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Thursday, April 23, 2026

Throwback Thursday: Top Five Food Dishes

 



This was posted originally in 2017!




This week's Top Five...Food Dishes (non-deserts)


Heather's Top Five
1. Tacos
2. Pizza
3. Chicken Fried Steak
4. Steak and Potatoes
5. Macaroni Salad


Tammy's Top Five
1. Pizza
2. Chicken Parm with angel hair pasta
3. Tacos or Fajitas < depends on my mood :)
4. Chicken Stir Fry
5. Stuffed Shells with Meat-Sauce


For fun we decided to answer this question again now to see how the answers 

would change in 2026!




Heather Top Five

1. Tacos
2. Pizza
3.Bugers
4. Steak
5. Any kind of potatoes



Tammy's Top Five
1. Pizza
2. Chicken Parm with Angle Hair Pasta
3. Taco's or Fajitas depending on my mood
4. Chicken Stir Fry
5. Steak and Potatoes


Monday, April 20, 2026

Media Mania: Trevor Noah: Joy in the Trenches Standup

 




I've always loved Trevor Noah and this special did not disappoint! 

LOVED IT!!

I GVE IT A 5 OUT OF 5 DRINKS




Thursday, April 16, 2026

Throwback Thursday: Drink Mix Friday: Cosmopolitan

 










  Who doesn't love a Cosmopolitan?



Ingredients

1 ½ Parts Vodka
⅓ Part Lime Juice
½ Part Triple Sec
⅔ Part Cranberry Juice
1 Twist Orange


How to mix

Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange.
Cheers!




 

Monday, April 13, 2026

Media Mania Monday: Kelly Bishop - The Third Gilmore Girl


The Third Gilmore on Audible



Kelly Bishop’s long, storied career has been defined by landmark achievements, from winning a Tony Award for her turn in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line to her memorable performance as Jennifer Grey’s mother in Dirty Dancing. But it is probably her iconic role as matriarch Emily in the modern classic Gilmore Girls that cemented her legacy.

Now, Bishop reflects on her remarkable life and looks towards the future with The Third Gilmore Girl. She shares some of her greatest stories and the life lessons she’s learned on her journey. From her early transition from dance to drama, to marrying young to a compulsive gambler, to the losses and achievements she experienced—among them marching for women’s rights and losing her second husband to cancer—Bishop offers a rich, genuine celebration of her life.

Full of witty insights and featuring a special collection of personal and professional photographs, The Third Gilmore Girl is a warm, unapologetic, and spirited memoir from a woman who has left indelible impressions on her audiences for decades and has no plans on slowing down.

* * * *

INCLUDES A FOREWORD WRITTEN AND READ BY GILMORE GIRLS CREATOR, AMY SHERMAN-PALLADINO!

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A Goodreads Choice Awards Winner

“Come for the Gilmore Girls anecdotes, stay for the revealing truths about what it takes to build a lifelong career in and out of Hollywood” (The A.V. Club) in this candid memoir from beloved actress Kelly Bishop, spanning her six decades in show business in A Chorus LineDirty DancingGilmore Girls, and much more.





I loved that Kelly Bishop narrated her own memoir. 

I love Gilmore Girl - I've watched like easy 50 times or more - I even have a cat named Rory. 
It's my go to show! I one I have playing in the background or when I'm sleeping.

So, I couldn't wait to devour this book, I chose the audible version. 

Kelly Bishop has led an amazing life, not always easy but she never gave up.
I loved learning about her early years in theater and  The Corus Line,
 the all the fun stories from the Dirty Dancing set. but of course I was all in for everything Gilmore Girls
 and she didn't disappoint. 

I give it 5 out of 5 drinks!



Thursday, April 9, 2026

Throwback Thursday: Heather's Macaroni Salad and Hard Boiled Eggs

 


You get two today as they go together!

With spring here lets start thinking warm weather and outdoor food!

Heather's Macaroni Salad and Cooking 101 Hard Boiled Eggs




Heather's Macaroni Salad

This is the recipe that I always get asked to bring. It’s a simple recipe. This is an alteration from my Mother’s Potato Salad. She adds chopped onion and celery to hers, you can substitute the onion powder and celery salt for fresh chopped up onions/chopped up celery if you prefer.





Course: Summer Side Dish
Skill: Easy
Tip: I always cook more eggs than I tend to need, as I almost always lose one or two when peeling, and I will eat them while assembling the salad.


Ingredients
8 eggs
6 cups of salad noodles (that is 2 pounds)
2 spoonfuls of Sweet Relish
2 spoonfuls of Dill Relish
1 4 oz can of diced olives
1 Tablespoon of Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
2 Teaspoons of Celery Salt
1 Tablespoon Salt
4 cups of Mayonnaise (You can use half Mayonnaise & half Miracle Whip)
Mustard (to taste)

Directions:
Cook eggs 

Cook salad macaroni, according to package directions. Drain, add macaroni to a large bowl.

Cut your deviled eggs in half, add your egg yolks into a bowl, fork them to break them up into small bits, add a cup of Mayonnaise, and a tablespoon of mustard. Mix well.

Dice up eggs, place in a big bowl.

Add the relishes, a drained can of diced olives, your yolk base mixture, the rest of the mayonnaise, and mustard to the large bowl. Mix well. Add Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Celery Salt, and Salt to the large bowl. Mix it again, and place in the refrigerator.

*Note: To make it  Gluten-Free use Gluten-Free Noodles*




Hard Boiled Eggs.

Welcome to Cooking 101. Today's host is Heather. Hello!

We are learning how to boil eggs. It's a simple thing, the peeling though that is the tricky part. I'll admit I have a short fuse, I should of been a redhead. Nothing, and I mean nothing frustrates me more than peeling eggs. I have tried every hard boiled egg peeler on the market. They don't work. I have tried multiple techniques in peeling eggs. So what works for me, might not work for you.

Cooking the eggs.
Put the amount of eggs you desire in the bottom of a cold sauce pan and fill it up with cold water.
If your eggs float in the water. STOP. You need new eggs. Go get new ones, I'll wait.
Did they stay at the bottom of the pan? Good! That's where they should be.
Put the stove on medium high. I have an electric one, so my temperature dial reads 1 through 8. I place my dial at 6. When it starts boiling, set a timer for 20 minutes.

Drain the eggs into a strainer. I let them drain for around 3 minutes.

Peeling the egg.
Pick up an egg and gently crack your eggs on the side of your sink, cracking them all the way around. Place eggs under warm water. Using your fingers and thumb gently peel the shells off. The water will help you peel the egg.  You do not want the eggs to cool down. Place them in a strainer.


That's it. You can eat them or use them in a recipe.

Do NOT put your egg peels in the garbage disposal! Put them in the trash.

*They will clog up your pipes, trust me that's not something you want to fix. It is disqusting.*


See you Monday for Media Mania!                          



 



Monday, April 6, 2026

Media Monday: The Pitt Season One

 


THE PITT on HBO MAX

 The daily lives of healthcare professionals in a Pittsburg hospital as they juggle personal crise, workplace politics, and the emotional toll off treating critically ill patients. All while having to navigate staff shortages, underfunding, and their own personal crises. Each episode, set in real time, covers approximately one hour of the work shift.


Thursday's at 9 PM on HBO MAX

 


Before I get into my thoughts on this series I want to talk about the cast...

My top 5 favorites!

Dr. Robbie

Nurse Dana Evans

Dr. King

Dr. McKay 

and of course Whittaker!




I went into this just thinking it may be a good ER drams as I've watched ER and I still watch Grey's Anatomy, but what I found was something maybe brilliant and completely amazing!

An ER drams done in real time! You miss nothing. 

I did found it to be graphic (because I'm not a fan of blood and gore) but the story line, the emotions, the interactions between staff and patients were so raw and real. 

I'm watching season two now and I'm completely in! 


I give The Pitt 5 Drinks, I would give it 10 if my scale went that high!


  See you for Thursday for Throwback Thursday!

(Fanfiction Friday is on hiatus for a few weeks)

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Throwback Thursday: Drink Mix Friday: Strawberry & Lime Moscato Punch

 


Here's a great drink to try! Justin time for a long Easter weekend!


Drink Mix Friday


Strawberry & Lime Moscato Punch



I hope you'll enjoy this wine punch as mush as my friends and I have!

Strawberry & Lime Moscato Punch

What you'll need...

1.5 liter of Moscato wine

1 can frozen limeade concentrate, defrosted

2 cup of strawberries, 1 cup diced and 1 cup sliced

1 lime sliced

2 liter of Sprite or 7 Up

Preparation....

place 1 cup of diced strawberries and 1/ of the limeade in a blender and puree

Run through a strainer to remove seeds

pour into pitcher

add remaining limeade and moscato into pitcher

top with strawberry and lime slices

chill in the fridge

when ready to serve fill wine glass half way and top with soda

place a sliced strawberry on the rim

enjoy!


See you Monday!
No Fanfiction Friday tomorrow!







Monday, March 30, 2026

Media Monday: Oprah Podcast with Kristie Cabot

 



I do enjoy listening to Oprah's Podcast

I don't listen weekly just if its someone I like or if the topic is interesting is on!





In a worldwide exclusive interview, Oprah talks with Kristin Cabot, the woman caught on the Coldplay "kiss cam" in the arms of her boss and CEO of her company. The video became a phenomenon, instantly going viral around the globe with more than 300 billion views. While it became the most watched video of 2025, it also changed the course of Kristin Cabot’s life. In what she says will be her one and only on camera interview about the event, Kristin Cabot joins Oprah in front of an audience in New York City to reveal details about her life and relationships in the days leading up to the concert in Boston, and how her life was impacted afterwards. She tells Oprah her reaction to the 15 seconds that turned into an infinite number of memes and opened an unstoppable floodgate of what Kristin says is never-ending judgment, mocking, vitriol and even death threats. Kristin Cabot, who was the Chief People Officer for Astronomer at the time of the concert, tells Oprah the nature of her relationship with her then boss, former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron. Kristin Cabot says, “There is a different version of me than what people saw on a TikTok video.” Oprah and Kristin also hear from audience members about their reaction to the viral video and how they were quick to judge.




  My Two Cents:


When this happened at the Coldplay Concert Kiss Cam - I did jump to conclusion and judged them for having an affair, or at least that was what it seemed. And than the internet tore her apart; she lost her job, and was getting death threats, not to mention what her kids where going through at school.

BUT nothing happened to him! No losing his job and no death threats. 

Everyone decided it was all her fault!

I listened to the interview to get her side of the story and I'm glad I did! I learned so much.

She was separated from her husband

Her husband was at that same concert with his new girlfriend

Her boss said he was separated from his wife

It was the first time they went out in public together


Now, I know this is just her side of the story, but it made me think, Why do we as a society want to slander people all over social media without having all the details? Especially woman! 

At least for me, I'm going to try and give people the benefit of the doubt!


See you Thursday for a Throwback Thursday!

~Tammy


Friday, March 27, 2026

Fanfiction Friday - Dark Story Writing Challenge for Me

 



One thing about Twilight Fanfiction was it was never dull - I was know as the cupcake  because  I wrote and read mostly fluff (all happy stories) A dark story author challenged me to write a dark one -shot and she would write a fluff one -shot!  

I accepted of course!


Here were my rules

1. It has to be 3,000 words (it's not)

2. NO FLUFF OF ANY KIND - *sighs*

3. Edward must kill Bella -*cries*

4. All smut must be hardcore. *nods*



BE ADVISED if you choose to Read The Monster Within - it's dark, maybe disturbing to some, and very sexual in nature


The Monster Within


Summary: The kiss between Bella and Jake before the newborn fight pushes Edward over the edge. What happens when a tightly wound vampire...snaps. Everything that once was is no longer. DARK!

CLICK HERE TO READ

 


Monday, March 23, 2026

Media Mania Monday! Women Down by Collen Hoover

 



Women Down By Collen Hoover 

I got this book on Audible.

I love listening to books and podcast when in the car or in my kitchen!




Her words used to set the page on fire. But a viral backlash over her latest film adaptation forced Petra Rose to take a hiatus, resulting in missed deadlines and an overdue mortgage. Branded a fraud and fame-hungry opportunist, she learned the hard way what happens when the internet turns on you. And she’s been uninspired to write ever since.

Now, with her next suspense novel outlined and savings nearly gone, she retreats to a secluded lakeside cabin, hoping to find inspiration. It’s Petra’s last-ditch attempt to save her career—and herself.

Then he shows up.

Detective Nathaniel Saint arrives with disturbing news, his presence igniting a creativity in her she thought long since burned out. Petra’s words return in a rush, and her fictional cop character begins to mirror the very real cop who’s becoming her muse.

Their “research” sessions blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Each glance, every touch pulls Petra deeper into a world she thought she’d never lose herself in again. She’s never felt more alive. But inspiration this powerful comes at a cost.

When Saint starts taking his role in her career a little too seriously, Petra’s forced to confront the chaos she created. But doing so could cost her more than the reputation she’s been trying to salvage. The reputation the world wrote for her—the reputation only she can reclaim.

    *********

My Two Cents!

As good as the audio version was (mainly because the voice of the book was amazing)  I wish I would of read it, I believe the experience would of been more intense.

This book was beautifully written with lots of fun times, sexy times, intense and scary times.

I love a book about an author and the struggles of writers block and how reader feedback effects you.

Did not see the ending coming at first but I did suspect the outcome.

In two words - intense and sexy!

I LOVED it and give it 5 out of 5 drinks!



End Note:

I'm changing this up going forward....

Monday's - Media Mania (unless I post something new -  things I see on Facebook that me cringe or laugh out load)

Wednesday  - on Facebook Drinking with Tammy

Thursday - Throwback Thursday (if no Friday Post or just for fun!)

Friday : Fan Fiction Friday 


Thursday, March 19, 2026

Throwback Thursday: Top Five Television Series

 



The Top Five was something that Heather and I enjoyed doing - These were are answers in 2017



Top Five: Television Series 


Heather's Top Five
1. X-Files
2. Doctor Who
3. Supernatural
4. CSI: Crime Scene Investigators
5. Criminal Minds

 Tammy's Top Five

1. The Originals
2. Shadowhuters
3. Designated Survivor
4. Scandal
5. The Blacklist



For fun we decided to answer this question again now to see how the answers would change in 2026!



Heather's Top Five

1. Welcome to Derry 
2. Very Scary People
3. Paranormal Survivor
4. 911
5. Chicago Fire



Tammy's Top Five

1. SVU
2. Grey's Atomy
3. The Pitt
4. The Rookie
5.LeAnne


No media Mania tomorrow as I did a Throwback Thursday!


Friday, March 13, 2026

Media Mania: Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover






A troubled young mother yearns for a shot at redemption in this heartbreaking yet hopeful story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover.

After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself.

The only person who hasn’t closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna’s daughter. But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna’s life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them.

The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing.


My Two Cents: 

This is the first Collen Hoover book I've read and I was blown away!

This book captured me from the first page and took my on a crazy emotional ride!

I cried and laughed but mostly cried!

You love and root for Kenna immediately, you feel her pain come off the pages. She just wants a   chance to know her daughter and find some peace with her past and the people she hurt.

 This a story about forgiveness and redemption. Getting past the pain to open your heart to forgive someone is not easy but sometime forgiving yourself is the hardest thing to do!

I love Ledger and how he just believes in her and wants to do the best thing for all who are involved!
 AND it has a cat! Kinda had me at the cat!

 I give this 5 out of 5 drinks!! Wish I could give it more!


Soon to be a major motion picture starring Maika Monroe and Tyriq Withers.

Can't wait for the movie!! I'll bring a box of tissues with me!



Monday, March 9, 2026

So Many Contest and not Enough Time!

 

  


One thing Twilight Fandom had was a lot of contest and I entered as many as I could. Some I won and some I did not!

One was the Cullen Swinger Contest!

I figured I would give a try and I ended up winning both Public and Judges Choice! A double win!





~Eternal Spice~

They say variety is the spice of life.

After being married to Edward for twenty years, I never expected that saying to ring so true. I loved him deeply, but after years of unadventurous sex, I longed for something more.

It was then I decided to join in on the Cullen's deepest secret.


Warning: Adult content


 CLICK HERE TO READ



Friday, March 6, 2026

Media Mania: The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden





So, I said I would review this book, it's the first book by Freida McFadden I've read.






 

She's looking for the perfect man. He's looking for the perfect victim.

Sydney Shaw, like every single woman in New York, has terrible luck with dating. She’s seen it all: men who lie in their dating profile, men who stick her with the dinner bill, and worst of all, men who can't shut up about their mothers. But finally, she hits the jackpot.

Her new boyfriend is utterly perfect. He's charming, handsome, and works as a doctor at a local hospital. Sydney is swept off her feet.

Then the brutal murder of a young woman―the latest in a string of deaths across the coast―confounds police. The primary suspect? A mystery man who dates his victims before he kills them.

Sydney should feel safe. After all, she is dating the guy of her dreams. But she can’t shake her own suspicions that the perfect man may not be as perfect as he seems. Because someone is watching her every move, and if she doesn’t get to the truth, she’ll be the killer’s next victim...

A dark story about obsession and the things we’ll do for love, #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden proves that crimes of passion are often the bloodiest…

(Blurb from Amazon)


Okay, so for me this was not the amazing book I was prepared to read by all the hype. I will say it was good because of it's twist. I was floored at the end but also left feeling like I was was robbed.

I don't want to give away spoilers! First off I could not stand Sydney, to me she lacks basic common sense and it's hard to love a book when you don't the the main caharacter.

The going back in time to when Tom was young chapters annoyed me also, I know that had to for the story to unfold.

It may not have been for me but I know so many out there love this author and this book. I may give one of her other books a try because the written is good and the storyline did many twists!

For those reason I give this book 3 out of 5 drinks. 


Sunday, March 1, 2026

The Jasper's Naughty Girl Blog and Part One of Control

 My Jasper obsession became more intense as I was writing Control and reading Cullen818's trilogy! 


The Jasper's Naughty Girls Blog asked me to join them to do a few segments, of course I said yes, I still posted on the Muse Blog, so I was a very busy girl! 



As I started to post Control, I was shocked by the popularity of the story. I even won Best Current Story Award for a All Human Jasper/Bella Pairing! 

More and more ideas for stories kept popping in my head and yes I even wrote a Jake/Bella story (you will get to read that soon)!


Part One (chapters 1- 16 of  Control story is now up for you to read. 


CLICK HERE TO READ CONTROL

Monday, February 9, 2026

Winter Break


   

Hello, friends! 

Here to let you know that I'm taking a winter break. I need this for my mental health, this long freezing snap and weeks of snow which I had to shovel has taken a toll on me and I just need a brief break to the creative juices going again.

So this week and next week my blog will be silent to give me the chance to breath and catch up and plan future posts. 

Drinking with Tammy will continue on my Facebook unless I post otherwise!

See you in March!

On a side note lately I've been reading more than I have in awhile!

This book was suggested to me from a co-worker and it's anew to me author.

I'll review it on Media Mania when I'm done!

The Boyfriend: A Psychological Thriller


 


Friday, February 6, 2026

Media Mania: Heated Rivalry

 

  Heated Rivalry

Based on the Book Series Game Changers by Rachel Reid


HBO MAX

Season 1 - 6 Episodes




Heated Rivalry is a Canadian sports romance television series created, written, and directed by Jacob Tierney for Crave. Based on the Game Changers novel series by Rachel Reid, it follows two rival professional hockey players, Canadian Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Russian Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), whose on-ice animosity conceals a passionate, secret romance.


My kids got me to watch this show, the first episode I did have a hard time following along because of all the time jumps. It was needed to set up the story. Episode two things start to speed up and the story starts to unfold.

The acting is top notch and the storyline is very hot and sexy! I felt so many different emotions for Ilya and Shane. They were from completely different words because of their family life and upbringing, and the struggle they had with their attraction for one another. To add fuel to the already impossible situation they find themselves in, they had to hide it from everyone.




I don't want to give to much away, but this is a great series that deals with a storyline many don't want to tell. For me love is love, it should see no race, gender or religion. 

Go binge this! Can't wait for Season 2!

I give Heated Rivalry 5 out of 5 drinks!









Sunday, February 1, 2026

Snowmageddon and Groundhog Day

 


Between not feeling well and mother nature trying to kill us, it has been a looooong week!

We got so much snow and the temps went to -20 with windchill!

With all the shoveling and crazy drives to and from work I had no time to prepare a fanfiction post 

so I cooked this up!


Today is Groundhog Day- 


Lets hope he gives us good news and we have an early spring!

Or will Elsa win and give us more snow!



 See you on Facebook on Wednesday for Drinking with Tammy

and on Friday for Media Mania - my kids and I watched a new show and I can't wait to talk about it!

  ~Tammy