Cinnamon Pecan Or S'mores Pancakes?

 Pancakes are a household staple in my home. Pancakes are eaten more often than any other breakfast item. Excluding cereal. Since, I am a type two diabetic. I will make the pancakes for my family. I will sample them. The enjoyment of eating as many you can is left for my family to enjoy. As I try to control my sugars by watching what I eat. It is better than taking a  daily pill before I eat.

Aldi's supermarket is my favorite place to find small boxes of different flavors or pancakes. each season or holiday will bring a different flavor to the store. These packages can feed up 3-4 people. All you do is add the mix to a bowl, an egg or two per directions and milk. You follow the directions if there is other packages. I did with the cinnamon pecan one. In order to add the swirl to the pancakes. Finishing up by adding glaze after the pancakes were doen cooking.

For the smores all I had to do was mix everything together to make the pancake. I made the glaze separate to add to the pancake after they were cooked.

I love it when my oldest son comes with his family and I make these flavorful pancakes. The whole family enjoys them. They are all ate up. Which is a win for me. No leftovers to tempt me later.

Both of these pancakes mixes are packed with flavor. Both was less than $2.00 a box. I served 6 people. I only sampled. It was a mix between the two on which was the family favorite.

If I had to rate these pancakes with a scale from 1-5. I would choose 5. None of these pancakes disappointment.

If you have to choose between both flavors, which one would you choose : Cinnamon Pecan or S'mores?

Some people enjoy making different shapes or figures when making pancakes.

Click on photo to order through Amazon.com

How do you enjoy your pancakes?

Note : I may or may not earn from purchases made from this blog as an Amazon affiliate. 

Why do people think every Facebook post is about them?

Earlier today on Facebook I shared a photo. I found on my timeline. I found it funny. It made me smile. Having depression, there isn't much that can bring a  smile out in me. The funny thing was a response to my post. The person spelled the word I used wrong. I replied telling her what the word was I used, how I spell it and what it meant.

A little later I noticed a post shared by this same person using the word she misspelled. I don't know if she got inspiration from the photo to write that or she really thought I was talking about her.

At first I thought, does she really think I called her that or think of her that way? I sure hope not. Than I just started laughing. Why? Frankly, I find it weird that a photo I shared in all fun and games turned to a serious discussion by someone else.

I realize if she thinks negative of the photo I shared. There is no way I can change that. Nor will I bother making a comment on her post to further bait me in to an argument.

Once again I will state I share things on my timeline that I find funny or have a strong opinion about. If they are about a certain person, I will call that person out. If you don't like what I share or my opinions, feel free to disconnect any time. I will not harbor any ill feelings.

Why do people think every Facebook post or photo shared is about them? This is something I have seen across social media.

Ice Treat Recipe For Dogs

Awhile back I made a comment on another bloggers post about how I keep my dogs cool. I told how I make ice treats for my dogs. The blogger asked me to share the recipe and explain how to make it. I decided to create a post. As it really is simple to do. As you can tell from the photo <--- my dogs are loving it. They do not fight over a block of ice with treats mixed in.

All you need is :

1. Dog bowl or container (I use a metal bowl, Ice slides right out)
2. Varies dog treats
3. Optional - rubber dog toy
4. Water
5. Freezer

It looks like the picture when ready --->

Instructions :

You line the bottom of your bowl or container with dog treats. I tend to place those dog treat bones around the edge of the bowl. Plus, some on the bottom. Add a little water, enough to cover treats. Freeze. Remove from freezer. Add a second layer of treats or add a rubber dog toy. Add water enough to cover treats. Repeat til the dog bowl or container is full. Remember to leave space at the top of the bowl. As water when frozen will increase in size. If not, it may over flow in your freezer or over flow the dog bowl or container.

Take out of freezer when all is frozen. This can get messy. I suggest taking it outside. Turning the dog bowl or container over. Allow the ice with treats to come out.

This is a cool way to help your dogs beat the heat. The dogs will stay hydrated by licking or eating the ice to get to the treats. Adding a rubber toy can be a way to reward your dog as well. Your dog will thank you for it.

Other cool treat for your dogs can easily be made by taking small amount of treats or meats and adding them to your ice trays. make sure to cover with water. So the treat or meat is encased in ice. Example : Tuna, scrambled egg with shell, turkey, chicken, beef. When done, add them to big plastic bag. 

I do this with left over meat instead of throwing it out. Depending on how much is left over. I can have 1 - 2 trays of ice treats at a time. I add all to one big plastic bag. That way my dogs will have a different selection all summer long.

You can also take ripe bananas, peanutbutter and yogurt. Mix together. Freeze. Now you can treat your dogs to homemade ice cream.

You don't have to break the bank to create mouth watering treats for your dogs to help keep them in cool in the summer.

Have you made homemade treat for your dog?

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This blog is linking up with Little Dog Big World and Dog Pawsitive Blogs. For the weekly PAWSit Hop Saturday.

An InLinkz Link-up

Get Your Own Shoes

My teen son informed me recently that his older brother will not give back his slides. (Slides are a type of summer shoe made by name brands.) He said he doesn't want them back now. As his brother has got them all muddy, sweaty and has ruined them.

This bothers me for several reasons :

1. I had bought my oldest son his own pair for his birthday.
2. Not my problem he left them in someone else's vehicle. Being to lazy to retrieve them after being told to come get them.
3. Asking to borrow something from his little brother, than never giving them back and ruining them.

I am having my boyfriend talk to my oldest son about taking his brothers items and not giving them back. I would make him buy him another pair. However, I know that is not going to happen. As he has been laid off from his job. 

I am also going to see if I can find any sales to get my teen son another pair of slides. I don't see the point of spending a high amount when summer is almost over. As my teen son understand we have his sister birthday next week. Where we will be traveling out of town. Plus, still have to get the rest of the stuff for returning to school.

I have also instructed my teen son not to allow his brother to borrow anything he does not want ruin or possible not receive back. I am chalking the slides up as a lesson learned.

How would you handle a situation like this?

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If you like this post, you may want to check out my other niche blogs.  Such as : Challenge Your Writings, Food, Recipes & More, My Love For Animals and Nature, Rants and Opinions, Celebrate All Year Long, and Apps Games and Websites You Should Know About. I write on each one at least once a week. If you don't want to miss one of my blog post. You are more than welcome to follow by email or one of the social networks links. Provided in the sidebar.

Facebook Game : Royal Story

One of the games I play on Facebook is "Royal Story". My avatar is dressed as an Indian. As you can choose what you want your avatar to wear. Somethings are free. Some cost gems, which I never use. Some require hearts. Which you earn by visiting your neighbors kingdoms. Others you earn by completing different tasks throughout the game.

One of the biggest complaints I have learn from other players : Not enough pillage out. In the game you use rocks, weeds, mushrooms and trees where you can collect from your neighbors. These are called pillage, which is used to build things throughout your kingdom.

When your neighbors collect pillage, you get what they collect. Ores and fire drops are something you may get when collecting pillage. Which are used to build different items. This game encourages you to visit your neighbors kingdoms.

Neighbors get upset when they place out pillage, but when they go to theirs, their is none to collect.  You don't have to add the expensive pillage to complete your kingdom. Cheaper pillage works as well. My suggestion : Place out pillage if you want to keep your neighbors.

There are several Facebook groups, where you can connect with other Royal Story players. Facebook Story Friends and Neighbors is a good group to get started. You can learn the ropes of the game and what is expected out of you.

Royal Story Add Me  group is a good group to gain Royal Story neighbors quickly. Remember if you ask for friend requests. To accept them all in a timely manner. I have witness where people will ask for friends request. But leave my request sitting. That is not nice. Frankly, I find it rude. If you accept me and realize you do not want to be friends. Accept me as a friend in the game, you can quickly unfriend me. I will still stay a neighbor in the game.

If this game interest you, you would like to become Facebook friends. You are more than welcome to visit my Facebook profile page at : Sandyaka.rusty2rusty

To play, look up the "Royal Story" app.

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If you like this post, you may want to check out my other niche blogs.  Such as : Challenge Your Writings, Food, Recipes & More, My Love For Animals and Nature, Rants and Opinions, Celebrate All Year Long, and Apps Games and Websites You Should Know About. I write on each one at least once a week. If you don't want to miss one of my blog post. You are more than welcome to follow by email or one of the social networks links. Provided in the sidebar.

Berlin Raceway Special

Berlin Raceway located in Marne, MI (Just outside of Grand Rapids) is a premier short track featuring 7 classes of cars, in addition to visiting series such as ARCA, CRA, Must See Xtreme Sprints and others. 

The Track is a 7/16 Mile oval and has been in operation since 1950 and has featured some of the biggest names in motorsports over the years. Watch stock cars, modifieds and sprint cars battle head to head and cheer on your favorite driver. 

Berlin is a family friendly environment and is a great way to have some fun outside and an affordable cost. Berlin's Mascot Horsepower is always there to greet kids and fans of all ages. Come out of a fun night of racing this Spring and Summer at Berlin! It is fun for the whole family.

Berlin Raceway Special!!! 4 Tickets, Hot dogs and Drinks for a fun Family Day out only $44! http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=11978&dealid=1921 @usfg

If you haven't been to a race yet, but you enjoy the racing scene. Don't wait, book now with this unbelievable price.

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This post is part of a promotion where I may or may not receive free products from US Family Guide.

ABC Emotions Challenge V : Vindictive, Vengeful

This week's letter for the ABC Emotions Challenge is the letter "V". The letter V is the twenty-second letter of the English language.

Vindictive : Having or showing a strong desire for revenge

Vengeful : Seeking to harm someone in return for whom they think injures them

I know a group of people that is hell bent on being vindictive and vengeful. Some I fear say, are related. One in particular thinks she strikes fear in people. Her famous saying in an argument,"Who do you think you are talking to? Do you know who I am?" She does not strike fear in to me. She never has and she knows it. She treads lightly with her words to me. To the point, she will lie to me, tell me things she thinks I want to hear. 

She was brave enough to mention one day in a conversation,"If we got in a fight I am not sure who would win." I looked at her without blinking an eye and responded,"I would. If I think I might be losing. I will fight dirty by picking something up to use as a weapon. If I lose, I will get someone bigger and meaner to finish the fight." She knows I have never lied to her. Her eyes got wide. Her mouth dropped to the floor without uttering another word. She has never mention fighting with me again. Nor got in an arguement with me. Instead from a far, she has tried to use her lies to cause trouble with my family. 

Now I am not saying I am a good fighter, or would even win a fight. As I am far from it. I am getting older. I suffer from R.A. which affects my joints. Sometimes causes them to pop out of place. Have you ever bent over and have a rib pop out? Let me tell you that is very painful. However, I will not bow to someone who threatens me. Even in a non direct way feeling me out to how I would respond. Nor will I allow the person threatening me see my emotions. My face will go blank when I respond.

This person I mention, I have seen when she has acted vindictive and vengeful. She was upset when another person out bid her husband on a job he was doing. Basically took it out from under him. It was his fault for running his mouth saying how he was going to make $10,000 on the job. While he was paying people under him little to nothing. Week after week claiming he wasn't paid yet but expected them to continue to work construction for him. The people were able to take the job away from him.

This didn't sit well with his wife. She went to the construction site to grab some of her husband's tools. When she was there, she got in an argument with another lady. She went on to mention how the lady was taking food from her kids mouth blah. blah, blah. I am sure you have heard a similar story before. However, it got interesting when she showed her true vengefulness. She started accusing the woman of sleeping with her ex-husband. As the woman she was accusing of this husband was right there. She knew her words was not going to win. So, she was baiting the woman to hit her. Coming up with anything she could think of to get that woman to hit her. As she planned to call the cops if she did. At the same trying to stir trouble between the woman and her husband. Eventually, she walked away with accomplishing nothing but working herself up in a frenzy and left.

Challenge : Have you experienced someone being vindictive or vengeful towards you? 

Photos from Pixabay.com A free use image website.

#vengeful #vindictive, 

4 Meatless Monday Meals & Recipe

As many of my readers know, I am not adding as many meat dishes to my meals. As I once used to. In the above photo I added yellow squash and broccoli.

Ingredients :

yellow squash (sliced)

broccoli (chopped)

Sea salt

Black pepper

Butter

Directions :

Place all in a pan on medium, to medium low. Place cover over pan. While periodically checking and stirring to make sure the food does not stick to bottom of pan. Done when food is thoroughly cooked through.

Salads are delicious meatless meals to eat on Mondays. You can add anything but meat. Some ingredients you can add to make a salad : lettuce,kale, spinach, onions, shredded cheese, boiled eggs, cranberries, raisins, sunflower seeds, tomatoes etc.

Cream of potato soup is a hearty meatless Monday meal. This dish would taste yummy with any kind of veggies added. Skip the ham please and chicken stock, please! I want it meatless. The key to making potato soup meatless is by making it with a vegetable stock, not chicken stock.

Pizza is another food that can be made meatless for meatless Mondays. Whenever I order pizza, I always order a veggie pizza. You can add any veggie, cheese or fruit to get a scrumptious tasting pizza. The possibilities are endless.

Last night my boyfriend and I enjoyed a pizza with two toppings that paired well together. Green olives and pineapple. I love to order a spinach, mushroom and onion pizza. Or a onion, mushroom pizza.

What kind of "meatless" meals do you create on Monday's?

An InLinkz Link-up

Chicken, Potatoes, and Mushrooms Recipe

Oh how I love to cook in my crockpot. Yesterday, add a seasoned chicken roast to my crockpot. I added potatoes and mushrooms. When done. I drained the chicken, potatoes, and mushrooms. I used the broth to make a gravy withthe mushrooms. (Recipe below) Doesn't that picture look yummy?

My boyfriend decided to place gravy over his potatoes and chicken. He cleaned his plate. He said he really liked that meal and wants me to make it again soon. My daughter really liked the meal and did the same with her food. Covered it in gravy. My teen son liked the meal. He did not cover hsi chicken in gravy. He did his potatoes.

Chicken Roast Rub mix

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1. Sea salt

2. Black pepper

3. Italian herb

4. Garlic

Mix together. Rub all over the chicken roast.

Gravy

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I took the broth from the crockpot that the chicken, potatoes, and mushrooms cooked in. I place in a pan on the stove. I added the mushrooms. I added a teaspoon of sea salt and black pepper. Heat : medium. Bring to slow boil.

In a separate bowl, I added a cup of flour. Mixed with water to be a running but thick paste.

I added the flour mix to the pan of broth on the stove. I used my whisk to mix it altogether to it thickens like a gravy. Remove from heat.

An InLinkz Link-up

ABC Emotional Challenge "U" - Understanding, Unique

For this week's ABC Emotional Challenge, the letter is "U". It is the 21st letter and the last vowel of the English alphabet.

Some of the words I wish to use on my blog today are : Understanding, unique, and unusual.

Understanding means to have the ability to understand something. 

Unique means one of a kind, unlike anything else.

Unusual means something not common in occurring.

Sometimes in this world of ours. People are born we perceive as unusual and unique. Those type of people need a little extra patience and understanding. My daughter is one of those people. I can't say I have all the answers because I don't. I have made many mistakes along the way being a parent. 

Having a special needs teenage daughter, with a teenage son who is smart enough to take honor classes at school makes parenting hard. As neither child is the same. Both are unique. As unusual as the situation is in my household. I know others out there somewhere are going through the same thing. 

I have not found any support groups for both my childrens needs. One will have the attitude your son is older and smarter. He needs to have more patience and understanding. I get that part, I really do. However, my teenage son has needs he needs met as well.

Another one will say I need to find someone willing to take on responsibility of my daughter. So, I can focus on my teen son's achievements. That way he doesn't get left behind in going to college to become a prosecuting attorney or lawyer. As she is too distracting to the group.

I am having a hard time dealing with meaning both of their needs as a whole. The teens are not going without. They have what they need. My daughters special needs usually takes precedent over my teenage sons. With that being said. I feel he gets left out more often. As she has daily meltdowns that needs attended to. These aren't the typical 10 or 15 minute tantrums a 2 year old does. More often or not it is a couple hours long.

By time I am done with her, I am exhausted. I don't want to have to think about something in dealing with my teenage son. I know I have to. Even if my brain has already started to shut down from dealing with my daughter.

I literally feel like I am going crazy. As I get pulled back and forth between the two. My life isn't easy but I am happy to be  a mother to both of my teenagers. They both teach me as much as I teach them. Being unusual and unique makes me want to try harder understanding their needs as a mother.

Have you felt like you were being pulled in to many directions with your children? Do you have children that are polar opposites? If, so how do you handle it?