Happy Turkey Day!!!!


I think Adam Sandler said it best in his song about Turkey!



"Turkey for me
Turkey for you
Lets eat the turkey
In my big brown shoe
Love to eat the turkey
At the table
I once saw a movie
With betty grable
Eat that turkey
All night long
Fifty million Elvis fans
Cant be wrong
Turkey lurkey doo and
Turkey lurkey dap
I eat that turkey
Then I take a nap

Thanksgiving is a special night
Jimmy walker used to say dynomite
Thats right
Turkey with gravy and cranberry
Cant believe the mets traded darryl strawberry
Turkey for you and
Turkey for me
Cant believe tyson
Gave that girl v.d.

White meat, dark meat
You just cant lose
I fell off my moped
And I got a bruise
Turkey in the oven
And the buns in the toaster
Ill never take down
My Cheryl Tiegs poster
Wrap the turkey up
In aluminum foil
My brother likes to masturbate
With baby oil
Turkey and sweet potato pie
Sammy davis jr.
Only had one eye

Turkey for the girls and
Turkey for the boys
My favorite kind of pants
Are corduroys
Gobble gobble goo and
Gobble gobble gickel
I wish turkey
Only cost a nickel
Oh I love turkey on thanksgiving....."

Happy thanksgiving everybody!

Thanksgiving Week! Ask Colin Cowie!




Colin Cowie is someone I adore not just for his accent or for the fact that he is an impeccable dresser. His style and hyper organization make him the kind of gay man I adore. Wait, I adore all gay men....Oh well, his style is fabulous and so is his cooking!!!

Here's a little something from the Colin Cowie website!

"When guests arrive, offer a delicious apple cider spiked with rum; it'll certainly get the conversation flowing and everyone into a relaxed mode. Appetizers aren’t a necessity, primarily because the meal itself is more than enough, and no one will go home hungry (or without leftovers!). Starting with a soup allows for some flexibility should a guest be running late, if you get caught up in conversation, or if a dish or two happens to take longer to cook than expected. Soup can be left to simmer on the stove until you're ready to sit down without being concerned that your timing is off. This time of year, a little peace of mind goes a long way!"




"Get the conversation flowing with a delicious seasonal cocktail that serves as a tasty thirst quencher before the meal."

Ingredients

* 2 ounces brandy
* 1 ounce light rum
* 3 ounces apple juice
* 1/2 ounce lime juice
* 1 teaspoon dark Jamaican rum

Instructions

Shake well with ice. Strain into tall 10-ounce glass. Float dark rum on surface and garnish with slice of lime.

Note: This recipe can be made in pitchers by multiplying the quantities accordingly. Don't add ice to the pitcher, rather stir the mixture and pour over ice instead.




How about this recipe for his pumpkin fritters!!!!




Ingredients:
Serves 10

* Canola or vegetable oil , for frying
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 4 tablespoons granulated sugar , plus 3 tablespoons for finishing
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon , plus 1 tablespoon for finishing
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 large eggs
* 1 can (15 ounces) pure pumpkin
* Vanilla ice cream , for serving

Line a baking sheet with paper towels; set aside. Attach a deep-fry thermometer to a medium-heavy saucepan. Set over medium heat, add 1 inch oil and heat until the temperature reaches 350°.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together flour, 4 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs until blended. Whisk pumpkin into eggs until combined. Add flour mixture to pumpkin; stir just until combined.

Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into oil, four at a time. Fry until golden brown, turning occasionally, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer fritters to paper towels. To test for doneness, press lightly; fritters should spring back. (They will deflate slightly as they cool.) Repeat with remaining batter.

In a small bowl, stir together remaining 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. To serve, arrange fritters on dessert plates. Sprinkle with rounded teaspoonfuls cinnamon mixture; serve with ice cream.

Okay, I think these will make it to the table in Florida!!!

Thanksgiving Week! Ask Gwyneth?


I had heard about this newsletter on someones blog I read all the time but I forget who! Sorry! Speak up if it was you! I signed up in three seconds. As much as Gwyneth Paltrow bugs me sometimes, I do love her series "Spain On the Road Again" with Mario Batali touring Spain, cooking and eating!



This newsletter is packed with chic and amazing recipe ideas and I love the letter letter from Gwyneth at the top.


This is from her newsletter called Goop. Sign up for it here: But here's her Turkey Day plan:


MENUS

Thanksgiving for a Crowd...

Greens with Goat Cheese, Walnuts and Dried Cranberries
Whole Roasted Turkey
Thanksgiving Gravy
Cranberry Chutney
Classic Bread Stuffing
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup, Orange and Spices
Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie with Maple Whipped Cream


Thanksgiving for a Small Crowd...

Roasted Turkey Breast with Molasses
Same side dishes as “Thanksgiving for a Crowd” (just cut the recipes in half)
Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie with Maple Whipped Cream






Here's her roasted Sweet Potato with Maple Syrup and Orange recipe:

SERVES: 12
TIME: a little less than an hour, largely unattended

* 3 3/4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled
* 1 1/4 cup real Vermont maple syrup
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon



* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1 large orange
* 3 star anises

Preheat the oven to 375ยบ F.

Cut each sweet potato in half horizontally and then cut each half into 1/3 planks (about four slices per half depending on the size of the sweet potato). Lay the sweet potatoes in a single layer in one large or two medium baking dishes (two 13 x 9 dishes will do the job).

Mix the maple syrup, vegetable oil, cinnamon and cloves together in a small bowl. Peel off four large strips of zest from the orange. Cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl with the maple syrup mixture. Pour this mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes, nestle in the strips of zest and the star anise. Bake for 45 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are soft and saturated.

YUM!
Maybe I'll make this!

Thanksgiving Week! Ask Martha Stewart!


We are headed to Florida for Thanksgiving and I am so excited that hubby is going to get a break from work! He has been working most Saturday's and late during the week. Tough on him and tough on me!

We are going to my Mom and Step Dad's house, and the tradition there is that no one cooks on Turkey Day! Sure we'll make Broccoli casserole and a pecan pie (see recipes) but all the rest is ordered from the club to be picked up!

Then we stuff ourselves and the men watch football while the women talk and lay out by the pool. Sounds like heaven to me!

I thought though that for this week, just for fun I'd go to the experts for some advice on Thanksgiving. So let's ask Martha.

Here are some table setting ideas:













Love this table setting...gorgeous!




And now Martha's herb butter turkey and corn bread stuffing! I think I'm heading over to her house!!


Ingredients

Serves 10

* 5 tablespoons butter, room temperature
* 1 tablespoon each chopped fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme
* Coarse salt and ground pepper
* 1 whole turkey (about 12 pounds), thawed if frozen, rinsed and patted dry, neck reserved (set aside giblets for stuffing, if desired)
* Cornbread And Sausage Stuffing
* 4 to 6 large carrots, halved crosswise
* 2 large onions, cut into 8 wedges
* 2 stalks celery, halved crosswise

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in the lowest position. Make herb butter: In a small bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons butter with chopped herbs; season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare and stuff the turkey. Loosen skin: Working from the neck end, slide fingers under skin until you reach the end of the breast, being careful not to tear the skin; rub herb butter under the skin. Fill neck cavit: Place turkey breast side down. Fill neck cavity with stuffing; avoid packing. Close up by folding skin over and fastening with skewers or trussing needles. Tuck wings: Turn turkey over; bend wing tips underneath bird so they stay in place (you may have to break the bones). Loosely fill large cavity with stuffing. Tie legs: Using cotton kitchen twine, tie legs together securely (they will overlap) so bird retains its shape and moisture during cooking.

3. Cut neck into pieces; mix with carrots, onions, celery, and 2 cups water in a large roasting pan. Set roasting rack over vegetables in pan.

4.Lift turkey onto rack; rub with remaining tablespoon butter. Season generously with salt and pepper. Tent turkey loosely with foil. Roast 1 hour, then baste every 30 minutes with pan liquids, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh (avoiding bone) registers 125 degrees, about 3 hours.

5. Remove foil; raise oven heat to 400 degrees. Continue roasting, basting occasionally, until thigh reaches 180 degrees, 45 to 60 minutes more. Tent with foil if bird browns too quickly; add more water if pan becomes dry. Transfer turkey to a serving platter; cover loosely with foil, and let it rest at least 30 minutes before carving.

Martha is amazing of course...but you'll be surprised who else I am going to for inspiration! Tune in tomorrow!

Friday Fun! Are you a Jackie or Marilyn?

I saw this on a few blogs and I am telling you it is scary. It's freaking me out a little. Thought you might want to try it too!


Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!


You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."






Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.






How to Get Along with Me

  • * Be direct and clear

  • * Listen to me carefully

  • * Don't judge me for my anxiety

  • * Work things through with me

  • * Reassure me that everything is OK between us

  • * Laugh and make jokes with me

  • * Gently push me toward new experiences

  • * Try not to overreact to my overreacting.




What I Like About Being a Marilyn

  • * being committed and faithful to family and friends

  • * being responsible and hardworking

  • * being compassionate toward others

  • * having intellect and wit

  • * being a nonconformist

  • * confronting danger bravely

  • * being direct and assertive




What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

  • * the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind

  • * procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself

  • * fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of

  • * exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger

  • * wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right

  • * being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations




Marilyns as Children Often

  • * are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn

  • * are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger

  • * form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent

  • * look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel

  • * are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent




Marilyns as Parents

  • * are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty

  • * are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence

  • * worry more than most that their children will get hurt

  • * sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Fabulously Tacky TV


The Real Housewives of Atlanta is a train wreck and I just cannot look away. I was reading that Southern Social had run into Sheree and I was just dying. I now have got my friend Tessa hooked on the show. Sorry Tessa. I needed to talk about the show with!!!

In short the show features some wealthy African American women, most of whom are married to sports stars who are raking it in. Sheree is divorced (ex sports star wife), lives in a huge house and is starting a fashion line, but has noooooooo experience just money. DeShawn is also married to a sports guy and lives in a mansion and has a charity but has no idea what she's doing. Nene, seems to be a little less wealthy but makes up for it in DRAMA. She is starting fights, and jjust found out her father is not her father. Then there's Lisa, who has a new baby and is in real estate, jewelry, just everything!

The wild card is Kim, who is white. She's a chain smoking, wine drinking 29 year old who looks 49 and has this mysterious sugar daddy she calls "Big Papa". Let's be clear, she's a prostitute. She is bought with diamonds and cars. She also is trying to get a singing career going and good God she cannot sing. Told you this was good.

They have been fighting and acting less than classy which of course drew me in more!!!

In addition to watching this trash I am hooked on Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Making the Team 3. Make no mistake I watched the first two seasons as well. I love to see them learn the routines and bust their tiny hineys. Those DCC outfits are SMALL and they work hard to fit in them!

What Tacky TV are you watching? I cannot wait for Real Housewives of the OC to start, but I am bummed about Lori's son being hooked on heroin!

Christmas Shopping With The Mrs!

I was looking for something to do at home once I quit my part time job to stay home with baby girl, but my boss beat me to it! Laid me off because there was nothing to do!

Trust me, I was making things up!!!! I joined a company called SO LUXE. They have Christmas cards, stationary, and fabulous gifts. Stuff I want!!!!
I am now a consultant for them and I am selling some reallllllly cute stuff!!!



Along with Christmas cards by Prints Charming, Boatman Geller etc....


I am selling plates...


Plates! 1 for $20, 4 for $60








Cutting Boards! $39









Coasters! Set of 4 is $35!








Post it cubes! $30!






Luggage tags! 2 for $20!




You can see more at Soluxe.com! (Just let me know if you order on line because you need my name to put in as a consultant.)

If you want to order gifts or Holiday Cards let me know!!

The Winner!!!

I am happy to announce that....
Lizzie Fitz of Just Us Chickens is the winner!!! She has a private blog but maybe she'll pass them on when she's done!

Later today I will post about what I have been up to!

Mind Over Mommy


When I went away for the weekend to the east coast for my 20th high school reunion (I grew up outside New York, but now my Mom lives in CT), I was by myself for the first time in a loooong time.

After a crazy flight and arriving late, I fell asleep, and woke up to the strangest feeling. I had nothing to do! Nothing to plan. No tasks to accomplish. I was not planning Landon's breakfast, outfit and schedule for the day. I wasn't worried about things that needed to get done. My mind started to turn to mush and guess what ladies, it was fantastic.

I had a leisurely breakfast and sat around. I just couldn't get over a day of having nothing to think about but myself.

Before I was a mother, I thought I understood what the job entailed. Turns out I had no clue. I never realized that the time for yourself is GONE. Down time is non existent. Even your weekends are non stop and they start early!

Amidst the utter physical exhaustion, there's the mental side. Your brain is constantly, worrying, planning, and pondering your childs life. Is he happy? Am I spending enough quality time? Is he eating right? Am I providing enough mental stimulation? Why doesn't he like this pasta that he liked yesterday?!

I think for mom's to truly get a break a date night will not cut it. You need to get away. Alone, with a girlfriend, with hubby...just away so your brain can be "mind over mommy". You need a break from motherhood, which is truly a full time, 24/7 job.

I am already plotting my next escape, but I'm taking hubby this time!

Gestational Diabetes- The Party is Over!


Getting diagnosed with gestational diabetes has been a blessing and a curse. On the one hand I was a Sugar addict. I mean I was cracked out on candy corns, frosted cookies and ice cream drowning in butterscotch sauce. I swear I couldn't help myself. Now with a dietitian harassing, I mean helping me with my diet, I have to be accountable.

On the other hand, I hate to say it, but I feel better. The sugar monkey is off my back. What do they have me eating?

Egg with cheese and wheat toast in the am.
Yogurt and handful of nuts for snack.
1/2 sandwich or salad with protein for lunch
Cottage cheese and tomatoes for afternoon snack
and no carbs at dinner.
I can still have a little dessert, but most nights I don't
.

Yes, the party is over.

If anyone has any good sugar free and low carb tips for meals or snack hand them over!!!

I am announcing the winner of my give away on Wed! So leave a comment if you want to get in on it!!!

Celebrity Look Alikes! A movie Review and a Giveaway!

I saw this on Jillian's Blog and had to do it!!!! I thought this would be fun for you too!





I'm kinda psyched to look like "Half Pint"!!!


As for the movie review, while hubby was away I watched "Catch and Release". Now I do not love Jennifer Garner, and the beginning voice over BUGGED me, but I hung in there because of the story and ended up bawling! I loved that it was set in Colorado and was full of cool mountain and outdoorsy shots. It was a chick flick but I think it has heart and maybe even hubby would like it! Go rent it!!!








Now for the give away!!!!!!

In honor of "Girl Week", I am giving away some serious girl reading. Something Borrowed and the sequel "Something Blue", by Emily Griffin.







Serious Chick Lit and fluff reading but I could NOT PUT IT DOWN!
The sequel is amazing because it tackles the story from another characters point of view and continues the story! I wish there were ten more in the series!!! Who wants them!? Perfect plane reading for the holiday!!! Leave a comment to enter!

Girl Party Week! Raising a little lady...



Let me interrupt Girl Week to remind you about Clemson girls Christmas swap! Cannot wait!

Now on to my baby girl....
As my sister in law said to me recently, having a baby girl is like having the ultimate "girl friend experience". It's exciting to think I'll be able to share so many wonderful moments with her.


There are some things that both Landon and baby girl will learn:

Thank you notes are not optional, must be sent in a timely manner and be gracious.

Treat everyone with respect, whether they are a waitress, a doctor or the president.

Be a good sport, a team player, and know some good jokes.

Of course there is much much more....

But in baby girls specific case I am raising a little lady. I don't want her too be to dependent on anyone, but also not so independent that there's no room for anyone to come into her life.

I want her and I to have a good relationship, but I am her Mother not her friend. That doesn't mean we won't get pedicures together, it just means that she needs to respect my authority.

I want her to be strong and feminine. Polite but not a pushover. I want her to be friendly but not willing to compromise her values.

I also want her to have compassion and a social conscience. Tall order right? What do you want for you kids? Boys or girls? What do you want to teach them?

Girl Party Week! Pinking up the Nursery!


I am starting to look for ideas for baby girls nursery. I am moving her into Landon's room, which is currently a soft minty green. I was thinking I'd add pink (of course), now I'm thinking I'm going to paint the whole room pink! I think it will also help Landon to feel like it's not his room anymore.

Here are some gorgeous nursery's I've found: (The one above is from Pottery Barn Kids don't you loooove the monogram on the wall?)
This next one, also from PBK, incorporates a little green and a little nature which I love too.



Restoration Hardware has a whole new baby line...did you know? They are doing a lot f chocolate and pink:




This is just gorgeous too:




I Just got my subscription to Domino Magazine and there are some cool ideas in there too! Any suggestions?

Girl Party Week! Dressed to Kill


Now that the flood gates are open and I get to live out my fantasies of dressing a baby girl, we might as well get down to business. This little girl's middle name is going to be smocked dress!

I love everything at Orient Expressed, especially their Bishop dresses.




I also love Remember Nguyen. Dying over these jumpers!!!



So cute!!!







and this bubble in Pink and Green! I am just going to pass out.





But as I said before Lilly Pulitzer has a special place in my heart!!!














I also need to get her bow collection going asap!!!





Girl Party Week! It's all in the shoes.....


What was the first thing I bought for my baby girl?


These! They are By Paige, and adorable!!!


I know a girl needs shoes. Lots of them!!!! I figured I needed to start her shoe collection right away!

I also love these by Layla Grayce!




I wanted to order these too but I am holding off!


How about these little numbers? They are on SALE for $17 On the Janie and Jack website and I had to get them!





Like Mother like daughter, I am dying over these from J.Crew...




and these!





A special Happy Birthday to hubby today! Thanks for giving me a girl!!!

The Big Reveal!!! Boy or Girl for the Mrs?

Well.........









I know you're dying to know.....







I was too!








Is it PINK or is it BLUE?











I'm happy to say I love my little mister...








But Landon's gonna have a...


SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a GIRL!!!!!!!!!


I am thinking PINK!!!!!!! Overjoyed, elated, feeling like all my dreams are coming true! Next week we are having a girl party all week so get ready!!!

Fabulous Mom- Interview with Marie my sister in law!


I haven't done one of these in a while and really, they are my favorite thing. I love to see how other Mom's live and how they get through motherhood!!!


My sister in law Marie is an incredible woman. After years of fertility she adopted a precious girl and then a boy. She is a lottery winner because these kids are the best in the world. She works as a pediatrician but still manages to have the happiest and most well rounded kids I know.

Here's how she answered my usual set of questions:

1. How would you describe yourself?
Organized and energetic.


2. How do you continue to follow your passions and dreams while being a mom?
I continue to care for children as I work 4 days a week as a pediatrician.

3. How has motherhood changed you?
I have become more patient and understanding.

4. What do you do for yourself so that you can still be Fabulous?
I make time for me! I go to the gym at 5am a few mornings a week. I go out with girlfriends once a month and treat myself to pedicures!

5. What is the best mom advice you’ve ever gotten?
Get yourself some girlfriends!

6. What are your top five Fabulous must haves?
1) a cute diaper bag!
2)Clorox cleanup
3) a wipe board on the back of the door for reminders
4) a cleaning lady!
5) a great camera


7. Complete this sentence: “Being……makes me One Fabulous Mom.
Being fulfilled with myself makes me One Fabulous Mom.


If you or someone you know would like to play along and do the interview I will feature you! Let me know!!

Our Next President




Yes we can.

Get Involved! Vote!


What is it about voting that warms my heart so much? I just feel so American when I do. You think about the women that fought so hard for this right, and it is disrespectful NOT to vote!

Today we have Mommy and Me preschool class and I am dragging Landon to the polls before hand! I want to get my vote in! I know some people think it doesn't matter, but you can't complain about the way things are in this country unless you choose to speak up! I am voting on a bunch of different things and done my research. I am ready! Are you?

Last night my small group discussed the book we are reading together "The Shack". This book is a deep river I tell ya. It really delves into faith, or lack of faith, due to a terrible tragedy. It's brought up some amazing things.

Yesterday I got the call that the amnio was normal. I just cried! I was so happy. I know the sex...and will reveal on Friday!!!!!!!

Halloween Recap!


Although I was laid up on Halloween and certainly could not enjoy it the way I wanted, hubby managed to hold down the fort. We carved pumpkins the night before but my neighbor Meredith had the best idea of Mr. Pumpkin potato head! Let's face it Landon is NOT carving a pumpkin but he loved this!!:




We of course carved our pumpkins after he went to bed!!


As for Landon, he was Bob the Builder and went to a few houses to trick or treat.


At our place, 100 trick or treaters came by, very cute! One highlight was a one and a half year old "surgeon" with chocolate all over his sleeves.

Hubby answered the door with Landon and Shelby the dog saying: "Do you like our cat? She's dressed in a dog costume!" He's too funny.

While in bed I caught a Martha Stewart Halloween special where she featured the cutest things!!!
Tombstone cupcakes...
Ice in the shape of hands in a punch bowl..
Pumpkins carved like haunted houses...
and..
A pumpkin serpent!!!



I am so doing this next year!!!!!