many thanks.
It always feels good when your hard work is recognized and complimented. I am a graphic designer and at times you can be highly complimented, and in the next breath get your knees cut out from under you. With this up and down feeling at times it’s always a great thing when someone take the time to say thank you and praise you for a job well done.
One of our salesmen did just that the other day. I’ve been working really hard on an account we want to land here locally and I put my best foot and creative brain forward in designing a new brochure booklet for this client. After seeing the proof I put together he emailed this message to me:
Many Thanks!
I just wanted to let you know how excited I am to take this proof to our customer tomorrow. I think that this is a great piece and I know we will definitely impress. Talented folks like you make selling printing very easy. I’ll let you know feedback as soon as I hear any. Thanks again for all that you have done so far. – AW
It warms my heart. Add to this my raise I’ve been hoping for and it’s been a great week. (Minus the Steelers loss which I will NOT discuss any further, my heart and blood pressure can’t take it). *wink*
questions of christmas.
I got this little survey from the always funny, Lora over at Fever. I absolutely love her comical and edgy blog, it tickles me to no end. Please go check out her survey you’ll laugh your butt off! Thank you Lora and may you have a very Merry Egg Nog filled Christmas!!!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper. I hate gift bags for Christmas (at least under our tree). M is a huge snooper, if he has any chance to figure out what he’s getting – he’ll take it without blinking!
2. Real tree or Artificial?
I love real tress, but not the mess that comes with them. Our tree is artificial, and has been since our second Christmas together (going on year 4 with the artificial tree). Oddly enough one of M’s favorite scents is pine needles being sucked up on the vacuum cleaner – odd right? That being said we both say other than the typical evergreen and cinnamon scents – the smell of Scotch tape makes us think of Christmas. (Sorry if I’ve noted that before, but it’s true).
3. When do you put up the tree?
I used to always wait until after M’s birthday (Dec. 8th) to put up the tree. I always figured M and I would have our bday then we’d celebrate Jesus’ birthday the rest of the month. This year we tossed the tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving and I must say it’s really made my spirits brighter having it up already.
4. When do you take the tree down?
New Years Day, sometimes a little later than that.
5. Do you like eggnog?
Way too much. Although I’ve noticed this year that my stomach isn’t loving the nog like it used to. Maybe it’s too rich? I never thought I’d say that… but it tears me up so I’ve limited my intake this year.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
Wow, it’s hard to pick just one but the first that comes to mind is the Connect Four game I got one year. Mostly because my dad and I played all morning long while mom made breakfast. He always helped me put my toys together in the morning but this was the first time we had some actual fun, and bonded over a game. (Note: My dad and I didn’t become really close until my parent’s divorced years ago, he was busy being the bread winner of the family).
7. Do you have a nativity scene?
I do – we inherited the collection from my mother when she passed away and I love it. It always reminds me of Christmas, however I did not set it up this year. There are a lot of pieces to it and most have chips taken out of them. Baby Jesus has one hand missing and no feet, it’s rather sad.
8. Hardest person to buy for?
My dad – what do you get the man who has everything?
9. Easiest person to buy for?
M – hands down. Not only does he give you a huge list of things he wants but he also enjoys all the surprise stuff I get him as well.
10. Worst Christmas gift ever received?
Honestly, and engagement ring. I was 17 years old and my boyfriend of 5 years proposed to me on Christmas. That being said I think that an engagement ring is a great gift, even at Christmas I just wasn’t ready for all that at age 17… I said yes anyway… and made it a super long engagement that turned into nothing – THANK GODNESS!
Honorable Mention: A few not so pretty sweaters from my grandmother. Bless her heart, we didn’t see each other a lot so I usually got items that were nothing like what I might wear.
11. Mail or e-mail Christmas card?
Real mail always! I do enjoy a fun e-card as well from friends but I’m all for the old fashioned greetings of Christmas. I don’t want to see traditions like this die.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Christmas Story. I can say that without blinking, it’s a classic and I adore it.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
When ever the mood truly strikes me. I’ve bought stuff in July before. My main issue with starting early is that I over buy. If I grab something that I think someone will like – I have a hard time later saying no to another great item they might like. In the end I spend WAY more than budgeted. I work better under pressure. I won’t think twice about heading out on Christmas Eve to get last minute shopping done. I’d rather not, but I handled it just fine if needed.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
I have not – however for years and years I’ve used some of my birthday money towards buying others Christmas gifts. Which really stinks. I always try to write myself and IOU for January to go shopping but it never happens.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Cookies!!! And Egg Nog Milkshakes. McD’s no longer has them but I’ve noticed that Krystal’s does. I really need to grab just one before the season is over.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
White lights! I can appreciate colorful lights, but I prefer white lights on my tree and my house. I would go for blue lights or red (as long as it’s all one color). Maybe when I have kids I’ll change my mind or get a second tree for colorful lights to make them happy but for now it’s white lights all the way!
17. Favorite Christmas song?
I’ll Be Home For Christmas – it makes me cry every time I hear it!
Second: Little Drummer Boy and White Christmas.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Since I moved I have to travel. I am going home early this Christmas to see my dad and friends and will return to AL to hang with M’s family for the holidays.
19. Can you name Santa’s reindeer?
Yes, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph.
20. Do you have an Angel on top or a star?
We have a star – I want a snowflake but I haven’t found one that I like. I am uncomfortable with shoving the tree up an angels booty or Santa’s booty.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
M and I open one on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas morning. We always open the pet’s stockings first so we can watch them get all excited. We also do the opening of this family’s gifts with his parents and family on Christmas Eve – it’s mass chaos!!!
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Parking, and the kids that are screaming and crying because they want a toy and don’t get that Santa might be bringing it to them. What annoys me even more is the parents that do NOTHING about this behavior!!! I don’t have children for a reason right now – because I don’t want that hassle, further more I really don’t want to have to listen to your child pitch a royal fit because you won’t buy her the Hannah Montana Special Edition Barbie. The phrase “Santa Claus is watching you!” has lost all meaning!
23. Ugliest Christmas Decoration ever invented?
The Santa that shakes his ass. I can’t stand those things!!!
25. Which looks best theme trees or homey trees?
I love both. Theme trees are awesome but homey trees really bring the spirit of the holiday to life when you have all your memories hanging on them. It’s holiday food for the soul.
26. Gingerbread or sugar cookies?
Sugar cookies!
27. Do you like Fruitcake?
No thank you. Gift cards are much better when you don’t know what to get someone. No one wants a block of hard fruit bread.
Just a few more to share from the sweet Angie over at Just Shy of a “Y”!
What is your least favorite thing about the holidays?
Giving gifts and making other people smile hands down. I just love the over all feeling of goodwill that comes with this time of year. If only everyone got that!
What is your favorite holiday smell?
Evergreen and fresh baked cookies. As well as the smell of “snow” – the way the air smells before a good snow always makes my day.
Who is your favorite reindeer?
I’ve always liked the name Vixen.
What is your Christmas Eve ritual?
When I lived with my parents it was always opening one gift on Christmas Eve. And we would have our festivities the next day (opening gifts, unwrapping presents etc). Now that I live here in Alabama M’s family always gets together on Christmas Eve and we sit around the living room and exchange gifts one person at a time can open so everyone can watch – it gets a bit chaotic at times, there are so many children, but it’s always so much fun!
Are you a Friday after Thanksgiving shopper?
Not if I can help it – I’d rather sleep in and sleep off the turkey from the day before.
What is your favorite holiday food?
Turkey, Cookies and Egg Nog.
How did you find out that Santa wasn’t real?
I honestly can’t remember…isn’t that terrible <~ I have the same answer as Angie. I have no clue.
Have you bought all your presents yet?
NO and I’m freaking out!
Do you still make snowmen and snow angels?
I wish I haven’t been around enough snow in ages to be able to to do this.
Do you still have snow ball fights?
See the answer above.
What’s your favorite Christmas movie?
Christmas Story Vs. Christmas Vacation – for my other favorites see this post.
What do you plan to do for New Year’s Eve?
As long as I’m with M I don’t care what we do – but I do believe we’re heading to a friend’s house for a party this year!
What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever gotten for Christmas?
My dad always gets me jewelry so I’d have to say that – or maybe it was the engraved Ipod M got me for our 2nd Christmas together.
How early do you wake up on Christmas morning?
M always wakes up first – he will sometimes let me sleep in but I don’t think he’s ever lasted past 8 AM!
What do you usually get in your stocking?
Small things – candy and sometimes my stocking stuffers don’t fit in the stocking and M wraps them and puts them under the tree.
What is your favorite religious Christmas carol?
Oh Come Let Us Adore Him (Is that the correct title?)
What is your favorite non-religious Christmas song?
Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree is up there high, but I love I’ll Be Home for Christmas
How long do you leave up your Christmas decorations?
We usually take them down the day after New Years Day.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE! ox
tickled tuesday.
I almost forgot it was Tuesday…
rosy cheeks.
The cold weather always brings on some of the best drinks of the year for me. There’s nothing quite like rich and creamy hot chocolate with marshmellows and maybe a little splash of Bailey’s. I also enjoy all the different cozy coffee flavors that arrive during the holidays as well. I’ve always been a fan of warm apple cider but until this past weekend never realized this little drinks full potential.
My friend Case came over to help celebrate my birthday and M’s birthday and he had a sack of goodies when he entered the door. He asked M and I if we’d like to have a Spider. M is deathly afraid of spiders and quickly said “NO!” Case explained to us what a Spider was and we figured what the hell – let’s try it. In one word – DELICIOUS! Not only was it tasty but it kept me warm on the front porch where we were all hanging out. (My friends all smoke, minus M and I, I have never smoked, and he quit smoking before I moved down here – after seeing how ill my mother was with lung cancer he figured it wouldn’t be right to smoke around me or in front of me. I’m so proud of him for dropping the deadly habit).
I wanted to share this fun recipe with you and hope it brings you rosy cheeks and warm bellies all season long!
SPIDER
- 1 coffee mug of water
- 1 packet of Alpine Instant Apple Cider (note: you can also use fresh apple cider if desired – this instant Apple Cider also comes in Sugar Free as well)
- 1 shot Spiced Rum (like Sailor Jerry or Captain Morgan)
- 1 splash of Coconut Rum (such as Malibu)
Microwave until warm to your desired temperature and enjoy! These are so tasty you’re going to love them!
deck the halls.
The key to decking the halls this year for us was using what we already owned. I’ve been dying to try to buy more things to decorate with but with our tight Christmas budget this wasn’t happening. Instead we used the hand me downs I inherited from my mother as well as items we’ve collected in our five years of living together. I must say that it’s come together nicely (please excuse some of the poorly taken pictures – I still haven’t mastered this camera in regular light, or low light for that matter).
Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
cheesecake. new york style.
This evening I broke my cheesecake baking virginity – I finally braved making a cheesecake from scratch. I must say, it was easier than expected. I can’t wait to cut into this mountain of cheese tomorrow for M’s birthday. For the past three years I’ve said that I would make him one but never had the guts to try. We always had the discussion of how he loves the crust part the best – if he had his way there would be less than an inch of cheesecake and more than three inches of crust, true story! I switched up the New York Cheesecake recipe I found on allrecipes.com and made the crust a bit fuller than stated (I used 25 graham crackers vs. 15). All I can say is thank goodness for my mini chopper/food processor. You can’t fit much in it, maybe about 5 full graham crackers tops (broken up), or some veggies for a quick salsa – but it got the job done. It was much easier than trying to break a ton of graham crackers in bags with a rolling pin or flat bottom pan – or hauling out my normal sized food processor. With the lack of storage in our kitchen I keep it up high in the pantry and it tends to be a hassle to pull it out, clean it and put it away. The little mini chopper is a dream. Best part – I could just flip it over into my bowl of crumbs instead of taking it off the stand etc. like I would have to do with my traditional processor. I did noticed I had to use a bit of extra butter for the crust – the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of melted butter per 15 crackers – I added an extra tablespoon, I wasn’t trying to have it all crumble on me.
I can’t wait to cut into this beast it baked up HUGE! I’m excited, I thought for sure it might cave in or droop or something, but it seems like it’s going to be similar to the thick, huge slices you get at your favorite place to dine. I went ahead and bought some caramel topping to drizzle over the slices tomorrow. He doesn’t like fruit, I love it, but it’s his birthday. I hope that his family will enjoy the cake.
The down fall to all this – if the cheesecake is delicious – I’m in trouble. Now I know how to make cheesecake… I’ve sworn off learning this because it’s my weakness – I hate to see how much I’m going to want to make this on a regular basis! (This is exactly why I haven’t learned to make fried foods well – I will want to eat them all the time).
So fingers crossed that it tastes as good as it looks. All I can say is Happy Birthday M, I love you! ox
winter day dreaming.
If there is one thing I miss the most about the East Coast (besides the most important things – family/friends/etc), it’s a true winter with lots of snow. I started thinking about this the other day and realized it’s been over 5 years since I went snowboarding. This realization made me extremely sad. There aren’t any ski resorts that are close to where I live right now. If I wanted to have a snowboard adventure I’d have to travel and stay the night – both things cost $$$. And spare $$$ is something I don’t have a lot of right now – If I did I’d be hijacking the plane to T&C to see my lovely friend Lauren get married in a few months).
I thought that since I can’t go snowboarding right now… I’d take some time to window shop all the fabulous snowboarding gear and clothing online. This made me even more sad – I found SO many great things that I’m dying to buy… if only there was snowboarding in my future. In the meantime I can dream and watch one of my favorite (snowboarding) movies over and over again… Out Cold. If you’ve never seen this movie see it now – it’s so funny and full of stars before they hit the “BIG TIME” – and the Soundtrack is great.
For now I’ll keep winter day dreaming and wishing for snow and all these items…
Alabama Tide vs. the Florida Gators
Today is the big day! Alabama meets the Florida Gators in Atlanta for the game of all games this season. I will be making my favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip for the game. May the best team win! ROLL TIDE ROLL!
Ingredients
- 2-3 chicken breasts (fresh, uncooked or you can use rotisserie chicken as well)
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Ranch dressing
- 3/4 cup pepper sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot®) OR 3/4 cup of your favorite Buffalo Wing Sauce, I often use Moore’s Wing Sauce for this recipe, it’s not as hot but just as tasty.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (you can also mix in mozzarella as well)
- DIPPERS: Tortilla Chips, Celery Sticks, Carrot Sticks (or ones cut into “chip” shapes), and the best thing I’ve discovered recently Chicken Biscuit Crackers! ZOMG! SO good! I can’t believe I had never discovered these sooner but I’m glad I didn’t. I ate a whole box almost by myself the last time I purchased them! EEP!
Directions
- Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Put whole chicken breasts in a heavy pot and fill pot with water (just enough to cover the chicken breasts). I usually add some Weber’s Kickin’ Chicken spice to this, I’m obsessed with this stuff and use it on just about everything that I make with chicken. You can also add hot sauce to the pot if needed.
- Bring pot of water to a boil and let breasts cook for approximately 20 minutes. You will want to test them to be sure they are cooked through by cutting small slice in the breast. If it’s still pink, boil for a little longer. (SKIP ALL THIS IF YOU ARE USING AN ALREADY COOKED BIRD).
- Pull breasts from pot once cooked and allow them to rest on a cutting board for at least 10 minutes.
- In mixing bowl combine softened cream cheese, your hot sauce/buffalo sauce and ranch dressing until creamy and well blended. Mix in half of your cheese mixture as well
- Once chicken has cooled take 2 forks and tear the meat up into small pieces. This will give you pulled chicken and make it easier to incorporated the meat into the dip, as well as give more meat per scoop for each guest.
- Mix the meat and the cheese mixture together and spread into an oven safe casserole dish
- Cover mixture with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake mixture until warm and bubbly – the top of the cheese will become a little brown, approximately 20 minutes.
- Serve straight out of the baking dish with the above mentioned dippers and enjoy.
Note: This recipe is great the next day if you have left overs – it warms up perfectly in the microwave.
ENJOY!!!
(I’ll be happy when football season and the holidays are over, maybe my size 12 jeans will actually fit me again once I’ve rid myself of all this delicious food temptation – stay tuned for the “life changes vs. new years resolutions” post!!!)
ROLL TIDE ROLL!
just for fun.
I noticed that the lovely Connie at Living My Glamorous Life posted this and thought I would play along!
1. What was the last concert you’ve been to?
AC/DC – hands down the BEST show I’ve ever been to in my life!!!
2. Is it easy to make you cry?
Depends. I’m a pretty tough cookie – but in the end I can watch SportsCenter, seen a touching story, and cry. (I did yesterday!)
3. Do you ever feel like people underestimate you?
I think that usually people overestimate me if that makes sense. Most people have a first impression of me being a complete bitch because I’m quiet when I enter a room full of people I don’t know. I take my time when warming up to people.
4. Name 7 completely random things you like.
Snow, dried cherries, denim jackets, knee high boots, military jackets, french bulldogs, The Pittsburgh Steelers.
5. What’s your favorite reality TV show and why?
I’m not a huge fan of reality tv – it’s so over done now. If I had to pick I’d say Dirty Jobs, Deadliest Catch, Animal Cops (even if it makes me angry and ill the whole time I watch it – there ARE happy endings) and I will admit to watching my guilty pleasure of watching and often times enjoying Keeping Up With The Kardashians. (SINFUL I KNOW!)
6. What’s your favorite hair care product?
Hands down anything made by Frizz Ease. That stuff is so amazing!
7. What’s your favorite song at the moment?
I don’t really have a new song of the moment, but I’ve had Paul Westerberg’s Dyslexic Heart on my ipod on repeat for a some days now. (My commute to and from work only allows me about 2 full songs tops to listen to – that’s how short it is).
8. What’s the number one thing on your Christmas wishlist this year?
I don’t really have a big #1 thing. I was having a hard time trying to tell M and my father what I’d like. I did tell my father I wanted a Digital SLR Camera and I’d be so excited if I got it. M already got me 2 of my big gifts I wanted for the holidays for my birthday!
9. Have you ever lost your cell phone?
No. It’s usually right in my purse, or dead in my car. I’m not a big phone person.
10. Did you attack the hordes of shoppers for Black Friday?
Absolutely not – I hate Black Friday shopping. M, myself and his younger brother went out to the video game store and ran inside Walmart for food and that was it! (Oh wait I did shop at Kirkland’s while the guys were in Game Stop but there were not crowds by then). That stuff is TOO crazy for me!
christmas cheer.
It’s the season for Christmas Cheer – and what better way to show that then a top 5 list of my all time favorite Christmas movies. I could watch these movies over and over a million time and never get sick of them, ever!
