Because Prompts are Fun - Let your fantastic out!

As I sit here trying to think of something really fantastic to write, I decided I would add what I already posted to the link-up.  No, it is not Pulitzer-worthy or even very clever but you get to see a side of me I never really share.

Cheers to a new week and a new link up and I hope you join Darcy and me.

Because Prompts are Fun - Free for all!

Oh what weekend!  First Communion, Mother's Day, World's best in-laws in town and today - Iron Man 3!  Phew its been a busy week! 

For this week's theme I call FREE FOR ALL!

Yep, come back on Friday and link up anything that you have written that you would like to showcase as long as it is not a sponsored post or a giveaway. 

Top 5 TV Moms I (not so) Secretly Want to be Like

It seems like I am always wishing I was a better mom, with more patience and heck of a lot more energy.  Sometimes I feel like I yell more then I should and lose my temper a little too quickly but when it is all said and done, I know that my kids know that they are loved.  I have learned to forgive myself.

Thank goodness we have some awesomely written TV moms to look up to for advice and funny quips.

Top 5 Moms I (not so) Secretly Want to be Like

1. Joy Turner My Name is Earl

Sure she is a little trashy and maybe has a record, but there is no denying the love she has for her children.

 

2. Amy Pond Doctor Who

In a coma, pregnant and her baby was ripped away from her only to come back to her as an adult. Sometimes, for a fleeting second, that sounds like a great way to rear children.

3. Tami Taylor Friday Night Lights

I have never seen this show but after reading her quotes on buzzfeed I want to see it.

4.  Norma Arnold The Wonder Years

I have no real reason other than she knew what kind of underwear her son liked and made sure he had plenty - that is so me!

5. Colleen Donaghy 30 Rock

Exhibit A

:

source

Your turn?  Who are your favorite TV moms?

Because Prompts are Fun! Mom

I keep forgetting that it is Mother's Day weekend!  

My son makes his First Communion on Saturday so the last few weeks (and weekends) have been busy carting him around to retreat day, practice and cleaning like a crazy lady!  I laid mulch for the first time ever to make by back yard look less yucky.  Did I mention that I am cleaning like a mother?  Oh, and baking a bazillion cupcakes Friday.

The things we do for love.

I hope you can join us this Friday for the weekly link up!

This week’s theme: MOMS

1. Tell us about your mom (or another special woman in your life) – what did you learn from her?
2. Who are your favorite TV moms?
3. Share what you’ve learned about being a mom.

Pick a prompt (or two), write a post and come back on Friday to link up with us!

Don't forget to enter to win an 8x10 canvas print just in time for Mother's Day. 

(okay not really but if you win you could tell her that you will be giving her one)

Because Prompts are Fun - Shepherd's Pie, My (forgotten) Comfort Food

When I was a little girl, I use to go to my grandparent's house often.  Actually, every Friday and most weekends I would spend the night. Their house was my favorite place to be and I lived for Fridays when I could go and hang out with my Grandfather.

Often, my cousins would come over and it was from my cousin Catie that I learned about shepherd's pie.  It seemed to my little girl's eye, that she was just throwing food into a pot but when she pulled it out of the oven it smelled so delicious and that first bite - amazing, simply amazing. 

Believe it or not, I have never really made it as an adult.  I made variations of it with cream of mushroom soup but it was not the same.  Truth be told, I didn't really learn how to cook until about ten years ago so I thought my version was good enough.

A few months ago, the girls at my job decided to throw a comfort food potluck which happen to fall the same day as my son's school's family heritage potluck dinner.  Last year I made cabbage and noodles and it seemed like everybody else did too so this year I figured I would make something that would fit both events. The first dish that came to mind was my cousin's shepherd pie.

It was a little daunting trying to recreate it and keep my emotions in check.  So much time has past and so many sad memories since the last time we ate together. When I made this, my cousin and I had not spoken in three years and I had severed all ties to my mom's side of the family.  Not that this was hard to do, they had cut me out years before that day.

Making this dish was reconnecting me with them just a little bit.

 

I am not sure how the family's at the school liked mine because there were three other shepherd's pies there when I got there and no cabbage and noodles!  Oh, the irony.   I do know that the girls at worked loved it.  In fact, one has asked me repeatedly to make it again because to her it tasted like home.  I won't ever make it again for them because that is way to much pressure.  I will share the recipe.

I actually had to Google what was in it besides meat, veggies, and potatoes.  I ended up using a version from Simply Recipes,  but used frozen mixed vegetables and boxed potatoes since I was making so much of it and by so much I mean two large lasagna pans plus a crock-pot full for work.

Short Cut Shepherd's Pie

• 1 1/2 lbs ground round beef
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables - carrots, corn, peas
• 1 box of potato flakes
• 1 stick of  butter
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Saute the onions until clear with 2 tablespoons of butter in a dutch oven or a pot large enough for everything and can go into the oven.  Add the ground beef to the onions and season with salt and pepper.  I used really lean beef so I could use the juice from the beef in the dish.

While the beef is browning, make the potatoes according to the box.  You will need enough to cover the mixture with at least an inch of potatoes.

Once the beef is done, add the broth and Worcestershire sauce and let simmer for about ten minutes.  This is what will make it taste like you were cooking it all day.

Finally, add the frozen veggies, top it with the potatoes and top the potatoes with at least a had of stick of butter - melted already or cubed and let it melt while making.  Bake for about twenty minutes or until the potatoes are a little browned.

This really is a one pot meal.

Do you have a favorite comfort food?

Because Prompts are Fun is now open! Join the link up or come read bout this week's theme - food! ow.ly/kGjcV #promptsrfun

— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) May 3, 2013

Because Prompts are Fun - Food!

Who doesn't love food!

Honestly - I have a love hate relationship with food and cooking.

I love to eat, food is great but this whole making dinner every night is for the birds.  Sure, we have to eat but some nights I am perfectly content with a turkey sandwich.  Alas, others will protest (loudly) and those are the nights they get cereal.

Thankfully I have a husband who cooks and does it very, very well.

This week’s theme is: FOOD

1. Share a recipe from your childhood.
2. Tell us some food or cooking tips you have!
3. Discuss: Sweet or Salty?

Pick a prompt, write a post, then come back on Friday to link it up.  Hey, if you already have a post that fits a prompt go ahead and link it up!

Because Prompts are Fun - Reading List? More like a re-read list

I bet you thought I would be writing another post dedicated to Nickolas Sparks...  Fooled you!

I love to read.  It is the only escape I have and who cares if the majority of my reading is accomplished locked in the bathroom.

I have a very long list on goodreads of what I want to read but I really think I need to start rereading what is already on my bookshelf.  Why do we collect books if not to reread them?

My Top 5 Books to Reread

1. The Witching Hour by Anne Rice

I would probably want to reread the whole series after reading this because it is wonderful!  Magic, mystery, suspense and crazy sexy writing make this a fantastic read.  I love the characters so much that I named my daughter after the main character.

2. Good Omens: The Nice & Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

I have probably read this book a minimum of fifteen times over the years.  In fact, I leave it in the bathroom in case there is nothing for me to read.

Good vs. Evil and all of the very funny things that happen when an angle and a daemon try to save the world.  I also think that a season of Supernatural was based on this book but I can't prove it.

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I can not wait to read these with my daughter.  A strong female lead who also kick ass?  Yes, please!

4. Beach Music by Pat Conoroy

I remember reading it.  I see it sitting on my bookshelf and yet... can't remember what the damn thing is about.  I do remember that I liked it though so defiantly on my reread list!

5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

With the movie coming out I feel compelled to reread this and with good reason - who doesn't love a good love triangle focused around the fabulously wealthy and the decadence of that area?

What's on your reread list? 

Because Prompts are Fun with @darcyzalewski and me is live! Link up or read along. This week - books & reading ineedaplaydate.com/2013/04/becaus…

— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) April 26, 2013

All images are from goodreads

Because Prompts are Fun - Books and Reading

I love to read!  It is the best way I know to escape legally and still be able to accomplish daily tasks, usually.

Summer is the best time for me to really get my list going and last year I was two shy from compleeting my Goodreads challenge to read 30 books.  I'm going to try again....

2013 Reading Challenge

Mary has
read 2 books toward her goal of 30 books.

hide

2 of 30 (6%)

view books

 This leads me to this weeks prompt....

This week’s theme: BOOKS

1. What are some of your all time favorite books?
2. Do you prefer ebooks or physical books?
3. What’s in your “to be read” pile?

You know what to do! Pick a prompt, write a post and come back on Friday to link it up.

Need inspiration this week? Join Because Prompts are Fun with @darcyzalewski and me!This week: Books and Reading ineedaplaydate.com/2013/04/becaus…

— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) April 22, 2013

Because Prompts Are Fun - My Tax Tip for You

I feel like I can breath a great big sigh of relief - tax season is over!

Not that I have a job in this field but the pressure of getting everything together and filing the dreaded tax papers is exhausting. 

It took me three months to find where I put the kids social security numbers for goodness sakes!  It was with my other important papers that I needed to file the taxes but my head wasn't in it.  I just could not get it together this year.

Now that it is over I can look back and share what I learned.

Keep important papers in the same place every year and preferably somewhere with a lock and is water proof.

Sweet and simple.

Tax tips?  Please share!

Because Prompts are Fun - Money

Happy Tax Day!

That seems like a silly statement but, eh, what can one do when it comes time for taxes?  At least there are the freebies and deals - Eat*Drink*Cleveland has a great list as does One Momma Saving Money.

And of course, it makes a great idea for this weeks prompt...

This week's prompt is - Money

1. What did you learn from doing your taxes this year?

2. How do you plan on spending or did spend your tax return if you got one?

3. Top 5 tips on spending or saving money

 

You know how it works... Pick one, write a post, and come back on Friday to link it up!  There is still time to link up to last week's on procrastination.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss a prompt or linkup!

Join @darcyzalewski and me in this week's prompt about money! ineedaplaydate.com/2013/04/becasu… twitter.com/mryjhnsn/statu…

— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) April 15, 2013

Because Prompts are Fun - A Procrastinator's To-do List

I am not a to-do list kind of gal. I like lists when they are about fun things like Doctor Who or parenting but when it comes to things to do – yuck!

I don’t like to-do lists probably because I am a procrastinator. If I write a list of things down that I absolutely have to do than I will absolutely have to do them and, more than likely within a reasonable time.

I hate to do lists. But, since I have a whole lot to do I should probably start making them. My goal for the next month will be to do a list a week and cross off at least half of the items. Except for this weekend’s – I have to cross them all off.

My To-Do List

1. Taxes
      a. find baby’s SSN

2. Take books back to library (they are only two weeks over do)

3. Write a post about lists

4. Switch out baby’s clothes that she has outgrown and pack them up

5. Actually pack the clothes up for pick up

6. Laundry

7. BJ’s

Phew. Just writing it out is enough for tonight!

What’s on your to-do list?

Because Prompts are Fun #12 - Procrastination

Time for another writing prompt!

I know I have been a serious slacker but the flu knocked me on my assets!

It was also inspiration for this weeks prompt.  Which seems to be writing itself for some reason....

This week’s theme is Procrastination!
1.  Are you a procrastinator or do you live with one?  How do you deal?
2.  What is on your to-do list this week?
3.  What motivates you?

Pick a prompt, write a post and come back on Friday to link it up.

Join the fun this Friday with Because Prompts are Fun #12!This week's theme is Procrastination ->ineedaplaydate.com/2013/04/becaus…

— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) April 8, 2013

Because Prompts Are Fun - Top 5 Funny Movie Picks

Funny movies.  Funny movies?  Do I watch funny movies? 

Picking five funny movies was way harder than I thought it would be!  Apparently, I don't watch very many funny movies or at least not many came to mind when I started to write this (or I am just still sick) regardless once I picked one the rest just came to me and I realized, I need to watch some more comedies!

Here are my...

Top 5 Funny Movie Picks

1.  Dodgeball The Movie

"Here at Global Gym, we are better than you and we know it"


Yes, I watched the dodge-ball championships when it was on cable and when they made the movie I was first in line to see it and I watch it when ever I feel a little silly.

2. Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back

"Yeah, I wasn't a big fan either... but Affleck was the bomb in "Phantoms".


Watched this while I was in labor and I started laughing when I was suppose to be pushing.  Everybody was like, "What's wrong!" and all I could do was point to the TV!

3. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

" It's an important and popular fact that things are not always what they seem. For instance, on the planet Earth, Man had always assumed that he was the most intelligent species occupying the planet, instead of the *third* most intelligent. The second most intelligent creatures were of course dolphins who, curiously enough, had long known of the impending destruction of the planet earth. They had made many attempts to alert mankind to the danger, but most of their communications were misinterpreted as amusing attempts to punch footballs or whistle for titbits. So they eventually decided they would leave earth by their own means. The last ever dolphin message was misinterpreted as a surprisingly sophisticated attempt to do a double backward somersault through a hoop while whistling the star-spangled banner, but in fact the message was this: So long and thanks for all the fish"


Love the books.  Love them!  Love the movie.  And, this is the movie I watched prior to going into labor (I was induced).

4. Old School

I watch this movie, mainly for this scene...

5. Pitch Perfect

"I can sing, but I'm also good at modern dance, olden dance, and mermaid dancing which is a little different. You usually start on the ground."


I wish I was Fat Amy.  And, I wish I could sing.

Agree or disagree?  Link up or comment!

 

Because Prompts Are Fun is now open! Take a look at my Top 5 Funny Movie Picks and join the fun! ineedaplaydate.com/2013/04/becaus…#promptsrfun

— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) April 5, 2013

Because Prompts Are Fun #10 - Spring!

Can you believe it has been 10 weeks since we started?!!?

This week let's think spring!  Blue skies, tulips, fresh starts and Easter!

This week’s theme: Celebrating Spring

1. What does Spring look like in your area?
2. Favorite Easter traditions or recipes?
3. 6 words to describe springtime? 

 
You know how it works... Pick one, write a post, and come back on Friday to link it up!

Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss a prompt or linkup!

Because Prompts Are Fun - Mistakes #promptsrfun

"A simple mistake can tell me what you aren't or remind me why I love you." @rgleeson

Mistakes happen. Big or small it does not matter because a mistake is a mistake.  How we handle making a mistake speaks to our integrity but how someone responds to our mistakes speaks volumes on their character.

That instagram is the quote that sits under my computer monitor at work so I see it every day.  I make mistakes constantly and I try to become a better person for the mistakes I make and in turn hope to be a better person as I encounter others mistakes.

At least, I try to be a better person.

I'm a certainly a work in progress.

What inspires you?

I stumbled upon this about a year ago from a TED series, Talks in less than 6 minutes.  This one is about the dreaded 404 page and how companies can take advantage of that 404 error page. If you have a chance, the discussion is worth watching because Renny Gleeson is just a wonderful speaker and offers a lot of humor but gets his point across - a mistake can be an opportunity.

Because Prompts are Fun - Inspiration Intervention

Blogger block:  the inability, temporarily, to write an engaging post. 

Thank goodness for prompts!

This week’s theme: Inspiration Intervention

1. What or who inspires you? How? Why?
2. Tell us about a Pin or picture that inspired you recently?
3. Share an inspiring quote that meant something to you.

You know the drill! Pick one, write a post, and come back on Friday to link it up!

New Post!Because #Prompts are Fun - Inspiration Intervention goo.gl/fb/tBHH5 #becausepromptsarefun
— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) March 18, 2013

If you have a special request for a theme or prompt question, please let us know!  Also, we’d be grateful if you share this to let others know about these weekly prompts.  Thank you!

Because Prompts are Fun - Lucky Number 9 #promptsrfun

My lucky number has always been the number and I am a little obsessed with it.

From Numerology.com:

You are broad-minded, idealistic and compassionate. You should obtain a wide education, especially in the arts. You are highly creative. Many great artists are found under this number.

I am so obsessed that I am constantly adding up numbers and I am only satisfied when I get a nine (or a multiple of 3) as the answer. 

You can imagine that I get disappointed a lot.

When we set the date for our wedding and I realized that it added up to the nine (3 + 17 + 07 = 2 + 7 = 9) I set the time of our ceremony for 6:30 PM.  And, since we got married in Vegas but live in Ohio this means we got married at 9:30 PM EST.

Just a tad obsessive.  But, it has always proved to be my lucky number.  Do you have a lucky number?

New Post!Becasue #Prompts are Fun - Lucky Number 9 ##promptsrfun goo.gl/fb/kHhbe #becausepromptsarefun
— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) March 15, 2013

Because Prompts Are Fun #8 - Luck #promptsrfun

Another week, another prompt!  It is hard not to take advantage of a St. Patrick's Day theme!

Being that it is also my anniversary (yes, on purpose) I feel the theme is fitting - lucky.

This week's theme is - LUCK

Pick one of the prompts below, write a post, and link up with us on Friday.   

1. If you caught a leprechaun, how would you spend his pot of gold?
2. Do you have a good luck charm or a lucky number? Tell us about it.
3. Share something inspired by luck or St. Patrick’s Day!

Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss a prompt or linkup!

New Post!Because #Prompts Are Fun #8 - Luck ##promptsrfun goo.gl/fb/uHLlI #becausepromptsarefun

— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) March 11, 2013

Because Prompts are Fun - Relationship Fails #promptsrfun

The biggest disappointment that I have experienced in almost every relationship is me. Crazy to admit  but it is true. I am my own worst enemy when it comes to relationships – any kind of relationships.

I think these are more failures on my part so I am going to share my…

Top 5 Fails in Relationships

1. I can’t keep my opinion to myself

Even when I try to refrain from saying how I feel about something, it is written all over my face or is in what I don’t say.

I had this friend once who told me all the things wrong with her new boyfriend over the phone one day. I listened and agreed with her.

My husband happen to be sitting next to me and kept saying – don’t tell her what you think!  And, I wasn’t, till she asked. I swear all I said was something to the effect well at least you found out sooner than later.

I get an email the next day saying I was wrong, he is a great guy and we (essentially) are no longer friends. All I did was agree with her!

Turns out – I was wrong and they are happily married and I have never been so happy to be so wrong.  But, we are still not friends like we were.

2. Little things bug me

Remember that Seinfeld episode when Jerry broke up with a girl because of the way she ate her peas? That’s me.

Weird things like that turn me off so quick and there is no rhyme or reason to it. A quirk that bothers me about one guy (or girl) will have absolutely no effect on me with the next person.

The thing is, once I am turned off, I can’t seem to pick up the phone when they call or return emails and texts if I get them.

I also can't stand being let down, repeatedly.  I mean who can but  it is not hard for me to sever ties because of it.

3. Job change

If I friend someone at work and they (or I) leave I am horrible at keeping in touch.

I am good the first few months but I am just bad at returning phone calls, or emails… thank goodness for Facebook otherwise I would really look like a douche bag.

4. Wife or Girlfriend hates me

I may be the only chick that has more male friends but wants to have girlfriends and just can’t seem to do it.

I have been told that I am a guy’s girl but this really means I am too manly to be a good girlfriend but I make a great gal pal.

I am usually okay with that till they get a girlfriend (or get engaged) and I always hold out hope that I can be their friend too but it never works out that way and they always want them to stop seeing me.  I swear I never sleep with them!  Or want to for that matter... they fart in front of me for goodness sakes!

5. (insert your own reason)

I honestly don’t have a fifth reason. I wish someone would share with me what I do wrong to mess up friendships (besides the ones I listed).
 
So, here is my plea – If I have pissed you off, please tell me what I did so I can fix it.


It really makes me wonder how I ever got married in the first place.

Do you share my issues or do you have other relationship fails?

Because Prompts are Fun - Relationship Fails #promptsrfun ineedaplaydate.com/2013/03/becaus… #blogger

— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) March 9, 2013

Prompts are Fun #7 - Disappointment

Welcome to another addition!  Be sure to join on Friday and if you have a suggestion for a future prompt leave a comment!

This week’s theme is DISAPPOINTMENT and FAILURE

1. Tell us about the biggest disappointment you’ve experienced in a relationship.
2. Tell us a story inspired by failure.
3. Have you ever been fired?  What happened?