It Is What It Is

Merry, Merry, Joy, Joy

I'm about to embark on a day long cooking journey, preparing for tonight's after Christmas Eve Mass festivities.  My parents should be pulling into the driveway in a few hours to spend the day/evening with our family.  I've got lots of year end follow up to share with you- and I will, but just not until after Christmas.  I hosted my annual Christmas Cookie/Ornament exchange this past weekend- and I'll tell you all about it- but suffice it to say for now- It pushed me into the Christmas spirit like nothing I've ever experienced.

So- for now I wish you the Merriest of Merries.  What's done is done...(and by the way- I'm totally wrapped and that was finished before the 24th of December-mark it down my friends, a first!)

Enjoy this time with loved ones- remembering the real joy of the season.  I wish you all the Happiness the Christmas holidays can bring. 

Love You All-

Deb

 

Might as well shop & Happy Birthday Mom!

I'm leaving for the week to go the ATL- for a sales meeting.  Let me tell you- it won't be fun and games.  While I'm gone, I thought I'd give everyone the opportunity to pick up another adorable little stocking stuffer-

Aren't these clever?  This is another design of Jewels by Jules.  She selling them for $5 a pair.  How great is that?!  If you're interested, contact her at julieturi@aol.com  If you're in my local area, I know she'll deliver them to you, otherwise shipping is just $3.  The presentation is extra special- this is a gift that makes a statement.

 I'll miss you all more than my luggage next week - but I'll be saving up all kinds of good stuff to report back to you.  Take Care friends- get lots of holiday happenings stuff done- so you can help me when I return.  (Did I mention- I haven't really started yet?)  We did have Christmas with Beloved's side last night-(but there just isn't enough time to talk about that right now)..so at least 30% of my to do list is completed.

Bon Voyage!

P.S.  Today is my mom's 66th Birthday! 

 
This is Mom along with her posse' from a recent cruise.  These gals are all living the good life in Florida.  They  live in the same neighborhood, they golf together, they shop together, they party together- aren't they lucky?   I asked Mom if this was the cover shot for their retirement village ladies calendar- she wasn't amused.  (Mom's the one who looks like she's being pushed into and crushing the gal who's laying on her stomach.)  They actually had to figure out who could get in those positions and still get up- it's hell getting old!  But I think they all look beautiful and they had a great time!  Happy Birthday, Mom!  Love you..xoxox

Embrace Your Inner Bird

While I was talking to my good friend, B the other day, I discovered that she was embarking on a journey of the Virgin Bird territory.  It was hard to believe that after almost 20 years of marriage she had never prepared a Thanksgiving turkey.  She's an accomplished cook and fabulous baker, so I just assumed that cooking a turkey for her was old hat.  Truth be told, she's never had to prepare the Thanksgiving bird.  She's always gone to a relatives or friends for Thanksgiving dinner.

  When I thought about it, I realized that I just started cooking the "Bird" a few years ago.  I too, was in the family Thanksgiving boat.  (And I don't mean gravy..) we would alternate our Thanksgiving dinners at either parent's homes.  It wasn't until about six years ago that I decided I wanted to attempt the bird thing on my own.  I then started my day after Thanksgiving turkey dinner tradition.  Regardless of where we celebrated Thanksgiving, I would prepare another, (albeit smaller version) of Thanksgiving dinner on the Friday after.  Last year was my first ever (after 19 years of marriage) of hosting a Thanksgiving dinner.  

The reason for this gluttony?  Basically to prove to myself that I could master the task.  Cook the turkey, make the gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, etc...on my own, all homemade without the help of Mom or others.  It was my own challenge.  I wanted to be able to create my Thanksgiving memories for my kids and future grandkids.  I didn't want to be 50 years old and never having mastered this Holiday meal. 

Jump ahead several years, and I feel pretty good that I've got this meal down.  I've fine tuned  different side dishes, so we have our regular must haves- and not just the ones from the grandmothers.  It's nice to have these traditions.  This of course can be spilled over into the Christmas holidays. 

Thinking about the upcoming holiday season right now- is enough to give me a stomach ache.  I have so much stuff going on right now, I can't even begin to process how in all that's holy am I going to get everything done for Christmas?  We celebrate Christmas with Beloved's side one week from this Saturday!  It's making me cranky and want to take a permanent union break and not do anything.  Part of me wants to introduce "Christmas Light" this year.  Thinking that way goes against my previous paragraphs, me wanting to create these perfect memories for my family.  So in honor of Thanksgiving- I'm going to allow myself a change in thinking. 

I'm going to get a grip and realize what's important- my family and friend's health and well being.  It's not about creating the perfect memory- but about creating the memories as they happen.  It doesn't have to be about setting the perfect holiday scene- but about making sure those you surround yourself with are comfortable.  The food and drink don't have to be award winning- just fulfilling and nourishing.  The gifts I give don't have to be the best- just thoughtful and heartfelt. 

Ok- that's my mantra for the next 4 weeks.  I wish that for all of you too- enjoy what's meant to be enjoyed and don't sweat the small stuff.

That being said- I'm still preparing a turkey on Friday- and I'm brining that bird, baby!  IMO- the best way to cook a turkey!  Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Jewels by Jules

If I didn't think it would sound kind of snobby- I'd probably give this post a number as one of my Graces- but stating that you have a personal jewelry designer just doesn't sound grounded.  But I do- actually- she could be your personal jewelry designer too!  My friend, Julie is a hard working, creative gal.  She started designing and making jewelry a few years ago and her little creative outlet just continues to grow- as well as her talent for creating beautiful, fun jewelry.  I've gotten a little spoiled.  If I'm looking for some accessories to go with a certain outfit, I give Julie a ring and she tells me what she has in stock or she makes something up for me. 

She is extremely busy this time of year, as she participates in quite a few craft and holiday art shows.  However, she came up with a couple of adorable holiday earrings that she is making available as a special order item. 

These "holly berries"  are made of 6mm glass round beads that dangle 1".  They sell for $9.  I think they could be worn year round with the right outfit- but are especially darling during the Christmas holidays.

How cute are these little snowmen?  These earrings are made of 6 x 8 mm glass crystal facted rondelles and dangle down to 7/8".  They also sell for $9. 

You know you have a stocking that needs stuffed with these earrings.  Or you need to wear them yourself.  These earrings would work for young girls as well.  What about that hard to buy for family member or teacher- who would not appreciate  a pair of handcrafted earrings? 

Shipping is just $3 for one pair or free if you purchase both pairs.  If you are interested in purchasing these earrings or checking out other Jewels by Jules please contact her at julieturi@aol.com, be sure to note Jewelry Order in the subject line.

Now for some fun- Leave me a comment on where you are with your holiday gift buying.  Do you have a list?  Are you organized and methodical in your holiday shopping or do you fly by the seat of your pants?  (I'm a little bit on the flighty side myself..)  I will be awarding '2" lucky readers with a pair of earrings from Jewels by Jules.  Please post your comment by Thursday, November 19 at 5:00 pm EST. 

 

Happy Halloween!!

Hope your Halloween is filled with spooky fun, lots of treats and especially RAIN free!

And if these goblins show up at your door, be afraid, be very afraid! 

 For some Halloween fun go to this link:  http://stuff.pyzam.com/toys/tictacscare.swf 

 
 

Labor Day means WORK and Happy Birthday Middle One

Alright friends, I've been a laboring this Labor Day Weekend.  I hope you've been enjoying the last bit of the official summer. 

 Remember when I mentioned that when you remove every roof ever put on your 82 year old house it spells- MESS any way you slice it?  Well, this mess has started an avalanche of other messes- it's like attack of the messes.  I've been digging out of messes all freaking weekend. 

Shall I recap? 

1.  ROOF-

 

Don't let the blue sky fool you- this was after all three previous roofs were removed and we're moving toward the installation of new roof.

 

See the dumpster that has been blocking my driveway and back entrance for the last seven days?  See blackness on the driveway- that is the remnants of old shingles and is taking over  everything?

 

Ah, ha- this is a better illustration of the mess that is now completely covering my attic- chunks and dust and junk covering everything!  Did I mention that the attic is my primary area of storage for all things in my household?  Dear Beloved made it up the stairs and cleaned that portion- it's just so completely overwhelming.  Trying to clean it all right now is just impossible.  Plus it's been about 500 degrees up there making the job even harder.

2.  Refer to first photo for a look at chimney that is now crumbling and needs to be repaired.  We know we needed to have the plaster on the chimney and front facade of the house taken care of- just not right after replacing the entire roof.  We optimistically thought we could make do with a fix on the chimney until the spring- but alas, the chimney is in even worse disrepair than originally thought.  We could actually have large chunks of plaster falling off the chimney and hurting people or worse damaging my new roof (I kid..) But I'm not kidding when I say- goodbye $2,000 more dollars. 

I might also add here, that I"m not opposed to fixing my house or spending the money to do so, it's just that the timing so sucks. Not that house repairs ever have good timing, but I would love to spend money on fun things- like a new kitchen or bath.   I could have had my new kitchen about five times over by now.  Oh well, time to get over it....

3.  Eldest moved into the basement into her new super cool faux dorm room.  This left her old room open and available.  We have moved Youngest into that room thus leaving her old room which is attached to our bedroom open and available to become a master bedroom sitting room.  We're  moving Beloved's Mancave out of the basement and allowing this to become more of the Lounge area of Eldest's Dorm and the hang out area for the other kids.  Leaving the family room the gated off shrine of family rooms.  (Remember the new carpet.)  Even the dogs are banned from this room.  So all of these changes have involved lots of moving, organizing and cleaning and ya da, ya da, ya da....

It really felt like we would never get any one thing finished completely.  I am happy to report- that both girl's rooms are pretty darn near close to being completed.  Odds and ends, mostly.  We are actually able to walk in the rooms and the upstairs hallway without climbing over things, finally.  

4.  Middle One turned 15 years old today!

 

In the midst of all this laboring, I actually made him his favorite Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting- all homemade I might add!

 

It's hard to believe that in six months he'll be eligible to take his driver's test.  Oh, my...

5.  Football has started- actually, it started in June and has been going full steam since then.  We've had a couple of scrimmages and two games.  You know I love all things football- so let me share a couple of shots, of my Middle Boy in his high school uniform!

 

He's #78! 

 

 

Last one, in formation, ready to snap the ball. 

Alright- that's all for now- gotta go do some work for the start of a new work and school week.  Enjoy the start of all things Fall!

Happy 100 Posts and 4th of July!

 

This is my 100th post.  I guess that's sort of monumental.  I started this little blog back in August of 2007.  I sputtered out quickly, by that November I had stopped posting.  It took a year for me to pick it back up and since then I have tried to remain strong in regular posting.  (Not as regular as I would like-but I'm working on it.) 

So, thanks to all of you who come by to visit regularly- and thanks to those who pop in whenever they get a chance.  I didn't start this whole thing to garner fans- mainly, it was started as a creative outlet for my meandering  mind.  Then it remained as a challenge to myself to keep writing and to learn how to use all of the technology required to do things I wanted to on this site. 

I'm still learning- it's a process.  I have discovered I have a love of photography.  I have much to learn and I'm up for the challenge.   I have learned that I love telling stories with words and photos. 

I love hearing from you, dear readers.  I love your comments.  Keep 'em coming.  I'll keep on keepin' on this thing I'm doing here, stop by when you can.

Enjoy your Independence Day!  Enjoy your cookouts, fireworks and time spent with family and friends.  Remembering how lucky we are to live in this great nation,regardless of how things might be right now, I'd rather call the United States my home than any other place on Earth. 

Happy Father's Day!

 

Thanks, Dad for all you do and for who you are.... And to my Beloved- Thank you for the husband you are and the Father you've become. 

Wish the men in your life who are your father's or have been a father figure - a Happy Father's Day!  Thank them for their influence on your life.  Now, go forth and barbeque or whatever it is you do at your house to honor Dads.

Happy Mother's Day!

 

Wishing all my friends and family who have a mother or are a mother a blessed and beautiful day!!

 

Know that you are loved and appreciated for who you are each and every day. 

 

We are all better people for the women who gave us motherly love and guidance. 

I know that I thank God each and every day for the children he blessed me with and for the mother he gave me.  I couldn't have asked for a better role model. 

Happy Mother's Day.  

Love,

Deb

Friday Friends and other Fun Stuff

It's Friday!  Thought I'd share a variety of stuff I've been saving up for you.

Here goes-

 

This is a small group of us that got together when B was in town over the holidays.  We all met up at a newer Mexican Cantina that is owned by a fellow school/church family.  We had a nice time catching up with B and laughed like we always do.  They made a stranger take a picture of all of us since I had annoyed the snot out of them at the cookie party taking their photos.  (Note to self, when having strangers use your camera to take pictures, set up shot,  so the stranger knows you'd actually like the photo to be of people and not the table full of dirty dishes.)

So as to give equal time- I wanted to share this adorable pic of B and her hilariously funny husband, S.

 

I mean, really, they could be the poster couple for a teeth whitening ad.  My, what beautiful teeth you have.!!!!!!!(Those are for you, B.)  Oh, my I can not believe that I did not take any pictures of the girls- what was I thinking?  Well, look at S and you'll see their beautiful daughter, K.  (I always thought she was a combo of the two of you- but clearly she is her dad's daughter in this photo.)

Next up- How to make friends with your favorite authors and get stuff.....

So- as I've stated before, I'm an avid reader.  I read all genres and love many authors.  One of my little habits is to search out authors on the web and read their websites/blogs.  It's extremely interactive and it's a great way to stay up to date with what the author is doing and when their next book will be published.  I've also have joined reader groups on-line and have met some really great folks.

Many times these authors will sponsor contests on their blogs offering all different kinds of things based on your responses.  Well, two authors in particular that I love, actually just give stuff away for the fun of it because they're nice.  Megan Hart, bestselling author of erotica fiction  is a blast.  She recently sent me a ton of bookmarks and postcards (signed) to share with my book clubs.  Her newest book, Stranger was released this month and is another fantastic read.  (www.meganhart.com.)

Well, today when I came home, I got the nicest surprise.  Jane Porter, bestselling author of Flirting with Forty (recently made into a Lifetime movie,) Mrs. Perfect and Odd Mom Out, sent me a little package. (Unsolicited!)  During the holiday, she asked readers to send her your address and she would send you a Christmas Card.  It's something that she's done for awhile and has fun doing it.  So, me being the queer I am, I sent her my address.  Well, I didn't get a Christmas card, (maybe next year) but I did get this- (Even better!)

       

Yeah, that's right, it's a Flirting with Forty fun pack.  Included, an official Jane Porter, Flirting with Forty pen, a Movie Bookmark- complete with photo of the cutey-pie Brian Buckley, and the official Jackie Laurens, Favorite Luau foods cookbook!  So, what do you think of that?!  How nice is Jane?  So if you haven't, check out www.janeporter.com and pick up one her books.  You won't be disappointed. 

Next up, CRACK- IT''S A GOOD THING.....

I feel it's my civic duty to share with you a dirty little secret.  I'm addicted to Crack and I'm going to give you all the recipe, my friends because no one,  and I mean no one likes to be alone when they have an addiction.

This started with my friend, D when she had the nerve to bring  crack to my cookie party a few years ago.  Now, I insist that she brings it and that she must bring extra.  It actually wasn't always called crack- it was just plain old caramel corn, but with a twist.  It's made with PUFF CORN.  So, you know how you get all the kernels stuck in your teeth when eating caramel corn, you don't with this.  It's fabulous.  It's also highly addictive-

Let's begin-

You'll need-

2 bags Corn Puff (butter flavored Shearer's works great!)

1cup Butter, melted

1/2 cup light corn syrup

2 cups packed brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

Mix together butter, syrup, sugar, stir and bring to just boiling point.  Then put on medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes.  (DO NOT STIR)

 

See all that buttery, sweet golden goodness? Just you wait...

Take off heat , add vanilla and baking soda and stir.  Pour half the mixture over the first bag.  Stir to coat the puffs.  Pour the rest of the mixture over the 2nd bag and stir to coat. 

 

Line 2 cookie sheets with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.  Pour puff mixture onto trays, spread out and bake in the oven @ 200 degrees for 1 hour.  Puffs will be soft when you remove them from oven (this is a good time to sample,)  let set and then break apart.  Store (as if there will be any left) in an airtight container.  Delicious!  I had to make this several times over the holiday break- and I've even doubled the recipe. 

Crack - it's a good thing!  (Except when your 9 year old daughter yells out in front of people, "Mom, where'd you put the Crack?")  We, won't talk about that....

**Special thanks to D.H. for sharing her original Caramel Corn recipe with me!