25 November 2009

Have a Thankful Thanksgiving!

HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!

May it be full of great company, awesome conversation
and wonderful food.
(we must not forget to mention the food)



This year we are lucky enough to get
two Thanksgiving feasts! YUM

One on Thanksgiving and one on Sunday.

The family is spreading out this year.

My littlest brother, who is getting married in April
is spending the holiday out of town with his
fiance's family.

We will be out of town spending the holiday with my family.

And my other little brother will be here from LA. Hmmm
go figure!

So, thankfully my in-laws
(who love to cook)
are doing Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday
so we can all be together.

I love when they cook.
They are good at it and they
always send us home with leftovers!

YEEEAAHH!

Have a wonderful day!






23 November 2009

It's All About Feeling GOOD!

Feeling good...
What does that mean to you?

To me it means a lot.

Let's get started with the body...

I love that I am eating better.  Eating less.  Eating light.
I love that I have so much energy.
I love moving around - getting things done.
(current event: packing up & cleaning our home office)

I love not being lazy.
I was not over weight, just out of shape for my size.
Just an 8. But not a toned 8.

I am now feeling like a small, toned 8.

This all makes sense to me.

I need a belt more often then I need to suck 'it' in!

Eat less. Move more.
It works!

No fancy, expensive stuff.
Just will power and motivation.

Yep, that's it.

Oh and some pilate stretches here and there.
Not a lot though.

Actually, I do most of my stretches
while getting ready in the morning.

Drying my hair while doing squats.

Curling my hair while stretching my sides. 

Arms flexed above my head and
shaking my booty as I walk through the house.

Seriously.

Every little bit helps, right!

Just takes a few minutes a day...
You'll get it.

Most importantly,
I FEEL GOOD!

Please share your secret. Now you know mine. 
Come on, feel good too!
You won't be dissappointed.

P.S. As much as I heart mashed potatoes I will be good on Thursday.
I promise.



20 November 2009

YES! Black Friday is a Comin'

Are you a Black Friday shopping nut?

Are you just a shopping nut?

Confession: I AM!!!

And, I love that I am!

This year my husband is coming out with me.

We are meeting two other couples

bright and early in the morning.

Can't wait!

I am posting this early so you can plan ahead

if you will be out shopping too.

Check out this web site:



It's cool!

Who knows, maybe I will see you!

HAPPY SHOPPING!


17 November 2009

Winter Flowers - There are some!

Your yards and gardens can be beautiful all year!
It's true!

I never used to take the time to research whether or not flowers and plants
could survive the winter.

I didn't know there are special types of flowers that
love the winter.
Really!

Check them out below!

Maybe you can learn a thing or two about winter flowers
just like I did!

Happy Planting!

Winter annual plants are plants that germinate in early winter and bloom by late winter or early spring. Winter annuals die after flowering and setting seeds. The seeds, in turn, wait again for the soil to cool for germination. Winter annuals grow low to the ground and use the snow cover for shelter from cold, then making use of warm temperatures to grow when the snow melts.

Calendula: Also known as pot marigolds, they come in different colors.

Pansy: This annual has a beautiful mild fragrance and is found in many varieties.

Sweet Pea: Available in bright colors of red, pink, blue, violet, white, coral and cream, Sweet Pea thrives in cold weather and blooms during the short days of winter.

Bachelor Button (Cornflower): Ideal winter plants, Cornflower comes in pink red, white and blue and requires little care.

Larkspur: This tall feathery flower needs plenty of water and regular fertilization.

Snapdragon: A tall vertical plant, Snapdragon comes in two heights: 10 inches and 3 to 5 feet.

Dianthus: Ideal winter plants in the South, Dianthis requires sun as a well-drained and fertilized area for growth.

Lavender: Thanks to its lovely scent Lavender is a popular choice for making potpourri. It should be trimmed each spring and kept well fertilized.

Ornamental Cabbage and Kale: Known as ornamentals, these plants are not edible. They produce beautiful colors of pink and purple and the color deepens as the temperatures drop.

Viola: These flowers have a slight fragrance and come in many colors. Keep them well watered and fertilized.

Winter annuals are also considered important to our ecological system. They prevent soil erosion during winter and early spring by providing a vegetative cover. With winter annuals you can enjoy the spring in winter.

Sounds good to me.
Enjoy!

16 November 2009

Next week!

I just realized that Thanksgiving is next week!
WOW!
Where has the time gone?

We have been so busy this year.
The time just ran right by.

Sheesh!

I am thankful that I am not hosting.
I am sure my family is too.
hee hee ha ha hee

I want to thank my Aunt and Uncle
for being our wonderful hosts this year.

I know the day isn't here yet
but I already know it will be a
FABULOUS time!

I hope all of you hosts are ready for the Holiday.

Cheers!

12 November 2009

I'm Thankful For....these 100 things!

Hello Peeps and Fellow Bloggers!

The holidays are rapidly approaching. This is a great time of year.  I feel happy. Probably because of all the decorations that are popping up in the stores.  The holiday flavors at Starbucks. The anticipation that Santa will be here soon. The stocking surprises.  Hmmm there is so much to think about!

Although Christmas is my all time favorite holiday I would like to take a moment to give a shout out to Thanksgiving.  Afterall there are lots of yummy dishes to be tasted on this day! 

I have listed below 100 things (no particular order) that I am thankfull for this year, and always for that matter.  Enjoy!

1. Family (My family is so fabulous!)
2. Good health
3. My home
4. Hairspray
5. makeup
6. headbands
7. My heater (my air conditioner during the summer)
8. brush – a must
9. Flowers – Orchids are my fave
10. shower gel
11. Great friends
12. Warm fuzzy scarves
13. Get-togethers
14. Sushi makers
15. The mall
16. Mexican food
17. Reality T.V. Amazing Race specifically
18. My GPS
19. Shoot, THE T.V. with satellite
20. business cards
21. Steak
22. Water
23. Mashed potatoes – husband makes the best
24. Oxygen
25. Michael’s craft store
26. The ocean
27. Target – of course
28. Overstock.com
29. Ma and Pa shops
30. My hair lady
31. Good red wine
32. My nail lady
33. Denim
34. The Beach
35. Long sweaters
36. Dolphins – They are relaxing to watch
37. Wedge boots
38. fountains
39. Snow
40. Snow skis
41. wishes
42. miracles
43. Airplanes
44. teachers
45. My car
46. high heeled shoes
47. My job
48. girls nights
49. Income
50. good movies
51. Big purses – oh yeah!
52. vacations
53. My camera
54. sunshine
55. My cell phone
56. microfiber – we have kitties
57. Facebook – ha ha
58. delivery people
59. Email
60. black Friday
61. Text messaging
62. Holidays
63. Lattes
64. Lattes with holiday flavors – heaven in a cup
65. Christmas Trees
66. Stockings with goodies
67. Soy milk
68. iron on patches – I can’t sew
69. Laptops
70. My real estate license
71. Blogging
72. Smiles
73. The internet
74. Laughter
75. Wrapping paper - I heart heart heart wrapping presents!
76. Ribbon
77. Happy hour
78. q-tips
79. Cardstock
80. toothpaste - everybody should have a tube.
81. My scrapbook tote
82. flannel sheets
83. Yarn
84. Knitting needles
85. Scented candles
86. firewood
87. My calendar
88. Patterns
89. pay at the pump gas stations
90. Mannatec
91. Flat iron
92. My swimming pool
93. My big backyard
94. BBQ dinners
95. Shooting stars
96. Tabloid magazines
97. True crime novels
98. Chapstick
99. SALES
100. My ability to speak my mind (I don't think everyone likes this :))

Now how can you possibly have a bad day once you realize how much you are thankful for?! 
Give it a try! I would love to read yours. 

Thanks Jen. Doing this made my day!

09 November 2009

A Quick (and much needed) Get Away with the Hubby

Hello Las Vegas!
I really heart Las Vegas
and I don't even gamble that much!
Anymore.
There is so much more to do, and see.

This trip was extra special.
Not only did we go to Las Vegas
BUT
my Dad, Mom2, Sister, Brother-in-law all came too!

We had a great time!
Fabulous conversation!
Wonderful meals!

The family was operating on East coast time so they turned in early on Satuday.  Jamie and I went to the piano bar in the NY NY hotel for a while.  This place is one of our favorite spots in Vegas.  I think the actual name is the Bar in Times Square.  So much energy here! This was our pit stop before heading to a 10:30 show at the Luxor.  (shout out to the Amazing Race) hee hee

The show got out just after midnight and we were hungry. Thank goodness PF Chang was open until 1AM. We just made it.  We sat outside and ate our snack...dinner...breakfast-what ever you call it at 1AM, that's what we had and boy was it DELISH!

Sunday was our day to head home.  We had a nice family breakfast at the Bellagio then walked through some of the shops in Ceasar's together before Jamie and I left.

My hubby. My best friend. My everything.

I heart him.


My sister & I

I heart her too.
Wish they lived closer.
Maybe some day.


The fountains at the Bellagio

Pretty!  Pretty Awesome!

We had a great time but wish it could have lasted a little longer.

Until next time!

06 November 2009

A Weekend Yummy!

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it ends up.
I would be asking my hubby to make it (I am not fond of cooking)
but we are heading to Las Vegas for the weekend.

Enjoy!

White Bean Chicken Chili in the crockpot
* 6 Servings ~ * Prep: 35 min. Cook: 3 hours

Ingredients

3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cans (15 ounces each) white kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, divided
3 cups chicken broth, divided
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream and minced fresh cilantro, optional

Directions

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken in oil for 2 minutes.

• Stir in the onion, garlic and jalapeno; cook 2 minutes longer. Sprinkle with oregano and cumin; cook 1 minute longer or until chicken is browned and vegetables are tender. Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker.

• In a small bowl, mash 1 cup of beans. Add 1/2 cup broth; stir until blended. Add to the slow cooker with the remaining beans and broth.

• Cover and cook on low for 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until chicken juices run clear. Stir before serving. Sprinkle with cheese. Garnish with sour cream and cilantro if desired. Yield: 6 servings.


Sounds pretty yummy to me!
Can't wait to try it. 
Hmmm.....
project for next weekend? 
Possibly.

White Bean Chicken Chili published in Taste of Home February/March 2008, p31

05 November 2009

It's the Simple Things ~ Today

Ahhh...the simple things
are what sometimes makes
the day a little warmer. 
Especially days when
the sun is definitely shining
but the air is a little brisk.
I need a coat.
But not a heavy one.

My simple little goody goodness today is this:

Soy Gingerbread Latte - no whip. 
MMMMM.....
The day can now begin!

P.S. I really heart this time of year. The weather and the Holidays.  Ahhh...

03 November 2009

Sushi - Homemade Style!

A must purchase - Maki Sushi Ki. 

We have a large one (your normal sized roll) and a small one (bite sized roll).

Husband and I found this fabulous item up at Apple Hill this past weekend. High Hill Ranch to be specific. 

They are really Kylee's - one of her bday presents.  Our girl LOVES sushi!

What you do is:

1) Start the rice. Sticky sticky is key; trust me. First attempt, not so...um...well, they fell apart.  Darn rice!  Tip: Don't use Uncle Ben's.

2) Decide what you want in your sushi and get it prepared. We chose salmon, shrimp, crab, shredded veggies, avocado & cream cheese.

3) Wraps! Soy for us and seaweed for Kylee.  P.S. Safeway sells the soy wrap. It is a new item. :o)

Kylee's ingredients


The sushi rice recipe is on the back of the rice bag.  Or if you get the Maki Sushi Ki they have an instruction sheet included and it has some recipes for different rolls too!

Rice in and pressed. Time for the goodies!


Ready to be topped off with rice.


Ready. Set. Wrap!


Let's eat! YUM-O!


We have made about 10 rolls so far.
Since Saturday. 
Haven't had to go back to the store yet. 
Now that is the way I like it. Sushi on a budget!

Give it a try and let me know how your rolls turn out.

Next time we will attempt the inside out roll. Can't wait!

Happy creating!

Your Realtor,

Liz

Oh ya! If you won't make it to Apple Hill you can visit their web site:

02 November 2009

Let's Do Some Fall Decorating ~ on a Budget!

Everyone likes to decorate their home.
But not all like to spend a lot of money to do it.

1. Utilize the "use what you have" theory! Go through your cupboards and drawers to find items that can be used as props in your fall display. Find pitchers or old vases to use to hold wildflowers and dried grasses, bring out warm throws to toss over your couch, layer fabrics on your tables. (Remember, pretty blankets and quilts can work well!)

2. Take a nature walk. Gather organic elements that can be used in your fall makeover. Acorns, pinecones, seed pods, bark, even stones can be used as display in bowls around the home. Press pretty leaves and strew them on tables and around centerpieces.  All while getting some excersise too!

3. Bring out the candles! If you put away your candles for winter, now is the time to bring them to center stage. Gather groups of inexpensive votives and tie together with scraps of raffia.  Dig out a platter you have for a base.  Some things from your nature walk will look very nice around the candles!

4. Add scent to the home. Simmer apple peels and cinnamon sticks on the stove, or invest in a couple of vials of potpourri oil. They are relatively inexpensive at just a couple bucks a piece, and they last forever as you only need a few drops. 

5. Celebrate the tastes of the harvest season. Keep apples and pomegranates out in bowls, store squashes on countertops, pick up a pumpkin or two at your produce stand and use as a centerpiece, or pile a couple next to the door.  Fabulous arrangements can be made with these goodies!

Remember to shop at stores that are known to be
less expensive or have good deals going. 
Home Goods and Pier 1 have great finds!  
Don't be afraid to use a coupon if you stumble across one! 

Happy decorating!

Your Realtor,
Liz