Christmas Flash Mob by Journey of Faith at South Bay Galleria - official...

Merry Christmas!!

Tucker Playing the Piano...

This makes me happy!!

Hilarious!!

Sloppy Santa and Sunday Funday...

This weekend was my favorite party of the year...Sloppy Santa. And it didn't disappoint. (Minus the whole knee injury after being tackled but got a doctor's appointment on wednesday and I'm good to go...) The whole weekend ended up being way crazier than I needed. Fortunately I have no pictures from Friday night because I was in rare form and am still suffering from extreme anxiety. To end the weekend on a good note we ended up having a Sunday Funday...first with brunch then to Franks then to Nikko and then for some Selwyn.

I don't think there are any words needed here...

The pre-party group...Thanks to Stafford for taking the picture

Every year at Sloppy Santa I manage to talk Graham into taking pictures for my grandparents for Christmas. They have yet to receive these pictures, but maybe this year.

Here are some pictures from the night....

Seriously one of my favorite couples...

Sunday Funday...

probably the most I have laughed in years.

Saki at Nikko probably not the best idea, playing telephone at Nikko definitely the best idea.

The boys iced "Dixie."

Hope no one has too much anxiety from their weekend!! 

Maybe I'll Come Down, Maybe I Won't....

This pretty much sums up our Sunday Funday....

Touch My Body (Tuts My Barreh) / Karaoke Fail (English subtitles)

Just got this from Matt Pollock....thanks to our Sunday Funday, no one is feeling very productive.

N Sync - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

I also must give a shout out to N'Sync's Christmas album. I know many of you would be remiss if I didn't mention this song... (yes I'm referring to those of you who also told Derek to give me a copy of lyrics to KC & Jojo's "Crazy" for Valentine's Day).

My Favorite Christmas Songs...

I'm SO excited it's Christmas!! I have been listening to Christmas music for a while now and these are some of my favorites. I know there are multiple versions, and even newer Justin Beiber songs but these are in my car. These are in no specific order...

1) All I want for Christmas is you- Mariah Carey
2) Feliz Navidad- Jose Feliciano
3) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)- U2
4) Sleigh Ride- The Ronettes
5) Last Christmas- Wham!  (one of my favorites bc it's 80's!!)
6) Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree- Brenda Lee
7) Baby, It's Cold Outside- Dean Martin (or the Elf version)
8) Right Back Where We Started From- Maxine Nightingale (I associate this with Christmas ever since the Family Stone)
9) Little Saint Nick- The Beach Boys
10) Carol of the Bells- American Boychoir
11) Angels We Have Heard On High- Frank Mills
12) You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch- Boris Karloff
13) Winter Wonderland- Bing Crosby
14) Joy to the World- Morman Tabernacle Choir
15) The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)- Nat King Cole
16) Christmas Canon- Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Probably in my top 5)
17) Santa Baby- Eartha Kitt & Henri Rene
18) Away in a manger- The Children's Christmas Choir
19) Christmas/ Sarajevo 12/24- Trans-Siberian Orchestra
20) The First Noel- Andy Williams
21) Frosty the Snowman- Ella Fitzgerald
22) It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year- Andy Williams
23) Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!- Dean Martin
24) The Little Drummer Boy- Harry Simeone Chorale
25) O Come All Ye Faithful- Josh Groban & Morman Tabernacle Choir
26) Silver Bells- The Ray Coniff Singers
27) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing- Morman Tabernacle Choir
28) Santa Claus is Coming to Town- Jackson 5

Meredith Jackson Jewelry

Just ran across the jewelry designer, Meredith Jackson, on the blog Little Green Notebook...

Obsessed with that long gold necklace in the top right corner! 

Anyway check her stuff out at www.meredithjackson.com!

I can't stop crying...

I don't know why I'm so emotional right now but this is the 3rd time I've seen this picture and it makes me cry every time.

This is Jon Tumilson's dog at his funeral. Tumilson was a Navy Seal and was one of 30 Americans killed in Afghanistan when his helicopter was shot down. One of his best friends ended up adopting the dog so he is in good hands but this is seriously the sweetest thing ever. Dogs are the best. And it makes you appreciate even more everything we have to be thankful for and to support our troops. This reminds me of the movie Hachi, which will be a whole other post at some point. 

Blowfish Hangover Cure...

So I'm very excited about this new hangover cure called Blowfish that will become more readily available in the new year. Apparently it's already available at Ricky's in NYC. It's kind of like alka-seltzer; it contains asprin, caffeine and an anti-acid. It dissolves into water in a lemony flavor and apparently works within 15 minutes....I can't wait to try it! But then again maybe I should just quit drinking as much...

Stocking Stuffers For Her...

A while ago we started one of my favorite family traditions... we each draw a name and then we are in charge of stuffing that person's stocking. It all started when we realized that this was an ideal way to embarrass my brother-in-law Dave. Of course, poor John is still having to provide a "little extra" for each stocking.

For the Cook...

From Top Left (Clockwise): 

Cusinart Electric Knife (Available here) 

Onion Goggles (Available here) 

All-Clad Measuring Spoons (Available here) 

Rabbit Wine Opener (Available here) 

Other Ideas for the Cook: Oven mitts, apron, vegetable peeler, zester, meat tenderizer, meat thermometer. 

For the Beauty Addict...

Perfume: Miss Dior Cherie Perfume and Love Chloe Rollerball Perfume. (Available here)

 

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish (Love this!!): Sarah Smile, Happy Birthday and Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?

(Available here)

Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment (I am officially obsessed!) (Available here)

Clarisonic Skincare Brush Head Replacement (or a Clarisonic Skincare Brush) (Available here)

Diorshow Mascara in Black, Waterproof (Available here)

Other ideas: Lipstick/Lip Gloss, Eyeshadow Sets, Make-up Brushes, Eye Make-up Remover, Cotton Balls, Q-Tips, Chapstick, Face/Eye Cream

For the Fashion Obsessed...

All from J.Crew. Skinny Leopard Belt, Houndstooth Earmuffs, Socks, Leather Gloves.  Available here.

From Left (Clockwise):

Kate Spade Gumdrop earrings (asked for them again to replace my lost ones! great everyday earrings) (Available here)

Hanky Panky Underwear- Awesome (Available here)

Madewell Scarf (all of the prints are awesome- great scarves at great prices!) (Available here)

J.Crew Bracelet (Available here)

For Someone Who Has Everything...

Nest Candles- These are awesome! (Available here)

My FAVORITE lotion ever: Archipelago Sugar Lotion For Body (Available here)

Anything designed by Inslee!! Stationary and a must have every year: 2012 Inslee Calendar. (Available here)

For the Book Lover...

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Daily Devotionals)

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers (one of my favorite books ever)

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

(All available here)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Finally read this and loved it!)

Someday My Prince Will Come by Jerramy Fine (Hilarious memoir- easy, funny read!)

Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. by Sam Wasson (behind the scenes of Breakfast at Tiffany's!)

(All available here)

Fun Ideas...

Movies: Something Borrowed, No Strings Attached, Friends With Benefits

(All available here)

Games: Catchphrase and Just Dance 3 

(Both available here)

Hope all of these ideas help! I will update as I think of more... Obviously I left out the usual and obvious stocking stuffers...

My Dad's Response to My Christmas List...

Since I got out of college, I have been making an annual Christmas list. I finally figured out that if my family was going to spend money on me it might as well be on things that I want. Lets be honest- the year before I started my list I got around 5 items of clothing I have never worn to this day. Not that I'm not very appreciative of everything, but if you are going to spend the money I would like to give some helpful guidelines. Anyway just to show how hilarious my dad is...this is his response to my first Christmas list back in 2008. 




Dearest, Darling Kate:

The following is a link to the Wall Street Journal  www.wsj.com . I hate to be the one to break this to you but our  world, the United States, North Carolina, Snider Tire, and John and Carole Snider are in a recession.  Although your attempt to provide this economic stimulus is quite patriotic and shows how selfless you are, it may be difficult for us to get the financing necessary to purchase the items on your list. We also must run it through the whole naughty and nice testing to see what you are entitled to on the meager budget we have to work with.  Your dear mother has asked only for a battery charger to replace the one you left in New York so that we can use our camera again.  Thank you for taking the time to create this beautiful document and I suggest you save it for a time when we are again eating three meals a day.

Santa








Apparently he didn't understand that the list was a mere suggestion of things to pick and choose from... Obviously this year I have been very nice so I would think that any picking and choosing isn't really necessary. 

And the Countdown Begins...

I can't believe it's already December!! Thanks to Jono and Ashley I will be starting the Christmas season off with a bang at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert tonight! Can't wait!! If you have the chance to go see them this year I highly recommend it!! I'm hoping my jingle bell earrings aren't too much...

Holiday Volunteer Opportunities...

As mentioned before, I LOVE buying and giving presents. One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to get an angel from the Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. While it's exciting to give Anne-Reaghan and Taylor so many toys, and to receive stuff as well, it's important that we keep in mind what the holidays are really about. So in the spirit of Christmas, here are some great volunteer opportunities in Charlotte this holiday season!

1) Samaritan's Purse: Operation Christmas Child

Through Operation Christmas Child you pack a shoebox full of toys and other items that will be sent overseas to a child in need. The deadline to make a box and drop it off in person ended Nov. 21, but you can still donate $35 dollars online and pick out the items for the shoebox to be sent, along with a picture of you and a personalized message. I know many of us don't have tons of extra money lying around, so another option is to "adopt a box" for $7. This pays to ship boxes overseas that didn't come with a donation for shipping.

To visit the website click here. 

2) Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has quite a few ways to help out during the holidays: Angel Tree Program, Toy Drives, Silver Bells Program, Fill-A-Stocking, and the Kettle program. December 9 is the LAST day to adopt an angel and send presents to your angel. So not a ton of time left but you can adopt an angel online! Also there is a Sock Drive going on through facebook. By clicking the "like" button, Hanes will donate a pair of socks to the Salvation Army for those in need. So there's really no excuse not to do that!

 Also since I haven't really signed up to ring the bell since high school, I now have an online kettle! I don't have a very high goal because I know we don't have tons of extra money but if you would like to donate some money...even $1 it would be much appreciated! Click here. Please keep in mind how nice I have been to all of you this year. 

To visit the website click here. 

3) United Family Services

United Family Services hosts a Jingle Bell Bash which raises money for The Battered Women's Shelter. A ticket for an individual is $65 and for two tickets it's $115. There will be an open bar for an hour, food, music, dancing and an auction! It's Saturday, December 10 at the Wells Fargo Atrium. For more information click here. 

4) A Child's Place

A Child's Place in Charlotte, NC has a program called Holiday Sponsorship. This is a good volunteer opportunity for a group or if you are willing to put down some major dough. Basically you sponsor a family and provide an item of clothing for each member of the family, a grocery store gift card for a holiday dinner, and an item off each family member's wish list. Click here for more information.

Hope this inspires everyone to give this holiday season! Remember there are a lot of people less fortunate than us that rely on our help during the holidays!! Also remember to donate to my kettle- seriously even $1 helps!! 

Anne Reaghan's Christmas Presents...

I'm SO excited it's finally the holiday season!! I absolutely LOVE buying presents for everyone. Seriously if anyone wants me to do their Holiday shopping just ask me because I LOVE it. I'm going to try hard to post every WEEK day in December with great gift, party, outfit, etc ideas! I can't help that in November and June I happened to be VERY popular, which caused little to no posting. I promise to be better though because it's the most wonderful time of the year!!!!! Anyway first up...my presents for Anne Reaghan. Some of you may think that I really got these for me like when I got the See N' Say...well I didn't because she won't even be with me for Christmas. I went on ebay (seriously a great place for Christmas presents!) and found 2 of my favorite barbies from when I was little...Holiday Barbie 1992 and Totally Hair Barbie.

                                                     1) Holiday Barbie 1992

and for her close up...

What a beauty....

2) Totally Hair Barbie

So I found this picture through Businessweek and I thought this was SO interesting. Totally Hair Barbie is the topselling Barbie of ALL TIME. Don't worry both of the barbies I got Anne Reaghan are new and still in the box, which means Totally  Hair Barbie comes with the hair gel! Might want to check if that has an expiration date but surely 20 year old hair gel will still give that glossy look... 

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/07/barbie/source/6.htm - copy this link to read a little about it.

Also please notice Totally Hair Barbie in our Easter picture with Pop. Yep she was styling then too. 

I will also be getting Anne Reaghan some updated Barbie accessories but thought 2 of my favorite Barbies in new, unused condition could be special too. Of course she told Anne-Marie "I want a rock star barbie more than anything mom." Anne Reaghan thinks she is Lady GaGa... 

One more Anne Reaghan quote from yesterday:

Anne-Marie was putting white socks on her for school and Anne Reaghan said "Mom these socks aren't my attitude."  

And there you have it. Love it!

Uggcitrin: The Ugg Boot Vaccine

LANA DEL REY-VIDEO GAMES

Happy Friday!!!!

I'm SO far behind on blogging and I'm so sorry! I was in Naples and then Ohio and then New Orleans....it didn't stop. Anyway I'm getting ready to drive back to Charlotte and I will most definitely be listening to this song and daydreaming about howI'm going to marry Chuck.....yes it's irrational but I can't help it. Love the song in the background- "Video Games" by Lana Del Rey. Add that to your weekend playlist.

Rhythm Of My Heart...

Because I'm so hilarious and love any excuse to post about Rod Stewart. Today my dad is going in for another cardioversion in hopes that his heart rhythm will finally return to normal! Keep your fingers crossed!! Luckily this time it will be an outpatient surgery! Then if things go well he will be going to the Cleveland Clinic next week for surgery. Anyway I know that this Rod Stewart will definitely cheer him up since it has been his theme song since September. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers!!! And no Lucy will probably not be able to go back to the hospital much to her dismay....

Ellie Is Ready For Halloween....

So Kelley decided to dress Ellie up as a bumble bee for Halloween...here are the pictures she just sent me! SO cute! Apparently she is rolling around in circles on the floor trying to get it off...

Sophia Grace and Rosie Go Shopping!

I could watch this over and over! Look at all that Barbie stuff!!!!

Nicki Minaj Sings 'Super Bass' with Sophia Grace

By now most of you have probably seen this...SO cute! I love these little girls. But what I really loved was their shopping spree at Toys R' Us....

Paula Deen's Crunch Top Apple Pie...

A couple of weeks ago our sweet neighbor Virginia brought us some apples. They looked delicious! She is seriously so sweet, she always brings us vegetables from her garden. Anyway we had a box full of apples and I decided to make an apple pie! I have never made an apple pie before and was hesitant about making a pie crust from scratch, but it was well worth it! It turned out delicious!! I definitely will be making one for Thanksgiving!! You need some time to make it but it's worth it!

It's a long recipe so I just copied and pasted the recipe from www.foodnetwork.com.

Ingredients

• Paula's Perfect Pie Crust, recipe follows
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Dash salt
• 3 1/2 cups peeled, chopped cooking apples
• 1 (16-ounce) jar applesauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter, chopped into small pieces

Crunch Topping:

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Dash salt
• 1 tablespoon butter, at room temperature

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Line a 9-inch pie pan with half of dough. Combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Stir in the apples, applesauce, and lemon juice. Spoon the apple mixture into pie pan and dot with butter. Cut remaining crust into strips; arrange in a lattice design over top of pie.

For crunch topping:

Combine the flour, sugar and salt in a bowl. Using a fork, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over top of crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees F and continue to bake for about 45 minutes, or until crust and topping are golden brown.

Paula's Perfect Pie Crust:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon fine salt

3 tablespoons granulated white sugar

1/4 cup vegetable shortening, cold

12 tablespoons butter, (1 1/2 sticks) cold and cubed

1/4 cup to 1⁄2 cup ice water

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt and sugar. Add the shortening and break it up with your hands as you start to coat it all up with the flour. Add the cold butter cubes and work it into the flour with your hands or a pastry cutter. Work it quickly, so the butter doesn't get too soft, until the mixture is crumbly, like very coarse cornmeal. Add the ice water, a little at a time, until the mixture comes together forming a dough. Bring the dough together into a ball. When it comes together stop working it otherwise the dough will get over-worked and tough. Divide the dough in half and flatten it slightly to form a disk shape. Wrap each disk in plastic and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. On a floured surface roll each disk out into a 10 to 11-inch circle to make a 9-inch pie.

**It was very helpful to me to watch the video of her doing it first...plus she cracks me up**

                                     

                                                                           Making the Pie Crust:

Flour, Salt and Sugar sifted together.

Cold Butter cubes.

Added to the flour mixture.

Mixed together to resemble "coarse cornmeal"

After the ice water has been added...

Rolled into a disc shape and wrapped in saran wrap.

After being in the refrigerator for over 2 hours.

Rolled out on a flour surface...I think it's important to put flour on the roller as well otherwise the dough will stick.

Not so beautiful in the pie pan...

The Filling: 

I forgot to take a lot of pictures while baking...

Apples were sliced and some were chopped. I didn't use as much apple sauce as called for and I used a little more cinnamon than it called for.

Attempting to make a lattice top...

It got a little confusing..

The crumb topping... the reviews recommended doubling it, but I can't remember if I did or not.

On the video she puts an egg wash (2 egg yolks, 1 tbsp milk) over the crust

I would maybe put the crumbly topping on before the top next time, but maybe not. Then just lightly put the egg wash over the crust.

It came out golden brown... I stuck in the freezer for a couple of minutes because I wanted to firm up the juices a bit.

After Bec, Rob, Jay, Frank and I had started eating it. It was really good and I would definitely recommend making it!