Accordian Sandwich- so summertime!

This is such a fun and simple meal option- we gobbled it right up! (makes about 6 servings)

NEEDS:

1 loaf french bread
cheese
meat (I used ham, turkey & pepperoni) 1/2 lb each.
mustard spread (I used dijon)

onion

Begin by slicing the bread in one inch sections, but do not cut all the way through. You are creating a 'pocket' for the meat, so do not actually make slices. In the picture, you will notice arrows indicating the sections of bread you will "stuff." The 2 end pieces can be thrown away.

In every other 'pocket' you will spread your mustard and begin stuffing the bread with your desired selections. For this go-round, I used shredded cheese, onions, & meat. You can certainly come up with your own combinations!

Once you have the bread completely stuffed, set the oven to 200 degrees. Bake the sandwich until the cheese is melted (about 10 minutes) Another twist to heating the sandwich would be to wrap it in tin foil- before stuffing and set it on the grill for 10 minutes...VERY yummy....

Once the cheese is melted, you can stuff with lettuce and tomato and any additional condiments you wish!

Fully slice the sections of sandwich and enjoy! My next try- the Accordian Club. Did someone say bacon?

Luggage revamp!

So. Here I am, Saturday afternoon and I have to leave on my "trip" on Monday. Its raining and I don't want to go shopping for luggage. I had the most adorable matching set of pink luggage that we bought when we went to South Africa 3 years ago, but in the grand tradition of dirty cargo space in the bottom of our 3 planes- when I got home the luggage was BLACK! I was so sad! Since then, I have just used my husbands really nice, sturdy luggage he was given from a company he used to work for. I love the luggage, I HATE the branding on the front.

So this was my husbands suggestion to me today. "Just cover it up with some of your flower thingies."

Thank you Jason! Problem solved!

Cake mix brownies!

I have been M.I.A this past week! Summertime is here with a vengeance- traveling, vacations and family time have just about consumed our lives! I took a break today and experimented with a few "Cake Doctor" recipes...this one is so delicious and a combination of 2 recipes. My husband ate a huge piece before it even cooled off! Needless to say- it is fantastic! ENJOY!

NEEDS:
1 white cake mix (box)
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil
1 cup chocolate chips (I like semi-sweet)

Mix the ingredients in a mixing bowl, lightly grease a 9 X 13 pan, spread mixture into pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. These are fantastic and SO EASY!
Ahhh. Feels good to be back!!! And did you see the followers!! Totally met the goal! Thanks everyone!

A tip from our Financial Funambulist!

I thought it would be fun to ask guest contributors to share insight and tips for things we all deal with in life. Because we face a world of economic uncertainty- we need to make sure we have taken the steps necessary to protect our families. This particular issue has been on my mind lately and I wanted to share with each of you some tips and "know how's" from Silverline Financial.
Guest contributor (and my wonderful, handsome and wicked smart husband) Jason Rasmussen, Owner of Silverline Financial, chimes in with a few
FREQUENT Q&A:
Q.What is the difference between term & permanent life insurance?
A. I believe there is a time and situtaion fitting for both types of insurance. I personally own both kinds of policies. Term Life Insurance is designed to provide protection for a specified period of time. Though the policy does not accumulate cash value, if you have a temporary need for life insurance or are on a limited budget, term insurance may be the best option for you. Term Insurance is very inexpensive and is a cost effective way to protect your family. You simply pay your monthly premium and the life insurance promises to give your family the amount in the death benefit if you should pass away. Term Insurance usually has a set premium time period, for either 10, 15, 20 or 30 years. I personally believe everyone should have some kind of term insurance, in the event of a death.
Permanent Life Insurance has many different 'names' and options. The basics behind a permanent policy is to pay enough in premiums so that the policy is fully funded and there is no need to pay premium amounts into the policy. The policy is purchased by paying the premium for a set period of time. These policies have become more flexible and easier to work with into what you want accomplished. Because permanent policies are complex and wide spread, you should contact your Financial Specialist for more information.
Q: What are the major reasons to own a life insurance policy?
A: Studies have shown that the average American does not "like" to worry about death, retirement or disability (shocking, I know) But the fact of the matter is- you never know when life could change and being prepared with life insurance is the safest bet you have in the event something does happen. Besides offering major tax benefits, life insurance is the only investment I have felt 100% confident in. Its never too late to start investing in your future. As my motto says, "Plan today, for a prepared tomorrow."

Best regards,
Jason