Happy Halloween!

Had a great day today, wishing that I could have been outside enjoying the great weather. It was almost 70 degrees here today, and tomorrow it will be freezing. It figures, since I will be getting off early tomorrow. I blew my diet today, as I ate, not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5 (I think you get the picture) 10 Hershey Kisses! Oh! they were so good, and worth the extra points. I had bought mini bags of Utz Halloween pretzels to give out to the TOT's, and only 4 cutie pies came by. Boy, my neighborhood has changed....not too many kids here anymore. :(

Challenge:
Since it's Halloween and all.. let's talk horror movies.. do you like watching them? If you do, what are some of your faves? and why???

Funny how things change. Before D and I started dating, I was never a fan of horror movies. But, just in the past 6 months, I have watched more horror films then I care to admit. I can't really say that I have any faves, but, lately, these are what we have watched.

First, we began with this:


Saw:

I was so scared, that I could not look during most of the movie. At the end, I practically jumped out of my seat.

After Saw came out, I swore that I would NEVER, and I mean NEVER see another. That didn't last long, because soon after, we saw this:

Saw 2

We also saw The Exorcism of Emily Rose. That wasn' t too bad, but the SAW movies give me the heebie jeebies!!!

Stay Safe and Happy Halloween to all!!!!

My Suberb Sunday!! [with a twist]

So, yesterday, I was up early. Earlier than usual for Sunday, and with the time change, it felt weird. I am on my computer, it's about 7:30AM, and all of a sudden, I hear a BOOM outside my house, and the next thing I know...we lost all power. So, I call a number that we are supposed to call (not 911), and explain that I heard a BOOM! They then connect me to 911. I speak to a dispatcher, and she informs me that a transformer blew. Ok, so now we know. However, within 3 minutes of me hanging up, not 1, but 2 fire engines were outside. Now, mind you, I am tired, it's FREEZING here with 50 mph winds, and I go outside to greet these fireman....in my Tazmanian Devil nightgown. Flannel to be exact. I apologized to the fireman explaining that I did not call them, and I was sorry they had to come out. While we are outside freezing, (and didn't know this until later)....EMS and the Police Dept. call my home. Since we were outside, and did not answer the phone....they came over too. So, now, I am outside in the cold freezing wind, just in my Taz nightgown. Remember....it.was.flannel. Oh, I was so embarrassed.

On a better note, D and I went shopping for my new GPS system. I found it in the first store, but knowing me and the internet, we will find it cheaper. I will be happy to have one that is portable, rather than the one I have in my curent car. (which won't be mine after Wed.....sniff.....sniff.....)

Lunch and dinner were wonderful......I had some vodka sauce pizza (which is definitely NOT WW friendly, but was SUPERB!!!) We were going out to dinner, but since it was so cold and windy....I decided to COOK!! I made meatballs with whole grain spaghetti. (so it was 1/2 WW friendly. Best part of the meal was that D liked them!

Off to work soon, and won't be home till late. (Oh, and did I say that my glasses broke yesterday...D and I ran to CVS to get a little eye repair kit, and wouldn't you believe, the screw in my glasses are smaller than what they can fix. I'll be at the store when they open this morning at 10:00AM. Wish me luck, because I cannot see without them!

My Addiction :)

Challenge::
Scrapbooking Papercrafting. I'm addicted. how about you?? Let's blog about our addiction.

I guess it's safe to safe to say that I have an addiction. There, I said it. Addiction.
I cannot go into a store with making a purchase, and lately, as all of my (well, most of my) supplies are packed up, my addiction is getting worse. :) Blame all of those darm companies who keep making great stuff. Chipboard, items to alter, great kits, new machines....what's a girl to do? When I had everything at my finger tips, I would create at least 1-2 projects per week. It was my stress reliever, my sanctuary, a place to unwind. Now, not having it around, the ideas are just in my head. (so, journaling and sketching are a good outlet for me) One day, when I have my beautiful room, painted in pistachio paint, I will be in bliss.

I think I am going to be getting the Cricut this year. I was thinking of the Wishblade, but I do not want to be connected to the computer all the time.

I was also thinking of getting this:

Big Dies. Big Technology. Big-Time Compatibility. That’s the
Ellison Design™ Big Shot™. It works 100% with your current Sizzix® and is 40% lighter and 20% wider than the original Sizzix® Machine. Now that’s a Big Deal, even for a Big Shot™.

Includes:
Ellison Design™ Big™ Shot
3 Easy Emboss Folders
2 Thin Cuts, Flowers and Dragonfly
1 Thick Cuts, Tag Traditional
1 Easy Emboss, Friends
1 Pair of Cutting Pads
1 Platform
1 Paper Pack
Dimensions: (14 1/8" x 12 3/8" x 6 1/8")

It's priced at $54.99

So, what do you think? Does anyone have this? If I decide not to get this, I am going to be selling ALL of my Sizzix dies (and I have over 150), most are brand new, never used, still sealed. Machine will go too....:(

Have a great day!! My fiance and I are going shopping today, and out for dinner too!!

Gobble Gobble!!

Challenge:
Let's talk turkey. What are you fixin this Thanksgiving??? Re food???

Thanksgiving is probably my most favorite holiday. I remember my grandmother asking me each July to help her plan her menu. This is something that I will never forget. Now, since she is no longer with us, I do try to "plan" my menu in July, just like she did. Thisis what we are planning to have:

• Appetizers: Stuffed mushrooms, spinach & artichoke dip, mini quiches, and baked clams
• Salad: Mesculun greens with gorgonzola, pears, walnuts, and a raspberry dressing
• Dinner: Turkey, Stuffing (2 different kinds), Sweet Potato Pie, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatos, Baked Peas with caramelized onions and bread crumbs (these are SOOOO good!), Cauliflower mash, and my all time favorite (as well as my friends and family is): Butternut Squash Lasagna. (see recipe below) It seems now that ever since I started making this lasagna (about 2 years ago) it is requested now for every holiday throughout the year.
• Dessert: Low carb cheesecake for my sister :), Pumpkin Cheesecake for the rest of us :), homemade icecream sandwiches for my fiance, and either a chocolate "dirt" cake, or a poke cake. (haven't decided yet)

When making the Butternut Squash lasagna, I have found that pre-cut fresh squash works well. (I buy it in my local Wegmans, but I am sure you could ask you produce manager at your local supermarket to order it for you) I also omit the ameretti cookies, and I do not saute the squash in oil. (I boil it) - This year I am going to modify it some to be WW friendly. I am so sure it will be delish!!!!!

Butternut Squash Lasagna - Giada DeLaurentis - Everyday Italian

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!!!

I'm Home!!!

Feels so good to be home!! I left early Tuesday morning for a business trip to St. Louis. Started out rough as I only woke up 10 minutes before the cab was to arrive. Luckily, I called, and in the end I got to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Not sure if anyone reading this lives in St. Louis, but if you do....I really love your city!!! I lived there almost 8 years ago (for less than 3 months), and have travelled there frequently for work. Something about St. Louis, to me, is very soothing. Got in late last night, and didn't get home until almost midnight, so today I feel exhausted....but, I am off to work in a few minutes.

2 Peas Challenge for today:

Challenge:
Describe your gift wrapping style regarding holiday/christmas presents.. anything special/unique??? Don't know about you.. but I LOVE WRAPPING PRESENTS!! The presentation is such a part of the gift itself!

I LOVE to wrap presents. :) I really do. I used to by the same paper for everyone, and wrap every package identical, whether you were in my house, or I was giving a present to someone else. Now I have LOTS of paper, and I like all packages to look different. I like to use bags, colorful tissue, boxes (both decorative and plain - as I like to dress up the plain!) I do not do anything unique, but many years ago, I purchased something called "Gift Wrap in a Snap". It's pre-measured gift wrap (with tape alrady attached), boxes that fit that pre measured paper. So really, all you do is pacakge your item in the box, place in the designated box "area", fold where it says to fold, remove the tape, and POOF!!! PERFECT PACKAGE everytime!!! (so, most people that know me, know that this is a packaging system that I love!!

Have a great day!!!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
Here's the challenge. If you could only get one thing for Christmas, scrapbooking related, what would it be???

Well, if I could have just one thing, it would have to be a scraproom. Since accumulating so much stuff over the last few years, I truly have no place to scrap. I packed up everything a few months ago (except for the supplies I could not live without) and I really miss it. So, although my wish will not come true by this Christmas, I could be safe to say that next Christmas, I will be surrounded by my beautiful supplies in my very own room.

I need to make sure I get home early today, as I am leaving for a business trip tomorrow morning, and won't return until late Thursday evening. Suffice it to say, I am going to where it is cold, and although I am happy for the trip, I would rather not go. :(

I went to look at different catering halls with D yesterday. One of them was a definite NO!, but the last one was a MAYBE!, so keep your fingers crossed as the final decision will come in approximately 3 weeks. We have to decide if we are doing a destination wedding, or keeping it local. (anyone who has had a destination wedding, any words of wisdom/tips would be appreciated)

Have a great day!

Happy Saturday!!

So much to do today:

1. Weight Watchers
2. Starbucks
3. Pedicure/Manicure
4. Shopping at the Mall
5. Shopping at Target
6. Car shopping
7. Make cupcakes
8. Dinner
9. Movies
10. RELAX!!!!

I cannot wait for #10, but I am looking so forward to #3!!!

Have a great day!!

7 Months from today!!!

Here's the challenge!!!
Blog about something that has really excited you.. something you were really anticipating perhaps.. blog about it.. share your excitement!!!!!

I am getting married 7 months from today!!!
I am beyond excited, and want to shout it out to the whole world!!! I cannot believe how fast the last 7 months flew by, so I am sure the next 7 will do the same. I have dreamt about this day for what seems forever, and I know that he is the one for me. D and I dated briefly many years ago, (for a very short time- like 3 dates!), and many years later, he found me. Both of us were not involved with anyone at the time, and when he asked me out again, and I went out that night, I knew he was for me.
D- not sure if you are reading this today, but I wanted to share with the world how much I Love You!!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
Blog about how you feel about your blogging. Is it too time consuming? Do you love sharing? What are the benifits of blogging? and the negative things of it?

I think blogging is a great outlet to share your thoughts, daily ramblings, your creativity, and most of all.....you!
For some, I imagine that it is too time consuming. For me, it isn't. Although, since starting this blog, I have not blogged to much about myself, and instead, have enjoyed the 2 Peas challenges. It allows me to share, and I get to meet great people from all over. As far as sharing, I think that sometimes, people share too much. It depends on their level of comfort, and if it works for them, then it works for me. I think some benefits of blogging are: getting to connect with family and friends who do not live near you, being creative whenever you want to be, allowing your inner creativity to flow in the form of words, but most of all...being allowed to say what you feel, when you want to. Sure there are negative things, but there are negative things to many things we do. ,

About a year ago, I had started a blog on Typepad. I had such a good feeling about it. So many were using it, and it seemed easy. So, I was going to journal every day. I started out strong....tried to keep up with it. What happened was, I wasn't using it, and I was still being charged $14.95 per month. When I realized of how much money I had spent, I cancelled the account. Now that I have started this blog (which I am still learning to use), I really like it. I find that even though I am not so much journaling my daily life, I am still journaling a part of my life. (if anyone has any tips for sprucing up this blog, please let me know....I would be grateful!)

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
The Holidays are coming. Blog about the things about the holidays you are looking forward to.... no matter what they are!

Such a good topic!!!
I am so looking forward to the holidays. I feel like they cannot get here soon enough. I love being able to spend time with my friends and family. I feel like during the year, there is not enough quality time spent, but once the holidays roll around, the time spent is priceless.

I am going to be on vacation the week after Thanksgiving. I am hoping that D and I will be able to take a few days for vacation. If not, then hoping to do some shopping, and spending more time with D. We have decisions to make on the house....will we build? Or, will we find what we want? Then after my vacation, I am back to work for one week, and then back on vacation! (again!) Woo Hoo!! This vacation is the week before Christmas, and once again, I am hoping to go away for a few days. I seem to always save my vacations for the end of the year, so this way I always have something to look forward too. If D and I do not get to go away, then I am planning to finish up our wedding plans. We have so much to do, as we are getting married in 7 months and 2 days !

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
Taken from the Artists Way Workbook: TEN TINY CHANGES: List ten changes you'd like to make for yourself, from the significant to the small or vice versa, do it this way:

1. I would like to be able to find a home to buy
2. I would like to spend more time with D
3. I would like to have my wedding day come sooner :)
4. I would like to see my dad one more time
5. I would like to know that my mom did not have to work any longer
6. I would like to finally create a "Book of Me"
7. I would like to move away and start "fresh" in a new place
8. I would like to reconnect with some friends from the past
9. I would like to find my dream job
10. I would like to be able to say "NO" more often

What a great challenge this was!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
What gets you through a monday?

Wow! I was just thinking about this, and sure enough, this is the challenge of the day!
For as long as I can remember, I do not like Mondays. I love Friday, and Saturday, and I dread Sunday, because I know that Monday is right around the corner.
Lately, what gets me through a Monday is my planned work week, knowing that I only have four days to work after today, and most importantly, I get to see my fiance on Friday evenings. I keep kind of a "countdown" in my planner, and cannot wait to get past Monday. The only time that I enjoy a Monday is either when I am on vacation (and I wake up, look at the clock, and turn over quickly, knowing that I am being PAID to be on vacation!), or when there is a holiday, and I get to be home.
Maybe in the future, Monday's won't be a problem for me? :)

I am undecided :(

Well, officially, my lease on my car is up in 2 weeks. I have had this car for 42 months, and I am so torn. I would love to get another one, but with buying a house, I simply cannot. So, after test driving, looking, calling, searching online, this is what I have narrowed it down to:

Acura RDX. Although the leasing price is outrageous, it has every feature I am looking for. The car rides like a dream, and would be perfect. But, lots of dealerships to not have it in stock, as the supply has not caught up with the demand.

Another choice is the Nissan Murano. The price, whether, finance or purchase is alright, but the insurance (WOW!) is through the roof. I did compare 4 insurance companies, and the difference was about $50. This sits a little higher than the Acura, and it does have two small blind spots on either rear side. (I see more Muranos' on the road lately!! - seems like everyone has one!)



My final choice is the Honda CR-V (better known as the Crave)
It has just been introduced and for the price, you get a LOT of car. (well SUV)
I have requested 3 or 4 quotes from different dealers, and I have not received any of them yet.
Being that I only have two weeks left, I am in need of some owner opinions from any of the above. Why did you decide on any of them? Happy? Would you buy/lease another one? Pros? Cons? Thoughts?

Anything would be greatly appreciated!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
Blog about the struggles you face as a scrapbooker. What are the challenges in your life, related to this craft? Anything you have trouble doing/understanding?

I can say that I have very few struggles as a scrapbooker. I wish I have more time to scrap than I do now, and I wish I had a better camera. I am hoping for a Canon DRebel this year, so maybe things will get a little better, as far as the photos. :)
I had to pack up most of my supplies a few months ago, as I just didn't have the room for it. (I had shopped for YEARS and hardly made a dent in my never ending supplies) I am hoping for a craft room when we buy our new house. A place that is mine....where my supplies can "run free", and I could play anytime I want to. :)

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
What in your life, do you wish you would have done that you haven't yet???

I wish I would have traveled to Europe, and the Far East. I have been talking about going to since I was in high school, and since I graduated almost 20 years ago (wow!), I wish I would have visited. I do think that I am going to get my chance since we are deciding on Europe or China for our honeymoon. I feel that we could do what we want in Europe for 2 weeks, but I would LOVE to spend 3 weeks in the Far East. We'll see... :)

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
What is your style of Christmas decorating? country/traditional/contemporary/northwoods??? share your christmas/holiday decorating secrets!

As the years have passed, my style of decorating is now more of a contemporary style. I tend to decorate most in the front of the house, and little outside. I tend to keep using the same decorations from years passed, and only really buy what I need. It is so tempting nowadays to buy everything in sight, but with the purchase of a new house in my future, I have to be practical. As for secrets, I really do not have any, but I do bake throughout the season and I always have cookies out for all who come to visit. :)
*in fact, I just bought a new cookie press and lots of cookie cutters today!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
If you could ask for only 3 things this Christmas, what would they be?

Hmmm....only three things......

1. Wishblade
2. Cricut
3. DRebel

However, now that my fantasy is over, I would just like one thing this year.....to be able to find a house. We have been looking for awhile, and it would be nice for our search to be over.

Have a great day!!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
your favorite outfit. What is it, and why is it your fave? the style? the color? the comfort?

Oh...this is a good topic. :)
My favorite outfit would be a toss up between two faves. One would be my usual Saturday outfit.....black v-neck tee and yoga pants from old navy, and the other is my favorite Levis, big comfy sweatshirt, and my Uggs. (love my Uggs) They are both so comfy, and so me!! During the week, I wear a "sort of" uniform, so, when I am not at work, I like to be comfortable. My favorite color is black. (and I wear black almost all the time!)

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
Bling. Jewelery. What kind of jewelery do you wear? like to wear? or do you wear any? Blog about your jewelery likes/dislikes.

I am such a creature of habit when it comes to jewelery. I have been wearing the same necklace and bracelet since 1989. One of the rings I "was" wearing, I wore since I was 12, as it was a gift from my grandparents. However, since getting engaged, that ring is not being worn anymore. (it was replaced with a beautiful engagement ring) But, is being kept in a safe place. :)
I do wear "bling" rings, as my sister calls them. I am attracted to sparkle.
In addition, I also wear two silver ankle bracelets. Love them, and I never take them off!

To me...jewelery is a girls best friend!!

Finally Friday!

I am so glad that Friday finally here! I feel as if it took forever to come. I am going to work, then off to D's for the weekend. I am excited that we will get to go apple picking on Sunday. Haven't done that in many years, and I know we will have a great time. (hoping for lots of pics too!) Tomorrow morning is my WI at WW, and I am hoping for a loss. I am close to hitting the 20lb. mark, and I would like to do it in the next few weeks. (once I hit the 20lb. mark, wedding gown shopping....here I come!!!)

Have a great day....

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
Halloween candies. What are your faves?

What a different Halloween this is going to be? You see, I have been on WW for 17 weeks. I have lost a total of 17.4 lbs. Last year in the time (like previous years), I would have been buying candy like crazy. My favorites, in no particular order are:

Hershey with Almonds
Mini Kit Kats
Mini Milky Way
Nestle Crunch
M&M's (both plain and peanut)

So, this year, as I was shopping for candy, I opted for Utz Halloween pretzels, and they are only 2pts. per bag. I bought 4 bags, 2 bags to give out to the TOT's, and 2 bags for me. :) The picture on top is of the bag. (they are shaped as bats and jack-o-lanterns) - Sorry, I do not know how to move the photo down below.

Have a great day!!

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
What is the last thing you created? Could be anything.. scrapbook related, papercraft, artsy, whatever.. share on your blog about what you created and post a pic if you can!

The last thing I created was a paper bag album for a friends birthday.
It only took about 2 hours to put together, and I cannot wait to do another. I am sorry to say that I did not take a pic prior to giving it to her, but as for the next one, I'll be sure to post pics.

I need strength...

Did you ever have a day that you wish didn't exist? That would go away as fast as it came?
Did you ever try your best, however, it wasn't good enough? Why do I try? It is never appreciated. Only 1 hour and 32 minutes, and my new day will begin. Why can't I ever say NO...I must learn to say NO...

I need strength.....

**I feel so much better today. The sun is shining, supposed to be in the 80's today, and I can't wait to start the day. :)

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
Talk about your fave tv show. What is it at the moment? What tv show is there on tv... new or otherwise, that you just have to watch/tape on the tivo?

Well, my favorite TV show is the Amazing Race. (to this day my sister and I still want to try out) I find it so exciting to see people travel all over the world in search of the grand prize. For me, the prize would be to travel the world.

As for other TV, I have to watch and/or Tivo Food Networks' Unwrapped. I am amazed at how some of the favorite foods/candy/snacks that we grew up on are made. I can sit in front of the TV for hours. :)

2 Peas Challenge

Challenge:
Thanksgiving is drawing near. List 10 things you are most thankful for, in no particular order.

1. my family
2. David
3. my friends
4. good food
5. financial stability
6. my CS
7. my health
8. my faith
9. my weight loss
10. to have found my partner for life

Yep, that's me!

Growing up, I had 8 Jennifer's in my second grade class. One day, my teacher sent home a note asking if she could call me Jen [with 1n], since she had so many kids with the same name.
From that day on, the name stcuk with me.

Many months ago, I started a blog on typepad. I enjoyed it...it was therapy....it was mine. However, since getting engaged in March, I have had to cut back on some expenses. Typepad was one of them. I have heard great things about Blogger, and I am hoping, in time, to get a little creative. If anyone has any tips for a Blogger newbie, I would appreciate it.

**On a side note, this past Saturday at WW, I have officially lost 17.4 lbs. and I earned my 10% key chain! (happy dance for me!)