...especially when you're crunching into them in the Quiet Cold Darkness of a hollow living room...(staging remnants of The Reindeer Visit). It Echoes...loudly.
Cookies are not good after Carrots
New Favorite Drink Recipe:
Peppermint Pattie
Kids Hot Cocoa Mix
2oz bottle of 100 Proof Peppermint Schnapps
Hot Water
Cute Christmas Mug
Merry Christmas to All and to All a Goodnight...
Spotted on IGTRENDCENTAL:
Lunchopolis, a mommy owned-and-operated start-up, was created to help cut down on the 3.5+ billion pounds of lunchbox garbage generated each year. After noting that few parents (to their knowledge) pack their kids’ lunches with reusable cloth napkins, silverware, and Tupperware containers, two LA-based moms decided to create Lunchopolis. The insulated soft lunchbox is available in a variety of child-friendly colors and styles and features a refillable drinking bottle and stackable containers, making it easy to pack a garbage-free lunch every day.
More information at: http://www.lunchopolis.com/
Pat, Vanna, and the rest of the Wheel of Fortune crew are headed to Chicago to tape shows at Navy Pier on March 7, 8, and 9, 2008, and are currently searching for enthusiastic undergraduate students to appear as contestants on College Week. I AM Enthusiastic and LOVE Wheel of Fortune (it always reminds me of Rainman - Look at the studio filled with glamorous merchandise. Fabulous and exciting bonus prizes. Thousands of dollars in cash. Over $150,000 just waiting to be won...) However, I am NOT an (active) Undergrad student. So, if you or someone you know might be interested, below is the link to register for a chance to audition.
http://www.wheeloffortune.com/contestantsandtickets/beacontestant/college/?hs308=email
The United Steelworkers Union (USW) has produced this video (featuring singing Steelworker kids) that symbolizes what the Stop Toxic Imports Campaign is all about--protecting our children from dangerous imported products and fighting unfair trade laws that allow global corporations to cheat us out of good jobs.
As part of the campaign, the union’s Women of Steel are conducting in-home training sessions across the United States and Canada to educate families about the threat of lead and demonstrate how to test for lead in toys and other products.
It’s an important message that can help us convince members of Congress that we must act NOW to protect our families from toxic products and change the terrible trade policies that cause this problem.
Thought these ideas might come in handy as you guys finish up (ahem…start) your Christmas shopping. I'm No Oprah or Julie Andrews, but here are a few of my favorite things:
Affirmawraps from Affirmagy
These are soft and comfy fleece blankets imprinted with positive affirmations or scriptures. Perfect for Ladies, babies and pets.
Cost: $29.99
Culinary Empire Gourmet Basket from Fabiene
An Amazing wooden chest overflowing with high class flavors of endless gourmet pleasures. 3 bottles from the 2005 Farnese collection - Montepulciano D'abruzzo Farneto Valley 2005, Chardonnay 2005 and Sauvignon 2005 and a grand, wide variety of top brand name gourmet goods. Perfect for Parents, Grandparents, & CoHabitating Couples
Cost: $299.95
Gunmetal Engraved Pocket Watch from Things Remembered
Pocketwatches are always a great gift and an instant keepsake when they are engraved. A very stylish pocket watch with matching chain from Colibri®. Perfect for most Guys (Husbands, Dads, Granddads, S/O)
Cost: $39.99
Ion Audio USB Turntable from Sharper Image
Know someone who still has a very impressive Vinyl collection?? This USB turntable spins old vinyl records into new digital music — MP3 or CD format! Perfect for DeeJays, Music Enthusiasts and anyone still scratchin' Vinyl.
Cost: $199.95
A Letter From Santa from The Santa Claus House
No kid will ever forget receiving a letter from Santa with a genuine North Pole postmark and keepsake photo. Letters themes include baby's 1st Christmas, Difficult Christmas, Not-So-Good Child Christmas, and 1st Christmas as a couple. Perfect for Kids, Grandkids, Adults, even Pets!
Cost: $7.50
A Lump of Coal from FireBox
A genuine chunk of coal gift wrapped and placed in an extremely Christmassy presentation tin. And that's it. No special features, no hidden treats, no nothing. Perfect for anyone who's been Naughty this year…they know who they are.
Cost: $2.95
Personalized Christmas Stockings from Land's End
Personalized gifts are my favorite because they are the most memorable in the years to come. These brightly colored personalized Christmas stockings are perfect to hang over the fireplace in the hopes that Santa Claus will fill them with toys, treats, and goodies for Years to Come. Perfect for Everyone - Individuals and Families!
Cost: $20.00
Gift of Stock from ShareBuilder
Better than Cash, Stock makes a great gift. Either make a 1-time gift to open an account or set up an Automatic Investment Plan and specify the dollar amount you want to invest on a weekly or monthly basis and have the funds automatically pulled from your checking or savings account. Open a new Account by 1/15/2008, and they'll contribute $50 to your investment after you place your first trade. Perfect for Kids of all Ages!
Cost: Any Amount
Sun Jar from Wishing Fish
Ever wanted to give someone the Sun? Well, this Sun Jar collects and stores sunshine so you can use it at night! A perfect garden light or night light for a child's bedroom. It is the green gift of the year! Perfect for Everyone!
Cost: $40.00
This Year I Will...: How to Finally Change a Habit, Keep a Resolution, or Make a Dream Come True by M. J. Ryan from Amazon.com
Help someone keep their resolution(s) this year and they won't ever forget you for changing their lives. M.J. Ryan (one of the creators of the bestselling Random Acts of Kindness series, author and life coach) outlines a concrete and practical strategy for following through on a resolution while dealing with all of life's other ups and downs and will prove welcome for anyone seeking gentle but solid help in achieving personal change. Perfect for Conciousminded folks and anyone who needs a light under their Fire!
Cost: $10.85
Today, December 5th, commemorates the anniversary of the day the United States ratified the Twenty First Amendment which Repealed the Eighteenth Amendment and gave Americans the constitutional ability to consume alcohol. Whoo HOO!!!!
To host a traditional Repeal Day Party remember the following:
- Celebrations begin at 9:PM (21st Amendment - 21:00 hours)
- Proper Garb includes stockings with garter belts for the Ladies and Hats (Derby, Fedora, period-style) for the Gents
- Guests are expected to bring and hosts are expected to decorate with Umbrellas (a symbol of the Post Prohibition era with Rain appearing inside the umbrella with the saying "Stay Wet" and a metaphorical representation of the many "wet" days to come)
- The guests first drink should be non-alcoholic in Remembrance of the Dry days of Prohibition
- Every drink gets a Toast (e.g. Here's to the Repeal! Happy Days are Here Again!)
- The Host gives a Midnight Toast to pause and reflect
If you're in Chicago, Room 21 at 2110 S. Wabash will celebrate the repeal of prohibition with live music by 10-piece brass band, "The Prohibition Orchestra of Chicago," while servers will be dressed in period attire (flappers/gangsters). 1920s and 1930s model cars will be parked on South Wabash. Guests will be able to enjoy a special $19.33 Repeal Day Menu created by Executive Chef Fred Ramos, as well as select from a list of Dewar's specialty cocktails. For more info: 312-328-1198
Otherwise, to celebrate, stop by your local bar, tavern, saloon, winery, distillery, or brewhouse and have a drink! Pick up a six-pack on your way home from work. Split a bottle of wine with a loved one. Buy a shot for a stranger. Just do it because you can. It's your Constitutional Right!
Nathan Hale is a very good friend of mine and former junior high and high school classmate (Go Whitney Young Dolphins!!!). This weekend, his movie Dirty Laundry opens in New York and Los Angeles. It opens in other select cities nationwide (including Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Baltimore) December 28th. DIRTY LAUNDRY is a modern-day prodigal son story with a twist. It follows magazine writer Patrick, masterfully played by Rockmond Dunbar (Prison Break, Soul Food), who seems to have the "perfect life," until one day there is a knock at the door. On the other side stands a secret that brings him face to face with the traditional southern family he hasn't seen in over 10 years.
The cast includes a colorful array of character and comedic actors including Loretta Devine (Waiting to Exhale) as "Evelyn", Jenifer Lewis (Antwone Fisher Story, Castaway) as "Aunt Lettuce", Terri J. Vaughn (Daddy’s Little Girls, Steve Harvey Show) as "Jackie", Sommore (Queens of Comedy, The Parkers) as "Abby", Alec Mapa (Ugly Betty) as "Daniel" and Director Maurice Jamal as "Eugene"
DIRTY LAUNDRY is the winner of the 2006 American Black Film Festival Audience Award for "Best Film" and "Best Actor - Loretta Devine."
GENRE: Comedy
RATING: PG-13
RUNNING TIME: 90 minutes
You can view the trailer on YouTube and, this weekend, if you're in New York you can see this film at Clearview Chelsea 9 Theater at 260 West 23rd Street (b/t 7th & 8th) or if you're in LA you can see this film at the Mann Beverly Center Cinemas (Inside Beverly Center) at 8522 Beverly Boulevard.
More information on the film can be seen at www.dirtylaundrythemovie.com. Please help support this Great Independent Film!
Sunday, December 9th, Soldier Field will host its first Holiday Breakfast with Santa to ring in the holidays. This will be one of a few times during the year when the Cadillac Club’s fine dining is open to the public. Families will not only be able feast on a fantastic 4-star brunch, but also visit with Santa and Chicago Bears kicker, Robbie Gould, who is scheduled to greet all those attending and sign guests’ favorite Bears gear. Toy drive benefits Walter & Connie Payton Foundation; All guests bringing new, unwrapped toys will receive a special bonus to the Chicago Bear pro shop. Finally, as a special treat for all, families will be able to take their holiday picture on the stadium field!
There are seatings at 9:30 am and 11:30 am. The cost is for $50 adults, $25 kids 3 - 12, and free for kids 3 and under. There is also parking available for $15
There is a 500 guest limit for each seating so if you plan on going make reservations ASAP by calling 312.235.7669
More Info at: http://www.soldierfield.net/docs/santa.doc
It's too early for this shit and I don't need the pressure.
I haven't even started my Christmas shopping yet...I go into the gas station to buy a Gallon of Gas and see this And valentines Twix and just wondered....
What's Today?
Damn.
I was one of the krazies out in the stores last night grocery shopping for today's dinner. When I was young, my Mom and I would go shopping at Midnight when the stores were fairly empty and recently restocked. Yesterday, I went right after work and it wasn't too bad but I did have to go to a couple of different stores since the first one ran out of a lot of the produce I needed. The weather was pretty crappy and had been forecasted to get even worse...so it was one of those now or never moments.
Grocery shopping included buying a turkey, which of course was frozen, so I was up most of the night giving the Bird the quick thaw cold water bath. Since I was up, I made two sweet potato pies and made the dressing and macaroni and cheese up to the point prior to baking. So this morning I only had to prep the bird, make the sweet potatoes and bake everything on time.
For our Thanksgiving Brunch I made an Apple Pancake. I'd made this recipe only once before and decided it would be perfectt for today. The boys loved it.
Dinner was fabulous. The Turkey was Great as Usual. A long time ago, I found a recipe for turkey that includes pouring in a whole bottle of champagne (minus a mimosa's worth for the chef). It always comes out incredibly juicy and makes the house smell sooooo good.
A couple of new tips I found in the course of cooking today:
Cream of Asparagus is an Excellent substitute for Cream of Celery in my recipe for dressing.
Neckbones are Cheap and Useful! I baked a few pounds, and shredded some of the meat to use in the dressing. The rest I used in my pot o' greens.
Everybody loves corn.
The type of brandy you use when making sweet potatoes does make a difference.
Real butter is worth the money.
I Love Chilean Wines!
And here are a few of my favorite pics "Live from the Kitchen"
