Wooo Whooo, We made it to 100 Followers

There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate.    Robert Brault

 

This was such a perfect quote for me today.  Today I'm "over the moon" happy that my blog reached over 100 followers.

 I started my blog because I believe there's so much in life to celebrate.  I choose to be an optimist, I choose happiness and joy, and I choose to celebrate life.  It's not that life hasn't thrown me some serious curve balls, it's just that I choose to throw them back and get back in the game :) 

Thank you to everyone who chose to celebrate with me and made this possible. This is only the beginning so I hope you choose to stay and celebrate with me :)   God Bless

Black & Pink Vintage Glamour Give-Away

If you've missed my give-aways, there baaaack :)   I'm getting very, very close to having 100 followers on Google Friend Connect, and to be honest, I can hardly wait.  To encourage more of you to follow, and get your friends to follow, I have come up with a really fun give-away to make your summer evenings, and events more glamorous. 

In my eternal search for things vintage and beautiful.  I have found the perfect vintage black evening handbag, and I do mean perfect :)  This little silk gem is in mint condition inside and out.  It has a silver magnetic closure with a sweet little black silk tassel.  It has a long silk rope handle with silver hardware on each side.  It has a hard frame, so nothing will get crushed in this little beauty.

To give this give-away a real touch of glamour, ( and because I love black and pink together :)  I'm adding a 3.73 carat, cushion cut, Kunzite loose stone.  This Kunzite stone is the sweetest pink and would make a beautiful ring or necklace.

To finish off your pink and black glamour ensemble, I will be sending the winner 3 of these pearl pink satin ribbon roses.  You can use these to dress up the vintage handbag, turn them into brooches, place them on a headband, or anything else your glamorous heart desires.  This give-away package retails at $300.00

Now for the rules

1) You must follow this blog on Google Friends Connect

2) You must like Shannon's Shanonigins on Facebook ( you can do this from the right hand column)

For extra entries
3) leave a comment on my facebook page
4) post this on your facebook page
5) Twitter about this giveaway
6) Blog about this give-away on your blog
7) Make sure to leave me a comment to let me know which of these you've done so I can          count your entries.

Side view of handbag, and it's hardware.

This give-away will only happen if I get to 100 followers on Google Friend Connect.

Happy Memorial Day

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty." -- John F. Kennedy 

"We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." -- Abe Lincoln in the Gettysburg Address 

May God Bless you, and wrap you in his safe arms on this Memorial Weekend. May you enjoy the freedoms that belong to all Americans.   Shannon

Inspirational Quotes

The fact that you even have a dream is all the evidence you need to achieve it"   Bishop TD Jakes  

 I thought it would be nice to start posting inspirational quotes on my blog.  I've been posting them on my facebook page and I've received several nice comments from people who've enjoyed them. This will not be in place of my other posts, but in addition to.  We all have challenges in life that we need to face, and sometimes it helps to read an encouraging word. 

These photo's were taken on my trip to Lake Tahoe, and I thought it fitting to use  pictures of a lighthouse for my first inspirational quote.
After all,  there are always times in our life when we need a guiding light to help us through a dark place.
God Bless you and never underestimate your faith in times when you need guidance.
Hugs and hope, 
Shannon

Cremey Garlic Parmesan Vegetable Sauce

This week, I'm going on a long awaited vacation (Yayyyyyy).  But I wanted to leave you with a fun, easy, and delicious recipe for all those wonderful Spring vegetables.  This sauce, featuring the new Philadelphia Cooking Creme in the Savory Garlic flavor, makes any vegetable taste better.  You can use it over steamed, or sauteed vegetables, or use it as a dip for crudites.

Cremey Garlic Parmesan Vegetable Sauce 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup(s) of Philadelphia Savory Garlic Cooking Creme
• 1/2 cup(s) of Milk
• 1/2 cup(s) of Kraft grated Parmesan & Romano cheese
• 24 ounce(s) of Frozen whole petite green beans
• 6 tbsp. of butter
• 1/4 tsp. of Fresh ground sea salt

Steps

1. In a large skillet, melt 6-8 Tablespoons of butter. Once butter has melted add the green beans and saute over medium heat until heated through and at desired serving temperature
2. In a small to medium skillet on low to low/medium heat add Philadelphia Savory Garlic Cooking Creme, milk, and Kraft Parmesan/Romano cheese. Heat and whisk often until mixture is completely blended, smooth, and creamy (approx. 5 minutes)
3. Place green beans on a serving platter and salt with the sea salt.
4. Pour sauce evenly over green beans and serve while hot. You can garnish this with basil and grape tomatoes (optional).
5. This sauce can also be used as a dip for raw, or blanched vegetables. Enjoy :)

If you would like to see an instructional video for this recipe, here is the link

http://www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com/user/recipe/cremey-garlic-parmesan-vegetable-sauce

Fresh Fruit with Romanoff Sauce

Here is another recipe for you made with Philadelphia's new Cooking Creme.  In this recipe I used the original flavor.  I have to say that I really love cooking with Philadelphia's new cooking creme.  I've had a lot of fun re-making classic sauces with it.  It makes them much easier and really creamy.  This is a take on one of my favorite dishes. Strawberries Romanoff. What I found out when coming up with this recipe is that this sauce really compliments any fresh fruit and even makes a wonderful fresh fruit dip.  I hope you give this recipe a try at your next breakfast, brunch, or lunch, it's so quick and easy, but it's really delicious :)

Romanoff Sauce with Fresh Fruit

• Prep time: 10 minutes|
• Total time: 10 minutes|
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 10 ounce(s) of ( 1 carton) of Philadelphia Original flavor Cooking Creme
• 8 ounce(s) of Sour Cream
• 1 cup(s) of Firmly packed, light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. of Cognac, or Brandy, preferably VSOP
• 1 tsp. of Pure Vanilla Extract
• 4 cup(s) of Washed, fresh fruit, chopped into large bite size chunks

Steps

1. In a medium to large mixing bowl, add cooking creme, sour cream, brown sugar, cognac, and vanilla, whisk until smooth and creamy
2. Run sauce through a sieve or strainer to remove any brown sugar lumps
3. Place fresh fruit in 6 serving glasses or dishes
4. Generously pour the Romanoff sauce over the fresh fruit
5. Garnish with fresh mint (optional) serve and enjoy!
6. This sauce can be made up to a few days before needed, store covered in the refrigerator

 If you would like to  watch an instructional video on how to make this recipe, here  is the link
http://www.realwomenofphiladelphia.com/user/recipe/fresh-fruit-with-romanoff-sauce

My Gardens First Spring Blooms

Spring has finally sprung here in Northern Colorado and my garden has blessed me with her first blooms.

I just wanted to share them with you and hope you enjoy the beauty of Springs first blossoms.
My garden and I have been having a romance for many years now (don't tell my husband). I love to sneak away and spend time there whenever I can.  If there's one thing I love more than arranging flowers, it's growing them. There is something therapeutic about planting a seedling, watching it grow, and then seeing it bloom.  It gives me such a feeling of accomplishment. It's like falling in love all over again. The anticipation, the romance, I just love it.

 Blue Hyacinths line the walkway in front of my porch so I can enjoy their wonderful fragrance. To me, it is the quintessential smell of Spring.

 The first of the many tulips in my flower bed. I just love how this one has a black throat. She's like a lady in a red dress, and black shoes, all ready for the dance :)

This frilly daffodil just takes my breath away. She's like a beautiful bride wearing her white dress and ready to march down the aisle

This cheery little  daffodil just seems to be smiling at me every time I walk by.  I must confess, I can't help but smile back :)

These hot pink seed geraniums give a real pop of color to the garden. I winter them over in my basement, and I'm so happy when it's time to bring them out for their debut :)

These  little pale pink and yellow snapdragons are the sweetest thing blooming in my garden right now. They seem to have the innocence of a sweet baby girl.  When I look at them, I can almost smell baby powder.
So whether or not, it's in your own garden, or your just walking through one.  Don't forget to take some time this Spring to stop and enjoy God's colorful show.  It really is beautiful, and relaxing.