Last minute scramble

If you and yours are anything like hubs and I, you're still working on New Year's Eve plans. Or maybe you're a lot like us and honestly, not really attempting any grand plans. We're simply not nuts over the opportunity to overpay at a restaurant for a crummy pre-set menu, nor are we the type to pay $100 just for the privilege to walk through the threshold of a bar. Our plans usually involve cooking at home or hanging out with friends at someone's home, vice a loud, amateur-hour bar or club. This year we've decided to indulge in some revelry on New Year's Day at our home, which will hopefully prove to be a great way to get some fun people together and rehash the relaxing wild and fun from the night before. So if you roll like we do, here are a few fun ideas for a night in with your pals.


Game Night: Ok, no one really openly admits they like board games all that much (except me), but it usually turns into a good time. Grab your Pictionary or Trivial Pursuit and engage in some good old fashioned board game competition. Bonus points for including some funny gag gifts for the winner and a booby prize for the loser.

Make your own pizza: No need to worry yourself with homemade dough here - grab some pre-made dough from the store and roll out into personal pizzas for your guests. Place out a few trays or bowls with various ingredients and let everyone go to town.

Movie Night: Pick a theme and run with it. We did a Hitchcock night once which was a big hit. Or, pick a new TV series to check out. Nothing says lazy New Year's Eve like watching 6 straight episodes of Weeds or Entourage.

Poker: Everyone loves money...or the opportunity to win some more. You don't need a fancy poker table - a coffee table, kitchen table or counter will do. Grab a few decks of cards, a few rolls of coins and ante up!

Video Game Fun: Someone in your social circle is bound to have Rock Band, Guitar Hero or a Wii...maybe that person is you. It's always a good laugh to find the ringer, the really serious guy and the horrendously bad guitar player or Wii skier (me).

*Photos courtesy of Hasbro, Fun Facts & Trivia.

share on: facebook

We're Back!

Hello friends out there in the ether! I apologize for my MIA-ness over the last week or so. We spent the Christmas holiday in the snowy north with my family and I enjoyed an entire 6 days, yes count 'em 6 days, without the internet (not because it wasn't available, but because I chose to be void of it). It was simply glorious, I tell you! But now, I'm back and ready for some fun posts for the upcoming weeks in the new year. I hope that all of you had a merry and bright Christmas season with friends and family.
share on: facebook

Pizza pizza

I don't know about you, but my motivation to utilize any kitchen appliance (other than the microwave) is about zilch. Not to mention that our fridge is just about bare in preparation for spending the holidays in the snowy north. So last night's dinner was an adventure in creativity and simplicity. Voila, the tortilla pizza! Not only is the meal simple, but without the heavy pizza crust, it's remarkably lower in calories and carbs. And it's another great way to use up any perishable cheese or veggies in your fridge. Here are the basics:

1. Lightly toast the tortilla before adding your toppings - this will help it crispen up a bit and be a little sturdier.
2. Add your toppings - marinara sauce, cheese, fresh veggies, pepperoni, etc.
3. Bake in your toaster oven or conventional oven for 8-10 minutes on 350 degrees.

The perfect accompaniment to relaxing by your Christmas tree.

*Photo courtesy of Chef Made Easy.

share on: facebook

Holiday Tip 7: Dinner mute points

When it comes to the holidays, they can be trying...on many different levels. There's the stress around scheduling various events, picking out the perfect present, decorating your tree and lastly, spending a lot of time with family. Spending time with your relatives can be stressful without added conversational dilemmas. A few tips for keeping the peace and the conversation lively during your holiday gatherings and meals.

Politics: Just don't go there. There are bound to be differing viewpoints within your family and tensions are running high enough - don't go bashing someone's political ideology at Christmas Eve dinner.

Jobs: A great topic, if everyone is gainfully employed, the mood is chipper and the topic of wages is left untouched. Just be sure this doesn't launch into a discussion on why so and so's job sucks and they have too many responsibilities blah blah blah.

People: No need to bash cousin Jody because she gained a little weight or opted out of the extravagent gift exchange this year. Even if she's not your favorite cousin, be merry; after all it's the holidays and blood is thicker than water!

Sports: A perfect conversation piece, even for divided houses...i.e. Michigan and Ohio State, Cowboys and Redskins, Yankees and Red Sox... Just keep this on the up and up and keep your Tiger Woods jokes for another day.

Holiday cheer: The holidays are the perfect time to break out cheesy sentiments. I know my family usually indulges head first into the appreciative, I'm-glad-you're-in-my-family discussions. Bring it. Everyone will leave the dinner table feeling uplifted and grateful for their family....at least for a few minutes until someone yells at you for not drying the dishes fast enough.

And my last piece of bossy advice - if in doubt, don't tell your possibly off-color joke, don't poke fun at your Aunt and make sure you compliment the chef even if the turkey is a little tough...Happy Holidays from my family to yours! May your family gatherings be filled with love, laughter and good cheer!

*Photo courtesy of Zazzle.

share on: facebook

Santa Paws

Since this is Paddy's first Christmas and her debut with most of the family, I wanted to ensure that she is looking her best. I'm not really into dressing the pup like a doll....she is a dog after all. She needed some holiday duds but nothing too froo froo so I came up with the idea of a holiday collar with a little pizazz....

Ta Da! Isn't that a pretty girl? (I say as if I'm actually speaking to her...)

An up close view of the collar on it's own...

This was an incredibly easy (and inexpensive) craft project - just trust me on this one!

Materials:

• 1/4 yard Christmas fabric - I went with a very simple print
• 2-3 feet contrasting ribbon - for the tie and for a decorative bow
• Jingle bells
• Thread

To Make:

• Trim the edges of the fabric and seam the edges on the long end.
• Fold the fabric in half, lengthwise, inside out. Make a seam about 1/4 inch from the edge down the entire length of the fabric.
• Iron the long seam so that each side of the fabric is flat, split away from the seam.
• Turn the fabric sleeve right side out.
• Make a seam about 1/4 to 1/2 inch away from the seam that was just ironed. This small space will be for the ribbon to gather the collar and then tie around the pup's neck.
• Add any decorative touches to the collar at the center, at the bottom of the seams at the top. I added a small bow and hand sewed at the knot. I also added two jingle bells just beneath the bow and sewed those on, similar to a button.
• Attach a safety pin to the end of the ribbon and slowly move through the small sleeve to gather the collar.
• Gather the fabric enough so that the collar is the right length for the pup. Once the gathering is right, tie a double knot with the ribbon at the end of each end of the collar and then tie around your pup for some holiday adornment!

share on: facebook

Today is a very special day

Not only is it the one year anniversary of my blog (woop woop), but it is also my Mom and Aunt's birthday!! No, they're not twins, but were born exactly 4 years apart.

My Mom, Grammy and Auntie Allie

Both of these women have been incredibly influential in my life. I remember spending the night with Auntie Allie when I was a young girl and going for bike rides, enjoying Smart Food popcorn, stopping at White Mountain for ice cream and reading books. We have spent summers at Disney World, Christmases in Florida, VA and Texas and day trips to Boston.

And Mom, you're the best! You taught me about the wonders of the Christmas queen, how to bake the perfect cookie, that organizational OCD isn't that crazy and that a well coordinated outfit is invaluable. I wish I could spend the day with you and we could munch on Chex Mix, Veggie Pizzas, Peppermint bark and holiday cookies with some Pinot Grigio, all the while watching Gilmore Girls and Christmas movies. If you lead, I will follow... :)

Happy Birthday, ladies! Can't wait to see you up North in just a week!!!

share on: facebook

Betty would approve

It's no secret that I have a (borderline) obsession with the TV show, Mad Men. And I've always had a slight penchant for the vintage housewife style and this show and one of it's main characters, Betty Draper, has just fueled the fire. So in honor of my favorite show and a style of which I adore, I found some beautiful 1960s-inspired gift and holiday trends.

1. Maggy London Halter dress from Barrie Place at $69; 2. Gold and pearl brooch from Silver Moon Trading Company at $15.95; Perfume Tray from Touch of Class at $31.75; 4. Silk Scarf from Amazon at $69; 5. Faux fur trimmed wool coat from New York and Company at $105 on sale.
share on: facebook

So you have some recipes?

Most people have compilations of recipe cards, recipe books and cookbooks; I know I definitely do! I find myself frequently look through my recipe box, binder and various cookbooks frantically looking for a specific recipe. Enter Taste Book. This cool site will make your recipes into a hard bound book with tabs to denote various types of recipes and whatnot. This would be a phenomenal gift for your favorite cook, or a bride-to-be, or someone interested in a collection of family recipes. I wish I had found this earlier this holiday season because a LOT of people on my shopping list would be getting one of these guys. To include 25 personal recipes is $19.95, $29.95 for 50 recipes and $34.95 for 100 recipes. Highly affordable!

If anyone decides to purchase one of these for Christmas, I would love your insight. Or have you used another recipe book maker site? I am so jazzed about this - I can't wait to make one for a cooking pal!
share on: facebook

Holiday Tip 6: Place Card Maker Extraordinaire

Since I was a young girl, I've been responsible for place cards for our Christmas eve dinner. And in preparation for another long journey to (hopefully!) snowy New England, I've been doing my homework to make some beautes for this year's feast. Here are a few of my favorites.

These evergreen cards from Martha Stewart are rustic and would go so well in my folk's little house in the woods of New Hampshire.

I love these Dickinson-esque scrolls with a sprig of holly (another from Martha Stewart online). My Mom's feast is usually highly traditional so these would conjure the right sentiment for dinner.


I love these sparkly cards (From Flickr user Townie)! I would probably use a different color paper for the letters and cards so the names stood out a little more. And I could very easily match ribbon to the rest of the place setting and centerpiece. So cute!

These pretty cards with ornament details are from inmagine. I'd love to see these with a coordinating centerpiece - maybe a few hurricanes in various sizes filled with coordinating Christmas ball ornaments.

I was also thinking about the endless possibilities with a pretty monogram in script on a basic card or a small box filled with homemade chocolates with a small tag with the person's name. What do you do for place settings for your holiday meals?

Related Posts: Everyone in their place.

share on: facebook

One Pot Wonder

I've previously mentioned that I'm a big fan of Sunday dinner. There is something deliciously traditional about sitting down for a more formal meal to conclude the weekend and prepare for another work week. After doing lots and lots of holiday baking Sunday afternoon, I wasn't really in the mood for more dishes and worked on a concoction to use pork chops and apples (a perfect pair), but also wanted to incorporate some vegetables in the fridge. And voila, we ended up with a one pot wonder meal that required very little prep (10 minutes or so) and only one dish for clean up...well not totally true, I added some corn and green salad as additional sides. This is definitely a recipe that I'm adding to my book - delish!

Roasted Rustic Pork Chops

• 4-6 Pork Chops (1/2-1 inch thick)
• 2-3 Carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1/4 inch thick slices
• 1 large onion, chopped into 1 inch pieces
• 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into thin slices
• Salt and Pepper
• Spices - Savory, Sage, Thyme

1. In medium to large casserole dish, line bottom with carrots and then top with about half of the onions.
2. Wash the pork chops, trim fat and pat dry. Season each side with salt, pepper and other desired spices. Place pork chops over carrots and onions, overlapping slightly if necessary.
3. Top pork chops with remaining onion. Place apple slices (flat) over onions and then top with brown sugar.
4. Bake at 350 for about 50-60 minutes (1/2 inch chops) or 90-120 minutes (for 1 inch chops or greater) or until apples are soft and pork reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees.

share on: facebook

Jammin Jumpers

Every once in a while, a clothing article comes along that just sings to me. One of my absolute all time favorites is a black, wool jumper. It's so wonderfully versatile for fall and winter; it works for daytime, casual evenings, holiday parties or work.

Check out this darling number from Banana Republic. This would be so cute for a holiday party with some great tights and colored shoes. Or alternatively, it is absolutely work appropriate with a cardigan, tights and flats.

I also love this grey Theory dress from Nordstrom. And fear not ladies who live in cold climates, this would be great with a turtleneck sweater, tights and boots for a chilly day or evening.

share on: facebook

Double Duty Dressing

With the hustle bustle of the holidays, I'm a pretty big fan of food items that serve multiple purposes. I think I have mastered bottled salad dressing also serving as a marinade our sauce. Here are some of my favorite combinations below. May your December dinners be stress-free and simple...

Asian Salmon: Marinate and top salmon with an Asian ginger sesame dressing. Asian flavors compliment salmon quite well. Serve with sugar snap peas and brown rice for a very healthy meal.

Sweet Onion Swordfish: Marinate swordfish with Sweet Vidalia onion dressing. Serve with steamed broccoli and a green salad.

Peppercorn Steak: Top a grilled filet or new york strip steak with Peppercorn dressing for a chic sauce with very little effort! Serve with a Caesar salad and baked asparagus.

Photos courtesy of Health Blogger, Laloosh, The Fish Society, Amazon, Dakota Beef Company, Girard's.

share on: facebook

Holiday Tip 5: It's a date!

A quick little post for a Tuesday...don't be caught this month missing important dates. Check out the days of the week and dates of some key holiday events.

Friday, December 11th: Hanukkah begins at sundown

Thursday, December 24th: Christmas Eve

Friday, December 25th: Christmas Day

Saturday, December 26th: Kwanzaa begins

Saturday, December 26th: Boxing Day, celebrated in the UK and Canada

Thursday, December 31st: New Year's Eve

Friday, January 1st: New Year's Day

*Photo courtesy of I love cartoons.

share on: facebook

Fireburning on the stovetop wohooa

Given my tendency towards multi-tasking, I've often made some mistakes - accidentally left wool sweaters in the dryer, left the dog outside and left pots on the stove. If you have let a pot of the stove only to notice a burning smell and then realized your mistake, fear not. There are some really simple remedies to clean your pot and have it looking like new.

For a stainless steel pot, try a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar, enough to cover all of your burned food glory. Simmer for about 10-20 minutes and then let sit overnight. Pour out the water and vinegar mixture and then get your elbows ready for some serious elbow grease action. Next, you'll want to use a mild substance, like Bar Keeper's Friend, and a soft scrub sponge. I won't use steel wool because I think it would scratch up the pot. This should help get any remaining crust of burned debris out of the bottom of the pan.

I have also heard people use oven cleaner or ammonia and letting the pot sit outside for a few days in a sealed plastic bag. And then the crust and debris supposedly comes off with very little elbow grease.

For a nonstick pot, if it's burned badly, I would pitch it. With all the hubbub over the carcinogens that can be released from the Teflon coating I wouldn't take a chance. Plus, any serious elbow grease or abrasion that may be required to clean the crust or debris may scratch the nonstick surface.

*Photo courtesy of Williams-Sonoma.

share on: facebook

And the winner is...

....entry number 18 aka Mommys Love 2008!! Congrats, Mommy! You're the lucky winner of the Soft Sea Life Toy. Hopefully this will help jump start your holiday shopping! :)
share on: facebook

Leftover lamentation

Don't lament over turkey day leftovers - embrace them! Ok, so in reality, this is advice I should heed myself. I've never been all that crazy about the Thanksgiving day meal and am obviously even less excited about leftovers. For me, I really need to convert them into something else so they're a little more appetizing; I just don't really care for the idea of plate after plate of reheated turkey dinner for a week. But this year, I think I have finally mastered the art of Thanksgiving dinner leftovers. It's all about creativity, folks. For example, my husband put together a sandwich with turkey, roasted potatoes, cheddar cheese and mayonnaise - toasted in the toaster oven. Ok, so this definitely pushes the limits of my taste buds, but there are some great ways to capitalize on leftovers. A lot of magazines and sites are now embracing this phenomenon. For example, last month's Food and Wine had a great segment on leftovers featuring turkey, mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts. And Real Simple's daily emails have featured lots of ideas. Here are a few quick thoughts to get you thinking about your leftovers and how you might make them more tasty...the second time around.

Turkey

This is probably the most versatile ingredient....that is, if you're not a vegetarian! While you can still use it for sandwiches, like my husband, you can turn it into a whole different meal. One thing I would recommend is that you spend 10-15 minutes and shred all of the leftover turkey so that it's more recipe-friendly.

• Turkey Enchiladas: Fill turkey, vegetables and cheddar cheese in tortillas. Roll the tortillas and top with enchilada sauce. Bake for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees or until all cheese is melted.
• Turkey Salad: Mix turkey with mayo, celery, onion and any other salad ingredients like grapes, apples of walnuts. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and serve over fresh lettuce.

Mashed Potatoes

The November Food and Wine issue featured mashed potato spring rolls which I thought sounded really tasty.

• Creamy potato and leek soup: Saute 3 leeks until soft in large pot. Add 3C mashed potatoes and 6C chicken broth over medium heat. After heated through, puree using an immersion blender.
• Top any meat pie with mashed potatoes or drop into your favorite hearty soup.

Gravy

If your turkey was dry on day 1, this is a must have. If there isn't any leftover from the meal, you can always run to the store and grab a can or turkey gravy for adding some liquidity to your leftovers. My husband is a big fan of the open-faced sandwich, while I on the other hand, enjoyed a small dollop with our turkey and stuffing cakes (see below).

And what about these ideas using combinations of leftovers?

• Turkey and Stuffing combined with a beaten egg make turkey and stuffing cakes. Think crab cake. Form 2-3 inch cakes and drop into skillet with hot oil and brown. Top with leftover gravy or cranberry sauce.
• Turkey soup using leftover turkey, any leftover veggies (not in casserole form) with chicken stock. Season with salt, pepper and any herbs you fancy.
• Turkey pot pie using leftover turkey, leftover veggies and mashed potatoes. Add a light cream sauce, top with a puff pastry and bake.

*Photos courtesy of Online Turkey Recipes, What's Cooking America, Food Network.

share on: facebook

Gobble Gobble

Thanksgiving is one of those cliche times where it's totally socially acceptable to divulge all for which you are thankful. And when I think back to the Pilgrims eating a feast outside without modern appliances, heat or solid shelter, I feel that I have much to appreciate. A quick list - my really supportive, thoughtful parents, my loving, patient and kind husband (that sounded almost like First Corinthians...), a job that pays the bills and a house that keeps us warm, dry and allows adequate space for 2 humans and 2 animals. It's moments like this that I shouldn't be thankful for my fuschia work bag...it might help me look cute when I walk in the office, but it won't really get me through any of life's tough moments. So I hope all of you take a brief moment to reflect on the blessings in life and enjoy your day with your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!

*Photo courtesy of art.com.

share on: facebook

The Rules

If any of you are crazy enough like I have been on occasion, to head out before dawn with the crazies on Black Friday, you're aware that there are a few unspoken rules. And to keep your sanity, wits and all of your hair, here are a few basic ground rules to keep your shopping expedition happy and productive!

Start early: If you really want the good goods at an insanely low price, plan to wait in line for a very, very long time. Last year, on our way home from the in-laws, my hubs and I noticed people at Circuit City (in tents!!!) at 7pm! Yikes! I guess if you want a 60 inch TV for $99 bucks (or something like that), you have to spend 10 hours to get it!

Play fair: This is not the time to cut in line or grab two of an item and hide one in Target for later. I like to think of this day as every man for himself, but in all honesty, this can be make or break for some people's Christmas. So follow the rules and help a fellow shopper sister out.

Be Nice: I have witnessed fighting, yelling and all out cattiness in the midst of the Black Friday madness. You know, this is about giving something fun to those you love. And really, is it worth getting in a fight over an Xbox at Walmart? Really? On the flip side, I also witnessed one woman handing out mini candy canes in line at some store in a mall. Boy was she everyone's BFF?! I will follow suit whenever I engage in some Black Friday revelry...everyone loves a candy cane after all!

Dress the part. Like a business trip, this really isn't a fashion show. Wear something comfy - a warm up suit, jeans, fleece, etc. And definitely wear comfy shoes like your sneaks. And ladies, leave your big heavy, leather bag at home. Your shoulder will hurt after 4 hours of hanging there.

Make a list. If there are specific items at a few stores that you're hoping to snag, right them down, by golly! Don't rely on your memory to serve you well post turkey coma and after waking up before dawn. And make sure you bring any coupons from the store fliers to get an extra 20% off.

And ladies, have fun! I love Black Friday - it sparks a child-like excitement in me, but only if it's in the best interest of fun and festiveness!

*Photo courtesy of Deal Locker.

share on: facebook

Romantic Night In

I'm definitely not the first person to post a recipe for a roasted chicken to woo the man in your life or wow your friends or family. But I will concur with those that have come before me (A Charmed Wife, Food and Wine, and Glamour Magazine), that this incredibly easy and hands off dish is sure to please! Since I'm not on the hook to cook a full Thanksgiving meal this year, I've been yearning to produce a full meal, keeping with fall's rustic delicacies. Since I was well-rested and feeling exuberant on Saturday morning, I was off to the grocer early (to avoid the Saturday morning mom crowd) and came home with a whole chicken, acorn squash, fresh spinach, red potatoes, onions and garlic. The remaining ingredients were already present in our kitchen back home. So, I present to you, the esteemed (har har) menu for our romantic Saturday night in.

Our Menu:
Roasted chicken with rosemary
I went with a basic recipe for roasting a chicken. I washed the chicken, removed the innards and patted dry. Oven was set to 325 degrees while I melted some butter, brushed over the whole chicken and then topped with salt, pepper and fresh rosemary. I measured the inside temperature exactly after one hour of cooking and voila- perfection!

Roasted red potatoes and onions
Another easy peasy deal. Dice about 6-8 medium sized red potatoes into 1-1 1/2 inch cubes. Chop onion into 1 inch pieces. Slice a whole head of garlic. Place all ingredients in the roasting pan with the chicken. They cook the same amount of time and hey, it's one less dish to clean!

Baked acorn squash (recipe here)

Spinach salad
Basic spinach salad topped with dried cranberries, feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.

Pinot Noir...duh, wine is part of the menu!!

If I do say so myself, the meal was savory and delicious and my hubs seemed pretty impressed with my culinary skills. Let's just keep it our little secret that there really weren't any culinary skills involved in this meal, shall we?
share on: facebook

Oops

When moderating my comments earlier this morning, somehow they all disappeared when I tried to publish them. If you left a comment either for a regular post or especially the giveaway, please repost and I'll approve. My apologies!
share on: facebook

Holiday Tip 4: Get your bake on

I love holiday baking, but there is nothing worse than being under the gun to produce cookies, cupcakes or cake for a function. And this is precisely why I like to get started on baking a little early. But two little things can make this expedition much less stressful - your freezer and advance planning. That's right friends, you can make pies, cakes, cookies, muffins or anything else a few weeks before you need them (probably no more than 6-8 weeks). As long as you wrap the baked goods in plastic and place in either an airtight container or zippered bag, they should be fine. I would suggest that for most cookies, cakes or cupcakes you frost them after they're defrosted. And speaking of defrosting, slow is best. Pull the item out of the freezer at least 48 hours in advance of needing it and place it in the fridge. Unwrap from the plastic wrap and place on the appropriate serving dish and frost, if necessary. Enjoy (the stress free approach to holiday baking)!


*Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart.
Related Posts: Holiday Tip 1: Stock up on sugar, Craisin-y Cookies, Flour Power.
share on: facebook

Don't forget

...giveaway ends Wednesday! Sign up here!
share on: facebook

Holiday Tip 3: They're just cards

I've always really liked Holiday cards. I love looking forward to seeing a stack of pretty envelopes awaiting my arrival at the mailbox. All of that being said, I'm well aware that the joy brought by these greetings can be fleeting, notably as you put together your outbound cards. Holiday cards do require a substantial effort with many different moving parts - addressing, stamping, writing, let alone buying them! Here are a few of my tricks to get these delightful greetings out to the postmaster without going postal teehee!

Make like Santa and make your list and check it twice. Start with your card list. As I've already mentioned, I rely on my trusty little Holiday notebook for all of my Holiday-planning needs. I start with my family, then friends, then colleagues (these may be obligatory if you work in the type of office where people exchange personal cards).

Plan Ahead. If possible, buy your cards after Christmas to get some rock-bottom deals. If you didn't do this last year, head to your local card store or hit your keyboard to check out some options online. I always figure I'll need at least 5-10 cards more than I estimate. For example, if I estimate needing 50 cards, I buy at least 55. You never know when you'll need an extra...for your hairdresser, dog walker, etc. No matter how thorough your list, it's always best to plan for card "inflation."

Get to work. Early. There is no reason that you can't start putting your return address labels and stamps on your cards in early or mid-November. I usually use TV time to multi-task and these sorts of little jobs are perfect. I also start addressing the cards early. I am always surprised by how long this actually takes, particularly if you have a long card list.

Hit the card accessory stores early. And by accessories, I mean stamps and photos. If you buy holiday-themed stamps, get out to your local post office early - you'll get a better selection of stamps and you won't have to fight the insane holiday lines. If you decide to ignore my advice, plan to be at the post office when it opens (maybe 5 minutes before) in the morning to grab your stamps. And if you plan to insert a photo with your card, pick it out and have it developed soon. When you pick it up or have it delivered from your fav online photo shop, make sure your keep them with the rest of your cards so you're not digging through stacks of paperwork for photos that are likely bent and mangled.

Organize. I keep my cards, holiday address labels (yes, I'm nerdy like that), holiday stamps, photos and a few red and green pens in a small shopping bag in a closet. That way, when I have a spare 30 minutes to work on the cards, everything is at my fingertips.

Follow these handy tips and you'll end up a card, not Christmas card-scarred. Har har har, I crack myself up sometimes!

*Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.
share on: facebook

I heart...Our very first giveaway!!

So many of you have been kind enough to read, and maybe sometimes comment on this blog of mine. Lucky for all of you (and the sweet babies in your life), the wonderful people at CSN Baby have graciously offered to partner with me for our very first giveaway!! I may not have any babes of my own (well besides my dashing hubs of course teehee), but I have certainly bought my fair share of baby gifts for friends and family. And let me tell you, this site has some awesome gear, at an amazing price. They have tons of stuff - toys, nursery decor, nursery furniture, strollers, etc. Check it out - perfect for your next shower or ahem, the coming holiday season!

I'm excited, are you?!? So, drum roll please, here it is, our first giveaway product...this awesomely cute sea life soft toy.

Since I don't really have much to say in the way of babies, I thought I would share one of my fav recipes for seafood. Get it, a seafood recipe with a sea life baby toy?!

Sauteed Scallops with Lemon

• 8-10 large sea scallops
• 1 C buttermilk (or regular milk will do in a pinch)
• Approx 1 C all-purpose flour
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 Lemon sliced
• 2 Tbsp olive oil

1. Heat olive oil in skillet over med-high heat.
2. Toss scallops with buttermilk and then thoroughly dredge in flour.
3. Place scallops in skillet with olive oil and saute 1-2 minutes on each side. Add lemon juice and lemon slices to the pan to cook with the scallops.
4. Serve warm. Good accoutrements include steamed vegetables, rice and/or a Caesar salad.

So, gals and dolls, here's what you need to do to enter to win this darling little toy for tikes. Check out the CSN Baby site and leave a comment below with your fav baby product. And you don't have to be a mama yourself to enter - just think of all the kiddos in your family like nieces, nephews, God-children, etc. Perfect for the holidays or an upcoming shower. You have until next Wednesday, November 25th to leave a comment - good luck!! And many, many thanks to the CSN Baby folks for making this possible!! :)

share on: facebook

Monogram madness

It's no secret that I like myself, oops I mean my name... especially in embroidery thread. Probably not a big surprise since I write about how I entertain myself on a daily basis. Anywho, I blame my Mom for my pseudo-obsession with monograms as I often had sweatsuits, lace collars on fancy dresses, tote bags, etc with my name or monogram on them as a child. Some things never die.

Here are a few of my favorite monogram finds.
1. Personalized Bottle Opener from Lillian Vernon at $10, 2. Monogrammed Jute Carry All from Ballard Designs at $20-$32, 3. Personalized Soap from Pottery Barn at $59, 4. Carving Board from Williams-Sonoma at $99, 5. Monogrammed golf towel from Preppy Parade at $19, 6. Oval Monogram Cocktail Napkins from Gracious Style at $36 for12.
share on: facebook

Holiday Tip 2: Just Plan It

I use a small spiral notebook that I bought last year at Michael's for all of my Christmas planning. And it has a pretty white reindeer on the cover so it's perfectly seasonal...and I can't forget what I keep in this notebook.

I divide it into several sections, one for Christmas Cards, one for gifts (ideas and actual purchases) and my general To-Do list. By jotting down my Christmas card list, I can figure out how many cards, photos, stamps, etc that I need. For me, the most useful section is definitely on gifts. It helps me jot down ideas when I have them (usually when I'm not out shopping) and I can also track what I've purchased for each person. I'm famous for having something in the closet, that I found in May and forgetting all about it!

*Photo courtesy of Pretty Paper Book.
share on: facebook

What is marriage?

I really loved this video and thought it would start off the week well. If only life were this simple... :)

share on: facebook

On the road again

Being a consultant, I'm bound to be on the go from time to time. The next few weeks are jam-packed with off site meetings outside of my local region. So, I'll be on the road with a few of my co-workers. I don't travel a lot, but enough to know just how to pack and make myself comfortable in a hotel for a few days. A few of my "secrets" are below.

Pack lightly. You're on a business trip - it's not a fashion show, nor am I trying to get a date (not like Sal and Don at right). I try to bring interchangeable outfits like skirts and pants that match the same blazer and work in the same color family, i.e. black, navy or brown. This also helps when having to pack shoes, which are inevitably among the heavier items in a suitcase. The other plus here is that I always travel with men and they're usually less critical of the only girl in the group when I have the same number of bags...

Be comfortable. No one wants to sit in the car or on a plane for hours in an uncomfortable outfit. I typically travel in low-ish heels (no more than 2 inches) and in a comfortable suit or other ensemble. I also always bring a few key items in my carry on/tote bag (like I previously mentioned here) like my ipod, work notebook, a bottle of water and a snack...after all, sometimes being on the road can leave you (and your stomach) stranded.

Be prepared. I once went on a day trip to DC without rain gear. And it poured...allll day long which made for a pretty miserable trip. Check the weather before you go and bring the requisite outerwear and rain gear. Now, I always pack a lightweight umbrella...just in case!

Don't forget your essentials. Nothing makes a business trip more stressful than forgetting essential items - your cell phone charger, computer charger, laptop (!!!), etc. Double check that you have your essentials for staying in touch with the office and home before you leave. And just in case, I try to email my hubs a copy of my hotel information so he can call direct, if he feels so inclined.

Home sweet home. More frequently, I'm noticing that hotels are offering more services to make your room a little more homey...nice toiletries, fluffier towels, better beds, etc. I always bring a pair of slippers because I really love slippers and because I don't really like the feeling of hotel carpets. Somehow, it feels a little homier too. I also usually try to pack a magazine or novel to read before bed. There's nothing worse than working the entire time you're on the road. And after all, everyone needs to "turn it off" and recharge.

*Photo courtesy of AMC.

Related posts: Forget to pack your shaving cream?, Who Knew: Packing a Silk Blouse, Ready, get set, jet set.

share on: facebook

Holiday Tip 1: Stock up on sugar

That's right folks, it's the perfect time to stock up on your holiday baked goods. The last time I was at our grocery store nearly everything on the baking aisle was discounted. It's basically a fact that grocers jack up the prices on baking products after Thanksgiving. I read a magazine article to that effect last fall and actually watched it happen in my own store. So, now is the time to grab some extra sugar, flour, vanilla, chocolate chips and anything else you may need to make your favorite holiday desserts.

One word to the wise - be sure you check your current inventory before you head to the store. No one needs 15 lbs of granulated sugar in their pantry!


*Photo courtesy of Woman's Day.
share on: facebook

Thank your vets!

Be convinced that to be happy means to be free and that to be free means to be brave. Therefore do not take lightly the perils of war. -Thucydides

Happy Veterans Day! Don't forget to thank a Vet!

*Photo courtesy of Marine Corps council.

share on: facebook

I heart pasta

I'm a big fan of pasta for several reasons: fun shapes, easy preparation, it doesn't go bad in your pantry and you can make a big batch for upcoming meals. Sometimes I think my hubs must think I'm crazy; I pull out my big 13x9 baking dish and go to town with pasta, tomatoes and cheese. Pretty much three of my favorite things in the culinary world - carbs, sauce and cheese - any combination of these three equals happiness in my book...and belly. And you're probably wondering why on earth I would ever make a 13x9 pan of baked pasta for 2 people. Well my friends, meet pasta leftovers; pasta leftovers meet my blog friends. That's right, I am an absolute master when it comes to pasta leftovers. It all comes down to this - use your freezer. Here are a few of my tricks:

Determine what size portion you want for leftovers. I typically make 2 sizes - lunch and dinner, where lunch is a smaller portion for the hubs or I to take to work and dinner is a larger, double portion perfect for dinner for two. I know what containers work for each now - a 2 Cup-ish round Ziploc container for lunch (usually about 1/2 full) and a 4 Cup square container for dinner.

Use consistently-sized containers. I use multiples of the same containers for each, lunch and dinner portions. This makes it easy when I roll out of bed in the morning and need to grab lunch as I always know what type/size container to look for in the freezer.

Moisture is key. When freezing pasta, make sure it's thoroughly tossed in sauce. This will ensure that when you defrost and reheat, it's not all dry and sticky.

Don't OD. No, you mustn't eat all of your leftovers within the first week. Once you freeze your pasta, it will keep for about a month in your freezer. I try to space out the leftovers over a few weeks so it seems more enticing (ok, leftovers are never that enticing) later on. No one wants to eat spaghetti every lunch and dinner for 7 days.

*Photo courtesy of All recipes.

Related posts: Use yer freezer, Great steak dilemma, Fresh berries.

share on: facebook

Just around the corner

The holidays are almost here...and yes, they can be extremely daunting. As a kid, I remember the holidays being much more magical...and not just because I believed in the big man in the red suit! That's why this year, I'm vowing to be a little more organized and have a little more fun. To get myself together, I figured I would start a bi-weekly series on planning ahead for the holidays...sort of like an advent calendar but minus the cute picture and tasty little chocolate square. Stay tuned for some fun (and hopefully helpful!) posts.

*Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.

share on: facebook

Get your pumpkin fix

I was up early Sunday morning with the pooch and to catch up on some work. Being that it was a beautiful morning and I was feeling particularly productive, I started in on breakfast and decided on pumpkin muffins. Now mind you, I have a fab-u-lous recipe for lowfat (woo!) pumpkin muffins from Cooking Light (see below), but my lovely mama sent me a Happy Thanksgiving package complete with pumpkin muffin mix from Crate and Barrel.

I settled in on the easier option (mix) and continued some IT network document catch up (a real snoozefest, if you will). I was pretty pleased with the result - these would be perfect for the morning of Thanksgiving while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - a definite tradition in our home. So in case you don't have a Crate and Barrel in your 'hood or are feeling ambitious with your from-scratch baking abilities, try this recipe - it's sure to please.

Pumpkin Muffins (from Cooking Light)

• 2 3/4 C all-purpose flour
• 1 C granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 C canned pumpkin
• 3/4 C fat-free sour cream
• 1/3 C skim milk
• 1/4 C vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg white
• Topping: 1 Tbsp granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp brown sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine flour through salt in medium mixing bowl, combining well. Make a well in the center of the mixture.
3. Combine pumpkin through egg white and mix well. Add to flour mixture, stirring until just moist.
4. Spoon the batter into 18 (paper-lined or greased) muffin cups.
5. Combine topping and sprinkle over muffins.
6. Bake at 375 for about 25 minutes. Remove muffins from pans and coil on wire rack.

*Photos courtesy of Crate and Barrel and myrecipes.com.

share on: facebook

Thinking about home renovations?

A buddy from work, Russ, and his wife, Becky, recently bought a house in the area. A quick back story on this adventure of theirs - I've been hearing about their house hunting expeditions for at least the last 12 months (probably more like 20-24 months in reality...basically since I started working with Russ about 2 years ago). I actually even went to look at one option over lunch hour when Russ still worked at the same job site as me. I've heard about closing nightmares, realtor nightmares, estate sale nightmares...you name it, they went through it! Finally about 2 months ago, they found the perfect pad and are now working on making it theirs. The house is sort of a fixer upper, if you will - complete with 1970's carpet, paint and wood paneling (I've never seen it, but Russ has shared beaucoup photos)! And to chronicle their home "renovations" aka demolition, Becky started a blog, Our Pile of Bricks.

In a word, it's fantastic. She's witty and incredibly honest about their adventures. You must check this out if you're event thinking about renovating your home. It will inspire you and make you feel about this big, if you're like me and have never done anything even close to this level of intensity around the house. Good luck guys - can't wait to see the finished product!

share on: facebook

Dress your Doorstep

I'm sort of on a doormat kick lately. I like having a few to choose from based on the season and I'm also pretty enthusiastic about having a very welcoming home (appearance wise). While attending a cousin's bridal shower, she received this monogrammed doormat with her future last name. What a genius gift! In fact, I was sort of jealous that I didn't think of registering for one of these myself. Maybe a Christmas gift perhaps (hi Mom!!)? Anywho, I've found a few different options that transcend the seasons - a few options that really say "welcome home" to me.

From top to bottom: Monogrammed doormat from Williams-Sonoma at $69; Fleur de Lis doormat from Overstock at $36; Patches Coir Doormat from Pier 1 at $12.68; Blue Crab welcome mat from Bed Bath and Beyond at $15.
share on: facebook

Don't trifle with my trifle

Last Thanksgiving, I was in charge of bringing dessert to my in-laws for our feast. Now I may have been raised in the South, but my parents are New Englanders through and through so I'm definitely not a big pie person. Prior to turkey day, I spent weeks thumbing through home magazines, searching Internet sites for a fall-themed dessert and finally, the delightful Paula Deen had something perfect up her sleeve - a Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle. In a word, I could have eaten this with the serving spoon...the entire thing....hiding in the closet. It really is heaven in a pretty glass bowl. Yes, it's that good. And for me, because it isn't made with chocolate, this is a big deal. A really big deal. I modified the recipe a bit to suit my tastes. Check out this recipe below and be prepared to wow your Thanksgiving companions! :)

Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle

• 1 (14 oz) package gingerbread or spice cake (or you can make your own, if you're feeling ambitious)
• 1 (5.1 oz) box cook and serve vanilla pudding mix
• 2 (15 oz) cans pumpkin (not the pie filling)
• 2-3 C fresh whipped cream
• 1/2 C packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp allspice or ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• Topping - crushed gingersnaps or grated bittersweet chocolate

1. Bake the gingerbread according to the package directions for 13x9 pan; cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the pudding according to package directions and set aside to cool.
2. Stir the pumpkin filling, sugar, and spices into the pudding.
3. Crumble or cut gingerbread into 1-inch cubes. Place in the bottom of a large, pretty glass bowl. Pour 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the gingerbread, then add a layer of whipped cream. Repeat with the remaining gingerbread, pudding, and whipped cream.
4. Sprinkle of the top with crushed gingersnaps or grated bittersweet chocolate, if desired. It adds a little something for presentation purposes. :)
5. Refrigerate overnight. Be prepared to be amazed!!

*Photo courtesy of Food Network.
share on: facebook

Rock the Vote

Hello friends,

Today is another election day - woo! Another opportunity to voice your opinions in your state or district's future and another opportunity to exercise your civic duty! I'm pretty hardcore when it comes to voting - not really in the vein of who you vote for, just that you vote period. On the same token, I think it's equally important to be informed and for you to know why you vote for your candidate. It's that simple. I hope you all take the time to get out today for your state elections and wear your "I voted" sticker proudly...I am.

*Photos courtesy of Paul Ogata blog and Purdue online.

share on: facebook

Meals for the week

A few people have asked about my menu planning and keeping meals prepped for the week. Yesterday, I took a good look in our fridge and freezer and came up with some perfect options for this week. Often times, any almost-past-their-prime food will dictate the week's meals. This week, we have some leftovers and fresh veggies that need to be consumed.

Monday: Swordfish with lemon and butter, vegetable stir fry
Tuesday: Leftover chili with Frito's
Wednesday: Out to dinner with a friend
Thursday: Chicken enchilada casserole (recipe here) with side salad
Friday: Celebrating my Mother in Law's birthday

Related posts: DIY Salad Bar, One Ingredient, Two Meals, Whats for dinner.
share on: facebook

It's like home shopping, but cooler

It's that time of year. Yup, the holidays are just around the corner. And if you're anything like me, you like to get started with your shopping a little early. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean that I finish my shopping early, but my spending and mall excursions are spaced out over a few weeks. But like most, I'm sure you're planning to do a little shopping over the ether - that is from the comfort of your home. And these days, retailers are using every trick in the book to lure shoppers to their sites - free shipping, extra discounts on larger orders...you name it, these offers are out there. And while you can subscribe to all your favorite virtual stores, you probably won't have the time (or energy) to comb through the gazillions of emails you'll receive, if you do sign up for their weekly newsletter and the like. Alternatively, there are some pretty nifty sites that allow coupon codes to be posted. All you have to do is search on the site name (like crateandbarrel.com) and you can see any of the current (and accurate) codes. Beware, some sites don't allow this information to be posted, but if all else fails, you can always google "Crate and Barrel coupon code" to improve your chances.

Here's a list of some of the sites I've found that post coupon codes:
Retail Me Not
Current Codes
Coupon Code
Coupon Mountain
Grocery Game (The message boards on this site are highly reliable and have awesome deals!)
Pinching your Pennies (The deals are posted in the forums section)
share on: facebook