So today is a very special day... a very special birthday day for two ladies in my life.

First, is this gal... you might have heard of her.

My best friend, Mrs. Greene. Today, she gets to celebrate her first birthday as a MRS. and I am so happy for her! And I sure hope the hubby is treating her right ;)

And then there is the miss Brittany...my grandlittle!

Such a special addition to my life :)

Wishing you both a very happy birthday!!

happy Halloweenie!!

Happy Halloween to all!! And here with Halloween's from my past...some of my favs!

And here is where I perfected the pumpkin carving skills...

that produced this beauty this year...transformers...!!

And it goes without saying a very happy birthday for this gal! Man, she's getting oldddd ;)

Hope everyone has a wonderful Halloween!!

Oh Sandy

As we are coming out of the devastation of hurricane Sandy, we are all looking around us as to the horribleness that mother nature can wreak on our lives.

The Jersey Shores is, as Governor Chris Christie put it, "No longer the jersey shore of our youths." People have lost homes and parts of their lives in a matter of 24 hours.

And as for how we fared?

Well, we are still without power. A fridge full of food is garbage. And our apartment is becoming a serious contender for an ice box. But guess what? My roof is still in tact, my family members and friends are all safe and I know that tomorrow I will still have a bed to sleep in. Unfortunately, many people can't say that.

So I will be very thankful for my week of no power. My food gone spoiled. Because my heart aches for everyone else that would love for just their power to be out. The ones that would love their roofs back. Or the life they knew before Sandy.

It is times like these that remind you just how blessed you are. And just how thankful you need to be everyday of everything in your life.

With that, I am not sure when the power will be back and this could just be a silly, jumbled post. But I am just so thankful.

Saw it. Pinned it. Did it.

I love these Pinterest challenges. Mainly because we all have about 500 pins and we do maybe 10% of them, if that. So it's always fun to have a challenge to try it.




This is one of my favorites that I pinned a few months ago. I can't even remember the first time I had SPinach artichoke dip, but the first bite I was in love. Which is surprising because I don't like spinach or artichokes. None the less, I always wondered if there was a way to make it at home and less cost effective. Not to mention, a little more healthy. Cue this pin!

                                                                            Source: foodnetwork.com via Krista on Pinterest

Recipe:

Mix 1 cup grated smoked mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 box thawed frozen spinach, 1 jar artichoke hearts, and salt and pepper in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on high, 2 hours.

I opted for the healthier version of the above...Lite Cream Cheese and Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese. I also used regular bagged shredded mozzarella cheese. The smoked was just a pricier option for a test. 

Put it all in the slow cooker and an hour an half later done! I will say though the sides started to burn a little so maybe checking a little each time and stirring would have prevented that option. 

Taste Test: Not too bad!  but not as good as TGI Friday's....hmmm will be tweaking the recipe a bit the next time. But definitely a good try for guests coming over and you need a quick, hot dip. 



ok, now on to a different topic. And if you know me, then you know it is very appropriate...

Today marks 2 months until Christmas!!

That's right people. Two months to buy all those gifts. Two months until Santa comes with brand new toys to play. Two months to start to do all those Christmas pinterest projects...here are a few Christmas themed favorites I want to attempt!

A Blend to make the house smell nice!

                                                                      Source: make-it-do.com via Krista on Pinterest

Peppermint Martini!

  Source: martieknows.squarespace.com via Krista on Pinterest

2 months until Christmas also means...ABC Family Christmas is just around the corner! And let's be serious...we all wait for that.My DVR is all ready to be bombarded with every ABC Family movie and show and everythingggg!!!! Can you tell I am oh so excited for Christmas?!

But oh yes, note to everyone....we hope you understand but we will not be able to afford gifts this year, wedding and all so please accept all the handmade stuff you will get. thanks.