Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week...what's one thing you could do this week to qualify as a participant?

Since I am working on cleaning out our school supply armoire and putting together our curriculum for the upcoming school year I'd say my book collection.  I was able to purchase a needed book from Ebay and that gave me the idea to list some of my books to sell.  It takes a lot of time to take photos and list items but it is a good way to make more room.  

2. It's also National Peach Month...peach pie, peach cobbler, or please pour me aBellini?  What's your peach pleasure?

Yum, I love peaches.  I know they say Georgia peaches are the best but around here it is Jersey peaches.  I like them plain but given the three choices I'd have to say peach cobbler.  It is delicious, always a hit and simple and quick to make.  

3. Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote, "Do one thing every day that scares you." Agree or disagree...explain.

It depends on what it is that scares you.  If it is something that is good for you and just requires courage then yes.  If it is something that is simply for the sake of thrill seeking then no.  

4. What's your favorite household chore?  Yes-you have to name one.

Does ironing count?  I like to iron just about everything.  Clothes look so much neater and nicer when they are ironed.  If not, then I'd say vacuuming.  If I had my choice I'd have all hardwood floors but since I don't the carpets need vacuuming quite often.  A home just doesn't look clean with a carpet that needs vacuuming.  

5. Fodors recently listed (what they've dubbed) the ten most beautiful sunset spots in America. Click here to read more and see the pretty pictures, but this is their list:

Butterfly Beach in Santa Barbara CA, Mount Haleakala in Maui HI, Old Fort Marcy Park in Santa Fe NM, Laguna Beach CA, Hopi Point in Grand Canyon AZ, Four Seasons in Miami FL, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica CA, Gay Head in Martha's Vineyard MA, Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City UT, and Mallory Square in Key West Florida.

Have you seen the sun set from any of these spots?  If you could choose to watch the sun set this weekend from one spot on the Fodors List, which would you choose?  Where was the prettiest sunset you've ever seen?

No, I haven't seen any sunsets from those spots.  I'd choose Mallory Square in Key West Florida.  I've been to the Keys and it is so beautiful there.  I saw a pretty amazing sunset out of my kitchen window just the other night.  The sun was setting over the tall pine trees and the sky was shades of pink and purple.  

6. What's your favorite or most used app?  If you don't use apps how about your favorite or most visited website?

The website I visit the most is Google.  I know I need to get with the new technology but I feel like I am so many steps behind I don't know where to start!  I used to be all up on technology because I knew how to use a computer- hehe.

7. We've recently passed the halfway mark for 2013...write a seven word sentence that sums up your year thus far. 

"Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!"  

Taken from one of my favorite hymns, "Great is Thy Faithfulness".  There are so many blessings all around us each and every day.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here.  

Have a great week :)
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

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1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?

I think there are more humanitarian efforts today than there were when I was a kid.  It seems to me there are a lot of good causes to donate to or volunteer for.  Maybe it is because we are more aware of the problems that exist because of modern technology, but it still is nice to see such a concern for others.

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?

Very simply I'd say the breakdown of the family.

3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?

If I had to pick one of the four given I'd choose starfish.  How fun it is to find a starfish in the ocean.  I remember doing that as a kid.  Have you ever heard the Starfish Poem?  It's cute.

STARFISH POEM
One day an old man was walking down the beach just before dawn.  In the distance he saw a young man picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea.  As the old man approached the young man, he asked, "Why do you spend so much energy doing what seems to be a waste of time?"  The young man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun.  The old man exclaimed, "But there must be thousands of starfish.  How can your efforts make any difference?"  The young man looked down at the starfish in his hand and as he threw it to safety in the sea, he said," It makes a difference to this one!"

If I can choose another it would be starfruit.  I haven't had one in many years but I remember as a teenager working in a fruit and vegetable market that sold them.  I learned about a lot of not so common foods that way ;)

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway.

"Home" by Phillip Phillips.



5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?

Since I am now dairy-free it's been a couple of years.  My favorite flavor is mint chocolate chip.  My second favorite is maple walnut.  I'm going to have to figure out how to make it using coconut milk and my ice cream maker.

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?

By being a good example.

7. When was the last time you were without power?

Thankfully we only lost cable during Sandy.  Many in our neighborhood were without power including my elderly in-laws.  We did lose power a couple of years ago during a snowstorm but it wasn't for long.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Have a great rest of the week :)
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. July 24th is Amelia Earhart Day.  Earhart was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.  What's something you've recently accomplished solo? 

I can't think of anything for this one.  Maybe after I read everyone else's answers I'll get an idea ;)

2.  What's one product you use that never ever fails?

Magic Eraser.  It works on everything- walls, tubs, sinks, my white stove, sneakers.  I love that is doesn't smell like chemicals.  All I have to do is wet it, start wiping everything down with it and let it do its magic!

3. Have you found your place in the world? Where is it?

Right now my place in the world is at home being the best wife and mom I can be.

4.  Worst movie you ever saw?

Groundhog Day.  I can't stand that movie!  My husband loves it and can watch it over and over but when it's on I quickly find something else to do.

5. What's the last fun thing you did?

Swimming in the Long Island Sound and riding the waves with a boogie board.  I did that with my kids a couple of weeks ago as part of my birthday celebration.  It was a cloudy day and rained off and on, which made for nice waves, especially since that water is usually pretty still.

6. The month of July is named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar...ever been to Rome? What's your favorite Italian dish?

No, I've never been to Rome, but it sure does look beautiful.  My favorite Italian dish is lasagna, but only if it's homemade by me, my sister or my Mom.  Fresh lasagna noodles make a big difference in taste.  We layer homemade sauce, noodles, sausage, sauce, noodles, browned ground beef, sauce, noodles, ricotta, sauce, noodles, sauce and mozzarella.  It is delicious and tastes even better the second day.

7. What is one piece of advice you'd offer new mom Kate Middleton?

Smile when everyone gives you advice and then do what you know is best- love your baby and enjoy every second.
 
8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I think Kate Middleton looks spectaculor, especially for it only being one day since she gave birth!  She has such a lovely way about her.  Prince William did well with choosing her.  

~Theresa