Holiday Time!!

The Holiday season is fast approaching and I am itching to get out my Christmas decorations and deck my halls!

At Holiday House this year my Mom bought me a one of a kind, made by hand Santa and he is beautiful. I especially love the hanging lantern he has. He is already sitting out, I just couldn't bear to put him away.

In other news, when I went home to Texas to visit my family a few months ago I had come to the decision that I wanted to find my Mom's old Minolta camera to start taking pictures with it again. I hadn't played with it since high school and I was kind of feeling the urge to take manual focus 35mm pictures again. After several days of searching (and the finding of my great grandmother's coffee grinder that I decided was mine and would return to Arkansas with me) we couldn't find it. My Mom is a pack rat to the fullest so I was confused about where it could have gone to. We checked the garage, every closet, and I made her promise to have my cousin check the attic when he came over to mow the lawn. No sign of it. Imagine my surprise when she texted me a few days ago to tell me she had found it!! I am so thrilled. I just hope I can find a flash for it somewhere out there so I can have it ready for indoor Christmas pics. We'll have two new babies at Christmas this year and it will probably be one of our dear friend's last Christmas which is heart breaking to everyone. All the more reasons to take more pictures this year than ususal. I'm picking it up next week during Thanksgiving and I'll be brushing up my skills in the mean time. Prepare for lots of postings of my attempts at photography.

This is what the camera looks like, although I'm not sure if this image matches the exact make and model. It also has an awesome 70s retro-ish neck strap that I cannot wait to use.

Oh and by the way New Moon was everything we thought it would be and more. It is so refreshing when a director actually follows the book plotline rather than trying to put their own spin on it and changing things. We all even cried a few times. I know its crazy but what can I say, we love it. See ya'll later!

Big Sigh of Relief

I officially survived holiday house to take a 4 hour nap on Sunday. But it was all worth it, even the 6 hour merchant load out. Hey merchants, here's an idea at 5:00pm 1 hour before closing start selling things for 20, 30, even 50% off. Then we wouldn't have so much to load back up when it is time for you to leave. But now all of our community projects for the year will be covered which is why I'm giving myself a big pat on the back.

Now onto feeling relaxed for a change. I have an Arbonne party at my casa this week, needing a bit more volume to make it to District Manager which doesn't really mean anything but more money on my paycheck which I will gladly take. Shhh, don't tell but I'll be having a 50% off sale for Black Friday. If that doesn't get me to district I don't know what will.

And...big drumroll...the two movies I am the MOST excited about come out Friday. Those would be New Moon and The Blind Side. Seeing New Moon of course on opening night with the girls. Then I'm planning a viewing of The Blind Side with my mama when I'm home for Thanksgiving. And just in case you all have forgotten about what these movies are (as if you could) below are the previews for them. Enjoy, I know I will!

I Love Pumpkin

So I know this is probably an October-ish post for most, but I've been running a bit behind lately. Anyways, I love the taste of pumpkin. If not for the icky messy part I would carve a pumpkin every year for the seeds. And I really wish that fall wasn't the only time that pumpkin flavored/scented items came around. I would enjoy them all year round. What are those items you ask? Well there is...

*Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte-a must on a cool fall morning

*Pumpkin seeds

*Hershey's Pumpkin Kisses-I buy bags and bags of these so I'll have some even when they aren't selling them anymore

*Pumpkin pie

*Pumpkin scented Yankee candles-another thing I buy multiples of

*And best of all pumpkin bread

So in honor of my love for all things pumpkin and for my mom who is coming to visit me this week I made some pumpkin bread today. First time I had done this using the new mixer I received for my birthday. I can't believe how much the mixer cuts down on my prep time. One of my all time best birthday presents ever I think. Haven't tried the bread yet (it is still cooling) but I have a feeling it's going to be pretty delicious. And my bread pan looks like a pumpkin patch, what could be better? Off to try a piece, have a good one!

The infamous pumkin patch pan!

So I think the pumpkin patch look is there. Next time will be using the shortening to grease the pan like the cookbook told me too. Using Pam as a shortcut (and because I didn't have any shortening) may not have been my best idea. But at least it is still edible!

It's Holiday House Time!

The leaves are changing and it is time for something that I have been looking forward to for several months now: Junior League of Little Rock's Holiday House at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock!

Now as a member of the Holiday House comittee (logistics to be exact and I'm still not sure what that means) entrusted with making sure our event goes off without a hitch I am a bit biased, but I think this is the best holiday shopping opportunity of the year. The gifts are unique and they aren't the same old same old that you can find anywhere. Trust me, your mother does not want another candle and that sweater you gave grandma last year well she still hasn't worn it. Get them something fabulous at Holiday House and make their holiday!

And the best part about Holiday House is that all the proceeds from ticket sales, snack sales, auction items, and raffle ticket sales go directly towards all of our community projects that we do all year. Go to http://www.jllr.org/ to see more on all those wonderful projects that my fellow league members and I participate in (my personal favorite is GROW:Girl's Realizing the Opportunity Within).

There are many ways you can come and play at Holiday House

1. Preview Party- Wednesday November 11th from 6-10pm. Tickets cost $35 and that will get you first come shopping at all the booths, heavy appetizers, drinks, a wine cork pull, and live music by Crisis.

2. Private Shopping-Thursday November 12th 9am-12pm. Tickets cost $25 and that will get you shopping without the crowds, brunch, and coffee. One ticket sale from this event provides a backpack full of school supplies for a child particitpating in our Stuff the Bus program.

3. Ladies Night Out-Thursday November 12th 6-9pm. Tickets cost $25 and that will get you food from a Mexican buffet, 2 alcoholic drinks, access to the silent auction, and entry into the Jones and Son giant box raffle. Two ticket sales from this event provide one car seat for participants in our Buckle Up and Be Safe Program.

4. General Admission-Thursday November 12th 12-6pm; Friday November 13th 9am-9pm; Saturday November 14th 9am-6pm. One day tickets cost $7 or get a three day pass for $15.

5. Childrens Event-Saturday November 14th 9am-12pm. Tickets cost $5 and that will get you stories told by Mrs. Claus with cookies and milk and a viewing of the houses that have been entered in the Gingerbread House Competition.

So come on by and shop it up. You know that's where I'll be. And my mom is coming to visit and do some shopping too! You can be sure I'll be picking out some items that I can point out to her for what I want for Christmas! So the posting will be minimal this coming week. But hey what's new around here? Have a good one!