Happy Halloween!

Today we'll have to celebrate Fall (since schools don't officially celebrate holidays anymore)-- so for part of the day, teachers are allowed to have "Wacky Hair Day" during the "Fall Festival Celebration". The kids will consume enormous amounts of candy and sugar during their class party, then we send them home. There, I'm sure they consume 2x the amount when they go downtown trick-or-treating and around their neighborhoods at night. Tommorow morning it's hard to work with them, because they're all Sugar-High-Hungover.

This is one of my favorite holidays, but I haven't really gotten that into it this year. I think it's because I'm out of creative energy. This afternoon, I need to carve some pumpkins, fast! I do have candy, though. I'll tear off my wig (yes, that's what I'm wearing for "Wacky Hair Day") and make myself into a 50's Sockhop girl with a pink poodle skirt.

Just to get you in the Halloween mood, let me show you a spooky photo of a black cat in a witch's hat....


That's Moby. He was very unhappy. It's kind of scary when he's that unhappy... Just for giggles, here's one more.

Hope no one gets tricked today and you all get a little something sweet!

Winter Is Fast Approaching... Updated x2

Fall To-Do List....
I hope you've enjoyed the crispy weather, beautiful sunsets and leaves this year. I have so many Fall things left to do! I'm hoping if I give myself a little list, I will be more motivated to check them off....

1. Carve pumpkins. I've got no good excuse but lack of time for not doing this yet. I love these pumpkins, but who's got that time? Maybe tonite I'll convince Jeremy to help me!

(CHECK! Sorry they look so blurry. Polka dot pumpkins and pirate faces. Jeremy did the Pirate.)
2. Make pumpkin bread. It. is. so. yummy. Seriously, we had this at Kim's and, being the fantastic baker that she is, whipped it up and served it to us hot! I can't wait to try it myself.

3. Find that orange tree I mentioned. I have a decent photo of a yellow and a red tree from this Fall, but now I need an orange. (CHECK!)


4. Buy Halloween candy. Will there be anything good left? I hope. (Check! Now, if only we dont' eat it all...)

5. Make Thanksgiving plans. (CHECK!)

Okay, I guess everything else is not very fall-ish, but it's still on my list.

6. Work on Christmas gifts. Since I need to make an apron for this, I thought I should try out some apron patterns with my new sewing machine! I like sewing, and my first project (for someone who's name I can't say but I heard they like these colors) is going alright. Not as fabulously adorable as I'd hoped, but it's still a WIP.



7. Take a personal day! Oh yeah, I'm ready. I am so burned out. I have no creative energy or enthusiasm for my job right now, so I'm taking a day off this week! Why? Because the soccer team won their quarterfinal match (by the way, beating that team that handed them their first loss of the year), so now they're off to the ODAC tourney! I'm not missing that game! Check out these fans at the last game.... PTBAG- Proud to Be A General! (Check! It's arranged!)

8. Try a project with these letters. Don't they look fun? She's always doing cute stuff.

9. Send out my vintage bird swap package. Can't tell what's inside just yet! (Check! Package mailed.)

10. Watch BBC's Version of Pride and Prejudice. (CHECK!- I tortured Jeremy and watched it this weekend. He's my own Mr. Darcy!)

11. Convince folks who read this blog to give me some recipes. Maybe you could help me out?

Favorite Recipes (Chicken) UPDATED

Anyone interested in a little recipe swap? No postage needed.

A good friend has asked me for my favorite easy recipes. I'd like to start a mini recipe-swap so that she (and you and I) will end up with lots of new food to try! This week, we could do chicken. Next week, favorite appetizers. After that, there's cakes, cookies, vegetable dishes, salads, seafood, breads... you get it! So, if you want to participate, just post your recipe to your blog (and leave a comment here), or leave a long comment on this blog. I'll add your recipe to this post, and Voila! A list of yummy chicken recipes.

Cynthia's Roasted Chicken
from Jan Karon's Mitford Cookbook and Kitchen Reader

2 TBsp extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic, crushed
1 large roasting chicken, (soak in brine* if you have time, hours before)
1 lemon
fresh rosemary
sea salt
fresh ground pepper

*How to Brine a Chicken: Remove the chicken giblets and rinse the chicken inside and out. Place 1 cup salt and 5 qts. water in a large container and stir to dissolve the salt. Submerge the chicken in the brine, and make sure it is completely covered. Cover and 'fridgerate for at least 3 or up to 8 hours. Remove the chicken from the brine, rinse well. Pat dry.
Brining ensures meat that is juicy and not dry.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Rub the olive oil and 3 of the crushed garlic cloves over the chicken. Cut the lemon in half and place in the cavity of the chicken, along with the remaining 2 garlic cloves and a sprig of rosemary. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken and stick one of the rosemary stalks under the skin. Place the chicken on a rack in a black iron skillet or heavy roasting pan. Roast for 30 minutes, then turn down the temperature to 350 degrees and bake for an additional hour, or until the instant- read thermometor inserted in the breast portion registers 150 to 154 degrees.

I usually put some onion slices on the bottom of the pan, too. And, if I have an extra lemon, I put lemon slices under the skin. This is really yummy served with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans! Or, sometimes I roast potatoes in the pan along with the chicken.

Jeremy's favorite chicken recipe:

One Great Gumbo with Chicken and Andouille Sausage

from Rachel Ray's 30 Minute Meals 2

2 cups white enhriched rice, prepared to package directions

2 TBsp olive oil

3/4 lb. chicken tenders, diced

3/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced (3 thighs)

salt and pepper, to taste

2 tsp poultry seasoning

3/4 lb. andouille sausage (4 links, casings removed) diced

3 TBsp butter

3 ribs celery, chopped

2 green bell peppers, seeded and diced

1 large onion, peeled and diced

2 bay leaves

2 TBsp cayenne pepper sauce

3 TBsp flour

1 quart chicken broth

1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomotoes

1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes

2 to 3 fresh thyme leaves, chopped

5 scallions, thinly sliced on an angle

Preheat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium high heat. Add 2 TBsp oil, twice around the pan and the diced chicken. Season with salt and pepper and a sprinkle of poultry seasoning, Brown on all sides, 2 or 3 minutes. Chop your veggies while it's working. Add the sausage to the pan and cook another minute or two. Transfer chicken and sausage to a dish.

Return pan to heat and add butter. When the butter melts, add chopped celery, peppers, onion and bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Add hot sauce. Cook 3 to 5 minutes to begin to soften the veggies. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly stir in the broth and bring to a boil. Return the meats to the pot and stir in the tomatoes and half of your fresh thyme. When it's bubbling, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors, then adjust your seasonings.

Scoop cooked white rice into the center of bowlfuls of gumbo using an ice cream scoop. Setting the rice on top of the gumbo will keep it from getting too wet. Top with remaining chopped thyme and lots of chopped scallions.

This is soooo good. I would suggest taking it easy on the hot sauce, though. Last time I made this, I used way too much!

**** I'm crossing my fingers a few people will post their own!

UPDATE: Here's one recipe which sounds delicious!

Chicken Teryaki by Gishygoo

Richmond Photos, As Promised, II

What a week! I haven't had much free time this week, so what was supposed to be posted last weekend is now a week behind! More about this past week later.

Last Saturday, Ashley and I drove to Richmond to meet up with Hillary, Rachel, and Rachel's boyfriend, Victor. Last year around the same time (Hillary's birthday) we met there, too. This year promised to be as much fun, since we hadn't seen eachother in so long. I went through grade school and high school with these girls, and I really don't think we've changed all that much. I love that... that is doesn't get awkward like some other relationships...

Like a few weeks ago, when I was in DC, I ran into a girl who I was really good friends with when we were in high school. We were excited to see eachother, but we didn't have much to talk about.. you know? She never wants to come back to our hometown, and I live there. I'm glad I saw her, but I don't know if we could be friends like we were before.

Anyway, we met in Short Pump. When my brother played soccer for a Williamsburg team (grades 4-8), he had so many games in Short Pump (versus the Strikers). Back then it was soccer fields, maybe a bank, McDonalds, and a brand new Applebees (back before it was a chain). Now, it is strip mall city. They actually call it "Town Center", but there never was a town center before the malls came along. Part of me feels guilty for being there because I hate strip malls, but this other part of me said, "Where else can you shop at H&M, Crate and Barrel, and Urban Outfitters???" Bad. Yeah, we did some shopping, but then we wanted to head into Richmond.

Lots of hugs :)




We drove into town and walked around a bit. We wanted to grab lunch near Shokoe Slip, because we also wanted to do a canal boat tour.

Look! Another Cha! Cha!

We decided on the Tobacco Company Restaurant. It was really cool inside, very cool 3 story restaurant with center opening (see web page, I couldn't get a good shot). Plants hang from the skylight, and there's even this really ancient elevator. Great atmosphere. We had our own little office-table. I thought the food was pretty good, especially the She-Crab soup, but I was still hungry when we left.

Poor Victor. As soon as Rachel went to the bathroom, we started in on questioning him. "What are your intentions with our friend?" "How did you meet?" "What do you do?" "Are you going to marry her?" (ok, we didn't really ask that one.) I'm sure he wished Rachel would hurry up and come back, but he won us over. They're such a sweet couple! Obnoxious, but sweet together :)


Walked down to the canal from Shokoe Slip.


For $5.00, you can take a canal boat tour. I thought it would go a little farther into the city, but we had a good time. The top photo of us is with Cotton, our canal boat guide. He was fun, and I think we all stayed awake for that History lesson.



Afterwards, we had to split up. Rachel and Victor were heading to Lexington/Roanoke to do stuff with Rachel's family, and Hillary headed home before Norfolk Tunnel Traffic. Ashley and I stayed until later in the evening, and headed home.

Hope everybody's coming home for Christmas or Thanksgiving! I'll make dinner!

Parachuting Over Soccer Games, Candy Corn Hangovers, and Party Animals

The soccer team has regained their top place in their conference, and the games have been exciting to watch. Last Saturday's game was no exception. The score was 1-1, and they even played 2 overtimes without another score. According to the stats, our team outshot them 20 shots to their 4 , but we just didn't have the luck to score a goal to break the tie!

While the game was in its second half, a plane started flying in circles around the field. A few years ago, the soccer team practiced where they played this same day, stopping to watch a plane circling above. Something tragic happened that day, and they had to see what happened. That plane crashed in town. Some of the fans watched and wondered what was happening. I admit, I started to think of 9/11, and fear and worry took over momentarily. Suddenly, what looked like 4 or 5 smoke bombs were dropped on our little city in the distance of the soccer stadium. Some fans gasped. We watched these funny looking things fall, and it wasn't until until they fell a few minutes that we could finally see what was really in view- parachuters! What relief swept over us.

I want the world, the US, this town-- to remain a safe place to live. In talking to some of the children at our school, I discover that many of them have never played unsupervised outside. Children not going outside to play, to discover??? I lived in a small neighborhood, but all of us kids played unsupervised all over the place. We'd go in the creeks, go up our treehouse, ride our bikes down the road, go into whoever's houses... we just had to come home when we heard that dinner bell (it was really loud-- an old bell from a Navy ship!). We knew not to get into the cars or homes of strangers, or tell them if we were home alone (which we were sometimes). We didn't get in trouble, we were just a group of kids hanging out.

Would we have been able to do that today, almost 25 years later? I think about that. I don't think so. Our parents would have new concerns which didn't seem to exist then. We certainly wouldn't be able to just go out to play for hours, no definite location, unsupervised. I'm guessing I would have had to carry a cell phone so I could be reached at any time. If I didn't spend a lot to time playing outside, I probably would have spent a good deal of time on the internet. Maybe I'd get into chatting with my friends, since I couldn't play with them. Then, of course, our parents would have had to supervise that, whether by selecting a safe host site for chatting, or by reading chat scripts or something (?). So let's say my parents felt the internet just wasn't safe at all, they might send me to my room or let me watch tv... The tv is no longer "safe"... what is said on tv today is totally different than what they allowed 25 years ago. I wasn't allowed to watch MTV, but if a babysitter came over, we'd watch. MTV has totally changed.

I just realize how lucky I was to grow up when I did, in this safe place. I wish everyone could say that... you know? What have you noticed has changed? What new fears exist that didn't seem to be there when we were kids?

Speaking of change, look at these beautiful fall trees. I like that there is a pathway of some kind in each photo (sidewalk, trail of walked on leaves or stairwell). Now I just need a good orange one, and I'll have a lovely trio of fall photos .... Lexingtonians, know of any good orange fall trees?

Last week was a great week. A busy, busy week, but fun. What did I do?

I ate waaay too much candy corn (shouldn't I learn from all those times I've been sick?). When were little, my friend Hillary and I split a big bag of candy corn one afternoon. Yes, one afternoon! We both got really sick. I don't think, to this day, that she eats candy corn. But me? I eat it all October without hesitation, often too much, and frequently get that candy corn hangover feeling.

We had a Birthday-Halloween party for Jeremy. We packed our tiny house on Sunday. Had a few kids running around, made 2 cakes, lots of food, heard funny stories about Jeremy. Jeremy is one of 7 kids, and never really wants to be the center of attention. Before people came over, he was all, "I wish they wouldn't make a fuss over my birthday" and "No gifts allowed" but I know he loved to be the center of attention once it started! I wish I had more photos, but my batteries died on my camera.

I did capture pics of one party animal (one very unhappy to wear a cold-weather sweater animal) and one person who always loves to be the center of attention! :)

This week I waitressed 2 days. I forgot how much energy and thinking it takes! I might pick up more shifts soon, since the holidays are coming up!

Kim was kind enough to take me with her to a photography class in Roanoke. We learned a little on portraits. I enjoyed looking at all the examples of portraits-- that was cool. Except now I want a new camera. I think my camera is great, always dependable, just no good once it comes to zooming. But I felt like I had the Neon model next to all the Cadillacs! :) Thanks again, Kim! Can't wait to see more of your photos.

Yesterday, I went to Richmond for our 2nd annual Meet-In-Richmond Girls Day! Except this time, there was one guy with us! More on that later.

Hope everyone had a great week and weekend!

Happy Birthday Jeremy!

Jeremy is 31 years old today! (That's OLD!) Last year his back went out on his birthday, and this year he's sick. Poor guy can't catch a break, not even on his bd. Right now, I"m gettting a cake and some goodies together before some family come by to give him birthday wishes, but I do want you to see an funny old pic of him and his sister. Always a goober!
More pics later of cake and such, as he will only have one kind of birthday cake (thanks, Rachel!) :)

Winter Weather, Already? P.S. Know Anyone Who Collects Plates?

The last roses of the year.
Tonight I cleaned and hung up some Halloween decorations inside the house, while the hubby changed the oil in his truck outside. I ended up going outside to hang out with him (because that was so much more fun than cleaning) and it was freezing outside! Tonight we're supposed to get the first frost of the season, so I spent the few hours of remaining daylight pruning my rose bushes and azaleas ready. Seems like just last week that Fall seemed to arrive.

I love working in my little garden. I stress the word little. I think I've mentioned the flowers before, but working in it is what I miss the most in the winter. I can't wait to have a huge garden of my own one, like my mother. Winter. I know, I know... it will make Spring all that much better. Thing is, I get to cut off a stem or 2 of peonies or roses that came from our garden... not Walmart or a florist, you know?

I've got to mention that the soccer team had their first loss last night. It was kind of like watching last summer's World Cup all over again. Painful and sad. Too many bad calls by the referree that just ruined the game. A goal by penalty kick, for a penalty that didn't happen. The players were better sports than some of us fans, and to our comments my dad said, "Now we'll see what kind of team we really are." I hope that anyone that lives around here will come and support them this Saturday, since the students are gone. This is THE game of the season. If you need details, just leave me a comment.

Well, I'm off. Grey's Anatomy calls.

Oh, the plate thing. There are just some things I cannot throw away. I do collect vintage souvenir plates, and this is one. It does have a chip, but I just can't find a place for it. If anyone is interested, just drop a line. Maybe you live in Gettysburg, PA? Maybe your mom does? Maybe you're just a huge Civil War buff?

Fall Leaves Collage

I made this collage out of leaves in front of my apartment in Silver Spring. I am reminded of my roommates- I was so lucky. After living with a few weirdos when I lived in the dorms, I really got lucky with the 2 girls my 3rd year in Maryland. I have so many fond memories of that year. I realize that 2 years later I went on to have a roommate named Autumn!

I am surprised the collage has stayed together for as long as it has- almost 6 years. I only used a little glue and string to hold it together. I was sure the leaves would crumble or fade, or the paper fall apart (I made it myself). Maybe the sticks would fall off or become too crooked, but the whole thing is nearly exactly how it looked the day I finished it.



It reads:

Autumn Leaves

The falling leaves drift by my window
The autumn leaves of read and gold
I see your lips the summer kisses
The sunburned hands I used to hold
Since you went away the days are long
And soon I'll hear old winter's song
But I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall.

Written by Johnny Mercer, 1947

Candy Bowl Finished! & Fall Weekend Update

Fall seemed to arrive for good last week. I want to take some photos of the beautiful leaves I've seen, but I keep forgetting my camera. Unfortunately, the most beautiful trees I've seen were in town, but the rains that lasted almost 2 days seem to have brought down almost all the leaves. Jeremy says it is still beautiful on the Blue Ridge Parkway, so I think I'm going to go in the next few days.


I'm finally getting out my Halloween decorations. I was waiting until I had finished my candy bowl, and it was ready on Monday! It took me a lot longer to paint it than I thought it would, and had some problems when it first came out of the kiln, but it's finally to my liking. It's just begging to be filled with candy corn! I want some more pumpkins, but we have 2 wee white ones out in front of the house. Since Jeremy's birthday is this weekend, it's a good excuse to get all decked out for the upcoming holiday!


This weekend flew by, and I had so much fun. See?

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream from Klien's in Staunton- Yum!

Played this game at Kim and Ryan's (Thanks for having us!)

Watched all of Season 2 of this

Got some new books from Barnes and Noble

Found my new favorite "fast" food restaurant- Chipotle- yummmmm!

Filled a car with stuff from IKEA

Drove around some of my old "stomping grounds" from college- near College Park, MD: I had an apartment in Silver Spring, and the downtown looks totally re-vamped from 5-6 years ago!

There was even a "park" ... lots of kids playing and families hanging out. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be turf!

Stayed up way too late!

Oh, a Sports Update: the team is now 10-0-1! Thier best season EVER! They are even nationally ranked!

Well, even though the weekend was fun and there's lots more fun to be had, I better do some work 'round here. I dare say when I last did my own laundry (I'm down to the outfits I don't like to wear), or even (gulp) balanced the checkbook! :)

Have a good evening!

Speaking of Spaetzle

A friend of my dad's asked for my Spaetzle recipe, and I'm thrilled to share it.

Spaetzle is a German egg noodle. My Grandmother, who is from Nurnberg, Germany, makes the best Spaetzle! Most of the time, I put a little nutmeg in mine and top it with grated Vermont White Cheddar and caramelized onions. You could also leave it plain and top it with some applesauce. Spaetzle is a great thing to make when you're really broke, short on time (takes about 5 minutes after the water boils), don't want to go grocery shopping, or want something like Mac-N-Cheese-kind of comfort food. The only good excuse you have for not trying to make it is that you don't have a Spaetzle press....

Leslie and Sam, it's time to try it... your Spaetzle maker has collected dust far too long! Here is a link describing how to make it with the very one you have. Leslie, it's also time to update your blog! :)

For this recipe, you do need some kind of Spaetzle press. Mine looks like this:

Here's another one that is pretty good.

The one I gave Leslie looks like this:

But you could also use something like this if you wanted to be really creative:


You just need something that you can hold over a large pot of boiling water with many holes that are the same size. The noodles all need to be the same size, and not larger than 1/4 inch. The dough is very liquid-y, so you won't be able to cut it or anything.

Recipe for Spaetzle *I apologize for the double spacing- Blogger Issues*
serves 4-6

dash salt

1 onion, chopped

3 cups all-purpose flour (loose-packed)

1 tsp salt.

4 eggs

1 cup milk

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1 TBsp butter (optional)

Grated Vermont White Cheddar (2 or 3 cups)

1. Fill a large pot with water to boil. Add the dash of salt.

2. While waiting for water, brown the chopped onions in the TBsp of butter. Let these cook slowly over low heat. Once they're done, take them off the heat and put them in a nice bowl with a serving fork or spoon.

3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, nutmeg and salt. Make a well.

4. Add the eggs to the well and combine with the dry ingredients.

5. Add the milk.

6. Blend ingredients until it looks like a well-mixed cake batter.

7. Set another bowl on the counter near your pot of should-be-boiling water with a colander on top of it.

8. Place your Spaetzle maker on top of the pot once the water is boiling. Drop in a large spoonful of the dough and press it into the water.

9. Wait a minute or 2 for the noodles to rise to the surface. Let them cook for about another minute.

10. Remove them from the water (noodle strainer) and place them in the colander (remember, it's over that bowl that should be next to you?).

11. Drain the water from the noodles and place them a "set" of cooked noodles at a time on a nice platter. For each set you drop, add a bit of the cheese.

12. Repeat steps 8-11 until you have used all of the dough. Top the platter with any remaining cheese.

13. Sprinkle a little salt and fresh ground pepper on top. Serve immediately!

This is great with a side salad, and it's one of few things I'll eat as a leftover. If you really want to know more, go here.

Rainy, Cold Day Cauliflower Recipe

It's been rainy and cold since Thursday here. Miserable weather outside! Today we took a little road trip, but we were glad to get home. I love cold weather for the very fact that it is the perfect reason to curl up under a blanket, read a book, watch a movie, or just curl up with some-body! We're about to pop in Disc 3 of Arrested Development, but as long as football's still on, I have a chance to share something with you.

This recipe is one of my favorite cold day comfort-food recipes. It's from Ina Garten's Barefoot in Paris, and it's the very reason I purchased her cookbook in the first place. Usually, I purchase one of those Ready-to-Eat roasted chickens, a head of cauliflower, and a few handfuls of fresh green beans on days when I want something yummy, but don't want to spend too long in the kitchen.

Keep the chicken warm; clean and prep the green beans for cooking (I usually just throw them in the steamer).

Cauliflower Gratin
serves 4-6

1 (3 lb.) head cauliflower, cut into large florets
kosher salt
4 TBsp unsalted butter, divided in half
3 TBsp all-purpose flour
2 cups hot milk
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp nutmeg
3/4 grated Gruyere, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 fresh bread crumbs

1. Preheat the oven to 375. (This is a good time to heat that milk!)
2. Cook the cauliflower florets in a large pot of boiled salted water for 5-6 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain.
3. Meanwhile, in a med. sized saucepan, melt 2 TBsp butter over low heat.
4. Add the flour. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon for 2 mins.
5. Pour the milk into the butter-flour mixture and stir until it comes to a boil.
6. Boil, whisking constantly for 1 min. or until thickened.
7. Off the heat, add 1 tsp. salt, the pepper, nutmeg, 1/2 cup Gruyere, and the Parmesan.
8. Pour on third of the sauce on the bottom of an 8x11x2 inch baking dish. Place the drained cauliflower on top and then spread the rest of the sauce evenly on top.
9. Combine the bread crumbs and remaining 1/4 cup Gruyere.
10. Sprinkle on top.
11. Melt the remaining 2 TBsp butter and drizzle over the gratin. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
12. Bake for 25-30 min. or until browned.
13. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Hope you try it, you'll love it! Dont' be scared off by the number of steps, it really is pretty easy. Only thing is, while you're doing steps 4-6, you really don't want to walk away; as long as you stir, you won't burn it! 10 minutes, tops to prepare the whole thing (except the time it takes your water to boil to cook the florets).

Apron Swap Meme

For the Apron Swap, I need to answer a few questions about my own winter holiday traditions...

1. what kind of holiday party food do you like best? finger food buffet or sit down multi-course style?
Hmmm.... well, it really depends. I think for the holidays, I'd say multi-course. I really love a nice Christmas dinner with the whole family. Love tried-and-true recipes that have been passed down through the family. Traditional dishes. Lots of sweet cookies, candies, or cakes for dessert to snack on while you play games, exchange gifts, talk or stay warm by the fire. But I'm always interested in yummy finger foods (to use year 'round).

2. do you make/use those little name cards for your table seating or is that just another little something that magazines are trying to add to our already long holiday to-do list?
If I had a table that sat more than 4 people (or 6 people squeezed in), and I was hosting a holiday dinner, I probably would use name cards. I haven't had the occasion to use them, yet ...

3. do you miss sitting at the "kid's table"?
Did I ever get to leave the kid's table? At famiy functions, especially Christmas, my brother and cousins and I (and now Jeremy, too) ARE the kids table! We have grandparents, parents, 6 aunts, 6 uncles, and many older cousins who still stake a claim on the "adult" table. We always have fun sitting at the kid's table. With the "adults," it's not as much fun. You have to use manners and all that stuff....

4. any particular holiday party traditions that you like to do every year?
I like playing hostess for close friends and family. It seems that we always have a get-together with some of my best girlfriends around Christmas and Thanksgiving. I think we should also have a dinner party each year with my husband's relatives that live around here. In my family, we always open gifts on Christmas Eve after we've eaten a huge meal and gone to a church service. With Jeremy, we have been reserving Christmas Day to spend with eachother. The rest of the holiday season seems to be all about visiting with friends and family, and a whole lot of driving!

5. Which is your favorite winter holiday?
Christmas! Christmas, because I love that you get to spend time with family and friends. And give them gifts that you are too excited to give! (Or can no longer keep under your tree for fear that you will rip open the wrapping and keep it for yourself because it is that cool. )

6. do you make or have you tasted any good egg nog recipes...whether using it in a dish or as a drink?
Fill a glass halfway with milk, and pour in some eggnog from a container until the glass is full.....? I'm sure there are many good eggnog recipes, but who has the time?

7. fruit cake .... do you love it or think it should be used as a door stop?
Never tried it, but not really interested. They just don't appeal to me!

8. What do you like to do to get yourself in the holiday sprit (ie. certain music, visiting certain seasonal sites, enjoying winter weather, ect.)
DECORATING! Our house is small, but I fill it with holiday spirit! I have a friend who puts up 3 trees, but I think one large tree and 2 little trees will do it for me this year. I get especially excited when decorating the trees, and I make Jeremy sit with me so I can tell the story of EACH AND EVERY ornament: "This ornament was given to me by so and so, the year that bla, and it reminds me of....". Yeah, I'm a little sentimental about things like ornaments, and we have too many!

9. What is your favorite holiday song and who sings it best?
I love classic holiday songs, especially sung by Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby. I love "Let It Snow" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas", but my absolute favorite is "Joy to the World!"

10. Any ideas for interesting holiday themed parties? (Even if it's really out there -- like renting a snow machine and having everyone build snowmen if you live in a no-snow areas!)
One year I had a cookie exchange party with a bunch of ladies I worked with at a restaurant. The invitations were attached to cookie cutters, and everyone brought a Tupperware full of 2 dozen cookies. Fun!
Holiday parties:
What about a sort of card-making party in early December? Bring scrapbooking papers, stamps, stickers, etc. to share, along with a dozen or so blank white cards, and make handmade Christmas cards to send to special friends?
Or maybe a Christmas movie watching party? Like watching A Christmas Story and making food from the 40's....
or maybe a Christmas Wrapping Party.... you could watch Christmas movies or listen to holiday music and bring wrapping paper so that you can wrap while you watch or listen...

In Other News...

I have all kinds of random things I'd love to share, but don't have the time today to write much.

First off, I'm trying to set up my blogger banner. Thanks to Delite Designs for designing something soooo cute! Makes me want to go to Paris just thinking about it!

Second, Soccer. Today the soccer team had its first TIE. It is so frustrating to sit thru 2 halves, then 2 overtimes and have to end a game with a TIE. You're all worn out from the tension, worry, excitement, and such! Even Kim stopped by to watch part of the game! So nice of her! Enjoyed dinner tonight with my dad, brother, and husband. My mom went to a Girls' Night... so I guess it was kind of like a Guy's Night for them. They talked about Sports and I just listened and asked questions that make me feel dumb about sports! I try my best to keep up with things like Football. For example, I try to check out ESPN so that when Jeremy talks about important College or NFL games or players, I can throw in one of the interesting facts they throw out (so I sound like a real Sports Fan!) Dont' tell my secret :)

Third, I feel so lucky to be part of another swap-- this one is the Holiday Apron Swap, hosted by Sarah and Mary. Look how much fun it will be! I've always wanted to start some kind of swap, but haven't narrowed down any ideas. This way, it's all someone else who has to organize it and do all the thinking! I have to write a meme for the swap, so I'm sure you'll see that in a few days.

Too much to do this week... can't keep up with all this fun stuff!

I'm A Godmother!

Yay! My friend Autumn had her baby this morning, at 10:15am. 2 weeks early! She and her husband Chad named their son Ezra Dean. He weighed 8 lbs. 6 0z. and was 21 inches long! Sounds like a big boy! Chad's a huge hockey fan, so they've even got an adorable Mighty Ducks outfit to put on him once they leave the hospital. I'm so excited because I jokingly asked if I could be an "aunt" but she said I could be the Godmother! I hope she was serious.... the epidural was wearing off....?!! I made him a baby quilt this summer, but now I have the perfect excuse to make kids clothes and such! And send boxes and boxes of gifts! This kid is gonna be spoiled!


Here she is earlier this summer...

I can't wait to see pictures of this kid, and to meet him someday soon. They live all the way in California, so it might be a few months. Have I mentioned that I'm really excited about this?

What I've Been Up To...

The past week has been a busy one. Worked hard (or sometimes hardly worked), organized (finally all my old magazine pages, recipes and such I put into my cooking or crafty notebooks), cleaned (boring but it's got to get done), watched many soccer games (they are undefeated still!!!), attempted baking, painted pottery (finally finished a Halloween bowl that only took a month to paint), painted watercolored sunsets, hung out with some friends to watch shows we're addicted to and some classic old movies, hung out with family (always a good time), hung out with the hubby (who is working way too hard at school and needs a break), and tried (successfully) to convince the hubby that he needs to get out of town to start celebrating his birthday and to get away from Lex Vegas for a day(a week early!). I hope this week is as much fun. Have a good one!

Muffins, Round 2

Tonight I made muffins. I actually tried to make these on Saturday, but they didn't turn out so well. My first attempt was not bad, but not the amazing cream cheese filling I'd imagined. I followed the directions on Saturday, but tonight decided to try again, making a few changes. Failure on Saturday, success today! Yay! They are sooo yummy! They have the perfect amount of "I'm Eating Really Healthy" with ooey-gooey sweetness!

My mom makes the best carrot cake! She doesn't like to cook very much, but she beats me when it comes to baking. I'd say I'm successful in my attempts to bake about 1/2 the time. Seriously, there are just too many factors... when making a pie crust, overbeating eggs, the temperature of the oven, etc. She knows, though, just when to pull stuff out of the oven. Her carrot cake (bars she usually makes) are always so yummy. She actually puts raisins in, too, which might be a good addition to these muffins.

Enjoy! Happy Monday!

Carrot Cake Muffins With A Cream Cheese Surprise
from Cupcakes From the Cake Doctor

Cream Cheese Surprise
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 egg, beaten
2 TBsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla

1. Place cream cheese in a med. size mixing bowl. Blend with electric mixer on med-high speed until it is fluffy, 30 seconds.
2. Add other ingredients.
3. Blend mixture until it is creamy.
4. Set aside. I scooped it into a sandwhich bag and placed it in the fridge to harden a bit.
5. Preheat the oven to 400.

Muffins
1 package cinnamon swirl muffin mix (19.1 ounces)
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup veggie oil
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp maple flavoring (I used a bit of maple syrup)
1 cup shredded carrots

1. Place muffin mix in a large mixing bowl, making a well in the center.
2. Reserve half of the cinnamon sugar packet to sprinkle on top of the muffins.
3. Add other half to well, along with the egg, maple...., milk and veggie oil.
4. Stir together wet and dry ingredients with a wooden spoon until just combined, 20 strokes.
5. Add carrots, stirring another 10 strokes.
6. Spoon or scoop about 1/3 cup batter into each muffin cup.
7. Cake Doctor wants you to go on ahead and make a well in the center of each muffin, but my batter today and Sat. just wouldn't have it, so I put these in the fridge to harden a bit before I made a well approximately 1.5 inches into the center of each muffin.
8. Squeeze the cream cheese surprise into the middle of each muffin.
8a.. Sprinkle each with some of the remaining cinnamon sugar.
9. Bake approx. 22 minutes, or until the muffins are deeply golden and just spring back when lightly pressed with your finger.
10. Let these cool for about 20 minutes before you eat them.