New Year's Eve

Whether you watch it happen in Times Square on tv,

Go out and party with your friends,

Hang with your family,

Play games until midnight,

Or fall asleep watching a rented movie,

We wish you a safe, fun, happy

New Year's Eve.

May 2012 bring you health, peace, prosperity and much, much joy and happiness.

Happy New Year!

Happy 2012!

Let's make it a year to remember!

Ally & Lela 

Dog Butts, Thank Yous and Beaches

Emily Post says, "The rule of thumb is that you should send a written note any time you receive a gift (even a ‘thank you’ gift) and the giver wasn’t there to thank in person."

**DON'T GO AWAY! I know, you are rolling your eyes right now, but you'll miss the DOG BUTT, if you go now!**

I even sent a thank you to my best friend, Lela, who sent me this:

You may be laughing, but I LOVE my dog butt.

Notice the live version in the background.

Yes, my jammies have penguins on them.

Let's look at it from an everyday point of view:

Who doesn't love receiving snail mail? Thank you notes are the one way we can keep this tradition alive. Don't let the snail mail die!

It's also common courtesy. It shows you have manners. It's polite. It says you have some appreciation that someone else went out of their way to think about you and get you something or do something for you even when you don't really care. Yes, I've been on the receiving end of the gift from hell from someone I didn't even like (*cough*cough*SIL*cough*), but I still sent a polite thank you note.

And if the gift was mailed, it lets them know the thing actually arrived!

So, if your kids (or you) received a gift this holiday that arrived in the mail or otherwise, and the person wasn't there to get to see them open it, help them send a thank you note. In the grand scheme of life, it's a simple thing. Even if they are young, they can draw a picture and you can add some words. It starts the habit from an early age.

That said, I do agree with Emily on that first point - if the recipient was able to look the giver in they eye and say thank you, they are good! No note needed!

*********

We are dog-sitting while our good friends are in Maui. Yeah, totally sucks, because all I see in the 10 day forecast is clouds and rain. That and the fact that Maui is totally my happy place. Anysunshine, one of them posted this picture they snapped on Facebook. I am sharing with you all. If I'm going to occupy anything, this is what I want to do. Read the sign:

*********

A little update: a few of you have inquired about Lela. Back in October, after a whirlwind few weeks of fighting declining health issues, Lela lost her dad. Like any of us that have been through loss, just getting our feet back on solid ground and trying to get through that first set of holidays, has been enough to deal with. Add to that, that she convinced her mom to spend Christmas with them and she arrived on the 19th and will stay until January 4th. Let's just say that Lela and her mom are two of the strongest minded women I know. Lela hates it when I say it, but sometimes she shows streaks of her mom herself. And Lela's son shows streaks of Lela. All of which makes me laugh like crazy. What? She's my best friend, I can get away with it! To say they know how to drive each other crazy is an understatement. But I know it meant a lot to both of them to be together this holiday. Hopefully after the first of the year, the other Normal Mom will have tales to share and find a little writing groove again. In the meantime, she's doing well.

***Ally
Tweet

Tweaked Dessert - Chocolate Trifle

My mother-in-law was British. She and my FIL moved here to the States back in the 50's, got married and raised two kids. Lucky for me, or I wouldn't have Hubs.

There were a few traditions from England that she continued through the years, and one she introduced me to was her English Trifle.

Her's was pretty traditional with a cakey base drizzled with brandy or sherry, a fruit gelatin layer with two layers of colored custard and then whipped cream. Of course, like any of us, she used her own British shortcuts including using Bird's Custard Powder* for the custard.

She taught me how to make it the last Thanksgiving she was with us, then I made one (after one failed attempt) for Christmas the year after she passed away. I put it in the smaller of the two trifle bowls she left to us.

Though it turned out great, I'm really not much of a fruity dessert girl. Give me chocolate and make it rich. I've been dreaming up this chocolate version for some time now, and finally went for it this Christmas. I figured the worst thing that could happen, it would flop and we'd toss it out. It definitely did NOT flop. Hubs, who was extremely skeptical of my bastardization of his mom's cherished dessert, was more than pleased. Each night when he has leftovers, he says, "Good trifle, honey!" And though I know my MIL would have tsk-tsked at my idea, I know her well, and she would have been pleased with the outcome. Because one thing we had in common was our love of chocolate and Bailey's.

So here is my "tweaked" version: Chocolate & Bailey's Trifle.

And the recipe:

1 box Betty Crocker (or other brand) pound cake mix - prepare as directed, adding 1/3 cup of cocoa powder to the dry mix first.

Cut the cake into small cubes and press lightly into bottom of bowl. Drizzle with Bailey's (or other brand Irish Cream) making sure all cake gets a little.  (I used 2/3 of the cake based on my bowl size)

Spread one small jar of raspberry (or other fruit type) preserves over cake layer. (more if using a larger bowl)

Mix one small box of chocolate Cook & Serve Jello pudding per package directions. (use large box if using a larger bowl) Let cool slighly, 3-5 minutes stirring often. Pour over cake layer, place in fridge and let set up.

Mix one recipe of Bird's custard:
2-1/2 to 3 TBS custard powder
2 TBS cocoa powder
2 TBS sugar
Mix these ingredients well in medium sized mixing bowl.
2 cups milk** - place in sauce pan
Spoon several TBS of the milk from the pan into the dry mix and stir to make a paste.
Heat remaining milk to almost boiling - pour into dry mix paste, mix well, return to pan and bring to full boil until it thickens (it will thicken as soon as it starts to boil)
Remove from heat and cool slightly 3-5 minutes stirring often. Pour over jello layer, return to fridge until set.

Repeat with another layer of plain custard WITHOUT adding cocoa powder - this is your cream colored layer. Return to fridge until ready to serve.

Before serving, whip cream and spread over top of trifle.

Ta-Da! DONE and YUM!

* Bird's is available at some specialty grocers, some bigger grocery stores (Kroger) and my favorite place to get British specialty items - CostPlus World Market.

** Rice milk can be substituted for milk if you don't do dairy. A can of soy whipped cream could be used for the whip topping.

And just so you can see the layers inside:

Okay, maybe you can't see it that well - you'll have to trust me.

***Ally
Tweet

Most Awesome Gift

I got several great things for Christmas, but this one gift grabbed my heart and has quickly become a favorite.

(Well, besides the Keen boots that are just as awesome and comfortable as I thought they would be - I could be on my feet in them all day!)

It can be worn as a bracelet or necklace, but I love it on my wrist. It's awesome by itself, but the words on the card it came with are what got me. The giver said the words reminded her of me. So sweet.

This is for the one who has

found her way, and the one 

who is still searching.

For the one who counts her

blessings, and who is a 

blessing to others.

This is for the dreamer, and

the dancer, and the music 

maker.

For the one brave enough to

jump, and the one still 

standing on the edge.

This is for the one who takes

the path, and for the  one who

creates her own.

For the one who fights,

believes, creates, and

inspires.

This is for you.

Awesome, right? I LOVE it. ♥

***Ally

Tweet

Monday Listicles - 2011 In Review

Link up with Stasha at The good life for Monday Listicles. It's a different topic every week - follow along.


2011 in Review - My abbreviated version:

1. Went from double injury, through PT rehab, and FINALLY back to running.

2. Helped move Grandma to a retirement community where she is safe and surrounded by people.

3. The Boy started buying gifts for Hubs and I all by himself, proving he is growing up.

4. Fabulous visit by Lela in June, and got to play tourist in my own city.

5. The Boy became a 17 year old before my very eyes, again proving he is growing up.

6. Visited Crater Lake for the first time on a road trip to see family in Reno.

7. College visits with The Boy, cementing that he is, indeed, growing up.

8. Got to have a birthday dinner with Lela for the first time in years.

9. Celebrated our 19th Anniversary with Hubs.

10. Hubs landed a permanent job (sort of - still self employment, but with full corporate company backing) three long years after being laid off during "trimming" at his old company.

Can't complain about a year like that, but I have to admit, I'm looking forward to whatever 2012 has to bring. Bring it on, I say.

***Ally
Tweet

A Greeting For You

Wishing you and your families

a blessed and peaceful holiday.

Merry Christmas!

Ally & Lela

Now Christmas Is Complete - Bring It On

I'm not quite sure how it came to be December 23rd, and still we had still not yet posted the best 80's Christmas song. Ever.

It's a good thing we caught this unfortunate near miss and corrected the problem.

If, by chance, you are too young to actually remember listening to this song, while bopping around with big 80's hair, a bad Christmas sweater, and "stretch" pants that stretched out at the knees (lucky you), we've used the version with lyrics. You're welcome.



Happy Friday everyone. We share with you the Christmas rule: if it's not done by 3:00 today, it's not getting done, so just kick back, relax and enjoy the show. They'll just play with the boxes and wrapping paper, anyway.

Merry Christmas!

***Ally & Lela
Tweet

Holiday Menu?

In my family, we alternate hosting holidays. My cousin and I have been alternating Thanksgiving and Christmas the last couple of years and we love it.

I have Christmas this year. I'm a rebel when it comes to the meal. It feels like just ate Thanksgiving, so I don't really want to do the turkey thing again. I don't really eat ham much, so I pretty much discount whether others like it or not and cross it off the list. (You have the power to do that when you host, you know?)

I like to do something different. Back when Hubs was fully employed in the Seafood industry (before he became a number on a spreadsheet that got slashed), we did a seafood Christmas one year. Live mussels shipped direct from one of his customers. Live Maine lobster shipped from the husband of someone at his company. Salmon. It was a feast, for sure. We've also done standing rib roast another year.

My other caveat is that with all the food around this time of year, I really try to keep it somewhat healthy and not overdo the menu, BUT still make it good.

I searched and looked and browsed until this year's menu sort of fell in my lap. I just happened to spot it in a magazine. It wasn't even listed for the holiday meal ideas, but it got my attention anyway, because I LOVE gorgonzola cheese.

Christmas Dinner Menu

Starters
Raw Veggie Plate
Roasted Shrimp
Mediterranean Salmon Endive Cups

Main Course
Gorgonzola and Hazelnut Stuffed Pork Chops with Pears
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Blue Lake Green Beans

Dessert
Undecided

(Note: I wanted to center this menu and make it look pretty, but Blogger is being and ASSHOLE. Again.)

Seriously, I don't know if I'm going to make a proper dessert because I know there will be all the other stuff around - fudge, cookies, etc. I also know I need to decide for sure, because I'm shopping today and I'm running out of time!

So what are you all having for the holiday meal? I love hearing what others are having because I'm a total idea "borrower". Lay them on me!

***Ally
Tweet

Easy Shopping Experience? Count Me In!

The following is a sponsored post, though all opinions expressed are mine.


The big day comes and goes, the wrapping paper gets cleaned up, the leftovers slowly nibbled away, the decorations stored for next year.

A glance at the new year's calendar reminds you that your brother-in-law's birthday is just two and a half weeks away. (This happens in my house every year. My brain is gifted out and then I realize I've got to come up with not one, but two gifts for January birthdays.)

All you're dreaming about is when the in-laws have left, Cousin Harry has relinquished his spot on the blow up mattress and the kids have gone to your parents for a few days during school break. All you want to do is curl up on the sofa in your bathrobe and read a good book.

And that's when you notice it. The grease stain on the arm of the chair. The same chair Uncle Walter was sitting in with his ham and cookies. Which he eats together. *shudder*

At Become.com, you can find arm covers for chairs, slip covers, heck, you can find a whole new chair! You'll forget Uncle Walter was ever there.

What about that robe? Become.com can find you cheap bathrobes, too. You can find cheap bathrobes for men, sure, even the kids, but cheap bathrobes for women is what I'm after. When I searched for them, they brought up so many to choose from. Bamboo, Egyptian cotton, Supima cotton... warm and comfy is what I want and they found that for me, all the prices listed right there up front.

And you can certainly find something for the BIL's birthday. Anything from books, music or movies, to sports and fitness equipment to video games. They'll search it all. I even searched dog food! (NOt for the BIL, just in case you were wondering.) And they'll give you the completed price - including tax and shipping! No surprises waiting when you click to a product. I love that.

Become.com does the comparison shopping for you, presenting you with a large selection and the lowest prices from the brand name retailers, so you don't have to go site to site trying to do that comparing yourself. They've also got shopping insights, buying guides, product reviews and editorial tips.

I wish I'd used them for my Christmas shopping. But that's okay, I do plenty of shopping online throughout the year, when I need to, and now I've got Become.com bookmarked and ready to go for my future online shopping needs! They'll save me from the stores, save me from multiple searches and help me find what I'm looking for. If it makes my shopping life easier, count me in!

***Ally
Tweet

Wordless Wednesday - Cold Weather

***Ally
Tweet

IRL Meet Up & Rambles

On Saturday, I got to meet a blog friend IN PERSON!

Rachel, from Totally Ovar It, and I met for lunch. I'd love to show you pictures of us in the cute, little, colorful Mexican restaurant we met in... but I forgot I had my camera with me. *slaps forehead*

We did have a great visit, though, and then we walked to a nearby store to do some shopping.

Ahem.

It was a Liquor Store. What? Don't judge. She was looking for some Whipped Cream Vodka and I needed some Bailey's for fudge. Do you know how many flavors of vodka there are?? And now they are starting to do the same thing with rum! We were amazed. Okay, so maybe I just don't get out much.

I have to say, that I kind of like going in and browsing at all the pretty bottles and flavors and such. I'm not a big hard alcohol drinker, but it's fun to look.

One fun discovery - have you ever tried Cupcake Vineyards wine?

 www.cupcakevineyards.com

Cupcake has VODKA! Original, Frosting (vanilla), Chiffon (lemon citrus) and Devil's Food (chocolate). And no, they aren't paying me to talk about this, I promise! I don't even drink vodka except maybe once a year in a flavored martini, but I kinda just like the idea of it. I mean, there are plenty of other brands doing those flavors, but it's Cupcake! It's cute! Yes, I walk into liquor stores and think what I see is cute. Don't laugh.

 www.cupcakevodka.com

Okay, so I bought a $1.99 airplane sized bottle of the Frosting flavor to try. It's still sitting on my counter. I don't even know what to do with it, but it's cute.

But back to Rachel. I'd like to tell you all kinds of fun things about her, but I think you should read her blog and get to know her yourself. So I made a word cloud about Rachel instead.

We hope to meet up again in January. And Stasha, if you are reading, we want to meet you, too!

***Ally
Tweet

Monday Listicles - Inside The Actor's Studio Edition

Link up with Stasha at The good life for Monday Listicles. It's a different topic every week - follow along.

This week Bridget at Twinisms chose the topic. She's taking us Inside The Actor's Studio with James Lipton and the 10 questions every celebrity interview ends with. Fun, right?

1. What is your favorite word?
Really?

No, really, that's the word. Apparently I say it much more than I realize.

2. What is your least favorite word?

No. Well, at least when it's said to me.

3. What turns you on?
Affection that is real and genuine.

4. What turns you off?
Dishonesty, phoniness, actions that intend to hurt.

5. What sound do you love?
The sound of softly falling snow. That's right, it's the lack of sound that I love.
I also love the sound of the ocean gently lapping the shore.

6. What sound do you hate?
The sound of brakes locking and skipping across the pavement. We were once at an awful accident site when that happened and it still sends shivers up my spine.

7. What is your favorite curse word?
**Asswipe** It is a special enough word to require little asterisks on either side and is best used when directed at the driver who just cut you off or nearly made you pee your pants by slamming on their brakes ahead of you without warning.


8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
I'd love to be an editor. It's how my brain works. I can't help but edit things in my head when I read. There are many times I think I should have done it for a living.

9. What profession would you not like to do?
Having just had my yearly mammogram, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to be one of those techs. Manhandling women's boobs all day and then smashing them between plexiglass plates? Not for me. I also wouldn't want to sit in a cubicle all day doing something mind numbing. Or be a phone solicitor - I wouldn't be able to handle the rejection!

10. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
Welcome home.


***Ally
Tweet

Five Question Friday

Join the fun and link up for Five Question Friday over at My Little Life.

1. What's the best Christmas present you've ever received?

Getting pregnant with my son. Hubs and I still "disagree" on whether it happened the 22nd or 24th. He thinks it sounds more romantic to say I got pregnant Christmas Eve.

2. Worst/Funniest White Elephant gift ever received?

  

Hands down - the handmade kleenex box cover, sewn to look like a couch and made with Seattle Mariners fabric. Complete with throw pillows and pleated skirt around the bottom. Awful.

3. Is your Christmas tree plain and simple (white lights and matching ornaments) or is it wild and crazy (colored lights with lots of ornaments collected over the years)?

In the middle - white lights, lots of collected ornaments, then green and red balls all over to "tie it all together".

4. "How" do you iron your clothes? The old fashioned iron/ironing board way, the shower, back in the dryer, etc.

I will only pull out the iron and ironing board in dire situations. We do wrinkle removing fluffs in the dryer. Even better - my flat iron. It works on a shirt placket, collars, wrinkled pocket, creased edges. Women have the best tools.

5. How much baking do you do for Christmas and what are your "must make" items? (I'm looking for recipes here, peeps...)

Fudge. That's my only "must make". Though I usually do some snickerdoodles or gingersnaps or try something new to give away as gifts.

Happy Friday everyone!
***Ally

Tweet

Santa Needs A New Suit!

As I mentioned in my five finger olive post, when I was a kid, our Christmas Eve's were a Brady Bunch family mash up of fun.

For quite a while, one of the male adults would sneak out and don an old Santa suit that had been around waaaay too long (we REALLY needed a new family Santa costume!) and start jingling bells from some distant room or door. Santa would come in and Ho Ho Ho his greetings, reaching into his bag and bringing out a wrapped gift for every child in the room. (Stealthily provided by their parents, of course).

Costume available at Halloween Mart!

As fast as he'd come, he'd leave again, letting the kids know he had lots to do that night.

Of course, I was in the know, but it was still a fun tradition for all the kids to get a gift from Santa himself.

It's a great tradition, especially for large gatherings. And Halloween Mart is the place to go for that great Santa suit. Although they have great adult Halloween costumes and kids Halloween costumes, they can hook you up for other times of the year, as well. They even have expedited shipping so you can get that Santa Suit before the big day. And don't forget the Elves! They've got costumes for them, too.

They also have some sassy, hot little Santa's helper and Elf costumes if you are planning a more "romantic" Christmas Eve. Ahem.

There are lots more to choose from, too: toy soldiers, snowmen and even gingerbread men!

There's still time if you need a costume. Not for Christmas? How about the Easter Bunny? :) Halloween Mart has those, too! They are not just for Halloween!

***Ally
Tweet

The above is a sponsored post, but all opinions expressed are my own.

Five Finger Memories

When I was a kid right up through adulthood, Christmas Eve was spent with my grandfather's side of the family. Without a lengthy family tree explanation, let's just say that it was a Brady Bunch mash up of family fun.

There were lots of kids, of which I tended to be the oldest present most years. We were usually relegated to the kids' table, kids' corner, or even a kids' room.

Food was a plenty. Ham, turkey, scalloped potatoes, jello salads, ambrosia salad, salmon, just dishes and dishes of food. And all the condiments to go with it, including Grandma & Grandpa's sweet pickles and plenty of black olives.

To this day, I don't know if anyone actually ate the black olives. Except of course, for me. But as the oldest kid, I not only ate the olives, I took special privilege in passing on the tradition of how a kid should eat black olives. It is something to be mastered by small hands, something most adults (with adult sized hands) are not able to participate in without breaking them.

source

It's a tough responsibility to make sure the children of a family learn the holiday traditions properly. But somebody has to do it.

***Ally

Tweet

Marrying A Celebrity

When the email with the Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop topics arrived, I jumped all over this one. I cut and pasted it into a blank post and saved it to come back to later.

Later arrived and I looked at it again and grew hesitant.

2.) If you HAD to marry a celebrity...who would make your top five list and why? (Let's just pretend you're not actually already married mkay?)

Marry? HAD to marry? That's a whole different kind of Top Five Celebrity List than I was thinking. Ahem.

Marriage, though, that's long term. If I have to marry them, I want to know they aren't just going to sit around and look pretty. I could come up with a long list of those.

After some pondering, and reminding my self of the note there to pretend I wasn't already married, I came up with a few names.

1. Dave Matthews. He is sexy in his own odd way and he can pick up a guitar and sing virtually anything which could be seriously romantic. Just imagine, sitting around the living room, fire in the fireplace and Dave strumming and singing a little tune. Some of his songs have some eyebrow raising lyrics, if you know what I mean, so at least we know he's got some spice in that imagination. He has three kids and songs that talk about his two daughters and his sister. He's a family kinda man.

2. Harry Connick Jr. Once again, he's cute, sings, acts, and loves his wife and kids. He can be sexy and funny when wants to be. Oooh, and he's tall, which means for a tall girl like me, I could wear heels without worrying about towering over him.

3. Matt Damon. He's cute in his own way, married, has three kids and by all appearances, loves being a family man. It makes him seem like pretty good husband material, yes?

4. Chris O'Donnell. It's the Matt Damon thing all over again. He's a total family man. Just look at this picture.

5.  Michael Weatherly. He can be a bit goofy, and I've seen some pictures of him from way back when that are maybe less than flattering. I don't have any idea if this one is a family man. But currently he does this smoky eye stare that makes my knees weak. Which makes me think that if he could be goofy, funny, entertaining and make me laugh and then give me the stare to make me melt and we'd be just fine.

Secretly though? I wouldn't want to marry all that ego. I'm happy I married my man.

***Ally
Tweet

Mmmm, Bailey's Fudge

Yesterday I was way too wordy. My brain was swirling after three days of Christmas celebrations and a 5K. That's three days. In.A.Row. I'm too old for that stuff.

Anyyummy, today I present you with one of Hubs' favorite Christmas treats. (Okay, yes, I might just like it a little, too.)

Bailey's Irish Cream Fudge

1. In a very large bowl, combine:

2 pkgs milk chocolate chips, 12 oz each
1 pkg semisweet chocolate chips, 12 oz
2 jars marshmallow cream, 7 oz each
2 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup Bailey's Irish Cream (*Kahlua also works!)
2 cups chopped nuts, clearly OPTIONAL, and only for those that want to mess with a great piece of chocolate. Ahem.

2. Set aside

3. Line a 10x15 inch pan with foil ans spread lightly with butter

(if you don't have this size, use 9x13 plus a smaller loaf pan)

4. In a saucepan, combine:

4-1/2 cups sugar
1 can evaporated mile, 12 oz
1/2 lb butter

5. Bring to a boil over medium heat

6. Cook slowly, stirring constantly for 11 minutes

7. Pour milk mixture over the chocolate chip mixture

8. Stir slowly by hand to blend (Do not use a mixer)

9. Pour into prepared pan(s)

10. Chill until set

11. Lift fudge by foil from pans, place on cutting board and cut into squares.
(Hint: freezing for an hour before cutting can make your job easier, as it's a very soft fudge!)

**Two notes: It makes a lot! It needs to be stored in the refrigerator, as it is a very soft fudge.

Not my picture. But mine looks JUST like that :)

If you like it a little simpler, you can't beat Fantasy Fudge. It's the standard, age old recipe that was always on the back of the marshmallow creme jar. Don't be afraid of the marshmallow - you don't taste it, it just gives the fudge the best texture ever. (Martha Stewart thinks her recipe is original because she uses marshmallows instead of marshmallow creme. Whatever.)

3 cups sugar
3/4 cup butter
2/3 cup evaporated milk
12 oz semisweet chocolate chips
7 oz jar of marshmallow creme
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts, OPTIONAL (I already told you how I feel about that)

Bring sugar, butter and milk to a rolling boil for 5 minutes (or 240 degrees) stirring constantly.
Remove from heat
Stir in chocolate chips
Stir in marshmallow creme
Stir in vanilla. And nuts, if you must.
Pour into greased 13 X 9 pan
Cool to room temperature
Dare yourself to cut it without tasting. Haha.

Enjoy!!

***Ally
Tweet

New Company Notes To Self - Monday Listicles

Link up with Stasha at The good life for Monday Listicles. It's a different topic every week - follow along or create your own!

I'm rebellious again. This week's topic is 10 Things About Your Hometown. But we just got done with a whirlwind week of Christmas celebrations, so that's on my mind. Our week ended with an overnight stay at a resort for Hubs' company party. I know this post is wordy, and I'm sorry. But dancing video to Neil Diamond makes it all worth it, right?

10 Notes to myself on learning the ropes with Hubs' new company.

1. When the dude Hubs shares an office with invites you both to his office party, be sure to ask Hubs BEFORE you are walking out the door about what to wear. Then you will find out ahead of time that they all previously discussed, and agreed to wear jeans, even though you looked fine in your skirt, tights and boots.

2. When the regional party invite goes out, followed by an email saying the attire is "dressy-casual (jeans ok)" - do NOT believe one word of it. It's bullsh*t. All the women in the know will show up in cocktail dresses, including the two responsible for the email saying "dressy-casual (jeans ok)". The poor woman at your table who took them at their word and wore jeans and a nice shirt will want to eat under the table. And you will want to stab Hubs with your fork for telling you to wear the long top, leggings and boots only because he likes your cleavage in it. Wear the freaking cocktail dress you drug all that way with you. DON'T listen to him!

3. Remember that you and Hubs are just a tiny bit older than the majority of the others. (I'm only 44!!) These people work hard and they play hard. They party like they are young, probably because most of them are. Don't even try to keep up. Don't over drink, go to bed earlier than them and congratulate yourself in the morning. (Which is exactly what I did, btw.)

4. These are sales people. They are competitive. Seriously competitive. When they play Christmas games, dividing the tables into teams, they go for the jugular. There will be verbal jabs, disguised as jokes. And when the winning table is finally determined, they will get a barely audible, mumbled congrats from the rest of the room.

5. When you play the White Elephant Gift exchange game, do not be nice because you are a newcomers. Get in there and steal a good gift. Like I said, these people know how to compete. And if you don't want to go home with cheap golf balls, you better go send Hubs in for the steal. Just don't try to steal the Shake Weight. That girl wanted it bad, and she was prepared to cat fight in her too short cocktail dress to keep it. (Side note: make sure to save the golf balls for next year's party. Surely it's okay to recycle a White Elephant gift, right?)

6. Remember, again, some of these people are very young. They have not yet made that mental connection that tells them that too much alcohol = embarrassing moments = feeling like crap the next morning. They still see those as separate, unrelated events. It can be quite entertaining to watch, however.

7. Find a way to make sure that the guy who went from kinda drunk, to sh*t faced idiot, in 0.0023 seconds, doesn't sit down next to you at the bar after the party. And when he asks what you do for a living, find a way to brush him off. Keep your answer simple and change the subject. Telling him you do muscular therapy for sports injuries will result in him pulling up his sleeve, demanding a demonstration, not being able to form a coherent sentence in return and mumbling angrily while unable to keep his eyes open. It won't be pretty. And dear God, don't tell him you are a massage therapist. Who knows what he might ask for.

8. Remember, they play hard. And they love to dance (just like you!) and will dance to anything (just like you!). Case in point:

I know you can't see anything. That's probably for the best. 
It's a listening experience, I suppose.

Just listen to the poor quality sound, and shadowed images.

You'll get all the idea you'll need.

Macarena

Sweet Caroline. Neil Diamond. Seriously.

You have to wait until about 14 seconds in... wait for it.

See? Anything.

9. Know that this company treats its people well. Really well. The resort will be beautiful. The food will be delicious. The room will have an unbelievable view. And a fireplace. And a mini kitchen. And they are paying for everything but the booze. Because like I said, these people can drink, and booze is expensive. They can't spend all their profits.

Great room, or lobby of the resort.

Fireplace in our room. (Sorry, cell phone pic)

Fireplace in another, smaller room off the great room.

Amazing, incredible view. 

And I love the panoramic pics this new camera takes!

10. The annual award ceremonies are in April. And they are taking everyone back to the same resort. You will have a chance to redeem yourself with the dress. AND get to stay at that awesome resort again! 

Hubs has only been with this company for a month, so we are still figuring things out. This last weekend was a great group of people and we had a blast. I look forward to many more fun adventures, being appropriately dressed, with continued sobriety, and very appreciative. 

Note: I forgot the battery charger for my camera at home, and I was on the last flashing bar the whole time, otherwise I would have taken a whole lot more pictures! 

***Ally 

Tweet

Five Question Friday - Late Again

I'm a day late again, but it's never too late to join the party, right? 

Join the fun and link up sometime over at My Little Life.

1. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

Does it have to be a cookie? Because I'm really all about Christmas fudge. And no nuts, btw. There is no good reason to mess with a perfect piece of chocolate by adding nuts. 

Oh okay - two favorite cookies: homemade: Snickerdoodles or Gingersnaps, store bought: Trader Joe's iced gingerbread men - those are seriously hard to beat!

2. What's your favorite holiday movie & why?

Rudolph and Frosty - they are just great classics. But I also love The Holiday - just love that feel good movie (and, uh, I might just love Jude Law in that movie.) In fact, I'm going to dig that dvd out this weekend! Thanks for the reminder!

3. Is there a gift that you bought for your kids that you wish you hadn't after they opened it?

Hmmm, I can't really recall anything like that. I'm so practical that we've always "guided" my son to make really good requests to Santa :)

4. What is the messiest room in your house right at this moment?

*snort* Just one? My kitchen counter is a stinking mess right now - we've been so busy the last three days that everyone keeps coming home, dropping stuff there, then taking off again. It's seriously piling up. I also turn the guest room into my Christmas prep room, so there are gifts all over the bed and wrapping paper all over the floor, along with empty bags, receipts and lists. Yes, it's a mess. Oh wait, how about the empty decoration tubs stacked in the living room that the family has STILL not put away? Sigh. I hope those elves are coming to clean up tonight!

5. What is the furthest you have driven for the holidays?
Driven? Not far. Luckily we have family all quite close. Really one end of the city to another is about it. Though, I've FLOWN to England for the holidays before, and then we drove 2 hours from one relative to another for Christmas Day - does that count? 


Happy Holiday Preparation Time everyone. Hope yours are coming together nicely so you can enjoy the season!

***Ally 

Tweet

Is It A Bargain?

A little lesson in "bargain" math from Ally. This is not a sponsored post, just a little observation from me.

I received some info from someone (who is not known for figuring out the best financial deals) because she thought I might be interested.

The 'deal' is for AMC theaters Stubs movie reward card. For the month of December, Stubs cards are half off. The normally $12 card, is $6.

So what do you get with a Stubs card?

• If you buy your tickets online through fandango.com or movietickets.com, you don't have to pay the purchase fees!
• Free upgrades to the next size of popcorn and fountain drinks!
• Access to your online ticket stub collection!
• $10 in rewards when you spend $100!

I looked at the deal, and immediately did the math. This offer is not for me. We go to the movie theater no more than once a year. Hubs doesn't like to go to theaters, and prefers home movie rentals. That's just how we roll. And when we do go, we rarely, if ever buy consessions. The prices drive me to drink - and not soda. So obviously, we're not going to spend $100 to get $10 in rewards and our $6 would be a waste.

Now, say you go to the movies a lot. If you go to even 7-8 shows a year, buy a medium or large popcorn and soda at at least two of those, you'll easily hit $100 and get your $10 rewards. Remember though, you will have paid $6 for those $10 rewards, so you're getting $4 back. Now if you buy soda and popcorn all the time and use the upgrades, you can conceivably be saving $3-4 a pop, and increase your return value considerably.

Say you like to go to tons of movies opening weekend, and you buy your tickets online to make sure you have a seat, you could, again, conceivably be saving enough, easily, to get your $6 investment back.

OR, maybe you only go once or twice a year, but you are going to buy all the teenagers on your list AMC gift cards for Christmas. Now, you are spending the $100, getting $10 in rewards, minus the $6 you paid for the card, but maybe get a soda and popcorn upgraded at one of the two shows you go to, saving another $3.

Worth it? Clearly, every deal depends on your individual circumstances. It does sort of make me crazy to see people spending money on what they perceive as a "deal", when their circumstances say they won't actually see a return. So watch those deals, take a minute to do the math, and make sure it's going to pay off for YOU.

And if you go to a lot of movies, this just may be the deal for you!

But really, online ticket stub album? Please don't insult my intelligence. :)

***Ally
Tweet

A Gift Dilemna

I'm going to the personal side today. I need your advice.

I don't like asking for things.

Well, except from my husband, because, well, he's my husband! And Santa, because, well, HELLO, it's SANTA!

This morning, I received an email from my SIL, cut and pasted:

Good morning,
What does everyone need for Christmas? I need some ideas please.
thanks

A little background if you haven't been here before - SIL is... unique. Our relationship with her has been on shaky ground. Okay, it dove over the cliff. But it has been back on some neutral territory, in large part due to my efforts to put it there. Freaking ridiculous hurculean efforts. Don't ask me why I would spend one second of my life exerting energy to do that after the way she has poorly treated the people I know and love. Oh, and me. ("Poorly" is a polite word. She was downright evil.) But somehow the fact that she is my husband's only living relative left in his immediate family and his only relative (besides her two daughters) in this country, dug into my soul and I somehow felt the need to help them onto that neutral territory. Sigh. Lela would slap me upside the head, because we all know that at any moment she will shove us off the cliff again. But for now, it's neutral. We'll deal with the cliff when it comes.

Okay, back on track.

She's never before asked what anyone wanted for Christmas. She is, in fact, known for sending gifts that make everyone shake their heads and go, "huh?". Like the salt and pepper shakers from their childhood that she sent Hubs last year. The ones he doesn't remember. Anycrazy...

Sure, it's easy to give her ideas for The Boy. And even for Hubs. But, in all my efforts to be cordial, I simply cannot give her suggestions of things I "need" or "want" for Christmas. We simply don't have that kind of relationship.

Am I being weird? Or is she weird? It's AWKWARD, people!

I've typed my reply, but haven't sent it yet. In it, I gave her ideas for The Boy and for Hubs and suggested she contact Hubs for ideas for me. I told her I'd given him my wish list and she'd be better off asking him. As an alternative, I suggested she make a donation to a charity in our names as a couple and send us a nice card.

I'm not trying to be difficult. I just cringe at the thought of saying, "Oh, I'd like a fun necklace, or maybe a belt for jeans," to her. Or hey, while you're at it, how about a trip to Hawaii? No? Maybe a gift of permanent civility? *sigh*

So, is my reply realistic? What would you do?

***Ally
Tweet

Wordless Wednesday - Finding My Spirit

Once again, not wordless..

 Homemade ginger snaps. 

I made them for a meeting Monday night. 

They made the house smell delicious.

That did help my Christmas spirit a lot!

 This hand carved Santa was made by a 

friend's mother when she was alive. She had

severe rheumatoid arthritis, yet continued her

carving and painting. He stands about 

9 or 10 inches tall. He always makes me smile.

I'm finally finding myself with a bit of Christmas spirit. Maybe it is the marathon of celebrations we have this week. Hubs' office party was last Saturday, we have another party Thursday night, our annual Holiday dinner with a couple that are great friends Friday night, the Christmas Rush 5K run on Saturday morning, and Hubs' regional agent party Saturday night - which includes dinner, dancing, and an overnight at a resort.

(I don't know what I was thinking when I registered us for that 5K. Either it's going to be a painful run, or the drinks and sweets need to be kept to a minimum Thursday and Friday.)

***Ally
Tweet

And The Winners Are...

The Stocking Stuffer Giveaway winners are:

For the Pamper Pack (#1): Daffy!

For the Coffee and Warmth Pack (#2): Elisabeth!

I'll contact you both by email to get your mailing address. Enjoy! Thanks for entering everyone!

All entries were numbered for each gift pack and both winners were chose by Random Generator. Although I considered numbering scraps of paper, scattering them on the floor and seeing which one the dog went to first. It just seemed like a lot of work. :)

***Ally

Dear Santa, Here's My List

Link up with Stasha at The good life for Monday Listicles. It's a different topic every week - follow along or create your own!

This week's Monday Listicle topic is my Christmas Wish List. I wish I could say it was awesome and exciting, but I'm such a practical girl. Really, to a fault sometimes. Practicality rules my world.

1. First up, these boots.

And you might say, well that's not so practical. Oh but it is. Because I have cute black boots. But they don't have a lot of support, and therefore are NOT good for walking or standing a lot. (Due to my history of plantar fasciitis, I am WAY careful about not flaring it back up) These, however, are Keens and full of reviews of walking comfort. And a patient of mine was wearing them, and they were darn cute.

2. RoadID

 Because, you know, JUST IN CASE something bad happens to me while I'm out running by myself. I like to be uber-prepared like that.

3. A clip-on book light. Because my husband can't sleep when my bedside lamp is on. And I'm a nighttime reader.

4. Dryer balls. What? I can't help it. I want them.

5. Long sleeved running shirts. It's freaking cold in the mornings these days. Heck, it's cold in the afternoon. And I've realized that for 30 degree mornings, I only have one set that is the perfect weight. (Yes, I can layer up the others, but too many layers makes me uncomfortable and cranky) And that means I either wash it a lot, or put on a sweat dried shirt. Gross.

6. New running shoes. I need them anyway, as I've almost put my max miles on my current ones. So, why not just get them for Christmas?

7. Um, so, another pair of running pants would be good, too. I'm a cold wimp and capris aren't cutting it on 30 degree mornings. Again, get more pants or wear the same pair sweat dried.

8. Reflector bands for running.

Are you seeing a theme here? All running stuff I need anyway. Told you I was practical.

9.  A new wardrobe that involves shirts that aren't cotton, black, gray or brown. You know, maybe a little color and spice in my life?

10.
...

...

...World Peace.

Okay, Stasha totally said that could be on the list, and it immediately made me think of Miss Congeniality, which I find quite hilarious. Sorry if you haven't seen it, or don't think it's funny. Just one of my many quirks.

So, I'll probably only get a couple things on that list, which is fine. It better be the boots. Hubs and I don't go nuts buying gifts for each other for Christmas. By then we are too traumatized by the gift and shipping costs for all we buy and send across the country to relatives. See? Practical.

***Ally
Tweet

I'll post the Stocking Stuffer Giveaway winner tomorrow!

I Meant To Do It Friday

Five Question Friday, that is. I forgot. So I'm doing it Saturday. I'm a rebel like that.

Join the fun and link up sometime over at My Little Life.

1. What is your favorite Christmas decoration in your house?

Okay, see, here's the thing. I don't have anything right now that is my all time favorite. I'm still searching for that perfect decoration. I do love drinking coffee out of my Christmas mugs, and they stay out all month, so they are decorative, too. Sentiment-wise, it would be the log reindeer my grandfather made some years before he died. (complete with red puffy nose and Santa hat). OH WAIT *smacks self on forehead* my favorite decoration is ALWAYS the tree. I love a glowing tree with white lights and all the ornaments collected over the years. I love to sit in the glow of the tree with all the other lights off, sipping something delicious.

2. Do you finish your Christmas shopping early or are you a last minute type?

I have to finish early because over half my list gets mailed away. This is what happens when the family you buy for are all over the country. Packages go out to Reno, Dallas, Chicago, Huntington Beach, and two that vary depending on what names Hubs and I get in the name draw. Though, Hubs and The Boy are usually bought for very last.

3. When do you turn on your heat?

Wait, you turn off your heat? Seriously? People do that?

Okay, our heat is usually off in July and August. Maybe the first week or two of September. That's it. Of course, it goes down to 64 during the day while we're gone and at night. Even when I'm home during the day I try to keep it at 66 or 67 and wear a warm sweater. Let's put some emphasis on the word "TRY". If you've read this blog for any length of time, you'll know that I hate to be cold.

4. Do you ever wish your blog was private?

Um, yes.

5. Do youput your deodorant on before of after you put on your shirt?

Usually after. But there are occasional exceptions. I don't care how "Invisible" they say it is, it still streaks your shirt. However, putting it on after leads to the occasional forgetting. Which is why I have deodorant in my computer bag and at my office. Stop laughing.

There it is. 5 more things about me you never thought you wanted to know. 

***Ally 

Tweet