Olympic Bound...well almost!

Are you a fan of the Olympics?  

My family and I love to watch the Olympics whether they are Summer or Winter.  We get excited

watching new and past athletes competing. I love hearing the backstories on the athletes as well, definitely gives you a different perspective while you are watching them compete.  This year we are excited to watch Shaun White compete in snowboarding.  And of course Figure Skating is always a favorite and this year they have the NEW Team Event.  And we will be watching all the Ice Hocky...we have two players from the Washington Capitals competing...Ovechkin on Team Russia and Carlson for Team USA!  So much to see........

Anywho this post is all about the Olympics and Russia!

I have some fun facts about Sochi and the 2014 Olympics.

There are Downloadable & Printable Olympic Event Schedules if you'd like to use them.

Some chilly pictures to get you in the Winter Olympic mindframe...course its cold and snowy here so it doesn't take much for us to do so LOL!

And I have some recipes to make some traditional Russian foods and party treats as well!

Sooooooo.........

pozvolyayet partii

(that's "Let's Party" in Russian)

And Winter Olympics in Russia...I never think of Russia in any season other than winter so it seems fitting yes?  

Sochi Olympic Village

We even have the new DirecTV Genie that records up to 5 shows at once geared up and ready.

We don't like to miss a THING!

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DOWNLOAD SCHEDULES:

So I created a few downloadable and printable schedules of the events if that is something that interests you as well.  Remember I made these for my family so we wouldn't miss an event...they aren't super fancy but they are easy to read and follow!

They are below for you to use if you'd like:

NBC OLYMPIC SCHEDULE BY DATE/EVENT

*and*

OLYMPIC ICE HOCKEY SCHEDULE BY DAY/TEAM

The Sochi Figure Skating Palace

* The Olympic Village was built on top of what was a swamp

*Total Cost was $51 Billion (wowza the most expensive Olympics to date)

*Largest Winter Olympics ever, with 88 countries participating

*First-timers are Paraguay & Zimbabwe

*10 Gold Medalists on February 15th will receive medals embedded with pieces of meteorites

*USA Gold Medalists got $25,000 for each Gold Medal in the last Olympics

*12 NEW Events including Women's Ski Jumping

*Sochi is bordered by the Black Sea and the Greater Caucasas  Mountains

*Joseph Stalin had his vacation home in Sochi

*Sochi is a sub-tropical climate making it the warmest Winter Olympics

*It is 1000 miles from Moscow

*There are 3 Olympic Mascots...the Hare, Polar Bear & Leopard

Sochi Winter Olympics Athlete's Village

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Carry On With Some 

Olympic & Russian Themed Foods:

Torch Snacks

Make Gold Torch Treat Holders...fill with your fave snack food

Beef Stroganoff

One of my faves which is a Russian dish is Beef Stroganoff/Stroganov

Meat Piroshki

You can make these with multiple type of fillings...I've only had the meat version

but I know there are many different versions out there.

Solyanka Soup

A traditional spiced sour soup...never made it but thinking I may try it...sounds so yummy!

Another Russian soup is Borscht made with beets...I'm not a fan of beets so I will skip that one.

Caviar

And of course you can't forget the caviar!  I'm not a fan but I know lots love it!

Olympic Cupcakes

Bake up some fun Olympic Ring cupcakes in your favorite flavors!

Gold Medal Cookies

Make some Gold Medal cookies...have your kids or guests decorate them

with icing tubes and candies! Reward to ONLY those worthy of the gold tho' ;)

Syrniki

Never had these but they sure sound delicious...traditional Russian sweet...mmm!

Sochi Drink

Serve up some fun Olympic Drinks!

White Russians

And my fave....a frosty White Russian Drink..mmmmm..perfect night cap!

(adults only)

or 

White Russian Cupcakes

I mean why not?

If you watch...what is YOUR favorite event in the Winter Olympics?

Superbowl Sunday!

Its Superbowl Sunday everyone.....what's your favorite part of this event?
The food, the smack talk, the entertainment or the game?  
I will go with all of the above LOL. We are big football fans and even though our Redskins & Ravens didn't make it this year we still love to watch the Superbowl.
And I'm a big fan of Bruno Mars so I can't wait to see him perform too.

And then there is the food and having people over...that's all fun too.  Always love some good

smack talking with friends and family while eating foods that can make you feel like you got hit by a mac-truck later...HA!  But its all good right?

We are rooting for the Broncos to win...nothing against Seattle really...we just love Peyton Manning.

And of course the commercials...some of the best commercials of the year are on during the Superbowl and of course some of the dumbest lamest!

And next Friday the Sochi Winter Olympics start...whoot whoot!  Can't wait for that!

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Superbowl Menu

So this is the spread that the Dean's household will have out tomorrow...some of it I made and some I bought pre-made cuz' hey mom needs a break too right?  The links to the recipes are below as well...I like foods that are easy to grab and eat (except the wings of course).

Wings (hot & brown sugar)

Warm Crab Dip

Beer Bacon Cheese Dip

Hot Spinach Dip

Jack Daniels Glazed Shrimp

Hot Dog Bar

Parmesan Chicken Sliders

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Loaded Potato Skins

Spicy Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon

Veggie Tray

Chips & Pretzels

Cookies & Cupcakes

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Spicy Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon

(let me count the ways I love these...and the candied bacon...oh myyyy mmm)

Loaded Potato Skins
Just load em up with goodies...its all good :)

Chicken Parmesan Sliders

Easy to make & oh-so yummy

Warm Maryland Style Crab Dip

I have my own recipe for this but this is pretty close...of course

you use Old Bay for the seafood seasoning y'all!

Baked Brown Sugar Wings

Really yummy & not as messy

Beer Bacon Cheese Dip

Just plain...droolicious good...that is all!

Jack Daniels Glazed Shrimp

You can grill these or boil, soak in Jack Daniel's BBQ sauce & serve cold..good both ways!

Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies

....need I say more

If you are watching the game...enjoy and make sure to check out the commercials.
I post my favorite on Facebook :)

But this commercial below so far is my favorite that's been pre-released...it will make your heart smile!
One of my fave songs too!




Have a great Sunday!

Boot Stompin' Fun!

{image via}

I like music.  I like all music unless its screamo. Yes I will even rap some for you.
I have over 15,000 songs on my very first iPod (yes its old as dirt, don't judge).
My music goes thru all decades and genres.
 I love finding new artists. ReverbNation and I are BFFs. 

I love following artists on Twitter...and a lot of them follow me. I like supporting artists that are deserving of good fortune and for folks to take a listen to.  In another life I would so be a music concert/artist promoter!
Oh and I'm a Twitter fiend..can't help myself.

I don't censor music for myself or my teens..I never have.
Nor do I censor books.
 My teens listen to all types of music which makes me happy.
I only have to hear a song twice and I know all the words...I'm weird like that.
I can sing along with most any song you play...and my daughter inherited that gene..we are real annoying like that.  ;)

But my favorite genre is country...I can remember listening to country at age 4 in the backseat of my parent's station wagon singing along to songs on the 8-track.
Yeah I'm that old...I've listened to 8 tracks, records, tape cassettes to digital music.
 I love that fact even if it makes me old, like a dinosaur :) shhhh.

John Denver, Jim Croce, Bread, Clearwater Creedence, Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson...now those songs take me back.

Crosley Cruiser Portable Turntable

And to think record players are back on trend...it makes you hipster to listen to "vinyl" they call it.

I still call them records. I'm still confused by this "hipster" word...it annoys me. I have no idea why.

Alexa got a record player for Christmas...its pretty cute! (see pic above)

I want to steal some of my mom's old records...one day...when she's not looking (ha)!

I spend my extra money on books for my Kindle, music, antiques and concerts.

Things that make my heart and soul happy.

There is nothing like going to a concert and listening to music live. Its a whole 'nother level.

You are listening to this music, this artist...with others that know all the words and love it too.

The sound reverbates in your body...if you don't dance & shout & sing...well I don't know what to say.

It will move you......

during Florida Georgia Line's "Shine On" performance

I think I went to 29 concerts last year. And each one was a fabulous experience.

Tim McGraw was the best...we were right at the stage..yep touched him a few times <sigh>..but oh

just the whole experience...unforgettable.

I will go to concerts when I'm old and in a wheelchair...I will rock the hipster style in my jazzed and blinged out wheelchair...no doubt. Because I can.

Watch me!

Tyler Farr

I collect stories and experiences along the way. To me there is nothing better than having a memory, an experience and a story to share and remember.

Stories follow me.

It's just who I am.

Life is all about the stories.

Brian of Florida Georgia Line

My mom, my daughter and I like to go to concerts together.

We will travel and spend the night if need be..have car will travel I say.

We've stood in lines for 5+ hours to be first in the "pit" and right at the stage.

I've run like a crazy woman to be first at the stage...yes I will run you over.

I have almost passed out from the heat and frozen from the cold.

I have crazy, fun, weird experiences at most concerts.

Oh the stories I could tell.

I will tell you just one today.

This isn't the craziest...if you follow me on Facebook you've heard some of the craziest!

Tyler of Florida Georgia Line (my fave)

Recently my mom, me and my daughter traveled to Charlottesville, VA to see

Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line and Tyler Farr in concert. I won't tell you how many times I've seen the first two acts...its a lot...I may be obsessed...not roadie obsessed but close to it!

 And Charlottesville is our second home...we are there a lot to see concerts.
Its a pretty town...great restaurants...home of UVA...lots to do.
But concerts are my #1 reason for visiting.

Florida Georgia Line

This year I picked up our tickets at will call in the 10 deg weather and stood in a very LONG line to get in.

They scanned our tickets and told us the tickets were cancelled and we had to go BACK to will call.

You probably don't know me well...if you do then you are holding your breath waiting to see what I did..because you know how I am...ha!
  I lack a filter at times and I don't back down easily, nor can you think you can walk over me. Don't underestimate me at any time. I'm very nice...to a point...then all bets are off.

I told them there was no way IN HELL we'd go back around the huge arena to will call in that weather when I had just been there...their problem, not mine.
After much consideration on many people's part....

They decided they could walk us through the arena instead...and were worried we might run away.

Seriously?

The people in front of us at will-call were told their tickets were fake...the woman was stunned...

she said nothing.  Ummm that wouldn't have been my reaction at all.

My mom and daughter were slowly backing away from me and the window...they knew what I was going to do or say and it wasn't going to be pretty...if they told me the same.

Luckily for them we didn't need to go there ;)

They had moved us from Row J on the floor to the front of the stage behind the pit...they had to move our row for whatever reason. So we ended up with much better seats and I didn't have to make a scene.

Win...Win!
My migraine and rant was receding from memory at this point.

Of course there was the issue of my car..ummm ya know...it could possibly be towed.

We park at the outlets and walk over because of traffic..one time we were stuck in the parking garage for 1.5 hours AFTER the show ended..yeah never again.
Its just easier to park at the outlets, walk and I've done it before.

Well this year there were signs..ummm I didn't see those..someone knocked them over <wink>

I texted the hubs that we could be towed but that he shouldn't have to worry.
His response...."ok"...the man knows me too well...he never gets overly excited.

I mean being towed would be easier to explain than a phone call from jail right?

And he's always waiting for a jail call...hmmpppftttt...wouldn't be my fault if that happened ;)

I mean if you are drunk and touching or annoying me, I will make sure you know I'm not happy.

If you spill stuff on me because you drank too much, you will know I'm not happy.

If you try to push my daughter or mother, you will know I'm not happy.

If you hit my car, you will know I'm not happy.

Get the drift?

Florida Georgia Line put on the most amazing, hoppin' concert it will blow your mind.

They are my fave!

But we had a good time.

The concert was amazing...our seats were the best.

And I got these great pictures.

So I could remember...and share with you.

Aren't you lucky?

HA!

Jason Aldean

We finished up the evening with our usual trip to the Waffle House.

That's good eatin' right there...mmmm.

Open 24 hours...cheap...homecooked breakfast foods.

Just say yes to smothered hash browns, egg sandwiches and chocolate chip waffles.

Does a body GOOD...real good!

And we came home with some more stories.

To add to the memory bank.

Because that's what its all about.

Being together, having fun, laughing and enjoying!

Have you been to a great concert lately?

Who is your favorite act to see?

Are you a music addict like myself?

Tell me!!!

Cool Beans--Innovative Products!

HI everyone!  Hope your end of January is going well! February will soon be here and we have a super BUSY month!  We are an excited Olympic watching family...cannot wait till the Winter Olympics start soon...we schedule our TV watching around it.  And we can't forget the SuperBowl..always a big event in our house.  We've had lots of SuperBowl parties and last year we watched it in Baltimore, in a great pub surrounded by other Ravens fans. After the Ravens won it was such a cool experience to see everyone in the city pour out into the streets, horns beeping and people just celebrating...something we will never forget!  And then my son turns 16 in Februrary...OMGosh..how did that happen LOL?  Then its my mom's birthday the next day and then Valentine's Day...so a very busy but happy month (minus the snow & cold temps of course)!

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COOL PRODUCTS I LOVE

I thought I'd share some NEW and COOL innovative products that I've been introduced to recently.  Some may toot your horn and some may not...but always fun to see new ideas and things that help us along in some way through life! And quite a few that made me go "hmmmm why didn't I think of that?"

Lava Heated Lunch Bags

My daughter packs her lunch for school everyday...she's never been interested in the cafeteria meals like my son.  And she complains the lines are too long to use the microwaves so she will sometimes take soup in a thermos but never anything else that needs to be warmed up.  UNTIL I found these Lava lunch bags...heat your food and these bags keep them HOT for 6 hours.  Great alternative for those that have no access to an oven or microwave for their meals out. Invented by a mom too :)

Hickies Laces

My son goes thru laces like water...I like to think its just because he's a boy LOL. But he also hates tying his shoes and the laces just hang out and get stomped on arghhhh.  So someone recommended these to me and I thought "how cool...why didn't I think of that?"  They come in all colors including white and black and are a nice alternative if you don't want to lace or worry about tying.

Sinkstation Flat Colander

I saw this pinned on Pinterest a few weeks ago..then I went and watched the video HERE and I fell in love..not hard to do for me!  I usually peel things over my trashcan because I don't want to clog my garbage disposal (don't ask about the time I clogged it with potato peels before 16 people showed up for Thanksgiving years ago). But this would be awesome to have to put in my sink to peel things, rinse produce and more...watch the video and you will think "hmmm why didn't I invent that"!

reCAP Mason Jars Pour Cap - Regular Mouth 4 Pack SILVER

I think these are super cool...you can use them to easily pour anything you may have canned or bought that is in a mason jar. Use them to create fun drinking bottles, great for kids too!  So many uses!

Peekaboos Ponytail Hats

I'm a ponytail kinda girl on days I'm working on projects or if I'm being active outside or at an outdoor event.  Sometimes a problem when its super cold out like this winter we are having.  I saw these Peekaboos Ponytail Hats on Pinterest and I think they are so cute..great way to wear a hat and have your ponytail too (and not smooshed). These similar hats on Etsy are custom made and cute as well!

Corkcicle Classic Wine Chiller

I only drink white wine...red wine gives me massive headaches so I skip it. And my favorite is Ice Wine from Upstate New York and Canada...its so yummy and it must be really cold when you drink it. I like all my white wine really chilled and you know it gets warm quickly when sitting out.  My mom got me this Corkcicle for Christmas and I love it...you just freeze it and pop it in your wine after opening and it keeps it nice and cold without having to put it in a bucket. Also good for bringing red wines to room temps if need be. Great for when you the weather turns nice and you are eating outside too!

Google Chromecast

And for the techies like myself I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how awesomely rad & cool Google Chromecast is!  Yup turn any HDTV into a Smart TV...stream content from the internet with a WIFI hookup...so that means shows/videos from Hulu, Netflix, Youtube & more using your smartphone, tablet or computer/laptop to control it.  For only $35!

And for even more high powered tech news...check out Google Glass...this is the future baby!

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This is just a short list of some of the cool items I've read about, seen on TV or have myself.

I could go on and on for days...I love innovative products and I'm a huge techie so I always like to see all the new ideas.  CES (Consumer Electronic Show) in Las Vegas is super fun if you ever get to go...I was like a kid in the candy store when I went in the past!

Any new, cool and innovative products that have caught your eye lately??