PSA No. 11 - Moldy Cheese Day

Today is Moldy Cheese Day (don't ask how I know, I just do). I have been very absent in my blogging lately so I thought the best way to get back in to things would be with Moldy Cheese Day. Those that know me well, know that mold, especially on bread, is enough to send me running and screaming. So I find it somewhat odd that my favorite cheese is - well, dare I say it - mold. I love Bleu Cheese and the fact that I know that bleu stuff is mold seems to slip my mind, because let me find a block of cheddar with mold and I am once again running and screaming. Celebrate the day with a block of cheese and your favorite crackers. I know I will.

PSA No. 10 - National Ice Cream Day

Today is National Ice Cream Day (don't ask me how I know I just do). In 1984 President Reagan declared July National Ice Cream month and the third Sunday in July to be National Ice Cream Day. Well since I am the Ice Cream Queen, I couldn't let the day go by without acknowledging it. I love ice cream, always have. One of my favorite things would be a hot fudge sundae, perfect, rich vanilla ice cream with the thickest fudge heated and poured on top, whip cream and a cherry. Or how about a thick, creamy chocolate malt. These creations must be made just right, I have yet to find a place quite like Oberweis out here in the Valley of the Sun, but much like my quest for a great margarita continues so does my quest for a great ice cream parlor.

PSA NO. 9 - National Pretzel Day

Okay since I have neglected my blog for over a month and missed many very interesting "Holidays", I have decided to start what will hopefully be regular posting with this: National Pretzel day. Did you know? Pretzels are believed to be the world's oldest snack. Pretzels date back to 610AD in Southern France. Monks baked thin strips of dough into the shape of a child's arms folded in prayer. Add a little salt, and Voila! ...the pretzel industry was born. My personal favorite pretzels are the Snyders sourdough, little nugget like things. Pop quite easily in the mouth for a salty treat that can't be beat. Enjoy some pretzels today.

PSA No. 9 - Get a Pedicure

If you live where sandals are worn 12 months a year it is your civic duty to keep your feet looking good. Believe me no one wants to see dirty crusty toenails popping out from your flip-flops. I take my duties very seriously and therefore I am obligated to get regular pedicures. This is my latest, with a lovely shade of dark pinkish red.

PSA No. 7 update

Look at the difference a week can make in the life of a van. Thanks to Sterling Auto Body for the great job they did fixing the little mishap on my van. Now all I have to do is stay away from poles in the parking lot and we should be okay.

PSA No. 8 - Thank a Mailman Day

Today is Thank a Mailman Day (don't ask how I know, I just do) so thank your mailman for coming out six days a week in every kind of weather imaginable, it could be 12 inches of snow in the midwest or 120 degrees of heat in the southwest, they are there day in and day out. Thank you Mary, for being the Mailperson of the Day, at least in my mind.

PSA No. 7 - Watch out for Big Poles in Parking Structures

This is what your van will look like if you don't watch out for the poles in the covered parking areas. For those of you in the colder climates you might not be familiar with covered parking areas, but they are very popular here in the hot, hot, hot desert. In a normal parking lot they put up shelter for the cars and guess what, poles hold up the covers. Big red poles, if you haven't figured that out already. Some people just can't pay attention to what they are doing when they leave work, and consequently van meets pole and damage occurs. Damage to the tune of $2,000 occurs. So guess who will not be parking near a pole anymore.

PSA No. 6 - Compliment Day

Today is compliment day (don't ask how I know, I just do). Remember what your mother taught you: If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all. So today try to find five people that you can sincerely give a compliment to. The key word here is sincerely. It can be as simple as that color looks good on you to something more serious, like, well I don't know what but I am sure you can think of something. So go out there on your stomach full of blonde brownies and compliment someone.

PSA No. 5 - National Blonde Brownie Day

Today is Blonde Brownie Day (don't ask how I know I just do). On Blonde Brownie Day, it's your right and responsibility to bake blonde brownies, and to eat them. If you don't have time to bake today, buy some and eat a few extra blonde brownies. For the recipe I used to bake my Blonde Brownies go to verybestbaking.com and search for blonde brownies. Enjoy.

PSA No. 4 - Bake Cookies Day

Today is the official Bake Cookies Day, don't ask how I know I just do. So lucky for me that tomorrow is Pot Luck Day at the office. I baked my now famous (in my own mind) peppermint cookies for all to enjoy. If you weren't able to bake some cookies today, don't despair home-baked cookies are good any day of the year.

Update on Rant No. 7 - Margarita Mayhem

Last night we went to Cantina Laredo, after calling to confirm the liquor license was in place. I am somewhat disappointed to report that I am not able to end my search for a great margarita in this area, however they have just about the best food I have had in a Mexican restaurant since, well since I was at Adobe. (See PSA No. 2) Two salsas are served with the chips, one is warm with a chipotle flavor, the other nice and spicy. The guacamole was made table side and was excellent, we nearly licked the bowl clean. We ordered Enchiladas de Espinaca, which were spinach enchiladas in a creamy poblano sauce, and Shrimp Taquitos which are pretty much self explanatory. We shared the two dinners and I will say those Enchiladas were hands down the best I have ever had. Dessert was also to die for, it was called Mexican Apple Pie and was a slice of apple pie placed on a very hot skillet, topped with cinnamon ice cream and then a Mexican Brandy Butter was poured over the top. The aroma that came from the brandy butter being put on the hot skillet was enough to make the entire restaurant beg for one. In my opinion all this place is lacking is a really good margarita, the margarita was okay but not outstanding and for a place with such outstanding food they must have a margarita to match.

PSA No. 3 - National Stay at Home Because You Are Well Day

Today is National Stay at Home Because You Are Well Day. Don't ask how I know I just do. This is a concept we can all embrace. Taking a day off, feeling well and doing as you please. This may not get you many points with the employer, but may prove to be a great thing for your own personal sanity. I myself will not be joining in this "holiday" this year, but I will be keeping it in mind for next year. Whatever you choose to do enjoy your day.

PSA No. 2 - Best Margarita Ever

It is my duty to share with everyone the fact that I have finally had what I believe to be the best margarita ever. I have spent the last year and a half searching for a great, not just so-so, but GREAT margarita here in Arizona. I thought that living in the Southwest automatically meant good Mexican food and great margaritas. How naive I am. It was on my recent trip home that I found this excellent margarita and the food was to die for also. My sister and I had some time to kill before picking up my niece, we were driving around Yorktown and happened upon Adobe. We went in for a drink and some appetizers and it was there that I finally found what I had been looking for. I really can't describe how wonderful this drink was, you will have to experience it for yourself. They also have two locations in Chicago, unfortunately for me there are none in the Phoenix area, so my quest continues out here.

PSA No. 1

Today is National Clean out your Refrigerator Day. Don't ask me how I know, I just heard it somewhere and whether it is true or not I don't think I care. I am a huge proponent of clean refrigerators, This is how mine looks in between grocery shopping trips. Please note all the essentials seem to be covered: milk, OJ, water, condiments, yogurt, margarita mix and beer. So take this opportunity before Thanksgiving fills your refrigerator with leftovers and clean it out!!!