THE AMUSED LIFE BLOG

A TALE OF TWO COOKIES Fall is in full swing in Tennessee, and the comfort of iced/spiced oatmeal cookies has moved into my mind, so in my budget-minded mentality I was determined to get some deliciousness in my gullet. Right now I'm just trying to get an idea of what store brands really bring the yum to my tum. This week's head-to-head is between Market Pantry's Iced Oatmeal Cookies and Kroger Brand Iced Oatmeal. So who came out on top? FIND Kroger took the prize and unfortunately Erik didn’t take a photo of the packaging but we’ll make that happen soon. They have the right amount of crisp, yet slightly soft and have a good layer of icing that’s sweet and stands out. Plus they were $1.00 this week so...you know that’s too good a deal for good taste! FAIL Market Pantry from Target’s iced oatmeal cookies are not bad at all, but honestly the taste just didn’t stand out. So it was easy for Kroger to take them over. They were much softer than Kroger’s and the iced taste wasn’t v...

Thursdays are for Tunes, and I was inspired by a Rolling Stones story about terrifying music and songs. So the pre-halloween playlist is dedicated to creating a playlist that is UNSETTLING to say the very least. This seriously isn't something to play around kids or you're going to be up for a lot of nightmares. Enjoy! CREDITS: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/25-songs-that-are-truly-terrifying-110099/

  This episode of Authentically You we introduce you to the dynamic voice and visionary that is KATHRYN FRADY, who is actively helping to change the cultural landscape of Knoxville, TN and is an artist's artist. Let's connect! Learn More Here: Kathryn Frady Website www.kathrynfradydirector.com Marble City Opera Website www.marblecityopera.com Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/FradyKatSoprano Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/MarbleCityOpera

Each Sunday, I am going to put to use my Master's in Pastoral Counseling and Divinity to good use and actually open myself up to helping others who just want either one of the things I am good at. Reading Tarot (I'll get to your judgement on this in a second), and Prayer. Now before you get all high and mighty on me. Yes, I have my roots planted firmly in my Lutheran upbringing as the parables and storyline I connect with most as a human in my faith. However to say I'm 100% Lutheran is inaccurate. In every way, I am truly more Unitarian Universalist and that knowledge came from my years of learning in a Catholic-Founded graduate school known as LaSalle University.  In my first class towards my master's degree, I remember stepping outside and calling my mother on break. "Mom, I'm not okay and I don't like this."  What's wrong? "Well they want you to actually really think about your faith in this class, like break it down and understand what...

I am excited to announce the November Collection and Holiday Preview which will be released on 10/31/20 to family and friend pricing for only 7 days after which regular pricing will go into effect and the items will be added to my Esty Store. To get in on family and friends pricing you have to be a member of my Facebook Group (Shopping with Anna) , a fan of my Facebook Page (Anna: The Black Pants Girl) or friends with my personal profile on Facebook or on Instagram.  I've attached the beads and gemstones I'm using in this collection which are blend of my favorite colors including black and white, silvertone, blue, green and red. It's a taste of what's to come for my holiday collection which I will release on 11/28/20 for small business Saturday. So look forward to a collection of 7 bracelets, 3 earrings and 2 pendants. In the meantime today features a collection of items that are only $5.00 that I'm working to clear out of my inventory. Check them out at the above ...

FIND There's a new wing joint in town and so far, so really good! It's apparently a chain so see if there's one near you: WINGS OVER...well in my case, WINGS OVER KNOXVILLE ! Another new joint down in the UT campus area, which no doubt will do well given good wings and good tenders. We got the combo meals which gave us 3 tenders, 6 wings and a ton of waffle fries, plus a drink!  While it was a tad pricey at $14.99, they did give you a ton of food so in the end I'm not complaining at all. I opted for the Spicy Lemon Pepper seasoning on the tenders just to give it a shot since I'm not into hot stuff, and Lemon Pepper for the wings. Erik opted for the Jamaican Jerk flavoring across the board. We both downed out dinners with gusto, the woman who ordered was wonderful and the same for the lady who delivered. The wings were big and super flavorful which was great. There blue cheese was a bit overpowered by the wing flavors, but hey I enjoyed the flavors but will forgo the...

Well the spooky holiday is almost upon us and I decided today to give you not "scary" songs per se but music that has some interesting tidbits about their origins or back stories. Ready to dive in to the music?  PLAYLIST FOR 10/22/20 Here's the breakdown... 1) 3 AM by Matchbox 20 While we've heard this song many times on the radio, the lyrics were actually inspired by the lead singer's cancer-stricken mother. It turns out that at age 13 he had to care for his mother and he feels the lyrics really embody the anxiety, stress and dynamic of that time in his life. 1 2) You Learn by Alanis Morrissette This song was on one of the biggest albums for Alanis, but what it is really about is the terrible experiences that a 19 year old went through while working on her album in L.A. Per reports, she experienced being robbed at gunpoint, being hospitalized, suffering PTSD, going through a break up...and yet coming through on the other side. 1 3) Never Learn Not to Love by The ...

Plasma. No, not a character from Star Wars. The plasma that exists inside our bodies...or more specifically our blood. For those unfamiliar, let me give you some more details. " What is Plasma  in Blood?  Plasma  is the liquid portion of blood. About 55%  of our  blood is  plasma , and the remaining 45% are red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets that are suspended  in the plasma .  Plasma  is about 92% water." 1 2 It's the part of our bodies that doesn't require a black market to sell, because there are options to sell it legally in plasma centers probably in every major and minor city in America. In fact you can make a decent amount of "not so quick cash" in your first few donations where afterwards the price does go down for what you exchange. Is it blood money? I mean in a roundabout way yes.  You go into a plasma center, you read about all the potential restrictions and the potential risks of donating. You learn why your pl...

  This episode of Authentically You we introduce you to the petite financial powerhouse that is DAVETT JONES, who changed her future by taking the opportunities that were presented to her. You can too. Let's connect! Learn More Here: Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thevisionvault Website https://www.facebook.com/thevisionvault

AKA: Casseroles and Caveats (When One of You Isn't a Casserole-Person) Growing up in Pennsylvania, I have always looked at casseroles as comfort foods in the fall and the winter. I love them. The ooey gooey, savory creations have been staples of my childhood years and I prefer them for ease and simplicity during busy life. They also typically are super budget friendly. However, Erik is my significant other. He ISN'T a casserole person. His family is into smoked meats and barbeques...and his mother often told him that a casserole isn't cooking saying "It's just something that you throw together hoping that it works out." So imagine his chagrin when I asked him on one of my busy days to whip up the casserole recipe I chose for this week. "Ugh...really?" Yes, really. In the meantime, he followed through. He told me that my chicken noodle bake would have been far better if I had opted for fresh ingredients rather than all pre-packaged prepared items. Ok,...