used to make. My husband loves it when he sees stuffed bell peppers on the menu. Filling and hearty, it is a good meal for an autumn or winter evening. Each pepper cup is like your own individual casserole. It can be colorful as well as nutritious! Why not put Stuffed Bell Peppers on your menu?

Christmas Greeting Cards For Button Lovers

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:16 -0600

Sending out Christmas greeting cards is a long standing tradition. It is a simple way to acknowledge our friends, family and business associates during the holiday season. Some like to send cards that reflect their personalities. If you are a button collector, seamstress or just someone who loves sewing buttons, you will love these Christmas cards. Send these to members of your button club. Also available are postcards, postage stamps and stickers that match the cards. It is not too early to order your Christmas cards. Order them now and write them out a few at a time. No pressure as Christmas draws near. You will have your Christmas greeting cards all done and can concentrate on other things at that busy time of year.

USS New York and September 11

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:49 -0600

What sets the USS New York apart? Its construction incorporates 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the ruins of the World Trade Center which fell on September 11, 2001, the victim of terrorist attack. The steel was melted down and poured into a mold to form the bow stem of the USS New York. The idea for using recovered steel from the World Trade Center is not credited to any one person but it is known that Governor George Pataki was instrumental in seeing that the steel made its way to the Amite Foundry and Machine, Inc., Amite, La., as a gift from the citizens of New York to the Navy.

How To Make an Edible Gourmet Bouquet Centerpiece

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:23:10 -0600

I made this gourmet bouquet for a New Year's Eve party. These are always a hit and they are not hard to make. This is a fairly basic one. If you learn some fancy garnishes you can put those in your gourmet bouquet too. Make this edible vegetable centerpiece for Christmas. Make it for any occasion! You are limited only by your imagination! The kids will love helping you with this. Keep reading for instructions on how to make an edible arrangement.

Men in Kilts

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:25:32 -0600

It has long been a subject for speculation. What do men wear under their kilts? I will shed some light on this. It seems that they do not wear tidy whities or tightie whities as the case may be. There is no doubt that Scotland has charmed us. Universities and states now claim official tartans. Highland games abound with drummers and pipers in kilts and all the regalia. We are enchanted by the sound of a Scottish brogue. Novels about Scotland are popular and men in kilts, well, I'll let you decide for yourself about that.

Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Combo Cooker

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:23:46 -0600

With this Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Combo Cooker you really get your money's worth. This two-in-one set consists of a three quart Dutch oven and a 10 1/4 inch skillet that doubles as a lid. With proper care and seasoning cast iron becomes non-stick, with none of the coatings that can give off toxic gasses and flake into your food. Cast iron is knows for its durability and reliability. It just becomes better with age and will last for years. You will be able to pass your Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Combo Cooker down to your children! Perhaps you know someone that owns their mom's or grandmother's cast iron pots.

Skeleton Bones

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:26:38 -0600

Skeleton bones make good fodder for funny captions. I think you will enjoy making up creative captions for these skeleton images. For example, this guy (gal?) looks like he is totally depressed and has lost his last friend. Or is it that he is shaking with laughter and hiding his face? Tell me what you think is going on with these skeleton bones. I ran across these great skeleton illustrations a while back and tucked them away knowing they would be useful one day. It is finally time to drag these skeleton bones out of the closet and put them to work.

A Clutter Free, Eco Friendly Christmas

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:29:29 -0600

In recent years our family has tried to reduce the amount of clutter we generate at Christmas time. We have come to the realization that "stuff" is not that important. It is relationships and time spent together that really matter. I'll be giving you several ideas to cut down on the meaningless Christmas clutter and show you what you can do to replace it. This year make memories and not clutter!

More Borders and Dividers for use on Squidoo

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:31:52 -0600

Borders and dividers are a very good way to add visual appeal and interest to your lenses. Long blocks of text tend to lose your reader, so using borders and dividers is one way to break up the text and make your lens more attractive. Borders can be fun, colorful, decorative, and should complement your subject. All of these designs are derived from public domain sources so you are free to use them as you wish.

Halloween Recipe, Stuffed Pumpkin

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:53:47 -0600

This is a fantastic recipe for your Halloween Dinner Party. The kids will enjoy helping in the kitchen to make this recipe. It is different, unique and sure to be a hit. Stuffed Pumpkin is a whole, hearty meal in a pumpkin. Perfect for an autumn evening. Now that you know what you are serving for your main dish, go plan your Halloween Dinner Party. Happy Halloween! Creative Commons Photo by: Carmyarmyofme

Nimitz Moms Christmas Project

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:24:18 -0600

The Nimitz Moms group on Navy For Moms has taken on the task of sending a Christmas stocking or goody bag to each sailor in Carrier Strike Group 11 and its attached air wings. The strike group is made up of the USS Nimitz, USS Chosin, USS Sampson, USS Pinckney, USS Rentz, and several air squadrons. The USS Nimitz along with Carrier Strike Group 11 deployed in July of 2009 and is in the Indian Ocean supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The strike group was recently informed that they would have two months added to the deployment so they will be gone for eight months instead of six. The Nimitz Moms thought the sailors could use a some cheering up for Christmas. Dianne Proud Mom of a USS Nimitz Sailor

Tortilla Pinwheel Roll-Up Party Appetizers

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:28:04 -0600

Tortilla Pinwheel Roll Up Appetizers are very easy to make and there are many variations. They look very pretty when finished and are popular at parties. I'll be giving you a few recipes for Tortilla Pinwheel appetizers but you are only limited by your imagination. Made with red and green tortilla wraps, tortilla pinwheels would be a perfect party appetizer for Thanksgiving or Christmas. There must be a hundred different ways to make these. The sky's the limit! Photo by amanky

The 5000 Year Leap

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:27:17 -0600

The 5000 Year Leap grew out of a desire for a clear, concise reference on the thought processes and philosophy of America's Founding Fathers. As a result of extensive study, the Framers put together an incredible success formula to make a great nation, but no one had recorded this all in one place. It could only be discovered piece by piece. As the author studied Constitutional Law he looked for such a book and finding none, decided to write one himself. The result is The 5000 Year Leap in which W. Cleon Skousen shares the amazing story of the founding of America and the building of her Constitution. This is the book that emerged after the author studied a hundred volumes and after he got to know the Founding Fathers through their biographies, speeches and letters.

T-Shirts Designed Especially for Navy Nukes

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:30:55 -0600

Navy Nukes are hard working sailors, whether they are still in school or out in the fleet. Their area of expertise requires extensive training to prepare them for a job on a nuclear aircraft carrier or a nuclear submarine. If you are a Navy Nuke you will find T-shirts designed especially for you featured here. Follow the links to my T-Shirt store and you will find even more great stuff like baseball caps, mugs, hoodies and other styles of shirts. Navy Nuke shirts make great gifts, whether for birthday, Christmas or for graduation from Power School or Prototype School. Maybe just to say "I love you" or to let them know you are thinking of them. A care package with a Navy Nuke T-shirt or sweatshirt delivered out to sea would make a Navy Nuke's day!

Hot Retro Aprons

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:28:49 -0600

I present to you some of the cutest aprons I have ever seen. They are retro but they are not your Grandma's Apron. They have a high "snazzy" quotient and can be worn not only in the kitchen but they can be worn as costumes as well. You can add fancy matching gloves and garter for a complete outfit! A red, white and blue Americana apron sets the tone for Fourth of July or any patriotic holiday or occasion. There is even a pink apron for which a percentage of the profits are donated to breast cancer research. Truly, there is something for everyone here. It's not to early to think about Christmas shopping ! (hint, hint)

How to make Delicious Pork Loin Roast

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:33:31 -0600

Everything seems right with the world when you smell the aroma of a nice roast cooking in the oven. This boneless pork loin roast is easy to prepare and makes a great Sunday dinner, or for that matter, dinner for any night of the week! Serve it with baked potatoes and a green vegetable for a simple but hearty meal. Since this is a very lean cut of pork, it is cooked differently from other pork roasts such as a pork shoulder. Learn how to prepare a lean pork loin roast so that it stays tender and juicy. Creative Commons Photo by: foodistablog

A Care Package for a Sailor

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:32:51 -0600

My husband and I are having fun sending care packages to our son who is serving on the USS Nimitz. When he gets a box his friends gather round to see what is in it. They know we always send care packages with enough to share. Nick says his friends like to see what is in the box and they speculate and make comments as to why we sent this or that. It breaks up the monotony of the day and everyone enjoys it. It is a little morale booster not only for our son but for the other sailors as well! Of course care packages aren't just for sailors. I'm sure your soldier, marine, coastie, airman or even college student would enjoy them too!

Navy Nuke Prototype School

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:10:21 -0600

I thought some of you might have questions about what Prototype School is like. The following is what I have gleaned from conversations with my son and I'm hoping it will give you some insight as to what you can expect at Prototype School. If you've made it this far you have received a lot of very valuable training from the United States Navy. From here you can go for a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Nuclear Engineering. Those are just two of the avenues open to to Machinist's Mates. I can't speak for the other rates. Maybe someone more familiar with them can fill me in. Please contact me if you have information on that. Welcome and keep reading for information on Nuclear Prototype School in Ballston Spa, New York.

Halloween T-Shirts & Treat Bags

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:56:20 -0600

The Halloween trick or treat bags and Halloween T-Shirts featured on this lens are the best of the best! I've searched out cute, original and striking Halloween designs so you don't have to. Choose from many unique and beautiful Halloween bags and t-shirts. There's a witch, pumpkins, black cats and a fun skull and skeleton. The trick or treat bags are roomy, sturdy and best of all, reusable! You will have these Halloween treat bags for a long time because they are good quality, not cheap throw away bags. Halloween t-shirts to match!

Depression Era Cooking and Recipes

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:12:26 -0600

In this uncertain economy I have noticed many people talking about Depression Era Cooking. Today's cooks are looking back to the Great Depression to see what people did to survive. How did they cook? How did they keep their families fed? There is an undertone of anxiety about what is in store for our country and our families. How will we make ends meet if things get really bad? I hope to provide some insight into this question along with some recipes, hints, tips, and of course, some history. This photo is of a woman and the storage of her garden produce during the Great Depression. 1942

Navy T-Shirts and Gifts for Navy Personnel and their Loved Ones

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:35:25 -0600

If you are looking for a gift for someone in the Navy, you have come to the right place. "The Navy Store" has T-Shirts, Mouse Pads, Mugs, Bumper Stickers and more great apparel and merchandise for Navy personnel and their loved ones. There are gifts for the loved ones of sailors, including, Proud Moms, Dads, Wives, Sons, Daughters and Girlfriends, just to name a few.

Do You Remember Oscar's Drive-In?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:34:13 -0600

Oscar's Drive-In isn't just about the food, it's about the nostalgia. If you were a teen in San Diego in the 50's or 60's you might remember Oscar's Drive-In. In 1941 Foodmaker Co. opened a drive-in restaurant called Topsy's in San Diego. The drive-in restaurant concept with car hop service really caught on over the next several years. The San Diego climate with its many days of sunshine was the perfect place for restaurants of this sort. Topsy's was eventually expanded into four locations and renamed Oscar's. Oscar's Drive-In was very popular as a cruising place and a meeting place for the teens of San Diego County. They went there to cruise the parking lot, to socialize and of course, to eat. Oscar's became a Southern California icon. Many people who were teens in San Diego in the 50's and 60's have fond memories of Oscar's Drive-In. Oscar's later evolved into Jack in the Box which featured drive though service instead of drive in. Do you remember this Oscar's Drive-In menu from 1963? What else do you remember about Oscar's? Share your Oscar's memories in the guestbook below!

T-Shirts for Loved Ones of Navy Nukes

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:36:05 -0600

Loved ones of Navy Nukes know that Nukes are hard working sailors. Nukes are the first ones on the ship and the last ones off. Contrary to popular belief they are not always playing golf and having dinner with the captain. Their work is down below decks so maybe you rarely see them. They have been through a very tough school and have very specialized knowledge. Without the Nukes, the ship doesn't go, the planes don't fly and there is no electricity on the ship! They are also the ones responsible for making drinking water from sea water. Give them a high five next time you see a Nuke and then check out these t-shirts and gifts for the Proud Loved Ones of Navy Nukes!

USS Nimitz

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:14:42 -0600

Strategically speaking, aircraft carriers are very important to the United States. They can cover a huge amount of territory through the reach of their planes. Every flight deck is a 4.5 acre island of sovereign US territory. The USS Nimitz is the first ship in the Nimitz Class of aircraft carriers. The Nimitz class ships are the largest warships ever built. Nickname of the USS Nimitz is "Old Salt." The home port of the USS Nimitz is San Diego. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Brian Gaines

Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:16:02 -0600

The statue of Liberty Enlightening the World is an icon, a cliche, a beloved landmark. She is a work of art. She is colossal statuary. She is recognizable worldwide. She is a beacon, a light in the darkness, and a symbol of freedom. She is inspiring and she belongs to us, the people of the United States, a gift from the people of France. The Statue of Liberty was built to commemorate the hundredth year of American Independence and to celebrate the friendship of our two great republics. Keep reading for some great quotes about the Statue of Liberty as well as some little known facts.

Unique Christmas Cards for Button Lovers

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:18:02 -0600

This unique Christmas card design shows a pretty button collage including Christmas novelty buttons. Christmas trees, green stars, snowflakes, and a white bow make up part of this button collection. These unique Christmas cards and gifts featuring sewing buttons won't be found anywhere else. They are the exclusive design of The Button Lady. When you go to purchase any of these products you may customize them with text.

A Well Stocked Pantry

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:17:13 -0600

A well stocked pantry can really save your bacon when unexpected guests come for dinner. Maybe you just had a darn busy day and don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. A well stocked pantry can come to your rescue. This does take some planning ahead. Think about what your family likes and if you already have any recipes that can be made from your pantry storage. Try out some new "pantry cooking" recipes and add those ingredients to your repertoire. It would be good to include some ingredients for recipes that can be made with little or no water and no perishable ingredients. If you live in an area where there are hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy snow or other natural disasters you can easily lose power and it might be a while before you get it back. You may not have a means to cook meals and you may not have water. It is good to be prepared with a well stocked pantry.

Even More Borders and Dividers for use on Squidoo

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:49:38 -0600

The use of borders, dividers and clip art is a fun way to give your lens that little extra something. Use them to break up long sections of text to make your lens more readable. They can make your lens flow better and appear more visually appealing. I've really enjoyed collecting them and now I am sharing them with you. Everything here is either from public domain sources or made by myself so you are free to use them in any way you wish without worry about copyright issues. If you use some of these dividers on your lens, please leave your link in the plexo below. We'd all like to admire your handiwork!

Toys of our Baby Boomer Childhood

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:37:03 -0600

People who grew up in the fifties and sixties have become the biggest collectors of toys from that era. Toys of our baby boomer childhood represent a much simpler time and bring back pleasant memories of childhood. These were the days before computers and video games. Do you remember any of these toys? Many of these classic toys are still being manufactured and can be enjoyed by our children or grandchildren. Maybe there is a child on your Christmas list who would enjoy a retro toy.

T-shirts and Fairy Art

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:57:01 -0600

T-shirts can be plain apparel or they can make a statement about your lifestyle, hobbies, likes, dislikes, political affiliation, sense of humor, significant other, food choices, religion or just about anything else. The world can tell at a glance where you stand. T-shirts are a firmly entrenched part of our popular culture and a reflection of it. T-shirts are easy to take care of and comfortable to wear. They have become our national uniform. We love our t-shirts! T-shirts don't have to make a statement. The T-shirts I'm featuring here are decorated with fairy art. There are adorable Pixie Fairies and beautiful illustrations of enchanted fairy scenes. I hope you enjoy them!

The Pink Halloween Fairy

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:58:55 -0600

This is the story of a pink tutu Halloween costume. For a long time my husband, Don and I had this idea to make a pink tutu costume for HIM! We just thought it was a funny idea but we never really had a reason to make it. Then one year his place of work had a Halloween Costume Contest for their employees. Here was the perfect opportunity! I went out and bought pink tulle, pink rosebuds, pink dye, fairy wings, a magic wand and some other accessories. Then I set to work sewing, gluing, dying long underwear pink and making a tiara out of glitter pipe cleaners. Can you imagine walking into a casino in Lake Tahoe on Halloween and seeing a pit boss dressed like a pink fairy? It caused quite a stir, let me tell you! I hope you enjoy reading about the fun we had with this.

Shockingly Good Eel Recipes to Spark up your Cuisine

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:57:44 -0600

I've never tasted an eel. In fact I've never even seen one. They are not so popular in America but quite the delicacy in Europe and Asia. Japan, where eel is thought to increase stamina during the hot months, has an annual season of eel eating. They import additional eels so they will have enough for this event. In Japan you can buy fizzy canned drinks made from eel extract. Yum. In London, restaurants used to serve eel pie with mashed potatoes and parsley sauce. This was a very long standing culinary tradition but I'm told that today it is no longer eel but meat. Jellied eels are still served. Eel is low in Sodium. It is also a good source of Phosphorus, and a very good source of Protein, Vitamin A and Vitamin B12. So, here is my collection of vintage eel recipes. To be honest, I will probably never try eel so I can't give you any recommendations. You are on your own. Good luck!

A Christmas Tree for a Little Boy

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:37:19 -0600

Twenty-two years ago when we learned we were to have a little boy, we began to collect Christmas tree ornaments with a little boy theme. We had a lot of fun shopping for "boy" ornaments. As it happened, we had two more boys so we continued to add to our collection. Each ornament was associated with a memory, reflecting something that our boys were interested in. This has been the theme of our Christmas tree over the years. Pictured on this page are ornaments that we might have chosen for our tree if they had been available at the time.

Cheese Balls ~ Holiday Party Appetizers

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:17:43 -0600

A cheese ball is a popular appetizer and there are many variations, something for everyone. One Christmas a friend and I teamed up and made different flavored cheese balls for gift giving. The food processor made the task much easier and they are something that can be made ahead of time. Appetizers, Hors d'oeuvres, canapes, meal starters. Whatever you call them they are meant to get the party started! Keep reading for instructions on how to make cheese balls. Cheese Ball image by mmmfruit

Deep Fried Tempura Shrimp Recipe

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:35:49 -0600

Delicious Tempura Shrimp is one of my husband's culinary specialties. I only learned how to make it last night so I could write this lens and I was surprised to find out that it is fairly easy! Deep fried Tempura Shrimp is a special meal to enjoy with your family or to share with friends. Keep reading for step by step instructions for preparing Tempura Shrimp.

Loose Lips Sink Ships

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:14:03 -0600

During World War II the US government enacted a campaign to help keep the soldiers and sailors safe. They printed up lots of posters in the theme of "Loose Lips May Sink Ships" and distributed them far and wide. They wanted service men and their families to be aware of what they wrote in letters and what they talked about among their friends. Someone with ill intent might be reading or listening and information spilled indiscriminately might bring down a ship or get people killed. Today with cameras, cell phones, mini cam corders and the internet, the problem of operational security for the military is greatly magnified. Email and blogs are great for morale and for staying in touch but they can also reveal much about locations, troop movements, and deployments. Photos can give a snapshot of a location that is best not publicized. Use discretion when communicating with your military loved one. In this lens I have a little advice for military families about how to avoid giving information to our adversaries.

Lodge Logic 7-Quart Dutch Oven with Spiral Handle Bail and Iron Cover

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:16:40 -0600

The Lodge Logic 7-Quart Dutch Oven with Spiral Handle Bail and Iron Cover is an indispensable tool in the kitchen. I use my Dutch oven several times a week to make soup, stew or a casserole. I even use it to make plum jam when my plum tree bears fruit. Cast iron cookware is tried and true and when seasoned and used properly it can last for generations. Many of our grandmothers cooked in cast iron cook ware.

Stories of Vietnam Part Five

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:17:56 -0600

True Stories of Vietnam "This war has already stretched the generation gap so wide that it threatens to pull the country apart." --Marshall McLuhan, 1975 "Above all, Vietnam was a war that asked everything of a few and nothing of most in America." --Myra MacPherson, 1984 Continue reading for more True Stories of Vietnam.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:37:10 -0600

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic and just right for winter's chilly days. It's nice to have a welcoming pot of homemade chicken noodle soup on the stove when the kids get home from school. Better yet, send it to school for their lunch in a thermos. Served with a sandwich or cheese and crackers, homemade chicken noodle soup makes a hearty meal.

Greek Roasted Chicken

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:25:26 -0600

Did you know that the average American eats about 80 pounds of chicken each year? That is not surprising because chicken can be prepared in so many delicious ways. Roasting chicken is very easy to do and it tastes great. There are endless variations of spices and seasoning for roasted chicken, and it is economical too. My chicken cost about $5 and along with the potatoes, fed 5 people. You could add a green vegetable to this meal to make it stretch further. This recipe has a Greek flair with oregano and lemon and is served with roasted potatoes. I hope you enjoy it!

Soup Glorious Soup! ~ Recipes

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:53:13 -0600

Soup can be an elegant work of art or it can be a "refrigerator cleaner" made from leftovers. Either way, soups are nutritious and comforting fare. On a cold, rainy day there is nothing better than coming home to a steaming pot of soup. When you feel a cold coming on, a mug of hot soup is just the ticket. It truly is a comfort food. Read on for some tried and true soup recipes from my own recipe files and for some soup history.

Delicious Oyster Recipes

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:05:45 -0600

When I was a child our Christmas Eve tradition was to have oyster stew. All the aunts, uncles, and cousins would go to Grandma and Grandad's house and we'd have dinner, do the dishes, which took FOREVER, and then we would open presents. At first Great Uncle Frank would come from Colorado and he would make the oyster stew. When he passed on my mom and my aunts took turns making the stew. It was always good but eventually someone thought of whirling the oysters in the blender before adding them to the stew. That added a lot more flavor and didn't have the whole oysters which some people objected to. Living in the Midwest I don't know how our family came by this seafood tradition. We also had oyster stuffing at Christmas dinner but as far as I remember we never ate oysters at any other time. For that reason I associate oysters with Christmas. Welcome to my Oyster Recipes lens. I hope you find an oyster recipe to love whether as something special for the holidays or for everyday.

Sara Donati, Into the Wilderness Book Series

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:43:18 -0600

Sara Donati weaves a grand adventure set in the pioneering days of New York, building on The Pioneers by James Fenimore Cooper and mixing in some Jane Austen style characters. This book series could be classified as historical fiction or historical romance. The amount of historical research that must go into each novel is incredible and the stories are completely captivating. I am very interested in the characters and still wondering what happens to each of them, even though it has been quite a while since I read the last book. I've been eagerly awaiting Book Six, which I hear is due out in 2009. Sadly, I'm also hearing that it will be the last in the series.

Unusual Christmas Cards and Gifts

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:03:14 -0600

If you are looking for something a bit different this holiday, please consider these unusual Christmas cards and gifts from The Button Lady. This is a happy collection of buttons in Christmas colors! Novelty buttons include a pair of red plaid Scottie Dogs. Do you have a button collector or button lover on your Christmas list? These unusual Christmas cards and gifts are available exclusively from The Button Lady and are sure to be appreciated!

Cars of our Baby Boomer Youth

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:14:39 -0600

These are the cars you had or wish you had during your Baby Boomer youth. It seems that every town had a "cruise spot." You know what I'm talking about! In my small little town we cruised the block. Today they have instituted one way streets so I don't know where the kids cruise now. In my husband's high school days they went to Oscar's Drive-In on Clairmont Square or El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego and cruised the parking lot. That was the place to see and be seen. The days of high school, muscle cars, football games, and drive-in movies, those were fun days weren't they? Read more about Baby Boomer Cars below.

Colleen Corby, Sixties Super Model

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:38:53 -0600

Colleen Corby was a cultural icon of the sixties, at least in the teen girl crowd. She was on the cover of Seventeen magazine 15 times and also on the covers of American Girl, Teen Magazine, Ingenue, Co-Ed, Glamour, and Mademoiselle. She modeled for Simplicity, McCalls, and Butterick sewing patterns and many other companies. If you were a teen girl in the sixties and you read teen magazines, you probably recognize her. Even though she has not made a public appearance since her 2000 appearance on Oprah, she has fan clubs and message boards dedicated to her on the internet. She has faithful fans and there's still a lot of love for her out there.

Common Sense by Glenn Beck

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:07:44 -0600

In Common Sense, Glenn Beck describes the ways in which both parties have done harm to our country. Glenn Beck lays out just what they have been doing while we haven't been paying attention, and then he tells us what we can do about it. Out of control spending and corruption must be stopped. This is no time to be neutral. It is time to get engaged and do something to rescue our country. We must educate ourselves and pay attention. Glenn Beck's Common Sense is #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list for paperback nonfiction. Keep reading for a chance to weigh in with your opinions on Glenn Beck's Common Sense.

The Orphan Trains

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:38:15 -0600

In 1854 the Orphan Trains began carrying orphaned, neglected and homeless children from the streets of New York City to new homes throughout the country. There has been some assertion that this "placing out" of the children of poor Jewish and Catholic immigrants with Anglo Saxon protestant families was an effort to assimilate them into the mainstream of the country. Perhaps it was merely a humanitarian effort made to rescue suffering children. I hope to give you some insight as to how and why the orphan trains came about and you can be the judge.

Classic Shortbread Cookies for Holiday Gift Giving

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:31:42 -0600

Scottish Shortbread cookies are a classic! They are easy to make, have only three ingredients, and there are many variations. Shortbread cookies are wonderful for serving at your holiday meals. These shortbread cookies are perfect for gift giving because they are made in a pie plate. Make them in a beautiful pie plate and give the whole thing as a gift to your favorite baker. I'm sure they will be appreciated! Creative Commons photo by Stef Noble.

Bellingham, WA Restaurant Critic

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:57:32 -0600

My family loves to dine out. We are always looking for the best Mexican food, the best Chinese food and so on. We always critique the food and discuss what we liked and why, and if we would come back and why or why not. No one has given us the official job of Bellingham Restaurant Critic so we gave it to ourselves! I thought it was time that we share this information with the community and give you a chance to chime in with your opinions and give your restaurant recommendations as well. We are not restaurant critic professionals, we just know what we like! Please remember that these are only the opinions of the self appointed Bellingham Restaurant Critic and your mileage may vary!

Cooking With All Things Trader Joe's

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:52:22 -0600

I like Trader Joes and I like to cook, so Cooking With All Things Trader Joes sounds like a book for me. You may think it odd that the next book I want to read is a cook book. I read cook books like some people read novels. It doesn't mean I will necessarily make any of the recipes in the book. I might or I might not, but I do think it quite likely that I will find something to love in Cooking With All Things Trader Joe's". Do you want to read Cooking With All Things Trader Joe's with me? We can have a discussion about the book and swap recipes. Scroll on down for places provided to do that. See if there is a Trader Joe's near you. If you have a Trader Joe's store in your neighborhood it is time to go check it out! My favorite guilty pleasure from Trader Joe's is their Double Cream Brie cheese. I love it melted and served with chunks of French Bread. Delicious!

Snail Recipes, Remedies and Folklore

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:56:39 -0600

Snails have been enjoyed as a culinary delicacy since ancient times. At one time or another they have been extremely popular in different parts of Europe. Snails have graced the cuisines of France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Greece, and England, and the custom of eating snails eventually made its way to the United States. In older days, cultures that celebrated Lent embraced the snail as food because it wasn't considered to be flesh or fish. It was sometimes recommended as a food for the poor and at other times it was considered a dainty morsel for the tables of the wealthy. I've brought you some snail recipes and some stories about the snail. I hope you enjoy them!

Moose Stew, Sarah Palin's Favorite Food

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:31:34 -0600

Sarah Palin is the vice presidential pick of John McCain for the presidential election of 2008. We don't yet know a lot about her but one thing we know is that her favorite food is Moose Stew. She is the governor of Alaska and that is moose country for sure! They like her in Alaska and have rewarded her with an 80% to 90% approval rating. Not many politicians have achieved that! John McCain has shaken things up with his choice of Sarah Palin as a running mate. One thing is sure, she has everyone talking and no one seems neutral about her.

The Importance of Books and Reading

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:31:15 -0600

Books have been around for centuries but for much of that time they were not available to the common person. Only the upper classes or monks and scholars were able to read. Books were very expensive and had to be copied by hand. It was not until the invention of the printing press that books and especially the Bible, became cheaper and more widely available. In this day and age reading instruction is available to virtually everyone. We have only to take advantage of it. I do not know who invented the book but I would like to thank that person. The importance of books and reading cannot be underestimated.

USS Ronald Reagan

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:13:18 -0600

The USS Ronald Reagan is the ninth aircraft carrier in the Nimitz class having been launched and commissioned on March 4, 2001. It is the first ship to bear the Reagan name. The nickname of the USS Ronald Reagan is "The Gipper." The USS Ronald Reagan is 20 stories high and is part of the Pacific Fleet. The Reagan is expected to have at least 50 years of service. The two nuclear reactors can provide uninterrupted power for 20 years. Her home port is San Diego, California. (Jan. 13 2008) - The Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) sits anchored off the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif. Ronald Reagan Sailors were on a scheduled port visit to Santa Barbara.

Stargazer's Custom Shoe Designs

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:54:24 -0600

Do you love shoes? Zazzle, a print on demand company, has tons of cool custom designed shoes. There really is something for everyone, from vintage Japanese print designs, to fractals and florals or nature and wildlife! You can even design your own! Check out my custom shoe designs on Zazzle.

USS Theodore Roosevelt

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:36:55 -0600

The USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 is the fourth ship of the Nimitz class and was launched on October 27, 1984. Call sign is "Rough Rider" and nicknames are "Big Stick" or simply "T.R." Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group Eight. As with any aircraft carrier, its surface is 4.5 acres of sovereign US territory as the carriers operate in international waters. homeport Norfolk VA

Visit Bellingham WA

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:58:01 -0600

Bellingham, Washington is 18 miles south of the Canadian Border, on I-5, one of the nearest US cities to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Bellingham is expecting at least 175,000 visitors to travel through on their way to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. The city and also Whatcom County have been preparing for several years. Businesses have been working on strategies to capture the tourist dollar. The county has widened roads in anticipation of increased traffic. Hotels and restaurants have been sprucing up. Bellingham, Washington will be ready to meet, greet, and provide hospitality for the many travelers expected in February 2010. Let's see what Bellingham, Washington has to offer! Photo is the Whatcom Museum of History and Art

Nimitz Friends and Family Day Cruise

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:54:21 -0600

On March 21, 2009, friends and family of the sailors on the USS Nimitz were invited to spend a day at sea on the Nimitz. We could not pass up this opportunity to see our son and the ship on which he lives and works, so on that Saturday morning at about 6:30 we were in San Diego at the harbor waiting in line with 4500 others to board the USS Nimitz, CVN-68. The captain said that on this day the guests outnumbered the crew. Our son met us on the dock, gave us our tickets, escorted us on to the ship and told us that breakfast was set up on the hangar deck. That was the beginning of our cruise on the Nimitz.

Creamy Mashed Potato Soup, from Leftovers

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:49:05 -0600

This Creamy Mashed Potato soup is not only very delicious but economical too. Do you need a good way to use up mashed potato leftovers? This is it! Very hearty and filling. This soup is especially nice for after holiday dinners like Thanksgiving and Christmas when you are likely to have mashed potato leftovers. I've even been known to make extra mashed potatoes just so I'll be sure to have enough to make this soup! If you like mashed potatoes, then this is for you. Photo by Pinot & Dita

How to Make Yummy, Healthy Homemade Granola

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:57:41 -0600

The nice thing about making granola from scratch is that you can customize it to your family's tastes. If you don't like nuts you can substitute sunflower seeds, flax seed or oat bran. The coconut was something that I added because we like it but it could easily be left out. If you start adding or omitting ingredients you may need to adjust the amount of liquid ingredients accordingly. I like mine in a bowl with milk but one of my sons eats his dry with a glass of milk on the side. Mix it into yogurt or sprinkle it on ice cream. It's a good healthful snack to send in the lunch box to school or work.

Stargazer's Favorite Recipes

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:35:47 -0600

I like to cook and I like to read cookbooks. I come by this naturally. I learned a lot about cooking from my Mother as I helped her in the kitchen while I was growing up. For many years she was a cook and baker at a middle school. She only retired last year at the age of 78. She has stacks and stacks of cookbooks that she may or may not actually make anything out of. She enjoys reading them and so do I. She did not get her cooking ability from her mother so I think she must have taught herself. I remember eating at Grandma's house and she was not a very good cook. Boiled pork, boiled potatoes and stewed tomatoes was a meal that she often served. I don't remember any gravy or butter. Grandma had several sisters and they divided the labor of the household. My Grandma was in charge of the sewing and another sister was in charge of the cooking. Grandma used to sew cute matching dresses and skirts for my sister and I. Sewing was her talent. Cooking was not. My Mother's love of food and cooking has rubbed off on me. I made this lens so I can have all my recipes in one place. I hope you enjoy my recipe collection.

For the Love of Flowers

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:35:15 -0600

I have loved and been fascinated by flowers from a very young age. I have a picture of myself in my grandmother's flower garden when I was probably 3 or 4. I am sniffing a gladiola that is as tall as me. Around the same time I was in a fashion show and I was given a white carnation wrist corsage. I was enthralled! The slightly spicy fragrance of a carnation still brings back that early memory after all these years. I don't remember much about the fashion show but I do remember the scent of that carnation! These days carnations are considered simple and plain but I still love them. Photo, Sunlit Carnation by dacotahsgirl

USS Carl Vinson

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:12:57 -0600

The USS Carl Vinson CVN 70 is the third in the Nimitz class of aircraft carriers, having been launched on March 15, 1980. The nickname for the USS Carl Vinson is the "Chuckie V." The Carl Vinson is also called the "Gold Eagle." Although there is no official date as of yet, the USS Carl Vinson will be changing its home port to San Diego soon. San Diego is already home port to the USS Nimitz and the USS Ronald Reagan.

Delicious Salmon Recipes

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:39:04 -0600

"...salmon are among the oldest natives of the Pacific Northwest... and they inhabit and use nearly all the region's freshwater, estuarine and marine habitats... From a mountaintop where an eagle carries a salmon carcass to feed its young, out to the distant oceanic waters of the California Current and the Alaska Gyre, the salmon have penetrated the Northwest to an extent unmatched by any other animal. They are like silver threads woven deep into the fabric of the Northwest Ecosystem." Excerpt from: Salmon Without Rivers: a History of the Pacific Salmon Crisis. By Jim Lichatowich, 1999. Island Press The salmon is deeply intertwined in the culture and the economy of the Pacific Northwest. Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest celebrate the return of the salmon each year and so do the rest of us as we cook it in our kitchens and on our backyard grills. Wild caught salmon is very healthful and considered to be a Super Food for its Omega 3 content. To your health! Celebrate salmon with these easy recipes.

Ham with Apple Cider for the Slow Cooker

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:42:38 -0600

If you are a busy person, if you work outside of the house all day you need easy recipes to keep your family well fed. This is especially true during the holidays. This is a delicious slow cooker recipe that will free up your stove and oven for cooking the side dishes. The slow cooker happily cooks all day so you don't have to. Ham is a good holiday meal choice and it makes great leftovers!

Greek Pastitso Recipe

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:41:03 -0600

My Greek Pastitso Recipe came from my husband's Aunt Sarah who got it from her mother, Stravula who was an immigrant from Greece. When I asked her for the recipe she said she didn't use one. I asked her to give me a shopping list and I would buy the ingredients and take notes while watching her assemble the Pastitso recipe. I'm so glad that that she agreed because my family loves this Greek Pastitso Recipe. It is a little involved so make sure you set aside some time. It is worth it!

Xing's Panda Palace

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:13:11 -0600

Xing's Panda Palace is our favorite restaurant in Bellingham, Washington. You can always count on the food being wonderful. We don't know if it is authentic Chinese food or not and we don't really care. We just know that it is always delicious! The service is quick and the staff is always very friendly. We have been eating at Xing's Panda Palace for about eight years and the great food continues to bring us back. The owners, Jade and Sam take very good care of their customers! Sit back and get ready to read another restaurant review from the Bellingham Restaurant Critic! Photo taken from the Xing's Panda Palace Website

How To Make Vinegar from Honey

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:16:52 -0600

The information here is from a 1905 book called "The Production of Vinegar from Honey." There was a time when people were accustomed to the task of making vinegar for the household, but today it is a lost art. Vinegar was kept on hand as a food item, a home remedy and a cleaning product. It could easily be made from many things depending on the intended use. Vinegar is purported to be very healthful and I imagine homemade vinegar is even more so, as it does not have the good things stripped out of it as is the case with so many modern products. Raw organic apple cider vinegar has become very popular today as a healthful tonic for digestion, weight loss and many other ailments. This lens will teach you to make vinegar from honey. Let me know how yours turns out!

Maxfield Parrish

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:14:57 -0600

In my hectic college days of working and studying, I discovered the appealing paintings and illustrations of Maxfield Parrish. I wished I could step into one of the idyllic scenes, don a classic, flowing robe, forget my worries and lounge under a spreading oak or beside a beautiful blue pool. When you see some of Maxfield Parrish's paintings, you'll understand. I thought the blues in his paintings were absolutely wonderous! Maxfield Parrish, an artist of the Golden Age of Illustration, was the first artist to capture my attention and my imagination.

Beautiful Custom Keepsake Boxes

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:26:03 -0600

My keepsake boxes are made of hardwood, lined in velvet, and have felt on the bottom. They have a high-gloss lacquer finish and a spring-loaded hinged lid. These beautiful boxes measure 5.5" x 5.5" x 2.25" with a 4.25" x 4.25" ceramic tile. Keepsake boxes are a wonderful, thoughtful gift for almost any occasion, perfect for holding your personal treasures, trinkets and special items. A great gift for anyone on your gift list.

Success Quotes from Napoleon Hill

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:00:52 -0600

Who was Napoleon Hill? Napoleon Hill was one of the earliest authors of personal success books who believed that a person's mindset was a very important indication of his future success. His motivational book "Think and Grow Rich", published in 1937, is one of the all time best selling books. "What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve" is one of Hill's famous quotes. Hill's thoughts on success came from his interviews with, observation of, and association with several successful people beginning with Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish born American steel magnate. Success or failure, it all originates with our thoughts. Think about it! All quotes are attributed to Napoleon Hill.

Stir Fried Garlic Squid with Ramen, Recipe for Fresh Squid

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:56:51 -0600

Do you like squid? Oh dear! Maybe you ARE a squid. In that case turn your eyes away right now! Don't read any further. For those of you who like to eat squid here is a delicious recipe for stir fried garlic squid with ramen, from the book Noodle Fusion, Asian Dishes for Western Kitchens by Dorothy Rankin.

Stories of Vietnam

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:12:18 -0600

True Stories of Vietnam "While war is always wrenching, the Vietnam War tore apart this country in ways from which we have never recovered. To many, it was a loss of innocence, the event that led to what has been called a permanent adversarial culture in the United States." Deborah Leff, director of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, 2006. Continue reading for True Stories of Vietnam. De Oppresso Liber~Liberate the Oppressed

Navy Lenses by Stargazer00

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:04:57 -0600

The US Navy has been protecting America since 1798 when Congress established the Department of the Navy. Since World War II the US Navy has been the most powerful navy in the world. The US Navy operates under the umbrella of the Department of Defense and includes the Marine Corps. In times of war it also includes the Coast Guard.

Food Storage Recipes

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:31:00 -0600

Doing some food storage makes sense don't you think? There are lots of reasons to have extra food on hand. Natural disaster, terrorist attack, loss of work due to injury or layoff, and steeply rising food prices. The high price of gas is a contributing factor to this. Food is sent by truck or rail to get to the grocery stores and that cost is passed on to the consumer. The weather has not been cooperative this year. Floods in the Midwest took out much of the corn crop so expect corn prices to go higher. I heard on the radio this morning (7/22/08) that Kraft and Sara Lee would be raising their prices as much as 20%! That's a big jump. Stock up now before the prices go up any further. See the Wall Street Journal article below for an explanation of why you should think about stockpiling food.

Apple iMac MB420LL/A 24-Inch Desktop

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:15:21 -0600

My Apple iMac MB420LL/A 24-Inch Desktop is the first thing that I would grab in case of fire or other disaster. Family, friends, pets and photos are a given, and of course they would be my first priority, but after that it would be my iMac. I love the uncluttered, intelligent design of my iMac and it is a pleasure to use. There is much more to it than that though. Let me tell you why I could not leave my Apple iMac MB420LL/A 24-Inch Desktop behind.

Delicious Mexican Tater Tot Casserole

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:18:36 -0600

Here is another variation on the ever popular Tater Tot Casserole. With enchilada sauce, green chilies and lots of cheese, this casserole gets a zesty Mexican flavor. Kids love this casserole and it is great for lunch or dinner. Many of us remember Tater Tot Casserole fondly from our childhood. It's another one of those comfort food recipes that Mom used to make. Photo by kaytethinks

A Baby Boomer Childhood

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:26:39 -0600

A lot has changed since I grew up in rural Iowa in the 50's and 60's when we had no internet and not much TV. Naturally, we found lots of other ways to entertain ourselves. It sure seemed like a simpler, more innocent time. I'll be sharing some of my childhood recollections with you and maybe they will bring back some of your own boomer childhood memories.

Chippy Dippy Squares, a Quick and Easy Dessert

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:49:36 -0600

Chippy Dippy Squares are an easy, tasty bar cookie that kids love. They are so easy to make that kids can make them. They are made in one pan so there is not much to clean up. With the flavors of chocolate, butterscotch, coconut and graham crackers these are sure to be a hit. My mom used to make these for my sister and brother and me and we loved them. Still do! I believe this recipe is more recently known as "Magic Bars" or "7 Layer Bars." Make these cookies for your Thanksgiving company! Photo by Hjem

USS Enterprise

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:50:24 -0600

The USS Enterprise is the oldest aircraft carrier in the US fleet, having been launched in 1960. She was the first nuclear powered aircraft carrier in the world. Eight nuclear reactors supply her power and she is the only carrier with this configuration. USS Enterprise was meant to be the first of the Enterprise Class but she was the only one built. The navy may be downsizing the carrier fleet from 11 to 9. The Enterprise is scheduled for decommissioning in 2014 but this date is dependent on when her nuclear fuel supply is spent and when the USS Gerald Ford is completed. One nickname of the USS Enterprise is "The Big E." Sailors manning the rail as the USS Enterprise returns home to the Naval Station at Norfolk.

Glenn Beck, American Patriot

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:06:23 -0600

Glenn Beck is a refreshing counterpoint to the leftist dominated media. He is entertaining and has a great insight into the events of the day. Currently he is trying to inform people about the czars that Obama has been appointing. If you are not familiar with the ideals and goals of our Founding Fathers then you might not know why it is important to fight for America. In Glenn Beck's view, both political parties are corrupt. It is no longer about political parties but about doing the right thing for America. It is about telling the truth. Check out the Glenn Beck show on TV. He describes it as the fusion of entertainment and enlightenment. People who have a strong reaction against Glenn Beck maybe haven't listened to him in the last month, starting about mid August 2009. I believe he speaks the truth and loves his country.

Liberty And Tyranny

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:09:15 -0600

If you only read one book this year, Liberty and Tyranny by Mark Levin is the one. It is that important. Mark Levin, a Constitutional lawyer, lays out for us how we have strayed from the Constitution and the intent of our founding fathers. The time for blissful ignorance has passed. Most of us need to study up on our history and the Constitution. As Terry Jeffrey of CNS News says, "If you want to rediscover true conservatism, read Mark Levin's Liberty and Tyranny. If you want to help preserve liberty, buy copies for your kids."

Custom Designed Cutting Boards

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:36:28 -0600

These cutting boards are made from tempered glass and can be used for many other purposes. Do you need a good hot plate to protect your table top from hot serving dishes? Try one of these. They can also be used as a serving tray, a placemat, a bread board or a cheese board. From fine art to fractals, you won't find these one of a kind designs anywhere else. It's the time of year for big holiday get togethers and family meals. Do you need some hot plates or a bread board? These boards would make an appropriate hostess gift as well. Time to get prepared for the holidays!

Classic Split Pea Soup with Ham

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:26:14 -0600

Soup and Bread. Soup and Sandwich. Soup and Salad. Soup just goes with everything doesn't it? Almost any soup may be frozen for up to four or five months. Be sure to cool the soup completely to keep the freezer from working overtime. Cover tightly, label with the name of the soup, and then date and freeze. Thaw frozen soups in the refrigerator for 24 hours and then heat slowly. I hope you enjoy this Split Pea Soup. Photo by Ruthieki

Eating Locally, Becoming a Locavore

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:33:19 -0600

Did you know that the ingredients in an average North American meal have traveled about 1500 miles to get to your table? In this day of high oil prices maybe we need to think about how much gasoline could be saved if we made an effort to eat more locally produced food. Most of us can only reduce our gas usage by so much. There is a certain amount of driving we must do such as to work or school. Yes, we can sometimes take public transportation, ride a bike or carpool, but these options are not necessarily available to everyone. If you are displeased with the price of gas then I challenge you to use less gas by eating more locally. Buy food that hasn't been shipped in from across the country or from around the world. It's been said that currently most North Americans put as much gas into our food as we do into our gas tank. Consider becoming a locavore,one who eats locally. 10 ways to become a Locavore

How to Eat Local in Bellingham

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:58:25 -0600

Eating locally in Bellingham is getting easier. Sustainable Connections is sponsoring a program whereby restaurants take turns offering menu selections featuring meals made from ingredients obtained locally. It is called "Eat Local (Every) Week." Every Thursday is "Eat Local Day" at a participating restaurant with meals prepared from locally grown ingredients. This is an effort to support local farms and growers. There are restaurants scheduled to participate into October. Check below and see which restaurants are participating and give them your support! These restaurants are committed to using locally grown and produced food. This is a boon for the local economy and for the customer. For a complete list of participating restaurants check Sustainable Connections. Logo is from Sustainable Connections

Stories of Vietnam Part Three

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:11:25 -0600

True Stories of Vietnam "Now, it should be incandescently clear that no one who has any concern for the integrity and life of America today can ignore the present war. If America's soul becomes totally poisoned, part of the autopsy must read Vietnam." --Martin Luther King, Jr. quotes.

Pirates Worthy of Note

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:46:21 -0600

It is natural that we Americans have become so interested in these sea adventurers when we remember what a close relationship existed between our Puritan forefathers of New England and the pirates, both by blood relation and by trade. The pirates had no more obliging and eager customers for their spoils of gold dust, stolen slaves, or church ornaments, than the early settlers of New York, Massachusetts, and Carolina. In this Who's Who of Pirates I've brought you what I thought to be the most interesting or amusing of the pirates and buccaneers.

Our Favorite Places in San Diego

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:37:34 -0600

My husband, Don, spent most of his growing up years in San Diego and considers it his hometown, so when we were invited to go on the USS Nimitz Friends and Family Day Cruise out of San Diego we said yes! We jumped at the chance to not only see our son and tour the USS Nimitz, but also to revisit our favorite places in San Diego. We got into San Diego a couple of days early, hoping to see our son but he ended up having to work so my husband, my other son, and I went out on the town. Having just come from cold, rainy, Washington, we really enjoyed the balmy San Diego weather so we spent the first day poolside soaking up the sun, swimming and just relaxing. Our hotel was in Old Town San Diego where the air was awash in the aroma of Mexican cooking and that soon drew us out into Old Town to find the Old Town Mexican Cafe which won the Best of San Diego for Mexican food in 2008. USS Nimitz Friends and Family Day Cruise

Stories of Vietnam Part Two

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:09:28 -0600

True Stories of Vietnam "The military don't start wars. Politicians start wars." William Westmoreland "Once upon a time our traditional goal in war... was victory. Once upon a time we were proud of our strength, our military power. Now we seem ashamed of it. Once upon a time the rest of the world looked to us for leadership. Now they look to us for a quick handout and a fence-straddling international posture." Barry Goldwater, 1962 Keep reading for more True Stories of Vietnam.

T-Shirts and Gifts for Loved Ones of Sailors Serving on Aircraft Carriers

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:16:05 -0600

These Navy T-Shirts and gifts are for the wives, girlfriends and sweethearts of sailors serving on aircraft carriers. Families of sailors make sacrifices so their loved ones can do the work of defending our freedom. Navy families serve our country just as much as their sailors do. They endure separations that can last months at a time. They have to handle all of the household tasks, errands, and bill paying by themselves and sometimes it feels like they are a single parent. This lens is made in honor of Navy families and donates to Soldiers' Angels, which supports our service members and their families. Visit Soldiers Angels and see all of their service projects

Comfort Food from Mom's Kitchen

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:44:07 -0600

I love to read cook books and I love to try new recipes. My family sometimes wishes I would stay with the tried and true, but now and then I discover a dish that becomes a new family favorite. That's how we came to love King Ranch Chicken and Creamy Italian Chicken. I am always on the lookout for recipes that could become comfort food. Step inside and sample some comfort food from Mom's Kitchen.

USS George Washington

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:45:34 -0600

On this page you can read about the Manga comic book that the USS George Washington distributed to the Japanese people to introduce itself. Further down the page there is a link to download your own copy of "CVN 73," a Manga comic book. The USS George Washington is the sixth aircraft carrier in the Nimitz class, having been launched on July 21, 1990. Home Port: Yokosuko, Japan. The USS George Washington has replaced the USS Kitty Hawk as the only forward deployed aircraft carrier.

Toy Retro Robots

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:21:08 -0600

Retro toys reminiscent of the fifties and sixties are fun and bring back good memories for us baby boomers. Toy tin robots are one of these retro toys. In the fifties and sixties, space age, technology and science fiction were all coming into their own. We were full of imagination about what the future might bring. Soon we would have robots to do all of our work for us. Wouldn't that be wonderful? We'd never have to wash another dish or scrub another floor! Robots have come a long way since that innocent and hopeful time. It didn't come together exactly as we had visualized. Robotics are commonly used in manufacturing and industry but I don't know anyone who has a maid like Rosey on the Jetsons. Take a trip down memory lane with me and take a look at these Retro Toy Robots.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:53:15 -0600

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower is the second aircraft carrier in the Nimitz class having been launched on October 11, 1975. The "Ike" serves as the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 8, and is based at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia. Named after the 34th president of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower.

USS Harry S. Truman

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:39:40 -0600

The USS Harry S. Truman is the eighth aircraft carrier in the Nimitz class. Launched on September 7, 1996. Nick name for the USS Harry S. Truman is "H. S. T.", the initials of the namesake. Ship's Motto: Buck Stops Here. "The carrier battle group can not only operate independently but it presents a unique range of options to the President, Congress and Secretary of Defense. By using the oceans - more than 70% of the earth's surface is ocean - both as a means of access and as a base, forward-deployed Navy and Marine forces are readily available to provide the United States with a range of national response capabilities." Source: Official Website of the United States Navy

Save Money on Groceries

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:36:33 -0600

In today's tough economic times it is important to be wise and thrifty with the food budget. For many families, the food bill is the biggest monthly bill except for the mortgage. It is also the bill that has the most potential for savings. You don't have a lot of control over utilities, car payments, and house payments. You can, however, have some control over how much you spend at the grocery store. I hope to show you some ways to save money on groceries. Being frugal and learning to save money on groceries can free up money for other things. If you are stretched thin, saving money on groceries may be the thing that helps you to make ends meet. It might enable you to enjoy a treat such as a night at the movies. Learning to save money on groceries is definitely worthwhile.

Foundlings

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:59:26 -0600

The author of Foundlings, Matthew Christian Harding, describes his new book as "Historical Christian Fantasy which takes place in the time of Peleg, soon after the people were dispersed after the Tower of Babel. Within its pages will be found dragons, an underground city built by the Dwarven Brotherhood, giants, a corrupt priesthood and lots of adventure. What you won't find is magic, humanism or support for the theory of evolution." This is a fantasy story written about very early human history with characters who rely on the Lord to help them through their quests and adventures. This book is a great start to a series for kids who like the Historical Christian Fantasy genre and for parents who don't want to worry about what their child is reading.

Easy Dilly Bread Recipe

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:10:29 -0600

My family discovered this delicious Dilly Bread recipe years ago and we still enjoy it today. It goes especially well with beef stew but can be served at any meal, of course. I am definitely not a bread baker but even I can make this one. Dilly Bread would make a great gift as it is baked in a casserole dish. Bake a fragrant loaf of Dilly Bread in a pretty casserole dish and give the whole thing as a gift. Take it to a housewarming, or take it to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Homemade bread is always appreciated!

Holiday Christmas Cards

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:13:46 -0600

People love buttons. Lots of people remember sorting through Grandma's button tin or Mom's button jar. Some buttons are so beautifully designed that they are works of art in themselves. Holiday Christmas cards with a sewing button theme are offered exclusively by The Button Lady. Also available are matching postage stamps, holiday Christmas postcards, and matching stickers for the back of the envelope. Everything is beautifully coordinated. Order your holiday Christmas cards early and have them done before that busy time of the year begins.

Recipes for Kids in the Kitchen

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:58:58 -0600

Kids like to help in the kitchen. Instead of always doing it yourself to save time, why not encourage their interest? Give your budding chefs some recipes they can handle on their own. You can advise and supervise and they can have fun and gain a sense of accomplishment by making something the family can enjoy. By encouraging your child's interest in cooking you may gain a great kitchen helper. A little time spent now will save you time later. You will also be making memories and bonding. I have nice memories of my mom and sister and I working in the kitchen together. Let's get started on some recipes for kids!

Top Ten Vietnam War Movies

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:37:39 -0600

The Vietnam War was the first war to be brought into our living rooms via the television set. It has been said that the Vietnam War was not lost on the battlefield but in American living rooms. It was an unpopular war set against the backdrop of the counterculture and social upheaval at home, and as such it left us forever changed. The after affects of the Vietnam war reverberate throughout our culture to this day. Events such as this find their way into our popular culture and the Vietnam War is no exception. I am bringing you the top ten Vietnam War movies on amazon.com as determined by customer reviews.

Rich Creamy Crab Stew

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:52:43 -0600

Don't be misled by the simplicity of this Creamy Crab Stew recipe. It is very easy to prepare and has only a few ingredients, but it is full of luscious crab flavor. Creamy Crab Stew is a good low carb recipe for those watching their intake of carbohydrates. This soup is nice enough to serve to company.

The Flip Mino Camcorder with Custom Designs

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:29:57 -0600

The Flip Mino is a great new camcorder that will let you instantly upload video to your You Tube or My Space account. It is a redesign of the Flip Video Ultra and is now smaller and lighter but still delivers high quality video. The battery is rechargeable and charges while plugged into your computer or an electrical outlet. Now you can view, edit, and upload video in a jiffy! And you don't have to settle for boring black or white. You can get them in an array of great colors and designs. A Flip Mino Camcorder is the perfect item to slip into someone's Christmas Stocking. Maybe even yours!

Beautiful Christmas Cards

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:10:37 -0600

Are you looking for something a little different for your Christmas cards this year? Chances are you will be the only one in your circle sending this particular card. These beautiful Christmas cards and gifts feature gingerbread men, a Christmas tree, snowflakes, toys, and lovely red and green Christmas colors. If you belong to a stitching club or button club these beautiful button themed cards would make great Christmas cards, invitations or thank you notes. They come in two sizes as well as postcards. Check here to see the entire line of Beautiful Christmas Cards and Gifts including mouse pads, mugs, key chains, magnets and t-shirts.

T-Shirts Especially for Children of Sailors

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:16:40 -0600

These are <b>T-shirts designed especially for the children of sailors</b> including seals, nukes and submariners. Children like to be proud of their parents and wearing a shirt like this allows them to display their pride in their navy parent. It also helps keep that bond between parent and child, especially when Mom or Dad is deployed and can't be with them. Your child will love wearing one of these shirts!

Magnificent Lake Tahoe

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:37:12 -0600

In the early 1860's Mark Twain walked to Lake Tahoe from Carson City carrying a couple of blankets and an ax. That was quite an accomplishment as it is a steep mountainous climb. He did recommend that his readers go on horseback. This is what he says of his first impression of Lake Tahoe: "We plodded on, two or three hours longer, and at last the Lake burst upon us-a noble sheet of blue water lifted six thousand three hundred feet above the level of the sea, and walled in by a rim of snow-clad mountain peaks that towered aloft full three thousand feet higher still. It was a vast oval, and one would have to use up eighty or a hundred good miles in traveling around it. As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords!" Buy at AllPosters.com

USS John C. Stennis

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:29:42 -0600

Each Nimitz Class aircraft carrier, including the USS John C. Stennis CVN 74 is a floating airport capable of launching 4 planes per minute. They can each carry about 80 planes. Everyone working on the flight deck knows their job well. They have to because it is dangerous to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The USS John C. Stennis is the seventh aircraft carrier in the Nimitz class and was launched on 11 November 1993. The nickname for the USS John C. Stennis is "Johnny Reb." The Home Port is Bremerton, WA.

Stories of Vietnam Part Four

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:09:57 -0600

True Stories of Vietnam "Television brought the brutality of war into the comfort of the living room. Vietnam was lost in the living rooms of America--not on the battlefields of Vietnam." - Marshall McLuhan, 1975 "Our purpose in Vietnam is to prevent the success of aggression. It is not conquest, it is not empire, it is not foreign bases, it is not domination. It is, simply put, just to prevent the forceful conquest of South Vietnam by North Vietnam." - Lyndon B. Johnson Continue reading for more True Stories of Vietnam. Photo: Vietnam Memorial Statue, Washington D.C.

Tomato and Cheese Bisque, a Flavorful Holiday Soup

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:43:30 -0600

Tomato and Cheese Bisque is a beautiful soup which will go well with Thanksgiving Dinner or will lend its rich red color to the Christmas festivities. The Lycopene from the tomatoes gives this soup its health benefits. Golden Cheddar cheese gives it a nutritional boost of protein. Cook up a steaming pot of this lovely soup, cut open a loaf of crusty bread, and enjoy!

USS Abraham Lincoln

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:30:38 -0600

The USS Abraham Lincoln CVN 72 Is the fifth aircraft carrier in the Nimitz class having been launched on November 11, 1989. After the 2005 earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, the USS Abraham Lincoln provided disaster relief and humanitarian aid. Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln man the rails as the ship pulls into NAS North Island to a cheering crowd of family and friends during their port visit to off-load the ship's Air Wing.

USS George H.W. Bush

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:28:13 -0600

The USS George H. W. Bush is the tenth and final aircraft carrier in the Nimitz class and was launched on October 9, 2006. Commissioning for this vessel was timed so that President George W. Bush would still be in office to participate with his father and the ship's namesake, Former President George H. W. Bush. Although the USS George H. W. Bush is a Nimitz class carrier it differs significantly from its predecessors. Christening of the George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in Newport News, Virginia, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006.

Why Keep Your Lens Fresh?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:11:16 -0600

You may think your lens is like the Field of Dreams and "if you build it, they will come." Unfortunately this is not true. If you want to keep traffic flowing to your lens it will need to be curated. To be successful a lens cannot be left to fend for itself. It will need some tender loving care to make it rise in Squidoo lensrank and Google standing. People must be able to find your lens if you want to make sales or get your message across. Giving your lens fresh content, updates, and related keywords, is time consuming but that is how you get found. Everyone is busy and time is a premium commodity these days. Why not let me help you with this? Creative Commons Photo By BrittneyBush

Kindle and The Mitford Series by Jan Karon

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:17:48 -0600

I am a reader! I have loved to read since I was a little girl living in rural Iowa and waiting for the bookmobile to come around in the summer time. I love to read a good book series that is finished and has all the books published. That way I don't have to wait months or years for the next book to come out. Lately I've been doing most of my reading on Squidoo. There is lots of good stuff here for sure, but I still love my books! I want to share some of my favorites with you. Most of them are available in a Kindle edition but a few aren't, so if you are ordering be sure to take note of that. I would like to introduce you to Jan Karon's Mitford series. It is all published so you can breeze through the whole series if you like. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!

Welcome to My World

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:38:17 -0600

I first heard of Squidoo when BzzAgent buzzed it a few years back. I didn't get it. I even skimmed Seth Godin's book, Small is the New Big. I still didn't get it. What on earth did I have to write about? Why would I want to write about anything? I'm not really sure what made me take a second look and decide to do this, but here I am! Welcome to my Squidoo World!

Navy Nuke Shirts and Gear

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:17:12 -0600

I specialize in T-Shirts and Gear for Navy and especially Navy Nukes. I have some great designs that I think you will love! Here's the link to my Zazzle Gallery. Head on over and look around. http://www.zazzle.com/stargazer00

Best of Bellingham on Twitter

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:03:06 -0600

Bellingham, WA is a great town. It routinely makes the top ten lists of best places to live. According to the US Census, Bellingham has a population of about 75,000. Bellingham is situated on Bellingham Bay in the North Puget Sound area of Washington state. The city is beautiful and has a rich cultural mix. Bellingham, The City of Subdued Excitement! Photo used under the Creative Commons License: Bellingham, by Sunil060902

Decorating for the Fourth of July

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:34:29 -0600

Decorating for the Fourth of July is fun and can make your house look festive and welcoming. Maybe you are hosting a party, cookout or BBQ and are looking for some ideas to deck out your house for the fourth. I have some decorating suggestions for the Fourth of July, and also some great recipe suggestions for your party. We must remember that July 4th is not all about BBQs, Cookouts and Gunpowder. It is about our independence from Britain.

Pearl Heart and Nashville Star

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:32:10 -0600

I'm not really a country music fan, but for some reason I am fascinated with Nashville Star. For those of you who don't know, it's something like a country style American Idol. I've watched it from the beginning year and have cheered on my favorites. Some have won and some not but it is always interesting and I look forward to it each week. I now own CDs by Buddy Jewel and Chris Young, because of Nashville Star. This year I was backing Pearl Heart. I like them for lots of reasons, the most important being that they are really good! Their harmonies are beautiful! They seemed eager to learn and make the most of their time on Nashville Star. They looked like they were trying to absorb everything their mentor was teaching them and, unlike other contestants, there were no dramatics, just a good work ethic and a "can do" attitude. The three girls are sisters and just adorable.

Egg Recipes, Delicious and Nutritious

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:55:53 -0600

It used to be that eggs were vilified for their cholesterol content but now they are back in the good graces of nutritionists. It has been said that two eggs for breakfast are better for you than a bagel with cream cheese. This starts your day off with a good dose of protein and may even be instrumental in keeping your weight down. Eggs are so versatile that they can be served not only for breakfast but for lunch or dinner as well. There is an amazingly wide range of possibilities for cooking eggs. Are you having Christmas company for the weekend? Try the Cheese Salsa Pie which can be served at any meal. Read on for some old recipes made new again. Creative Commons Photo by SIMM

What is your best money saving tip?

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:24:41 -0600

I want to know your tried and true money saving tips. I'm especially interested in how you save money on the food budget but any money saving tip is welcome. What do you do to help make ends meet? Do you have a great tip for conserving on gasoline? What about how to keep your utility bills down? Let's get the "hive mind" working on this!

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:39:25 -0600

I have a cat and two dogs and I like them all. Dogs are very loyal and love you no matter what. Cats are pretty low maintenance and can be very entertaining. If I had to choose one I'd probably choose cats. Dogs are high maintenance and need a lot of attention. Our cat co-exists with us only asking for attention now and then when she deems us worthy. This is our cat Misty Blue after her haircut. She has very long hair and cannot keep up with it. Although you can't tell from the picture, she is very happy with her new short "do." At first she seemed surprised to see her tail. I guess it looked different with short hair and a puff on the end. She spent quite a bit of time chasing it and doing twists in the air trying to catch it, but now she seems to have accepted it. Are you a cat person or a dog person?

A Squidoo Christmas Shopping Lens

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:01:16 -0600

Do you like to shop? Are you the kind of person that has all their Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving, or are you the one braving the crowds on Christmas Eve trying to find just the right gift? I like to shop online. It saves me gas and I don't have to fight for a parking space at the mall. Much of my family lives far away from me and I can have things shipped directly to them. It saves me from having to wrap presents, pack them up, take them to the post office and stand in line to mail them. There are lots of great products being offered in shopping lenses on Squidoo this year. I'll be showing you several shopping lenses with hand picked products. Why not take a look?

End The Fed

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:12:31 -0600

"In the post-meltdown world, it is irresponsible, ineffective, and ultimately useless to have a serious economic debate without considering and challenging the role of the Federal Reserve. Most people think of the Fed as an indispensable institution without which the country's economy could not properly function. But in END THE FED, Ron Paul draws on American history, economics, and fascinating stories from his own long political life to argue that the Fed is both corrupt and unconstitutional. It is inflating currency today at nearly a Weimar or Zimbabwe level, a practice that threatens to put us into an inflationary depression where $100 bills are worthless. What most people don't realize is that the Fed -- created by the Morgans and Rockefellers at a private club off the coast of Georgia -- is actually working against their own personal interests. Congressman Paul's urgent appeal to all citizens and officials tells us where we went wrong and what we need to do fix America's economic policy for future generations." ~Amazon Product Description

Hungry Squidz Choice Awards

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:18:01 -0600

Can you make a beautiful lens? Do you have a fabulous recipe that you want to share with the world? That's all it takes! Oh, and for us to notice you.The Hungry Squidz will be on the lookout for beautiful recipe lenses. When one catches our eye , it gets featured on this lens, it gets added to the Hungry Squidz Group on Squidoo and it gets a nifty Hungry Squidz Choice badge! How cool is that? So get out those old, languishing recipe lenses and apply some spiffy dust! Make a new lens! You may submit a recipe for consideration at Hungry Squidz Choice Group. The Hungry Squidz will be watching!

Tips For Making Valentine's Day Special

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:17:02 -0600

Valentine's Day is a special day for lovers and sweethearts. It's a day to show that special someone how much they mean to you. For some it is a day to tie the knot and therefore, many people are celebrating anniversaries on Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is a rather personal holiday and gifts should reflect that. Keep reading for some suggestions on how to make Valentine's Day special.

Pfaltzgraff Winterberry Cardinal Birdhouse Cookie Jar

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:53:36 -0600

The Pfaltzgraff Winterberry Cardinal Birdhouse Cookie Jar is a good gift choice if you have a cookie jar collector to buy for this Christmas. It is a great gift for anyone who likes to bake cookies. If they are already collecting the Pfaltzgraff Winterberry pattern they will appreciate this beautiful addition. This colorful Pfaltzgraff Winterberry cookie jar is dishwasher safe, hand painted, chip resistant, and mixes and matches with all pieces in the Pfaltgraff Winterberry product line. The Winterberry pattern is a winter classic, decorated with bright red holly berries and cardinals.

Things to do in Lake Tahoe

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 01:16:09 -0600

Lake Tahoe, spanning the California/Nevada border, is a popular destination for vacations, weddings, and honeymoons. Lake Tahoe attractions include boating, fishing, and hiking in the summer. For winter fun, Lake Tahoe boasts several ski resorts. The world class casinos provide the nightlife. The centerpiece of it all is the magnificent blue lake. I'll be highlighting many of the fun and interesting things to do in Lake Tahoe. Creative Commons Photo by: chrispugh

Giant Challenge, Dianne's Squidazzlers

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 19:02:11 -0600

Joan's team for this quarter's Giant Challenge has formed sub groups, each with a coach. I am the coach for Dianne's Squidazzlers. I'll be their cheerleader, encourager, teacher and advisor. We are all one big team but this way we can provide more one on one attention and coaching. We'll all be coming together once a week for a teaching chat or a Q & A session. Let me introduce my team! Visit Joan's Jolly Judicious Jetsetters to meet the rest of our team. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The image in this introduction is called Reach for the Stars. Created with POV-Ray 3.6 and rendered on the International Space Station (April 25 - May 5, 2002) by astronaut Mark Shuttleworth. This project was commissioned by Chris Cason, coordinator of the POV-Ray Development Team. Used by permission of authors, Gilles Tran & Jaime Vives Piqueres.

Money Saving Tips Headquarters

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:25:38 -0600

MONEY SAVING TIPS Learning how to save money is always a good idea but it seems even more important in this time of economic instability. Are you an expert at pinching a penny or stretching a dollar? If you know how to save money on household expenses, vehicle expenses, or the grocery bill, please make an excellent lens on it and submit it to this group. Your methods of saving money might be second nature to you but I bet there is someone out there that hasn't heard of it. Do you have a great recipe that is very inexpensive to prepare? Do you know how to shop for bargains? Secrets of the Coupon Queen would be welcome as well as how to save on your utilities. What about saving for retirement? I would like for this group to be a good resource for anyone looking to gain control of the budget.

Stargazer's Buddy Up Team 2009

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 22:21:39 -0600

Our project for August 2009 is to mentor a small group to make their first lens. I know my buddies are people that have a lot to say, so I will be coaching them on how to make that into a Squidoo lens. "We think making lenses with friends is way more fun than making lenses alone." That's what Bonnie, a Giant Squid Organizer, says and I agree. It's always good to have another pair of eyes looking at your lenses. When you have Squidoo buddies, You can exchange feedback, suggestions, encouragement, and advice as well as star ratings and comments. It's all good!

Anchors Aweigh Navy Lenses Headquarters

Sun, 31 May 2009 22:27:23 -0600

Anchors Aweigh Navy Lenses Do you have an excellent Navy related lens? I'd love for you to include it here. I'm not looking for any anti-military lenses, but rather great informational positive lenses about some aspect of the Navy. Have you done a lens about the ship you served on or about your experiences in the Navy? I'd love to see those lenses!

Parents of Children in the Military Headquarters

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:06:23 -0600

PARENTS OF CHILDREN IN THE MILITARY This group is for lenses about our children that are in the military. All branches of the military service are welcome. If you don't already have a lens about your child in the military then this is a good opportunity to create one. They are defending our country. Let's support them!