By Kirsten "I'm tired already!" Scott
Day Two of the Conference and I'm already pooped! Too many parties, too little time, right my little chook? Er...chook? Chook? WHERE IS THAT DAMN ROOSTER NOW?! What? Jeanne has him? And Cassondra? At the same time?
Well, you'll have to see if you can find him, ladies. I think he's somewhere in San Francisco. Let me know if you spot him, okay?
While I'm off trying to find our beloved cock (a-doodle-do), here are some pictures of our Banditas and buddies from RWA nationals.
Here's Banditas Donna and Beth signing at the Readers for Life Literacy Event, and Joan welcoming all the readers to come visit our signing Banditas!
Here's Banditas Donna and Beth signing at the Readers for Life Literacy Event, and Joan welcoming all the readers to come visit our signing Banditas!
Can you recognize these Bandita Buddies?
And as promised, some random incriminating shots of Banditas at play:
Cassondra the balloon fairy:
Cassondra the balloon fairy:
Susan, slow down! Leave some for the rest of us!
So, are you enjoying your week! Any stories to report thus far? Any chook sightings?
44 comments:
He must like it here at my place
Have Fun
Helen
The chook seems to be having fun here in Australia with me could have something to do with the wonderful drinks Carol is getting the fantastic barman that is cabana boys and the gladiators to mix us up or PJ's fantastic cooking.
Lovely pictures Ladies is that Jennifer Y and Terrio in the pics I am just guessing looks like everyone is having a ball.
We are having a party here and we are getting well looked after.
Have Fun
Helen
Great pictures, wish I was there, but it's okay, there'll be plenty of time for me later... cross fingers + toes.
Sounds like y'all are having a fabulous time! That's Keira's smiling face in the first picture. I don't know who is in the second pic.
Helen, you are doing a wonderful job with the GR...You need to keep him busy!!! get him to help out with these latest drinks Using Cabana Boy Rum...(
Do you think the CB's and Gladiators have shares in this new Company...I wouldn't be suprised!
Coconut Rum Cabana Boy is new and ready for your next party. Try this Pineapple Coconut flavored rum as a treat in your favorite mixer or straight up on the rocks.
Caribbean Murder Drink Recipe
1/2 oz Coconut Rum
1 splash Grenadine
1 oz RedRum
3 oz Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz Bacardi Limon Rum
3 oz Cranberry Juice
Pour the Redrum, Malibu rum and Bacardi Limon rum into a collins glass filled with ice cubes. Add the fruit juice, and top with grenadine. Garnish with a slice of lime, and serve.
Caribbean Pineapple Drink Recipe
1 part Coconut Rum
3 parts Pineapple Juice
Pour ingredients over ice in an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, and serve.
Oh...CB there can I have one of these...(to die for!)
Caribbean Screwdriver Drink Recipe
1 oz Creme de Bananes
1 oz Coconut Rum
1 oz Peach Schnapps
4 oz Orange Juice
2 oz Cream
2 oz Pineapple Juice
Obviously this is not a drink for a small glass. Mix and shake ingredients in a shaker glass with ice. Strain the mixture into a tall glass. Garnish with a cherry if you feel so inclined.
Now we just need PJ to bring along something fantastic and
Welcome All!
Cheers Carol
(ps still can't figure the links html... so here they are old fashioned way...)
http://www.drinkswap.com/browse/drinks_by_ingredient.asp?type=Rum&subtype=Coconut&page=4
It's still pretty early at my house so here are some breakfast delights. In keeping with Carol's fruity theme, I've brought you some lovely peach crepes and hot-from-the-oven blueberry muffins made with the fresh blueberries I picked at the blueberry farm the other day.
Enjoy!
Oh my Helen, you must be feeding the GR well. Or maybe he was just too tired to move!
Those drinks look yummy as do the Cabana Boys and Gladiators!
I know the first pick was Keira but not sure about the second one either. I supposed we will find out later.
Peach Crepes:
Prepare filling:
2-8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
6 large ripe peaches
1/2 cup butter softened
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
8 crepes
Beat cheese, vanilla and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla. Mix. Spread about 3 tablespoons of the filling over the entire surface of each crepe. Peel and slice the peaches. Set aside a few slices for garnish. Place peaches down the center of each crepe. Dot with butter. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Roll up each crepe and place in a 13x9x2 baking dish.
Bake 8-10 minutes at 325 degrees then add the following topping.
Topping: Combine the whipping cream and powdered sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Place the heated crepes on the serving dish and top with the whipped cream.
Garnish with the reserved peach slices. Serve immediately.
Blueberry Muffins
Ingredients:
1 cup blueberries
½ tsp salt
1 cup milk (room temp.)
2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
3 tsp baking powder
2 eggs (room temp.)
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease muffin pan or pans. Sprinkle berries with small amount of sugar or flour and toss lightly to cover. (This prevents sinking in batter). Set aside. Sift and combine all dry ingredients in a medium size bowl. In smaller bowl, beat eggs until light, add milk and melted butter. With spoon, make a well in middle of dry ingredients. Quickly add the liquid ingredients, then mix lightly. Fold into blueberries. Fill muffin pans two-thirds full of batter. Bake 20 to 30 minutes. Makes 12.
Oh my Gosh...Peach Crepes... I could pour oa touch of my drink over them and add the cream...
this is a great party!!! The Banditas can try some of these when they get back ...PJ you will have to whip up a few more batches!
I think that maybe Beth with her arms in the drink cooler!
(I wonder if any Cabana Boys took a temp job at the Marriot!)
Carol
Carol, just because you're so appreciative, here's another favorite of mine. Help yourself to a yummy, moist, hot Blueberry fritter. Half the fritters are dusted with powdered sugar. The other half can be drenched in either maple syrup or blueberry syrup.
Blueberry Fritters
(from Southern Living)
Ingredients:
2 tbs flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
1 egg, beaten
1 cup blueberries
¼ cup sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 cup flour
pinch of salt
vegetable oil
Combine 2 tbs. Flour and blueberries; toss lightly. Set aside. Combine next 4 ingredients in mixing bowl; mix well. Combine egg and milk; gradually add milk mixture to flour mixture; stir until smooth. Fold in blueberries. Heat 3 to 4 inches of oil to 375 degrees in a Dutch oven; drop in 3 to 4 scant ¼ cupfuls of batter at a time. Cook about 3 minutes or until golden brown on one side; turn and cook other side 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle fritters with powdered sugar. Yield: about 1 dozen.
PJ thanks for the recipes...those crepes sound as good as they virtually taste!!!
Blueberry Syrup
Ingredients:
1 cup blueberries
½ cup water
½ cup sugar
2 tbs. Cornstarch
1 tbs. Butter
1 more cup blueberries
Simmer all ingredients, except butter and second cup of berries, 10-15 minutes. Bowl hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add 1tablespoon butter and 1 more cup fresh blueberries. Great over pancakes, waffles, french toast, fritters or ice cream!
More yummy drinks and great food thank you so much Carol and PJ.
Dianna
I am keeping the GR busy with the grandkids and with these drinks and food he is enjoying himself although he keeps muttering about SF. We have been eating a few Tim Tams as well he enjoys them
Thanks for letting us know who the first picture is PJ I think the second one maybe Terrio not sure though.
Have Fun
Helen
PJ...that blueberry syrup!!!
Imagine oozing down a couple of scoops of Vanills ice cream...
(preferably American or New Zealand...simply the best)
I wonder if I can find a blueberry Margarita!
Cheers Carol
Blueberry Margaritas
Use blue decorator sugar to decorate the rims of your glasses. This drink may turn your mouth, tongue, and teeth blue. You may want to strain before drinking.
5 1/2 cups (change servings and units)
Ingredients
fresh orange juice (optional) or lime juice (optional)
blue decorator sugar crystals (optional)
3 cups ice
1/3 cup tequila
2 cups fresh blueberries or frozen blueberries
1 (6 ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup orange liqueur
Directions
1.
Dip rims of margarita glasses in orange juice, and dip in sugar crystals to coat, if desired.
2.
Process ice and next 5 ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve in prepared glasses.
Ps...not sure what frozen limeade is?
Carol
This one will keep the moths out with lavender.
Lavender-Blueberry Margaritas
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp dried lavender
1/2 cup tequila
1/3 cup triple sec
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
ice
sugar for rimming glasses
lime wedge
sprigs of fresh lavender
Add the water, dried lavender and sugar to a small pan. Heat and bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves. Turn off the heat and let the lavender steep about 10 minutes, then strain, discarding the lavender and keeping the lavender flavored syrup.
In a blender, add the lavender syrup, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, frozen blueberries and ice. Blend. *whir* *whir* *whir* Taste to make sure the lime juice/tequila/triple sec ratios are good. Adjust if needed.
The site is worth a visit just for the photo of the drink!!!
http://www.jemangelaville.com/2007/07/28/lavender-blueberry-margaritas-super-cute-cocktail-napkins/
My we are keeping the Cabana Boys busy...(hic)
Helen the GR has got a blue beak!!!
Carol, frozen limeade can be bought here in the US in the frozen juice section of grocery stores. It has a slushy consistency and is typically used to make margaritas and various desserts. It's like a frozen lemonade only made from limes.
Carol and PJ, you're making my life so easy this week. I'll have all kinds of things to feed my mother when she gets here tomorrow. Now I just need a couple of quick dinner recipes.
Any takers?
Helen,
You're not letting the GR leave, are you? I guess he's happy down there. Feed him well and give him a blueberry margarita, I have a feeling he'll enjoy it.
Pj those Blueberry fritter are wonderful!
The only fritters I usually make are Grated potatoe ones
4 or 5... grated spuds, chopped onion, some chives, beaten egg, parsley, some plain flour to bind...
then fry in a frying pan till cooked each side and in the middle!
...blokes seem to like them with grilled lamb chops or cold roast lamb. and your favourite chutney
I'm really a sweet tooth, so your bluberries go down a treat!
Carol
Christie...Food Glorious Food!! and bring your Mum in for Drinks!
What is her Favoutite?
And Helen is doing a great job keeping the GR out of trouble...
Helen is it still cold down ther in NSW?
Carol
My mom will try all the margaritas if I make them :) She's also a martini lady but I'm not big on those.
Helen, congratulations on taking the bird home again! Though the way he's been getting around lately, I'm not sure you want him. Hmph! Fickle bird!!
Carol and PJ, ya'll are very naughty with your recipes! I hope you're having fun taunting us while we pay too much money for bad hotel food. Okay, we had a lovely time at Annabelle's for dinner with the Banditas, but hotels are not known for their culinary delights, KWIM?
Eeek, I just realized it's time for the motivational speaker -- I better get motivated!
LOVE TO ALL!
I've got to be careful this week!
All this partying with the great foods and drinks are liable to wreck my weight loss plan! Maybe just a taste of each will be enough for me!
Congratulations, Helen! That Golden
Fellow seem to like visiting with
you and the grandchildren!
Pat Cochran
OOOOO.
That drink recipe looks YUMMY.
Keira came out of the bathrom this morning just as I was poking my head over the covers and she stopped in her tracks and said,
"Oh...you don't look so good."
That should tell you how LAST NIGHT went! ;0)
My feet hurt.
My God, you're all getting DRUNK in the lair while we're gone!
Good choice as here in SF we are getting...um...never mind. (Let me just say Cassondra makes THE best wine punch)
The chook has been going wild here in SF and I've noticed him running with wild abandon to Susan's room...a LOT>
I don't know, but I think he's playing favorites.
The booksigning was wild and fun and fabulous last night. Our signing Banditas were the hit of the night with their Bandita ballons bobbing from their chairs and everyone of them looked SO lovely!
Kirsten, Suz and myself passed out close to 800 bookmarks and I gotta tell you I was filled with pride and humbled to hear many comments about our fun blog and how people enjoyed it.
We've got to meet a lot of our BB's here and for those of you providing recreation for our cabana boys and remaining gladiators {yes, I'm looking pointedly at carol, mshellion and dianna} I just have to say...you rock!
Now, AGM duty calls. Yes. It's my duty.
Hello to you all from San Fran!!!
The Banditas got together last night for a rowdy bash. We wish you all could be here to fondle our rooster. The Golden One is going to workshops, agent/editor appointments and generally shmoozing with the publishing world here at National. He sends kisses to you all and wishes you were here.
More photos and fun to come!
Heh - loved the pics. So glad you're all having such a fun time! I'm jealous - but won't think about it too much. :( Esp since I have yet another final tomorrow. Blech.
Sweet photos! I'm SO bummed to have missed the signing--sounds like an exciting time had by all! And congrats on the GR, Helen! He seems to be making himself quite at home! :)
How great has RWA been so far?!!!
Stopping in again after my post last week... and wow, you Banditas completely overwhelmed me! Thanks so much for the lovely warm welcome, and can I just say what a thrill it's been to meet some of you in person! Also, Pat won the signed edition of Tunnels...anyone know how I can get in touch with her? It's a poor substitute for a visit to our fair city, but maybe it'll cheer her up a little...
Thanks again, everyone! (especially the lovely and charming Kim for hosting me!!!)
Congrats on the GR, Helen.
If the GR actually makes it to San Francisco, make sure he doesn't accidentally fall off the Golden Gate Bridge.
Sounds like lots of fun is being had by those in SF but we are also having lots of fun here all these wonderful drinks and yummy food with the Cabana Boys and the gladiaters and the GR is helping make the drinks as well. We are being well looked after LOL
Carol it is back to a normal winter down here now not as freezing cold as it was. I am enjoying the cold though great reading weather.
Have Fun
Helen
Hello to Michelle Gagnon,
Which Pat won the copy of Tunnels?
If it was Pat Cochran, that would
be me! I certainly am hoping so!!
Pat
limecello, good luck on your final tomorrow!
Love the pictures!!!! Thanks for sharing them with all of us.
Loving the recipes girls!
Pat--It is you! Couldn't track down your email address via your blogger page though. If you get a chance shoot me an email at michelle@michellegagnon.com with your address...
the GR is helping make the drinks as well. We are being well looked after LOL
The GR is there helen? Really?
Then who is with us here in SF?
OMG. ONE of us has the EVIL twin of the GR!!!!!!
My word! I thought something seemed
strange yesterday! I sent congrats
to Helen on catching the GR, then
someone's note from SF made note of
the GR's frequent forays down to
someone else's room! It was getting quite confusing! Now there's a note mentioning an EVIL TWIN! What is
going on? Oh, woe is upon us if
there are TWO GRs running around!!
Pat Cochran
Here's Keira reporting live frommmmmmm RWA @SF!!
I'm very pleased to report that the Bandita party was a huge crush -- that's Regency-speak for a resounding success -- with many big-name authors also dropping by. I'm sure they'll be back with tons of photos for the Bandita Buddies once they're back from their self-imposed exile, aka vacation, from the blog.
Yay to PJ and Dianna for spotting me.
That V.Anna? She has some HAWT! shoes. Every time I saw her, she had something else totally yummilicious on, not just her feet but all over.
Helen, the chook's having way too much fun chez you. :) Just don't admit to the folks at the party who saw V.Anna with GR earrings and Cassondra with the GR hand-puppet and thought that THE chook.
Cassondra, thanks for the, um, realism of room-sharing (me bathroom, you bed), but let's just talk about Tawny's shoes, OK? BTW, I should be taken out back and shot for making such a tactless remark (even if it was true). :)
Hah. Also don't tell the gorgeous Ms. Wells that the bird she was fondling Wednesday night was most certainly NOT the chook.
BTW, that Cassondra sure makes a mean fruit punch. Hit her up y'all for her recipe. Delish!!!
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