Thursday, December 31, 2009

Thoughtful Thursday- Cara

A conversation between father and daughter.

A father calls the house on his way home from work. His younger daughter answers the phone. She cuts him off because she is online talking to friends and wants to get back to them. Dad comes home annoyed because he was cut off.

Dad- I didn't appreciate you cutting me off when I called earlier. It could have been important. I could have driven off of the bridge and that was my only call for help.

Daughter- Oh. OK.

Next day, Dad calls the house on the way home from work. The same daughter answers the phone.

Daughter- Hi Dad. Before I hang up on you, did you drive off of the bridge?

Monday, December 28, 2009

Monday's Menu- Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup Clone

I love to get this soup when I go to Outback Steak House. I have been known to get the soup as an appetizer and again as my entree. It is that good. I used to have a recipe for an excellent version of this soup, but it is hiding from me. Looking around the net, this one looks promising. Read the reviews for the substitutions others made when giving it a try. I will be giving this one a whirl.

Outback Steakhouse Walkabout Onion Soup

Things to Celebrate

I am a little late this week due to being out of town for Christmas and not being fast enough to beat Cara to the computer. I give you permission for 2 passes this week to make up for posting late.

This week brings us the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010. Will you say two thousand ten or twenty ten? I can see me saying both. I guess I will have to wait and see which one I stick with.

January is Bath Safety Month, Oatmeal Month, and Soup Month. See if you can celebrate each one.

This week is Diet Resolution Week. The first part of the week you get your mind around going on a diet and eat all of your favorite things. The later part of the week you kick yourself for adding those last extra pounds on.

December 27- Make Cut-out Snowflakes Day
December 28- Card Playing Day
December 29- Texas Admission Day (As someone who was born in Texas, I felt the need to share this for those not in the know :)
December 30- I can't find a celebration for this day...but the first color TV was sold on this date in 1953 for $1,175.00.
December 31- Make Up Your Mind Day
January 1- Z Day (another one I had to look up- Z-Day)
January 2- National Science Fiction Day (Kinda goes along with Z Day)

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Thoughtful Thursday- Saint Francis de Sales



Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew.

~~Saint Francis de Sales~~

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Wanna Be a Winner? Get Your Techie On!



Handmade Louisiana is having another giveaway. This time it is for a full artisan domain name and support package for a full year! How cool is that? Very. Head on over to the Handmade Louisiana blog and check out the details. Do you know how amazing it would be to win this? I know you do.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Monday's Menu- Eggnog Quick Bread

I love to make quick breads this time of the year. They made great gifts to have on hand to bring when you visit friends and relatives this time of year. In honor of Eggnog Day this week, I thought this would be a great recipe to try. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Eggnog Quick Bread

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Things to Celebrate


This week Halcyon Days are celebrated. I admit to not knowing what this was. Thankfully the Internet tells me everything I need to know ;P

December 20- Go Caroling Day (You don't have to go out and go caroling. Find a friend and sing your favorite carols.)

December 21- Look At The Bright Side Day (Always a good idea!)
December 22- National Haiku Poetry Day
December 23- Popcorn Popping Day
December 24- National Eggnog Day
December 25- Christmas Day
December 26- National Whiners Day (This is for those who were on Santa's naughty list.)

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Thoughtful Thursday- Abraham Lincoln



Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be.

- Abraham Lincoln

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Wordless Wednesday- Fall Comes Later Down Here

Monday, December 14, 2009

Monday's Menu- Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake Squares Recipe


Wednesday is Chocolate Covered Anything Day (just typing that makes me happy). So to give this day its due, I thought this would be a fun recipe. I can already tell I will probably cheat and buy store bought cheesecake, but then again...maybe not. Enjoy!

Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake Squares Recipe

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Things to Celebrate


Tell Someone They Are Doing A Good Job Week is celebrated this week. It is good to tell people this more often that once a year, but I know you are already doing this.

December 13- National Cocoa Day (now is a good time for hot chocolate)
December 14- Mini Golf Day
December 15- Cat Herders Day (one of my favorite videos explains this so well- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_MaJDK3VNE)
December 16- National Chocolate Covered Anything Day (Booyah!)
December 17- National Re-Gifting Day (label maker anyone?)
December 18- Wear a Plunger On Your Head Day (I so hope to see someone celebrating this day)
December 19- National Oatmeal Muffin Day

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Thoughtful Thursday




People may not remember what you did or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.

- Unknown

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Wordless Wednesday- Hanging By a Thread

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Holiday Meme


I am a sucker for memes. I love to read responses to the questions and get a look into how another person thinks. The holiday season is a great topic. I saw this meme on Duck and Wheel With String who saw it on Lola's Diner. Feel free to play along too.

1. What is your favorite holiday show/animated show?

My favorite holiday movie is "It's a Wonderful Life." I am a huge Jimmy Stewart fan. My favorite animated shows are "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas". I love them both. I couldn't choose just one.

2. What holiday character do you think you're most like?

Clarence Oddbody, AS2 (Angel Second Class, from "It's a Wonderful Life"

3. What holiday character does your spouse think you're most like?

Peppermint Patty from "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

4. Favorite Christmas/holiday song?

"We Three Kings" especially the version by the Barenaked Ladies with Sarah McLachlan (LOVE BNL)

5. Most hated Christmas/holiday song?

It is a toss up between "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" (why would we want to sing about that) and "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" (I guess I am greedy...I want other things than that)

6. If you have an all holiday music radio station when do you start listening to it?

I would listen to it all year long if I could. I love Christmas music.

7. If you have an all holiday music radio station do you love it or hate it?

See #6

8. Have you ever wrapped yourself as a Christmas present? Come on...you can tell!

No, I am not going there.

9. Who is Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer's father?

According to the TV show, it was Donder, but I think they say Donner in the show.

10. Do you drive your neighborhood or one near you at night to look at other people's holiday decorations?

It is one of our family traditions to see who has the tackiest display. We refer to it as "the true meaning of Christmas".

11. When you see a heavily decorated house do you think, 'oh that's lovely'? Or do you think, 'oh criminy, that looks like Christmas threw up all over their lawn'?

Heavily? That usually falls in the "true meaning of Christmas category". No thank you.

12. Are you counting the days to Christmas with excited anticipation or dread?

Always excited anticipation. I am still a kid at heart.

13. When was the last time you had your photo taken with Santa? Did you sit on his lap?

When Cara was 2. She refused to take a Santa pic, so I sat on his lap with her.

14. Do you make a Christmas list for your spouse or significant other or do you rely on them to pick your gift(s) without a clue from you?

I make a list. I love Phillip, but picking out things I like is not his forte.

15. When do you put up your tree?

It is usually up by now, but this year we are slackers.

16. Real or fake?

Fake. I am allergic to most trees and would prefer breathing to a real tree.

17. When do you take your tree down?

If I had my way it would be after New Year's, but Scrooge, I mean, Phillip wants it down right after Christmas.

18. Do you shop the day after Christmas sales? What do you shop for?

Sometimes. I don't hit the big sales, but I might check out smaller places for wrapping paper, tags, bows, etc.

19. Is your work/office having a holiday party this year? Will you attend?

I will party with the dogs and cats at home.

20. Do you have your New Year's Eve Plans set yet?

Yes, we always have Phillip's brother and some friends over. They are usually gone by the time midnight arrives though. Phillip and I usually stand outside and watch the neighbors' fireworks.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Monday's Menu- Applebee's White Chocolate and Walnut Blondie Copycat


National Brownie Day is on Tuesday. While searching for brownie recipes, this recipe came up time and time again. I wonder what is the excitement about. I know you think I am nuts. Merry is opting NOT to make a chocolate brownie? Yes, it is out of character for me, but my curiosity wins over chocolate sometimes (just sometimes). I think I will give this one a play. I hope it sounds good to you too.
Applebee's White Chocolate and Walnut Blondie

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Things to Celebrate


This week is National Handwashing Awareness Week. Are you creeped out too when people go to the restroom and then leave without washing their hands. The hair on my arms is standing up as I type this.

December 6- Put On Your Own Shoes Day (I guess I will have to wear shoes then)
December 7- Letter Writing Day (emails don't count...you remember paper and pencil don't you?)
December 8- National Brownie Day (if you stop by the bakery for a brownie, get a pastry for tomorrow)
December 9- National Pastry Day
December 10- Human Rights Day
December 11- International Mountain Day (if you don't live by a mountain, go in your family room, think of your favorite mountain and sing "The Sound of Music" like Julie Andrews did on her mountain top)
December 12- Day of the Horse

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Thoughtful Thursday- Unknown





Faith makes things possible...not easy.

- Unknown

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Wordless Wednesday- Birthday Girl (with no sound just for Lin :)