Wordless Wednesday

A Pair of Book Ends?

I am in love with Blake Shelton's latest single "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking," but there are a few lyrics that have me scratching my head. The song was co-written by Earl Bud Lee, who wrote "Friends in Low Places" and John Wiggins, who penned "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off." So, why does this song sound like it was written by a 5-year-old at times? Sorry fellas, but no girl is going to swoon over the line, "you're put together like a pair of bookends." 

That being said, I love the concept of this song. Getting to know the real you. In other words, "who are you when I"m not lookin." THAT is romantic.

I also love the melody of the song. It almost has a nostalgic feel to it. It reminds me a little of Don Williams. And Shelton's voice is sweet, smooth, and in perfect form.  It proves that he is more than just a rowdy twitter junky. Shelton has pipes and when given the right song, sounds warm and sexy.

Too bad that sexy voice talks about not "tasted all your cookin." Again, sorry, guys, but reminding a woman about cooking is not romantic. But for some crazy reason, it makes me want to whip up my man some meat and potatoes for dinner--with a little candle light. 

Throwback Thursday!

Before Rascal Flatts, there was another super group on the top of the country charts.  Restless Heart.  I have to admit, I almost forgot about them until I decided to do this post.  I didn't really forget about them...I mean I spent hours in my bedroom singing their songs at the top of my lungs, so I could never forget them...but I did forget just how GOOD they were.  I mean, they were GOOD!  In fact, they had six #1 songs and nine more that broke the top 10.  They also enjoyed crossover success, which is not surprising when you put out good music.  As I went back  and listened to their songs that were hits in the late 80s and early 90s I thought, "these could still be hits today."  And then I thought, "it's a shame the way Country radio has forgotten all past fames." 

I am glad to report that the band is still together and touring.  They were on hiatus for awhile, but all of the original members are back together and making the rounds!  If you would like to purchase their music, click here.   

I had a hard time deciding which song I wanted to feature--there are so many good ones to choose from!    I think I broke my tape rewinding "Wheels" so many times, or "The Bluest Eyes in Texas."  But, I decided to feature the song they are probably most famous for:  "I'll Still Be Loving You."  Now, I need that tour of theirs to come my way this summer!




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Wordless Wednesday: Cool Bro

Candied Carrot Recipe

It has been awhile since I have shared a recipe, but I made a favorite around our household over the weekend and thought I'd share it today.  My candied carrots were a hit over the holidays and they are really easy to prepare, plus I like that not too many people think of bringing carrots--at least in the cook form--to a pot luck, so this is a go-to recipe of mine. 

I like to use baby carrots to save time and energy on the peeling and slicing and I also like the way they look.  I think the organic baby carrots taste better than the regular ones too.  You could use a regular 2lb bag of carrots, however, peeled and sliced. 

1 package of baby carrots
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

Boil the carrots with the salt and sugar for about 20 minutes, or until they are really soft.  Drain the carrots, then melt the butter and the brown sugar in the same pan.  When the mixture becomes nice and bubbly, toss the carrots back in and coat them evenly. 

You can also freeze this dish and have an easy and yummy side when you need it.  Just allow the carrots to cool completely and place them in a freezer bag.  I usually prepare my frozen carrots by placing them in my slow cooker for a couple of hours before I need them.  That's also an easy way to transport them to a pot luck.  You could also heat them in the oven. 

Let The Disinfecting Begin!

For the past few weeks, our home has been a petri dish full of germs.  We were able to get through Thanksgiving with no one falling ill.  Which surprised me, since many other family members were sick over the holiday.  We were even able to make it through Christmas with not even a sniffle from anyone.  That's when our luck ran out!  The week in between Christmas and New Year's, my husband became sick with a nasty sore throat.  I was so excited to have him home for the week (since he is a teacher and was on break) but instead, I got "Mr. I'm Sick And Grumpy As All Get Out."  Needless to say, I was ready for him to go back to work by the end of the week. 

Then Jonathan came down with the sore throat.  Then the baby got a nasty cold.  Then Jon got the stomach flu.  Then I got the baby's nasty cold.  We got 4 feet of snow.  Then the baby starting vomiting, my sore throat got worse, and everyone is now miserable and up to our necks in snow.  Now, I am kicking myself for wishing my husband back to work, because I could use help!

Needless to say, this weekend will be spent disinfecting our home!  I have never done this before.  I usually just spray some Lysol on the toilets, door knobs and light switches, but I think we are in need of something a little more drastic.  Here's my game plan, with some tips from www.typeaparent.com.

Supplies:

Bleach (no, I am not opposed to using it)

Clean Rags (I use old wash cloths or ratty T-shirts)

Lysol Spray

Lysol Wipes

Rubber Gloves

Bucket or Large Bowl

Plan of Attack for Kitchen:

Dilute 1/4 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water.  Wearing gloves, wipe down ALL surfaces.  That means sink, faucet, counter tops, and cabinets.  Let the solution sit a few minutes before rinsing it off with a clean rag.  Move on to the appliances, including the inside of the fridge.  Throw away all sponges/scrubbers and throw all dish towels in the wash. 

Plan of Attack for Bathrooms:

Using a new batch of 1/4 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water, wipe down sinks, faucets, counters, shower, tub, and toilet.  Make sure to scrub the interior of the bowl with bleach and allow it to sit for awhile before flushing.  Then wipe down the exterior of the toilet.  Take out all towels and laundry and put them in the wash. 

Plan of Attack for Toys:

Wipe what toys you can with Lysol wipes.  Some of the ones often put in the baby's mouth should go into the sink with a bleach/water solution.  Place all stuffed animals in pillow cases and wash them in the washing machine with hot water.  Let them air dry.  Spray the Lysol spray on any remain toys that were not able to be washed. 

Plan of Attack for Bedrooms:

Wash all bedding in the hottest water possible, using bleach on all white linens.  Wipe down all light switches with the Lysol wipes, door knobs and bed posts.  Use a diluted bleach mixture on the hardwood floors, or spray with Lysol. 

ETC:

Wipe down walls, doors, door handles, cabinet handles, windowsills, light switches, phones, remotes, computer with Lysol wipes.

Plan of Attack on Laundry:

Wash everything in as hot as water as possible, using bleach when able, including the rags used to clean all the rooms.  When all laundry is done, run an empty cycle of hot water and bleach to clean the washing machine. 

Plan of Attack In Radio Studio:

Since I spend a lot of time there and so does everyone else at work, and we all breathe into microphones, I'll be taking my Lysol spray to work with  me to spray that mic!  As well as the board, keyboard, mouse, and chair!


Hopefully by the end of the weekend we will all be well and disinfected--ready to take on 2011 a with good health!

Throwback Thursday!

This week I wanted to feature something that was not as familiar to me.  I love a lot of country music, but there are some things that I am unaware of, mainly because I wasn't born yet...like this song from Charlie Pride.  "Does My Ring Hurt Your Finger" is a song I hadn't heard before and this performance is from the late 60s. 



It's kind of funny...I haven't been wearing my wedding ring lately.  I got used to not wearing it when I was pregnant with Tyler because my fingers swelled so badly.  Perhaps I'll need to remember to wear it tomorrow!

Charlie Pride is know for being the first black country star and his track record includes 36 #1 hit singles, over 70 million albums sold, 31 gold and 4 platinum albums - including one quadruple platinum.  My favorite Charlie Pride song is "Kiss An Angel Good Morning," which came out in 1971 and helped Charlie win Entertainer of the Year at the CMAs.