The super talented folks at Happythought print shop are at it again. There is yet another adorable, candy hued garland available for PDF download, (said in Oprah voice) for free-eeee! It's a great way to jazz up your thanksgiving dinner. String it on a mantle, over your table, or in your entry to greet your guests.
One of the reasons I love this garland is that no matter your level of "craftiness," you can do it. If your skills top out at cutting along a line and tape, you're good. If you own six different shades of orange glitter, this works for you too. You can take the design and add to it to make it personal as well. I added to mine by printing out extra pennants to have guests write what they're thankful for this year. You could also print out pictures and add them to the garland. The options are as endless as the leftovers! You can get your PDF printout at this link: http://www.printablepaperproducts.com/printable-crafts/thanks-giving-turkey
Enjoy and Happythoughts-giving! :)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Excusercise
Some of my friends will tell you I like to use funny words. Sometimes they are actual words, like wonky, caddywhompus, and noodle. Some I make up. Excusercise is my new favorite made up word.
According to my inner-dictionary, excusercise is a combo of excuse and exercise, the practice of exercising your "excuse" muscles. And example of this would be: I know I should have celery and hummus, BUT the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are OK because dark chocolate has antioxidants and nuts are protein, so in a way, they're practically health food.
In my new career of SAHM-dom, I have excusercised so much I may have actually burned calories doing it. I would have vacuumed the rugs, but the laundry needed to be done. I would have folded the clothes, but I had to unload the dishwasher so I could get rid of the piles of dishes in my sink. I would have given the dog a bath, but S got ahold of my Sharpies so I had to scrub her down. I would have gone to yoga this morning, but I didn't get enough sleep last night. You get the picture. Luckily most of the excusercise has mostly to do with housework. I will gladly give up laundry and cleaning for some quality time with S. I have caught myself once or twice turning on Yo Gabba Gabba when I should have taken her to the park to play. (BUT, I was so tired because she woke up 17 times the night before!) See how good at excusercise I am?
Please pardon me as I get on my soapbox for a moment. It seems that the world is flexing its excusercise muscles lately. I would have read a book, but I just got my US Weekly and a Kardashian is on the cover. I would have watched the news, but I have Modern Family on the DVR. I would have volunteered for the bake sale, but I needed to go to Target. I have been guilty of all of these and then some. (See the example of the peanut butter cups above.)
Because it is the week before Thanksgiving. I'm really trying to put things into perspective. I am extremely blessed that my biggest problem right now is that I want more coffee, but I already brushed my teeth, and the coffee would taste funny. Three Thanksgivings ago, we had just gotten the call about the IVF failure. It was quite possibly the worst Thanksgiving of my life. This Thanksgiving, I will be spending it with my amazing hubby and the most precious little girl. I'm thankful for the roof over our heads, the food on our table, our family and friends, and the new Muppet Movie.
I am thankful for my blessings. And I'm thankful for the setbacks. The setbacks give you the perspective. And it's with that perspective that I'm going to try to stop sweating the small stuff and excusercising my way out of the things that matter. Although, I will never stop trying to excuse my way out of laundry. So now I am going to excuse myself from writing so I can go play with S.
Have a great weekend friends!
According to my inner-dictionary, excusercise is a combo of excuse and exercise, the practice of exercising your "excuse" muscles. And example of this would be: I know I should have celery and hummus, BUT the Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are OK because dark chocolate has antioxidants and nuts are protein, so in a way, they're practically health food.
In my new career of SAHM-dom, I have excusercised so much I may have actually burned calories doing it. I would have vacuumed the rugs, but the laundry needed to be done. I would have folded the clothes, but I had to unload the dishwasher so I could get rid of the piles of dishes in my sink. I would have given the dog a bath, but S got ahold of my Sharpies so I had to scrub her down. I would have gone to yoga this morning, but I didn't get enough sleep last night. You get the picture. Luckily most of the excusercise has mostly to do with housework. I will gladly give up laundry and cleaning for some quality time with S. I have caught myself once or twice turning on Yo Gabba Gabba when I should have taken her to the park to play. (BUT, I was so tired because she woke up 17 times the night before!) See how good at excusercise I am?
Please pardon me as I get on my soapbox for a moment. It seems that the world is flexing its excusercise muscles lately. I would have read a book, but I just got my US Weekly and a Kardashian is on the cover. I would have watched the news, but I have Modern Family on the DVR. I would have volunteered for the bake sale, but I needed to go to Target. I have been guilty of all of these and then some. (See the example of the peanut butter cups above.)
Because it is the week before Thanksgiving. I'm really trying to put things into perspective. I am extremely blessed that my biggest problem right now is that I want more coffee, but I already brushed my teeth, and the coffee would taste funny. Three Thanksgivings ago, we had just gotten the call about the IVF failure. It was quite possibly the worst Thanksgiving of my life. This Thanksgiving, I will be spending it with my amazing hubby and the most precious little girl. I'm thankful for the roof over our heads, the food on our table, our family and friends, and the new Muppet Movie.
I am thankful for my blessings. And I'm thankful for the setbacks. The setbacks give you the perspective. And it's with that perspective that I'm going to try to stop sweating the small stuff and excusercising my way out of the things that matter. Although, I will never stop trying to excuse my way out of laundry. So now I am going to excuse myself from writing so I can go play with S.
Have a great weekend friends!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Turn it up
Today is 11.11.11. A day that comes around every hundred years, but still feels very special to me. An added bonus is that today is the day no matter if you list the month or the day first, everyone around the world knows what day you're talking about.
It also happens to be Nigel Tufnel Day. And if you don't know what I'm talking about, add This is Spinal Tap to your Netflix que IMMEDIATELY! Because anyone can rock out at 10, Nigel's amps tapped out at 11. Because 11 is so much better than 10. As Nigel explains in the movie,"Well, it's one louder, isn't it? It's not 10. You see, most blokes, you know, will be playing at 10. You're on 10 here, all the way up, all the way up, all the way up, you're on 10 on your guitar. Where can you go from there? Where?"
So today, I say live it up to the elevens, my friends. Turn it up today and rock it out hardcore. Have a great 11.11.11.
It also happens to be Nigel Tufnel Day. And if you don't know what I'm talking about, add This is Spinal Tap to your Netflix que IMMEDIATELY! Because anyone can rock out at 10, Nigel's amps tapped out at 11. Because 11 is so much better than 10. As Nigel explains in the movie,"Well, it's one louder, isn't it? It's not 10. You see, most blokes, you know, will be playing at 10. You're on 10 here, all the way up, all the way up, all the way up, you're on 10 on your guitar. Where can you go from there? Where?"
So today, I say live it up to the elevens, my friends. Turn it up today and rock it out hardcore. Have a great 11.11.11.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Muppet Takeover
I can barely contain myself thinking about the new Muppet Movie coming out on November 23. I have loved the Muppets for as long as I can remember. I still have my stuffed Kermit and Scooter (complete with a Muppet Show satin jacket) from when I was a kid. I still squee with delight whenever I see the Muppets, even Sam the Eagle.
As with any good "merchandise-tie-in-appropriate" movie, the merchandise tie-in with the Muppets is ample. It has been enough to almost make me think I need 4 colors of sparkly nail polish from the Muppet/OPI collection. I've compiled a list of some of the Muppet collabos that, in my mind, rank right up there with Puppy Bowl and Super Bowl, DST and caffeine, and sea-salt and caramel.
The above mentioned OPI collection to celebrate the Muppets is sparkle-tastic. With colors like Rainbow Connection, Warm and Fozzie, and Fresh Frog of Bel-Air your fingers will be so fabulous, even Statler and Waldorf will approve. http://www.alllacqueredup.com/2011/05/opi-holiday-2011-muppets-preview.html
Awhile back, I stumbled upon the Star Wars/Muppet figures that are so cute, S started an "action figure" collection. I love these, especially Beeker as C3PO. But I wonder if Miss Piggy/Leia is holding a hairdryer?
As with any good "merchandise-tie-in-appropriate" movie, the merchandise tie-in with the Muppets is ample. It has been enough to almost make me think I need 4 colors of sparkly nail polish from the Muppet/OPI collection. I've compiled a list of some of the Muppet collabos that, in my mind, rank right up there with Puppy Bowl and Super Bowl, DST and caffeine, and sea-salt and caramel.
The above mentioned OPI collection to celebrate the Muppets is sparkle-tastic. With colors like Rainbow Connection, Warm and Fozzie, and Fresh Frog of Bel-Air your fingers will be so fabulous, even Statler and Waldorf will approve. http://www.alllacqueredup.com/2011/05/opi-holiday-2011-muppets-preview.html
Awhile back, I stumbled upon the Star Wars/Muppet figures that are so cute, S started an "action figure" collection. I love these, especially Beeker as C3PO. But I wonder if Miss Piggy/Leia is holding a hairdryer?
Just in time for gift giving season, FAO Schwartz has the Muppet Whatnot Workshop, where you can create your very own Muppet. O, if you're reading this... I want one. You know, umm.....for S. It's a little on the pricey side compared to the $8 nail polish, but for $99 you can put on your very own Muppet Show. http://www.fao.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=11534102
Music and Muppets have gone hand in hand, from the original "Manah-manah" to Weezer's video for "Keep Fishin," which is still on my YouTube favorites. The Green Album is awesome. For someone like me, who struggles to find kid-appropriate music that doesn't make me want to hurl, this is pure gold. I love Andrew Bird's cover of It's Not Easy Being Green. S's face lights up every time we get to the whistle-solo.
Lastly, with the hasty exit of Eddie Murphy as host for the Oscars, there is a major campaign to have the Muppets host the Oscars. I love it. The a facebook page had 10,000 followers within 2 days. Myself included. You can support it here: http://www.facebook.com/MuppetOscars
But why stop Muppet domination at the Oscars? There should be a total Muppet takeover. Give the guy from Muppet News Flash a half hour after Colbert on Comedy Central. NASA can work with Pigs in Space on the next space vehicle program. Let the Swedish Chef work with Jamie Oliver on making our schools menus more healthy. The possibilities are endless.
All that's left to do is "play the music, light the lights, and get excited" for Muppet takeover! See you at the theater on November 23!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
"Fall"ing for Soups
Now that the temperature in Central Florida has dipped below 90 degrees, it's starting to finally feel like Fall. It has been lovely to open up the windows, pull out the pumpkin decor, and unearth my sweaters (even though they're light-weight) from the back of my closet.
Fall and Winter have always been my diet-downfall seasons, but this year, I'm determined to keep up my Spring/Summer eating routines. I've been gluten and wheat-free for a little over 3 months, and have been trying to eat from the Paleo diet as much as possible. Basically, that's meats, fruits, veggies, and nuts. It's actually not as restricting as you'd think. And I have to say I feel better than ever, with lots of energy. I've been experimenting with some recipes, and I am totally addicted to this one, so I thought I'd pass it on. It's hearty and healthy, and you can add different proteins to it to make it a more filling meal. Hope you like it too. :)
Thai Coconut Roasted Cauliflower Soup
1 Head of Cauliflower, or you can cheat, like me and buy the already cleaned and cut bag at Whole Foods.
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive oil
32oz. pkg of College Inn Thai Coconut Curry Chicken broth
1 Leek
1/2 lime juiced
Salt, Pepper, and Crushed Red Pepper flakes to taste
Cilantro to garnish
**Protein of choice, if desired** I like really thin sliced chicken that I marinate in a little of the chicken broth and the other half of the lime juice and some red pepper flakes. I usually cook it with a little chili oil and throw it into the soup. It's good with shrimp too.
Serves 4 to 6 people
Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil and roast at 350 degrees for an hour. Make sure you cover with foil or your cauliflower will get too brown. I usually use two bags of the already cut and cleaned cauliflower.
Saute the leek with a little olive oil until they're soft.
After roasted, blend the cauliflower with a 1 1/2 cup of the chicken broth. Add more broth if you don't want your soup too thick.
Pour the blended cauliflower into a soup pan with the sauteed leeks, add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and juice of 1/2 lime. Add more broth to achieve the consistency you like. I like my soup a little thicker, so I don't use too much more than the amount needed to blend it up.
Cook your choice of protein if you like and add it to the soup.
You can customize this soup just by changing the type of broth and some of the spices, so get creative. If you make something yummy, I'd love to hear about it!
Fall and Winter have always been my diet-downfall seasons, but this year, I'm determined to keep up my Spring/Summer eating routines. I've been gluten and wheat-free for a little over 3 months, and have been trying to eat from the Paleo diet as much as possible. Basically, that's meats, fruits, veggies, and nuts. It's actually not as restricting as you'd think. And I have to say I feel better than ever, with lots of energy. I've been experimenting with some recipes, and I am totally addicted to this one, so I thought I'd pass it on. It's hearty and healthy, and you can add different proteins to it to make it a more filling meal. Hope you like it too. :)
Thai Coconut Roasted Cauliflower Soup
1 Head of Cauliflower, or you can cheat, like me and buy the already cleaned and cut bag at Whole Foods.
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive oil
32oz. pkg of College Inn Thai Coconut Curry Chicken broth
1 Leek
1/2 lime juiced
Salt, Pepper, and Crushed Red Pepper flakes to taste
Cilantro to garnish
**Protein of choice, if desired** I like really thin sliced chicken that I marinate in a little of the chicken broth and the other half of the lime juice and some red pepper flakes. I usually cook it with a little chili oil and throw it into the soup. It's good with shrimp too.
Serves 4 to 6 people
Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil and roast at 350 degrees for an hour. Make sure you cover with foil or your cauliflower will get too brown. I usually use two bags of the already cut and cleaned cauliflower.
Saute the leek with a little olive oil until they're soft.
After roasted, blend the cauliflower with a 1 1/2 cup of the chicken broth. Add more broth if you don't want your soup too thick.
Pour the blended cauliflower into a soup pan with the sauteed leeks, add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and juice of 1/2 lime. Add more broth to achieve the consistency you like. I like my soup a little thicker, so I don't use too much more than the amount needed to blend it up.
Cook your choice of protein if you like and add it to the soup.
You can customize this soup just by changing the type of broth and some of the spices, so get creative. If you make something yummy, I'd love to hear about it!
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