We're making a Pinata!

In a couple of weeks, I am hosting a little Halloween party for a few children at my home. I decided that Mimi and I are going to make a Pumpkin Pinata! I made one as a kid and was so impressed at how easy it is to actually make a "paper mache" pumpkin.

(And funny enough, Mimi and I were watching "Max and Ruby" this week and there is an episode where Ruby makes "paper mache" for bunny scouts, so now Mimi is even MORE excited.)

If you are looking for something fun to do with your little one, try it too. Basically you blow up a big ballon, cover in newspaper strips that have been dipped in homemade glue (1 part water to 2 part flour), let dry for a couple of days, pop the inner balloon, and then decorate by covering with orange streamer (or paint). Fill with candy and enjoy!

Here are two sites that may help you further: http://2good2lose.com/papermache.shtml or http://www.ehow.com/how_2102669_jackolantern-pinata.html

Chicken Tortilla Soup

As the weather gets slightly cooler, I love soup! AND this is one of my favorite recipes from AllRecipes.com: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Chicken-Tortilla-Soup/Detail.aspx?strb=1

INGREDIENTS
1 pound shredded, cooked chicken
1 (15 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
7 corn tortillas
vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS
Place chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, green chiles, and garlic into a slow cooker. Pour in water and chicken broth, and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in corn and cilantro. Cover, and cook on Low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on High setting for 3 to 4 hours.

(Now I personally skip this step and just use store bought chips.)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly brush both sides of tortillas with oil. Cut tortillas into strips, then spread on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes. To serve, sprinkle tortilla strips over soup.

Shopping for My Hubby

I truly hate to go shopping with my hubby. He is worse than a girl when it comes to picking out office clothes. I started just picking things up for him, here and there (button down shirts, work slacks, etc) but many times I return things because he doesn't like a color or the fit.

Last year, he needed a new suit for Tom-Tom's baptism and I knew nothing about shopping for mens’ suit . We ran to the mall, and actually found something "off the rack" that need some tailoring here and there. In the end it would have been easier to have gotten him a custom suit but didn't even consider it as I figured the prices would be extremely high.

Well last week while talking to a friend, she told me that her hubby gets his suits each year when they visit New York City. They go to this place called "MySuit" 0n Broadway St. (I sure hope they decide to open more locations around the country!) They sell Made to measure suits at close to off-the-rack prices (starting at $495).

A custom made suit is made in three simple steps. (1) Make an appointment right on the web to have measurements taken at our mid-town store; Up to 30 measurements will be taken. (2) Pick the jacket style and pant style. (3) Pick the fabric. There is a two week turn-around time.

Personally, if I was able to pick out a suit with my hubby at My.Suit, I would go with the classic 2-button jacket and single pleat pant, both in a navy stripe (CN7F S069).

So next time you are New York City with your man please check it out!

Geaux Tigers!

What a week in football. There were some pretty big upsets: Georgia, Florida and USC. But my Tigers are moving on up the polls! Here's this week's new rankings by the USA Today.

1. Oklahoma
2. LSU
3. Missouri
4. Alabama
5. Texas
6. Penn St.
7. BYU
8. Texas Tech
9. USC
10. Georgia

Now this is a GREAT Freebie...

You can get free admission into Walt Disney World or Disneyland on your birthday in 2009! How awesome is that! You can get all the details here: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=FreeOnYourBirthdayPage

My fun morning in the E.R.

If you remember, I got a dental crown on Wednesday, and starting coming down with a cold a few hours later. Fast forward to this morning. I woke up at 2am and my lips were swollen (picture Will Smith in the movie Hitch). I showed hubby and went back to bed for a bit. At 5am, I woke up and my left eye looked like one big egg, so it was off the Emergency Room.

We woke up the kids and put them in the car in their PJs (they didn't cry once). Hubby dropped me off at ER until he could get in touch with his mom to help out (which was about 7:30am). And then came back to the ER to be with me.

I was there for about four hours so it wasn't too bad (compared to stories I have heard from others).

The doctor treated me for an allergic reaction (cause unknown) along with a sinus infection, and/or tooth infection. I got three prescriptions, and need to see my dentist & primary care doctor tomorrow.

Off to rest now...

Hubby can still surpise me!

Princess Mimi received a new game from her Nana this week, Ants In The Pants. (Remember that one!? Super fun and she is quite good at it). What I was not expecting was the comment from my hubby this morning. He said, "You know, we could make a pretty good drinking game out of this!? :)) And that honey is why I married you!

What are you waiting for?

For those of you who stil haven't signed up for Ebates, what are you waiting for??

You get CASH BACK on all your online purchases. (I signed up a few months back after learning about the program from Sasha, and have made $30 already!) It's quick and free to sign up! And you get $10 for signing up! Here's my referral link: http://www.ebates.com/refer-a-friend/0809promo.htm?referrerid=ihPdomBCzvfNk7l%2FxABVwA%3D%3D

I just used the ebates site to order 5x7 Halloween cards from Snapfish.com! (Oh, here is a sneak peek of their costumes!)

Listen Up Sports Fans...

So today is Saturday which means COLLEGE FOOTBALL. I have said many times this is my favorite time of the year, so I went online today to look for some of my favorite moments. I chose five of my favorite college football sports clips with you.

I have downloaded all these sports videos/sports vids from a site called SportsVids. They are the biggest provider of online sports videos. This site is so cool because not only can you VIEW your favorite clips, but you can UPLOAD your favorite sports clips as well! Once you create a profile, you can also vote for your favorite clips (based on a five star rating system.) This site is truly a one stop shop for sport fans around the world. Take a look for yourself...


2004 BCS NC Sugar Bowl: LSU vs. Oklahoma - Click here for more sports videos




2000 BCS Sugar Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. Florida State - Click here for more sports videos




1986 Cotton Bowl: Auburn vs. Texas A&M - Click here for more sports videos


1986 Auburn vs Alabama - Click here for more sports videos



2008 BCS NC: LSU vs. Ohio State - Click here for more sports videos

Just another crazy day...

Well, last night I met up with a college buddy who I haven't seen in 15 years. Since college, he has married a guy (yes, he is gay) and moved across the country. We had so much catching up to do thus stayed out drinking until 11:00pm! I had such a fun time and was hoping to sleep in but things changed quickly...

I woke up at 3:00am with my new crown throbbing, well the gum around it.

A little later in the morning, Tom-Tom woke up with a fever and swollen arm; a reaction to the shot he got on Tuesday. (Back to doctor!)

And last, I went to the eye doctor to learn that I am high risk for detached retina (oh boy), my eye pressure is on the high side of normal so needs to be watched, and also have a birth defect in my eye, Nystagmus (involuntary movement of the eyes). Fortunately, my eye sight is still 20/20!

So it's now mid-afternoon, and I am so ready for a nap. Wish me luck!! I sure hope I can catch a break today!

Looking to lose the last few pounds:

Okay OSBs...You know that I just lost 8 pounds by eating protein bars for lunch (instead of fast food), walking faithfully on the treadmill, and drinking extra green tea. I have 3.5 pounds to go, so am looking for a way to "step it up". I just came across this information and wanted to share it with you all (see below). It sounds pretty cool and I am looking into more details!

XFLOWSION™, with its revolutionary TRIPLE TRAINING™, is the only exercise program that efficiently and effectively gives you all three workouts in one convenient workout, combining the proven best moves from martial arts, power yoga, and dance. Yet you don't need to spend all day, everyday in the gym - XFLOWSION™ is the ultimate 3-in-1 workout that provides jaw-dropping results in 1/3 the time.

Celebrity trainer ERIC PASKEL, who has shaped up some of the hottest bodies in Hollywood, combines his leading-edge fitness and psychology background to bring you the PLATEAU BLAST. Everyone knows the frustration of working out and seeing results that then somehow just stop! The last pounds refuse to budge. XFLOWSION™'s fresh, constantly shifting moves are specifically designed to promote continuous fat burning and muscle toning. Your body keeps improving, and, equally important, you never get bored.

With XFLOWSION™, you'll sweat, sculpt and stretch your body to total transformation, from head to toe, inside and out. Xflowsion is the most fun you'll ever have working out!

Weekly Weigh-In

Okay fellow OSBs...I went to Publix this morning to jump on the scale ...And I lost another pound in the past two weeks! YAY .

128.5 is my current weight.

I have lost 8 pounds total.

3.5 pounds to go!

(P.S. I also just spent nearly 3 hours in the dentist chair getting my new crown. OUCH. The first part -- getting the shots -- is the worst! I am in quite a bit of pain, and very relaxed from the Xanax, but will try to check in with all of you later! Happy Hump-Day!)

Finally, eBay success!

In the past, I mentioned that I didn't have much luck with eBay or Craigslist. Well my luck has changed.

Last week I listed 12 of the kid's outfits. 9 sold . I made a profit of $65. YAY.

So feeling lucky, I put Tom-Tom's crib and changing table on Craigslist. (I had originally paid $100 for the set from a co-worker who never used it!) I sold it to the first guy who replied to my ad for $90--and had 8 more people waiting in line if he refused it.

So what did I do with my money? I purchased a new twin mattress set for Princess Mimi's new room. (Pictures to come soon!)

Political Tee

I know some of us are Republican and some are Democrat...(and this year's election is very hot!)...but regardless of who you are voting for, you have to admit, this is clever...

Emmy Awards--Likes and Dislikes

It's all about the dresses right!?....so....

Here are my "dressed best" picks:And those I didn't like:

SEC football rocks!

Have you seen the new Top 25 rankings!? Go SEC! WAHOO!!

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ap-t25-collegefbpoll&prov=ap&type=lgns

My crazy week...

So I may be a little "MIA" this week (but I have a few small post in the bag so feel free to check back if you'd like). Just to give you an idea of my next seven days...

Monday: Board Meeting at the Preschool

Tuesday: Work in office 5 hours followed by pediatirican visit--shots for BOTH kids

Wednesday: Orthodonist for new retainer (maintance) and Dentist for a Crown (UGH!), followed by 5 hours in the office and last, church (for my new parenting class)

Thursday: Eye dr annual exam/Hubby taking day off work to work in the yard

Friday: Clean the house/Wash clothes/Grocery shop

Saturday: Hubby going to football game out of town

Sunday: I promise to catch up with everyone and their blogs!

I have a feeling that my old friend Zanax and I will reunite this week, hehe. Can you relate?! :)

Saturday Fun (or Not)...

(Photos taken by Dena!)

Chocolate Cake in 3 minutes??

My mom sent this recipe to me today via email. I am skeptical, but heck, I am willing to try it!

3 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

1 Coffee Mug (large mug; microwave safe)
4 tablespoons flour (that's plain or all purpose flour, not self-rising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
Nuts (optional)
Small splash vanilla

Add dry ingredients to mug; mix well. Add egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in milk and oil; mix well. Add chocolate chips (optional), nuts (optional) and vanilla; mix well.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes on high. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to share!)

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Yay to The Mrs...and Yay to Me!

So okay, YAY--The Mrs. is pregnant. Please take a minute to congratulate her, if you have not already done so at: http://onefabulousmom.blogspot.com/

And I won her blog prize--a $25 gift card to Banana Republic. Wow, thanks! What a great way to start my weekend!

Here's a Sneak Peak into Mimi's Room

Well, I got one wall painted...

PBK Utensils

I had received a $10 gift card recently to Pottery Barn kids. I ended up getting these cute Gingham Utensils for the kids. (The internet sells them as a 12 piece set but in the store you can get a 3 piece set--1 fork, 1 spoon, and 1 knife). I have to tell you that Tom Tom is doing great! They are light weight and his eating skills have really improved. Just thought I'd share! :)

Customer Service

What happened to good ol' customer service!? Seriously. It seems that no one cares anymore.

Last week I called my dental office to get the final price for my new crown. The receptionist said she'd call me right back. I've been waiting seven days. On Friday, and again yesterday, I left a message at the JCP Portrait studio to make an appointment for Tom-Tom. Still no one has called me back.

So, I thought maybe something was wrong with my phone. I tried calling my local carrier, but was routed (through several rounds of push 1 for this or 2 for this) to someone in the Middle East (Pakistan?) who I couldn't understand. His English was the pits.

And last week, I went to eat a quick bite at Panera Bread. First, customers were confused as to what line to wait in because the manager kept switching from one register to another. (For the confussion I got a 2-percent discount...no not a typo....TWO percent...oh, I am so not impressed). Then, I went to fill my cup with soda and there was no ice in the machine. And when I went to get my soup at the counter, it was in a regular bowl, not the bread bowl I paid for.

So again, I ask, what the heck happened to customer service? Sure wish I knew!

Here's a Freebie

Get a scoop of ice cream each year by joining the Baskin-Robbins Birthday Club: http://www.baskinrobbins.com/bdayclub/registerinfo1.aspx. I registered the entire family last month, and yesterday we went to get Mimi's free cup. Of course, she picked chocolate. Yummy! Registration is free and can be done online. Enjoy.

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!

Dena @ Written In Thread made this super cute birthday shirt for Mimi's birthday.

As a way to say "THANK YOU" to Dena, I am doing my first contest with her in mind! You can win one of Dena's cute embroidery tee shirts for your child or a kitchen bistro towel! All you have to do to enter my first contest is leave a comment and tell me which gift you would like to win (towel or shirt). I will have my hubby randomly pick a winner on Tuesday, September 16th so spread the word!! (And, Please check out Dena's cute stuff at: http://writteninthread.com/creative_suite.htm!)

Here are two shirts I ordered from Dena over the summer:

Outside of New Orleans...

NOLA NOTES, one of my favorite writers, posted this on Sunday: http://www.nolanotes.com/2008/09/07/not_a_big_enough_story/.
Please take a minute to read and then come back to my comments.

Go one. I'm waiting! ...

It's true. The media were almost disappointed that nothing major happened to New Orleans. Within hours, they were out of the city and moved on to another "big story". But they haven't shown much of the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav.

My sister who lives south of New Orleans, still has NO electricity (it's been 10 days now). My parents still can't use city water due to the horrible smell. Public schools are closed for several more days.

And where is the media!? Why is Gustav so easily forgotten?

I admit...I like it...

Anyone else watching The New 90210?

I was skeptical when I heard they were coming out with the NEW 90210, but I like it. The new actors are fun, and I also like to see some of the old cast return (I love Jennie Garth!). Yay, I am so glad FALL TV is here.

Consolidating Debt Made Easy!

With gas prices rising, as well as energy costs and grocery items, I have been looking for a way to save a few dollars. I'm clipping coupons, looking at sales ads, combining errands to reduce gas, buying generic, and eating out less, but we still struggle each week.

Add to that, we have a few (higher than I like percentage rate) credit cards here and there (mostly accrued when I was on pregnancy bed rest with Tom-Tom) so I am considering ways to consolidate debt. So when I found the web site Bills.com, I was thrilled!

I didn't realize there were so many options: debt management, debt settlement, credit counseling, debt consolidation loans, home equity line of credit and mortgage refinancing. It all is was so confusing to me. But, Bills.com pointed me in the right direction with tips, articles, and debt consolidation providers that have been pre-screened to help you consolidate debt.

I am actually considering a debt consolidation loan which could cut my interest rates in half. I would also need to cut up the cards you used to make the original purchases (sniff, sniff—bye bye Ann Taylor!)

I know it won’t be a fun few months but for my peace of mind, and for the children’s future, I need to get this debt eliminated.

Wanted: Healthy, active moms...

Mothers: tell your story and win $1,000.00 cash, a 6-month supply of REV, and free bragging rights! Five winners will be awarded throughout US. Enter now and show us what you’ve got. Wanted: Healthy, active moms, who can tell their story, give advice and empower moms who aspire to “do it all” without neglecting themselves. How do you do it all? Get creative! Send in a video, photo, or text submission describing why you should be REV.’s next spokesperson. Sing a song, write a poem, make us laugh, make us cry, we want to hear all the ways you find energy for life.

My 300th Post

Wow, It feels like yesterday that I was doing my 100th post. HOW FUN! I just wanted to thank you all for visiting my blog, listening to my thoughts, sharing the joy of my kids, and all the great comments! My day wouldn't be complete without YOU!

And here it is.

Well here it is ...a copy of the family photo from last month. (I don't have a scanner so tried to take a picture of it with my digital camera so I apologize for the poor quality, but it was the best I can do.) I told you that it wasn't the best, but I guess it could have been worse...

Decorating Idea

We went to a birthday party on last night and the centerpieces were so pretty (good job Allyson!): PS--She served the Chicken Spinach Alfredo Lasagna--IT WAS TO DIE FOR!http://anotheronlinemom.blogspot.com/2008/08/heres-another-recipe-for-you-to-try.html

Mom & Me meme

Friday fun! I was tagged by Dawn at P.S. He Loves You; thanks for sharing!

Post one of your favorite pictures of you & your children and answer questions..afterwards tag as many as you'd like! (Wow, I don't have many photos of me and the kids--mostly just kids--but I found one from Easter...it looks funny to see a pacifier in Tommy's mouth. This was probably one of the last days I let him have it. He was about 12 months old.)

1. How many kids do you have? 2 (one of each!)
2. What is their age? 17-1/2 months & 35-1/2 months
3. What time do you usually start your day? 6:00am, ugh (with Mimi coming into our bed)
4. What do they eat for breakfast? Cereal with milk (unless it is Sunday, homemade pancakes!)
5. Do they get to watch T.V.? Yes, PBS (Curious George) or Disney Channel (MM Clubhouse)
6. What's their favorite activity? Little People
7. Do you get a break during the day for some "you" time? Nap time
8. How do you end your day? A long hot bath followed by some blog-time.
9. What's your best parenting advice or tip? Proverbs 29:17 Discpline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. (I am taking a parenting class at church now and this is a verse that sticks in my head!)
10. Tagging the following:

Just the Girl with Something to Say
Lipstick at the Mailbox

Live. Love, Eat.

Yikes, the Dentist

I used to not mind going to the dentist. Until recently. I suddenly hate it. Not only the idea of the hygenist SCRAPING my teeth, but the sound and the possible pain freaks me out. And now I have a new "hate" about the dentist. The price of a crown. Four years ago I got one for $750. This year they want $1200 (well about $700 out of pocket after insurance). How the heck can the price have sky rocketed so much!? Oh well, nothing I can do. It must be done.

Well said Katy!

I planned to do a post about these horrible billboards and Katy beat me to it, so I am going to ask you all to please take a minute to read Katy's post (and I am taking the day off--hehe!). And, NOTE THAT KATY IS QUOTED IN THIS ARTICLE. Well said Katy, well said!http://anothermommieblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/extra-extra-read-all-about-it.html

Photo: JACOB LANGSTON, ORLANDO SENTINEL / August 27, 2008)

.

I think they could pass for brothers...

This is a random post but...

I think I am on to something. (Hubby thinks I am nuts!) I swear that Brian Adams of NBC Nightly News looks a lot like Country Singer George Strait. What do you think?

Great news *Gustav*

One of my parent's neighbor who stayed behind for Gustav, called my parents this evening with good news. Dad has some shingles missing but no wood is exposed. Dad's truck is fine (it was parked on the side of the house so basically exposed to the elements). Some debris obviously in the yard, but no down trees. PRAISE THE LORD! But there are many in their area who weren't so lucky and my prayers go out to them. (My parents won't be able to get back to their home for another 4 days, at the earliest, due to closed roads, downed trees blocking their neighborhood's entrance & lack of electricity.) THANK YOU ALL FOR THE THOUGHTS & PRAYERS!

This bar is/was FOUR BLOCKS from my parents home (yikes):

Hurricane Update

The eye of the storm (Gustav) hit Houma/Cocodrie, LA. My parents home is just north of that area. We know the area is out of electricity, as expected. We won't be able to get details for a few days, I'm sure. (My parents are safe in Shreveport and plan to stay there for a few days until the highways are cleaned up and back open. I haven't been able to speak to them in a few hours as the cell phone towers are jammed.)

We got our free chicken today!

The four of us put on our football tees and headed to Chick-Fil-A for free strips. We were the first in line at the drive thru when lunch started (beating the crowd!). The strips were yummy!