Wednesday Baking

 Hi Everyone! 

Every once in awhile I just have to bake. Yesterday was that day. My daughter sent me a recipe for Schlotzsky's bread. If you don't know Schloitzsky's, it is by far the best deli ever and it's the bread that makes it.

The bread is light, airy and just the right chewy texture. The direction say to bake it in a pie pan but every time I've tried that it didn't work out. This single batch I baked in a glass bread pan. The bread is pale on top but it is done and ohhhh sooooo good.

 

I had some Mexican squash that needed to be used. I decided to make some sweet bread with it. I added molasses and lots of spices besides cinnamon.  

 

so moist and delish. Most of it went to my neighbors. 

Last by not least a plate of chocolate cookies for Mr.M. At the time of this photo they were still warm.

That's my baking for now.

Have a great day

Nicole 

Tuesday Birthday

 Hi Everyone!

Thank you for all of the birthday wishes. At this age I don't expect or really want a birthday gift or party. However, Mr. M. is just too tricky. He told me we had to go to Walmart. Uhhhggg. For us it's an hour drive. Now we don't really shop Walmart, but there are things there that we can't get anywhere else. Mr. M. drove and as we got close to Walmart he turned on a road that was between Walmart and Staples. He turned into Staples. I asked, "What do you need here"? He said, "Nothing. You need a new computer chair." This is what I got.

It is the yummy red color I love. Much darker than in the photo. The stitching is too cool. 

Then we stopped at Harbor Freight. 

Why? Because a girl can never have too many screw drivers. LOL

I also received a beautiful candle warmer from my daughter. 

The lamp warms the candle to release the fragrance. 

My SIL sent me a large jar of Australian Black Licorice. 

And my Son and DIL sent me a art supplies.

 I received so many emails and texts and comments of well wishes and love. 

I am blessed.

Ohhh and let us not forget google wishing me a happy birthday too. LOL

 Nicole 

Monster Monday

 Welcome to 

I'm sorry about yesterday. We had a family emergency that sent us out of town. I'm hoping all will turn out OK. 

It isn't with me or Mr. M. Thank the gods. In addition thank you all for your good wishes

 

Also, It's my birthday.

Yep, 74 and still kickin'.

 

These monsters are very grotesque so for those of you who like the pretties scan on down quickly.

  

Now for some pretties.

 

Here is the thoughtful grandmas

 

And for those of you who like flowers
 

That's it for now

Have a nice Monday
 Nicole

No SITAR

I'm sorry due to family circumstances beyond my control there is no 

This week.

Nicole 

Cowboy Caviar

 Hi Everyone!

 

Yesterday, I met up with my neighbors. It was my turn to host and since we were meeting later in the day, I thought I would bring more than sweets to go with coffee or tea.

I made Cowboy Caviar. I did change it up a bit but it was delish.

Have you ever made it or eaten it?

 

Add some corn chips and you have a meal.

In addition you can pretty much add whatever you want in this dish. 

 Here is the recipe.

3 Roma tomatoes remove seeds and dice.

2 avocados diced, I added these just before serving. 

1/4 cup red onion diced 

1 can black beans rinse and drained

1 can black eyes peas rinsed and drained

1 1/2 cups for frozen or canned corn. If it's frozen thaw thoroughly.

1 bell pepper any color seeds removed

1 jalapeno seeds removed. 

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro 

Note:

I did not add the jalapeno or the cilantro. I used Mexican Oregano, I used red and sweet onion and added small diced celery and small cubes of colby jack cheese.

I also use black beans and pinto beans. 

 The sauce.

1/3 cup olive oil, I used grapeseed oil.

2 Tablespoons line juice. I used lemon juice.

2 tablespoons red wind vinegar

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.

Again I added some ground cumin, and a bit of chili powder.

Put all of the vegetables in a bowl. In a smaller bowl make the dressing, then pour over veggies and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. I made mine the night before.

 

Hope you try and like it.

Nicole

Friday Face OFF Portrait Challenge

 Welcome to

I'm so excited to see what everyone has created. The challenge is to create a face with one or more or all of these expressions.

Happy, Sad, Tired, Surprised or/and angry.

In addition, the challenge is optional and I look forward to seeing your posts that have faces in them.

So on with the show.

 

I decided since I'm hosting the Challenge I should create all of the expressions.

The first one is, Happy

I drew her yesterday and don't have any progression photos. She was done in a hurry. Click on her to see more detail.

 

I did leave the nose ring off. 

 

Next is Sad.

 

 

Next is Tired.

This was so much fun to draw

Surprised.

 

Is he a cutie or what?

Last is Anger 

 

That's it for my FFO portrait challenge art pieces. I hope you enjoyed them. 

Don't forget SITAR

 

Sharing with Gillena 

 

Now it's your turn to show me your face.

 Nicole

Crazy shoes

Hi Everyone!

 

Years ago I used to show crazy shoes. I will admit it, I am a shoe hoarder. Even though my high heel days are over with I still like looking at them. Then, there are just stupid shoes like these. 

You know I couldn't resist these. 

 

 

These are my favorites

And these.

And of course these.

Well that's it for shoes.

 

I will keep reminding all the fabulous artists out there that this Friday is 

The face or faces must have one of these expressions. 

Happy, Sad, Tired, Surprised and or Anger. 

 

 This challenge is completely optional. Join in with a blog post that has a face in it. Any kind of face qualifies.

I'm looking forward to seeing all the faces.

 

Have a great day today 

 Nicole