I'm working on it...

I promise that in a few days, this blog will be much better!  I have so much to do right now between decorating and shopping and it HAS to get done.  You will get to see it all, have no fear!  The dining room is half way done, the living room is half way done. There are boxes everywhere.  I was going to wrap last night but there is no room.  I have a few projects I'm especially excited to share with you!  And, since I have an amazing husband who loves me so, I also have a new laptop and Canon Rebel XS to aid in the process of this blog!  And, I know Steph is busy with those two amazing girls!  One of them has some health conditions that prevent Steph from contributing as much as she'd like.  She has a couple of things I know she needs to share with us...hint, hint...but hasn't had the time (or energy really) to put them up here.  I'll get her on the phone late one night and get her to get them up.

Toni

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...Its on Its Way!

I'm so stinking excited about Christmas this year. It will be the LAST year in our house in Virginia and its going to be an unusually busy season for us! So, I'm going to start pulling out Christmas stuff this weekend. Yep...THIS WEEKEND!

A few days ago, Belle and I hit The Dollar Tree. I just love The Dollar Tree! One of the things that I like best about it is that the owners are from this neck of the woods. And, the wifey went to Longwood...my Alma Mater! A few years ago, they decided to promote higher education and donated $3 MILLION to my college...so yes, I happily give back to them! It has been hit or miss for me in recent years for Christmas decor. Well, can I tell you that its not the case this year. I think I could spend $50 on new Christmas decor. They also have an awesome new website where you can order in bulk online...too cool!

Here are a few of my favorites...and trust me, this is just a drop in the bucket!

They also had large felt ornaments and snowflakes...the likes of which I've already seen at Target for much more!

               I love these little cuties!  I think I need a few red ones for my hutch!  They also had some mirrored ones!  Yes! Mirrored ones!!  SO stinking cute!

 

I can just see these velvet stockings altered to be just ADORABLE!

 

I have a special project lined up for some tinsel.  I can't wait to show you! 

 

 You can buy these everywhere it seems, but I just loved TDT's colors this year...and not to mention they are a bit cheaper than the ones at Walmart and Target. 

 

Mirrored ball ornaments!  LOVE 'EM!

 

I just love the shape of these ornaments....and I need some new GREEN ornaments for my red, white and green tree.  

Speaking of my red white and green tree...I have a major craft that has been a year in the making (so what if I took 10 months off from them?) to show you very soon.  I have 3 left to complete...almost there! 

Pumpkin Dip

A couple of weeks ago, I made a wonderful dip. Steph is making it soon and will get a picture on here for us since I didn't take one then. It is so yummy and fitting for this time of year! It isn't low calorie though...darn that powdered sugar! I wonder if I could tweek it with some fat free cream cheese and splenda? I might give it a try soon.

1 package of cream cheese
15 oz can of pumpkin
16 oz. box of powdered sugar
cinnamon and either ginger, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice. ... Read More

Beat the cream cheese till soft, then add sugar. Add pumpkin after its well mixed. I used nutmeg because I didn't have either the ginger or the pie spice and it was fine. I added a bit more cinnamon than it called for...so just add a little at a time and taste it till you like it. I served it with apples, pears, graham crackers, nilla wafers and ginger snaps!


I am doing Weight Watchers right now and found this one for a friend. If the above doesn't work out, I'm going to try this one! The points for the recipe are included!
Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup apple juice
1 pkg vanilla instant pudding, sugar free (3.4 ounces)
1 can pumpkin (reg size)
3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice (1/2 to 1 tsp)

In a mixing bowl, combine apple juice, pumpkin and dry pudding mix.
Beat on low speed for 2 minutes. Stir in pumpkin pie spice. Let stand for
5 minutes. Serve on toast or English muffin. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

SERVING SIZE: 4 tablespoons

POINTS: 1

PER SERVING: 50 Calories, Trace Fat, 1 g Fiber