Enchanted Holiday Season to You All!

I'm coming back! Soon, I promise.

So much has happened and I have been unable to blog regularly but I promise I will be back soon with my favorite decorative time of the year blog candy for your enjoyment!

Sit back, relax and have a most enchanting holiday season!

xoxo

~ ~ MIA ~ ~ but still here!

Reasons why I've been MIA:

Fall House Cleaning

Wisdom Tooth Extraction

I have been MIA for the last few weeks and miss my general BLOGGING. I had a few medical issues to take care of in addition to my wisdom teeth removal and am also in the process of Fall Cleaning which can attribute to my lack of energy to blog about dust bunnies and coffee stains on the carpet!

For those of you who may still be reading this and have not forgotten me, I thank you! It's time to go back to normal blogging as usual!

Kiss Me Once, Kiss Me Twice, Kiss Me Once Again....

One of my favorite Images of All Time.

click here for the tune that went along with it (love the lyrics!)

Click here for the story.
Click here for the other story.
Personally, I think there was more than one sailor or serviceman kissing a nurse or female in the streets that day! Who wouldn't be kissing the ground and everyone else after hearing the news that War was finally over?

Hope you enjoy it!
xoxoxo

Movie Monday - RADIO DAYS

Radio Days

Woody Allen

This movie had me cracking up the very first time I watched it. So much nostalgia, so much laughter!!!

It's a light, airy comedy that is somewhat autobiographical of Woody Allen's life as a boy in New York during World War 2. Even if you are not a Woody fan, you will appreciate the commonality that all families share (dysfunction, humor etc.).

There are two main storylines that go on in this film but it's so easy to watch and grasp and enjoy!

The first storyline is about a family (Woody Allen's) that all live together in a small town in New York during the war. He showcases his quirky family characters in this opening scene. Woody's character is engrossed in listening to the radio (what our grandfathers must have loved equally to modern day video games). It effects his family as well, for they each have a specific favorite radio program and love of the medium.

The other hilarious storyline is focused on what really goes on behind the radio...the entertainers themselves as it showcases a young (not so talented) actress trying to make her way in the entertainment industry and make a name for herself in radio (equal to tv and movies today). You'll get an idea of poor Sally's fumbling struggles in this scene.

This is a great "get some hot cocoa and laugh" movie for a cold autumn night!
Enjoy!

FRIDAYS with FINNEGAN

Hello.

My "mom" needed a break this morning so I am trying real hard to fill her shoes even though I don't have opposable thumbs.

A little background on moi.

I am Finnegan. My mom gave me a middle name that my dad hates, Aloyouscious. I don't even know how to spell it.

I'm 5 which is 35 in People Years. I'm a mutt. Dad found me on a farm back in Colorado when I was a pup. I liked him. He seemed nice. I made my way over on my puppy legs and sat on his foot so he couldn't leave. That's when he took me home. I was the runt of the litter so I'm glad someone wanted me.

I had a trauma back in June. I dug some holes up in the backyard like I normally do. I smelled a squirrel and damnit, I gotta run after them. They amuse me, ya know? It's like a bad habit.

Anyway, I sprinted out the door and lost my footing in the hole in the yard. I twisted my back and went down. I cried like a baby for hours. I shook so hard. The vet at the ER told my parents that unless they had $6K to operate on me in the next 48 hours I would most likely be lame for life. I couldn't get up or down or walk for days and for several weeks I was immobile. My mom had to towel/scarf walk me (she put the towel or scarf behind my belly to place weight on the front legs). That was the only way I could get around.

Then a friend of the family told her about a vet that did accupuncture. Since my mom went into a panic stricked depression and cried for 2.5 weeks, she obliged to take me as a last hope.

Dr. Urbaniek was a miracle worker. I like her and her staff. They are my girlfriends. I lick them because they are so nice to me. They calmed me down which is hard to do because I am a naturally hyper dog. She put these little needles in me and I looked so weird. But then something miraculous happened. I started to walk and get up on my own. She's my special friend now. I go whenever mom/dad can scrounge up some extra money and I always feel better when I leave. I still walk with a wonky limp but at least I can climb the steps and run around now which I couldn't before.

I like my house. I have a comfy bed next to my mom and dad's. They snore. I snore. It's all good. My favorite toy is the Kong Toy. Mom stuffs it with Beggin strips and cheddar cheese and I go all crazy for it!!!!

Sometimes I like to fart snipe. That's when everyone is at rest or watching tv. I will let one out. It's powerful but it gives me great pleasure to watch their reactions! Tee heee heee.

I also like to lick myself. I do this to clean but I overheard my dad say that if he had that capability he would never leave the house. Then mom smacked him across the head.

Anyway, I'll check back later! Here's a big lick from me to you!

woof!
Finnegan

I won! I won! I won!

I won!

I never win anything. But maybe my luck is about to change! GreekyPie is a talented photographer and blogger and had a giveaway in which I was the lucky recipient of one of her beautiful photo prints.

I am so excited to pick out a print from her. I love the hydrangea, but the beach scenes speak to me since I am a Pisces and have so many wonderful memories growing up near Cape May, NJ.

If you get a second, check out her great blog and etsy shop!

DIY - Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Keep in mind, NONE OF THESE will be on my Thanksgiving table.

I am too lazy to do anything so beautiful for just 4 people. However, I thought I would share some lovely ideas that I found on http://decorvillage.wordpress.com/

I especially love that White Pumpkin look!

Thanks for taking a peek!

7 RANDOM THINGS

My sweet blog muffin, Abby of Life with B & A, has tagged me for 7 Random Things. I'm hoping I can always come up with interesting things so let me think. I always bend the rules here and give whatever number of facts I have on hand. If it were 7 all the time, I'd run out of semi-interesting facts. Not to say I have interesting facts anyway. I'm pretty dull.
Hmmm. Ok, here goes something.

1. I am the youngest daughter of Jim and Louise. My parents have taught me how to be thoughtful, courteous and responsible in life. I am so proud to have been born to this loving couple. This year they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary and I would just like to congratulate them for sharing their love and wisdom with me and to thank them for not giving up on having the perfect child after my two older sisters, Angela and Carolyn. It took them 3 times before they got it right! (wiping tissue from eye)

2. This is my 3rd year of marriage and I am enjoying this year so much more than the past 2 years. Maybe it's because I can communicate better and appreciate my husband much better for who he is rather than what he does or doesn't do. He's a man. What else is there to say on that?

3. I have a desire to star on Saturday Night Live. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are my heroes. Nice girls doing fun comedy and still not compromising their femininity to get a laugh. Props!

4. I love watching FitTV's "Shimmy". I practice my belly-dancing moves whenever I can. It's a lot harder than it looks.

5. I hate, loathe and despise BULLIES. I think if you are that insecure with your life and you are over the age of 17, you need to get therapy. I cannot stand when someone says they are just "snarky" or "sarcastic". No you are a bully. Call it by it's real name. A bully does not have to steal your lunch or kick a kitten to prove they are a bully. They can be as sly as a fox with their rude and nasty comments, or as obvious as an obnoxious loud mouth. Bullies have a choice. They make bad choices, they deal with bad consequences. If I see someone who is being bullied, I try to defend them. I once was bullied. I also was a bully. Both sides suck. Bully is bullcrap. No bullies. Watch out, bullies...I'm on to you! You know who you are!

That's it for now!

I am tagging the following blog buddies if they are interested:

My Kayak Sunset

Grumpy Snickles

Lori and Jim

Evangeline's Vine

FARM CHICKS featured for ~ Web Wednesday ~

ADORABLE. That's the best word to describe this week's WEB BLOG.

I think the entire layout, content and overall feel of The Farm Chicks Blog is just perfect. It's easy on the eyes with the bright and chippy colors, lovingly organized by content and not overdone with too many stimulating twists and turns. I feel like I can smile and relax when I read this blog.

Not to mention the fact that I want to feed chickens and hens and milk some cows. You will enjoy learning about how these two "chicks" met and how they incorporate their love of vintage and sunny items into their lives.

Hope you enjoy this web find as much as I do!
Hugs!

CRANBERRY ORANGE SCONES

oooo....ahhh....yum

Cranberry Orange Scones
other scones are simply jealous!

So mom and I both worked at several local tea rooms. Mom was the baker and constantly made scones to accompany the hot tea.

Most requested? Cranberry Orange.

Here's a recipe from cooking expert, Ina Garten aka Barefoot Contessa (I wouldn't be barefoot in my kitchen due to all the crumbs - her floors must be immaculate!):

Ingredients

• 4 cups plus 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar, plus additional for sprinkling
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 3/4 pound cold unsalted butter, diced
• 4 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup cold heavy cream
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water or milk, for egg wash
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, plus 2 tablespoons
• 4 teaspoons freshly squeezed orange juice

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix 4 cups of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, the baking powder, salt and orange zest. Add the cold butter and mix at the lowest speed until the butter is the size of peas. Combine the eggs and heavy cream and, with the mixer on low speed, slowly pour into the flour and butter mixture. Mix until just blended. The dough will look lumpy! Combine the dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of flour, add to the dough, and mix on low speed until blended.

Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it into a ball. Flour your hands and a rolling pin and roll the dough 3/4-inch thick. You should see small bits of butter in the dough. Keep moving the dough on the floured board so it doesn't stick. Flour a 3-inch round plain or fluted cutter and cut circles of dough. Place the scones on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Collect the scraps neatly, roll them out, and cut more circles.

Brush the tops of the scones with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are browned and the insides are fully baked. The scones will be firm to the touch. Allow the scones to cool for 15 minutes and then whisk together the confectioners' sugar and orange juice, and drizzle over the scones.

NOVEMBER means....

Welcome, NOVEMBER!

November: It's the "Jan Brady" of the more popular December.

Fall Cleaning (prepping and doing a thorough cleaning of the home for the upcoming winter months). Why do so many dead bugs gather in window sills?

Pies. Lots of Pies. Mom would bake about 11 pies at one time. They just sat there on a long buffet taunting us:
"Eat me. Ha! You're gonna Gain. Eat Me. Gain."

Hospitality. But not the Martha Stewart kind.
Time to gather my family around the table and eat till our waistbands made a mark against our skin and buttons hung on for dear life on pants.

My family is not your typical "Norman Rockwell-esque" family that gathers around a table of excitement. Rather, it's the ethnic Italian version of testosterone tv addicted males watching football on a multitude of channels (minus my husband who doesn't follow sports, bless his heart) and frenzied cooking, baking females who gauge the dinner according to "half-time" (sans my father who cleans up because he LIKES to, strange blessed little man)

I like November. I can feel less stress in November. Once December comes around, fooooorget it - all bets are off. It's all lights and carols and long lines at mall parking lots.

So, I think I will stick with enjoying November for it's autumnal color and "calm before the storm" peacefulness.

Thanks for stopping by!

My WEEK in REVIEW

Where Do I Begin?

This week, I saw a little of this.....



Manpiles are Sexy!
Then came Halloween and my dog got treats from his Godmother and favorite girlfriend, Aunt Anna!
(p.s. that is my husband's feet, yes...embarrassing. He wears socks with flip flops, which resemble goat hooves)
We got a visit from our neighbor dog, Gabby, for Halloween. She was dressed as a witch that was being ridden by another witch (as seen on this cape)
We took Finnegan to his vet for his acupuncture treatment for his traumatized hip, back and leg... Here he is looking up in prayer that it will be an easy session for him!
Please make it be ok?
I made a basket of cheer for our thoughtful neighbors and did it in a "PEAR" theme. To a Pear/Pair of Really Nice People~! Pear candle, Pear jellybeans, Pear butter, Biscotti, two Pear mugs with real pears and tea and a pear towel....Took a bit of effort to find pear items in different stores but it's worth it. They are swell neighbors!
Mark caught a fuzzy wuzzy cutey caterpillar outside and talked to him a little bit about the upcoming winter season. Apparently, caterpillars are supposed to know about winter weather, so says my farm-loving husband.
But the caterpillar was getting tired of Mark's chatting so he rolled up into a little ball and took a nap. I think Mark got his feelings hurt.

More to come!