Enter the BED & BREAKFAST FREE NIGHT'S STAY GIVEAWAY TODAY!

Yes, you heard me correctly. One lucky winner will get to stay in the available room of their choice (up to $200 value) in this luxurious Bed & Breakfast in Metropolis, Il. (the home of Super Man himself!) *

The Summer's Riverview Mansion, is a spectacular retreat that puts the BREAK in Bed and BREAKfast!

My husband and I recently spent a wonderfully relaxing night in a room fit for royalty!(An early Christmas gift from him)We were pampered and well taken care of by the innkeepers who have lovingly put their hearts into making our experience a memorable one.

Our stay included a quick tour through the home on arrival, to late snacks prepared for us and delivered to our door, to delicious food and peaceful surroundings, and beautiful decor with much attention paid to details.



Lovely on the inside and outside, with a delicious full breakfast to boot!

Many people ask me why we choose to stay at a Bed and Breakfast rather than a hotel. Well, take a look at these photos, and I think any questions will be answered. NOTHING compares!

Let me take you on a tour (through my camera's eye)....


Each beautiful suite had a matching Christmas tree and wreaths on the doors and the gorgeous fireplace mantles were beautifully decorated as well.














The gorgeous Parlor









And the all inclusive full breakfast served from this beautiful dining room.














If you're thinking this would be perfect for a honeymoon or anniversary getaway, you are right--but ALSO, a new Wedding Chapel has been added to the property for an intimate ceremony.






So, would you love a great place to spend a romantic New Year's Eve? Or Valentine's Day? Anniversary? Honeymoon? Birthday?


Truly, I could go on and on about this place, and I've many more pictures I could share, but I want to get back to the contest...

Here's the rules:

1.If you enter, PLEASE only do so if you truly plan to take advantage of this special night (or at least give it to someone who you know will enjoy it.) (This is in the Southern Illinois area, and offer is good from now until March 2012.) CONTINENTAL US ONLY.

2. You need only to enter by leaving a comment. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. Please leave your name and a way to contact you. Winner will be chosen by random draw. Contest closes on Sat., Dec. 17, 9 pm. Winner will be announced on this blog and contacted by email( or facebook)after 9 PM Dec. 17.

*You may use the ANONYMOUS option for commenting, however, you will still need to leave your name and a way top contact you. *IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE LEAVING A COMMENT ON THIS BLOG, email me at asmurphy@clearwave.com

For more info on this B&B, click here.

If you decide to book a night here, even if you are not the winner, tell em Sherri sent ya!

Easy Pumpkin Pancakes (a repost)

Perfect Autumn breakfast without all the fuss! My guys loved them and it was SOOOO quick and easy.

These make a heavier pancake, but very tasty!

Serve with maple syrup and butter.


YOU WILL NEED:




2 cups favorite pancake mix (plus water, or eggs/milk, as indicated on box)
1/2 cup canned or fresh pumpkin
1/4 cup water
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp ginger

Substitution Options:
Substitute 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon, allspice and ginger



Directions

In mixing bowl, combine pancake mix with water or eggs/milk. Whisk. Then whisk in canned pumpkin and water. Finally, whisk in spices.



Pour batter in 1/3 cup portions onto griddle. Let cook until bubbles form. Flip and let cook another 1-2 minutes.




Now how simple is that?

Just another Fast and Furious Friday recipe so you can enjoy your weekend!

Three Ingredient Thursday- Banana Smoothie

I love a good smoothie! Especially for breakfast, and especially in the blazin' hot summertime.

I made a three-ingredient smoothie for this post, but I also wanted to add a few quickies that came stamped on the smoothie glass I purchased at the Dollar Tree.

You gonna' love em!


BANANA SMOOTHIE

1 banana
1 c. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Break Banana in half, and place in blender.(With about 3 ice cubes) Pour in milk and vanilla and blend until smooth.

Garnish with a strawberry.


SUNNY CITRUS SMOOTHIE
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1 cup cold Orange Juice
3/4 cups pineapple chunks
Splash of lemon or lime juice


VERY BERRY SMOOTHIE
3/4 cup diced fresh strawberries
3/4 cup unsweetened apple juice
1/2 frozen raspberries
1 frozen banana, sliced
Blend with ice



SWEET GREENS SMOOTHIE
1 1/2 cups diced honeydew melon
1 cup lemon-lime gatorade
3/4 cup fresh green grapes pinch of salt

Blend with ice


BLUES BUSTER SMOOTHIE

1 cup Blueberry Yogurt
3/4 cup cold apple juice
2/3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 cup frozen sliced peaches
Blend with ice

Pour yourself a cold one and sit back and enjoy the rest of the summer while cooling off -Inside out!
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Homemade Granola

Recently, Big AL and I celebrated our 27th anniversary, and we stayed overnight at a quaint little Bed and Breakfast in Cape Girardeau, Mo., The Rosebed Inn. (This was our fourth visit!)

Here's a shot of the gorgeous room!



We continue to return because we are treated like ROYALTY in beautiful surroundings.

A delicious full gourmet breakfast was served, but the first course included a very simple homemade yogurt with granola. (Pictured).

Now, I've never made my own yogurt, but this is my granola recipe (from Alton Brown) that is delicious served atop a creamy yogurt, and served in an elegant dish, makes even an ordinary breakfast seem extraordinary.

You will need:
Ingredients
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup slivered almonds
1 cup cashews
3/4 cup shredded sweet coconut
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins


Directions

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar.

In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, oil, and salt. Combine both mixtures and pour onto 2 sheet pans. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to achieve an even color.

Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl. Add raisins and mix until evenly distributed.

Pamper yourself with this simple recipe.