Shop Till You Drop! Or Not.

THIS SAYS IT ALL! 

"Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas." ~ Johnny Carson

"I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying: 'Toys not included.'" ~ Bernard Manning

     I've been accused of a lot of things in my life but procrastination is not one of them. I'm the one you hear about that has a never ending conclusion to a "To do list". As soon as I scratch something off, I'll add two new things. I don't know I guess it makes me feel important or something. Sad to say they are usually very menial task that don't amount to much but for some reason striking through one of my "To do list" items brings great joy to my day. Needless to say as soon as October rolls around I become completely obsessed with the Holidays and everything it has to offer.
     So with that being said, some of my future blogs will be directed to the Holiday Season. Shopping, cooking, decorations etc. So for those of you who are limited on time, patients or all the above my intentions are to try to make your life a little easier and your holidays less stressful.
      Yes, I'm one of those who believes that Thanksgiving gets overpowered by all the hoopla of Christmas but the truth of the matter is that the preparation for Christmas is far more time consuming and tedious especially for mothers. So in the grand scheme of things you really have to get a jump start in order to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. At least that's how I like to do it. Who knows, something might strike your fancy and just maybe you'll be ahead of the game to enjoy one of the more fun things on your "To Do List".   Let the Holidays Begin.
     Today's holiday blog will start with task that you can already get a head start on such as Christmas Cards,  paper products and more. Don't procrastinate, I promise you a much more relaxed Season!

Christmas Cards-Always a dilema at our house. Can't get everybody under one roof and if I do they don't want or feel like grooming for a pic so I just gave up. You have to pick your battles and a photo or lack of is not my choice.  Prepare your list, order and start addressing. It's that simple. Next time your at the post office go ahead and get your stamps. One less time-consuming item off your list. Of Course you may need additional time to apply for a second mortgage to pay for the stamps!  SERIOUSLY!

The sky is the limit with Christmas Cards. Here are a few of my favorites:

The Stonehouse Collection
If you are into boating these are incredible. You can even add you boat name to the card.

http://www.stonehousecollection.com/cards/boat-nautical-xmas-cards.html

Want a photo Christmas Card?. Here you go!
Some really cute things to choose from....Love the colors.

http://www.tinyprints.com/

I love these address labels also from Tiny Prints. Brown seems to be the Holiday theme this year. At Tiny Prints you get a lot of color options. Good Prices.


Charming Cards  http://www.charmingcards.com/
Your just going to have to sit down and start digging on the web-site yourself.  Way too many cute things to try and post.  Here is the link.  So Cute!

Now if your really busy and just want to get the photo cards done you can't go wrong with
www.walgreens.com  

I did mine yesterday online and they were done in one hour.  Now with this much time left I really do suggest ordering one box to make sure you are completely happy with them.  You just need to sign up on line, go to photos, pick out a card, upload a photo  and drag it onto your card.  Type your Greetings and that is it.  Preview it in the large mode.  A box of 20 is only $12.99.  You can pre pay or pay when you pick them up.  Now that's easy.  Also, take a look at the photo gifts they offer.  Calenders, etc.  Going to get my mom a photo calender with the grand kids baby pictures that she so loves.  

Christmas Paper Plates.
http://www.charmingcards.com/category/holiday-plates/c187

YES CUTE, AGAIN MUST BE THE CHRISTMAS SEASON FOR BROWN.

Now this makes you want to have a party.  Another Martha Stewart creation.
I think this would also be cute to put around the top of a bottle of wine or as napkin holders.

Cut out 3-inch ovals from colorful card stock. Using a hole punch, make a hole at each end, and then neatly write your guests' names on the ovals with black ink. Thread ribbon scraps, each about 6 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide, through the backs of the place cards. Notch the ribbon ends, and place a card at each plate setting 

                                          

Each time I post I am going to add a recipe.  Start a Chistmas file and start printing any or all that sound good.  Go ahead and make a master grocery list as you add them.  One more step to a uncluttered Holiday.  Stay tuned for some Thanksgiving ideas. 

Your First Holiday Appetizer Recipe-Easy and delicious..

HOT SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE DIP

Ingredients
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
2 (13 3/4-ounce) cans artichoke hearts
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 cup grated pepper jack cheese


Directions


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a casserole dish with nonstick spray.

Heat the spinach in a microwave oven on high for 5 minutes and squeeze dry. Drain the artichoke hearts and coarsely chop in a food processor.
Combine all the ingredients except the jack cheese in a large bowl. Stir well. Scrape into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the jack cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes. Transfer to a chafing dish and keep warm over a low flame. Serve with bagel chips or Fritos.



REMEMBER IT'S NEVER TO LATE TO PROCRASTINATE..

BOO!!!

OH MY GOODNESS! NOW THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL A "TREAT"

"LOOK AT ME, MAMA"

BOO!

YEP, its about that time. HALLOWEEN!  Now the best part about it is that it falls on Saturday.  So all those little trick or treaters who end up on a sugar high and can't get to sleep have the entire Saturday and Sunday to sleep it off.  Now for a lot of us older folks it seems that a weekend Halloween date has stirred the pot for a lot of adult parties.  Translated means a costume and a day or so in the kitchen.  Preparing for a Halloween party can be quite the task, not to mention overwelming.  Luckily for me, we will be attendees at a Halloween party this year, but I hope to help out our hostess with a few ideas myself.  Go ahead don't be afraid. Check these out...... 



You knew it was coming.  Balloon Boy Halloween Costume.  Still time to order!

http://www.microflight.com/Balloon-Boy-Halloween-Costume-Kit#

LADIES' FINGERS

Martha Stewart "Of Course"

www.marthastewart.com/

Makes 30
2 tablespoons red food coloring
30 blanched almonds
2 large eggs
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
5 tablespoons granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour


Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with Silpats (French nonstick baking mats) or parchment paper, and set aside.
Place food coloring in a shallow bowl. Using a small paintbrush, color one rounded half of each almond. Set aside to dry.
Separate 1 egg. Set aside the white. In a small bowl, whisk together yolk, remaining egg, and vanilla. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine butter, confectioners' sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Beat on medium speed until well combined. Add egg mixture, and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, and mix on low speed just until incorporated. Wrap the dough in plastic, and chill until firm, 20 to 30 minutes.
Divide the dough in half. Work with one piece at a time, keeping remaining dough covered with plastic wrap and chilled. Divide the first half into fifteen pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece back and forth with palms into finger shapes, 3 to 4 inches long. Pinch dough in two places to form knuckles. Score each knuckle lightly with the back of a small knife. Transfer fingers to prepared baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
When all fingers are formed, brush lightly with egg white. Position almond nails; push into dough to attach.
Bake until lightly browned, about 12 minutes. Cool completely.

"PINA GHOULADA"

A frothy drink is tempting enough, but one served in a red-rimmed glass is particularly enticing to monsters who drink blood. Corn syrup with food coloring tinges the classic pina colada with a devilish sweetness. Dip the rim of each glass into the red mixture, spinning slowly to coat. Turn glasses upright; the red liquid will drip slightly, then set. Pour drinks, and serve. Drinkers' lips may be stained pink -- much like those of a sated vampire.
Ingredients


Serves 10 to 12
FOR THE "BLOOD"
3 tablespoons corn syrup
1/4 teaspoons red food coloring


FOR THE DRINK
20 ounces pineapple juice
1 can (15 ounces) cream of coconut
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup orange juice
10 ounces good-quality rum
Directions
Pour the corn syrup in a shallow bowl. Dip a toothpick into the food coloring, and stir a very small amount into the syrup to combine. Hold a glass by the stem, dip rim into the syrup mixture, and turn glass, coating entire rim. Turn the glass upright, allowing mixture to drip down sides. Dip the remaining glasses. Set aside.


Whisk together drink ingredients. Place 2 1/2 cups ice in a blender, and add 1 cup drink mixture. Blend until smooth; add more pineapple juice if mixture is too thick. Repeat with remaining ice and mixture. Carefully pour into prepared glasses; serve.

EYEBALL HIGHBALL

Ingredients 


14 medium radishes
7 pimiento-stuffed olives, halved crosswise
16 ounces gin or vodka
1 ounce vermouth
Directions
Trim stem and root ends of radish. Use a paring knife to scrape red skin from radish, leaving just enough to give a veiny appearance. With a small melon baller, cut a hole in radish, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Fit an olive half, cut-side facing out, into hole. Place radish in ice-cube tray. Repeat with remaining radishes. Fill tray with water; freeze.

Mix vodka or gin with vermouth; stir with ice. Divide eyeball ice cubes among four glasses. Strain martini; pour into glasses, and serve.

pumpkin ice chest-now this is way too easy!

would look so much cuter with some Mich Ultra poking out....

Happy Halloween to All!

Happy Birthday Patty Zipp!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

PATTY ZIP...

Sunday, October 25, 2009

She's All That!!!

A wife, a daughter, a mother and a friend,

An Aunt, a team mate and our closes to kin.

Caring, loving and concerned, it's all about your feelings.

Worried sick and willing to help you when your healing.

Babies, toddlers and teens love her like a mom,

The Bulldogs and the Eagles think that she's the Bomb!

That's her reputation and she truly is the best,

She'll catch you when your falling, when he puts you through "The Test".

When I'm happy shes-a-laughing, when I'm sad she takes my fall,

When she senses I am lonely, I know I'll get the call.

To you I am very thankful, I really know you care,

No matter what the case may be I feel you everywhere.

Happy Birthday to our "PAT MOM" your nothing less then Regal.

A duo celebration for your Birthday and the "Eagles"

USM has nothing on you, when the Eagles aren't to stop.

You far exceed there motto when going "TO THE TOP".

I love you......We love you.....and we all so appreciate everything you do!

Happy Birthday!!!!!

Mo and Fred

Shelby, Ryan and Trevor

"ISN'T SHE LOVELY".........by STEVE WONDER 

oops, I meant Greg Zipp

Oh way too many song titles for this one.  How about.....

"I Got it From my MA MA"....by Will-iam

      "We Are Family"....By Sister Sledge"

   

"I'M BAD, I'M BAD By Michael Jackson

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE ABOUT HER BABY.....

Southern Miss center Cameron Zipp of Fontainebleau a pro at handling adversity

By Tammy Nunez, The Times-Picayune

October 21, 2009, 10:13PM

Cameron Zipp knows a little bit about rolling with the punches. Just playing on Southern Miss' football team the past two seasons has provided plenty of challenges -- the death of a teammate, a position change, quarterback changes, losing streaks.

Cameron ZippBut the center, who awaits Tulane (2-4, 0-3) for a Conference USA game Saturday in Hattiesburg, Miss., has learned to be flexible long before arriving on campus.
He was a senior left tackle at Fontainebleau when Hurricane Katrina knocked four games off his final prep season. He graded out better than 80 percent, won four games and made All-Metro.
Then came college, where Zipp changed positions and played on the 2008 Golden Eagles' squad that stumbled out to a 2-6 record before winning four consecutive games to become bowl eligible. The Eagles defeated Troy in a 30-27 overtime thriller in last season's New Orleans Bowl.
There have been plenty of fluctuations for Zipp, a junior, and his teammates this season, too. Zipp began the season snapping to sophomore Austin Davis, who spearheaded last season's remarkable revival.
But Davis suffered a season-ending foot injury Oct. 1 in a loss to Alabama-Birmingham. Now Zipp is snapping to junior Martevious Young, who has completed 35 of 57 passes for 400 yards and one touchdown.
The Golden Eagles (4-3, 2-1) are 1-1 with Young at the helm. Young leaned heavily on the running game last week in getting his first victory as a starter, 36-16 over Memphis.
Zipp knew just what to do: Roll with it.
"We have trust in people who back up, " Zipp said. "That's why we practice and go through spring and see what everybody does. So once a key player goes down or anyone, you know someone is going to back them up and do just a good as they do."
Southern Miss Coach Larry Fedora said Young continues to improve in the Spread offense.
"I think each and every week, every rep he is going to get is going to be a new experience for him, " Fedora said. "If you go back to (quarterback Austin Davis') first five games as a quarterback, you're going to see how he progressed through the year. It's going to be the same type of deal, because Martevious hasn't experienced those things.
"No matter what you see on film and what you hear from the other quarterback, until you experience it or until you actually do it, that's why they say there is no substitute for experience. He's going to experience those things."
In Young's debut, he passed for more than 200 yards. Last week he threw for 155 and his first touchdown of the season.
Zipp said Young adds some fire to the unit and has transitioned well.
"We trust in Martevious, " Zipp said. "He ran with the (second team), and he split some time in the spring with the (first team) and even in the fall in camp and did a fine job. He just ran with (the starting duties); he's actually very vocal on the field in the games. He gets excited and into it."
Zipp knows that feeling. He said making the switch to center was difficult, but now he's settled in and hopes the Golden Eagles have started another midseason winning streak."It was nerve-racking at first, but once you settle in and get used to the guys playing next to you, it's a lot of fun, " Zipp said. "It's a big adrenaline rush."
Not long after Zipp adjusted to the change in quarterbacks, the Golden Eagles learned that walk-on punter Peter Wilkes had died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound. Teammate Gerald Baptiste, a Karr alum, had a special bond with Wilkes; They both wore No. 86.
"It meant something to me because I always messed with Peter, " Baptiste said after Wilkes' death Oct. 9. "I said, 'Man, why do they keep giving you my number? I don't want no punter with my number.' We'd laugh it off, and he'd be like 'Aw Bap, don't worry about it. Keep making those catches and give me those stats.' Because sometimes they'd make a mistake and put it under his name. . . . It's a sad situation, and I pray for his family."
All these ups and downs have become status quo in Hattiesburg.
"We just keep working hard day in and day out, " Zipp said. "We believe in what the coaches are doing scheme-wise -- it's just sticking together and not departing when we have tough times."
Tammy Nunez can be reached at tnunez@tpmail.com or 504.232.3697.

CAM-THIS IS YOUR CAKE FOR NEXT YEAR

I'M GOING TO START WORKING ON IT TODAY SO IT WILL BE READY FOR 2010

YEA SURE!

Wooden Boat Festival Weekend

AND THE WINNER IS.......

IT'S NOT EVEN DARK OUTSIDE YET!

I love me some Fall but even more than that I love the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival.  This year proved to be no different.  If nothing else it makes for a very clean house as I prepare for my special guest.  Now I could sure do without the tedious task of dusting, scrubbing and washing linens but I sure love it when I get to the creative part.  I can't take credit for all the cute ideas as they came from many sources that I have grown to love.  So take a look and when you get a few minutes check out some of my resources and add your very own touches .  Happy Fall to all.  


I adore Pumpkins, however, orange does nothing for the particular colors I chose for my home interior.  My sister-in law Kelli has for years told me I was too matchy matchy and that is the truth.  Everything I do has to match to a fault and these cute little painted pumpkins were no different.

                                                    Click on each picture for a larger view

How simple is this.  Two medium pumpkins.  $1.50 a piece.  I painted mine black and then added the polka dots to match the paint on my keeping room walls.  Yes, I painted every polka on each pumpkin and yes it was time consuming but it doesn't have to be perfect.  Place the pumpkins on your favorite candle sticks and there you go.  Just get you a glass of wine and get started.

My Shreveport buddies arrive from Shreveport on Friday and usally start rolling in around Happy Hour time.  After a short de-briefing and room appointments they make a mad dash to unpack and freshen up.  Freshen up to this group means "PUTTING ON THEIR SOFT PANTS"  What are soft pants you ask?  Soft pants are usually oversized elastic britches accompanied with Extra Large T-shirts.

Catching up and visiting is priorty so I try to make it simple for Friday Night with a large pot of Gumbo and several hors· d'oeuvres. 

Funny story-I found this cute recipe in the Food Network Magazine.  Oh how I love this magazine!  How original is this Salad on A Stick.  Again it's pretty time consuming but it sure makes for a pretty presentation and a good conversation piece.  Now here is the funny part.  I FORGOT TO SERVE IT.  Imagine my disappointment Saturday morning when I found it in my spare refridge.  Thank goodness I took a picture of it beforehand.   Of course it eventually got consumed.

I'm either going to CupCake Heaven or to CupCake Rehab.  Not sure which.  Nevertheless, I can't help myself.  For those of you who have followed my blog you know that I am totally obsessed with Cupcakes.  I don't really like sweets but I sure love to look at them.  Take a look.  There is a down side to serving these cute little cakes and that would be the crumbs.  I'm still cleaning them up.  I found them in the bed linens, the hot tub and even the dressing rooms.  Yea, you know who you are!

For more Cupcake ideas revisit my previous blog titles "Cup the Cakes"

Check out these adorable gifts I recieved from my guest. 

                                                                                         

Check these Cute Pumpkin Attachments Out

Party Pics

     CUTENESS AKA SYDNEY WITH HER PIGTAILS.

 

jimmy, fred, thad and chris