Friday, December 18, 2009

Christmas at Disney's Beach Club Resort


Is this not impressive? It is Disney's Beach Club Gingerbread Carousel Display! Yup, it's all edible. Yum! If you want to see more check out HGTV's Behind the Magic: Disney Holiday show!

Monday, December 14, 2009

More "quick and easy" recipes

Here are two easy, healthy, and affordable recipes for busy moms!
Chicken & Vegetable Bake
Not only is this recipe delicious and easy, it's affordable coming in at less than$10.00 for a dinner of four. You can't beat that!

Chicken Pot Pie
This recipe is one of the most popular from the Campbell's Kitchen. Kids andgrown-ups just love this hot, comforting dinner. http://www.campbellkitchen.com/RecipeDetail.aspx?recipeId=25510

Friday, December 04, 2009

Christmas Lights at Hollywood Studios


We took the kids to see the Osborne Family Christmas Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios tonight. We got them each a small Santa Mickey and Minnie! Trying to catch "snow" (soap bubbles)

We had pizza at "Pizza Planet" (inspired by Toy Story)I love the Christmas-themed cups and popcorn containers! Mimi did too!

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Lights at Disney Tonight (Video)

If you have never seen the "Dancing Lights" at Hollywood Studios, it is SPECTACULAR! Here's a quick little video I shot tonight at Disney.



Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes with a Twist

Last year it was my first time hosting and cooking Thanksgiving lunch for the family. I wanted to give everyone the traditional side dishes, but with an updated twist. Here are four recipes I loved and plan to use again this Turkey Day.

Most people like the traditional sweet potato casserole with either marshmallows or pecans on top, but I recommend you try Sweet Potato Balls this year!

Cranberry molds are too dated (I mean truly I think of my deceased great Aunt who would always "mold" her fruit in jello!). Why not serve cranberries in a salad, like an apple-cranberry salad toss?

Pass up the green bean casserole and opt for Lemony Green Beans which have a tint of lemon and basil.

As for mashed potatoes, I like to do them a few hours before in the crock pot! Add some cream cheese and sour cream for instant YUM with these Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes.

Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving recipe?

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Thanksgiving Table Settings

I have been searching for beautiful Thanksgiving Table Settings online. I have found a few that might inspire you this season. Let me know, please, which are your favorites. (You can also see a few Thanksgiving Table Settings pictures I posted last year.)


Country Living's site has a few settings including this "Words of Thanks" Thanksgiving look:

HGTV's offer beautiful Thanksgiving centerpieces on its site.


Check out Pottery Barn's "Thanksgiving Table" inspiration page:


Southern Living's Pint-Size Pumpkins & Blooms (Now this photo shows an outdoor flower box but it can easily be done inside on your table):
(You can also check out the Southern Living web site has a two minute video with 100's of ideas:


I love the white pumpkins: White Autumn by Better Homes and Gardens

Saturday, October 31, 2009

The Princess and the Frog Theme Song - Music Video



Yesterday, I told you about Princess Mimi's excitement for the new Disney Movie, The Princess and the Frog. This new song, "Never Knew I Needed", will be featured during the film's ending credits and will be available for digital download through the iTunes Music Store this Tuesday, November 3rd.

The soundtrack album will be available November 23rd, and the movie, whose action takes place in New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou, will open in theatres on December 11th. "The Princess and the Frog" soundtrack also boosts a colorful collection of original songs and a lively orchestral score, both composed and conducted by Randy Newman.

You can preorder the soundtrack ($14.99) at http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Frog-Original-Soundtrack/dp/B002O4J4F2. And if you want to learn more, visit the official website to hear exclusive snippets from 'The Princess and the Frog' Soundtrack: http://disneymusic.disney.go.com/albums/theprincessandfrog.html .

Friday, October 30, 2009

Disney's Princess and The Frog


Princess Mimi can NOT wait for the new Disney movie, Princess and the Frog (December 11, 2009). And since it is set in New Orleans, I am super excited too! You can see a trailer on YouTube.com at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rjtdl1a_Jqc.
Well, yesterday while cruising the toy aisles at Target, Mimi spotted the new Princess Tiana doll ($10.99)! She has six others and begged me to add this to the collection. Normally, I would have said, "Let's add it to our Santa list!" but it was the last one on the shelf and no more in the stock room, so I caved :)

This week at Disney World (and soon at DisneyLand) there is a little Princess Tiana Jubilee to promote the movie. You can read more here:

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Halloween Treats--It's Not Too Late!

It's not too late to make Halloween treats. I searched the 'net to find the cutest ideas for you:


Look what Betty Crocker did with two round cakes: Black Cat Cake Recipe



Look what Southern Living did with moonpies:
(Photo Credits: Beth Dreiling Hontzas / Styling: Buffy Hargett)

Thursday, October 22, 2009

An Apple a Day...

My kids LOVE apples, and actually ASK for them each day. Fortunately, this is apple season and I have been finding great Gala Apples (there sweet and crisp!)--yum! I decided to search online for some great recipes and decided to share a few sites you all today:

Betty Crocker has great information on cooking with apples, storing apples, and more on this site: http://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/cooking-basics/fruits-and-veggies/Apples-Apples-Apples.htm?WT.mc_id=paid_search_200101_636117&WT.srch=1&esrc=11151.
Here's a fun recipe from Pilsbury for Caramel Apple Pops (a must try!): http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=15971
How about Apple Ginger Pork (cooked all day in the crock pot): http://www.a-crock-cook.com/apple-ginger-pork.html
But if you prefer to just order candy apples and have them delivered to your doorstep, you will LOVE this store, Monster Candy Apples (my mouth is watering!): http://www.monstercandyapples.com/
Do you have a great apple recipe to share? Do tell!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Pumpkin Cookies


Last year I made pumpkin cookies (AllRecipes.com) for hubby at his request. They were yummy! This year I have made them a little healthier.

  • Instead of shortening, use one stick of butter and a 1/2 cup of applesauce.
  • Also, I use whole wheat flour.
  • I add a little more than the 1cup of suggested pumpkin.
  • Icing is optional.
Just a simple way to sneak in some "good stuff" into cookies! ENJOY!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Candy Corn Cake



I found this Candy Corn cake on SouthernLiving.com today. It's so cute, I had share with you all. Recipe here: http://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions/halloween-desserts-treats-recipes-00400000054823/page11.html.

While speaking of cakes don't forget the cute pumpkin cake I wrote about last year, Kraft's Great Pumpkin cake: http://anotheronlinemom.blogspot.com/2008/10/krafts-great-pumpkin-cake.html,

Monday, April 27, 2009

Sunglasses for YOUR face shape


Every girl loves a great pair of sunglasses but do you know how to properly shop for the shape of your face?


Oversized sunglasses (pictured, Target $16.99), made popular by Paris Hilton, have been the trend for the past two years. They complement women who have an oval shaped face or a larger nose.

On the other hand, smaller glassses with a straight frame (think square) are a great match for those with a round shaped face.

Aviator sunglasses (or those with thin rims) can be worn by those with a triangular shaped face (larger forhead and narrow chin).

If you have a long narrow (oblong) face, make sure your eyewear frames cover the center of your face as much as possible.

No matter what your face shape, remember to always protect your eyes by purchasing shades that offer UV protection.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Easter Cookies (from Southern Living)


I decided at the last minute to make cut-out cookies for Easter. I found a great recipe in this month's Southern Living: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1886355.


For the icing I just mixed 1 c. powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp Water, a dash of Lemon Juice and dye.


Simple and quick. Oh, and yummy too!