pizza toppings

I love pizza! One of my favorite things is to make a wonderful homemade pizza for our family. It takes a lot of time, but it is oh so worth it. Here are a few of my favorite toppings:

1. Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo sauce

2. cheese

3. tomatoes

4. spinach

5. zucchini

6. red peppers

7. yellow peppers

8. mushrooms

9. olives

10. more cheese

games

I have always loved to play games. I grew up in a family playing games with all of us, or at times just my sisters and I. Here are a few of my favorites, now and in days gone by:

1. scrabble

2. clue

3. trivial pursuit

4. payday

5. monopoly

6. sorry

7. parcheesi

8. $10,000 pyramid

9. uno

10. yahtzee

Buying Appliances

A couple of years ago, we replaced many of our appliances, due to some remodeling brought about by water damage. One of our purchases was one of the line of Maytag Dishwashers . Like many folks, we wanted to do some product research before heading out to buy. It is so easy to search for products on line rather than driving all over town comparing products and prices. Now, Krillion makes this even easier. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. localized search lists

2. compare appliances online

3. compare prices

4. save time

5. save gas

6. no dealing with pushy sales people

7. no dealing with incompetent sales people

8. choose between many brands of appliances

9. shop and compare at my convenience

10. go to the store when ready to buy

This is based on information from Blogitive.

home again

After spending a week cooking at camp, it's always great to get home again. As much as I like helping with the camp, there are some things I do miss at home. Here are a few of my favorite things about coming home from camp:

1. seeing my son

2. sleeping late

3. being lazy for a whole day

4. my bed

5. my shower

6. my bathroom

7. peace and quiet

8. my mom bought groceries for me

9. just relaxing

10. no demands

summer desserts

I just returned from a week cooking at a church camp for third through sixth grade students. Each year we have the same menu, but I am reminded of some really great recipes each time. Here are a few of my favorite summer desserts, many which we serve at camp:

1. ice cream

2. frozen chocolate mousse

3. frozen lemonade pie

4. strawberry delight

5. chocolate "stuff"

6. rice krispie treats

7. chocolate chip cookies

8. chocolate chocolate chip cookies

9. snickerdoodles

10. chocolate cake

Adult Education

As we become adults, our time of learning does not stop. For many of us, we have the desire to pursue formal education into our adulthood, but perhaps may feel as if we do not have the time. Now that the internet has made online adult education a possibility, many more adults can opt to continue their education while working. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. online schools allow you to study any where you can get a computer

2. you can study any time that is convenient for you

3. online universities allow you to work around your schedule

4. online courses offered in certificate programs

5. online classes available in undergraduate degrees

6. online adult education can help you obtain graduate degrees

7. studies available in every country

8. professors are able to pursue their goals

9. many online schools, like Capella University, are accredited

10. helps you to reach your goals

This blog post was is based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.

Blog Comments

Blog Sire is always sharing good blogging tips with anyone who takes the time to stop by his place. He recently spoke about the advantage of commenting on blog posts . Here are a few of my favorite things about comments on blogs:

1. open communication

2. lets you know what others think of what you have to say

3. adds a bit of fun to the blogging experience

4. lets you know someone is reading your stuff

5. make new friends

6. provides a link to your blog

7. the interaction can be fun

8. is a gateway to finding new blogs

9. raises blog traffic

10. provides a drawback to the one who left the comment

Curtain Call

My daughter has been involved in community theater for five years now. It is always lots of fun. But when the show is over, it is sometimes a relief as well. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. not going to rehearsal every night

2. saving on gas money

3. more free time

4. not having to get cleaned up and "presentable" every night

5. not rushing around at the last minute

6. not having to have dinner at 5pm

7. not having to have two kids in two places at the same time

8. a quiet night in

9. another great memory created

10. looking forward to the next show

Silver and Gold

It may be true that all that glitters is not gold, but it sure is a pretty sight to see. Right now may be the best time to invest in either silver or gold bullion . Here are a few of my favorite things about it:

1. unique investment or gift

2. silver, gold, other precious metals are available for delivery

3. available in coin or ingot form

4. world demand for silver exceeds production

5. gold can help to diversify investments

6. above ground stockpiles of silver are low

7. the U.S. government is a silver buyer

8. get one ounce coins or fractional sized coins

9. been changing lives since ancient days

10. one of the best investment opportunities going today

This is based on information from Blogitive.

Seven Random Things

I am going a little side trip today with the 7 Random Things game. I was tagged by Domestik Goddess whose got a great new web page. The other folks she tagged have some fun blogs too, so be sure to check those out as well.

The Rules: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their own blog post with their 7 things as well as these rules. You need to tag 7 others and list their names on your blog. Remember to leave a comment for them letting them know they have been tagged and to read your blog.

1. I used to think Jimmy Wynn was one of my best friends

2. My parents ran a donut shop which we went to every morning in the wee hours. My sis and I had cots in the back to sleep on

3. I got stitches on my chin when I was 5 years old

4. I played softball and basketball in my younger days

5. I participated in and won several bible quiz competitions in my teenaged years

6. I have homeschooled my children for nine years

7. My twentieth wedding anniversary is next month

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My tagees will be:

Hi Fidelity -maybe she can do a couple more than five on her list

That Girl Tasha -a new blogging friend, want to play along?

familyfunandfaith -maybe this blog fanatic can post a list before he leaves town again?

RedHead Rants -a fun new blog

Kevin the Collie -no one said I can't have a dog play along

Mig -check out your dreams unleashed here

jameo -a great blog full of tips of all kinds

Nancy Drew

I have never read any of the Nancy Drew books. My daughter has been reading them for several years now, so she was thrilled when the new movie came out. We went to see it on Friday. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. I haven't read the books, so I didn't have any preconceived notions about what should/should not be in the movie

2. fairly innocent overall

3. great role model

4. wholesome and innocent fun

5. strong lead female character

6. fun for my daughter

7. fun with my daughter

8. we rarely go to the movies, so a nice change

9. went on opening day

10. may motivate some girls to read the books

The Martha Stewart Show

I am not a huge fan of Martha Stewart, but on a few occasions this summer I have seen bits of her show. Here are a few of my favorite things about it:

1. I usually learn something

2. learn some yummy recipes

3. see regular folks make unique recipes

4. get some good ideas

5. something to watch when there is nothing better on

6. see some unique animals

7. get unique craft ideas

8. nothing offensive

9. easy to listen to

10. when all else fails, I can grab a nap

Big Paw Designs

Our dog's birthday is coming up. And just in time to find the perfect present for our Queen Sheba, Big Paws Designs has the perfect selection. If you are looking for items for your dog or cat, be sure to check them out. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. The little green bean doggie toy

2. the perfect pewter collar charms

3. fire hose bumper doggie toys

4. great selection of collars

5. great leash selection

6. cute dog bowls

7. dog treat tins

8. dog pick up bags

9. rescue themed items

10. recipes for doggie treats

Orlando Vacation Villa Rentals

We have not been to Orlando since 2002. Our kids are ready and asking to go back. We are hoping to make a family trip sometime next year. Since our kids have gotten bigger, we may look at Orlando vacation villa rentals for a place to stay. Here are a few of my favorite things about this:

1. a larger place to stay

2. a home away from home

3. pool homes mean we don’t have to share the pool with others

4. check dates and availability

5. look for package deals

6. rates are competitive with standard hotels

7. rent the size that will best suit our needs

8. get up to the minute news on all things Orlando

9. find articles and information to help us come up with the best vacation plan

10. search at my convenience

This is based on information from Blogitive.

Dress Rehearsal

When my kids are in plays, I love dress rehearsals. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. getting to see how much they have improved since they began practice

2. seeing the little "bloopers"

3. watching them grow in their character

4. seeing the show really come together

5. seeing the costumes

6. watching their friends

7. laughing

8. being amazed at the talent of these young actors

9. being amazed at the talent of the director

10. a free showing

Blog Sites

I often like to visit blog sites around the cyber world. I've recently met a lot of new friends. It's time for me to share them with you. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. So You Wanna Be a Domestik Goddess -this is a really great blog for all you wanna be domestic goddesses-lots of fun stuff here

2. Carl Ocab -this is the fourteen year old who makes money online with his blog. He's got some good stuff here

3. Hi Fidelity -one of my favorites, and probably where I got the idea for a "list" blog

4. That Girl Tasha -she certainly seems to have led, is leading, an interesting life

5. Dirt Rhodes Scholar -That Girl Tasha's husband, leading and interesting life and writing some interesting things

6. Everyday Weekender -where everyday can be the weekend

7. Where We Relax -a blog full of interesting things

8. According to Kelly -great stuff here!

9. believin -has long been one of my favorite bloggers, though many of her posts have been lost at a now defunct site

10. familyfunandfaith -I can say the same thing here as I did for believin

Russian Brides

There are apparantly a few men out there looking for Russian Brides these days. At Lover's Planet, you can find the Russian Bride you are looking for.Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. look at profiles and photos of Russian and Ukranian women

2. most Russian brides on this site are looking for a life partner

3. they want to get to know the person before pursuing marriage

4. marriage is a main priority, even from an early age

5. family comes first

6. to many of these women, dating implies commitment and marriage

7. divorce rate with Russian women is lower

8. most Russian women have well developed family attitudes

9. these women are intelligent and well educated

10. these women are dedicated to a relationship

This is based on information from Blogitive.

birthday parties

When thinking about birthday parties, the ones I enjoy are for family and perhaps close friends. Here are a few of my favorite things about birthday parties:

1. food

2. family

3. friends

4. cake!

5. presents

6. games

7. pictures

8. laughter

9. seeing the birthday boy/girl really happy

10. making memories

Blog Sites

I often like to visit blog sites around the cyber world. I've recently met a lot of new friends. It's time for me to share them with you. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. So You Wanna Be a Domestik Goddess -this is a really great blog for all you wanna be domestic goddesses-lots of fun stuff here

2. Carl Ocab -this is the fourteen year old who makes money online with his blog. He's got some good stuff here

3. Hi Fidelity -one of my favorites, and probably where I got the idea for a "list" blog

4. That Girl Tasha -she certainly seems to have led, is leading, an interesting life

5. Dirt Rhodes Scholar -That Girl Tasha's husband, leading and interesting life and writing some interesting things

6. Everyday Weekender -where everyday can be the weekend

7. Where We Relax -a blog full of interesting things

8. According to Kelly -great stuff here!

9. believin -has long been one of my favorite bloggers, though many of her posts have been lost at a now defunct site

10. familyfunandfaith -I can say the same thing here as I did for believin

the house work is done!

We have had a lot of work done to our house this past month. It is done! Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. we have a new, improved air conditioner

2. we have new hardiplangk siding

3. a new color of paint looks nice

4. we have a nice, new roof

5. no more leaks

6. no more rotting wood

7. its done, so no more workmen

8. its quiet

9. it looks nice

10. it's DONE!

Merchant Circle

Promoting one's own business is a necessary evil. It can sometimes be frustrating. Merchant Circle has made it easy to promote your own business. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. high search engine placement finds new customers

2. track what people say about you and your business

3. advertise online--include coupons, newsletters and blogs

4. over 125,000 business listings exist

5. join the merchant forum

6. videos show how merchants promote their businesses

7. it's fast and easy to join

8. control your reputation on the web

9. it only takes a few minutes

10. it's FREE!

planning a trip

My husband and I are hoping to take a trip for our twentieth anniversary next month. I also would like to take the kids somewhere this summer. Here are a few of my favorite things about planning a trip:

1. the options are limitless

2. go anywhere!

3. exciting to look at all the places we can go

4. so many things to see

5. historic sites

6. amusements and entertainment

7. looking forward to leisure time

8. looking forward to no phone

9. looking forward to time away

10. looking forward to spending time with family

A Clean House

I don't always love cleaning the house, but I sure do love the results afterward. Here are a few of my favorite things about a clean house:

1. a place for everything

2. everything in its place

3. no toys to trip over

4. no shoes to trip over

5. I can find what I want/need

6. it smells good

7. it feels good

8. we sure do have a big house!

9. burns calories

10. the result is great--just wish it lasted longer! ;)

Capella University Podcasts

Capella University is an online school that serves over 19,000 students from all 50 states and 56 countries. Capella began in 1993 and offers degree programs in business, information technology and public safety. Recently, Capella has begun releasing a series of podcasts telling about the online school experience. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. students from all walks of life are attending Capella University online

2. these students are recognized in their fields of work

3. they are being spotlighted on regular podcasts by the online school

4. the most recent podcast released is focused on Carla Chladek

5. she talks about her work as program manager for the Joint Staff Training Program at the Pentagon

6. Each podcast features students or staff members giving their first person experience with online education

7. podcasts are about 15 minutes long

8. podcasts available through Capella University site

9. subscribe to the podcast through the RSS feed

10. also available at Itunes

This is based on information from Blogitive.

Getting Up Early

Not too many months ago I used to be an early riser. I would get up a five o'clock every day. Here are a few of my favorite reasons to get up early:

1. can start a little slower

2. more time to get things done

3. quiet

4. time to "wake up"

5. time to watch the news

6. time to read my bible

7. time to exercise

8. get an afternoon nap

9. some time alone

10. greet the sun

Black Bean Soup

Even though it's already summer down here, I made a pot of black bean soup for dinner tonight. I love this recipe, no matter what time of year.I almost always keep the ingredients on hand for a quick meal. Here are a few of my favorite things about this hearty soup:

1. very easy to make

2. only four ingredients

3. very quick to make-ready in 15-20 minutes

4. nutritous-lots of hidden veggies in there

5. goes great with different side dishes-salad, chips, cornbread, quesadillas

6. everyone in the family agrees on this meal

7. nutritious

8. filling

9. makes a great leftover meal

10. it's so good!

Martin Worldwide

If you have a business that needs consumer mailing lists and/or business mailing lists, Martin Worldwide is the number one resource for
Business Sales Leads lists nation wide. Here are a few of my favorite things about Martin Worldwide:

1. one of its most successful tools is the ResponseCom

2. ResponseCom is a blend of U.S. Response and U.S. Consumer databases

3. ResponseCom results in a multi-dimensional, versatile database

4. also results in over 1000 demographic and psychographic selects

5. this compiled database results in identifying prospects with the most active and response history

6. ResponseCom is the result of decades of tracking and compiling information

7. clients experience high response rates.

8. clients also receive high profitability and new business opportunities

9. cost effective service ensures clients success

10. guarantee data integrity in writing

This is based on information from Blogitive.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

I grew up going to Major League baseball games, and so have my kids. My dad has a season ticket package that he splits with some other guys. When there is an afternoon game, he likes to take one of the grandkids with him. This has gotten to be a good tradition with them. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. Rooting for the home team

2. The crowd

3. Diamond Vision (the large screen that puts up shots of the crowd)

4. peanuts

5. popcorn & crackerjacks

6. the entertainment on the field and off

7. the excitement

8. the seventh inning stretch

9. seeing the Good Guys win

10. spending time with dad

taking a walk

I like to talk walks anytime I can. Over the past few years, I have started jogging, but I still really prefer walking. Here are a few of my favorite things about walking:

1. stretch my legs

2. relieve stress

3. time to pray

4. time to think

5. look around the neighborhood

6. different paths break up any monotony

7. enjoy the sunshine

8. clear the cobwebs from my brain

9. a short break from the goings-on at the house

10. good for the heart

Appreciative Coaching

It seems in this day and age, not many folks feel appreciated, nor do many know how to express appreciation to those who deserve it. Recently, Sara Orem, a faculty member of Capella University online School of Business and Technology, has co-authored the book "Appreciative Coaching: A Positive Process For Change". Here are a few of my favorite things I've learned about this book:

1. helps individuals and organizations to flourish when focused on human ideals, achievements and best practices

2. uses mindful questions and tools to help strengthen individuals and to bring about change

3. guides the reader through four stages-discovery, dream, design and destiny

4. inspires readers to appreciate themselves

5. inspires readers to appreciate their future

6. helps to empower readers about themselves

7. helps to empower readers about their future

8. written for coaches of managers, executives, and others who work one-on-one with people

9. influences and creates positive change

10. authors have experience in presenting the elements of appreciative coaching


This is based on information from Blogitive.

comic strips

Comic strips can be a great, quick diversion. I keep a few on my home page. My kids love to read them every day. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Peanuts

2. Calvin and Hobbes

3. Family Circus

4. For Better or Worse

5. Garfield

6. B.C.

7. Ziggy

8. Fox Trot

9. Born Loser

10. Zits

Friday Night

Here it is Friday night, and actually not much demand for my schedule (just my son's basketball game). It is so nice to have no demands at the end of the week. Here are a few of my favorite things about Friday:

1. a feeling like I can let down and relax

2. the end of the work week

3. the beginning of the weekend

4. a little junk food!

5. stay up late playing

6. stay up late reading

7. don't have to get up early

8. adjust tomorrow's exercise (need a harder workout? a relaxed one?)

9. time for family (not every Friday)

10. TGIF