It’s that time of year to get out the luggage for vacations and weekend get-aways. I found a piece of luggage that would be perfect for Baby J when he’s older and is responsible for his own suitcase. It has a picture of Mickey Mouse on the front of it and has rollers so he could pull his own suitcase. I can just picture our precious little grandson coming to visit grandma and grandpa with his suitcase!

Our daughter, “C,” and her husband definitely like the modern contemporary look. They would really like the dining room set pictured on the left. In fact, they have a dining room set that looks similar to the one pictured and have added several contemporary features to their house.

If you’re looking for new furniture, Spacify carries dining room furniture as well as other furniture that is modern and contemporary.

What is CPM? As an educator, I don’t know much about cpm, Corporate Performance Management. I do know the value of having software that enhances a company’s efficiency, though. As I’ve mentioned before, I work at a flower shop the weeks before Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and sometimes Christmas. One thing the owners of the flower shop did this year was to computerize their orders, wire-outs, wire-ins, enclosure cards, etc. That makes things much more efficient!

Back to the idea of CPM, PROPHIX Software was the recipient of the 2007 Innovative Solution Award for Corporate Performance Management. The judges chose the companies they felt had unique software solutions, a new application of traditional software, and worked towards being a great business value. There were 89 submissions received. Congratulations PROPHIX!

This week has been crazy! Last week, I had my schedule planned for this week, and when this week arrived, several unexpected things popped up. Now I’m running behind on all that I had planned to get done. So, I’m “going with the flow” and trying to get everything done on my list the best I can. Do you have weeks like this? I really don’t need to ask that question!

Have you ever wanted to start a business and be your own boss? We were in business for ourselves back in the eighties and found a nice place to rent for our music store. When looking for commercial real estate, location is a prime factor! It makes all the difference in the retail business to be easily accessible. We know that from experience!

#1. What is your favorite food that is cooked on the barbeque?

A good, old-fashioned hamburger with all the trimmings
#2. What veggies, if any, do you cook on the barbeque?

None - we haven’t cooked out in a long time, but I want to try the recipe below.
#3. Tell us a little about your barbeque habits. Who grills, how often, what months, etc.

My husband used to do the grilling but hasn’t in a long time. We rarely eat beef anymore because of my husband being on a low-cholesterol diet. And also, we need a new grill.

I would like to cook chicken and packet recipes outside on a grill during the hot Texas summer. I found a “Tilapia & Summer Vegetable Packets” recipe that I really want to try.
#4. Share a barbeque recipe.

Tilapia & Summer Vegetable Packets

“Genetically Modified” / “Genetically Engineered” foods are controversial and their safety is highly questionable, yet we are bombarded with them here in the U.S. Check genetically modified corn crops…concerning info!

• 22 countries in Europe are saying “NO” to genetically modified (GMO) foods. And because of consumer fears, major U.S. companies are not using GMO foods in Europe. GMO foods that do enter some European countries must be labeled as such.
  
• However, in the U.S., most major companies are still continuing to use GMO/GE foods for our consumption, and no labeling is required. Why are standards different in the U.S. than they are in Europe? Do the major companies just figure they can get by with it over here?
  
• According to True Food Network, thousands of products on our U.S. supermarket shelves are made with ingredients from genetically engineered (GE) crops.
• Corn, soy, canola and cotton products account for nearly 99% of the GE crop acreage in North America.

Check the ingredients list of the products you buy. Some ingredients will say “modified,” however most products with modified ingredients will not be labeled. Keep a lookout for these:

• Corn: corn, corn oil, any type corn syrup, corn starch, corn meal
• Soy: soybeans, soy protein, soy lecithin, soy oil, soy sauce, soy isolates
• Canola: canola oil
• Cotton: cottonseed oil

TIP TO REMEMBER: Organic Foods never use genetically modified foods.

With school nearly out, a lot of people are thinking about where to go on vacation. Some will be checking out hotels on the east coast, some on the west coast, and a lot of checking will be done in between. Some will check out vegas hotels, and some will check out hotels in other countries.  Wherever people go, it’s always good to check out hotel prices and get the best!

We went on a weekend trip to Austin and just returned home, so this is a little late. I hope everyone had a nice, safe Memorial Day today and remembered those who are honored by this day.   My prayers are with those who are defending our country!

Version #1:  Laughing Cow Alfredo Sauce for 2

• 3 wedges of Laughing Cow Light Creamy Garlic & Herb

• 1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk

• 1 Tablespoon reduced fat parmesan cheese

• 1/2 Tablespoon Molly McButter Natural Butter

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix all the ingredients over low heat
until everything is melted and smooth, probably about 20
minutes. Stir frequently.  Serve over hot cooked pasta.

Version #2:  Laughing Cow Alfredo Sauce for 4

• 3 wedges of Laughing Cow Light Cream Swiss Original Flavor

• 1 wedge of Laughing Cow Light Creamy Garlic & Herb

• 3/4 cup fat-free milk

• 1 1/2 tablespoons low-fat sour cream

• 1 1/2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Mix all of the ingredients together over low heat until everything is melted and smooth.  Stir frequently.

These are recipes from Weight Watchers.