Cool Off With Smoothies

I finally broke down and bought another blender. This time I went to Wal-mart and picked up the cheapest one I could find made of plastic. Since my daughter broke three in the past year. 

Yes, I Said Three 

The first one was a Elite Cuisine 17-Piece personal Drink Blender with four traveling cups from Wal-mart. The second was similar from Aldi's. The third was a very old heavy glass blender I recived from my mother. 

Hands Off

This newest blender, I told my daughter hands off. She is not allowed to touch it. As she breaks them. If she wants something made. I will make it for her. She may be turning sixteen in August. However, she has a lot to learn about respecting other people's property. I have repeatily taught my teens to return any item borrowed in the same or better condition.

As I am tired of replacing my appliances because my children seem to break them by trying to push them past their limits. Or for some unknown reason placing them on top of the stove. Which my daughter climbs on top of to get in the cupboards above. While forgetting she placed the blender there. Accidentally knocks it to the floor where glass flies everywhere.

Does It Measure Up?

After using several blenders, I compared my newest one to the others. Does it measure up? yes and no.

It blends beautifully. It turns the frozen fruit in to smoothies. As for ice, not so much. I always find huge chunks of ice when making smoothies with fresh fruit. I notice this blender does better with frozen fruit. Where no ice is needed.

What Kind Of Food Does It Blend?

I have blended an assortment of fruit of with no issues. One day my oldest son was over with his baby's momma and my grandson. It was hot. We didn't feel like eating. So, I suggested smoothies for everyone. As I recently picked up a selection of frozen fruit from 

Wal-mart. I picked frozen mango, strawberry, mixed berry, strawberry / banana, and several other combinations.

I told my oldest son (the one into eating healthy and weight lifting) that I liked making smoothies when I don't feel like eating much during the day but, need something due to my sugars levels being up or down. As fruit and how you prepare it can be very healthy for you. I have been trying to find more healthier drinks and meals due to having type 2 diabetis. 

I recived a book on making different types of smoothies. Called "Green Smoothies" I wrote a review about it. You read about it here : 

http://rusty2rustyschatter.blogspot.com/2016/01/green-smoothies-book-review.html 

I have been trying the different recipes out.

Do you like smoothies? 

What is your favorite smoothie?

Smoothie Recipe
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Making smoothies is easy. You need a blender, frozen fruit, and milk. Honey or sugar is optional.

You place 1 cup of milk in blender. Add 2 cups of your frozen fruit. Blend. Taste. If it is to tart or sour, add 1 teaspoon of honey. Or a half cup of sugar. Blend. Taste.

Either drink or add more honey or sugar for more sweetness.

If the mixture is to thick, add more milk.

I tend to use Stevia. If I run out of honey.  I also like to add Chia seeds for the health benefits. Sprinkled on top, they make any smoothie look delicious.

Promote Your Blogs On Twitter

Twitter is an excellent way to promote your blogs. Many of my friends promote their blog links on Twitter. As well as share other people's blog links.

Twitter History 

Twitter was founded in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone, Noah Glass, and Evan Williams. Twitter employs over 3,000 people. Twitter is a social media website where you can share a short message called tweets, up to 140 characters.

Grow A Twitter Following
I have 1208 followers on Twitter and growing by the day.  When I first signed up for Twitter. I was intimated on sharing links. I was afraid I would share to many and be considered spam. I was wrong in thinking that way. To grow Twitter followers you need to be active on your account. I wasn't active. I notice a few of my friends who were active. So, I asked them a few questions on how I can gain followers on Twitter. Plus the in's and out's.

Follow Me On Twitter

If you are not already following me on Twitter. I invite you to do so : https://twitter.com/rusty2rusty
Once you get to Twitter. Sign in or register for an account, if you do not already have one. To follow someone, go to their profile. You should see a button in the upper right hand corner that says 'follow'. Click on 'follow'. It is as simple as that.

Follow Those Who Follow You
I like to follow all those who follow me. Unless they share things I am against or not interested. Such as : Abuse, nudity, sex, or spam. I normally follow back with in a week's time.

You can find other members of Twitter who follow the same blog niches as you. There are several ways to do this :

1. On the left side of your profile. It will say who to follow. It will list some names. If interested click follow.

2. Below that it says find friends. You can do that by looking through your contacts in Gmail and Outlook. 

3. In the search bar, add your friends name or what you enjoy learning and reading about. 

Follow The Ones You Want

You do not have to follow all the niches or names that come up. Only follow the ones you think you will interested in or want to learn more about. 

My Favorite Niches To Follow

My favorites niches to follow and promote are : food related, animals & pets, home & garden, family, blog posts, and much much more.

Twitter Link Up

I encourage you to follow me on Twitter : https://twitter.com/rusty2rusty

If you want more Twitter followers, I suggest you leaving your Twitter link in the comments below. Follow all those interest you. If other bloggers are interested in gaining more followers. They will follow you back.

Do you have a Twitter account? Do you want more Twitter followers?

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Photos from Pixabay.com a  free use photo website.

Working In The Garden

A year ago I was having a dilemma of  what to do with the area under the tree. I wanted to take the area underneath my tree. Right here and move it. As nothing can grow very well. Except weeds. As the tree shades the area to much. I wanted to remove the wood border and move it to the other side of the yard by the fence. I know the extra dirt over time will slide down to the back of the yard. As the backyard towards the back of the fence fills with water every time it rains. Til we can get the time to move the dirt down. By shovel to that area. 

The area has been tilled up. As most of it is clay. Few things will grow in a shade under a tree. Sunflowers do great!!

 I have started to use pallets to build a garden. I still need to place some cardboard under the bottom pallets. Well, I ordered two book cases from Wal-mart. They came in. As soon as they can be put together. I will use the cardboard under the bottom pallets. I will fill them in will mulch and dead leaves this fall. Next spring I will fill the top pallets with dirt in order to have a garden. I had plans this year but things happened that placed it on the back burner.

This will free up more of the yard for the dogs to run around, the grandson to play, and my teens as they like to throw footballs back and fourth. 

The cost will be buying dirt to fill the pallets. I think it would worth it in the end. 

The tomatoes I planted in the front flower beds in the small pallets are growing well. I can't wait til they start producing. This tells me when I finally get the one set up in the backyard. I will be able to produce a lot of different vegetables. Maybe strawberries or grape to.

I have been checking out different article and blogs for designs and ideas when it comes to planting in pallets.

There are so many ideas for the use of pallets. From making gardens to making chairs and tables. Pinterest has a ton of ideas. have you ever recycled pallets for another use? If so, what did you do?

Add An Email Subscribe To Your Blog

I like to read blogs. In order for me to keep up with my favorite blogs. I follow those I can by email. I may not comment on every one I receive. However, I do read and view each and every one. As I only subscribe to the ones I am interested in. Over time, some bloggers stop adding to their blogs. Or start another one and do not post on a daily basis. This helps my email not get blown up with thousands of emails.

Adding a way for visitors to follow your blog by emails is a great way to increase your blog followers. Those that enjoy what they see will help promote your blog by sharing it through various social media sites.

I have added a way for readers to follow through email subscription on Blogger. You can sign through the Hello bar for email subscription. Or use the widget on the side bar. You can set up a hello bar for email subscribers by going to the Hello Bar website. You get notified through a news letter of new content.

If you want to add one using Blogger. You can do so by adding a widget to your side bar. You do that by going to layout. Click on add gadget. A box will pop up with different gadgets. Look through them til you find that says 'follow by email'. Click on the blue + sign.  Another box will pop up. All you need to do is click save. Than select save arrangement in orange near the top. Than click view blog. You should see where a 'follow by email' gadget has been added. Anyone can subscribe to your blog and receive a new email each time you create a new blog post.

Have you added a way for readers to subscribe to your blog yet?

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 Photos from Pixabay a free use photo website.

Lucky Dog Grain Free Roast Duck Treats

I was lucky enough to be selected to review a treat for my dogs that is grain free roast duck recipe with carrots and oranges. Made by Lucky Dog. It came in 12 ounces.


On the back of the box it claims the recipes only contain quality ingredients. Such as flax seed to promote healthy skin etc. With the six other flavors listed below. Which is great except this particular recipe does not have flax seed in the ingredients. It would led the consumer to believe this products has it in it. Unless they actually check the ingredients. I suggest always double checking to see what the ingredients is in any of your pets treats or dog food for this reason.

Ingredients include: Potato, pea, and tapioca flour, canola oil, duck, carrots, peas and oranges. Calories per treat is sixteen.

The shape of the treat is like a four leaf clover or flour. It is a hard biscuit. It is small in size. As I placed one next to my 5.6 lb Chihuahua wired haired mix to show it's approximate size. He sat very sit as I took the picture. As he has been trained to do a few commands to receive a treat.


While Rascal was waiting for his treat. Kit Kat the feline came racing up and grabbed his snack. Ran for cover. I do not endorse giving these treats for cats. As they were made for dogs. However, Kit Kat sure liked them. She came begging for a second. Which I did not give.

However, I did give Rascal another. After I placed Kit Kat in her room. I also gave one to my Chug named Moose. Both dogs and Kit Kat loved the treats. They have had duck many times before. It is one of their favorite treats. I think I have found another one of their favorites with this particular flavor.

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I received this product for free, a deep discount or I paid shipping and handling. In exchange for an honest review. based on my families and my personal experiences.
Photos © belong to me Sandy KS aka rusty2rusty.

Fried Salmon With Green Beans

I was playing around in different free online photo editing websites. You can find a bunch of them through Google search engine. I am thinking of creating a post about the ones I use the most often. Maybe explain a little bit about each one.

Created by me under the copy righted name Minipin Pixels

I got my start editing photos when I was creating pixel signature tags in between the births of my teen son and teen daughter. 

Now I alter photos of the food that I eat, new recipes, animals, nature and my family.

Fried Salmon
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1st bowl
1 cup of flour
2 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
Blend well, set aside

2nd bowl
4 eggs scrambled
Set aside

3rd bowl
1 cup of milk
Set aside

Take one piece of salmon. Dip in 3rd bowl, than in 2nd bowl, than in 1st bowl. make sure it is covered completely with flour. If some parts do not coat. Re-do all three steps. This will not hurt. It will have more of breading on it.

Place in pre-heated frying pan with olive oil.
Fry each side til they are golden brown. Remove and serve.

Tip : If anything is left over in all three bowls. You mix them together and fry them up like pancakes. It will be a fried bread. Do not use to much oil. Otherwise it will not turn out.

Playing With New Pet Toys

I picked up a few toys for the dogs and cat. I figure since I tend to spoil the dogs by always picking up a new toy or treat from the stores. It is time I start doing the same with the cat. 

I picked up a few tennis balls that were made for dogs for Rascal and Moose. I tossed out one at a time and off the dogs went after them. Rascal decided to hide the balls he grabbed in the blanket on the couch. that didn't last long before he moved them somewhere else. As the cat was trying to get them.

Kit Kat did not like Rascal guarding the tennis balls. It was time to start putting her toys out one by one. 6 came with bells. She played for hours batting the balls with bells around. She didn't see to care to much for the blue shiny balls. rascal chase the balls til he heard the bell. Than he ran the opposite way.

Kit Kat and Rascal plays together often. Rascal will be sitting on the arm of the couch or love seat. Kit Kat will jump up out of no way and swat at him and duck. rascal will look over the arm of the couch at the floor. She will pop up and do it again. Than run to her room. Rascal will follow. Next thing you know Rascal comes running back to the arm of the couch or love seat. Only for the cycle to begin again.

Pesto Tuna Salad Recipe

One thing my family and friends know, is I love to play with spices, sauces and marinades. To add new flavors to create new and amazing dishes. Just as much as I love going out to try new foods. If it looks good, I am going to try it sometime.

For I do not enjoy eating the same old boring thing. If I do, I get tired of it and stop eating it. Don't get me wrong, I love traditional dishes and sandwiches. However, living on a budget doesn't allow me to have much variety at a time. This is when I enjoy creating new flavors in the dishes I eat. Playing with spices is like a game to me. 

I love tuna salad sandwiches. I wanted something with a little bit that wasn't spicy. My boyfriend loves tomatoes and onions on his. Which as two ingredients I must avoid.

What do you add to your tuna to give it a unique taste?

Pesto Tuna Salad Recipe
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1 can of tuna, drained
1 teaspoon of pesto
2 teaspoons of mayo made with olive oil
1/4 teaspoon of ginger
1/4 Chia seeds

Mix well. Spread on bread of your choice. I used wheat bread.  Enjoy.

You can also add : shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, dill pickle slices, grated carrots and diced or sliced onions.

Meatloaf and Salad Recipe

The other night I made meatloaf in the crock pot. Plus a big side salad with it. My portion of meatloaf was small. As I have been cutting back on the amount of meat I eat. Instead I have trying to make the portion on my plate 3 part veggies to 1 part meat.

This is more healthier for my family. Plus, it allows for the different meats I cook to be stretched further.

The meatloaf was really easy to make. I use ground hamburger, mixed in a packet of meatloaf seasoning, dried onions, 2 eggs, 1/4 of milk, and 1/2 of dried bread crumbs. Mixed them all together. Placed in crock pot for three to four hours. I drained the grease before severing.

I love cooking meatloaf in the crock pot. I will not cook meatloaf in the oven ever again. I love the slow and roasted flavor you get from the crock pot. The taste can not be matched in an oven.

The salad was a mixture of sliced mushrooms, sliced radishes, diced cucumber, diced broccoli, shredded Colby jack cheese, grated carrots, and two different types of lettuce.

I love making salad. As you can add in any kind of fresh vegetable and fruits to make a unique and different salad each day. I normally don't add meat to my salads. Sometimes I do when I am a diet eating nothing but salads. I will add a little meat for protein. Such as : tuna, chicken or turkey.

Do you like salads or meatloaf? Have you ever made meatloaf in the crock pot?

Making Memories At The Beach

I am writing about my favorite summer memory. It is a toss up between two of my favorite summer memories. Both were at different beaches. The beaches was Fort Myers and Galveston beaches. I really enjoy making memories at different beaches.

The very first beach trip my teenagers, my boyfriend and I made together was to Fort Myers beach. As we traveled to Florida from Ohio to celebrate my oldest sons birthday, which is June 10th. 

It was the first trip we made as a family. It was the first time my boyfriend visited a beach or swam in the ocean. We had many firsts on that particular trip. We all took turns walking the beach the collecting different shells. We were able to find a couple of shells with crabs. 

I made sure to take him tot he best burger join on the beach called ''Pete's Time Out". The burgers are huge. The portion of a small fry is big enough for two or three people to share.

The other beach trip that is one of my favorite was in Galveston. My boyfriend and I traveled with a few friends. It was the first trip I had ever made without any of my children in tow.

We made it to the beach at night. It was beautiful and breathtaking. I looked up at the moon while walking in the ocean. I could feel the ocean pull. As if it was calling me to come in. 

One of my favorite photos that I have one disk was taken on the beach at night with my boyfriend and I. I want to get it blown up and frame it. Top hang in on my wall.

There was a carnival on the pier that we went too. It was lite up. To where you could see it from a far. While riding the roller coaster, at one point it looks like you will fall in to the water below.  I screamed Bloody Mary. As I grabbed tight to my boyfriend hand. It was magical.

What is your favorite summer memory?

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This blog post was written in part of the monthly blog writing challenge. If you wish to participate or are needing more ideas to write about. You can do so by going : HERE

Photos are from Pixabay.com, a free use photo website.