A Little Advance Prepping

It's hard to believe that Christmas is 5 weeks from this Wednesday.  I know we all say how fast time goes by, but it really does.  And, I think it's true that the older we get, the faster it goes.  Either way, it seems we just celebrated Christmas.

I have never in my life decorated before Thanksgiving but I have this year.  Well, everything is done except our tree.  My "tree fairy" is coming a week from today and our house will be decorated as much as it's going to be.  I have stream-lined my decorating in recent years and it is so less time consuming but, still very pretty and elegant.  Over the years I have decorated every inch of our house to somewhere in-between and now I do what I call "touches of Christmas."  I'll show you more of it after our tree goes up.

Aren't these pretty cookies and especially at Christmas.  These are Maraschino Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies and you can find the recipe here.  I love to bake and really enjoy making and baking cookies.  Thankfully I have a lot of self control when it comes to eating them or I'd have a problem.  I have made lots of cookies in recent weeks.  I made these on Saturday and they are very good.  They have a shortbread base and I love shortbread.  And, the cherry and almond mix is perfect. 

These are Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies and you can find this recipe here. I love oatmeal cookies and this is a version I had not ever seen or tried.  And, again, I thought with the cranberries that they would be pretty at Christmas time. And, I'm a huge believer in baking ahead and freezing.  I do not want to have to be rushed or overwhelmed and "doing ahead" keeps the fun in it.

And, it would NOT be the holidays if I did not make what has come to be known as "Lea's Fudge."  The picture above is an internet picture, I make my fudge in different shaped small pans that hold about a pound each.  I have had so much fun over the years finding different molds and pans to pour it in.  It makes it so much neater and attractive than cut fudge.  A recipe makes 5 pounds, so I get about 5 containers out of each pan.  I have already made 25 pounds this year and am not finished.  And, the funny thing is I do not even like fudge.  So strange that I would enjoy making something that I do not even like.  If you are interested in this recipe, you can click on the recipe tab below my blog header and you will find it, along with lots of hints I have learned over the years.




I have been busy doing my Christmas shopping too.  If you can call sitting at my computer being busy.  I know there are some folks who want to "touch and feel" everything they buy but I am NOT one of those folks.  I have had such success in internet shopping over the years that it is the greatest thing since "sliced bread" for me.  My DIL and daughter send me lists for the Grans with links to where the gifts can be bought.  I mean it doesn't get much easier than that.  And, I love that I know the Grans want what we give them.  I have 75% of my shopping done and I spent this past Friday wrapping the gifts that I have.  

I am feeling very good at this point about a most relaxed season and that's my goal every year.  I do not do well being rushed or overwhelmed if I can help it.  I will start doing some advance meal cooking in a couple of weeks as it really helps when family arrives.

I have a fun week ahead.  We have some family coming in on Wed. for a couple of days, I have the Thanksgiving family meal with my Dad and I will be attending the Grandparents performance on Friday.  Yes, tis' the season and I'm in "prepping mode."

Sweet Memories of a 90th Birthday and Other Stuff

I have been preparing for this past weekend for a couple of months.  It was the weekend of my Dad's 90th birthday.  And, since only 10% of folks ever live to see 90, a celebration was certainly in order.

My sweet younger brother and his wife came from Arizona to join in the celebration. Doesn't Daddy look dapper in his pretty sports coat and bow tie?

Suzy, my sweet sister in law was such a help  assisting with the cake, ice cream and punch and serving it to the residents and those that dropped by to see Daddy.  

Our son was the only grandchild that was able to attend, but, he did a good job representing the 5 others.  Daddy has 6 grandchildren and 6 great grans.

Many dear friends stopped by to see Daddy and he so enjoyed seeing them all.

These two great guys are the men that sit at Daddy's table and they enjoy each meal together.  It's part of Daddy's favorite time of day as they enjoy conversing and solving all the world's problems. ~chuckle~  These 3 men represent 266 years!  Yep, Daddy is 90, Mr. WM is 93 and Mr. James is 83.  They have had some life experiences for sure!

The residents all enjoyed the celebration as well.  Most all of them came down to the dining room to participate.

Daddy was "tuckered out" by the time the celebration was over but it was a good "tuckered out."

After the party Daddy took a nap and then came over to our house for his birthday dinner.  These two girlies made him feel very special. 

We took him to breakfast Saturday morning to kick off his special day.  He is now settled in to live out his 91st year and feels very celebrated.

In other news...........these two boys were so cute on Halloween.  Coleman was a dragon and Clancy was a rodeo clown.

Friday night these two went to see David Crowder and Mercy Me in concert.  Bridget graduated from high school with the wife of Mike Scheuchzer (pictured above), a member of Mercy Me.  So, after the concert they got to go back stage and see him and the other group members.  It was a big night for them and their Momma.  Daddy stayed home with baby Case. 

And, Coleman has been wanting overalls for months and finally got some Saturday.  The first thing he told his Dad and Mom was that he wanted to wear them to church and he did just that.  Of course, everyone thought he was too cute in them. ~a country boy~



AND, to top off a wonderful weekend our LSU Tigers beat Alabama Saturday night.  It was the perfect weekend all the way around. 

Prime Purchases

And, once again, the first Tuesday of another month has rolled around.  And, once again, it's time for me to share my Prime Purchases with you.


Birthday Banner

As many of you know, my Daddy will celebrate his 90th birthday this Saturday.  On Friday, we will treat him to a celebration.  This banner will be hung .  I'm using all black and gold decor  and he'll have a tiered cake with a sparkling 90th birthday topper on it.  Amazon has any and all supplies for any party or event you may be having.

AMAZON

BAT WING SWEATER

I'm trying to remember which blogging friend recommended this cute sweater, but I have forgotten.  But, it is sooooo cute and so reasonably priced and comes in several colors.  I got it in 3 colors.  It only comes in one size and that was a real turn off for me but it looked so cute on my blogging friend that I decided to give it a try.  Well, it fits perfectly but I can assure you that it would not fit everyone perfectly and that's why OS is just not good.  OS usually means it fits no one.  But, this was a keeper, much to my surprise.

AMAZON

Wedge Sneakers

Okay, ladies, these are the cutest sneakers with all their glitz.  I love that they are now making sneakers with wedges.  They are very comfortable and really add some "sass" to an outfit.  My little 4 year old granddaughter saw me in them and said, "oh, CiCi, those are beautiful."  Made my day!

Amazon


Ultra Light  Long Puffer Vest




I love puffer vests and this one is so cute.  Now, just as it says, it is lightweight, so if you live where there are frigid temps then I don't know that you would want this.  But, for me here in NE Louisiana, it will be great.  And, I love the longer length.  It comes in 3-4 different colors. 
Amazon


Biolage Styling Thermal Active Spray



I have tried more hair products in my lifetime than the law allows.  And, I always, always come back to this.  I have used it for about 12 years and it is the best.  It is both a setting spray and a protectant from hot tools.  I am so afraid that Biolage is going to quit making it and I've not found anything that I like as well.  It is just what my course, thick hair needs.

Amazon


Christmas Cookie/Candy Boxes




You have likely picked up on the fact that I do love cute ways to package sweets.  When I saw these boxes, I had to get some.  They will make my holiday goodies all the better.  Don't they say, "presentation is everything?" ~chuckle~  These are the perfect size as well, about 6"x6"x3".
Amazon


Amazing Wrap Non-Adhesive Tape


This truly is amazing and you get 3 rolls in 1 order.  I first saw this on Shark Tank and knew I had to have some.  It is just like tape but it doesn't actually stick to the item.  It sticks to itself so it is non-damaging and easy to remove.  I'm always needing to hold items together but I can't always use regular tape due to damaging the item I'm taping.  Well, no more.  This is about an inch wide and "works like a charm."  It is re-usable if you care to do so.
Amazon

Okay, there you have it!  Hope you saw something that you just might need or want.

Have a great week!!!

Saturday 9

It's been some time since I've participated in the Saturday 9 and even though I've never even heard this song, the questions were interesting.  

Saturday 9: Miss Me More (2018)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Chosen because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Learn more and spread the word that help is available.


1) This song is about a girl who ditched her high heels so she wouldn't be taller than her beau. Tell us about the most recent addition to your footwear wardrobe. Do you need to go shoe shopping?

I just replaced my old pair of black booties with these Sam Edelman suede booties from Nordstrom.  They are really good looking and comfortable, which for me, is an important combination.  And, as far as needing to go shoe shopping, the answer would be NO! ~smile~

2) She sings that she misses the sheets on the bed she made herself. As you answer these questions, is your bed made?
Yes, not all fluffed with the decorative pillows, but made.  I simply cannot stand an unmade bed.

3) This video shows her in a ring. Have you ever worn boxing gloves?
Well, it was about 60 years ago when my brother got some boxing gloves for Christmas.  I merely tried them on and that was about the extent of it.

4) This week's featured artist, Kelsea Ballerini, got married on Christmas Day in 2017. That makes their anniversary easy to remember. Are you celebrating any birthdays or anniversaries this month?


October happens to be our families biggest birthday month.  In the first 7 days of the month our son, and our oldest grandson and granddaughter have birthdays.  It is definitely a "happening" month or perhaps I should say, week. 

5) Kelsea has been quoted as saying, "Perfect doesn't exist." She worries that we exhaust ourselves "trying to be something that isn't real." How about you? Do you believe your best is good enough? Or do you strive for perfection?
I do believe that my best is good enough and like to refer to myself as "perfectly imperfect."  I do not spend my days striving for perfection, just progress. 



6) One of Kelsea's tattoos is a square inside of a circle, aka a square peg in a round hole, on her left wrist. She says it's there to remind her that it's OK to "not fit the mold of what normal might be." Tell us about a time where you felt like a square peg in a round hole.


When I watch the national news most evenings I often think I must be a square peg in a round hole.  Have mercy, most of our country have lost their minds.  To directly answer the question, I can't really think of a time that I have thought that.

7) In 2018, when this song was popular, French President Emmanuel Macron lowered fuel taxes. When it's time to fill your tank, do you shop around for the best price?


I am a creature of habit and I go to Wal-Mart so much that it is just too easy not to stop on my way in or out and pump my gas.  I think they are usually fairly competitive in their gas prices, but I don't really pay any attention to the price.

8) Also in 2018, Luxembourg made all public transportation free. When is the last time you rode a bus or train?


I was in Chicago in May for my nephews wedding and we rode the subway everywhere we went on our short trip.  Thankfully my niece knew how to navigate us through and got us to where we wanted to be and safely back to our hotel. 

9) Random question: When did you most recently say, either out loud or to yourself, "I haven't got a thing to wear?"

I do, sometimes, have a hard time deciding what to wear but can't remember the last time I said I didn't have a thing to wear.  If I said that, it would be a lie and I try not to lie. ~laugh~ 

These were fun questions to answers.  Hope you enjoyed as well.  Have yourself a great weekend!

The Latest

October has been jam packed with lots of fun and we finally have some fall weather to enjoy.  I'm excited to share some of my fun with you.

I am in a Pokeno group and we play the first Thursday evening of every month.  I hosted it this month and even though it was still rather warm here at that time, I just pretended that fall had arrived  and the temps were cool.  I served a chili dish and used fall decor.  Don't you just love my cute goblets with the fall leaves?  I found those at the Dollar Tree a few days before and had to have them.  I mean for $1.00 each, why not? ~chuckle~

I attended a function at this gorgeous home a couple of weeks ago.  Isn't that front entry something else!  The lady hosting this function has such a flair with decorations.

Our sweet Case was 2 months old yesterday.  His Momma found him some cute caps to wear during his first Oklahoma winter.  We went to see this little guy and his family a couple of weeks ago.  We had such a good time but the weather was sooo cold and it was sooo WINDY!  We left 90+ degrees for 30's and 40's degrees.  Burrrrrrr!

Bridget and I went to the outlet mall for a while one day and Poppa and Case hung out in the food court area.  We would check in periodically and they were both doing well, so it all worked out and was a fun outing for us.  Poppa had to have a refresher course in giving a baby a bottle. ~grin~

Clancy celebrated his 11th birthday on Oct. 2nd and he got a guitar.  I know, the guitar looks bigger than he does.  But, the salesman assured them that this was the size he needed.  He has started guitar lessons and is eager to learn. He told his Momma and Daddy that he wanted to play in a praise and worship band one day.  And, I have little doubt that if he sets his mind to it, he will do it. 

Coleman is going to be a dragon for Halloween.  He could hardly wait for the costume to arrive and once it did, he did not want to take it off.  He puts it on everyday.  

On our way to Oklahoma we stopped to see my only two paternal cousins.  We had not seen each other in 20+ years.  We had such a good time recalling childhood memories and catching up with each other.  We all agreed that we would not allow so much time to pass between our next visit. 

The Grandgirls had their pictures taken in the cotton fields a few weeks ago.  Cotton field pictures are popular here and always make for such a great background.  And, I love the one of the girls not in the cotton field as well, especially the way the sun is setting between the trees.  

Andi Kate had to decorate a pumpkin this past weekend as one of her favorite book characters.  She chose Fancy Nancy.  My DIL invited me over to share in the fun and I thought Fancy Nancy turned out as cute as can be.  I don't know how we survived our kids school projects without Pinterest.  It is such a helpful resource. We had such a fun time being creative.

Tommy and I have never had professional pictures taken.  We've had pictures taken for church directories but they are generally not anything to get excited about.  I decided it was time for us to have some taken.  We did them about an hour before sunset and had such a good time.  I imagine the gal took close to 200 pics.  We had a zillion poses of us together and by ourselves and different outfits.  I was so pleased and these are 3 of my favorites. 

Have a wonderful new week!