My Neighbor Rosie ... The Great!

Several of Rosie's Fall Creations!

How can I explain Rosie? Okay - here's a start ... besides funny, charming, and a smile that lights up her face. She is an accomplished interior designer by trade, a gourmet cook, and an engaging storyteller. She is always ahead of the game - in fact, she has already served Thanksgiving Dinner at her place this year (Oct 24th) and we were invited!

Because some of her family members were going to be out of the country on Real Thanksgiving Day, Rosie decided to celebrate a month early. There were 10 of us who made the "A" list, and as her best friend Phyllis says, "When Rosie cooks, just drop all other plans and be there, because whatever she cooks is better than any restaurant." James and I agree!

The roast that was not meant to be!

On the heels of Rosie's fabulous Thanksgiving dinner. I decided to invited Rosie, Phyllis, her son Gregory and their adorable friend Christi who was in town from Colorado to reciprocate dinner on Monday. I put my roast on early and slow cooked it for 9 hours - it still was not done by 7pm! (may I remind you - roast is my speciality) I wanted to put my best foot forward for my neighbors especially the gourmet cook - you know who ... Rosie!

Never let them see you sweat!

My guest were arriving and my roast was still not ready! That's when I grabbed my handbag, jumped in the car and and raced to EATZIS! Thank the Lord for EATZIS! We ended up having delicious pork tenderloin with the vegetables that were to be eaten with "the roast that was not meant to be!" Oh yes, and perhaps the best part of dinner (favorite part) was the dessert. Pumpkin Roll. Will post the recipe soon.

By the way - I cooked "the roast" for another nine hours - no luck - still not done! I think I bought a rubber roast:)

xoJoy

Miracle Potion!

Save My Feet

Blister Elixir

I DO NOT understand how this miracle potion works - but I only know it does!

This is the best invention since iphone. Fabulous shoes no longer hurt. Just rub a dime size amount onto each foot and you are ready for action! ~ A brilliant woman with aching feet must have invented this amazing Elixir!

I always use before standing to make long presentations or before leaving for a long day of travel. (and especially when I wear new shoes) It lasts for every bit of eight hours. Save My Feet is greaseless and stainless. You can find it at random boutiques and drugstores or go to www.peachesandbooboo.com

The world is a better place because of SAVE MY FEET BLISTER ELIXIR!

The State Fair of Texas

Howdy! I'm BIG TEX!

If you've ever been to the State Fair of Texas - you know Howdy - I'm Big Tex! is his key phrase and always has been!

Today was the perfect State Fair day. Not too hot, not too cold ... but just right. My husband only agrees to attend because of the Fletcher's corndogs and the fresh squeezed lemonade. I'm not a corndog fan, but I did have a funnel cake & carmel apple. Oh yes, and a bratwurst & uh, well ... I brought home a bag of cotton candy. Must have cotton candy! Come to think of it - my tummy hurts!

I've been going to the State Fair of Texas since I was a little girl growing up in West Texas. It was always a treat and now even if we only stay long enough to spend all our coupons eating junk food - we always make time to ride the world's largest ferris-wheel.

Get Ready! This weekend is the Red River Shoot-out - UT vs. OU. More later on how Texas is gonna take 'em again this year.

In the meantime - here's more proof on why my tummy hurts ...

And then there's James!

Stuck on You!

My friend Kim gave me this recommendation and I wanted to share it with you.

Kim says: My ALL TIME favorite baby gift to give is personalized labels (of course, you need to know the baby's name first!) for kids'/babies' sippy cups/bottles, etc. Check out: http://stuckonyou.biz/

I'm telling you...every person that I have ever given them to ALWAYS tells me how awesome they are. We're big users of them too...every plate/cup, etc. that goes to school or church, etc. has my kiddos' names on them. I LOVE them. xo-k

Wanna Get Swizzled?

What's a Swizzle? It looks and smells good enough to eat, but it is simply delicious to your skin in your tub. Brought to you by Fraiche

www.myfraiche.com Swizzles come in many fragrances to match your mood along with soaps too. My personal favorites are Peppermint, Honeysuckle & Lavender Fields.

If you love to escape to a hot bath like I do - contact my friends at Fraiche 800.617.5050, or visit one of their retailers near you www.myfraiche.com/retailers.php

One more thing - Swizzles individual fun packaging makes for excellent hostess gifts!

Let's get Swizzled!

FUNKY MONKEY

In my business I am sent many products to tryout and promote to my audiences. I will have to be candid with you "All Things Refined" & "Funky Monkey" sounds like an oxymoron to me. I received all four flavors of Funky Monkey and first thought is was a kids snack, but because it is real fruit (freeze dried) I tasted every flavor. I never thought I would be blogging about a product called "Funky Monkey" but it is a tasty snack. Perfect for keeping at your desk or carrying in your handbag. I have included a link to their site for locations of purchase and the different flavors. My favorite is called Carnaval Mix. http://www.funkymonkeysnacks.com/flavors.htm  

What Happens In Vegas

What Happens in Vegas ... does not stay in Vegas!

Here's the proof ...

Finally, after 4o something years I get to meet Donny Osmond face to face.

Laughing it up with my teen crush. And my precious husband arm wrestling Donny Osmond over me :)

Oh btw, about their very high energy show - it was fantastic! From the front row it looked to me like Donny was singing "Go Away Little Girl" straight to me! The two hour show seemed like two minutes. They are extremely gracious, funny and absolutely beautiful. 

I told Marie, "I was disappointed she did not win Dancing w/the Stars," she quickly said, " Hey, I passed out, are you telling me I didn't win?" (cute & witty - what a combo!)

I told Donny, growing up I had his poster on my wall  & kissed it everyday. He quickly said, "It was time for me to take it down!" (oh very funny!)

James & Joy with Donny & Marie

Joy's dress is Joseph Ribkoff (www.ribkoff.com)