Where have I been? ...

Hello everyone and I hope you're all having a very happy and safe holiday season. I could go on and on the reason for my absence but I won't and will just say thank God for life and I am counting my blessings.

This year with all that has been happening and dodging life's curve balls I decided to keep it simple and not setup a tree or do my traditional Christmas decor. I just don't have the energy at this time. Now this does not mean I've become an "Ebenezer Scrooge", nor am I shouting out "bah humbug". I truly believe in the spirit and meaning of Christmas. I took the nostalgic route this year. Let's just say some of neighbors think I have lost "it" and I have heard a few cars screech their tires. I'm sure some are scratching their heads and asking, "why?"

It's here, it's here! ... "Fra-GEE-lay". That must be Italian.


















Well, it arrived in the classic box along with a "lagniappe" t-shirt. I got the idea from the movie "A Christmas Story". I love this movie and if you have not seen it, be sure to check it out.




















"Oh, you should see what it looks like from out here!" ...




















Here's to all a wonderful and joyous Christmas and Holiday Season! Thank you all for your wonderful messages and kind words. God Bless us everyone!!

Giving Thanks ...

Hello everyone! I know I have been absent for a while but I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. I hope you're all enjoying time with the ones you love and let's remember to count our blessings and give thanks. I have so much to be thankful for this year and I am also thankful for all the new friends I have made here, too! Have a wonderful weekend!

more awards for me?

I was delighted to receive three awards. Two from a darling domestic diva, Connie over at http://conniekhuzaie.blogspot.com/

Be sure to stop by and check this lovely girl out. I swear, I have threatened her that I will show up on her doorstep one of these days with my bags! She has the most tempting, heart stopping recipes and

features such gorgeous eye candy.

The third award is from Erin over at http://abbyandizzysmom.blogspot.com/ I can't say enough great things about this witty and hilarious gal. She gets me laughing and thanks to her my nose received a caffeine cleanse. Erin presenting me with the Badass Blogger Award. So follow this clever momma and tell her I sent ya!

The first award I received from Connie was the Honest Scrap Award.

The Honest Scrap Award comes with some rules. In order to accept it you must list 10 honest things about yourself and then pass the award along to 7 other bloggers.

So here is my list of 10 things about me that may surprise you:
1. I used to be an animal trainer for various theme parks and a production company.
2. I fear touching public phones, door handles or using public restrooms.

3. I used to date two very well known rock musicians. The stories I could tell ... but I won't ;)
4. When I was a child I lived in the Tenderloin District in San Francisco.

6. My best friend happens to be my husband.

7. I studied Opera and Ballet.
8. I "hydrate" my roots every month ;)
9. I had my heart set on joining the Navy, then I met my husband while on vacation in the Virgin Islands.
10. I can pick objects with my toes.

Well, that was fun ... So I now have to choose 7 bloggers. This is always so hard because you are all so wonderful.

The Mother Load

Biting Gnome Baubles

OceanDreams

CherryLemonadex

In Bug's Drawer

Wicked Frills

Float On ...

......................................................................

My second award from Connie is the Lemonade Stand Award.
This awards comes with a set of rules, too.

Put the lemonade logo on your blog or within your post.
Nominate at least 10 blogs.
Link the nominees within your post
let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
link to the person from whom you received this award.

And the nominee's are ....

Pretty Baby Doll

RocksBlogg

Adventures of Gingey

Have your cake eat it too!

Gato Grove

Yours Truli

The Gifting Gumshoe

..........................................................................

I picked 6 for this rare and unique award ...

Blonde Episodes

Stroke of Living

Shabbychic Diva

Love LuLuMae

The Girl Can't Help It

Sweet Sue

Remembering Veterans Day

Let's honor and remember our wonderful servicemen and women for all they do to serve our country. Let's please keep these fine men and women and their families in our thoughts and prayers.

ButterMyScotch Martinis

The perfect sipping martini! It makes a nice relaxing after dinner cocktail that will make you smile. Oh, who am I kidding? Anytime is a good time to sip this (All right, I 'fess for some of us, slam) yummy candy treat. I even licked my glass, teehee!

Butterscotch Martinis

Ingredients:

2.5 oz. of Bacardi Vanilla Rum
1.5 oz. of Butterscotch Schnapps
.5 oz. or a Splash of Bailey's Irish Cream

Preparation:

Pour 2.5 oz. Bacardi Vanilla Vodka into glass.

Add Butterscotch Schnapps and enough Bailey's Irish Cream to create creamy consistency.

Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.

If you don't want to use Vodka you can use Vanilla Cruzan Rum.

Now that you got your cocktail it's time to indulge. If drinking or eating Butterscotch is not enough, be sure to check out my site. I offer Home Fragrances and Bath & Body Goodies in Butterscotch.

Butterscotch Sugar Scrub anyone?

Cheers Dears!

An Award for lil ol' me?

Well, I am just speechless and am much obliged. I feel like the "Old Man" from "A Christmas Story" when he receives a Major Award.

I received my first award from darling HeartNiki over at NOTEPAD CH@OS The "Over the Top" Award last month but am such a horrible procrastinator and I am just sharing this now.

Thank you HeartNiki for this Over the Top Blog Award! Be sure to check this lovely doll out at http://mrsratlady.blogspot.com

OK, now for the The Quiz:

1. you can only use ONE word!
2. pass this along to 6 of your favorite bloggers (this is not easy for me at all)
3. alert them that you have given them this award!
4. have fun!

The Fun Part

1. Where is your cell phone? Dead
2. Your hair? Damp
3. Your mother? Awesome
4. Your father? Passed
5. Your favorite food? Everything
6. Your dream last night? Strange
7. Your favorite drink? Margaritas
8. Your dream/goal? GlamaRay.com
9. What room are you in? Living
10. Your hobby? Mixology
11. Your fear? Claustrophobic
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Alive
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren’t? Crazy (I best not hear back on this one;)
15. Muffins? Yes
16. Wish list item? Money
17. Where did you grow up? Louisiana
18. Last thing you did? Cook
19. What are you wearing? Pajamas
20. Your TV? On
21. Your pets? cats
22. Friends? Yes
23. Your life? Blessed
24. Your mood? Anxious
25. Missing someone? Husband
26. Vehicle? Jeep
27. Something you’re not wearing? Socks
28. Your favorite store? All
29. Your favorite color? Pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday
32. Your best friend? Many
33. One place that I go to over and over? Bed
34. One person who emails me regularly? Daphne
35. Favorite place to eat? Macaroni...

I am giving this award to:

Really, this part was very tough and I mean tuff, tuff and I never want to leave anyone out. I must only pick 6. I really do love you all and I appreciate everyone's sweet comments. If you didn't get one this time, have no fear my dear's, this does not mean that I don't think you are worthy. There will be plenty more awards to come. :)

1. Fat Girl Running
2. Livng my Glamorous Life
3. Debbs Gathering Place
4. Pink Monkey Chatter
5. Chronically Vintage
6. I Wonder Why

Feeling the Halloween "Spirit"

Well I just had to share and show you how we have been preparing our home for Halloween.

Here's my Hubby attempting to setup the Gargoyle fountain. We had a lot of help whether we wanted it or not. (Meet our neighbor's orange tabby, Tigger and the precious grey furbaby is our Tinsel.

Y'all think we went a little crazy with the Halloween decor?

.............................................................................................................


If you look very hard, you will see the Grim Reaper has taken residence in our attic. He comes with lightening bolt action but sadly my po' cheap azz camera could not capture this.

Meet Boris the Spider ...

of course I could not forget to decorate the inside of my home or pool ...
















......................................................................................................

I want to wish each and everyone of you a very joyous and safe Halloween! May you all have lots of "Treats" and no "Tricks".

and the winner is ...

Congratulations to Brittany Farmer of Baytown, TX.

Thank you everyone that entered and shared your comments on which was your favorite Halloween fragrance from my collection.

I will be having another "giveaway" next month and I will be posting the details shortly.

No telling what I might be up to or what will be given away.

You're all so wonderful and thank you for following.

Glama Ray Halloween Giveaway!

Well, it's finally up. My long awaited Halloween Scented Collection you choose to add to my various assortment of products I make all myself. Can we say, "it's about time, Regina" ... "what took so long, Regina?" ... "so, when are you gonna give away free stuff, Regina?" ... and I say, "I know, no excuses. I could give plenty but I won't ;) and YES, I say a giveaway is called for!"

I am giving away a Halloween Travel Size set which will include a "Roll-On Girl" Perfume, a 1 oz. Body Wash and a 1 oz. Body Lotion with your choice of Halloween Fragrance.

So, here goes. I'll try and keep this simple and easy. Please follow me on Facebook , Twitter, add me to your follow list on Blogger, too (click the lil' Follow button the right) and let me hear from you here on which new Halloween scent you like best! Wooo! That's it!

I will be picking the lucky winner on October 20. Best of luck to you and thank you all for your interest!

Elvira's Spicy Pumpkin Soup

I heart Elvira ever since I was a little girl and of course we cannot forget our Mistress of the Dark this time of year. She has a new site filled with all sorts of goodies including her own recipes.

Now, I love me some Pumpkin and if you caught my last post there is even a way to drink it (*gulp, burp).

This is a pretty basic and simple recipe. We're having this for dinner tonight after we create our "Haunted Cemetery" at Casa de Heffington.

Mmm, mmm, chop, chop!

ELVIRA'S SPICY PUMPKIN SOUP

1 stick unsalted fresh butter

6 cups fresh yellow onions, finely chopped

3 15-ounce cans solid pack pumpkin

1 cup fresh whole milk

1 cup fresh half and half

3/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper

8 cups low-salt chicken broth

salt, and fresh gound peppercorns

Cream Topping for Pumpkin Soup:

1/2 cup fresh sour cream

1/2 cup fresh whipping cream

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice

1 cup shelled green pumpkin seeds, toasted. These are available in a organic food shops.

Whisk the 3 cream topping ingredients in small bowl. Cover and chill 2 hours before serving.

DIRECTIONS: Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until clear, about 15 minutes. Mix in the pumpkin, milk, half and half, and the crushed red pepper. Add the chicken broth. Simmer the mixture 15 minutes to blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon cream topping onto soup. Sprinkle with the toasted pumpkin seeds.

Falling for Pumpkintinis

Do I have a treat for you. Fall is hear but for us in Central Florida it still feels like Summer. And with Fall come Halloween, one of my most favorite holidays of the year. About this time of year you will notice every product imaginable in Pumpkin flavor or scent.

So instead of the usual Pumpkin Pie recipe, I wanted to do something a little different and adventurous with my pumpkin. I give you

Pumpkintini's.

There's no trick to this treat.

3 ounces Bols Pumpkin Smash liqueur

1 ounce Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum

1 dash half-and-half

Ground cinnamon, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS: Shake the ingredients over ice, and strain into a cocktail glass rimmed with sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top.

Serves 1 but you know darn well you can make these by the pitcher ;)

Kick back, relax and let the Horror Film Fest begin. I say we start with a 1988 classic, "Pumpkinhead". Yummers ... (gulp, burp)

Halloween Goodie Bag Giveaway

Hey Y'all! Sorry to be such a stranger lately. Life has hit me with a few blows but getting better every minute.

I just wanted to announce that I am partaking in a Goodie Bag Giveaway (first ever) for Halloween over at Laughing Vixen Lounge's Blog.

There are 20 shops involved and the instructions are simple and of course free! Wee! We like FREE! Say FREE ... feels good don't it.

I will be offering a choice of one of the following ...2 packs of 4oz Bath Salts, a 2oz Body and Hair Mist, a 2oz Body Lotion or a 2oz Bath Oil. You can choose form one of the 300 scents I offer or from one of my Halloween favorites "Candy Corn", "Witch's Brew", "Red Licorice" and "Pumpkin Chunkin".

So drop over and check it out.

Your Retro DIsh of the day ...

Retro dish for the day ... Bettie Page classic clip

Retro dish for the day ...

Coffee, Tea or Me ...

And now a little something for the Java Junkies out there. A new fragrance line I am introducing today called "Coffee, Tea or Me"

These new fragrances go especially well with my 3 different Coffee Scrubs

The Organic Sugar & Coffee Scrub, the Pure Cane Sugar & Coffee Scrub and the Coffee & Salt Scrub

... and of course the Tea scents go great with any Body Scrub and all other handmade Glama Ray products

For the love of Mermaids

I have never been to Weeki Wachee (home of the Mermaids) but have always wanted to go and shame on me because it is practically at my backdoor. I always joke and say in my previous life I too was a Mermaid due the fact I love Sushi, all things Pearls and of course the Ocean.

I hope to visit in the next couple of weeks and when I do I will post my finds. If you are in the area be sure to visit these lovely Mermaids.

Click on the text below:

State sharply cutting Weeki Wachee admission prices

Or visit:

http://weekiwachee.com/main/

The Crabby Chronicles

Lazerus

A few evenings ago right as I was about to take a shower, I went to check the food and water levels of my two Hermit Crabs, Captain and Tennille. I saw Tennille instantly but had to search in the aquarium a bit for Captain. I noticed him hiding under the pagoda bridge I bought for them and wanted to pick him up.

When I did, the lifeless corpse fell out of the shell and I freaked.

My husband came running and through uncontrolled sobs, I explained what had occured. He said for me to go take my shower and he would take care of Captain. I had trouble getting in the shower due to tear-filled eyes - plus I had no thought of trying to enjoy my shower - I was just so devastated. Now, I don't care how small a pet, I have love for these critters, too. All my pets are my "kids".

Since my husband knows so well how I am in regards to my critters, he quickly scooped up the carcass and went to prepare it for an outside garden burial within a small sandwich baggie. He came back into the bathroom and asked if I wanted to keep Captain's shell or bury him with it. I was in no condition to make such decisions and told my husband to make that decision. I went back to crying and could not figure out for the life of me why he was tapping me on the shoulder to look at Captain's shell.

My husband was holding the shell so that I could see inside and I noticed Captain was still inside! ... the "carcass" which had fallen out was the outer shell Hermit Crabs shed from time to time! ... I was so overjoyed Captain was still alive - and now we also refer to him as Lazerus - for he yet lives!

Sojourner Crab

I was awakened early Saturday morning by my husband which concerned me since he normally lets me sleep in ... he was telling me our cat Ellwood had been playing with something on the floor in the living room and when he finally went to see what was making such a racket, he found it was Tennille! ...

I figured my husband did not have his contacts in place and just found a similar shell - but he did convince me to go downstairs and look. Sure enough, it was Tennille.

The strange thing is the top of the aquarium was still in place and there was no tracks in the sand or scattered sand around their enclosure. Also, there were stacks of Glama Ray paperwork between the table where their aquarium is located and the bedroom door leading to the dining room and from there to the living room where she was found. I have no idea how she got out (not possible to climb on her own) and how she got all the way to the living room. Can you say freaky?

I checked on her later and she is doing fine, so I am thankful for that - BUT, I have had enough excitement from these two "poor-man's pets"!

The world feels less magical ...

It has been tragic seeing all of the recent celebrity deaths detailed on the news. Two which affected me most were Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

Michael was a very real part of my youth - even from the womb. My mother attended a Jackson 5 concert the Summer of 1972 when she was about 7 1/2 months pregnant with me and has always said I was dancing around inside her the most when Michael sang. I will continue to remember the early Michael Jackson, the Thriller Michael Jackson ... not the one accused of hideous things ...

As a young girl, I was enthralled with his talent and felt his music saturate my entire being ... I anxiously awaited every release ... and absorbed every video, doing my best to keep up with that energy ...with the every day issues packed into my "every day", it is not too often I reflect on my early years ... but now I am and truly a part of my childhood will be buried with him ...

... and WHO did I want to be like? ... sexy Farrah Fawcett, of course! ... what girl didn't at the height of Farrah's career? ... fashion, hair, perfume, make-up - all of these were influenced by her ... which certainly molded a certain part of my adolescence ... her posters classic definitiions of that time in history ... her face and body the object of fantasy ... close your eyes and envision that smile ... that's how I will remember Farrah.

See more classic clips of Farrah at MySpace.com/GlamaRay

Doing The Big Easy

With hot summer days approaching, it's time to start thinking of ways to cool down and nip the heat in the bud. Having significant experience in dealing with warmer climates, I have a great combination for you to try - straight from the Big Easy!

The key to thriving in hot surroundings is to immerse yourself in a cooler environment and fill yourself with invigorating food and beverage! First, a cold soothing drink! I highly recommend a Mint Julep to start.


Ingredients:
* 6 to 8 mint leaves
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* Crushed ice
* 2 1/2 ounces bourbon
* Splash Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
* Sprig mint, for garnish

Directions Put the mint leaves and the sugar in the bottom of a tall glass. With the handle of a wooden spoon, crush and mash the leaves to extract the flavor. Fill the glass with crushed (not cubed) ice. Pour in the bourbon. Top with a splash of simple syrup. With a long-handled spoon, jiggle (not stir) to chill and mix. Garnish with a sprig of mint. Sip. OK, guzzle if you prefer.

Simple Syrup:
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 cup water

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool completely. Yield: About 1 1/2 cups simple syrup.

Now onto the Classic Fried Shrimp Po' Boys ...


Ingredients:
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons of Creole Seasoning (Tony Chaschere's or Zatarain's both can be found at your local market)
* 3 eggs
* 1/2 cup hot sauce (I recommend Tabasco)
* 12 - 14 medium shrimp, peeled
* 1 loaf of French bread cut in 4 pieces and then slice in half lengthwise.
* Cajun Mayo, (recipe follows)
* Shredded cabbage
* Sliced tomato
* Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat the oil in a pan to 375 degrees F.

Place flour in a bowl and add Cajun Seasoning. In another bowl, beat the eggs and add the hot sauce. Dredge shrimp in egg mixture then the flour mixture and drop into hot oil 1 at a time. Fry until light brown (do not over cook). Drain on paper towels.

To assemble sandwich, spread both insides of bread with Cajun mayo. On the bottom piece, place shredded cabbage and sliced tomato. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the fried shrimp on top of tomato. Top with the other half of bread and a toothpick to hold the sandwich together.

Cajun Mayo:
* 1 cup of mayo
* 1/2 tablespoon of hot sauce
* 1 teaspoon of creole seasoning

Mix the ingredients together in a bowl and store in the remainder in the fridge.

Follow this divine meal with a cool shower or lukewarm bath using one of many Glama Ray's Mint Julep fragrance bath and body products while listening to a little Billie Holiday or Louis Armstrong.

After lolling in your bath with all your Mint Julep goodness, top your wonderful evening off by watching a Southern Tennessee William classic, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".

Enjoy Darlin'!

The Mint'alist

I've seen some weird crappola out there and the hits keep on coming. Mmmm, Brain Flavored Zombie Mints. You never know when you might run into a pack of Zombies. Next time you find yourself cornered by a mob of zombies intent on eating your brain, break out this tin of brain flavored Zombie Mints and offer it to the undead hordes. If you're lucky, they'll form an orderly, single file line and each take a mint before trudging away satisfied. If you're unlucky, they'll slap the tin away and feast on your cerebellum. This breath mint is guaranteed to make your mouth autopsy fresh.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

It's time to pull out your fancy sombrero and shake your maracas. Kick off your celebration with the easiest Margarita recipe that I have tried.

Start with moistening the rim of your glass with a sliced lime. Now dip the rim of your glass in salt or if you prefer sugar. (for extra, oh's and ah's you can color the salt/ sugar with a little food coloring before hand)

2 oz tequila
1 oz cointreau (or triple sec)
3/4 oz fresh lime juice.

Shake well and strain over ice. Voila!

If drinking Margarita's are not your thing then how about bathing and slathering in it? Choose from my large selection of products available in this delicious Margarita scent.