SERIOUSLY....this is my life

beginning to think...

about Thanksgiving (and Christmas for that matter). I love the holidays...and I think this year I love them even more because the holidays mean no work and all play (and lots of relaxing)!!  Sometimes I get a bit frustrated that pop culture seems to blow from Halloween to Christmas in the course of one day. Granted I love Christmas too...since my 2nd highest love language is receiving and giving gifts... this holiday is made for me.  I've already got about 1/2 my shopping finished.  I need to write everything down and get myself organized. 

We will be spending Thanksgiving in Dallas this year with Chris, Shanda, and Braedon (Brian's brother and his family).  I'm beginning to think about what I want to make sure is on the feast table.  I'm thinking these things look really good.

Green Beans with Shallots and Red Peppers

Ingredients

• 2  (16-oz.) packages frozen whole green beans, thawed
• 1/4  cup  butter
• 3  large shallots, thinly sliced*
• 1  large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• 1  teaspoon  kosher salt**
• 1/2  teaspoon  pepper
• 1/2  teaspoon  garlic powder

Preparation

1. Cook green beans in boiling salted water to cover 3 to 4 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain well.

2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add sliced shallots and bell pepper, and sauté 4 minutes or until tender. Add green beans, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and toss to combine.

Caramel Pecan Tart

Ingredients

• 3 1/2  cups  coarsely chopped pecans
• 2  cups  all-purpose flour
• 2/3  cup  powdered sugar
• 3/4  cup  butter, cubed
• 1/2  cup  firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2  cup  honey
• 2/3  cup  butter
• 3  tablespoons  whipping cream

Preparation

1. Arrange pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted. Cool on a wire rack 15 minutes or until completely cool.

2. Pulse flour, powdered sugar, and 3/4 cup butter in a food processor 5 to 6 times or until mixture resembles coarse meal. Pat mixture evenly on bottom and up sides of a lightly greased 11-inch tart pan with removable bottom.

3. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack 15 minutes or until completely cool.

4. Bring brown sugar, honey, 2/3 cup butter, and whipping cream to a boil in a 3-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in toasted pecans, and spoon hot filling into prepared crust.

5. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Cool on a wire rack 30 minutes or until completely cool

and a few others

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Butternut Squash with Brown Butter

Old Fashioned Apple Pie

and a few more cute ideas

no need to sign in

no need to sign in when leaving a comment.  I disabled that feature...although I swore I've disabled it before.  Anyway...now there's no excuse not to comment.  Commenting makes me feel loved...what can I say!? 

Oh, and on a very exciting note: I bought my New Moon ticket today!  I am so excited!!!!!  And I bought this today.  I've been wanting some "perfume", I had a Bath and Body works coupon, went there, and smelled this ...liked it...and then saw the name and knew it was meant to be.  Seriously, do they know their audience or what!  I mentioned the name to the check out girl and she tried to convince me that the company develops products years in advance (which I could believe), but the name of this is not by accident.

Southern Living at Home party

 

Now that my house is back together I decided to host a Southern Living at Home party on NOVEMBER 14 AT 11AM .  I am super excited.  I used to be a SL@H consultant many years ago and I absolutely love their products.  I will be sending out postcard invitations this week, but for those of you who live in Houston mark your calendars today.  Leave a comment here if you want an invite (I'd hate to leave someone off my list).  My good friend Becki McAuley is my consultant and we're both super excited.  This will be her first party.  There's absolutely NO PRESSURE to buy.  I just want you to come, eat (you know I'll have food), drink (mimosas will be served), and make some time for YOU!  For those of you who live out of town, but would like to order something for yourself or a Christmas gift you can go to Becki's website.  From there you can view the catalog.  If you find something you like then email me or Becki and I'll add it to my party.  Don't forget to check out the great customer specials!  

get great decorating ideas like this one:

and if this photo looks delicious click here for the recipe

hello November

a glorious day here in Houston...clear skies, temps in the 70's, that beautiful fall sun light that just makes everything look better, a moving church service...and of course an extra hour of sleep last night! 

Last night I took the time to make something for the house that has been on my list for months.  I decided to make one for fall and then I'll make another one for the winter months.  I made something similar to this for a wedding gift last year and it turned out stinkin cute.  I'm pretty pleased with this too...and it only took me about 30 minutes to make it! 

get a 8x10 frame...cut a piece of solid cardstock to 8x10; cut out 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 inch squares using scrapbook paper; position squares evenly and adhere to cardstock; add embellishments; put in frame and display.  seriously easy!

 

Life...right now

Kelly's blog inspired this blog post...50 things about me...right now!

1. What time did you get up this morning? 8:20 (It was lovely to sleep in!)

2. Diamonds or Pearls? Gosh, I guess diamonds….but I do like pearls too!

3.  What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Julie and Julia (loved it!)

4. What do you usually have for breakfast? Coffee and then when I get to school; yogurt with fruit and granola

5. What is your favorite TV show? As of right now..it’s a toss up between Brothers and Sisters, Glee, and Grey’s (which is finally getting good again)…although Madmen is becoming a fave.

6. What is your middle name? Elizabeth

7. What food do you dislike? bananas

8. What is your favorite CD at the moment? Not a specific cd, but I’m loving the music from Glee

9. What kind of car do you drive? Mazda 3 hatchback

10. Favorite Sandwich? A grilled chicken and manchego cheese sandwich that I had at Pasquals in Santa Fe.  Otherwise I love the chicken salad sandwich at Cracker Barrel. 

11. Personal characteristic you don’t like? That I interrupt people when they’re talking

12. Favorite item of clothing? My new Brighton purse (if that counts) and Possibly this once I get it.  ( i know Kelly...totally copied you here...but I've been looking for a cute Team Jacob shirt :)

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Almalfi Coast in Italy…France is a close second

14. Favorite Brand of clothing? Ann Taylor LOFT

15. Where would you like to retire?  In the mountains

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? 30 (in Aspen, CO)

17. Favorite sport to watch? Football, because I always get a good nap in! 

18. Random fact? My shirts in my closet are organized by color…and I’m really bad about putting my shoes away.

19. Are you a morning or night person? morning

20. What is your shoe size? 6

21. Pets you want or have? I have 2 kitties, Oliver and Zoe.  Someday I’d love to have a dog.

22. Exciting news? Yesterday was the last day of one of my most annoying students…I know, it’s terrible, but seriously my team and I went out yesterday to celebrate! 

23. What did you want to be when you were little? a teacher or pediatric nurse

24. How are you today? Happy!  I went in to work, accomplished some things, now I’m home…the fact that it’s a perfect fall day makes me super happy!

25. What is your favorite candy? Millionaires, turtles, whatever you call them!

26. What is your favorite flower? Gerbera daisy

27. What day are you most looking forward to on your calendar? Friday, November 20 (Going to see New Moon with some friends!!!!...and it’s the beginning of Thanksgiving break!)

28. What are you listening to right now? Sweet Caroline by the Glee Cast

29. What was the last thing you ate? A delicious cinnamon scone from a bakery near my school…I really need to eat some lunch though!

30. Do you wish on stars? Only if they’re falling…but I really don’t believe in wishes.

31. Favorite Nail Polish color? Have you seen my limo? OPI

32. The first person you spoke to on the phone today? Brian…he was on his way home from work…I was leaving for work…

33. Favorite soft drink? Cherry Coke from Sonic

34. Favorite restaurant? America’s

35. What is your true hair color? Dark brown

36. Favorite toy as a child? Cabbage Patch Kids

37. Summer or Winter? Winter…in Texas

38. Hugs or kisses? hugs

39. Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla

40. Coffee or Tea? Coffee with lots of milk and creamer! I do like tea though…I just rely on coffee now!

41. When was the last time you cried? Thursday night when I found out my dear friend Danice was moving to Malaysia sooner than later.  ALL of my closest friends have moved away from me…with the exception of one…who is most likely moving in the next year!

42. What is under your bed? Probably some socks

43. What did you do last night? Went to Happy Hour with my team, went to Home Goods, came home and watched 2 episodes of Madmen with Brian. 

44. What are you afraid of? Snakes…snakes…snakes

45. Favorite day of the week? Saturdays

46. How many years at your current job? 3 months

47. How many towns have you lived in? Four ( Collinsville, Caseyville, Greenville, Houston)

48. Most annoying thing ever? When parents question what I’m doing in my classroom and the decisions I made regarding their child.

49. Favorite Book? Twilight saga…rereading for the second time

 

50. What is one of your dreams?  To adopt a baby girl...and raise her with Brian. 

This photo is of my friend Ruth's baby. Ruth lives in Oregon and Kate was born while we were visiting, so she's just days old here.  I can't wait for the day when Brian and I bring our baby home. 

heart "birthday" weekend

What a great weekend I had celebrating my 2nd heart birthday!!! I left school at noon and headed home to meet Brian and finish packing.  Brian couldn't get off work so I took my extra time and visited our neighbors and their new baby girl.  I didn't think to take my camera, but I will the next time I see her.  She is BEAUTIFUL...a little hispanic baby girl.  As I held her in my arms I dreamed of the day I would be holding my baby.  Thus, adoption was on my mind all weekend! 

We arrived in San Antonio around 6:30 Friday night and checked in to the Westin Riverwalk.  It was a treat to stay in such a luxurious hotel overlooking the river.  

We settled in, cleaned up, and headed outside to walk along the river and enjoy the lovely fall weather.  I loved the fact that I could layer my clothes and wear a jacket.  Since we don't often venture downtown during our San Antonio trips we decided that we couldn't miss an opportunity to see the historic Alamo.  

 

Because we went to bed early we were up at 7:30, ready to begin our day.  We got ready and headed outside the city to breakfast at MiMi's Cafe.  Neither of us wanted a big breakfast because we were planning on having lunch with the Newcom's a few hours later.  We loved the light breakfast we had and are ready to visit the MiMi's near us.  Afterwards we did a little shopping at La Cantera and Home Goods.  We met up with the Newcom's around 1 and headed to one of my favorite places in SA, Fralo's pizza.  I knew we could eat outside which was my goal for just about every meal on the trip.  The pizza and company were great as usual.  I just adore these kids....

and of course I adore her too:

We spent the rest of Saturday afternoon in Fredricksburg, a famous little shopping/antique area in the hill country.  That night we had dinner at Zocca, the restaurant adjacent to our hotel on the river level.  It was OUTSTANDING!  I highly recommend it.  The tiramisu was to die for!

 

Sunday we went to breakfast at the Guenther House which is the home of Pioneer Flour and other products.  While we waited to have breakfast I spent some time taking pictures and shopping in their store.  They had all kinds of pumpkins sitting around :)

ok...so I have a thing about shooting pumpkins close up...I just love them so much!

 

Thanks honey, for the wonderful weekend away!  I love you! A

2 years

HAPPY HEART BIRTHDAY TO ME!  2 years ago today I received my new heart.  Words cannot express how blessed I feel to be drinking my coffee and preparing to go to school today.  (thankfully I will only work a 1/2 day and then Brian and I are going to San Antonio to celebrate).  These past two weeks at school have been rough.  We're all tired and frustrated, wondering sometimes if all our hard work is worth it.  However, I must say that today reminds me to not sweat the small stuff and to be thankful just that I'm healthy and able to do what I love.  I will post more later and I will be documenting everything I do today for my October 23 album.  Thank you again for all of your love and support.

Angela

put away piles

I haven't posted a  "small thing" in a LONG time, but here's one for you.  I have my cleaning lady coming tomorrow (yippee) and I need to put away some piles.  So today's small thing is to put away piles.  You might have piles of mail (like me), laundry, paperwork, dishes, etc.  Whatever it is...just take a few minutes, go through them and put them away.  I love the satisfaction that comes with doing these small things. 

I keep a basket on my kitchen counter where I put all of my mail, notes, invitations, etc.  I try to go through it about twice a week.  Tonight's the night!

cookbooks still stacked on my dining table from menu planning

And if you managed to complete your small thing then take a moment to reward yourself by checking out etsy (an online store where you can buy and sell all things handmade)  CAUTION: You can get lost in this cyberstore  Here are a couple of my most recent etsy finds:

• Jack and Izzy printable party pack uber cute for a birthday party

• LivvieLee aprons

seriously cute carveless pumpkins

From top, left to right: Country Living: Black & White Painted Pumpkins by Liz Demos, Ladies Home Journal: Stenciled Pumpkins, Rick Rac Pumpkins by Eddie Ross, Decorate for Fall with White Pumpkins, Martha Stewart: Homespun Pumpkin, Country Living: Autumn Harvest, Better Homes and Gardens: Black & White Painted Pumpkins

fall days inspire me to....

• BE CREATIVE
• GET UP EARLY
• OPEN THE WINDOWS (AND DOORS)
• UNPACK MY FALL/WINTER CLOTHES
• BE DOMESTIC
• PLAY HOOKEY TOMORROW (i would except we're giving 9 weeks tests)

As you've probably noticed I changed up my blog's appearance.  I hope to design my own banner, but for now this new one will work. 

In other news:

I've decided to put Harry (Potter) away for now.  I've completely lost interest in it...partly because I've been so swamped with school that I haven't had the energy to read at night but mostly because I've dying to reread the Twilight series.  I read about 30 pages last night before going to sleep.  I am already picking up on things that I didn't pick up on the first time I read it.

With New Moon coming out in a month I just couldn't resist picking up these most exciting books again, nor could I resist picking up this magazine.  I bought one for her too, because she is obsessed like me and we're both on Team Jacob :)

I stumbled across this blog today.  I am totally inspired by this blog...beautiful food, great photography...if I could ever get this level in cooking and photography I might be the happiest girl ever.

a few photos from around our house:

 

molasses cookies from costco...you can put almost anything on a cake stand it will look homemade!

OK...I've been procrastinating all day...I really must grade some papers. sigh