create the life you love

'PINK' Friday

I am offering a special this weekend (through Sunday night) for all my blog readers. Free shipping on any order in my etsy shop,mcc designs. Note pads, stationery, book labels, and more. Just type in 'free shipping' in the note section when placing your order and I will reimburse you through paypal.

 

 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I am off with my family later this afternoon. We are spending the weekend in Gainesville and going to the big game tomorrow. UF vs FSU. Crazy, fun weekend for our 'divided' household!

Wishing you all a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

  
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."  Psalm 107:1

 

And, a blessed Thanksgiving it is for me. 23 years ago I gave birth to my first born.

Happy Birthday, Daniel Barret. My Bear Boy!

{ another post for the birthday coming up }

Etsy Finds for Christmas

Darling Handmade Lilly Stockings. I bought 2 of these. One I will give to my goddaughter for an advent gift and fill it with a little gift for each day.

hickity-pickity

A little monogram button to go on the stocking

A cute Christmas Tee & skirt, again for my Goddaughter.

monogram mainia

Other Etsy items I like ...

I am thinking of getting this beautiful ornament for a special little girl :)

art under glass

 

Cute pet stockings

rikrack

Personalized dog bone ornaments

sunshine ceramics

Personalized ornaments (Kim, this one is already for Kate!)

lemons with a pea

Darling skirt (it has sold though)

curly's creations
   

More Christmas tees and adorable bloomers!

lilpixie boutique

Yet more cute Christmas tees

smitten & company

 I am sure I could go on and on! I have a little 'problem' with finding cute things for little girls! ;)

 

 

  

Bear Boy

He is on his way home! Barret has not been home from college since June (June 11th to be exact!). So happy to have all our family here together for Thanksgiving. Connor still has an exam tomorrow morning, so he will be here later in the afternoon. We have a big weekend planned :)

 

My other BIG news is  ....

I  had my braces removed today and am one happy girl!!

Pink Saturday

 

Happy Pink Saturday! A pink (and green) gift for a very special little girl! 

I am off to yet another out of town lacrosse tournament (actually left on Friday afternoon).

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Please visit Beverly's blog for more of Pink Saturday!

 

ETA: Check out Tanya's post (Khloe's new mama) about this gift!
 

The Reader

I stacked these large books on one of my berger chairs in my living room to keep Murp off -his favorite chair, he never sits in the matching one - but he seems quite comfy, books and all!

 

Thank you all for the kind anniversary wishes. We are so busy that we can't even find time for a little get away. Traveling out of town 4 weekends in a row for lacrosse tournaments and Gator games. We do have a weekend away planned in a few weeks - Palm Beach!  
 

25 years ago I married the man of my dreams and love of my life! He is an incredible husband and father  - I am blessed beyond measure.

 

Lacrosse Tournament

This past weekend we travel to Palm Coast for the Veteran's Cup lacrosse tournament. Griff's U13 team placed 3rd, although I am not sure how this worked out when the team won all but 1 game (4 out of a total of 5 games). Fun weekend and beautiful weather - in the 70's. So nice!

 
{ love the hair }

 

 

 Cute boys - Some of the team at the Ginn Hammond Beach Club pool after Saturday's games. That's Griff looking like he is asleep ... or dead.

{ muscle man! }

Lilly Photo of the Week!

The lovely Miss Janice featured me again on her blog, Etiquette With Miss Janice. This time, Griff was the 'star' (the first guy, I believe) of 'The Lilly Photo of the Week'! Way to go Griff ;). Ha, like he had anything to do with it, and I don't dare show him the post.  But ... being such a Lilly lover myself, with no daughters, I can't tell you how happy it makes me that my football/lacrosse player son to wears Lilly :)

 

 

Thanks so much, Miss Janice for your wonderful post and kind comments. Both Giff and I appreciate it! ;) You all be sure to visit her fabulous blog!

And, speaking of Lilly. I just happened to luck out yesterday morning when I received the email about the big Lilly Jubilee sale. I was late to my pilates class, due to my unexpected on line shopping! The sale sold out in no time (hours), but I managed to score the lovely Seamus dress and this beautiful clutch. I have coveted the dress for months now and it was an amazing deal!

Kate Landers Events ~ Classic Parties for Children

I am pleased to annouce to all my readers this darling new online shop, Kate Landers Events. Just look at all they have to offer. Oh, how I wish I still had a child young enough to have a party with all the wonderful, customized party goods Kate Landers has to offer.

Classic Fabric Party Hats 

 

Fabulous Festoon Trimmed Party Hats

 

Exquisite Felt Party Hats

 

Custom Birthday Ribbons

 

Classic Melamine Tumblers and Plates

 

Designer Fabric Tableware

 

Personalized Favor Pouches

 

Lots of fabulous gifts too ...

Classic Couture Tutus

 

Monogrammed Felt Hair Clips

 

Monogrammed Grosgrain Button Hair Bows

Smocked Monogrammed Frock

 

Many more wonderful items to chose from at Kate Landers Events.

And, I am honored to have a select group of my note pads as a part of Kate's fabulous shop!! Thank you Kate for this opportunity!

Classic Personalized Note Pads

 

Lilly Pulitzer Recyles and So Can You

The Kennedys, then and now: Lilly Pulitzer's dresses can last many generations. Photos courtesy of Lilly Pulitzer

Reduce. Reuse. Re-Lilly.

Customers have been recycling Lilly Pulitzer pieces for ages. Whether by wearing hand-me-downs or passing pieces on, the iconic dresses, skirts and the like are generally well-loved by more than just the original owner.

Now you can get paid to do what you've been doing all along. Tying into America Recycles Week, between Nov. 8 and 15, bring any "gently worn" Lilly special occasion dresses to your local Lilly Pulitzer store and receive a $10 credit toward a new Lilly from the company's "Originals" collection for holiday.

The items donated will be collected for The Princess Project, a non-profit organization that provides free dresses and accessories to high school girls who could otherwise not afford them for their proms.

 

From Stylelist

Fall Lax

Griff's fall season (7th & 8th grade youth league) has ended and his team had an undefeated season! He moves right on to more lacrosse, playing on a select travel team. Two tournaments coming up, next weekend and the following.

 

Playing against one of his coaches ...

 

  

  

 Love the hair sticking out (and he plays both #16 and #63, depending on the game and jersey color) ...
 
 
 
  

Pink Saturday

Happy Pink Saturday!

 

A bit of pink at home

pink damask coolers ...

pink spatulas ...

my 'queen bee' tea set (on pink gingham check) ...

ETA: the pink spatulas are from Williams Sonoma and the crown tea set from Home Goods (both purchased this past spring)

 

Visit Beverly's blog for more of pink saturday!

Junior Cotillion

Griff was not exactly thrilled to be attending the 7th and 8th grade Fall Junior Cotillion dance this evening. I am sure he is having a great time though, being the 'social butterfly' he is (he would hate me calling him that!).  It's more about the dressing up that he has a fit over (that and the picture taking). Nothing new to me, I've been through this with the two older boys when they were this age.

I managed to get a smile out of him ..

and a laugh ...

 

 
 
  

Too Early??

I normally do not start listening to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving, but I picked up Andrea Bocelli's new Christmas CD at Costco a few days ago and just could not wait to listen to it. I love Andrea Bocelli and his new CD does not disappoint. Beautiful.

Pumpkin Cookie Recipe

For those that asked, here is the recipe. Everyone loves these cookies (including myself, when I was a sugar addict!). They would be great to make for Thanksgiving treats too.

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

1 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 cup pumpkin

1 egg

2 cups flour

1 tsp. soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

FROSTING:

1 tbsp. vanilla

1 lb. power sugar

1 stick butter

8 oz. cream cheese

Cream shortening, sugar, and pumpkin. Add egg and mix well. Add sifted dry ingredients. Drop from spoon onto cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Beat frosting ingredients until smooth. Frost cookies after they have cooled.

*I added a candy corn to each

Makes 48 cookies

 

 

 

 

 

Halloween

Griff chose not to dress up this year, which is a bit sad for me. And end of an era (22 years!). He never really cared much for costumes and the last few years wore a Gator jersey and hat - that was it. Anyway, he had a fun night. Party and sleep over with lots of other 'non-costume' boys.

Some of my Halloween treats. A mum plant that I toke to my mom when visiting a few days ago. Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting (absolutely delish - not that I would know anymore ;), but I do remember them being soo good!). I made up special bags for the neighbor children and I like to give out big size candy to the others :) ...

Big Murphy was dressed both for the Gator game and Halloween. Baxter had his jersey on too, but he doesn't like to pose for photos (he actually hates to wear clothes or costumes - and I couldn't get the pumpkin costume on either pup!)

Baxter upon his 'thrown' watching the Gator game, prior to chasing him down to get the jersey on! I swear this dog should have been born into royality!

 

My little neighbor who lives down the street. She LOVES my doggies and was looking at them through the window - didn't care about the candy, wanted the puppies to come out!

A horse drawn cart came down the street. A bunch of parents riding in it - hay ride style (and having a few cocktails!), following their trick or treaters ...

And this owl was up on the power line right in front of our house ...

 
 

Pink Saturday/Happy Halloween!

Happy Pink Saturday and Halloween to you all.  

Of course, I don't have any pink Halloween decorations, but I did make this monogrammed pumpkin for my goddaughter, Bridget ...

 And a few photos of my non-pink fall decorations. Kind of hard to get into the fall & Halloween spirit when it it 92 degrees here - enough already with the heat & humidity! ...

 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. To see more of Pink Saturday, visit Beverly's blog.
 
 
 

Tag Giveaway Winner(s)!

I had my assistant, also know as the 'enthusiastic cupping volunteer' (see post below), draw the winner, who is ....

Paige!! Her post just cracks me up :)

And, since I was feeling so giving, we drew a second winner ...

Bickies!

Congrats to you both. Just email me and let me know if you'd like the Christmas tags or the Thanksgiving tags, your personalization, and your address.

Thank you all for playing. I am sure I'll host another giveaway sometime soon!
 
 

Chinese Cupping

Griff is taking Madarin Chinese this year in 7th grade and absolutely loves it ... SO much so that he volunteered in class to be 'cupped', not just once but SIX times! I was a bit surprised (more liked shocked!) when I picked him up at school last Friday and he lifted his shirt to show me his cup marks, while I was driving no less! His teacher has assured me that the Chinese Cupping practice is very safe and it has been practiced for over a thousand years in China.The marks have all finally started to fade away (after 5 days) and Griff insists that he feels 'healthier' since he has rid his body of so many toxins. His teacher, who was born in Beijing, has cupping done on her back every 2 weeks, she also informed me that 'Griff is definitely a great volunteer. He always participates enthusiastically and behaves very well in my class. His handwriting of Chinese characters is absolutely beautiful, one of the best I’ve seen! He is a great young man!'

Always nice for a mother to hear positive things about her boy!

 

*Tanya, I know you'll love this post - or not! ;) I wish you lived closer - Griff could help Khloe be bilingual, speaking both English and Chinese!! ;). He actually mentioned to me last year, when he decided to switch his language class from Spanish to Chinese that it was too bad we never got our little China girl since he could speak with her in Chinese now. Ahh.

Happy Halloween to Khloe!

Sweet Khloe and the Halloween gifts I sent to her ...

 I don't think she is too crazy about that head band!

 

I always send these photos to Khloe's mama, Tanya as soon as I get them since I know how much she loves seeing her little girl!!

 
 

 

 

Fall Foodie Swap Gifts

I received my fall foodie swap gifts, hosted by Laura at One Dozen Eggs. Lots of wonderful fall/halloween goodies from my partner, Bridget.

Halloween cookie cutters, sprinkles, cooking idea/recipe book, place mats, cookie baking mold and other goodies ...

Cute spider salt & pepper shakers ...

Kitchen dish towels ...

 

Julia Child memoir - can't wait to read this! ...

Thank you Bridget, for all the wonderful fall gifts - love them! And, thank you Laura for hosting the swap :)
 

 

** Also, Last chance to enter for the drawing of the Thanksgiving tags. The winner will be chosen tomorrow evening. Oh, and I made the mistake of offering the winner the choice of Halloween or Thanksgiving tags, but since it is almost Halloween, I'm changing your choices to Thanksgiving OR Christmas tags ...and who knows, I just may draw 2 winners ;) **
 
 

Pink Saturday

A drawing my goddaughter made for me with plenty of pink and a cute kitty!

I hope you all have a wonderful Pink Saturday. Please visit Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for more pink goodness!

 

** Scroll down to enter a giveaway **
  
  

Christmas Tags ... and a Giveaway!

 
  

{ more info at mcc designs }

*I will most likely be adding a few more styles to my shop soon*
 

Just thought I would do a little giveaway for all my sweet blogging friends :). Your choice of a set of 6 tie on or 12 non-tie on personalized Christmas (or happy holidays). The no-tie tags are great for wrapped boxes and presents (just add a piece of double sided tape or sticky dot) and the tie on tags great for goody bags, homemade treats or gift bags.

Just leave a comment here and feel free to post the giveaway on your own blog ... my blog giveaway 'assistant' will draw the winner a week for today, Wednesday, October 27.

 

*****

 

Also: Thanks for the kind comments on my previous post. Those of you that said I look like one of the college/high school girl - I love you! LOL. Seriously, I always hesitate to write about my big changes. Hope it doesn't come across as bragging. Please feel free to ask any questions - I am more than happy to help you! I have helped a few of my readers get started on a program and I can not tell you how wonderful that makes me feel!

A comment that I'd like to share, in case you didn't read it. So happy for Tammy and her husband!!

 I read your post about your nutrition changes and the program you used and you inspired me. My husband & I had gained a good deal of weight over the years and before we knew it we were the heavy couple at every social function. After reading what you were accomplishing I mulled it over for a while (months & months actually) but finally this summer my husband & I committed to the program. He started a few weeks before me and has lost 50 pounds and is keeping it off. I was mostly concerned about my body fat. I have dropped from 39.9% to between 26.5-27.5% and I have lost 30 pounds going from a size 14 or 16 to mostly a size 8 sometimes a size 10. I am so happy with our results and I really have you to thank for putting the seed in my head. So thank you and congratulations of your success!! It really is life changing.
 

Todays Creative Blog

One Year Anniversary

{ January 7, 2009 - 12 weeks after starting my program, minus 33 lbs. }

This past Saturday, October 17, marked my one year anniversary of my diet and health 'life changes'. One entire year of being refined sugar free and processed carb free! I honestly still can not believe that I was able to completely kick my sugar addiction. Not one cookie, piece of candy (okay, I did eat one sour patch kid one day and one jelly belly another time, as well as a very tiny taste here and there when I am baking), no cakes, no bread, chips, crackers, or any other processed foods - with the except of protein bars. My weight has stayed within 5 lbs of my lowest, which was a bit low for my height. That being said, I still work very hard at the gym 5 days a week. Usually weight training 3 days a weeks, cardio (30 -60 minutes) 5 days a week, ab class 3 times a week, and pilates 2 days a week. I also 'power' walk and or ride my bike often on the weekends. All this exercising combined with a 'clean' diet (lean proteins, vegetables, fruit, nuts) - it obviously takes a lot of work just to maintain my weight!! All so worth it though. I have much more energy, am much more 'upbeat', am so much happier with myselff, my body, my self image, and am so much healthier - my insulin levels are all normal now :).

I hope I can encourage those of you that may be struggling with the same or similar issues. Please believe me that when I say ... if I can do this, any one can. Sugar was like crack to me! And ... I am still around it all the time. Both Griff and my husband eat some type of cookies, ice cream, candy (or all!) every night, and I do the serving! I also bake often, many of my 'former' favorite recipes and never have a bite. Chocolate Kahlua Cake and Pumpkin Cake are 2 desserts that I use to devour! I just eat fruit or a protein bar instead and either one will satisfy me.

Also, I want to thank all of you that have encouraged and supported me this last year while going through this all. I appreciate each and every one of your kind words!

 

xoxox

UF Homecoming

Another great weekend, back to orange & blue and The Gators. Beautiful weather, so nice and cool. And ... what a game!

 
 room mates

 
  
 
 

Pink Saturday

Happy Pink Saturday!

Two sweet little girls, in pink!

 

 
  

My god daughter in the monogram dress I bought her from Charlotte English Boutique

 

Precious Khloe in a pink leopard jacket (and pig tails!)

Khloe is getting closer and closer to the day she will be in her mama's arms and with her forever family!
 

TO view more of Pink Saturday, please visit our lovely hostess, Beverly at How Sweet the Sound.

 

Off to yet another college football game - after Griff's 9am lacrosse game.

Go Gators!

Give Away Winner

So sorry I completely forgot about the tag give away. A day late here, but I had Griff draw the winner tonight and that person is Kristyn! Congrats to you, Kristyn. Email me with your choice of tags, personalization and address (mccaligiuri@aol.com)

FSU Parent's Weekend

A fun weekend with our oldest at Florida State parent's weekend. It has been months since Barret has been home - busy with school and job - at least that's his story ;), so it was SO good spending the weekend together. Unfortunately, the Noles lost to Georgia Tech, but a great time non the less. We are a 'divided household', and being UF alum, we are season ticket holders, Bull Gators, and go to many more Gator games than Seminole games. I always feel bad about this, but it doesn't seem to bother Bear one bit. He loves his Noles!!

William, Barret and Sam

Barret & Davis

 

Me and the girls!

And I had to add this photo of Mike's Beer Barn, a very popular spot in Tally. Check out the 'parent's weekend' sign!

 

'My Dog Murphy'

 A school paper written by Griff:

    Do you have someone or something that you can’t leave without? I do, and it’s my dog Murphy. He is so important to me because he is so loving and caring. I believe he’s that way because my family rescued him from the streets. Now I think he is just thanking us by giving love.

    If I would have to leave every thing I own and just pick one thing to take with me it would be Murphy. His soft and fluffy fur and his warm body is so comforting and it never gets old. His barks might be annoying sometime but I know he is trying to protect me. And he knows when you’re sad, then he cheers you up by snuggling with you, and when you’re happy, then he plays with you.

    I feel like Murphy is just another member of the family. He acts like a human and behaves polite too. I actually believe he might be human, but disguised as a cute dog instead. Every day when I come home from school or football practice, he is there waiting to jump on me

      So in conclusion, if I could only take one thing or someone it would be my dog, Murphy.     

 

 

Go Noles

 

We are off to parent's weekend at FSU!

How About a Give Away?

I have been busy today with tag orders, both Halloween and Thanksgiving, so ... I though I would share some more with another one of my blog readers (Belle won last time!)

For this drawing, I decided to do a little something different that I have seem on other blog give aways.

All you have to do to enter the drawing (for 6 personalized tags of your choice, Halloween or Thanksgiving) is post a comment here for one entry in the drawing and post a link to my giveaway on your blog (if you have one) for 2 entries. I will draw a winner a week from today, October 14. 

**BTW, I have had many readers inform me about my blog not updating on the feeders (bloglines, etc.). No updates have shown up since August :(. I finally got it straightened out and I think it is working now.

 
  
 {the colors are a bit off in the photos - I think my camera is dying - the colors all match nicely and the ribbon is a gold-ish tone that matches the turkey's beak}

 
 

Homecoming Dance

It was homecoming this past weekend at Griff's school. The 7th & 8th graders had their own little dance. No dates, no dinners, no flowers, no limos ... but the girls certainly were all dressed up. I wish I could have seen more of them, but only was able to get a glimpse of a few in the car line when I was dropping and picking up. The boys had to wear dress shirts, long pants and ties. I had a nice Brooks Brothers tie and white polo shirt picked out for Griff, but he chose to wear his 'spring/summer' dress clothes. A pink polo and Lilly tie :)

Of course, I had to beg and plead for these photos, which are not the best, since I had my camera settings all wrong due to the rush to get a shot!

 

 
  
  
   

Pink Saturday

Happy Pink Saturday to you all!

A few photos of the album I made for my god daughter. I took the photos at her party, which I featured last week and made a very simple album ... 

For more of Pink Saturday, please visit our lovely hostess, Beverly at How Sweet the Sound
   

Hope you all have a nice weekend. Mine is filled with sports. Homecoming game tonight (I had to write this post early), Griff's lacrosse games Saturday morning and them I am going to watch my niece play in a volleyball tournament. So excited about that - girl sports! :)

LHP Football

Another big win for Griff's team, I believe the score was 36-0.

Next week LHP team plays for the championship.

 

 

 
  

 

Etsy Find

Darling Halloween tees from monogram mania at etsy. I just noticed that this seller is from my area too.

 I ordered this one for my god daughter ...

Love this little spider ...

Cute monogram tees ...

Go Gators! ...

 

 

It's Fall!

Even here in Florida, the temperatures have finally dropped a bit. It was 65 degrees early this morning! Up in the mid 80's now, but still such a nice break from the heat and humidity. Great football weather - I'm off to Griff's game in a short while.

To 'celebrate' my happiness over the cooler temps ... a few of my new J Crew purchases ;)

And a new pair of 7 straight leg jeans

 

Fall Foodie Swap

I participated in a 'Fall Foodie Swap', hosted by A Dozen Eggs (check out her fabulous cookies!). Today was the deadline to mail out our packages.

My gifts, all wrapped and ready to go ...

More Sports

It seems like most of my posts of late alternate between sports and pinkness ... with a bit more of sports! Ah, such is my life with boys.

Griff is a busy boy these days. Playing both football and lacrosse this fall. Football games on Thursday evenings and 2 lacrosse games on Saturday. Practices every day after school and lacrosse conditioning/training on Sundays. Then there are the 'viewing' of games; his school's high school home games on Friday nights and of course the Gators on Saturdays. And I have to mention FSU too, although Griff is NOT a fan, his big brother certainly is.

  

Skinny, skinny legs! He is trying so hard to get past 100lbs!

Pink Saturday

Happy Pink Saturday. A few photos of my god daughter's birthday party at the park.

 

For more of Pink Saturday, visit

Beverly's Blog.

 

Highlander's Win

Another win for Griff's team. This Thursday evening they played an away game against his old 'alta mater', The Master's Academy (he started in kindergarten and attended for a few years). Great game for Griff - a few big tackles and an interception.

 

 

{cheerleader's backpacks - cute!}

 

 

{Griff and Mr. B, the director of LHP middle school - he is the greatest!}

After the game, these girls (former classmates) kept calling out Griff's name across the field. I finally went up to Griff and made him walk across to say hi. I think he was 'pretending' not to hear them. They certainly remembered him from back when he went to school at TMA, but Griff had no idea who they were! Typical teenage boy (at least with my 3).

 I had to 'sneak' this photo and do it quickly - luckily, I had my zoom lens on.

 

Happy Fall ...

... even though it is not even close to 'fallish' weather here in Florida! Actually, I have noticed at the football games that once the sun goes down, there is a nice breeze ... not exactly cool,  but a nice change from the hot, humid air. I'll take it!

I recently read a post on a blog that stated 'I think 90% of stuff on Etsy is complete crap.'Um, I beg to differ - 90%?? While everyone is entitled their opinion, that certainly seems like a high percent. There are many items that are not at all to my liking or my style on Etsy, but I have found so many wonderful sellers with fabulous products and have purchased many items over the past few years. I love to support small businesses and crafters.

So, just a few fall and Halloween items from etsy that I happen to like. Of course, almost all for little girls  ;) ...

Halloween Tote Bag from Sewgracious.

I bought an Easter bag like this for my god daughter.

 Baffinbags

Monogrammed Pumpkin Tee from Marlinsmom

 

Halloween Cupcake Kit from The Baker's Confections

 

 

This is Christmas (getting ahead of holidays), but I love it

Dressrehersal

 

jujustutus

 

Cute Beanie - hblackberry

 

Hair Clips - Celeste & Co

 

elmsstudionline

 

sweetambs

RC Sweet Potato Recipe

I had a few requests for this fabulous recipe. I have made this many times and it is always a huge hit. My guys like it for dessert, warm with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream.

RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE SWEET POTATO RECIPE

Yield: 6 servings

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes

1 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 eggs, well beaten

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter

Crust Mixture:

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup flour

1 cup chopped pecans

1/3 stick of butter, melted

1. Combine crust ingredients; set aside. Heat over to 350 F

2. Throughly combine mashed potatoes, sugar, salt, vanilla, eggs and 1/2 cup butter. Pour mixture into buttered baking dish

3. Sprinkle surface of potato mixture evenly with the crust mixture. Bake 30 minutes. Let set at least 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe Cards

I am participating in a fall 'foodie' swap, so I created these recipe cards with a few of my favorite fall recipes ... Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins, Pumpkin Cake and Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole.

College Life

"Welcome!"

Another Gator game this weekend and while I love going, I am just fine with the next few games being away!

 

We spent a little time at C's house before the game and then on to the frat house - not sure which is worse! But, I always have so much fun :)

Colin, Griff and Reid - still in their lax shorts, before changing into their Gator gear. Griff's friends that come to the games with us are getting quite an 'education' on the life of college boys.

The 'pool bus' next door ... and yet another bus that pulled up to party.

Go for a swim in the bus and then climb up on top to sun!

(I had to hide behind a car to take this picture - I certainly didn't want the college kids to see me)

More Pink

I also made some pink cupcakes for my goddaughter's birthday and some cupcake toppers!

Pink Saturday

Happy Pink Saturday!

My goddaughter's 5th birthday was this past Wednesday ... her gifts from me, all wrapped in pink.

I was so excited to buy her the 'just like me' American Girl doll. I have bought here both a Bitty Baby and the Bitty Baby Twins, but really love this doll who does looks just like Bridget!

I am at another Florida Gator game today (wrote this Friday night).  After going to Griff's lacrosse game at 9am this morning, we jumped in the car and headed up to Gainesville :)

For more of Pink Saturday, please visit our hostess, Beverly's blog.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Big Win

Another win for the Highlanders Thursday evening against their big rivals, TPS. 28-8

I only took a few photos and bad ones at that.

Griff and one of his best buds, Reid. Numbers 16 & 17

 

 

Winner!

Sorry, I am a little late here - completely forgot this yesterday. I had my assistant, Griff do the drawing for the Halloween tags

 

and the winner is ...

Belle at The Queen Bee and her Boys. Congrats Belle! Who just happens to be a mom of boys also and a lovely lady! Love her blog name ... and here I though I was the 'Queen Bee' ... 3 boys (human), 2 boys (canine) and of course the husband - and my name means 'honey bee' :)

Email me, Belle and let me know which style tags you'd like (or some of each), as well as what you would like to say. Thanks!