Halloween Front Porches (Decorations)

We went trick or treating in a beautiful neighborhood tonight and I had to take some pictures for you my blog. I'll have to remember these next year! Meanwhile, enjoy!

Well, I tried (Mini Pumpkin Cakes)

I was so excited when my mom gave me this Wilton mini-pumpkin cake pan.

But after I baked them, they didn't even look like pumpkins!

So I did the best I could with icing and candy corn.

Oh well, the kids didn't mind...they ate the right up!

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 .

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:

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/10/tianas_showboat_jubilee.html

Talbots: No longer your mom's store

Talbots is no longer your "mom's store". It is now more hip and modern! You may have seen my post last week where I showed some of my favorite new Fall items from the store.

Well, Talbots also recently started a blog, Red Chair Confessions. For the longest time, it was a mystery of who was behind the blog. I mean this video is funny stuff:


At first I thought it was for a new snack food, perhaps a chocolate dessert. Then I started thinking maybe a shoe company or even Calvin Klein. I was so surprised at the end to see Talbots! They really DO have some great modern new styles that fit my life.

Long time readers of my blog KNOW that I love Ann Taylor and shop their often. It's my "go to" store when I need a last minute outfit. Well I have now added Talbots to my list! (I am fortunate that there are two locations within ten minutes of my home!)

Also, do you know they offer styles in misses, petites and women's sizes...as well as shoes and accessories!! There is surely something for everyone. So tell me what is your favorite find at Talbots right now?

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:

FamilyFun's Hairy Daddy Longleg Cupcakes

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

Pillsbury's Pumpkin Patch Party Cake

Look what Southern Living did with moonpies:

(Photo Credits: Beth Dreiling Hontzas / Styling: Buffy Hargett)

Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake

I am not a huge fan of pumpkin, but I absolutely LOVE this pumpkin cheesecake recipe I found on AllRecipes.com. I made it last year for the first time and my family also loved it.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pumpkin-Cheesecake-I/Detail.aspx

Suggestion: I made couple of easy changes to the recipe. I used one 9-inch pie crusts (instead of the recommended two 8-inch). I also added a tsp of vanilla and 2 Tbsp of Flour. PERFECT!

After the family left, hubby and I grabbed forks and just ate it straight for the pan (shh!)...

Side note: Angry Julie Monday noted a canned pumpkin shortage a few days ago! So if you see pumpkin, buy it now. Don't wait until Thanksgiving!

Notice something new?

Well, first, I changed my profile picture. Instead of seeing a clock, you will now see ME and the kiddos! :) And, I changed my blog head...I like to do this about once a year. I hope you like it!

More outfits - (Follow-up family photos)

Thank you to those who commented on the kids Christmas outfits late-last week. Many of you suggested hubby and I wear colored shirts (not white.) So I found these tops for us over the weekend!

I will wear a ballet neck red sweater (classic Christmas color!) on sale at JCP.com for $9.99!

Hubby will wear a polo-style cashmere sweater in a loden green! (Loden is a greenish/brown color that looks great with hubby's eyes! He actually had this Lands End sweater from last year and it will be perfect.)

It's Game Day

And a fun game: BATTLE OF THE TIGERS!

LSU VS AUBURN...GEAUX TIGERS

GEAUX LSU!

Heaven Welcomed a New Angel...

This morning, my great aunt passed away. Her name was Eleanor and she was just shy of her 97th birthday. She was my grandmother's sister. In fact, there were five sisters total and Eleanor was the last angel to be sent up to Heaven.

Eleanor was a hoot! She always had the best stories to tell me: stories about Mardi Gras long ago in New Orleans, stories about my grandmother dating my grandfather, and the time her and my uncle brought my parents to dinner at Commander's Palace and sat next to Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley. Her favorite story to tell was about Harry Connick Jr bringing her autographed CDs a few Christmases back (he grew up a few doors away.).

When it came to sports, Eleanor would blow your mind! She knew more stats than any lady - heck maybe any guy - I have known.

Although it is a sad day, I know she had a full life and I know she is so happy to be reunited with her sisters. I can almost hear them laughing above as they reconnect.

Aunt Eleanor, I love you and will miss you!

My favorite memory was in 2002, when I flew into New Orleans to see my family for Christmas. Eleanor had recently gone through some boxes in her attic and had found all these great old hats. (She was one stylish lady back in the day!) We had a blast trying them on (picture below Eleanor, me, my dad, and my dad's sister).

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!

Halloween cupcakes

I came across this link today with tons of Halloween cupcake ideas! I thought you may be interested. http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/best-halloween-cupcakes-521385/#photoViewer=1

More Vacation Photos

Our friends had many musical instruments (mandolin, piano, drums, etc). The kids thought it was so cool! I think I will put them both in piano lessons in a couple of years. (And, if you didn't see the pumpkin farm photos I posted on Saturday, please scroll down.)

Disclosure Policy

There has been a lot of news lately about the FTC and new rules for bloggers. As a reminder, my blog does offer a disclosure. You may view it by clicking on the link to the right. Also, from time to time, I do receive sponsorships for writing post. I always point out when this is the case.

Thank you Tina & Jack!

We had a great time in Athens! Thank you Tina & Jack... Dancing with Tina while Jack played the mandolin...
The kids love the piano, and enjoyed playing with Jack.

We hope to come to Athens soon!

Pumpkin Farm Photos

Today (despite the cold wet rain!) we went over to Washington Farms (outside of Athens, GA).

My sweet kiddos...

I took a few pictures inside so all could actually see their cute Halloween outfits!

Ideas Needed: Anniversary Trip

In January, hubby and I will celebrate our FIFTH wedding anniversary. We never had a real honeymoon so want to celebrate this milestone, but we need help deciding where to go!

First, I don't like snow so skiing is out.
Second, I won't do a cruise (motion sickness).
Third, we may wait until February or March when the weather is better.
Last, we are thinking 4 to 5 days.

So, help me decided. We have thought about Napa, Phoenix or San Diego. Perhaps NYC or Boston. I'd love to hear ideas from you!

Pretty Ponytail Holder

Often I get offers delivered to my Gmail account that I like to share with you bloggers. I have not heard of this company but fell in love with the ponytail holders (see photo below). Please note that they are offering my readers a 25-percent discount. Find out more at www.atierney.com. Happy shopping!

I love shopping for a new Fall wardrobe!

I love all the new fall clothes out right now. Unfortunately I don't have a huge budget, so I just thought I would pretend I had received a $500 giftcard for Talbots! Call it online window shopping, if you will.

I love Talbots because the styles are fashionable but at the same time sophisticated. For example, check out this Refined double-cloth belted dress ($139) which would be perfect for Christmas:

Every girl needs a bit of cashmere. I like this Cashmere V-neck sweater ($149)! In fact, I may just have to order two! And it wouldn't the sweater look great with these pair of Refined Loafers ($109).

I also love this Pleat-neck turtleneck ($49). Again, Talbots takes a classic (a turtleneck) and gives it a modern twist. I especially love that they offer so many color choices. This would be the perfect shirt for dropping the kids off at car pool or lunch with friends!

And last, but not least, I would love to buy this Soft leather tote ($199). I love the big size and the great color!

With some many color offerings, Talbots can pump up my wardrobe! It would be great to have more than white tee shirts and old jeans (the mommy wardrobe, as I call it) in my closet, ha. Oh, and by the way don't forget to check out red chair confessions (RedChairConfessions.com), Talbots fun and exciting new blog!

Punishment for Using Bad Words?

A girl friend and I were chatting this week about our kids saying bad words. She has three boys, and washed out their mouths with soap recently. I remember as a kid, I once had hot sauce put on my tongue for cursing at my mother.

Well one couple went too far: http://www.clickorlando.com/news/21271665/detail.html, when they forced an 8-year old to CHEW soap have using an obscene word! Yikes; the girl then had an allergic reaction and the child is now in DCF custodity.

So this has me thinking...What is proper punishment today for using bad words? Is soap or hot sauce okay? It seems that society (and even government) no longer allows us to "spank" our children. "Time out" doesn't work for my kids. I am curious to know your thoughts!

My son is in LOVE with Hannah Montana

Yes, my son...not my daughter...is in love with the Hannah Montana movie. He watches it all day long. I mean, the minute he wakes up he asks me for "Hoedown". And the minute he is home from preschool, he asks for "Best of Both Worlds". At first I thought it was cute and even tried to learn the dance (thanks to this video from YouTube.com), but now I am going crazy (ha!)


Do your kids like Hannah?

Still Not Using Ebates?

So last year Sasha blogged about Ebates.com, and I immediately signed up! Do you know that in one year I have made $116!?! I LOVE IT! It gives me cash back for online shopping purchases. You can sign up too; here's my referall link:
http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=ihPdomBCzvfNk7l%2FxABVwA%3D%3D

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!

Football: #1 vs #4

This Saturday is a HUGE football game, LSU vs Florida. In fact, every season, this is the game to watch (huge rivalary, which has grown over the years!) To make it more exciting this year LSU is ranked #4 LSU and Florida is ranked #1. ESPN Game Day will be there. I can already feel the excitment! GEAUX TIGERS!

Dr. Oz's Real Age Test

I love doing quizzes! I guess it started as a teenager when I would take the "Does He Really Love You?" quizzes in Seventeen magazine, ha!! Well, here is a quiz for me now that I have grown-up. Dr. Oz's RealAge Test. It tells you how old you really are. And the best news, it is free.

Also while on the site, I decided to check out Dr. Oz's pain managment tips. If you recall, I occassionally get migraines. I loved his article "Silencing Pain with Music". You can read it here: http://cls.realage.com/ct/tips/3045. Cool stuff!

I met Social Media Expert Chris Brogan

I have been at IzeaFest the past two days and had the opportunity to listen to Chris Brogan, the God of Social Media! (He's knowledgeable, friendly and just plan likeable!)

Friday Favorites (I love freebies!)

I got a new cell phone this week, the LG Lotus in purple!

Best part, it was free from Sprint, my cell provider!

Today at IzeaFest, I got (free) Crocs...again in purple!

AND, I won a Xshot camera extender at the conference.

All moms need this thing!