Fun Facts About Disneyland

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Gail

I know we have had various blogs about Disneyland and California Adventure and you are probably thinking we have covered just about everything that we can.  Well, guess again.  Just when you think we are done…here we go again.  I am going to list some things you may or may not know about Disneyland, but I find they are interesting and might be of some interest to you.

1)   The sweet fragrance of Main Street.  While walking down Main Street, have you ever wondered why it smells so darn good?  The Walt Disney Company decided to shoot out the sweet smell of cooking candy from Candy Palace Store to Main Street.  Such a great idea to entice people to come in.  This reminds me of trying to “lead a horse to water”.  The only problem with this scenario is that “we” are the horse.  Giddy Up!

2)  The Disneyland Railroad.  Have you ever wondered why the cast members are always waving at the guests at Disneyland?  This is because they are told to wave every time the train departs from whatever depot they are at.  The cast is being watched by the “insiders” at Walt Disney management.  Remember to smile.

3)  The Indiana Jones and Eeyore Connection.  Did you know that when you are riding on the Indiana Jones attraction, that you’re on the actual spot where the Eeyore parking lot used to be.  I know, I know, it is hard to believe.  If you want the actual proof you must go into the projection room and there it is, the ole Eeyore parking sign.  Just take a step back in time when you could hear the tram “master” say…this is the stop for “Eeyore”. I bet you don’t hear that every day.

4)  Return policy of Walt Disney.  If you ever purchase a balloon or toy in Disneyland or California Adventure and the balloon pops or the toy breaks, you can return it for a new one.   This is really a great thing as there is nothing more annoying that buying a toy that your child just “had to have” and it breaks within 5 minutes of using it.  Also, if you are staying at one of the Disneyland Hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier Hotel or the Grand California Hotel) and you purchase an item in one of the many stores on property, the cast will have your item delivered to your room within 24 hours.  This is very convenient as you don’t have to carry your item around with you all day long.

5)  I’ll take that ride.  I think the people at Walt Disney have all taken the class “Engineering for attraction ride lines” 101.  Have you seen the convoluted way some of these lines wrap around when you are in line waiting to get on an attraction?  It is truly amazing the different ways they can get 5,000 people (By the way, your number 3,659) in a radius of 20 sq.Ft.  I digress,  what I wanted to tell you is that if you are going on the Matterhorn always stay in the line by Tomorrowland as this is the shorter of the two.  One more tidbit of information,  the left side of the Matterhorn is faster than the right side.  This is one of the rides you can not get a fast pass on. Darn.  One last thing, look up at the Matterhorn and check out the trees.  The trees are bigger on the bottom than on the top.  This is a terrific illusion on the part of the engineering dept.  This makes the Matterhorn appear a lot bigger than it actually is.

I hope I have given you some fun and interesting facts in regards to Disneyland.  I am sure I will think of some more alone down the road and of course we will be in touch.  Go have some fun!

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Rides & Other To Do’s at Disneyland & California Adventure

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Gail

Mickey & Minnie

There’s so much to do at Disneyland and California Adventure in Anaheim, we want you to get the most out of your vacation and we don’t want you to miss a thing!

Disneyland Park  – You really need to spend more than one day in order to get the major rides in.  The parks are just too big to cover everything in one day.  Be sure to get your Park Hopper so you can go back and forth from Disneyland to California Adventure.  Before you decide on what rides you want to go on, be sure to visit our ”Fast Pass” blog and read that first.   It’s a must, if you plan on riding the “E” rides.

Good Times

The Disneyland Hotel and the Grand Californian border on each park.  They are both great to stay at.  Try and stay in a room that faces towards the Castle, so you can see the fireworks that go off every night. 

If you just go for the day, the parking lot is located at 1313 S. Disneyland Dr. Anaheim, CA  92802.

If you have never been to Disneyland before, the one thing you need to see is the fireworks and the Main Street Electrical Parade.  It’s like no other parade you’ve ever seen before.  If you aren’t interested in the parade, and you get trapped by the crowds, then here is Gail’s trick on how to get out of the way when the parade starts.  

Main Street Electrical Parade

Oh my goodness, that parade with all the people is enough to make you go Goofy.  Pun intended.  There are times that I have been “caught” in the crowd.  The way I get through the wave of people when I am on Main Street is I cut through the stores on either side of the street.  The stores on Main Street are open inside of one another so you can cut through and walk inside each store and not have to set foot on the sidewalks where you will most differently be run over by someone who thinks that they are in more of a hurry than you are (wait a minute that would be me).

I have been to the Magic Kingdom enough times that any day now I should be hearing from the Walt Disney Corporation with my frequent fly-er badge.  I love the sights, the sounds and smell of this place so much that when I step through the entrance,  I feel instantly rejuvenated.  Both California Adventure and Disneyland in Anaheim each have their own attributes when it comes to having fun.

The gang at Sleeping Beauty;s Castle

Disneyland is the Tried and True fun park of all time.  Going down Main Street gives you the feeling that you have stepped back in time.  Walt Disney, when designing this park, wanted every patron to know what it was like when he grew up and walked down His main street.    I have spent many of hour in the Fire Department with both of my children Jordan and McKenna as they played on the Fire Truck.  What great memories!  Sitting on a bench and watching the Mark Twain ship go by while your children are playing at Tom Sawyers Island is priceless.  Just hearing that sound of the blow horn takes me to a different place in time.  I always said that if I died and came back as a bird, I am going to live at Disneyland.  Just think about it….You will never be hunted down.  Always feed a great meal of popcorn droppings, and could fly in 2 minutes to a different land.  What a perfect life for a bird.

Haunted Mansion

Some of the rides that you should not miss are the of course the Pirates of the Caribbean.  You could go into this ride and see something different every time.  If you ever get a chance and want to have a very special lunch try the Blue Bayou.  You will not regret it as the food is good and the ambiance is even better.  Go early or make a reservation.  If you do this your chance of getting by the water will be even better.  Remember, planning ahead is the key.  When your over in New Orleans Square, don’t forget to go through the Haunted Mansion.  During the months of October through January they decorate this ride in the “Nightmare before Christmas” theme.  The decor is absolutely great.  Really, a must-see.

Space Mountain

Tomorrow Land is another great place for rides.  The adults (sometimes the kids are up for it) will love Space Mountain.  This is the one ride that I go in with a voice and come out “horse” as I have screamed the entire time in shear delight.  This is my personal favorite.  I cannot get enough of this ride. The kids really enjoy the Autopia.  I like to call it  the “Shaken Parent Syndrome” ride.  There is nothing like having your 5 year old at the wheel.  If you think about it, there is not a lot of difference than a 16 year old driving. The Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger ride is an interactive one that is fun for the parent and kids.  You shoot “light” beams at various aliens and try to outscore the kids.  I am currently working at bettering my intergalactic score to show my child he isen’t the only one that can use a space gun.   By the way, this is a great ride to get a fast-pass .  From this point, do not miss the Star War’s show they have as the kids go completely nuts over this.  Get there early (do you see a pattern here) so you can sit in the front.  Buy your lunch and sit down with the kids and it actually becomes a nice little break before the show starts and its a great way to make your children eat as you can hold it over their little heads that if they don’t they will not get to see the show.

Matterhorn

The one ride that is a must is the Matterhorn witch is situated between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.  It is an amazing ride and is a replica to the Matterhorn of the Swiss alps.  It really is a great ride if you want to get cooled off in the heat of summer.

The other must see at Disneyland is Fantasyland, (I like to call it Crazyland) as this is a place that has more rides in a smaller area.   There are not fast passes available so you must go early but you will find that your little ones will be able to ride on a bevy of things before they tucker out.  Don’t forget to go on Its A Small World.  The song alone will play in your head for the next month.  There is something about those little dolls that really get me.  It is a great ride at Christmas time as they decorate it so cute during the holidays.  Actually, the entire park is done in such a way that it is a tradition to go just to see the decorations now.  The “magic” of this place is so great on so many levels it never ceases to amaze me what the people of Walt Disney will come up with next.  You go Mickey! 

When California Adventure opened up, I was the biggest skeptic around.  “How can this new place be anywhere on the level of Disneyland”.  Well, let me tell you, my friends, it is three words…Fab-u-lous!!  The minute you walk through the Golden Gates with the music of California blaring in the background, I feel so proud that I am a true California Girl besides being a Disneyland Girl.  The isles are wider and it just has a different feel than our tried and true Magic Kingdom.  I love how everything such as the fine eateries are  named after California and the attractions mirror that same thing.

Entrance to California Adventure

The one ride that absolutely no one should miss is my personal favorite, “Soarin’ Over California”.   First on your list should be, as my inner mantra dictates,  GET YOUR FAST PASS.  When it is your turn to ride, always ask for the front row.  It does not matter if the cast member rolls his eyes at you….stare right back and get a back bone.  “Yes, I want to ride in the front”. 

Soaring over California

This ladies and gentlemen is completely worth the extra wait in line.  If you don’t do this, there will be a huge chance of your starring at the first rows shoes and legs dangling in your midst through the entire ride.  This is because the way the ride is designed, the first row is on top then the second row, then the third row.  Quit ingenious in design but again always ask for the front row.  Not all rides in California Adventure demands first row seating such as the Grizzly River Run.  The best rapid ride you will ever go on.  You cannot be in the first row because there is no first row.  It is like a round table.  It spins as you go through the rapids and on a hot day, there is nothing like it.  I could go on this 10 times and be dripping wet and still yell out “again”.  What a trip!

Tower of Terror

If you like to walk on the wild side, like I do, take a trip to the Hollywood Hotel, Tower of Terror.  O’h my gosh, this ride is completely off the charts.  The decor and the intro to this ride is so unbelievable, it makes the anticipated suspense all the more exciting when your elevator drops  and your stomach stays on the 15 floor.  I will let you in on a secret, do not go on this ride for than four times in a row.  I pride myself on being a true connoisseur of that fast and furious, but this will definitely make you go green in the face.

California Screamin

Another ride that you must not miss is the one and only…California Screamin.  What a hoot!!  If you look at the picture to the left, you’ll see the roller coaster going around in a circle within Mickey’s head.!  On this ride your choice of seating should either be in the first cart or the last.  Tell you what, try both ways.  The starting out point on this ride makes you want to scream and you haven’t even left the dock.  They  count down and then shoot you so fast that your face stays on the dock and you are already on the the first drop down.  It is a smooth ride and one that will definitely bring you to your knees.  I use to think that I was loosing inches because I was getting old….I have found out it was because I have rode this ride so many times I have come out a few inches shorter every time.  Don’t forget to buy the picture they will take right before the ride ends, your hair will never be the same again.  If your hair does go awry remember your Pizza Inserts could help with your new do.  Now, go out there and be adventurous and always ask for the front row, you’ll be glad you did.

California Screamin’

Let’s get off the beaten path of Disneyland and California Adventure!!  I know when some people go to Disneyland and California Adventure they go for the attractions such as the awesome rides.  But there are so many other things you can do there when you want to get off the “beaten path” or get away from some of the crowds.  I have been doing Disneyland for so long that I have some ideas you might like.  When your not with children, there is so many great places to go to have some adult time.  My sister and I have it down to a fine art.

Grand Californian Main Pool

After hitting the rides and grabbing the fast passes as I am sure you have done, sometimes you just want to take it easy for an hour or two.  Sometimes there is nothing quite like a Lemon Drop Martini to take the edge off.  For that, we recommend that you take the time to go into the bar next to the pool at Disney Grand Californian Hotel.  It is a little slice of heaven.  You can take your beverage, be it alcoholic or not, out to the back where there is a fire place that is always lit.  It backs up against the pool and the new addition to the hotel.  There are great large rocking chairs to sit in and if it is a cold day (anything in California that is 70 Degrees or less, is considered cold) take a chair and sit and relax.  It is amazing how 1/2 or so of this and your ready to go again.

Lemon Drop Martini

If your with children and need a little time “off” the one place to head to is the area in California Adventure called ” Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.”  Here you can let your little rug-rat run wild.  This place is great!!!  The kids have so much fun here and it offers the parents a place to go to sit and still keep a good eye  on the “kidlins”.  They can climb, run, jump…..everything they want to do in the park but without always having to hold your hand so they don’t run off.  They are completely self contained in this little mini- park.  You can participate with them in regards to climbing the “tree houses” they have and following them as they go through trails and bridges  as they traverse through the whole area.   You truly feel you are in the Redwoods as Walt Disney has really made it feel like your in the forest.  All your waiting for is Smokey the Bear to come a marching down the road.

Downtown Disney

Another thing I would recommend is going to Downtown Disney and getting a table at one of the many food establishments that dot the walk way from the entrance gates of the Magic Kingdom all the way down to the Disneyland Hotel.  There are so many great places to sit and people watch.  There is nothing better than sitting with a glass of Ice Tea and kicking your feet up and just watching the people as they walk by.  You never know what your going to see.  I have fallen over in my chair sometimes watching the “fam” as they come out of Disneyland completely exhausted with the kids hanging on dads legs with 5 balloons rapped around his arm carrying a stuffed animal with the kookiest hat on his head and he is totally in a daze.  Kinda feel sorry for him don’t ya.  Ah, yes, sometimes the entertainment is not always found in a parade down main street.  But it can be found in some of the oddest places if you care to look off the beaten path.  Have Fun and be adventurous!!

After a Long Day

 

 

 

 

 

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Disneyland & California Adventure Fast Pass

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Gail

California Adventure at night

The Gang

If your visiting both parks on the same day follow this example:

The  “Fast-Pass” is the single most important thing when going to Disneyland.  The minute you walked in, go get your first fast-pass at your favorite ride in Disneyland.   The reason for this is because more people visit Disneyland than any other park in California including California Adventure.   Most likely, it will be one of the rides you will need to wait in line if you don’t have a fast-pass.  Next, go across to California Adventure and get your fast-pass there.  Read the small print on the bottom of the ticket, another ticket will be available to you in approximately one to two hours (sometimes less).  You can keep doing this until you have accumulated all the fast-passes on the rides you want to ride the most, which will cut down on your waiting time by at least half.  Don’t wait, be at the ride you want to get your next fast-pass when that time slot becomes available.

“Let’s Ride”

Most people think you can only go on the ride in the time slot allotted on your ticket.  Not True.   You can go anytime after the first printed time until they close.   For instance, if the ticket reads “visit this attraction between 1:20 and 2:20, that does not mean you can only go for that specific time.  You can go from 1:20 until they close the park.  They only put this on the ticket as a “crowd control” system.    Going in between parks  and using your fast-passes, you’ll be able to ride on more rides with less frustration and that equals Fun, Fun, Fun!

Use Your Map

When going to the park make sure you have your map.  The one thing that drives me crazy, is when I go with someone and they don’t have a clear idea of what rides they want to ride, or which “land” they want to explore first.  I will not criss cross my way through, because time is important and I make sure I utilize it wisely.  Having a plan makes my trip less stressful when there are lot of people there.  I love this place and I am going to get the most out of it when I can.

 

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Restaurants and Hotels at Disneyland & California Adventure

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Gail

New Orleans Square

Geting ready for summer vacation?  Don’t delay in making your reservations!!   Make this the best summer ever.

Grand Californian Lobby

If your Disney vacation, includes staying at the Disneyland Hotel or the Grand Californian be sure to plan ahead and make reservation well in advance.  Both hotels border on each park.  The monorail system does make a stop at the Disneyland Hotel to pick up guest, which makes the commute to Disneyland much easier.  Both hotels are great and each have their own attributes.

 

Make sure to stroll Downtown Disney, just to visit all the great shops and restaurants. Downtown Disney is situated between the entrances of California Adventure and Disneyland Park.  The shops include Fossil, Lego Imagination Center, Sephora, Studio Disney 365, ESPN Zone Studio Store and much more.  In the evening, they have musicians entertaining the crowds as they stroll the street.  Don’t miss this!

Rain Forest Cafe

There are some very good restaurants, with a vast array of cuisine to choose from.  My favorite restaurant “downtown” is  The Rainforest Cafe, the atmosphere is that of the rain forest.  About every 15 minutes, it comes alive with animals and the entire inside of the restaurant transforms into a rain forest.  They serve salads, pasta, burgers and more.  The price rate is between $12 – $20.  On the way out, check out their gift store.

House of Blues

The House of Blues, serves southern specialties, but it is a bit pricey.  But with great ambiance and music it makes for a great dining experience.  The Napolini is a good Italian Deli, and is priced on a moderate scale.  La Brea Bakery Express is just that, they serve pastries, sandwiches and is a very popular eatery and minimally priced.  The T-REX®, A Prehistoric Family Adventure serves Amerian cuisine and is moderatly priced as well and is alway a family favorite.  The Raglan Road Irish Pub serves Irish cuisine with plenty of beer on tap.  Then you have some favorite pit stops like Wetzels Pretzels, Haagen Dazs, Jamba Juice and the list goes on and on.  There is not shortage of places to eat at Downtown Disney!

T-REX®, A Prehistoric Family Adventure

Once your inside the Disney Park one of the best things to eat at Disneyland is the Turkey leg.  These little hunks of heaven are to good to describe.  You can find them at the stands that are located on Main Street and also in Frontier land.  They can actually feed two people, but you won’t want to share, so get your own.  If you don’t want to have a sit down lunch or wait in a line to eat, this can be fun.  Just grab a drink and sit down under a tree and Nosh on your leg while people watching.   Could not get better than this!

Blue Bayou

The best restaurant in Disneyland is the Blue Bayou, located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in New Orleans Square.  It is Bayou side dining at it’s finest, an upscale restaurant and the ambiance is great.  They serve Cajun and Vegetarian food and I’m going to be perfectly honest… not the best I’ve had and it is a bit pricey.  You are paying mainly for the ambiance which is unbelievable.  Most of the other restaurants are minimally priced.  There is the River Belle Terrace in Frontierland.  They serve the famous Mickey pancakes, sandwiches, salads and more.  The Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country serves Burgers and fries.  In Tomorrowland there is the Tomorrowland  Terrace counter service and they serve burgers, fries, sandwiches and salads.  Red Rockets Pizza Port, also in Tomorrowland serves pizza, salads and more.

Taste Pilot's Grill

There are very few pricey restaurants in California Adventure and most are moderately priced and one on almost every corner.  There are a lot of walk up counter eateries, which is nice if your watching your budget.  Like the Taste Pilot’s Grill which is located next to Soaring Over California (a must ride).  There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, like Rita’s Baja Blender, Ariel’s Grotto, Paradise Pier Ice Cream Co.   In California Adventure there seems to be a restaurant at every turn.  One of the more upscale restaurants is the Wine Country Trattoria located at the Golden Vine Winery.  They serve Mediterranean style cuisine and about twenty five different wines to chose from.  

Wine Country Trattoria

 For lunch, the one counter service eatery I do not miss when I go to California Adventure, is the Pacific Wharf Cafe.   They serve the best soups and salads, and they are served in fresh baked bread bowls.  The clam chowder is great, but my personal favorite is the chicken salad with apples and raisins in a bread bowl.  To me, it doesn’t get any better than that!  Another favorite of mine, is the Corn Dog Castle, oh my goodness.  The biggest corn-dogs on earth.  While in California Adventure you will not have a problem finding a place to eat, and most are moderately priced.  Don’t miss out on some good food!

Pacific Wharf

 

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Disneyland Ticket, Hours and Lodging Information

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Mindy

Fantasyland Teacups

Get ready for summer, Disneyland is just a click away!! When it comes to buying tickets, there are different prices,  depending on which park you want to visit.  If you want to visit just Disneyland or just California Adventure or both.  If your visiting both parks, you’ll need a “Park Hopper” ticket.  Here is the pricing on Disneyland tickets or park hoppers.  There are discounts for Southern California residents, but it depends on your zip code.  Make sure you have verification to prove this.

The hours at Disneyland and California Adventure vary as well, depending on the time of year.  Click here for the Hours of operation

Of course, the most ideal places to stay would be either Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian, but as you would imagine, they are pricey, but well worth it.  There is no shortage of available lodging in Anaheim, especially close to Disneyland and California Adventure.  Here are a few hotels close to the parks that are moderately priced.   Anaheim Camelot Inn & Suites,  Paradise Pier Hotel (we’ve stayed here before, and it was very nice & they also served a full breatfast for hotel guests),  Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel and Best Western.  This is just a few but there are many many more.  There are also an abundance of very inexpensive Motels close to the parks, so just make sure you book in advance and make your trip to Anaheim Disney a memorable one.

Have a wonderful vacation!

 

 

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Summer Salads

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Mindy

Artichoke and Crab Salad            

Ingredients

1 cup artichoke hearts diced                               1/2 cup catsup

1 cup crabmeat                                                      1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup heavy cream                                            1/2 cup olives chopped

1 cup mayonnaise                                                 salt and pepper to taste

1/2 head lettuce

Preparation

In medium bowl, combine artichoke hearts and crab meat.  Chill.

Combine heavy cream, mayonnaise, catsup, Worcestershire sauce, olives, salt and pepper.  Prior to serving, combine the artichoke and crab mixture with the remaining ingredients.  Mix well.  Serve on lettuce

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

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Chinese Chicken Salad    

Ingredients

2-3 cups seasoned cooked chicken breast cubed (can substitute breaded)

1   lg. head iceberg lettuce                                     1 cup won tons

4   green onions chopped                                      1 cup slivered almonds

1 – 8 oz can water chestnuts diced                      3   celery stalks thinly sliced

1 – 8 oz. can mandarin oranges drained

Dressing

1/2 cup vegetable oil                                               4 Tbs. sugar

4 Tbs. rice vinegar                                                   Salt and pepper to taste

2 Tbs. toasted sesame seeds                                  1 Tbs. Soy sauce

In small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.

Preparation

In large salad bowl, combine lettuce, chicken, onion, water chestnuts and celery.  Add salad dressing and toss.   Add almonds, mandarin oranges, won tons and sesame seeds. Toss lightly.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Serves 8                                                                                           Preparation Time: 10 minutes

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Broccoli Mushroom Salad

Ingredients

8 cups broccoli floweret’s

1 lb. fresh mushrooms sliced

2 green onions chopped

Dressing

1/4 cup white vinegar                                       1 tsp salt

1/2 cup sugar                                                      1 tsp celery seed

1 tsp. paprika                                                      1 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp. onion powder

In medium bowl, combine dressing ingredients and mix well prior to pouring on salad

Preparation

In large salad bowl, combine broccoli, mushrooms and onions.  Pour 1/2   dressing over salad and toss.  Refrigerate 1-2 hours.  Just prior to serving, pour the remaining dressing and toss.      Serves 8-10                                                                   Preparation Time:  15 minute

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Cole Slaw with Peanuts                       

Ingredients

4 cups shredded cabbage                                    1 cup grated carrots

2 green onion chopped                                        1 cup chopped peanuts

1 celery stalk chopped

Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup brownsugar

2 ½ Tbs. lemon juice (or to taste)

In medium mising bowl combine dressing ingredients and mix well.

Preparation Time:  20 minutes

Preparation

In medium salad bown, combine cabbage, onion, celery carrots and peanuts.  Pour drressing over cole slaw and mix well.                                                       Serves 8-10                    **********************************************************************************

Cranberry Sour Cream Salad   

Ingredients

2 small packages of raspberry Jello (or 1 large)

2 cups hot water

1 – 16 oz. can whole cranberry sauce

1/2 pint sour cream

1 cup walnuts chopped

Preparation

In medium bowl, dissolve Jello, add cranberry sauce in hot water, refrigerate until it starts to set up.  Fold in sour cream and walnuts.  Pour in decorative bowl then refrigerate.

Refrigerate until firm approximately 3 hours.                              Serves 6

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Cucumber Salad                            

Ingredients

4 large cucumbers sliced

2 red onions sliced

Dressing

1/2 cup rice vinegar

1/2 tsp. celery seeds

1 cups sugar

1/2 Tbs. salt

In small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.

Preparation

In medium bowl combine cucumbers and onions, pour dressing over salad.  Chill for 1 hour prior to serving.    Preparation Time:  10 minutes                                          Serves 4 

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 Fruit Salad

Ingredients

1 cup green grapes                                       1 cup pecans or walnuts

1 cup purple seedless grapes                      1/2 pineapple diced (drained)

2 cups apples cubed                                     1/2 cup bananas

1/2 cup mandarin oranges                         1/2 cup small marshmallows

1 cup raisins (white or dark)                      1/2 cup whipped cream

1/2 cup maraschino cherries  (drained and halved)

Preparation

In large bowl, combine all ingredients except for bananas, marshmallows and whipped cream.  Just prior to serving, add bananas, marshmallows and whipped cream, mix well.  Chill and serve.         Serves 6-8                                          Preparation Time:  10 minutes

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Pasta Salad

Ingredients

1 lb. Spiral pasta (colored or regular)                 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)

2 celery stalks chopped                                          1 – 8 oz. can black olives chopped

1 green pepper chopped                                         1 small red onion chopped

Dressing

3/4 cup olive oil                                                       1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/4 cup white vinegar                                             1/2  dried oregano

1 clove minced garlic                                               1 Tbs. white sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

In medium bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients

Preparation

In large pot, cook pasta until al dente (firm, not soft) drain and rinse.   In large salad bowl, combine all salad ingredients and cover with dressing.  Toss well, and refrigerate or eat at room temperature.

Serves  8 – 10

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Potato Salad             

Preparation Time: 25 minutes                             Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Tip:  Cool potatoes before peeling and cubing.  You can substitute dill pickle for sweet pickle

Ingredients

6 – 8 Russet potatoes                                              1 to 1 ½ cup mayonnaise                                                              (peeled and cubed)

1 medium onion chopped                                      1/8 tsp paprika

2 celery stalk chopped                                            1 tsp yellow mustard

1 cup sweet pickle chopped                                   1 ½ tsp salt

1/4 cup sweet pickle juice                                      1/4 tsp pepper

8 hardboiled eggs chopped

Preparation

In large sauce pan, boil potatoes for approximately 30 minutes or until a fork can be easily inserted.  Do not overcook.  Hard boil eggs (in same pan if you’d like).  Drain, rinse and set aside to cool.  Peel and cube potatoes.

In large mixing bowl add cubed potatoes, onion, celery, pickle and eggs (save 1 for the top). Toss lightly.

In medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper.  Mix well.

Add mayonnaise mixture and pickle juice to potato salad and mix well.  Slice one hardboiled egg, and place evenly on top, then sprinkle top with paprika.  Chill.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Serves 8-10

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Spinach Salad

Ingredients

1 lb. Spinach (rinsed)                                         3/4 cup slivered almonds

l – 8 oz. can water chestnuts                             1 cup dried cranberries

2 hard boiled eggs (diced)

5 strips crisp bacon (crumbled)

Dressing

1/2 cup sugar                                                      1/4 cider vinegar

1/2 cup vegetable oil                                         2 Tbs. toasted sesame seeds

1/4 cup white wine vinegar                             1 small grated onion

In medium bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients

Preparation

Sauté almonds in 1 Tbs. butter or margarine until lightly toasted

In large salad bowl, combine spinach (tear into bite size pieces), water chestnuts, eggs, bacon, almonds and cranberries.                                        Preparation Time:  10 minutes

Pour dressing over salad just prior to serving.                        Serves 8 – 10

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Three BeanSalad              

Ingredients

1 -16 oz. can green beans (drain)                       1 celery stalk chopped

1-16 oz. can wax beans (drain)                           1/2 green pepper

2 – 16 oz. red kidney beans (drain)                   1 medium red onion sliced

Dressing

1/2 cup sugar                                                           1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 cup rice vinegar                                                1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. salt

In small bowl combine dressing ingredients and whisk together.

Preparation

Combine beans, celery, green pepper and onion.  Pour dressing over bean salad and mix well.  Refrigerate for 1 hour or serve at room temperature.  Preparation Time:  15 minutes

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Twenty Four Hour Salad     

Ingredients

1 medium head lettuce                                  2 tsp. sugar

1/2 cup green onion chopped                      1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated

1- 8 oz. can water chestnuts sliced             1/2 tsp. seasoned salt

1 cup celery chopped                                      1/4 tsp. garlic powder

10 oz package green peas                               3 hard boiled eggs chopped

2 cups mayonnaise                                          1/2 lb. bacon crumbled

2 medium tomatoes quartered

Preparation:  Fry bacon to a crisp consistency and set aside, once cool, crumble into pieces.

Shred lettuce and place in bottom of a 9” x 13” baking dish.  Sprinkle the following evenly over the lettuce: onions, water chestnuts, celery, and peas.  Spread mayonnaise evenly over all.  Sprinkle sugar, parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, garlic powder, eggs and bacon.  Refrigerate.  Prior to serving add tomatoes.

Preparation Time:  30 minutes                            Refrigerate: 12 – 24 hours

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Amazon Prime

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Mindy

If you haven’t shopped with Amazon lately, then you’ve been missing out.  Amazon at one time was “all about the books”.  But  now they have gone far beyond.  They sell just about any product you could imagine.  They now have a membership service called Amazon Prime.   Amazon Prime is an annual membership program that will save you time and money .  If you order from Amazon, even a few times a year, this service will pay for itself.  If you order selected items from Amazon, your membership will give you unlimited free 2 day  shipping with no minimum purchase.  Ordering from Amazon is so easy, and they’ve just made it easier on your pocketbook too!

Amazon Prime also gives you instant unlimited access to videos, movies, and commercial free TV shows, at no additional cost.  I don’t know about you, but whenever I can watch anything without commercials, it is always a better program.

If you own a Kindle device, you can choose from thousands of books, including best sellers.  You can borrow and read for free from the Kindle Owners Lending Library.  If your job requires you to travel or you don’t want to make the huge investment in purchasing a book you are not sure you will like, then this may be the way to go to “try” out a book.

All this for the annual membership fee of $79.00.   If your still wondering if this is right for you, go to Amazon Prime and check out the “free trial service” they are currently offering.  Such a deal!!

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Amazon

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Gail

Amazon 101  

There are some things in our house that my husband and I consider a true “given”.  Some of these examples are, and they are in no particular order:

1)  Turn the lights out when you leave a room.  2)  If you are going to play Hockey in the house, please use the puck made out of foam rubber.  3)  When you are through with a dish or utensil, wash it out and put it in the dishwasher.  4)   Try to say “please” and “thank you” whenever possible.  5)  Use Amazon in purchasing most anything.

Yes, this little word Amazon has truly changed the way we purchase items and has basically stream lined the way we watch movies to the way we purchase gifts for people.  There are so many attributes to the different ways you can use Amazon I am going to need at lease three blogs to tell you about the great possibilities and how it can make your life easier and more cost effective.  We have saved so much money and time looking for various different items for our home or gifts.  Driving to the mall to go shopping has become somewhat archaic.   If it exists, its probably on Amazon, and for a lot cheaper than you will get anywhere else.

I don’t know about anybody else, but when I get home from where ever I have been to and see a package on my doorstep, it is kind of exciting because it is like someone left a present for you.  Like an elf has been by when you were gone.  I remember about three years ago, I was, what I consider, a QVC a-holic.  I could not wait to see what they were going to show on that program in “the next hour”.  It was too easy to call up and place an order.  They make it so appealing and its becomes one of those situations where you ask yourself “how can I NOT order it”.  It’s a no-brainer. Pick up the phone, dial the number, order.  The only problem, was I had about 2 weeks where I was coming home and the “elf” had struck again.  My husband would look at me, but the kind man that he was, would just shake his head and not say a word.  I knew at that moment that I  must sever my emotional ties with Mary Beth Roe and Rick Domeier, my two friends from QVC.    I miss them so!

The great thing about Amazon is that you do not have to sever ties with anyone to place an order.  I enjoy knowing that I can do my one stop shopping with my computer.  You just need the idea that it will take 3-5 business days to be delivered.  You have not only saved on gas driving around trying to find the perfect gift, but you probably got the perfect gift for a very good deal at Amazon.  Go check it out!

 

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Dollar Store 101

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Gail

Have you ever gone into a store and thought “Wow, I just hit the jackpot”.  Every single time I walk into the dollar store I get the same crazed feeling.  I always find so many things I never knew I could not live without before.  I love knowing that the items in my cart are not really going to break the bank once I walk out of the store, after all, it’s only a dollar, right?  But lately, I have had to really be discretionary as this could be a

problem if I left the store with everything that I thought that I needed.  The first time I ever went to the dollar store it was kind of like a scene out of “Super Market Sweep”.  I was throwing items in my cart like there was a man with a stop watch timing me.  I was running up and down the isles that I could practically hear David Ruprecht yelling “Go Gail Go”.  Just a note here, I was actually on Supermarket Sweep in the 80′s and this is a blog in itself.  What a disaster!  There was so many times I heard…..”clean up on isle 5″ I thought they would  escort me off the lot.  Needless to say, my partner and I never got a call back.  O’h well, their loss.

Back to the dollar store.  There are so many of them now….Dollar Tree, Dollar General, 1 Dollar Store Etc.  But there are differences in all of these stores though.  My personal favorite is Dollar Tree.  There are some items that you cannot “not” buy.  Just this last week I bought Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleanser for a dollar.  I know that if you go to any retail supermarket store it would be at least $3 or $4 dollars for the same product.  I also like to buy my hair bands there.  I went to Rite Aid last week and was going to buy some, and then I thought maybe they would have them at the dollar store and guess what….they did, it was the same same identical product.  The other items I find that you just can not beat are Candles (votive, pillar etc.) Drinking Glasses, Gift Bags and Tags, Kitchen Gadgets or all sorts, and last but not least, Helium Balloons.  It is amazing that you could go to a party shop and pay triple for what you pay at the dollar store.  I love a good deal!!

But with this enthusiasm also come a bit of caution.  Don’t do ALL of your shopping here.  There are some items I would recommend you NOT purchase.  Birth Control anything!  This is probably not the kind of thing you want to save on.  If you did then your next move would probably be one isle over……the Pregnancy Test that you can purchase….you guessed it…for one dollar.  By the way, when you have your baby shower take a guess where your friends can get All of your party items!!  Now go shop your brains out!!

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The Connection

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Mindy

The Connection is a list of websites that provide online discounts and coupons on items such as goods, travel, beauty products, health care services, spas and much more!  It’s all about saving money and time, so let us help you get where you want to be with just a click.  When you’re in need of products, services, information or just want to search, it’s always a good idea to have the best information possible in order to find what you’re looking for.

When browsing for a website, it’s always a hit and miss process.  For one thing, you can’t always be sure what websites are reliable and which ones are wasting your time.  That’s where we come in.  We’ve done the work for you, so you don’t have to waste your time clicking and ending up with some off the wall website.  If you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to let us know, and we’ll supply you with the best and most informative website available.

In this day and age, it’s not unusual to find yourself without a job or with some sort of financial difficulty.  There’s always a certain amount of research you need to do for that special websites on where to find discounts and coupons to save on things such as,  prescriptions. household goods, groceries, health care etc.  Sometimes you really have to do some homework in order to find just what your looking for.   People who have lost their jobs, will have also lost their medical, dental and prescription insurance as well.  This can be very devastating especially if you have a family to support.  Buying prescriptions out of pocket can be very expensive and at times, impossible to pay for.  So what we have done is to  help you to find the websites that will help with these situations.  Check out the Connection page of our website and get some good websites that will ultimately save you $$$ in the end.  go to:  simplelife101.com and look for those hard to find websites to get the most out of your money.

** Please note that that our web page “The Connection” is under continually being updated to reflect the new and upcomming websites that we all need and want.

 

 

 

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What’s in the Ice Box?

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Gail

“Ice Box Reorganization”

When I was growing up we visited our Grandma all the time.  The one thing I enjoyed was looking in my grandma’s  “Ice Box”.   She was from Missouri and she and my dad always called it the”Ice Box”  in reference to our refrigerator.   I think back now and it gives me a good feeling when I think of this sweet twist of words.  Our slippers, Mindy’s and I, were called “House Shoes”.  Our jackets were called “Car Coats”.  Our purses were called “Pocket Books”.  It reminds me of being on the “Carousel of Progress” at Disneyland.  When I got a bit older my dad actually called our “Ice Box”, the Refrigerator once.  I did not like it one bit.  It;s such a term of endearment now.

The one thing I always noticed about my grandma’s Ice Box was that she always lined it in paper towels.  Neatly folded and placed ever so nicely on the racks.  To this day, I do this as well.  I think it looks nice and if anything spills you can instantly wipe it up.  But in the back of my mind I am sure it is because she did this, and honestly it makes me think of her when I replace the paper towel sheets.  I think having a well organized refrigerator makes my life just a bit easier.  Knowing when I am going to “run out” of something before I do is important to me.  If I have to make an emergency stop at the grocery store, it almost always means I will spend more because I may impulse shop instead of getting what I need and getting out.  I will, for instance, buy an extra large coffee creamer.  I refill my smaller size creamer in my kitchen refrigerator and keep my larger creamer out in the garage refrigerator.  It does not use as much space and I do not need to keep running out into the garage when I have my coffee in the morning.  I always buy two gallons of milk at a time.  It is less expensive to purchase two at a time than buy one at a time.  I always have  one to spare.  Also, when you go through 4 gallons a week it will mean I only need to go to the market twice a week.  I have thought, though, “Would it be cheaper to purchase a cow and keep him in the back yard”?  Ah, then I would need to find a place for the hay….but that’s a whole different blog.

I have other little hints that I do such as stocking my yogurt from back to front.  We also go through a lot of this.  When I purchase more, I always put the newly purchased ones in the back so the ones in the front will likely get eaten first.  When butter or eggs are on sale, such as they would be right about now (in the spring time) because of Easter, I always buy in two’s.  Keep one pound of butter in the kitchen refrigerator and keep the “spare” in the garage refrigerator.  The same goes for the eggs.  This system works well for my family, and if it makes your life just a bit more simple, then give it a try.  Your Ice Box will love you for it.

 

 

 

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Greeting Cards

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Gail

“Are you card worthy”?

For the last couple of years I have been buying my greeting cards at Costco.  They sell them in a cute box usually during Christmas time and other holidays.  I love these things.  I always loathed having to go to the drug store, stationary store or market to pick up a card for someones birthday, anniversary or what ever.  They are so very expensive that I felt I had to take out a small loan to purchase them.  I used to go at the beginning of every month and get my birthday or anniversary cards in one fell swoop.  O’h my gosh….$30 later I had only a couple of greeting cards in my hands at the checkout stand.  There had to be a more economical way.

I had started to make my own cards.  Yes, this is when I had all the time in the world.  I think this lasted for about 3.2 minutes.  They were fun to make but were somewhat time consuming.  I found myself becoming very “protective” of my little cards.  I only sent them to people whom I found “card worthy”.   They were like gold to me.  I had to step back and asked myself “well, this only leaves 23 cards left, do they deserve this card”?  This is when I needed to reexamine my card giving technique.   It’s so hard to scrutinize your relatives and friends this way.  This is when Costco  started selling these pre made completely cute and “home made” box of cards.

It is so convenient to have these cards around.  You feel like your on top of things when that unexpected birthday rolls around and you don’t go in to panic mode.  It really makes it nice that you will not have to break out in a cold sweat just thinking about that card purchase you now won’t have to make.  But that still leaves the eminent question, “Are they card worthy”.

 

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