- It’s Secret Santa time in Blogland again and I’m excited! Many thanks to Pserendipity for organizing. My Secret Santa from last year DID THE DANG THING! Thanks again Gorgeous Puddin‘!! I should feel shamed that it’s been a year and I haven’t reported back to y’all on any of the fabulous things I cooked from the book. *lol* My bad! Rest assured they were tasty!! I need to bust out a few clues for my Secret Santa this year, so watch for my attempts at subtlety. =)
- I think I’m addicted to watching The Food Network. Scratch that. I don’t “think”, I KNOW I am. Right now, I’m deep into “The Next Iron Chef” and “Chef Hunter“. And of course, anytime my homeboy Guy Fieri is on with “Diner, Drive Ins and Dives“, it’s a happy time. I wish I could take a few weeks vacation and eat my way across the country with Guy! Y’all would watch me on TV, right????
My crockpot and I are BEST FRIENDS!! I use that bad boy at least 3 days a week. I’ve got a few staple recipes like beef roast, pork roast, bbq chicken and turkey wings. I get creative too and so far I’ve been about 95% successful. Tip of the day: Chili powder intensifies GREATLY in the crockpot, so uh, be careful or you’ll ruin dinner.
- In the wake of Heavy D’s untimely death, I remembered that MrTDJ and I swapped CD’s in 12th grade. I lent him my “Blue Funk” CD in exchange for his Eric B and Rakim, “Don’t Sweat the Technique Album” CD. He never returned my “Blue Funk” CD. Say bruh, I’mma need that back! Just ’cause we got married doesn’t mean you can renege on trades! *lol*
- I was born in July, so I’m a Cancer crab and I love all things crab related. I even collect little crystal crabs.
- Homeland is everything that a TV series should be. I love it. If you’re not watching, you should be. Reminds me “Sleeper Cell” but with a bit more realism. Showtime definitely scored a home run with this one. Little Claire Danes all grown up, yet I can’t shake the image of her as Angela on “My So-Called Life“.
- Where hath the art of debate gone? Seems like folks have a really hard time debating any issue without making it personal and tossing in personal insults. Geez folks. Everyone has the right to their opinion, no matter how silly you think it is. *lol*
- I forget my hard drive with my Xmas music at home today. Dang! Pandora to the rescue. Typed in “Soul Holiday” and I’m now jamming to the sounds of MY xmas season. No thanks Mr. Crosby, I’m rolling with the O’Jay, The Ohio Players, Fred Hammond, Toni Braxton, Kirk Franklin and Mary J. The track above, “Happy Holidays” by the Ohio Players, is one of my favorites. Reminds me of the parents and I decking the tree and just puts me in a great mood!
- In case we’re not already playing Words with Friends, hit me up. My username is MrsTDJ. If we are already playing, please note – I have too many open games. So, if our game concludes, I need for you to send me a re-match. I can’t initiate any new games. #addictedtoWWF
- I’ve finally perfected my apple cobbler made with Splenda. Daddy TDJ and MrTDJ, both diabetics, are ecstatic and wondering what’s next. Ummm, me thinks they should enjoy the cobbler and hush up. Grinch status – No new recipes until 2012!
What’s up in y’alls neck of the woods?
Just Another Day with MrsTDJ 
I enjoy Next Iron Chef too even though I never catch it first run. I alwyas enjoy DDD. One of my favorite shows on the network. But really I think Food Network has fallen off a little. I dont watch it half as much as I used to.
If you dont share some of those crockpot recipes, I’m gonna get violent. I am trying to learn to love the thing like you do! I know I need it in my life but I need some guidance. Help me TDJ. Help me…
So I guess you went on and replaced that shattered ipod. I will have to send you a WWF request because I just got it on my phone so I dont have to wait til I get home to play.
Thank goodness for DVRs, OnDemand and reruns! I’ve started liking some things on the Cooking channel too.
Ok, ok! *lol* I crockpot post to come.
Nope, haven’t replaced the iPod. With an iPad and a little nano that I can use for working out, it just seems like a waste.
Did you send a game? I didn’t get it.
Ooh I might have to do soul holiday songs too…and I love how you remembered he never gave you back your CD…love that. Hopefully you get it back by end of the year!
Why is that man trying to front like he gave it back??? Nah bruh! *lol* My memory has always been better than his!
A friend of mine has me hooked on WOF too now. I’m not very good but I have 3 or 4 games going right now (DaenelT).
I have a slow cooker and only remember how much I love it when I actually use it.
Love that you and your hubs could share music back in the day. Mine listened to Megadeath! MEGADEATH! What is that?
And, yeah, my twin from other parents, I’d watch you on TV!
Oooh! Send me a game lady. MrsTDJ
Megadeath???? ***stony silence*** Thank goodness he evolved, with help from you! *lol*
LOL! My mom is addicted to the food network! I am more of a Syfy kind of girl but every now and then I will watch the food network and wonder where they get the time! I don’t mind cooking but I LOATHE baking! That being said I made sweet potato cookies and sweet potato cake last week and was pleasantly surprised at the outcomes. I think I will make sweet potato cake my holiday specialty.
Justin case you missed my latest blog,
http://tinyurl.com/87mffol
Smooches!
Regina
My husband is hooked on SciFi channel, along with Fearnet and Chiller. I can’t!
I definitely prefer cooking to baking. But, I am intrigued by the Sweet Potato Cake.
I’m gonna have to check your recipe on that.
im mad you include your WWF handle everytime you do one of these post yet have a kabillion on going games already! lmao Love it!
I’m addicted to HGTV. Thats my go to station every evening.
as for a secret Santa I went ahead and just posted up a list of things I like. I’m extremely random and I don’t think I ever blog about things I like, LIKE THAT. Anyone who got me would have probably been clueless. All the gifts would have been for Jas none for me lol
Bwahaha! You know I’m addicted!! I can’t help myself. I guess I should at least rewrite the paragraph and not cut/paste it.
I go enjoy HGTV but not as much as Food Network.
Your Secret Santa tried to outdo us ALL!!!
thanks for the “soul christmas” tip on pandora.
That’s hot right?? Hope you’ve been enjoying it!
I read your Secret Santa post and comments from last year… I SO ❤ Tiffany. I think I cried a little when she won a challenge and she was having such a horrible day. So glad that she got a second shot too.
I agree that Food Network ain't what it used to be. I think it's the Cooking Channel that has Chopped…that's my joint.
I still ❤ Tiffany! I want to visit Texas just to dine at her restaurant, Private Social. I am practically a long distance stalker! *lol*
Ah, yes, Chopped is one of my favs too. It's still on the Food Network. Forgot to list that.
Thanks for stopping by! Hope you'll come back often! =)
DDD & Next Iron Chef do it for me, too! I don’t think I’ve ever heard that Ohio Players song but ME LIKEY! My mom is as much a Christmas musicaholic as I am and we don’t discriminate. Give us all of it! I don’t dig a cd full of slow Christmas song but I’ll give anyone a chance. The biggest rule is you must find one new Christmas fave song, but preferably an album, per year. Last year was a no brainer: Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas II You. This year it’s Ella Fitzgerald (I only knew a few but I have two full albums now!!!), Michael Bublé & Justin Bieber. See what I mean? The Temps, Natalie Cole, Boyz II Men & Mariah’s first are always in the rotation! I don’t use my crockpot nearly enough! I have only had it about 6 months but I’ve enjoyed everything that came out of it! Cancer, huh? Y’all are so sensitive. My mom’s a Cancer & my bff’s mom’s a Cancer. Her bro, too. Your feelings have been the topic of many a conversation. MANY. My mom’s more even-tempered but still… That song is still on… that’s enough, y’all.
I like that Xmas music challenge that you guys have. For my “new”, I’m digging Ledisi’s Christmas album. I think it came out last year.
Agreed – we Cancer’s can be very sensitive, but usually you have to be in our inner circle to know how badly we’ve been hurt. Most of us have the appropriate, extra tough shell.
Guy is my homeboy in my head. LOL
Seriously!! Don’t you just want to hop in the convertible and chill with him???
Another show for me to watch lol. THANKS!!! lol
Sorry!! But you’ll thank me for it later!
First off, thanks for that shout out. I feel so special. 😀 I’m super glad you’re still enjoying your cook book. You were actually pretty easy because you made it clear you are a STAN! LOL!
Triple D is the best show EVER! Yes, I would watch you on the show, but I would totally love to eat my way across America. For really tho!
Definitely share the crock pot recipes. I really want to get more involved with mine. Right now we are just acquainted, but I want to get intimate with that sucka! LOL!
Awww! That Christmas song is so nostalgic. It makes me happy like Happy Feelin’s makes me happy.
Heeeeeeeaaaavy D 😦
Mmm….Apple cobbler!
Can you imagine??? I think we should rent an RV, get a group of foodie bloggers together and film us for like 2 weeks driving and eating our way around the country. Hmm……I might be on to something there. Don’t nobody steal my idea! *lol*
Yes, K. Rock just asked the same, so I’ll pull out a few of my favorite recipes and tips for posting.
YES! We are obsessed with DDD on Food Network. We’ll be late to functions while watching this show. We don’t have cable but for whatever reason (divine intervention, maybe?) it’s one of the few channels we somehow get and we love it. Chopped is great too! . . . Thanks for mentioning Soul Holiday. Just added it to my Pandora in time for our Christmas cookie exchange party this Saturday! Oh and about the crockpot? We are on that too in our household. It’s going right now at nearly 2a.m. and the smell is making me hungry. LOL!
Ha ha @ divine intervention!! I hear that! DDD is not to be missed. Girl, I’ll even watch reruns!
I used to put stuff in the crockpot at night, but the smell was too distracting. Or maybe I’m just too greedy! *lol* Now I put things in about 630am before I leave in the morning.
Yessir, that crockpot is the business. I made beef stew on Sunday. Going to do some teriyaki chicken on Thursday. Other than that, nothing rolling down here but trying to get ready for the holidays and trying to get this business off the ground. I need a vacation!
Yum @ teriyaki chicken! Please share your recipe sis!
A vacation sounds so super fantastic and about as real as the Loch Ness Monster. *lol*
One day!
I need to learn to love my crockpot. It just sits collecting dust, often I forget I own one. I see so many yummy recipes that I want to try. I need to just do it. You might have just motivated me to put this on the New Year’s resolution list. 😉
Please go ahead and try that wonderful device!!! She will change your life! *lol*
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Your post is making me sooo hungry. Is your apple cobbler anything like “Aunt P’s” peach cobbler???
I hope you plan to publish your own cook book filled with family recipes. You posted a message a while back about “Aunt G’s” pistachio cake, which I’m still waiting for the recipe.
As a matter of fact, I could use an afternoon snack.
Pretty similar to her peach cobbler. Goodness, I haven’t had that in years, but I can still remember how wonderful it is! *lol*
Hmm, you might be on to something cuz. A family cookbook. Might need to kick that around after the holidays!
Coming out of Lurkville… Mannnn Homeland is EVERYTHINGGGGG!! Every episode I try to figure out what the hell is going and who is what..and I’m lost. LOL Claire is playing that part ….oh by the way what is it that Carrie has . Is she bi polar?
Please tell me that you are up to date and watched this past Sunday!! MrTDJ and I were staring at the screen like, WHAT?????
The story is twisting and turning in ways that I just didn’t see coming. Never expected Brody to call the Director on Carrie!! Good guess re her being bi-polar. I wasn’t sure and was thinking manic depressive, but bi-polar makes more sense. Any gut feelings on who the mole is?
I’m still completely on the fence, 50/50 as to whether Brody has turned or not. The writing is so wonderfully ambiguous!
Thanks for coming out to play!! *lol* I hope you’ll come out more often in the future!
1. I love Secret Santa.. *going to check out SS link*
2. I’m always watching Food Network. I’ve improved my cooking repertoire so much. My first and most favoritest thing I’ve ever made was a recipe from Semi Homemade. It’s the Black Pepper Crusted Rib Roast. Yum-o! And I discovered Turducken from Guy. LOVE IT! Guy should have a contest for someone to join him for one of his shows.
3. Crock pots are the best! Made some chili the other day and it was a hit! No leftovers.
5. Crabs.. was that a subtle Secret Santa hint. =)
6. Homeland is one of the best shows in my rotation. Well actually it’s a toss up between that and Boardwalk Empire.
8. I was telling the Hubby that I needed him to put together a Christmas playlist for ambiance during dinner. Will have to check out Pandora.. is that a paid service? I would be good listening to “This Christmas” by Donnie Hathaway, “Let It Snow” by Boyz to Men and “Christmas in Hollis” by Run D.M.C. on repeat.
Oooh, I hope you’ll join us next year!
I forgot about Sandra from Semi Homemade. I love her tips and that roast sounds FANTASTIC!!
I am so totally behind with Boardwalk Empire. The last episode that I watched Season 1 and the St. Patty’s Day, green beer episode. **smh** Hoping to catch up one day.
Pandora is FREE!!!! I hope you are using it and enjoying it!
DDD is one of my faves on Food Network. And Chopped, too! I loved Alton Brown’s show (the name is escaping me right now……wait! Good Eats) but they don’t air it anymore. I would totally watch you eat your way across the country! But you’d have to wear a shirt that says MrsTDJ so I’d know it’s you! I’ve never seen a pic of you! Lol.
I love the Blogland Secret Santa thing too! I’ve gotten great gifts the past two years.
Um…..hook a sista up with your BBQ chicken recipe for the crock pot. My mom bought me a new one and I’ve been working that think OUT! Today, it’s gonna be chili.
I like Alton’s show too, and I’m digging him now as the host of Next Food Network Star. LOL! I’ll have to send you a picture!
I really don’t know how I survived before I started using my crockpot routinely.
I’ll need to jot down some things about my crockpot recipes; most of my creations are just things I’ve tinkered with minus measurements. =)
Triple D ROCKS!
Crockpots are BOSS
Adding Soul Holiday to my Pandora rotation!
Feel free to share a few of your crockpot recipes, ma’am! None of your classic, trade secrets but anything us mere mortals could try to prepare! *lol* Hope you’re digging the Pandora station.
I adore the food network too, I think I am going to start planning trips around diners driveine and dives 🙂
Also, I have a killer crockpot but I don’t use it as much as I should! Any recipes are appreciated!
**whispers** I have a spreadsheet with cities that I plan to visit and the best food spots that are there. #foodieforlife
I will surely be sharing some recipes. Guess I need to figure out things better than, “until it looks like” or “not a little, but not a lot either”.
Thanks for stopping by!!
I Love DDD! Guy knows and enjoys food… LOL. And I wish I had a Secret Santa this year. Hmph:) Post a crock pot receipe or two… or three. I’m out of ideas. Thanks in advance:)
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
Guy definitely knows his food!! I would love to see the outtakes from that show!
Pinky swear – 2012 will bring some crockpot recipes!
Hello and thanks so much for leaving such sweet comments on my blog! I really appreciate your visit! Love Guy Fieri! DDD is of my favorite shows. My husband and I drool each time we watch an episode. Love Anthony Bourdain too! Oh and my husband loves Homeland too! I’ve seen a few episodes and it’s a good show! Are you looking forward to the return of Shameless?
Aww, how could I forget Ms. Bourdain!! You hubby must be on the edge of his seat like we are waiting for the Homeland season finale this Sunday.
We never got into Shameless, but I am looking forward to House of Lies with Don Cheadle.
Thanks for stopping by!
Where do I start!?!?
Food Network. If my child is not home, it’s on Food Network. I love them all….
I’ve been trying to figure out how to get some black Christmas music on Pandora! Going over to add Soul Holiday….
Words with friends….you should try word fued! Love it!!!
I love my crock pot too! I don’t have time to cook long drawn out meals! But still looking for a good pork roast recipe!
I did like Word Feud when I tried it, but I don’t like the fact that the games time out in such a short period. I try to get on every night, but sometimes life happens and I’ll miss a couple of days. I logged in and discovered that I’d lost/forfeited all my games! =(
Ah, I’ve got a pork roast in there today!
Thank you for stopping by the blog, for this holiday channel in Pandora (it rocks!) and maybe I’ll start playing Words with Friends on my android. I’m addicted to WordFeud 🙂