A wee bit late but I simply have to tell you about TAO.

We decided to go see them way back on April 8th when they came to town and we were thrilled that we did.

The show was absolutely marvelous!

The skill, precision, and sheer strength that these artists have playing various Japanese drums is mind boggling. As you watch their performance you become so memorized by their movements and music. To play for two hours straight is absolutely stunning.

If you ever get the chance to see them please take it you will not be disappointed at all. The other aspect I would recommend would be to purchase a CD while you are there; unfortunately we did not and are really regretting not doing so. *pout*

I hope that they will return and we could go see them again.

Check out their website TAO and learn more about these amazing performers.

No, not the movie that is currently out but the BBC version of Robin Hood.

I have to say I was never much into seeing anything dealing with the story not even the Disney cartoon version.

We joined Netfix earlier this year and were thrilled when it was announced we would be able to stream movies/show through our Wii.

Nate was quite interested in watching Robin Hood and I had my doubts.

When we finally started to watch it, I realized just how entertaining it was and I could not wait to watch the next program.

What a wonderful series for the whole family.

We have all enjoyed seasons 1 & 2, unfortunately we have to request season 3 to be sent to us.

The good news is that we have the first CD of season 3 so we will get our Robin Hood fix tonight. *squee*

I highly recommend this series and you will not be let down one tiny little bit.

We may have discovered it a bit late but I am so happy we did.

*The show ran from 2006-2009 and if you would like check out the website BBC Robin Hood.

This is another recipe that I tried on Mother's Day.

I love hot and spicy wings and since we had not had them in a bit I figured why not.

DH lovingly grilled the wings until they were so nice and crispy.
Yes, we like our wings really crispy.

Once the wings were grilled we topped them with this yummy Asian style sauce. If you would like more heat, simply brush the wings with hot sauce while cooking.

Mmmm...spicy peanut butter sauce.


* Exported from MasterCook *

Asian Chicken Wing Sauce

Recipe By: Taste of Home Kitchen
Serving Size: 24
Categories: Sauces

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

In a small saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until smooth.

Pour over chicken wings and toss to coat.

Serve immediately.

Source:
"Taste of Home Simple & Delicious"
Copyright:
"2010"
Yield:
"24 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 17 Calories; 1g Fat (67.4% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 44mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 0 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Finally, the end is in sight of the school year.

The last few months have been hectic to say the least with all the work the boys have had to do which meant I did not have much time to blog. *bummer*

This year has simply flown and the boys have learned so much. We are very pleased with the virtual charter school the boys attend and we have them all signed up and ready to go for next year.

I am ready to kick of my feet, blog, cross stitch and let my mind relax just a little. :)

Five days.... they can't get here fast enough.

Cheesecake....to me the best dessert ever!

I made this little gems for Mother's Day as a treat to myself. The recipe is so simple to make and tastes oh.so.good.

I added in a splash of lemon juice and used our fresh strawberries to top these delicious goodies.

The original recipe is from Joy of Baking. I cut the recipe down due to the kids not liking cheesecake (can you believe that?!) and DH trying to be good.

I used a mini silicone cheesecake pan that I sprayed with nonstick spray and they pulled without a hitch. Check out the original recipe on how to line the pans.


* Exported from MasterCook *

Individual Cheesecakes

Serving Size: 24
Categories: Desserts

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 teaspoon sugar -- white
2 tablespoons unsalted butter -- melted
8 ounces lowfat cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar -- white
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup sour cream, light

For Crust:

In a small bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press about teaspoon of crumbs on the bottoms of the muffin cups. Cover and refrigerate while making the filling.

For Filling:

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on low speed until smooth. Add the sugar and beat until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the egg, one at a time beating for about 30 seconds. Add the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and sour cream and beat until incorporated.

Remove the crusts from the refrigerator and evenly divide the filling among the muffin cups.

Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until firm but the centers of the cheesecakes still wobble a little. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack. Let cool and then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate (a few hours or even overnight).

If using silicone muffin cups they will pop right out. :)

Source:
"joyofbaking.com"
Yield:
"24 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving : 53 Calories; 3g Fat (51.5% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 17mg Cholesterol; 80mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Fruit; 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Serving Ideas :

You can never go wrong with fresh fruit as a topping.

NOTES:

I used a mini silicone cupcake pan that was lightly sprayed with nonstick spray.

Approx. amount of lemon juice that was used but you can omit that if you would like.

Need to add some variety to your bathroom vanity?

Looking for a nice new pet bed for your favorite pup?

Are you ready for a giveaway?

Did I hear a yes?

I thought so.

Well.....

How about a $50 giveaway to CSN Stores!

CSN Stores offers a wide selection of items from their over 200+ websites.

Whoa.. that is alot of websites and a HUGE selection of products.

Select something that you can use or surprise someone with a great gift.

Father's Day is right around the corner so you might just want to treat dad to something unexpected.


Now the details...

What: $50 Gift Certificate from CSN Stores

Start Date: 5/19

End Date: 6/1 @ midnight

Winner Announced: 6/2

How to Enter:

Simply leave me a comment with your name. (This earns you one entry.)

If you have a blog, post about this giveaway and then come back here and let me know.
(This will earn you a second entry.)

Yeah, it is that simple.

Who can enter?

The giveaway is open to those in the United States only. Sorry.

How will winner be selected?

At random (via random.org) and will be notified by email.

Good luck!

** I have not received any compensation for this giveaway.**

This morning on American in Norway's post about her favorite perfume, it caught my attention and I thought it would be fun join in.

Champs-Elysees happens to be the fragrance of my choice.

I fell in love with it when my DH brought home a bottle of perfume from France eight years ago and have never looked back.

The fragrance is a beautiful floral mix that is light and refreshing any time of the year.

You can add your favorite scent at Communal Global and see what others around the world wear.

This is my new toy and I am having some labeling fun in the house. *grin*

Yes, I admit I am a tiny bit of a neat freak.

I can thank my grandfather for this trait; that man had everything nicely labeled and I thought it was so cool.



Yup, this is what my grandfather's label machine looked liked. I was never allowed to touch it but he would make me a few if I could prove I really needed that label.

Since that time I have wanted a label machine of my own but never wanted to pay the price.

Last month I was able to snap up this little gem for $14.99 & free shipping what a deal.

Now I will admit it has quite a few bells and whistles on it that will take me a bit of time to figure out.

I have labeled some containers in the kitchen that we never knew what was inside until opened, my coupon notebook (can never find it), some of DH's computer stuff.

There is a mountain of goodies just waiting to be labeled and I can't wait to tackle it all.

One tiny issue is it seems Spencer is also a label fanatic, he keeps asking me where it is and if he can play with it. Hmm.... wonder where he got that trait from?!

One may not be enough for this house only time will tell. :)

If your interested this PT-1090 is the one I have an absolutely love!

I have really been enjoying riding my new bike.

So.much.fun.

The only issue I have are with the bugs.

I must remember to keep my mouth closed while riding.

Bugs do not taste good.

I have swallowed a few too many for my liking over the past few weeks. *groan*

You would think I would have learned my lesson after the first one but apparently that would have been too easy.

I must remember.....

Excellent cookies without too many calories.

I first had these little gems during the Christmas season two years ago and made sure to get the recipe.

They really are very tasty and go quite well with a cup of tea or glass of milk. ;-)

* Exported from MasterCook *

Cherries Jubliee Cookies
Recipe By: Diane Nemitz
Serving Size : 3 1/2 Dozen (42 cookies)
Categories: Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup brandy
1 cup butter -- softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar

• In small sauce pan, combine dried cherries and brandy.
• Heat just to simmering.remove from heat. Let stand 30 mins.
• Drain, reserving liquid.
• Meanwhile. In large bowl with an electric mixer beat butter till light & fluffy.
• Add 3/4 c granulated sugar.beat till combined.
• Beat in egg, egg yolk & 2 tbsps of the reserved brandy(discard remaining).
• Add flour & 5 spice powder & beat till combined.scraping sides of the bowl as needed.beat in soaked cherries.
• Roll rounded tsp of dough into balls.
• Bake @ 350 for 10-12 minutes till lightly browned & set on edges.Cool completely on wire racks
• Roll balls in coarse sugar to coat .
• Arrange 1" apart on ungreased cookie sheets. *
• Bake @ 350 for 10-12 minutes till lightly browned & set on edges.
• Cool completely on a wire rack.

Source:
"Country Home Magazine"
Copyright:
"2008"
Yield:
"3 1/2 dozen"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 105 Calories; 5g Fat (42.5% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 13g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 22mg Cholesterol; 47mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Fruit; 1 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

Serving Ideas:

• Nice big cold glass of milk

NOTES:

• Even though the recipe called for ungreased cookie sheets, I used parchment paper to make sure cookies turned out just right.

*You can use tart or sweet red dried cherries in these cookies.

Fresh out to the garden and oh.so.sweet.