Simplicity and Community... Home is Wherever You Are

This video pretty much sums up the feelings I have about this Thanksgiving.  I'd really like to adopt this way of thinking throughout my daily living while in Philadelphia... where Jason and I have no biological family. 

Not forgetting those at home, however our family this year, and I hope years to come, are the people that we go to school with, work with and fellowship with.  The people that give us rides when our car breaks down.  The people that call us when we've missed two days of work/school.  The people that play bocce ball with us barefoot in the winter.  The people that we dine with.  The people that live with.  The people that we celebrate with.  This is my family.  I'd like to treat them as so. 

~I hope you've found yours~

BLACK FRIDAY & Private Sales!!

For all of you (like me) who are afraid to actually step out of your home on one of the busiest shopping days of the year and prefer to do your shopping via internet, I thought I'd share some invitations to some of my favorite private sales where you can find great online sales & earn credits too.  

Just Click on the picture for each to sign-up for free!!
Shop for your kids, your home, your man, and maybe sneak something for yourself!

Happy Shopping!

Shutterfly Explanation

Ok, so some of you may have been thinking, "What's the deal with her promoting all these companies?"  Well, my friends, there are incentives.  First things first... you must be a blogger to benefit from the Shutterfly deal I'm about to tell you about.  As mentioned in the previous blog, Shutterfly is one of the best photo sites I've come across that has a tremendous amount of benefits for their loyal customers.  No credit card included... no gimmick.  It really is easy to reap the benefits, I promise.  

All I did was sign-up to receive Shutterfly's email, and promos just come my way... like magic.  This particular promo consisted of creating a blog basically to brag about Shutterfly (and rightly so), and afterwards inform Shutterfly of your blog.  Well my friends, doing that granted me 50 FREE holiday cards of my choice to send out this Christmas.  The only catch is the selection.  I had to choose a 5 x 7 flat or folded stationary.  All I'm paying for is shipping which is around $8.00... not too bad seeing that most boxes at our favorite stores... ehmm Target... cost around $5.00 if not more a box.  I can't post the one I chose because then it wouldn't be a surprise to all of the lucky ones to receive it!  However, now you know my secret.  Whoever said, "Secrets don't make friends?"  

Here's a sneak peak of one of the pictures included in this year's Christmas card. 

 I hope you all have a wonderful holiday with family and friends.  Eat lots of Turkey!!  And don't miss me too much!  Jason and I will be celebrating in Philadelphia.  If you are still looking for an awesome dish to bring to a Thanksgiving dinner, you may want to try the Turkey N' Dressing recipe I posted a few weeks back.

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!!!

All I Want for Christmas is My Shutterfly Cards!

When looking for the "perfect" Christmas card this year, I headed over to my favorite site Shutterfly!  What I love about Shutterfly is once you are on their email list they send you amazing promo codes for all kinds of great deals throughout the seasons.  This year we were able to get a  photo album and give it to Jason's dad as a birthday present for practically free!  We only had to pay for shipping, and what a great gift it was!

Currently, you can save 20% on your photo books.  Plus receive free shipping if your order is over $30.  Click here to see more on photo albums.

Now, back to Christmas cards.  I've already done the hard work for you... the selection is massive!  Here are a few of my favorites!   Aren't these elegant!?

I love the monogrammed look!

But anyone who knows me well, knows that I find it hard to resist a little COLOR and FUN!  I must get that from my dear mother!!  Speaking of my mother, a Christmas tradition at my house was receiving a new calendar.  We each had our very own!  Shutterfly has them too! Check them out!

In the meantime, here are some more FUN cards!!
 

What kind of grandparents could resist spoiling their grand-babies when they received this in the mail?  The most difficult decision is which one to choose?

Turkey N' Dressin!

Hey y'all!!  I'm bringing on the Southern Charm right now if you can't tell.  I've been hearing all kinds of remarks stating that so many people are just skipping right over Thanksgiving and jumping straight to Christmas without even blinking.  Well, (EhHmmm...Aunt Jan), this post is dedicated to you!!  

She's the talented one in the middle with the sideways frown on her face. 

In the South tradition is Turkey N' Dressin!!  No stuffing here.  We prefer to serve our stuffing alongside the bird not actually inside the bird.  Plus the bird wouldn't be able to handle it!  Dressing, as we like to call it, is enough to feed an entire family.  I'm talking about the whole shabang!  Cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers, mother's ex-husband's boyfriends... all of em!  

I hope you enjoy this true Southern Thanksgiving recipe and the left-overs too!

SOUTHERN CORNBREAD DRESSING

Yield
Makes 16 to 18 servings
Ingredients
1 cup butter or margarine, divided
3 cups white cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
7 large eggs, divided
3 cups buttermilk
3 cups soft breadcrumbs
2 medium onions, diced (2 cups)
1 large bunch celery, diced (3 cups)
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh sage*
6 (10 1/2-ounce) cans condensed chicken broth, undiluted
1 tablespoon pepper
Preparation
Place 1/2 cup butter in a 13- x 9-inch pan; heat in oven at 425° for 4 minutes.
Combine cornmeal and next 5 ingredients; whisk in 3 eggs and buttermilk.
Pour hot butter into batter, stirring until blended. Pour batter into pan.
Bake at 425° for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool.
Crumble cornbread into a large bowl; stir in breadcrumbs, and set aside.
Melt remaining 1/2 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add onions and celery, and saute until tender. Stir in sage, and saute 1 more minute.
Stir vegetables, remaining 4 eggs, chicken broth, and pepper into cornbread mixture; pour evenly into 1 lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish and 1 lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish. Cover and chill 8 hours.
Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.
*1 tablespoon dried rubbed sage may be substituted for fresh sage.

Deals, Deals, Deals

I thought I'd quickly share a pretty awesome deal I have stumbled upon over the weekend. 

RUFFLE BUTTS

Zuilly is a private sales company that offers up to 70% off of children's apparel & all things else kid oriented.  Currently they have RuffleButts on sale for $10.99!!!

Photo courtesy of rufflebutts.com

This is a fabulous buy!  These usually sale for $17 or more.  Mom's (and their babies) love them!   It makes a great gift!  If you are not already a member of this online sales community, just click on the invitation below.  Membership is free, and you can't beat the deals.

http://www.zulily.com/invite/jespey249

These are a few of my favorite things...

I'll begin with this video.  I love discovering new (new to me) artist who actually have some talent.  I'm especially drawn to folksy & bluegrass diddies.  Hence the song from Pomplamoose.

But what inspired me to write this post was a new blog I recently discovered, which makes my heart smile and stirs up creativity burrowing inside of me. Check it out!  

She offers tutorials on how to paint hideous furniture into works of art.

She also seems to be giving away a lot of things too, besides free tutorials.  Be sure to click on the link above if you want to see the other giveaways from All Things Thrifty.

And finally, another site that still aims to please is low and behold Apartment Therapy.  People who live in small spaces cherish this site.  However, dwellers of any size, big or small, can gain creative ideas from one day's visit.  I especially love the house tours such as the one I blogged about back in July. 

So long, fare well.

Tis the Season of Giveaways!!

Who doesn't love a good giveaway?  It doesn't really matter how small or grand it is, both are just as fun!  I've took the pleasure of compiling together some giveaways that have struck my interest and hopefully yours too!

I found out about this one from one of my favorite blogs to follow My Sweet Savannah.  She has such great ideas and is fun to read also.  All you have to do is go to her site for directions on how to win one of these cute totes!  Aren't they adorable?  I just love the pink one!

Another great one I ran into today is from The Williamson's Wonderful World.  She is a Willow House consultant and is giving away a $50 shopping spree towards  her line.  Cute, cute stuff!!  Again, just go to her blog where there is a link for directions.  Here's a preview of what you could put on your shopping list. 

Love it!!!

More to come...

It's not even Thanksgiving, and I'm alreay dreaming about Christmas!

My mother was not one to have Christmas decorations up ahead of time, but she did decorate every year... every room.  This year I am feeling the Christmas spirit early, and I am already conjuring up ideas that would be fitting for our one bedroom apartment.  Today I even went browsing to get some ideas...  a little too early for that, I suppose.  As I arrived, the stores were just getting started with unpacking the first delivery of Christmas goodies.  Oh well, maybe next week.  The internet however has remained a reliable source for my Christmas "FIX".  I mean really, if I want cute stockings I better order now!  These whimsical stockings were found on chicmommybags on Etsy.  This girl takes all final orders on December 10th.  Aren't they cute!?

My college roommate use to describe my decorating style as froo froo.  She may be right, because I'm loving this one!  Yet again another etsy find by snazzieque.  Better yet, she monograms!

If you're more into the shabby chic look and need something a little more subdued (but just as fun), you may want to check out South House Boutique.  She has a huge selection!

Let's take a poll!!  Which is your favorite?

Free Web poll for your Web site - freepolls.com

I'm Ballin!

I'm almost embarrassed to post this (revealing my poor decorating skills in the "Before" pic).  Yikes!  In my defense I was working with what I had available at the time.  Jason and I came to Philly with a futon and a full size bed.  I'm not exaggerating, that's it!  Speaking of  Jason, he is the one who really helped motivate me this past weekend by cleaning out the hallway closet.  Next thing I know I'm running around like Mary Poppins!  Just a snap of a finger.  Voila!  A magical transformation.

Here's the Before:

After!

 

And a closer view of the pillows: 

If I do say so myself, the room has made mass improvement.  I would like a new duvet like this one from Bloomingdale's, since the one I posted about previously from Anthropology is discontinued. 

But now that our room is semi put together, I'm conflicted.  Maybe I should just go with a chic white tufted duvet.  Opinons??

In other news, October treated us well.  Here Jason and I are at the Studio Incamminati Gala which is held annually at the Union League in Philadelphia.  This year's theme was "To Russia With Love".  

This season I also had the pleasure of finally strolling around Antique Row in Center City.  I didn't purchase anything, but it was well worth the stroll. 

 

Photo Courtesy of www.ronsaari.com

I did however score me some awesome boots on South Street!!  Sorry, no pic.  They come up to my knee, and believe it or not, there's no space between my skinny leg and the boot.  Skinny girls understand.  Buying boots has not been an easy task for me, so this is major people!

Finally, Philly has been quite cold these last few days.  I was hoping for a long fall, but it seems like Winter has made itself feel right at home.

Ahh...October, I will miss you!

My Kitchen Goodies Wish List

Numero Uno

Spice Decanters: The great thing about these dandy containers is that they are magnetic.  4,785 different types of spices all in different packaging cluttering a nightstand, yes... a nightstand, in my tiny (even for an apartment) kitchen is really not doing it for me.  So yes, this is currently standing as number one most desired kitchen goody.  I'll take 30 of them please.  I think Bed, Bath, & Beyond might have these suckers.  Plus it's very likely that I could find a promo code and get a discount.  I thought the $10 deal (six in a package) on Amazon was pretty sweet at first, but when I was ready to check out they wanted to charge $7 for S&H.  I'll wait till shipping is free, thank you. 

Dos

Introducing the Le Creuset (specifically 5.5 Quart Round) Dutch Oven.  Can you believe it!?  I want a dutch oven!  Never in my life have I desired one of these heavy, and might I add expensive, enameled cast iron cookware.  Isn't it a beauty?   I guess I must be in the mood for soup... and expensive things, but that's not unusual.  These sell for about $235 on Amazon.   However, I was in Home Goods (I LOVE HG), and they had the same size for only $140.  So, what do I do?  Tell my upstairs neighbor of course.  He's an ex-chef, and is scouting out one.  I figure we can borrow his.  I don't have that kind of money for a pot!

Tres

Yes, it's a tea kettle.  Do I drink tea?  No, not really (only on occasion).  Jason does though.  I WANT this tea kettle.  Not one like this one, but this very one.  I don't want an ugly black plastic handle, or any other funky odd shape.  This one is absolutely perfect!  I'm waiting on the day it goes on sale at Amazon or magically appears in Home Goods.  Currently it is listed for 90 buckaroos on Amazon.  

Why do I want things I don't really use?  I don't know, maybe so I'll learn how to use them.  Those spice containers are a must have though!  I love anything that has to do with getting organized.  

Side note:
Tonight's dinner was Southwestern Stuffed Acorn Squash from www.eatingwell.com.  OMG!!  Let the picture speak for itself.  Everyone must try this!!

For more items on my wish list, visit my Amazon Wish List.  Feel free to buy me anything you would like.  ;)

PEACE!

Clark Park and Even More Meaningless Ramblings.

Photo courtesy of http://uhurunews.com/

Yesterday while on my drive home from work I fortunately saw a posting for the bi-annual (I believe) Uhuru Flea Market which happens in Clark Park.  Jason doesn't much enjoy partaking in flea market extravaganzas, but i enjoy scavenging for treasure.  I most likely get that from my mother.  She use to take us thrift store shopping, and my poor eight year old soul was embarrassed out of my little mind; afraid that I would bump into one of my elementary classmates.  I had a reputation at stake!  Third grade was hard.  Rarely will you ever find me at a thrift store to this very day.   Flea Markets are cool though.  Check out this handmade soap I purchased at 3 for $5.  They smell absolutely wonderful, and they are even made from the ladies very own home grown herbs!  I got coconut peppermint, strawberries and cream, and I don't recall what the brown one is with what looks like cinnamon or nutmeg on top of it.  Nonetheless, it is my favorite!

 Even though thrift stores still give me the creeps, oddly enough, curb alerts thrill me!  My neighborhood frequently puts unwanted furniture, books, knick-knacks (you name it) out on the side of the road a day before trash pick-up.  I'm glad people do this because I hate to think that some perfectly good table like this one, which I now own, could be wasting away in some landfill.  

This nice accent table was across the street from my apartment.  Please don't think I'm crazy (okay, call me crazy), but I swear people here scavenge through trash.  It's Philadelphia!!!  When I first found this table it was covered with this hideous contact paper, which peeled off quiet easily.  Check it, below.

Heck, even my couch was a curb alert (from an up-street neighbor... does that make it ok?).  Ok now I'm crazy, but Jason and I were so grateful to pass our awfully uncomfortable futon to a new neighbor in town.  Plus, I love my couch (!!), and my pillows too!  Don't worry, those were purchased at Pier 1 and JC Penny.  Everything's clean I swear!  Plus, I have this nice eclectic look going for me now... all owed to my dear neighbors who have decided that their trash is my treasure!   The sunflowers are from Whole Foods for only six bucks a bundle.  I've been eyeballing them for months, and I think that they look great!

 One last rambling before I jet for the day.  I've added a few Birmingham magazines to my end table.  I think it's nice to have a little something in sight that reminds you of home.  

Be merry.

Mmm... Mmmm... Leftovers!

There's nothing better than day old lasagna!  Sounds sketchy when said out-loud, but only few will deny that leftovers are none less than fab!  Plus who really likes to cook every night of the week anyway!?  That being said, I promised to share my new meal planning strategy (husband included).  I'm so happy to have a husband who is so helpful and is as easily excited as I am about tackling the age old question, "What's for dinner?"  Well, my friends, I have a solution, but it is a team effort.  Sorry single ladies.  Get a man!  Or better yet a nice friend who is up for the challenge.  The best part about this type of meal planning is that it encourages trying new recipes. Doesn't this look yummy?  Well, it was!  This was my first meal, Spinach, Sausage, Mushroom Lasagna, which I cooked on my first night, and we are having again tonight.  And there will still be leftovers!!  The rest is going in the freezer... it will serve as a good lunch some time in the near future.   

***Just a quick side note, I like to use www.eatingwell.com, which is where I found this dish.  However, I prefer extra tomatoes, and I thought it could have used a tad more salt.***

Ok, here is how my ingenious plan works.  Jason and I each have two nights out of the week in which we are responsible for assuring that dinner is on the table.  For instance, he may take Monday and Wednesday nights, and I may take Tuesday and Thursday nights.  Friday nights are pizza night, frozen dinner night, leftovers...quick meals!  You get the idea.  Another great thing about taking responsibility for two nights is that if you make enough food on say Monday night for two meals then there would be no need for you to cook on Wednesday.  It is intentional cooking/ planning.  Essentially you could only be making one meal a week!!  How awesome is that!?  And it really works too!  That is as long as you have a team.  I've only cooked once this week.  No joke.  Jason made a really great white bean soup... I forget the proper name, but it too was delish and reaped leftovers.  

This plan, although we are still in our first week, thus far has proved itself to be motivational requiring some effort of creativity, but well worth the effort.  Cooking two nights out of the week (if that) makes it that much more rewarding...plus we're eating more healthier than usual.  I hope you enjoy, and share with your friends.   I have planning to do.

Tis the Season of Fall

This season so far has represented a lot of newness for myself, Jason included, but first I'll start with me.   

Let's begin with projects!  I've made a goal to accomplish at least one project per month.  This month's task... conquering the massive collection of books which have found themselves invading every existing corner in our tiny apartment.  If I get around to it, I'll post a photo of my finished (yes finished) organized by color bookshelf.  In the meantime, check out this master piece!  Beautiful (!!), but unfortunately not mine.  I don't have that many colorful books, nor do I have a bookshelf as splendid as the one below.  Nonetheless, this picture of someone's magnificent work served as my inspiration.  I feel as I should note, that this was not an easy task being as OCD as myself.  Does this blue book have more blue in it or do I see green?

In other news, this weekend I spent my time at a women's retreat with fellow Circle of Hope-sters at Camp Andrews... somewhere in the middle of Lancaster County.  In other words, for those of you not familiar with Pennsylvania,  we were out in BFE.  Horse and buggy territory, and it was absolutely gorgeous! (Especially since some leaves are beginning to change their color).  Reminds me of Alabama.  I see way too much concrete these days.  The women's retreat was not exactly a "retreat".  People were waking up at 7AM (on a weekend) to do yoga.  No thank you.  This princess doesn't even do her exercises during the week, much less on a Saturday morning and earlier than I wake up during the week.  Yes, I am that person.  There have been times I roll out of bed at 7:45 and must leave the house by 8:00.  But that's besides the point.  I met some really sweet girls, and I definitely feel comfortable saying that I feel more like a part, rather than a guest, at the Circle of Hope. 

I began this post by saying, "Jason included", and I have every intention on doing so.  However, it is late, and I must sleep.  But just for your lingering pleasure, it has to do with a new and excellent meal planning idea that I have created... Jason's even excited about it!  More to come.