Unique Colorful Dip - Cowboy Caviar

Are you tired of the traditional dips?  Don't get me wrong, I love salsa, ranch, and other traditional dips!  But, when you try something truly unique, it can become quite addictive.  This dip is just that, ADDICTIVE!  It's a good thing that this recipe makes a big huge bowl full!  I adapted the Cowboy Caviar recipe that I found on Recipelion to get to this version.

Combine all of the following ingredients, chill and serve with chips.

1 can whole sweet corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
4 roma tomatoes, diced
1 bunch green onions, chopped including greens
1 bunch cilantro, chopped or 1/3 tube cilantro herb blend
3/4 bottle of zesty italian salad dressing
2-3 Tbls. lime juice
1 avocado, chopped
1 can black olives (optional)

I would think that this would be a hit at any potluck or party.  It's just so unique and not something that most people have tried. I also would think that it should be fairly diet friendly since there is nothing too awful bad in it.  Use low calorie dressing and baked chips to make it extra healthy.  Enjoy!

Troublesome Squirrel

 

Can you believe this guy?

 My bird feeder really is intended for the birds.  Like this beautiful little guy!

But, this innocent looking squirrel decided that he really needed that bird food!

Notice the thin iron bird feeder holder on the right of this photo; he actually climbed it!

Then he hung by his toes!

I suppose hanging by his toes gave him the best vantage point for eating the bird seeds!

Just like groupon

 

This new daily deal website, seize the deal,  seems almost identical to groupon, but it has some other cities featured.  Check it out and see what you think!

Remember that if you want to see all of the fun daily deals that I have found:

Just click on daily deals in the topic cloud on the left side, down just a bit and it will bring up all the entries that I have made on that topic!

Fabulous Daily Deal Site - My FAVORITE So Far!

This new site that I found is simply fabulous!  You will love it!  What makes them different is that like groupon, you get a certificate or a one-time-use code when you purchase or within a day.  You don't have to know what you want right now, you can buy it whenever you have browsed that vendors site and decided what you want.  Unlike groupon, it doesn't tend to be eating places and local entertainment.  It is typically very useful items like... vitamins, nail polish, kitchen gadgets, handbags, flowers, electronics, bedding, decor, etc.  These deals also tend to be very inexpensive, often under $10.... So... here you go...It's dealpulp!  
Update 2/2015:  This website does not appear to be online any longer.  Sorry.

I hope you enjoy this daily deal site as much as I do!

Remember that if you want to see all of the fun daily deals that I have found:

Just click on daily deals in the topic cloud on the left side, down just a bit and it will bring up all the entries that I have made on that topic!

Another Crafting Deal of the Day Site

Scrapace has a new deal each day directed towards the scrapbookers out there. Enjoy!

Remember that if you want to see all of the fun daily deals that I have found:

Just click on daily deals in the topic cloud on the left side, down just a bit and it will bring up all the entries that I have made on that topic!

GE pays no Federal Taxes for 2010 - What about you?

Most people find the fact that one of the largest corporation in the U.S. is paying no corporate income tax unbelievable and frustrating.  Does it make you wonder if there is more that you can do to pay less?  Here is an interesting article that talks about how to do just that!  I can tell you that not all of the information is 100% accurate...(for example, they use the example of a $150,000 income and then talk about some deductions which are actually phased out at that income level)... but, it still makes for an interesting read.  If you really feel ambitious, read some of the over 2000 comments for more entertainment!

Simple Gift Tag Idea!

This is a great idea for a gift tag.  If you don't have time to buy or make a card, the simple gift tag works just as well.  It never hurts to have a few on hand. 

The simple tutorial is ....

Cut a rectangle from a bright happy paper.  The backside of mine was the same happy orange, solid color.  The solid orange side is where I wrote who it was to and from.

Randomly stamp "Happy Birthday" on top of the design.  Optionally, stamp a design on the bottom.

A simple coordinating die cut or chipboard is glued to the top.

Use a corner rounder on the corners and punch a hole for the ribbon.  Cut a simple coordinating ribbon and string it through the hole.  Use this to tie onto your package. 

And that's it!  Simple and Quick!

Deal of the Day - GROUPON

So... I began telling you about the deal of the day sites before anyone knew what Groupon was.  But, just in case you have not heard about it yet...
Groupon is a daily deal that showcases some store, eatery, or service in your metropolitan area.  This Groupon deal changes daily.  You can check it on their website, or get their daily emails or tweets.  When enough people "purchase" the deal (which is often at 1/2 price) then everyone gets the discounted deal.   You typically have a year to use it before your certificate expires.  They are very well-known and have grown by leaps and bounds in the last year or so.
These are especially great for anyone that likes to eat out and try new places.
If you want to see all of the daily deals that I have featured... click on the daily deals in the word cloud on the left of the screen.

Peanut Butter - Raisin Cookies - Easy & Fast

My favorite kind of recipe is easy and fast!  This one takes the cake, I mean the cookies!
Actually, I am not a huge fan of peanut butter cookies, but these are fabulous and I just can not stop eating them!

1 Pkg. Moist Classic Yellow Cake Mix
1/2 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1/2 Cup (1 Stick) Butter or Margarine, Softened
2 Eggs
1 Cup Raisins

Heat oven to 350.
Grease baking sheets.
Mix all ingredients, except raisins, in large bowl until well blended.
Stir in the raisins.
Drop rounded tablespoons onto prepared cookie sheets.
Bake 9 - 12 minutes, until lightly browned.
Cool two minutes on sheets and completely on racks.
Cookies stay moist when in tightly sealed container.
Enjoy!!

HINT:  Cookies are also great for freezing and taking out for surprise guests.  Make extras and freeze with a layer of freezer paper between the cookies, then you can just pull one layer out as needed.

Minnesota Record Snowfall for December

After record snowfall in Minnesota this December, I thought I would show you what my bird feeder looks like right now!  I am really beginning to miss summer and the birds, and yes, even the pesky squirrels!