The adventures of Mini E Episode 5...A Trip to the Zoo

The First day of Thanksgiving Vacation took Mini E too the Zoo. It was a small zoo but had a good variety of Animals for Mini E to choose from. We started out with the Tigers and then he was goofing around with Little E on the Giant Orangutan.

The Elephants put on a good show for Mini E but he was more interested in the Bison I think.

He also like the Flamingos.

 

and he was intrigued by the Galapagos Tortoise

 

We ended the day hunting for some of his and his families favorite meals.

And then he wanted to climb the trees with the beautiful fall color.

All in all I think Mini E had a great trip to the Zoo and no animals were harmed.

Last Day of NaBloPoMo and I was an utter fail

So, I wasn't good at posting everyday, but I tried.  I sometimes posted twice daily doesn't that count for something.  I never really knew it could be so hard to figure out something to write about but it was.  I really couldn't just put everything out on the table could I, I need to leave you with some mysteries about me.  So I failed yet again to complete a goal that I set out for myself and it makes me feel like crap, but I will bounce back and continue to bore you with happenings of me, my family and friends.  I will be doing cookie recipes this month because I absolutely love cookies and usually only bake them at Christmas time.  I will also be regaling with stories of my anxiety ridden behavior around this time of year. Christmas stresses me out beyond belief so there will be plenty of Girls nights out and drinking, plus loads of shopping in which I am planning at this very moment. 

I have one request from my readers, If you have a favorite cookie recipe send it to me and I will put it on my blog next month.

I love all my readers so if you read my blog follow it and make me feel the love.  Ok I think I am juiced on the happy pills today.

A Day of Thanksgiving...

We Give Thanks

Our Father in Heaven,
We give thanks for the pleasure
Of gathering together for this occasion.
We give thanks for this food
Prepared by loving hands.
We give thanks for life,
The freedom to enjoy it all
And all other blessings.
As we partake of this food,
We pray for health and strength
To carry on and try to live as You would have us.
This we ask in the name of Christ,
Our Heavenly Father.

--Harry Jewell


The Z-man is thankful for his Nana and eating with his family.

The J-man is thankful for his brother and being old enough to play with him

The Hubby is thankful for sleep, and his wonderful family

Nana is thankful for her home, putting dinner on the table and that we are able to maintain our lifestyle though turbulent economic times and her health.

Big Bubba is thankful for that the Z-man is a monkey and he escaped from the zoo earlier this week.

I am most thankful for my family who have stuck with me through this year of self discovery and depression.  I am also so thankful for my wonderful friends who have listened to me bitch and moan about my life. I am thankful for my husband and that he has maintained his love for me and through these tough economic times that he has kept his job.


I wish all my readers a great Thanksgiving and hope you have a wonderful time with your family.

Fan Fiction Recommendations and other reads...

My first 2 recommendations are Edward/Bella stories.  The author of these stories is passionate about about food and shopping, which is what drew me to them.  The writing is a little rough but the premise is there.
You Complete Me by Chihuahuamama
My name is Edward. I have amnesia. I was stuck in this foreign land until I met Emmett. He offered me a job at his Cafe in NYC. I met Bella there. I was attracted to her but I don't deserve to be in love. I don't even remember my last name... AH Canon

Amor Vincit Omnia by Chihuahuamama
Bella a widow with a 3yr old. Edward a broken man. Chance crosses Edward and Bella's path. Alice&Jasper and the rest of the Cullens scheme to get them together. Experience drama, romance, wining, dining, and extravagant trips Cullen style! AH Canon

My next to recommendations are from a veteran Fan Fiction author.  She writes wonderful and expressive stories and if you are looking for more Edward and Bella than you got in Breaking Dawn then she is the author for you.

Under the Full Moon by Jayeliwood 
Edward left Bella emotionally half dead in the woods, or did he? What will happen once Bella takes the fateful leap off the cliff? What will Edward do to save her, and himself? What changes if he never left. Starts off at the jump, AU, more mature.

Before the Lunar Eclipse by Jayeliwood
Edward and Bella are finally going to start a life together but one thing stands in there way: The Volturi. Can they find a way to keep their happy family together? Sequel to Under the Full Moon.

I am also reading two books right now.
City of Ashes which is the Second book of The Mortal Instruments series.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold which has been made into a movie that comes out next month.

 

I hope these give you something to read over the Holiday.  Happy reading.

Will the Vanity Fair pics ever end...

All I can say is that the Vanity Fair photos own me and they keep coming.  I can say the outtakes are better than the ones they put in the magazine. 

You could probably shoot me now and I would die with a smile on my face.  Could he be more sexy.

Thankgiving Recipe... Salads

This is my last Thanksgiving Recipe post.  I hope you all got some great ideas for your upcoming Thanksgiving Feast.

Waldorf Salad

From Food Network Kitchens

Prep Time:

15 min

Inactive Prep Time:

--

Cook Time:

10 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

4 servings (4 cups)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup walnuts halves
• 1/2 cup non-fat yogurt
• 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 lemon, zest finely grated
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large crisp apples, such as Gala
• 2 ribs celery (with leaves), sliced into 1/2-inch-thick pieces (leaves chopped)
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 head Boston lettuce, trimmed, washed, and dried

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degree F.

Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool and break the nuts up into small pieces.

Whisk the yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, honey, and lemon zest in a large bowl and season generously with pepper.

Halve, core, and cut the apples into 3/4-inch pieces, leaving the skin intact. Add the apples, celery and raisins to the bowl, and sprinkle with the lemon juice; then toss with the dressing. Cover and refrigerate if not serving immediately.

When ready to serve, toss walnuts into the salad. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a large platter, or divide them among 4 salad plates. Place the salad on the lettuce and serve.

Green Salad with Creamy Mustard Vinaigrette

Copyright 2002, Barefoot Contessa Family Style, All rights reserved

Prep Time:

10 min

Inactive Prep Time:

hr min

Cook Time:

hr min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons Champagne vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
• 1 extra-large egg yolk*, at room temperature (see Note)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup good olive oil
• Salad greens or mesclun mix for 6 to 8 people

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, garlic, egg yolk, salt, and pepper. While whisking, slowly add the olive oil until the vinaigrette is emulsified. Toss the greens with enough dressing to moisten and serve immediately.
Note: If you're worried about raw egg, just omit it.


I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and remember to count your blessings.  

The adventures of Mini E Episode 4...New Moon

It was a long but fun night for Mini E.  Little E joined him for the festivities, dressed in his custom New Moon Hockey Jersey.

We made our way to the concession stand and he was slightly disappointed that there was no Mountain Lion on the Menu.

Mini E made the rounds with the crowd and was quite the ladies man.

As well as some men.  He really liked the guy with the Team Alice Shirt, according to him, she doesn't get enough publicity.

All in all it was a fun night, the girls and I had a great time and the movie was great, already saw it once more and will probably see it several more times.

The next Adventures of Mini E will be later this week with a trip to the Zoo.

My Christmas List...

I am getting this out kinda early for my hubby's benefit.  Just know baby, I don't need it all, Love Ya

Thankgiving Recipe... Parker House Rolls

 

 

Parker House Rolls

Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay

Prep Time:

20 min

Inactive Prep Time:

2 hr 0 min

Cook Time:

25 min

Level:

Intermediate

Serves:

about 24 rolls

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for brushing
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 6 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

Place milk in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat, stir in the butter and sugar and let cool. Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit until foamy. Combine milk mixture, eggs, yeast, salt, and 1/2 of the flour in a mixer with the dough attachment and mix until smooth. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, and stir until a smooth ball forms.
Remove from the bowl and knead by hand on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 60 to 70 minutes. On a floured surface, punch down the dough and shape into desired shapes. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cover again and let rise until doubled, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Preheat the oven 350 degrees F.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter before serving.

Thanksgiving Recipe... Pumpkin Bread

 

 

Pumpkin Bread

Recipe Courtesy of Cathy Lowe

Prep Time:

20 min

Inactive Prep Time:

--

Cook Time:

30 min

Level:

--

Serves:

2 loaves

Ingredients

• 3 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs, lightly bean
• 16 ounces canned unsweetened pumpkin
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 2/3 cup water

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour 2 9 by 5 loaf pans. Stir together sugar and oil. Stir in eggs and pumpkin. Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl. Blend dry ingredients and water into wet mixture, alternating. Divide batter between two loaf pans. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool.

Mother and Son Day...

I spent the today with my oldest Son "the J-Man.  It has been awhile since he and I hung out and today was a good day to do so. We started our day with lunch at The Spicy Pickle and then went shopping at Target so he could show me some of the stuff on his Christmas List, which most of it I would have had no clue what it was.

Here is his Christmas List

Is this normal for a Nine Year old boy, I have no clue, to me it seems random, of course when I was nine I was all about Barbie so I guess this is what 9 year olds want.

I am posting more recipes this evening and will do an Adventure of Mini E posting probably tomorrow, Mini E had quite a good time at the New Moon Movie on Thursday night, he did pretty well with the ladies.

New Moon Midnight Rendevouz To-Do List...

Listen up women it is T-Minus 27 hours and counting until we (me and my Crazy Cool ;) Friends watch Robward, Taycob and Belsten on the big screen tomorrow night and I have many things to do tomorrow and they are not all related to New Moon, but most are.

1. I have a Doctor's appointment tomorrow to see how I am doing on the Happy Pills and to get a refill.
2. My kids have their Thanksgiving Lunch at school, which Hubby and I had to do split duty due to my Dr.s appt.  Yeah there is nothing like Turkey and dressing at 10:45 in the morning.
3.  I need to run to the supermarket or probably just Super Target because you all know that is my favorite place to shop.
      Shopping list:
         cups for coffee
         Movie snacks
         Creamer (peppermint mocha of course and what ever else I find)
         warm socks (for some reason I don't have any anymore, wonder when I threw them all out.)
I will be adding more to this I am sure but for now it is all I can think of.
4. Make massive amounts of coffee
5. Pack cups, creamer, sugar and stirrers
6. pack umbrella ella, ella (might rain and that would suck if I am stuck outside because I don't like the Cold and wet (he, he)
7. Take a nap, don't know if I will have time to squeeze it in but I will sure try.
8. Fix my Alice hair-do ( yes I have an Alice pixie thanks to my COOL friend Kim, who cuts great hair by the way)
9. find my New Moon T-shirt, J put up the clothes so no telling where it is.
10. Pack car
11.  Eat Dinner (yes I will need to remember to remind myself to eat because I am soo excited, Squee, ok I am starting to sound like a teen fangirl).

I think that is enough to get me through the day tomorrow.

So Twi-Cougars (yes the friends and I came up with that one this week for the over 30 crowd) how many of your are going to the Midnight show and pelt the teen fangirls with stale Halloween Milk Duds?

Tonight I am posting a pic of Rob going into the David Letterman Show, He is such a hottie with the scruff and the sunglasses

That is all for tonight folks, go to bed early we all have a long day tomorrow.

Thanksgiving Recipe... Pumpkin Roll

"This is the best pumpkin roll I've ever tasted. Everyone who tastes it always ask for the recipe. Note: One 29 ounce can of pumpkin will make 5 pumpkin rolls. Dust with additional confectioners' sugar, if desired."

Ingredients:

3 eggs 1 cup white sugar 2/3 cup canned pumpkin 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

confectioners' sugar for dusting 1 cup confectioners' sugar 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons butter, softened 8 ounces cream cheese

Directions:

1.	Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 15x10x1 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper. Grease and flour the paper.
2.	In a large bowl, beat eggs on high for five minutes. Gradually add white sugar and pumpkin. Add flour, cinnamon, and baking soda. Spread batter evenly in pan. Sprinkle walnuts evenly on top.
3.	Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 15 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately turn out onto a linen towel dusted with confectioners sugar. Peel off paper and roll cake up in the towel, starting with the short end. Cool.
4.	To Make Filling: Mix confectioners sugar, vanilla, butter or margarine, and cream cheese together till smooth.
5.	Carefully unroll the cake. Spread filling over cake to within 1 inch of edges. Roll up again. Cover and chill until serving. Dust with additional confectioners' sugar, if desired.

Thanksgiving Recipe... Chocolate Pecan Pie & Coconut Pecan Pie

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Lots of chocolate with a buttery flaky crust, this is a delicious pie! This is agreat pie for any occasion. Serve hot or cold, with vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped topping.

Ingredients -

3/4 cup Sugar 1/2 teaspoon Salt 1 cup Light Corn Syrup 3 (1 ounce) squares Unsweetened Chocolate, melted and cooled 3 tablespoons melted Butter or Regular Margarine 3 Eggs 1 teaspoon Vanilla 1 cup chopped Pecans 1 (9 inch) Unbaked Pie Shell

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Combine first seven ingredients in a bowl. 3. At medium speed, with electric mixer, beat until well blended. 4. Add the pecans. 5. Pour pecan pie mixture into the unbaked pie shell. 6. Bake 35 minutes, or until set. 7. Cool on a wire rack.

Coconut Pecan Pie

Coconut pecan pie is a rich pie enhanced with toasted pecans and toasted coconut. This is the perfect recipe for small parties and get togethers. Serves 10-12 samll pieces. Goes well with ice cream and coffee.

Ingredients -

2/3 cup Sugar 1/3 cup Butter, soft 1 cup Dark Corn Syrup 1/2 teaspoon Salt 3 large Eggs 1/2 cup Toasted Coconut 1 1/2 cup Toasted Pecans, chopped 1 (9 inch) Unbaked Pie Shell

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Beat sugar, butter, corn syrup, salt and eggs in medium bowl with whisk until well blended. 3. Add pecans and coconut. 4. Pour pecan pie mixture into prepared pie shell 5. Bake 40 to 50 minutes. Center will be soft, but will set when cooling.

Thanksgiving Recipe...Old Fashioned Paradise Pumpkin Pie

Old Fashioned Paradise Pumpkin Pie

Photo By: Chenell Young
Servings: 8
"This pie 's three layers are sensational: The bottom is a creamy cheesecake layer, the middle is a sweet and spicy pumpkin layer, and the top is a butter pecan streusel that melts and mingles with the pumpkin layer as it bakes."
Ingredients:
1 (9 inch) pie shell
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese,
softened
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten
1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup evaporated milk
2 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. To Make Cheesecake Layer: In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in 1/4 cup sugar, then add vanilla extract and 1 egg. Beat mixture until light and smooth. Chill mixture for 30 minutes, then spread into pastry shell.
3. To Make Pumpkin Layer: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Pour pumpkin mixture over cream cheese layer. Cover edges of crust with aluminum foil.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil from edges and bake an additional 25 minutes.
6. To Make Pecan Streusel Layer: While pie is in oven, combine flour and 2 tablespoons brown sugar in a small bowl. Mix well, then add softened butter or margarine and stir until ingredients are combined. Mix in pecans.
7. After pie has been in oven for 50 minutes, remove and sprinkle pecan streusel evenly over top. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2009 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 11/16/2009

New Moon State of Mind

I am listening to the soundtrack and later tonight I am joining in a podcast at Kim's that is New Moon Centric.  I have our plans in the works for our festivities on Thursday.  Jen finally found her shirt in fact she found two at Hot Topic no less so I think everyone is ready to go.  My Embargo is still intact, I am proud to say, I have stayed away from all new clips and sneak previews I even change the channel when the trailer comes on just so I don't see any new footage.  I know I am silly, but I want to be surprised when I see it and not know what is coming next.  Of course I have seen the interviews and all of the yummy pictures of Rob especially the scruffy ones from Italy.  I even listened to some of the live stream of the fandoms webcast yesterday and I thought Charles Bewley, who plays Dimitri was a cutie.

Plus he is British and you know what that accent does to me.  He had a great sense of humor and took all the question in stride even the marriage proposals. 

It turned chilly here over night which I am kind of glad, I am ready for cooler weather, not downright cold but cooler, 40's and 50's are good for the winter. I mean most of our leaves are still on our trees and we are a week and a half away from Thanksgiving.  Speaking of Thanksgiving I will post another recipe today since that has been a total fail lately but with the sick kids and the house being a wreck things are falling by the wayside.

I can't resist I need a Rob picture in here to satisfy my obsession.

I like the Scruffy Rob pics.

The adventures of Mini E Episode 3...The weekend

So this episode of the adventures of Mini E starts on Saturday around lunch

where we went to PEI WEI

He enjoyed some of my Beef Pad Thai and then listened to the Horns game on the Radio

The Longhorns beat the Baylor Bears 40-14 Whoo Hoo!!! Go Horns!!!

Sunday he went to lunch at Panera Bread and had a Greek Salad

and then made a trip to the local Hot Topic store to see how all the New Moon Merch was selling and let me tell you it was a hoppin'.

 

 

Just 4 days until the Midnight showing are you all ready and have your tickets.  The gals and I are getting our supplies ready, beware teen fangirls, you may not like what we have instore for you.