5 Things I Enjoyed Today!

I saw this on BonnieRoses' blog, and I thought this was a terrific idea. (and, it's the 2 Peas Challenge of the day)

Here goes:

1. I cleaned most of my room today, making room for lots of new things. My fabulous boots arrived today. I have been wearing them ever since UPS knocked on my door. :)
2. For the first time in many months, I had lunch with my mom and sister. We are always running in opposite directions, so it was a nice surprise today.
3. Oh, this arrived today too! I am so excited to actually have an adaptable planner. I currently use a Franklin Covey one, but I think this will work better.
4. I gave away some bags of clothes today. Since losing 21 lbs. a lot of my clothes no longer fit. So, off to someone who can use them.
5. I won a RAK!!! from BonnieRose! It is an adorable magnet, and I was one of three winners.

Thanks for reading!!

Thursday Thirteen #4

Thirteen Places that I want to visit (and will someday!) 1. Italy 2. France 3. Australia 4. Hong Kong 5. Tahiti 6. Africa 7. Russia 8. Greece 9. Tokyo 10. Hawaii 11. New Zealand 12. England 13. Canada

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Been awhile....

Wow...been away for a few days...enjoying my time with D. We got to spend more time this weekend, then we have in the past few months. We even went and bought our wedding rings! I am so siked to marry this man. He really makes me happy.
I came home late last night, and I have been trying to catch up, both IRL and online. I do not go back to work until next Monday, and I have lots to do until then.

This morning, I did some online shopping...want to see what I bought? :)

Click here! I think they are adorable. I bought them in Chestnut.

Then, thanks to BonnieRose's blog I bought this! (thanks BonnieRose! I love reading your blog!) This is going to help me so much....I need to get organized this year. My wedding is less than 6 months away!! Acckkkk!!!

Off to organize some more....will blog again later!

Thursday Thirteen #3

Thirteen Things I love about being on VACATION!!(which officially began TODAY!) 1. No WORK!! 2. Get to spend lots of time with D :) 3. Sleeping in LATE!!! (no alarm clock!) 4. Shop 5. Cook 6. Bake 7. Decorate 8. Travel 9. Organize 10. Declutter 11. Scrap 12. Visit with friends 13. RELAX!!!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge: What Thanksgiving dish that you have... that you can't wait to taste yet again this year?? Is it something new, or a fave family recipe?? share on your blog...

I cannot wait for tomorrow....last year while watching the Food Network, I saw Giada DaLaurentiis make a Butternut Squash Lasagna. At first, while watching the show, it looked extremely complicated. However, when I shopped for the ingredients, it was a piece of cake!!!
All I can say is WOW!!! This is by far the BEST lasagna I have ever had. It uses a basil bechemel sauce, and loaded with fresh butternut squash.

Here is the recipe: I modify it by using fresh cut squash (I buy this at my local Wegman's), and I omit the ameretti cookies. I am attempting to make it WW friendly this year by using reduced fat cheese and light cream.

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Cook's Note: The no-boil lasagna noodles can be substituted with fresh spinach lasagna sheets. Look for fresh lasagna sheets in the refrigerated section of specialty markets.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (1 1/2 to 2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup water
3 amaretti cookies, crumbled
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups whole milk
Pinch nutmeg
3/4 cup (lightly packed) fresh basil leaves
12 no-boil lasagna noodles
2 1/2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan

Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the water into the skillet and then cover and simmer over medium heat until the squash is tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly and then transfer the squash to a food processor. Add the amaretti cookies and blend until smooth. Season the squash puree, to taste, with more salt and pepper.

Melt the butter in a heavy medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, whisking often, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the nutmeg. Cool slightly. Transfer half of the sauce to a blender*. Add the basil and blend until smooth. Return the basil sauce to the sauce in the pan and stir to blend. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.

Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F.
Lightly butter a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Spread 3/4 cup of the sauce over the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on the bottom of the pan. Spread 1/3 of the squash puree over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Drizzle 1/2 cup of sauce over the noodles. Repeat layering 3 more times.

Tightly cover the baking dish with foil and bake the lasagna for 40 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the lasagna. Continue baking uncovered until the sauce bubbles and the top is golden, 15 minutes longer. Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving.

*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

ENJOY!!!!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:

Holiday Sparkle or Traditional Misteltoe? Share you preferences for Christmas decorating... what kinds of things do you love?

I love the holiday sparkle. The glow of the lights. There is nothing more calming that sitting in a room only to be lit up with beautiful lights. There is something about the glow that is so remarkable.

I packed up most of my decorations, and this year, I will be decorating, but...minimally. With moving over the next few months, I need to know where everything is, and purged everything I didn't need last year. D and I will be shopping for decorations after the holiday, as we will celebrate the holidays next year as husband and wife!! Oh, I love the sound of that! Some of the stores here have some great decorations, but paying full price is not what I want this year. I have enough wrapping paper, bows, gift tags, and boxes to last many years. So, this year, I will look for organizing ideas after the holidays.

Just back from D's after a wonderful weekend together...what can I say, I enjoy every single second spent with him. We had a great time, but the weekends go so fast. I am so looking forward to this week, as after Wednesday, I am on VACATION!!!! I cannot wait!

I am off to look at the coupons for this week. I heard that with Joann's Moolah Bucks (I think that is what they are called), you can use them on Cricut accessories. I "think" I am getting a Cricut this year. (I am so excited!!!!!)

Have a great day!

Thursday Thirteen #2

Thirteen Things on our Thanksgiving table 1. Appetizers consisting of: stuffed mushrooms, baked clams, bruschetta, and fruit and cheese platters. 2. Mesculn salad with gorgonzola cheese, toasted walnuts, pears, and a refreshing vinagrette dressing 3. Turkey and a Turkey breast. (so that we know we have some leftovers for great turkey sandwiches) 4. Butternut Squash Lasagna - I found this great recipe while watching Giada Delaurentis on "Everyday Italian" on the Food Network - OH MY!! It is so good, and it requested now for most holiday get togethers. 5. Sweet Potato pie (with lots of mini marshamallows, AND crushed pineapple) 6. Garlic smashed potatos (with gravy, of course!) :) 7. Rachael Rays' Stuffin Muffins - perfect size stuffing for each person at your table. 8. More stuffing, because you can never have enough. 9. Baked peas - made with sauted onions, fresh garlic, bread crumbs, and fresh pecorino romano cheese. 10. Mashed cauliflower - consistency of mashed potatos - only better! (may add some broccoli to it this year too) 11. Dinner rolls - haven't decided if I am making them from scratch, or picking them up. 12. Pumpkin Pie (or cheesecake) - will make the decision as the days approach 13. Chocolate Trifle - made with Sugar Free/Fat Free chocolate jello pudding, fat free cool whip, and diet cola cake. (this is MY dessert, as I have been on WW for 24 weeks)

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

2 Peas Challenge

What's a trip you took as a child that you will always remember. and why??? blog about it.

I was about 8 years old, and we went to Disney World. It was our first time there, and I was crazy about Pluto (and still am) While walking through the Magic Kingdom, I spotted him. He wasn't your average size souvenir stuffed animal. He was about 3 feet tall, and oh! so soft. He was so cute, and had soft ears. However, how could an 8 year old carry this 3ft. tall Pluto around? I think we spent 10 days in Disney and each day in each park, I came across him. My sister got her small Chip and Dale for her present, but all I wanted was Pluto. [did I mention that back then in 1978, this Pluto was $100??] Yep, $100. So, now, our last day arrives, and we are packing in the room. There is a knock at the door, the man from the gift shop is standing there, holding my Pluto. I was elated....I was screaming...I remember hugging my dad so tight. So, off we go to the airport...it was Pan Am airlines to be exact, and guess what? He was too big for the cargo hold, so my dad bought him an airline ticket [I could just imagine how much that cost], and he flew home sitting next to me. [It has been 28 years since then, and I still have this Pluto] :)

This was the first family vacation that we all flew together. We all had the BEST time, and I will never forget the smile that my dad brought to my face that day. [i do have a photo somewhere, so if I find it, i'll be sure to post it here)

Have a great day.....thanks for reading!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
What handmade gifts are you thinking of giving this year?

I went to M's the other night, armed with my 50% coupon. After I walked "every" aisle, as once again, I could not find "anything" to buy, I ended up buying some cute wooden letters to alter. I had bought Mod Podge about a year ago, but with all the packing of my supplies, I lost it [sniff..sniff] So, I bought the little pack with all of the varieties. I am planning on doing a few letters for some friends. I did the first one, [shh...didn't come out so great....any pointers would be appreciated...but, I am trying] I am also altering the Starbucks Advent Calendar for a friend who collects calendars. [but, I need to give it to her a little sooner, so that she can enjoy it for the month] Other than that, I have 2 lunchboxes sitting here, as well as 2 large, and 2 small paint cans. I have tons of ideas for both, so I guess I have to get moving!!

Have a great day!!!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
What is that other ppl do, that really bugs you?? Blog about it.

What bugs me most is:

• People who lie
• People who mind other peoples' business
• People that have no manners
• People who think they are better than you
• People who tailgate you - and people that do not signal
• People who spit
• People who throw cigarette butts out the window when driving
• People who eat with their mouths full
• People that cannot say 'Excuse Me"
• People who commit to something, but cannot keep a promise
• People who say they are your friend, but really, they are not
• People who think they have the answers for everything
• People who want to know YOUR business all the time, but never share with you
• People who cheat other people
• People who cannot be on time (huge pet peeve of mine)
• People who talk in movie theaters (yep, happened last weekend, and it's not nice)
• People who use other people just to get something from them
• People who do not respect others
• People who thrive on the "drama" each and everyday

Thanks for reading....Have a great day!

Yippee!!!!!!

Just back from my WI at WW and I lost 1 lb. for a grand total of 20.4 lbs.!!!
I am so excited!! I now KNOW that I can lose the remaining 24 lbs. :)

Just wanted to share my news....

Have a great day!

2 Peas Challenge

Blog about the state you would like to live in.. another State.. why would you wanna live there????

This is so easy...as I would love to live in Nevada. Since first visting there in 1991, I knew I would someday live there. Sure, I love Las Vegas, but that is NOT the draw for me there.

This is....

The BEAUTIFUL Mountains!

When I first flew into Nevada, I could not believe the mountains. They were everywhere, they were enormous, but most of all, they were beautiful. I knew one day that I wanted to wake up, look out my window, and have those beautiful mountains surround me. Every year, I travel to Las Vegas, whether for business or personal. This past September, I was able to visit Red Rock Canyon.

Is THIS not beautiful?

I will be going back before the end of year, as D and I are trying to get time off together. Even though I know I won't be living there as soon as I would like, I know that this is where I will eventually live. Even if if takes some time. :)

Have a great day! I am off to WW...let's hope for a loss this week. I am only .06 away from 20 lbs.!!!! [fingers crossed!]

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
Talk about your fave color and why it's your favorite!

My favorite color is...........PURPLE!
There is something about the color purple that is very soothing. Almost calming. A color that when I look at it, has some sort of stress relief in it. Ever since I was a little girl, I was always drawn to purple. I remember once my dad took me shopping. I bought a pair of purple suede Frye cowboy boots. They were too cute, and I never wanted to take them off. (about a week ago, I found them in my basement, and boy! did they bring back a lot of memories) Bookbags, notebooks, socks, and shirts always were different shades of purple. To this day, I still carry a purple planner with me.

Others would say that my favorite color is.......BLACK!
Everyday I wear black. Black shirt, black pants, black funky socks (I heart socks -I collect them- probably have over 500 pairs), and black shoes. Most people do not think that I own anything in color, (they're wrong), but I choose to wear black during the week. On the weekends with D, I tend to wear different colors.

Have a great day!

My 1st Thursday Thirteen!

Thirteen Things that I can't live without! 1.... my D 2.... my family 3.... my friends 4.... my cell phones 5.... my computer 6.... my car 7.... my camera 8.... my Carmex lip balm 9.... my B&BW lotions, shampoos, and soaps 10....Baskin Robbins mint chocolate chip ice cream 11....LUSH products 12....my Jack 13....PASTA!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

I found this through a link on 2Peas (sorry, I can't give proper credit, as I am not sure whose blog it was on). I think these will be so much fun to do. Feel free to get the code (it's above, and join in!)'

Thanks for reading!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
Blog about your absolute fave beverage of choice.

Prior to Jun. 7th, my favorite beverage would have been a toss up between Dr. Pepper, and Caffeine Free Coke. (only after, Vanilla Coke was discontinued) But after joining WW, I realized that it was my favorite beverages that were helping me gain the weight. So, I gave up my favs. In fact, I have only had 2 diet sodas since June. I guess my favorite beverage of choice now, is water. I drink approx. 64-100 oz. per day. But, I am a little picky about my water. I only drink Poland Springs or Dasani. :)

I wish I had more time to write, but I need to get to work.
Have a great day!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
Yesterday, the topic was childhood homes. Today.. .it's different.
Let's talk about the place you live in, right now, tonite, this moment. What do you love about it? What do you hate about it? Blog about the roof over your head, right now.

Well, the home I live in right now, IS my childhood home. I have lived here since I was 3, and only lived away for a few years. But, I came back. I love that my house is "my house", but in the coming months, with the wedding approaching, D and I will be buying a house. So, I will move. Other than my family living here too, there is not that much that I love about it here. My grandparents used to live upstairs, and when we moved in, my parents had a door made inside that let us (my sister and I) be able to run upstairs to see them. We never had to go outside, and then back in. I would always "know" if my grandmother or grandfather were coming downstairs for a visit. I miss them...I wish I could run up those stairs one more time to see them. It's one of my fondest memories....and I'll never forget.

What I hate about it here.....It's gotten very crowded over the years, and sometimes, I can't even park in my own driveway. :( I never really felt like it was a neighborhood. Not like a neighborhood I could imagine. I sometimes feel trapped, as there is not much to do by me, but 30 minutes in each direction, and you can find something. But as much as I dislike it here, truly, there is no place like home......

Have a great day.....

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
What are your favorite fall scents?

What a great topic, as I just spent lots of money on some yumy candles at Yankee Candle.
I stocked up on Chritmas Cookie, and loads of Clean Cotton. During the holidays, I enjoy Jack Frost, and anything do with apples. I also love Midsummers Night, as it reminds me of mens Drakkar cologne. (smells delish!)

Got back this morning from a wonderful weekend with D. We were able to spend lots of time together, and even got to go to the movies. (we saw SAW 3, and albeit, I spent most of the movie "hidden" in his sleeve) This was a scary one....love how they did this one. Had a great dinner, and ate too much. But, I still lost a pound at WW on Saturday, and now brings my grand total to 19.4 lbs. lost FOREVER!! In two weeks, I will start looking for a wedding gown, since I hope to be 20 lbs. down!!

Off to have some lunch...hope everyone has a great day!

TGIF!

I do not know about you, but I feel like for the first time in a REALLY long time, this week flew by! I get to see D tonight, and he has already informed me that he has a surprise for me. I am so excited to see him. :) We have so much to do this weekend, as we are in the process of finalizing the wedding details. I will be so happy when they are complete. :)

2 Peas Challenge:
What is your fave holiday movie? share on your blog.

My favorite holiday movie:

Home for the Holidays

My absolute favorite all time movie!!! Thanksgiving is not Thanksgiving without me watching this. If you have never seen this, and want a great laugh, run to your local Blockbuster now! Jodie Foster did a wonderful job directing this, and the cast is totally amazing. It reminds me of what families really go through during the holidays. The laughter, the tears, the closeness of being together...this really sums it up. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Blogger wasn't cooperating last night, so I could not post pics of my new SUV. I'll try again this evening. Off to work in a few minutes....Have a great day!!!!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
Describe your dream date.

D and I seem to have dream dates often. Sometimes, he surprises me, and takes me for long drives, where he and I have tons of time to talk. Sometimes, (well most of the time), he wants to know "what I want to do", because according to him, all he wants to do is spend time with me. For me, just being with him is a dream date. Place doesn't matter, just the company that you keep. I cherish all of my dates with D, since we have a small distance between us. For us, Fridays do not come soon enough. (and Sundays come too fast), but we make the most out of our weekends. :)

I picked up my new SUV yesterday!! So far, I am really liking it, might take a few days to used to it. I couldn't post pics last night, but I will do my best to get them loaded today. Have a busy day today at work. Everyday seems to busy, and luckily, I still have 2 weeks of vacation left before the end of the year!! I am SOOOOOO looking forward to that. Haven't decided if I am going somewhere yet, but at least I know I have the time.

Hope everyone has a great day!!

Today's the Day!

Woke up this morning with the worst headache in history. I have been up for over two hours (should have been at work already), but here I am...headache GONE!, and me, attached to my computer.
I have lots to do today, as I am planning to leave work early. My sister is going with me to pick up my NEW SUV!! Yippee! I finally made a decision, and I am really happy about it. I will be sad to see my SUV go, as I feel like I am abandoning him. But, everyone has to make choices, and this was a "slightly" hard decision for me to make. Hoping to be able to post pics later this evening. D bought me a great navigation system for the car (as I realized that I just spent about $40 per month for the last 42 months on my nav system that was in my car, and now that I am returning it, it was NEVER mine!)

Ok, on to today challenge:

Challenge:
What kind of sb goodies are you gonna ask for this year? any?

Since I am hoping to have my room ready for next year, I am going to ask for some furniture. Some Pottery Barn look-a -likes. Nothing fancy, but very functional. D knows that I really want a DRebel. In fact, we were at Costco the other day, and (my local one), no longer carries the Digital EOS, only the new one, and it's $849.99. He said "Come on, let's get it now"! I was stunned, but truth, I would love for it to be a surprise. I know, it could have been in my hot little hands, but the practical side of me was glad that he DID NOT get it. I think at that moment, I was truly in shock!!
I "am" hoping to still find the other Rebel for $699.99 and then hope :keeping fingers crossed: that Canon decides to do another $100 rebate before the holidays. Oh, and I bought myself a present today....small, but something I can not wait to do. Click on the link below to see what comes in the kit.

http://www.jennibowlin.com/MonthlyProjectKitImg.aspx















Hope everyone has a great day! If you have never left me a comment before, feel free to say hello!!!