CLEATUS & MONSTER JAM ON FOX SPORTS 1
by mitzimsa on January 14, 2014
CLEATUS GETS DOWN & DIRTY WITH MONSTER JAM!
Cleatus showed up and showed out on the Fox Lot, right in front of the Fox Sports Building! If you know football you know Cleatus, he’s the Fox Robot with the smooth moves. Most people didn’t know that the Robot haS a name, don’t feel bad I didn’t know either until recently. Any who, the Monster Truck stopped by the Fox Lot today to drop in on the Fox Sports Team. I guess Cleatus thought he should grace us with his presence since he’s in town for an Appearance on January 11th in Anaheim, CA at the home of the Los Angeles Angels, Angels Stadium.
10,000 POUND CLEATUS
If you thought that Cleatus could strut his stuff for the football fans wait until you lay eyes on the new Monster Jam 10,000-pound truck that was inspired by Cleatus. Cleatus enters into the Monster Jam lineup sporting the FOX Sports 1 colors. FOX Sports 1 is Fox’s new sports network and home to Monster Jam television programming. When Cleatus is not strutting his stuff across the screen performing his famous moves at an NFL Game he’ll take his moves to the dirt.
Talk about a good fit Cleatus and Monster Jam are both larger than life so its a perfect merriage! The truck makes its debut this year at Monster Jams premiers on FOX Sports which will start in March. and the “Best of Monster Jam” which began January 12th on FOX Sports 2. Be sure to tune in for the Monster Mash Baby!!
20th Century Fox Adventure with Lady M
This month started with a bang and the whirlwind continues. I had several places that I needed to be at the very same time right before the holiday! Of course I still had to tend to all the cleaning, shopping and cooking but, it’s all in the daily adventure of my life at 20th Century Fox.
Any who! I had several events on the same day at the same time! One falls under the pleasure catagory and the other was lending a helping hand with the 20th Century Fox-FoxGives Volunteer Program. Anyone that knows me knows that my first pick would be to extend my hands to help those in need.
FOXGIVES ROAD TRIP
I jumped aboard the 20th Century Fox-FoxGives Mini Bus #1, with #2 and #3 to follow (we roll 50 deep) off we went through the streets of Los Angeles on our field trip to the Bresee Foundation. A Nonprofit Organization that serves youth in the mid-Wilshire/Koreatown area of Los Angeles. The foundation is located in the area of Los Angeles that is home to 805 active gang members of 9 major gangs in the city. Bresee Foundation fulfills the gap that resulted from school budget cuts which reduced academic and art programs. The Bresee Foundation focuses on education and life skills development to improve opportunities for the youth and to improve the quality of life in this community.
When we arrived the line had already formed, it was so nice to see all the glowing faces as they watched us fall out of the bus in our FoxGives Tee’s ready to be of service. It’s been about 6 month since we last rolled up to this foundation, the last time they witnessed our arrival we came to build bikes for the children. They know when we show up we show out but they never know what’s in store. This time was no different from the last, I could tell by the curiosity that showed on their faces; so warming!
FoxGives volunteers made a mad dash into the tent slid on our aprons and started setting tables, making salads, and stacking trays in anticipation of the announcement “Dinner Is Served” While the guest dined and listen to the surprise speaker for the evening AC Green we became little elves and stuffed goodie bags to distribute as we bid them a good night with well wishes for the holiday!
20TH CENTURY FOX BUILDING DEDICATION
Meanwhile back on the Fox Lot according to my sources the Music Department (which I’m a member of) was celebrating the dedication of the Fox Music Building to one of the most prolific composers of our time Mr. Lionel Newman. Now from what I’m told there were some heavy hitter in the house for this event. Some just heavy to us here on the lot but others are heavy hitter in the eyes of the public…just to mention one Mr. Steven Spielberg. The little birds told me that everyone was all a flutter trying to get pictures with him to post on Facebook. I’m just grateful that there were no stories of someone going in for the autograph. The mere thought if said out loud will almost get you thrown off the lot and of course everyone will give the slant eye and shun you for some time (A Big Honey Boo Boo around these parts). So while they carried on with their fancy hors d’oeuvres and champagne under a dim lit tent in their cocktail attire (yes, I’m throwing shade). I was under a well lit tent setting tables, stuffing bags and up to my elbows in a wonderful donated Boston Market Thanksgiving Dinner for 400 guest; and I like it…makes the heart feel good!
To sum it all up I know I would have enjoyed the dedication, it looked like it was one heck of a good time by all the pictures that I received of the evening. My peeps know and understand who I am but they wanted me to share in the event through pictures and I’m so glad they did so that I could share part of my 20th Century Fox adventurous life with you!
Holiday Dinner Hotline: Host A Stress Free Dinner
I know there’s a lot of 1st timers out there…Newly married, away from home and can’t make to Mom’s? Whatever your situation may be don’t panic, there’s help just a phone call away! I have compiled a Holiday Dinner Hotline List. The key to your success will be to plan your menu early. If you’re having guest you may request that they bring a dish, this will lighten your load and give you the opportunity to shine with your preparation of the guest of honor the Turkey!
Holiday Dinner: Prepare Early
Prepairing some dishes early not only helps with the stress but some dishes taste better once the flavors have had time to marry into on another. Some of the things that you can do in advance would be chopping of vegetables making glazes and a biggie would be putting together the stuffing. Have dishes ready to just pop into the oven on the morning of the holiday.
I always suggest that you bake your cakes and pies a few days in advance as long as you can resist sneaking a little taste in the middle of the night! The cure for this would to bake one of each for your self and one for the dinner.
Foolproof your holiday dinner, no one will ever know that it’s your first time laying out a holiday spread!
In case of a Holiday 911 – I’m sure you’ll find these Holiday Dinner Hotlines helpful!
• USDA’s Meat and Poultry Holiday Dinner Hotline
(888) 674-6854 from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Closed weekends and holidays, except Thanksgiving. Special hours of operation on Thanksgiving are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
• Reynolds Turkey Tips Line
(800) 745-4000 Open through December 31, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Butterball Turkey Talk Line
(800) BUTTERBALL (800-288-8373) Available November 1 through December 28, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST; Thanksgiving Day, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST; Nov. 24 to Dec. 25, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST.
• Honeysuckle White Holiday Dinner Hotline
(800) 810-6325 Recorded answers to frequently asked turkey preparation questions.
• Crisco Pie Holiday Dinner Hotline
(877) 367-7438 toll-free. Provides answers the most common questions about baking pies for novice bakers as well as offering tips that will benefit the most seasoned baker. The hotline also offers the option for callers to connect to a live pie expert for pie baking guidance. Hours: 9 – 7 EST except for: Nov. 12 – 21 (8am – 8pm EST) and Dec. 12 – 22 (8am – 8pm EST).
• Foster Farms Holiday Dinner Hotline
(800) 255-7227. Live operators answer your questions 24 hours a day November 19 through December 1. The rest of the year, hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday.
• Perdue Chicken
(800) 473-7383 Available weekdays year-round (except the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. Thanksgiving week: Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST, Nov. 27, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST, Thanksgiving Day, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST.
• Shady Brook Farms Turkey Line
(888) 723-4468. Available 24-hours, 7 days-a-week, automated messages by famous chefs and winemakers, through Jan. 1.
• Empire Kosher
(800) 367-4734. Year-round Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST; Fridays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST. Closed on Jewish and secular holidays.
• Land O’ Lakes Holiday Bakeline
(800) 782-9606 Available through Dec. 24 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., CST, 7 days a week.
• Betty Crocker
(888) ASK-BETTY (888-275-2388) Open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST weekdays; staffed year-round.
• Fleischmann’s Yeast Baker’s Help Line
(800) 777-4959 Weekdays, 9am to 4pm CST, year round advice for bread bakers.
• Nestle Toll House Baking Information Line
(800) 637-8537 Year-round baking help, plus recipes, from 10am to 6pm.
• Ocean Spray Holiday Dinner Hotline
(800) 662-3263. Staffed year-round, weekdays (open Thanksgiving Day; but not Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and other major holidays) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., EST.
Hope this helps with all of your holiday dinner dilemmas!
Lollipop For The Cure!
by mitzimsa on January 14, 2014
Lollipop Jewelry: My Treat of Choice
While the rest of the world is begging and bagging candy,
I’m in the mood for a more sophisticated treat!
Lollipop Jewelry by Simone I. Smith, I was drawn to this piece of statement jewelry due to its cute factor. When trying to decide which size and color. I came to the conclusion that I would have one of each to feed my sweet tooth craving as well as helping a good cause.
I was defiantly in once the sales person told me that a portion of my sale would be donated to the American Cancer Society. All the while I knew that there would be no problem choosing a color because it came in PINK and it BLINGS!
In 2004 Simon was diagnosed with stage III chondorosarcoma a rare form of bone cancer. The treatment required an invasive surgery on her leg that altered the appearance of her lollipop tattoo. The alteration made her tattoo look as if someone had taken a bite out of her lollipop. To translate this into the design of the Lollipop Jewelry Simone has removed a bite of the Lollipop hence Broken Lollipop and replaced it with her signature logo.
Lollipop Jewelry How Sweet It Is!
I love how Simone decided to turn her situation into a positive one, that broken lollipop tattoo became the inspiration and creative force behind the partnership with the American Cancer Society which brings you, The Sweet Touch of Hope Collection.
The Lollipop Jewelry falls under The Sweet Touch of Hope Collection these lolli’s come in a small and large size and are made of Brilliant Crystal, 18K Gold over Sterling Silver as well as Jeweled Enamel. Simon continues to expand her collections and recently introduced Amore at Kohl’s Department Stores.
Lollipops and Suckers are one of the top candies on my list of sweet treats heck my nick name for my youngest granddaughter is Lollipop! And I’m a sucker for all my grandchildren!
Well it’s getting a little late around here and I have to jump in my car and do a little Trick or Treating for myself over at Niemen’s. My taste buds are craving a piece of candy from Simone’s new collection. Can you say….new candy on the way! Happy Trick Or Treating Everyone!
Oh here’s a sneak peek of what I’m adding to my collection! 
Fiori: Fragrance By Vince Camuto
by mitzimsa on January 13, 2014
FIORI BY VINCE CAMUTO
Fiori the new fragrance by the house of Vince Camuto arrived in the spring of 2013 as a limited edition. It’s delicate floral notes are fresh, light and invigorating. Upon removing the top you can instantly smell the pink grapefruit and nectarine along with the fresh floral tones. Some may say it’s perfect for the upcoming summer. Me, I say it’s good all year around since I live in a warm climate.
There is something creamy and dreamy about this fragrance which had my husband right where I wanted him once he got a whiff of the scent. Beside loving everything pink I’m a Vince Camuto Girl! Oh, by the way this fragrance is no longer a limited edition it’s now available in major department stores!
Patron Tequila Social Club
by mitzimsa on January 9, 2014
PATRON SOCIAL CLUB BIRTHDAY GIFT!
I’ve been a fan of Patron for the last 25 years, I enjoy the smooth taste as well as the verity that’s offered. I’m one of the belief that Tequila is not to be mixed but poured straight up. But I must say that I have been intrigued lately by some of the mixed drink recipes that I have viewed on the Patron site. Personally I can’t recall a time that I was drinking Patron that wasn’t a good time! This time around I’ll have my Patron XO Café and eat my cake too! Yes, Patron Tequila and Cake… there both giving me life right about now!
As a member of the Patron Social Club one of the perks is, your gifted on your Birthday with a Mocha Double Chocolate Chunk Patron XO Café Tequila Coffee Liqueur Bundt Cake (now that’s a mouth full)!
Fast forward after the Fed Ex truck pulled off from the curb…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, FROM PATRON!!!
I opened the box with ease to find a cute little black box nestled within. I cracked that baby open to find an aluminum package that had some weight to it. Once I pulled open the foil covering to my surprise was this moist aromatic cute chocolate bundt cake that had been soaked in Patron. Just getting the cake to the plate without it dripping and sticking to my fingers was a delight, honey I knew that this was going to be a finger good lickin time…and it was!
My suggestion to any Tequila lover would be to:
First make yourself acquainted with the Patron Brand.
Second join the Patron Social Club.
Third set back wait for your birthday to roll around.
You’ll thank me when that Fed Ex truck makes a drop at your door with the best little Tequila Drenched Chocolate Chunk Cake you ever tasted. Oh I forgot it’s a Mocha Double Chocolate Chunk Bundt Cake that is DAMN GOOD!
Thanks Patron, for the good times!!
FOOD: TRADITIONAL NEW YEARS FEAST!
by mitzimsa on January 3, 2014
FOOD: A SOUTHERN NEW YEARS!
I’ve always been made to believe that I must have certain food at the New Year if I wanted my year to move in a positive direction. So I’ve spent every New Year of my adult life making sure that I consumed the mandated food, with the hope that it delivers a wonderful forthcoming year!
As I started out mid-morning on the 1st day of the year due to my New Year’s Eve Cheer. My phone started ringing non-stop everybody wanted to know “what ya doing?” See I already know what their up to before the even get started. Me, I’m just waiting for the next question “You cookin?” Me, “Ya” (with the anticipation of the next question) “What?” This year I decided that I would answer in a whole new way, “On the menu today is the following: Good Luck, Prosperity, Abundance, Health, Fortune and some good ol Corn Bread!”
Luckily each and every one of them knew what foods had my pots clickin! They also knew that I in no way would be able to talk long for my fear of getting off on the wrong foot at the first of the year. You know what they say “What you’re doing at the first of the year, you’ll be doing all year long”. This year and no other year am I willing to take a chance at ruining my cooking reputation of “she burned it up!” compared to “she burned it up”…my family and friends love my cooking and I want to keep it that way!
Most of us are familiar with what foods we should have for the New Year. Some of the dishes that we consume are Greens, ya know your basic cabbage, collards, turnips, mustards, kale or maybe chard see these vegetables look like folded money. This Southern tradition continued on with many as they migrated to other areas of the country, the belief is the more you eat the larger your fortune for the year!
Black Eye Peas/Hoppin John tradition started in Mississippi during the Civil War a town ran out of food while they were being attached fortunately they discovered black-eyed peas which kept their bellies full therefore the peas were considered lucky and are symbolic of money (coins). This is another one of those financial reward foods that continue to be a Southern and African American dish consumed in the New Year.
Pork, since the pig pushes forward rooting itself in the ground before moving, this symbolizes progress and its rich fat content, offers wealth and prosperity.
The one common denominator I see in all three of the above is money, money, and more money!!
HOLD ON TO YOUR GOOD LUCK & FORTUNE IN 2014!
Since we always talk about what we should eat I wanted to see if there were any foods that we should not consume that may put a damper on the upcoming year. I found out that I would no longer make my pot of Seafood Gumbo on the 1st. My new tradition from this day forward
Gumbo will now be made on the 2nd day of the year. See a couple of my key ingredients such as Lobster, moves backwards and therefore lead to setbacks. The other is Chicken, this bird scratches backwards and can bring on regret or dwelling in the past. In fact consuming any winged fowl will send your good luck flying away!
I’m really in shocked about the chicken/winged fowl belief since it has been a staple in many cultures since the beginning of time. In my home the yard bird is consumed all year long we bake, broil, fry, grill and stew, maybe it’s time to consider a new staple like fish they swim upstream. The Germans dine on Carp for the New Year and they’ve been known to place a few fish scales in their wallets for good luck.
Well this year is now off and running in full swing and I’ve had all my Good Luck, Prosperity, Abundance, Health and Fortune foods, now I’m going to set back watch how this year’s unfolds.
Here’s Wishing All A Wonderful 2014!
Kleenex Tissue Box: How Do You Repurpose?
by mitzimsa on November 30, 2013
Kleenex Tissue Box Recycle Project
Kleenex Tissue Box DIY: People have been repurposing containers for different uses for as long as I can remember, little did I know then that this was my first experience with recycling. Why even in the best households you would find a repurposed container from time to time for some reason or another. With the state of our planet we all should be concerned with saving resources and recycling.
With the holidays being upon us I want to share a DIY project that I did with the help of a Kleenex Tissue Box. I wish I could take credit for this gem, but I can’t.
Recycle Repurpose Reuse
Recently I received a package from my husband’s aunt. It was a perfect cute square, sturdy box that had been wrapped in brown paper and shipped off to me via the U.S. Postal Service. Imagine my surprise once I removed the paper and tape, I discovered that the box was actually a Kleenex Tissue Box! It was wrapped in brown paper of a grocery store bag (another great re-purpose). This took me back to a time I once used the funny papers and magazine pictures for gift wrap, added great embellishments and received so many raving reviews! I set the Kleenex Box to the side, I was in awe and I wanted to share this discovery with others.
Think Outside The Tissue Box
Within the next few days I found myself in need of wrapping a gift I could not find a box anywhere in the house. After looking high and low it hit me I had saved the Kleenex Tissue Box from Aunt Susie and the item would fit perfect!
Follow along as I wrap this cute little package and top it off with a pink bow!
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- Item to wrap
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- Insert item into Kleenex Box
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- Insert other half of Kleenex Box
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- Push Kleenex Box together to make small square
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- Cover Kleenex Box with wrapping paper
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- Kleenex Box Repurposed Gift Wrap
I’ll never look at a Kleenex Tissue Box the same, you might think twice before you throw out those empties…never know when you’ll find yourself in a pinch!
Ninja 3-in-1 Cooking System Review 2….
by mitzimsa on November 14, 2013
Ninja 3-in-1 Cooking System Review 2
Ninja 3-in-1 Cooking System: If you want a product in your kitchen that can do it all, get yourself a Ninja 3-in-1 Cooking System this bad boy is a Slow Cooker, Oven, Buffet, and Stovetop that comes equipped with a multipurpose pan, roasting rack and cook book all you’ll need is your own non-stick utensils and you’re in business, you wouldn’t want to scratch the professional grade non-stick surface.
Over the last week I have been experimenting with my Ninja 3-in-1 Cooking System. I’m telling you this Ninja is cooking with gas. Oh, did I say cooking with gas I meant to say is a Steam Infused Cooker. The Ninja 3-in-1 cooking system cooks food to perfection the same perfection that I’m use to getting on my gas stove in less time!
Since the arrival of my Ninja 3-in-1 Cooking System I have seared, slow cooked and steam infused several dishes. Some dishes may require that you use several modes of cooking. You can easily go from one mode of cooking to the other with a touch of the dial and the temperature will adjust accordingly. I’m really eager to try the Oven and Buffet settings.
GRILLED CHEESE PLEASE!
Tonight I plugged in my Ninja 3-in1 Cooking System to make my Chicken Honey Basil Grilled Cheese. I don’t know about you but, everyone that I know makes grilled cheese in a skillet or on a stovetop grill. With my experience in using this handy kitchen appliance I’m convinced that this can be done on the sauté and sear temperature of the stovetop mode in the Ninja 3-in-1 Cooking System.
Boy, was I right! I started off on the stovetop high mode to get the non-stick surface up to its highest temperature. Once heated I lowered the temperature to stovetop medium as not to burn the grilled cheese sandwich. I was not surprised with the outcome the sandwich was warmed through and through and the cheese was oozing out the sides. The only problem I had, was that I could not make them fast enough!
With the upcoming holiday season the Ninja 3-in-1 Cooking System will be an asset in any kitchen. Who couldn’t use an extra Slow Cooker, Oven or Stovetop during the holidays?
Grilled Sandwich Recipe: Chicken Basil Tomato Grilled Cheese
by mitzimsa on November 12, 2013
Grilled Sandwich Recipe:
Chicken Basil Tomato Grilled Cheese 
Grilled Sandwich Treat: When I was a kid there was nothing better than a Grilled Cheese made by my mother. Now I make them for my grandchildren with different types of cheese and plenty of it. I like to come up with various types of ingredients to incorporate into a grilled cheese sandwich. This one came about due to my love for the popular Italian appetizer of the tomato, basil and buffalo mozzarella cheese. Now those three ingredients would have been fine for me but when it comes to my husband he likes his grilled cheese a bit basic, he and the grandchildren have a love for chicken that’s undeniable no matter how it’s prepared it can be fried, baked or grilled doesn’t much matter as long as it chicken. So for the grilled cheese below I use either grilled or rotisserie chicken. It’s sweet and savory and works for all in my household!
Ingredients
4 Slices King’s Hawaiian Bread
1 Large Beef Stake Tomato
4-6 oz. part-skim mozzarella cheese, sliced thin
10-12 oz. fontina cheese, sliced thin
12-16 large basil leaves
Honey – enough for drizzling on one slice of bread for each sandwich
I can’t believe it’s not butter (CBNB) – to coat bread on both side for grilling
Directions for two sandwiches
Spread CBNB with your desired amount on one slice of bread
On the other slice of bread spread honey with your desired amount
On honey slice of bread arrange fontina cheese
Layer sliced chicken breast on top of the fontina cheese
Layer tomato on top of chicken breast followed by a layer of basil
Layer mozzarella cheese on top of basil
Spread CBNB with your desired amount on the additional slice of bread and top off the sandwich
Cover both outside of the bread with CBNB with your desired amount
Preheat you cooking surface (stove top grill or skillet)
Grill sandwich on each side in a covered skillet or grill to insure the cheese melts evenly about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the temperature of your cooking surface. Grill sandwich until lightly browned or to your desired color.
