Happy Valentine's Day!

I found this interesting infographic from Hotels.com 2012 romance survey...

Magnet Balls = Endless Fun

As Christmas got closer last year (last year?! That was only 5 days ago!), I started looking for a fun stocking stuffer for Mike. I found it, and being me, got one for myself as well. They are Magnet Balls. Street name is Bucky Balls, but I got the off brand for a little less. Mike got all gold and I got rainbow. I love them!!! There are 216 little balls that you can mold and shape into all kinds of cool things. The bonus? They are fun stress relievers.


My latest creation is a mug. Boring, right? That's ok. I like it!

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy wishes to all my friends in the blogosphere! I feel like summer has officially started!








- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

10 Years!

Ten years of marital bliss. To-day. Exacterly. And we couldn't be happier. Hey, we look pretty much the same, right?! Right???

Happy Anniversary, my love!

Black Friday Deals on Home Goods (via Real Simple)

Ok, Black Friday is just one week away. If you are looking for good deals, this round-up from Real Simple may just do the trick. Enjoy!

Holidays & Entertaining | Home & Organizing Black Friday Deals on Home Goods Posted on Nov 20, 2009 10:00:00 AM  |  By Nykia Spradley

Typically I try to avoid Black Friday at all costs, but this year I'm considering braving the shopping elements and taking advantage of the deals.
Considering the economic climate, both shoppers and retailers are looking for ways to recover a bit from the rough year. If there is an item that you've been itching to buy, now may be the time to get it. Stores will be vigorously slashing prices and consumers ready to cash in on them.


The key to surviving Black Friday is go in with a plan, so I've compiled the list below (with the help of FatWallet.com), of this year's must shop home deals at various department stores.





Do you love or hate Black Friday? What are you shopping for this year?

Macy's

3-in-1 Bodywrap Blanket, 300-thread count Cotton Cover, Fleece Lining and Polyester Fill - $19.99 Any Size

3-pc. Down or Down-Alternative Comforter with Two Pillows - $39.99

Assorted Strip and Solid Cotton Bath Towels from Select Makers - $3.99

Ralph Lauren Logo Pillow - Standard or Queen - $6.99

Regal Collection 800-Thread Count Cotton 6-pc. Queen or King Sheet Set - $69.99

Shark Gentle Glide Iron - $14.99

Various Queen or King Sets - $49.99 All Blenders - Cusinart, KitchenAid, Breville and Others - 40% Off

All Hot Beverage Makers, Coffeemakers, Espresso Makers and Teakettles - 40% Off

Bella Cucina Double Buffet Server (After Rebate) - $19.99

Bella Cucina Nonstick Griddle (After Rebate) - $9.99

Bella Cucina Rocket Blender (After Rebate) - $9.99

Bella Cucina Slow Cooker (After Rebate) - $9.99

Black & Decker 4-slice Toaster Oven Broiler with Timer - $19.99

Casa Essentials 5-qt. Aluminum Pressure Cooker - $19.99

Cuisinart 7-cup Food Processor - $79.99

Espana 5-pc. Pasta Set - $9.99

George Foreman Jumbo Electric Grill - $29.99

Haier Countertop Microwave Oven (After Rebate) - $29.99

International Silver 53-pc. Flatware Service for Eight - $29.99

KitchenAid Classic 4.5-qt. Stand Mixer (After Rebate) - $179.99

Martha Stewart Collection 20-Piece Essential Cutlery Set - $37.99

Martha Stewart Collection 2.75-qt. Round Enameled Cast-Iron Casserole - $24.99

Martha Stewart Collection 8.5-qt Stainless Steel Casserole - $19.99

Pyrex 14-pc. Glass Oven Safe Storage Set - $19.99

Showtime Rotisserie (After Rebate) - $69.99

Sunbeam Stand Mixer with 4-qt. Stainless Steel Bowl - $59.99

The Cellar 24-pc. Expanded Drinkware Set - $9.99

Tools of the Trade 3-pc. Nonstick Frying Pan Set - $11.99

Tools of the Trade Basics Starter 12-pc. Stainless Steel Cookware Set - $29.99 All Holiday Lane and

Martha Stewart Collection Ornaments and Decor - 50% Off

All Lenox China Crystal and Silver Holiday Ornaments - 50% Off

Target

35X85 Bath Sheet - $12.99

Any Size Home 700-Thread Count Sheet Set - $30.00

Any Size Home Down Comforter - $29.99

Any Size Home Fuzzy Blanket - $19.99

Bissell Steam Mop Deluxe - $49.99

Black & Decker Family-Size Griddle - $19.00

Chefmate 12-Cup Coffeemaker - $3.00

Chefmate 2-Slice Sandwich Maker - $3.00

Chefmate 2-Slice Toaster - $3.00

Chefmate Slow Cooker - $3.00

Circo Flannel Sheet Set - $13.99

Circo Microfleece Blanket - $13.99

Crockpot 5.5Qt Slow Cooker - $19.00

Dirt Devil - $24.99

Dirt Devil Versa Power 3-In-1 Vac - $9.00

Dyson DC17 Absolute Animal Vacuum - $349.00

Emerson 8-Bottle Wine Fridge - $59.99

Intex Queen Classic Downy Airbed - $12.00

Mr Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker - $29.00

Oster 10-Speed 450-Watt Blender - $15.00

Rival 0.7Cu Ft 700 Watt Microwave - $24.00

Sunbeam Detachable Hand/Stand Mixer - $24.99

T-Fal Simply Clean 20-Piece Nonstick Cookset - $49.99

Twin-Size Complete Bed Set - $40.00

Twin-Size Electric Blanket - $19.99

Video Rocker Extreme 2 Chair - $29.98

Sears

10 Piece Boxed Photo Frame Set - $14.99

25% Off All Kenmore Elite Appliances

25% Off 4-Piece Embroidered and Jacquard Comforter Sets (Any Size) - $29.99

5-Piece Quilt Sets (Any Size) - $19.99

8-Piece Hotel-Quality Comforter Set (Any Size) - $69.99

All Cannon Throws 50% Off

All Color and Bath Sets 50% Off

All Colormate Throws 50% Off

All Down And Down Alternative Comforters - $49.99

All Pillows B1G1All Twin Size Blankets - $17.99

Basic Essentials 25 Piece Cutlery Set - $9.99

Basic Essentials 25 Piece Mega Aluminum Cookware Set - $24.99

Basic Essentials 25 Piece Mega Stainless Steel Cookware Set - $24.99

Basic Essentials 5 Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker - $9.99

Bissell Cleanview Helix Bagless Upright - $79.99

Bissell Healthy Home Bagless Upright w/ - $75.00

Black & Decker Toaster Oven - $19.99

Bobby Jack Twin Sheet Sets - $19.99

Cannon 240 TC Sheet Sets - $19.99

Cannon 3-In-1 Softie Wrap Blanket - $24.99

Cannon Flannel Sheet Sets (Any Size) - $19.99

Cannon Perfect Snuggler - $17.99

Colormate 220-Thread Count Complete Bed Sets (Any Size) - $39.99

Colormate Anti-Pill Fleece Throws - $4.99

Colormate Basics 200-Thread Count Sheets (Twin Size) - $7.99

Colormate Basics Bath Towels - $2.99

Colormate Microfiber Sheet Sets (Any Size) - $9.99

Colormate Mix-n-Match Comforter - $15.99

Colormate Quilt Sets - $29.99

Comfort Seat Cushion w/Heat & Massage - $17.49

Country Living 6-Piece 800-Thread Count All-Cotton Sheet Sets (Any Size) - $49.99

Country Living Bicast Leather Collection - $999.99

Covington Boxed Pins - $5.99

Cuisinart Coffeemaker - $29.99

Cuisinart Food Processor - $29.99

Cuisinart Toaster - $29.99

Dirt Devil Featherlite Vacuum - $39.00

Down Alternative Reversible Solid Color Comforter (Any Size) - $19.99

Edsal Five Shelf Steel Shelving - $39.99

Farberware 12 Piece Aluminum Non-Stick Cookware - $39.99

Farmhouse 5 Piece Dining Set - $219.99

Frigidare Electric Range - $499.99

George Foreman Grill - $17.99

Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Coffeemaker - $17.99

Hamilton Beach 4 Quart Slow Cooker - $9.99

Hamilton Beach Euro-Pro Toaster Over - $27.99

Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Fryer - $27.99

Hoover WindTunnel Pet Cyclonic Upright - $149.99

Hoover Windtunnel Upright - $169.99

Kenmore 1.1 Cubic Ft Countertop Microwave - $69.99

Kenmore 10-pc Stainless Steel w/Copper Band - $99.99

Kenmore 12-cu. Ft. Freezer - $319.99

Kenmore 12-pc Tool Set - $19.99

Kenmore 14-pc Stainless Steel Cookware Set - $129.99

Kenmore 23-Cu. Ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (#78302/4/9) - $749.99

Kenmore 25-Cu Ft. Refrigerator w/Ice Stored in Door - $899.99

Kenmore 3-burner Gas Grill - $199.99

Kenmore 3-Burner Infrared Gas Grill #16657 - $299.99

Kenmore 3.5-cu Ft. Washer & Dryer - $499.98

Kenmore 3.5-Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Washer (#48102)

Kenmore 5.8-Cu. Ft. Dryer #88042 (Pair) - $579.98

Kenmore Bagless Upright - $149.99

Kenmore Blender - $29.99

Kenmore Canister - $143.99

Kenmore Coffeemaker - $29.99

Kenmore Electric Range - $449.99

Kenmore Elite 25-Cu Ft Refrigerator - $999.99

Kenmore Elite Dishwasher            - $775.99

Kenmore Elite Front-Control Dishwasher #13102 - $473.99

Kenmore Elite HE3t 4.0-Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Washer And Elite HE3 7.0-Cu. Ft. Dryer (Pair) - $999.98

Kenmore Elite Oasis 4.7-Cu. Ft. High Efficiency Washer And Elite Oasis 7.0-Cu. Ft. Dryer (Pair) - $849.98

Kenmore Gas Range - $899.99

Kenmore Magic Blue Canister Vacuum - $79.99

Kenmore Over-the-range Microwave w/Sensor Technology 50% Off

Kenmore Progressive Canister Vacuum - $219.99

Kenmore Progressive Upright Vacuum - $199.99

Kenmore Quickclean Upright - $49.99

Kenmore Sewing Machine            - $79.99

Kenmore Slow Cooker - $29.99

Keurif B40 Single-serve Coffeemaker - $99.99

Kids Pillow and Throw Sets - $14.99

Kids Pillow Buddies - $14.99

KitchenAid 4.5qt Bowl-Left Mixer            - $149.99

KitchenAid Artisan or Pro 500 Mixers - $269.99

LG Dishwasher - $599.99

Presto Euro-Pro Slow Cooker - $17.99

Presto Griddle - $17.99

Rival 5-qt Slow Cooker - $19.99

Saddle Pub 5 Piece Set - $119.99

Samsung 26-cu Ft French Door Refrigerator - $999.99

Samsung 4.0-cu Ft. High Efficiency Washer & Dryer Set - $999.99

Spa Set - $19.99

Sportcraft 7-ft 3-in-1 Swivel Table - $389.99

Sunbeam Heated Blankets - $49.99

Sunbeam Heated Mattress Pads - $49.99

Sunbeam Heated Throws - $29.99

Tramonthia 15 Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set - $39.99

Ty Pennington Style Complete Bed Sets            - $99.99

Whirlpool 30-in Electric Range - $889.99

Whirlpool 30-in Gas Range - $889.99

Whirlpool Dishwasher - $399.99

White Down Comforter (Any Size) - $19.99

JC Penney

American Living Decorative Window Hardware And Accessories - 25% Off

Asaigo Table Lamp - 60% Off

Blankets And Throws - 50% Off

Butterfly Lily Accent Lamp - 60% Off

Candles And Candle Lighting - 60% Off

Chris Madden Decorative Window Hardware And Accessories - 25% Off

Chris Madden Made To Measure Blinds And Shades - 70& Off

Clocks And Wall Decor - 60% Off

Decorative Pillows - 60% Off

Down And Down Alternative Comforters - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Accent Rugs - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Area Rugs - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Bath Accessories - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Bath Rugs - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Memory Foam Pillows - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Memory Foam Toppers - 50% Off

Entire Stock of Shower Curtains - 50% Off

Frosted Glass Table Lamp - 60% Off

Grandfather Clock - 60% Off

JCPenney Home Collection Decorative Window Hardware And Accessories - 25% Off

JCPenney Home Collection Made To Measure Blinds And Shades - 70& Off

JCPenney Home Collection Ready Made Horizontal Blinds And Shades - 50% Off

Lamps And Lighting - 60% Off

Linden Street Made To Measure Blinds And Shades - 70& Off

Linden Street Ready Made Horizontal Blinds And Shades - 50% Off

Luggage - 60% Off

Orleans Table Lamp - 60% Off

Phase II Made To Measure Blinds And Shades - 70& Off

Quilts And Quilted Bedspreads - 50% Off

Seventeen Comforter Sets - 50% Off

Soft Designs Made To Measure Draperies And Top Treatments - 70% Off

Studio Decorative Window Hardware And Accessories - 25% Off

Studio Made To Measure Blinds And Shades - 70& Off

Supreme Drapery Panels - 55% Off

Table Lamp - 60% Off

2 Pack 100% Cotton Bonus Sheet Set - $44.99

3-Star Down Alternative Comforter - $29.99

4-Ft Popcorn Cart - $99.88

4-Piece Wine Gift Set - $14.886

5-Pc Flatware Set With Chest - $59.88

Anheuser Busch Light Box - $19.88

Any Size 3-Star Down Comforter - $49.99

Any Size Bed-In-A-Bag - $49.99

Any Size Handcrafted Quilts - $34.99

Any Size Microfleece Or Plush Blanket - $17.99

Any Size Restwarmer Heated Mattress Pad - $59.99

Barcelona Three Pack Barstools - $89.88

Bionaire Steam Mop - $39.88

Carson Saddle Stool - $39.88

Chris Madden 40-Pc. Montalira Dinnerware Set - $79.88

Cindy Crawford Style 400TC Ultra Fine Cotton Sheet Set - $44.88

Cooks 10-Burger Grill - $39.88

Cooks 12 Cup Programmable Coffeemaker - $12.88

Cooks 13-PC Copper Bottom Cookware Set - $149.88

Cooks 14PC Tub Of Tools - $18.88

Cooks 16" Electric Skillet - $39.88

Cooks 17-Piece Power Blender - $14.88

Cooks 18-PC Hard Anodized Cookware Set - $188.88

Cooks 2-Slice Toaster$14.88Cooks 22-Piece Cutlery Set - $79.88

Cooks 3-in-1 Grill - $12.88

Cooks 3PC Canister Set - $18.88

Cooks 6 Quart Slow Cooker - $12.88

Cooks 8QT Hard Anodized Pressure Cookie - $29.88

Cooks Can Opener - $14.88

Cooks Classic Hard Anodized 3-Piece Skillet Set - $29.88

Cooks Flip Waffler - $19.88

Cooks Hand Mixer - $14.88

Cooks Kitchen Cart - $179.99

Cooks Meat Slicer - $39.88

Cooks Mini Chopper - $14.88

Cooks Multi Chopper - $18.88

Cooks Non-Stick Electric Griddle - $12.88

Cooks Pizza-Fit Oven - $39.88

Cooks Slider Pan - $14.88

Cooks Tri-Ply 5QT ChickenFryer - $38.88

Cuisinart Thermal Brew Central - $69.88

Deluxe Air Bed - $39.88

Double 2.5-QT Slow Cooker (After Rebate) - $39.88

Double Buffet w/Warming Tray - $14.88

Easy Care Smooth Touch Or Microfiber Sheet Set - $19.99

Electric Slider Mini Burger Maker - $18.88

Entire Stock of Bed Pillows - $3.99

Entire Stock of Lock & Lock Storage Sets - $18.88

Entire Stock of Towels - $2.99

Farberware 16-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set - $49.88

Farberware 20-Piece Cutlery Set - $19.88

Home Expressions Reversible Cotton Comforter - $24.99

JC Penney Home Collection 12-Piece Polished Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set - $19.88

JC Penney Home Collection 5-Piece Nonstick

Bakeware Set - $18.88

JCPenney 8 Pack Washcloth Set - $4.88

JCPenney Home Collection 4 Shooter Rotating Liquor Dispenser - $17.88

JCPenney Home Collection 72 Piece Athena Dinnerware Set - $59.88

JCPenney Home Collection 72 Piece Elegant Pearl Dinnerware Set - $59.88

JCPenney Home Collection 72 Piece Gold Band Dinnerware Set - $59.88

JCPenney Home Collection 72 Piece Italiana Dinnerware Set - $59.88

JCPenney Home Collection Flannel And Fleece Sheets - $14.88

JCPenney Home Collection Microfleece Throw - $8.88

JCPenney Home Collection Plush Throw - $8.88

Jewelry Armoires (5 Drawers) - $99.99

Jewelry Armoires (8 Drawers) - $174.99

Jewelry Wall Storage Unit w/Photo Collage - $25.88

Kamenstein 16 Jar Spice Rack - $18.88

Lisette Solid Color Window Panel - $9.99

Memory Foam Contour Pillow - $19.99

Metallic Candles$4.88Mosaic Candles - $4.88

Oster 10 Speed Blender - $19.88

Oster Wine Opener And Chiller Set - $19.88

Paula Deen 12PC Nonstick Cookware Set - $98.88

Pfaltzgraff 101 Piece Legacy Flatware Set - $59.88

Pfaltzgraff 101 Piece Winslow Flatware Set - $59.88

Philippe Richard 20-Pc. Cookware Set (After Rebate) - $19.88

Philippe Richard 26-Piece Stainless Steal Cutlery Set - $29.88

Philippe Richard 3-Piece Skillet Set - $12.88

Philippe Richard 5-Qt Pressure Cooker (After Rebate) - $12.88

Philippe Richard Ceramic Food Warmers - $14.88

Philippe Richard Nonstick 4-Quart Chef Pan - $12.88

Plush Stripe Comforter Mini-Set - $64.99

Pyrex 14-Pc. Prep & Bake Set - $12.88

Pyrex 18-Pc Storage Set - $12.88

Queen 10-Pc Comforter Set - $139.99

Queen 7-Pc Bedding Ensemble - $89.99

Quick Dri Towel By Linden Street - $4.99

Sealy Classic Heated Blanket - $59.99

Solid & Printed Berber Accent Rugs - $11.99

Sunbeam 4-Slice Toaster - $9.88

Sunbeam Stand Mixer - $99.99

Table-Top Opener - $14.88

The Classic Towel - $2.99

The Hunk Bed Pillow - $3.99

Twin Pack Bed Pillows - $8.99

White Down Pillow - $19.99

Getting Ready for Halloween

I soooo love this (video embedded below)!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Busy Time, Quiet Times

We had a busy Columbus Day weekend. I posted some photos on Facebook (link to photos here, http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=114225&id=705851667&l=9d317e4b55, even if you don't have a FB account) to show the summary, so I won't duplicate here. Anyway, we cut the grass, cut back plantings, and started cleaning the barn on Friday. We continued progress on Saturday by getting and unloading a ton of pellets and then sealing the driveway. On Sunday we completed the barn and worked on screening some of our giant mound (7 yards) of compost from the neighbor.

We celebrated our hard work by dinner out at PF Changs on Sunday night. It was our first visit and we really enjoyed the food. We got the Chang's for Two ($39.95) which included 2 soups (our choice: egg drop), 1 starter (our choice: calamari), 2 entrees (our choice: Mongolian beef and Almond & Cashew chicken), and 2 desserts (our choice: carrot cake and chocolate layer cake). Yum!

Monday was technically our day off. We took a quick trip up to Tougas Farm (named one of the top 10 apple picking orchards in the US by USA Today) and got some doughnuts, apple cider, and pre-picked apples. I was feeling a bit under the weather, so napped while Mike finished shoveling compost.

And now we're back to a regular work week ;)

Even though I haven't blogged lately, I have been thinking about it. The post below from Hooked on Houses caught my eye today. We all know of the Curtis family. I really enjoyed the pictures of their house -- what a great place to live! So, here I am back on action, and sharing little tidbits. Enjoy!

Tony Curtis & Janet Leigh’s House in Palm Springs:

Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh were one of Hollywood’s Golden Couples in the 1950s and early ’60s. Who could forget Tony Curtis in movies like Some Like It Hot (a personal favorite of mine), or Janet Leigh in Psycho? This old Life magazine photo was taken of them in 1959 at home with their daughters Kelly and Jamie Lee. The contemporary California home they lived in–which they nicknamed “Camp Curtis”–is on the market for $1.295 million.

According to the listing by Marc Lange of Capitis Real Estate, the 3,204 square-foot house is in the Movie Colony neighborhood of Palm Springs. There are 5 bedrooms and 5 baths.

Tony Curtis was born Bernard Schwartz. Janet Leigh was born Jeanette Morrison. Bernard Schwartz and Jeannette Morrison don’t have quite the same ring as Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, do they?

Tony Curtis was Janet’s third husband. She married her first husband when she was only 14 (!). Curtis left Janet in 1962 for a 17-year old German actress named Christine Kaufmann.

Janet Leigh died in 2004 at the age of 77. Tony Curtis is now in his 80s and married to his 5th wife.

Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh’s daughter Jamie Lee Curtis is an actor, photographer, and a children’s author.

It would be hard to beat these views:

For more photos and information, check out this article from the LA Times or see the real estate listing. (Thanks to Nita for telling me about this!)

Check out my Celebrity Houses page for links to all the famous houses I’ve featured. Most popular this week: Star Stylist Rachel Zoe and Coco Chanel.

Looking for something unique and beautiful for your table? I’m loving this Crumpled Porcelain Collection and Sapling flatware from My Sparrow.

But (via ICanHasACheezeburger)

Speaking of Halloween... And no, it is not Mattie. But, it could be!

Eeerie Edibles: Cockeyed Cuckoos, Spooky Stew, Tombstone Trio & More (via Hostess with the Mostess)

Here's another one from HWTM. I may just have to have a Halloween party this year!!! These are just too cute!

Eeerie Edibles: Cockeyed Cuckoos, Spooky Stew, Tombstone Trio & More:

The special Halloween Tricks & Treats issue of Better Homes and Gardens that’s currently on stands is totally packed with the TONS of great ideas for Halloween! I picked up a copy this weekend and was instantly smitten with several of the ideas – especially the Gothic Gala (great adult party), Magic Show (cute kids party), and Eeerie Edibles articles.

5 favorites from Eerie Edibles are pictured above and below. Are these Cockeyed Cuckoo sandwiches adorable or what?! Made from meatballs and marinara atop ciabatta rolls, plus cream cheese & black olive “eyes”, sweet pepper “beaks” and “brows”, and snipped chives or shredded carrots for the “feather tops”. Genius!

This Spooky Stew is super cute too… individual servings of shepherd’s pie topped with whipped potatoes piped into the shape of a ghost. Green caper “eyes” add the perfect finishing touch!

This Jack-o’-Lantern Cheese Ball idea is so creative and EASY! (Gotta love easy!) Simply cover your favorite cream cheese ball recipe with crushed nacho-cheese chips, then use black olives and a small pickle for the “face” and “stem”.

Create your own Batty Bites with chocolate-covered cookies (for the “body”) and toaster pastries (for the “wings”), then add some almond or candy eyes and colorful sprinkles to brighten things up!

Pretzel cookes dipped in white chocolate, a marshmallow, and piped melted chocolate are all that you need to create the 3 skeletons that lie in this “Tombstone Trio“. Make them a suitable crypt from chocolate graham-crackers sitting atop cookie-crumb “dirt” and green-tinted coconut “grass”!

For complete recipes & details on all of the above & more, check out the current Halloween Tricks and Treats issue by BHG (on news stands until Nov 3, 2009).

Gallery: 17 Frightfully Good Cupcakes (via Hostess with the Mostess)

This post is from the Hostess with the Mostess Blog. I think these designs are super-cute and know some moms and nanas that would love to make them! Enjoy...

Gallery: 17 Frightfully Good Cupcakes:

I’m loving the designs in this 17 Frightfully Good Halloween Cupcakes gallery from BHG for 2 reasons: 1. They’re clever & creative. 2. Most of them seem pretty simple & easy!

A few favorites pictured above, {clockwise from top left}:

1. Peeking Monster – would actually be great for Monster birthday parties year-round, too… and could even be modified for a dinosaur theme!

2.Who’s There? – also great for an Owl Theme baby shower or birthday party… might even be cute without the coconut.

3. Witch Feet – definitely modifying this one to “Santa Feet” for Christmas!

4. Green Goblin – cutest goblin I’ve ever seen!

More favorites… pictured above: Frankenstein and Under Wraps cupcakes.

Pictured above:

1. Spider Crawlers – a little more time-consuming, but guaranteed to make a statement with guests!

2. Spooky – Jordan almonds + cocoa puff cereal = spooky eyes…doesn’t get much easier than this!

3. Little Witch – with adorable sugar-cone hat!

4. Bare Bones – use licorice pastels & mints to create tiny skeleton motifs!

*****

Have fun!

Another Successful Spaghetto

This past Sunday marked the 26th Spaghetto at camp. Todd, Carolyn, Steve, and Sherry were this year's organizers. It was their first year (after Bob and Carla left at the end of last season) and they did a great job.

Festivities began in the 8 o'clock hour, per the usual routine. Sauce and pasta pots were washed and coated with soap (on the outside to make cleaning easier), the salad tent was erected, the line was staked out, and sauce was poured in the pots. The salad prep team assembled by 11 am and began slicing and dicing the vast array of salad toppings. The first band member arrived before 1, and the rest were there and playing before 2 pm. Volunteers made their toast shortly after 2 pm, then serving began.

301 people, 1 hour 45 minutes, and many smiles later, the meal was complete. Mike took the group photo and we enjoyed the waning hours of the afternoon. Steve and Helen joined the festivities, which made the occasion all the more special. We had a late dinner, went to the fire, to the dance, and then crashed. What a day!

You really should join us if you haven't been to Spaghetto. It is a fun time filled with laughter, friendship, and good times.

Ready, Set, Go!

This is a shot of our fridge on Thursday. I crammed everything (not frozen, canned, or boxed) onto the biggest shelf. By the time you see this blog post the food will be packed into one or more coolers and Mike and I will be headed to camp.

Aside from the yogurt, eggs, cheese, whipping cream, and veggies you can see peeking out are fresh fruits, meat, creme fraiche and more. We better be hungry! In addition to the meal for Sunday afternoon (Spaghetto) and Monday morning (worker's breakfast) being taken care of, we are have prime rib at the clubhouse Saturday. So why is there so much food? Dunno. Mike wasn't there to police me. I got food for company (you haven't seen the frozen food :) ) and for just in case.

It'll get eaten. Really.

Happy Birthday, Mattie!

Today Mattie turns 10 years old. He's been with us since September, 2006. We adopted him from a family who was moving to a place that didn't allow outdoor kitties.

Our time with Mattie was an adventure from the very beginning. He ran away the moment he arrived here to live with us. I searched for him for 3 days -- taking time off work, making phone calls, and posting signs everywhere. We finally found him, thanks to a helpful neighbor. We all had to get used to one another. Mostly, we had to get used to his rather vocal nature. We adopted him and his pal Wilde but Wilde got hit in December 2006. Mattie became the only cat in the house and glowed in that position.

We were pretty much used to each other and settled into a routine by summer 2007. That July we found him under a bush with a huge laceration in his leg. The vet patched him up and we spent the better part of a month taking him in for bandage changes. He was doing much better. Due to some uncontrollable circumstances, we spent a large part of August away from home. Mattie was displeased by that and decided to spray a huge pile of Mike's clothes to let us know. I thought for sure he would meet his end after that.

Fortunately, we stuck things out. He is the most loving cat we've ever had. He follows us like a dog, loves to cuddle, and has a very patient and forgiving personality. He is a very important part of our family, to us and to the rest of the family (especially Connor and Fiona).

We made him special birthday treats to celebrate his 11th birthday, but the finicky eater he is, he rejected them. Maybe he'll like them better later. We are all still going to celebrate him.

Have a happy day!

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Independence Day to everyone! We hope your day is full of celebration and good times!

More on Memorial Day

Now that I am comfortably seated with my computer on my lap, I can share some more photos from our Memorial Day family gathering.

Mike wanted to get some photos of Connor and Fiona in the Japanese garden. Mattie walked up as they were posing, and all heck broke loose. The kids just love Mattie. Fiona is especially enamored with holding and carrying him. Mike Got some great photos and I just feel compelled to share.

We gotcha, Mattie!

Water break!

You don't have to walk, Mattie! I can carry you!

Lookit! I got me a cat!

See, he likes when I pet him :)

I should add that Mattie was a complete doll during the whole dinner. He let the kids chase him, catch him, carry him, all without a meow of complaint. He did hide in the woods a couple of times, looking for some alone time. But he loves them back. What a bunch of sweeties!

Smiles

Happy Weekend

We had a fabulous weekend to round out a great trip to Puerto Rico. We got home from the airport around 12:30 am Saturday morning. We were all keyed up and ended up staying up for another 2 hours (and we had some great Mattie time).

We were up by 8:30 to start the day. We headed to Mike's mother's house to visit and say hello. The kids wanted to give us flowers and show us all kinds of things. It was a nice visit.

At noontime we decided to go to camp. We threw somethings in the car and headed out. We ended up arriving around 3 pm. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time visiting with everyone. Bob and Jean were up for the first weekend and we ended up having a nice bring your own dinner and visit dinner with them. I was out like a light at 10 pm after all the late nights we had (I failed to mention we went to bed around 2 am on Thursday night, too). Mike made it until about 12:30 Saturday night, but we both missed the lightning storm around 1 am.

Sunday was spent reading, visiting, and enjoying the sunshine. What more can you ask for?! We ended up watching The Reader that evening and then went down to the fire. There were lots of people down there so it was a fun place to be.

We headed back home Monday morning after a meeting in the pavillion. Along the way we were held up by the parad in Lebanon, NY. We finally got home around 1 pm and started getting ready for a family cookout. Pat, Deirdre, and the kids came over and we had a great time. I can't get to the photos now, but I will post a couple later on.

Now we are back to reality doing laundry, food shopping, and chores. Mattie sure is happy to have us around!

Smiles

A close-up of our birthday gifts: from Girlfriends

I am blessed with not only a great family, but also with a great group of girlfriends. They are always there (even long distance) to share a laugh, a story, or just a random thought. And they are just so thoughtful...

Melissa knows we're always having get togethers in the summer and she got me a fabulous set of salad servers. I just love them! She also got me the book Dewey. My mom read it a couple of weeks ago, and it was on my list of books to get. Melissa is such an amazing mind reader that she just must have known! I can't wait to read it.

Helen is a jewelry treasure trove (what with a live-in jewelry smith) and gave me these gorgeous earrings. Aren't they fabulous?!

And Alison knows how much we love the beach, so she got me this insulated bag that has a matching pareo, hairband and pouch!

I'm feeling so loved!

Have a super day!

A close-up of our birthday gifts: Birdbath

We always enjoy visits from Pat, Deirdre, and the kids. Connor and Fiona have a great time playing in our yard. They check out the flowers and look for birds. Naturally, they thought a birdbath would be the perfect birthday gift for us!

Isn't it pretty? It is a pretty shell pattern that makes us think of the beach. Check it out close up.

The birdies will be so happy!

Last year they got us hibiscus for our birthdays. We over-wintered them in our guest room on the second floor and they did great. We have them on the patio for now.

What pretties!

Have a happy day!

A closeup of our birthday gifts: Treasures from the Cape

Pat is always able to find things that no one else can. Her sense of style,  color, and the current trends never ceases to amaze me. She's one hip chic! This year rung in feelings from the Cape. A beautiful turquoise purse. Aaahh...

A beautiful carving set with cranberry gems. Doesn't it just make you want to make a turkey?!

A great serving tray for the summer. We have one at camp, but not here. We are forever running back and forth to the house from the patio. Not anymore with this baby!

She also got me a shirt from Alternative that is awesome. I didn't get a pic though. Here is a snap of me wearing it this morning!

Thanks so much for the thoughtful, fun gifts!

A closeup of our birthday gifts: Internet Connect Weather Station

We've posted about our weather station and all its doodads in recent months. We really like knowing all the meteorological details at a glance. Mike really wanted to take the system to the next level -- broadcasting conditions on the internet so we can get the deets any time.

Being the wonderful Mom she is, Pat got Michael the necessary equipment to upgrade our system to broadcast online. The Oregon Scientific WMR968 is a beautiful touch screen station with a serial output that can be connected to a computer.

We got the serial to USB cable and a software upgrade, and voila! our weather online!

We are now a personal weather station on Weather Underground. We can even make cute little stickers to post on other sites (see our footer and the example below in this post).







Next up, a little website that we customize with even more of our weather data.

Cool (or hot, depending on the day!)!!!