I've Watched It 287 Times

Hiya! I hope everyone had a fabulouso holiday. I did, and have cute pictures to post but until then.....

Feast your eyes on this. Just to preface, my auntie recommended this book to me a couple years ago and it is fantastic. I read it twice. The fact that they cast Robert 'Edward' Pattinson in the role is a pure koinkidink. But greatly appreciated.



It's called 'Water for Elephants' by Sara Gruen. Read. It.

T-1 day

Until I get to see these crazy kids.

I. Can't. Friggin. Wait.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

So we were having the 'time of our life' at our Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

See picture for proof

and then some spiked Eggnog entered our lives,

and then we thought it would be a good idea to pass around the Eggnog,

and then instead of getting up to go get cups for the Eggnog, we thought it would be better to take a swig from the bottle and pass it around,

and then we continued having the time of our lives,

and then we recovered on Sunday from the 'Time of Our Life Ugly Christmas Sweater Party',

and then on Monday morning half the party woke up with chills, aches, and vomiting...

Ah, the gift that keeps on giving..

Christmas Crack

If you don't know already, I have a serious sweet tooth.

Like scary serious, seriously.

I have heard sugar is like a drug, and I have come to terms with the fact that I, am indeed addicted.

With that said, here is a delicious holiday candy recipe that is super easy and super delicious! It coined the name because once you start eating it, you cannot stop.

( I actually don't have any factual evidence that this is what happens when you do crack, but I'm just assuming and let's be honest it has a cute ring to it, so let's go with it)

Ingredients:

6 Cups of Corn Chex

2 Cups of Pretzels

2 Cups of Dry Roasted Peanuts

1lb of Plain M&M's

1lb of White Candy Coating

Mix first 4 ingredients in a large bowl

Melt candy coating and then stir into ingredients in bowl

Spread mixture on wax paper to cool

So if sugar is a drug and I am giving you my 'Christmas Crack' recipe, does that make me a drug dealer?

I will ponder this and get back to you.

Ugly Christmas Sweater

Ladies and Gents,

As of today, I am the proud owner of one ugly Christmas sweater. (Thanks Ebay!) I was actually nervous as I was counting down the last two minutes of the auction. Then I shouted, "I WON!" even though it shouldn't really be called winning something, if you have to pay up at the end...

Here are some things to ponder.

Why did I purchase this ugly Christmas sweater? For the 'Ugly Christmas Sweater Party' I'm attending of course.

A few more, and you are on your own on these.

Why does Rudolph only have one hoof?

Why does Rudolph have so much 'junk in the trunk'?

What's with the flag? Are they one a golf course?

Is that tree smiling at me?

So many questions from such a simple little sweater.

Also, I can't guarantee I won't wear this sweater more than once, like on actual Christmas Day.

Just sayin'.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

To My Favoritest Brother In The Whole World!!!!

You've come a long way, baby.

And P.S.

22 IS NOT OLD!

(And if you say it again, I'm not afraid to twist your arm behind your back and stuff socks in your mouth...just like the old days)

Momma' s Lentil Soup

It's getting cold in New England, thus the perfect time to make tonight's dinner.

Momma's Lentil Soup.

If I'm honest my first attempt at this soup, which my Mom makes to perfection, was a huge FAIL. But, in true winner's fashion, I am going to try, try again.

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 celery (I omit these because they sick me out), chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

Salt and Pepper

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 pound of lentils

11 cups of chicken broth

2/3 cup elbow pasta

1 cup of grated Parmesan

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Add the garlic, salt and pepper and saute until all the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juices. Simmer about 8 minutes. Add the lentils and mix to coat. Add the broth and stir. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and simmer over low heat until the lentils are almost tender, about 30 minutes. Stir in the pasta and simmer for another 8 minutes. Sprinkle with Parm and serve.

I happened to look up Lentil Soup on the Food Network website and except for a sprig of thyme, this is Giada's exact recipe too. Hmmmm......Either Momma is a cooking phenom or she is rather handy with a computer. I will go with the former for Momma's sake.

Birthday Girl

Happy Thanksgiving!

But more importantly,

Happy 1st Birthday Cameron Brooke!

Although I couldn't be there, I made sure to provide the party dress,

and the party hats.

Who says you can't be part of the party if you're not there?

Cameron, Happy Birthday, we love you so much!

Crappy Day?

You're Welcome.

Yes, that's the hubs circa 1990-something.

I'm not sure what's better, the hideous shirt he think is so cool or the fact that he is doing the 'Captain Morgan' pose unknowingly.

This kid is oozing confidence and don't think for a second that it's a coincidence that he is wearing sunglasses inside.

His future is just too bright.

Obsessed

I may be the last person on the planet to have heard of 'Band of Horses'...

But, better that than never. I am officially obsessed.

Wear It Starbucks.

This is a public service announcement from yours truly.

I have officially found the Coffee-mate holiday flavors at my grocery store. Cartwheels ensued and I almost broke out dancing to 'Do You Love Me' when it came on over the load speaker in the store but that's a whole different story. Okay, okay, the cartwheels were in my head but cartwheels were performed okay?

I purchased, 'Pumpkin Spice' and 'Sugar and Spice' (not sure what this tastes like but it had a cookie on the bottle so it promptly ended up in my cart. And apparently I like some spice in my life). You can also find 'Gingerbread Latte', and 'Egg Nog' and 'Peppermint Mocha' (!!!!!!) A little tip for ya, spend the $2.50 on this instead of your Starbucks and you can have approximately 882 more of your favorite holiday coffee drinks.

I'm a Basirico, and if you weren't already aware, bargains make us really happy. I mean really, really happy, to the point where we do cartwheels in our heads.

Insane in the Membrane

I've gone insane and have no brain.

I have decided to do a 30 day Bikram challenge.

Yoga every day for 30 days.....at 6 in the morning.....in 110 degree heat.

If it sounds like I'm complaining, it's because I am.

"Why are you doing it then", you ask? Because I am insane in the membrane. And I like a challenge...even though I hate it when my alarm goes off at 5:25am.

And when I am doing 'awkward pose'.

And standing head to knee pose.

And....standing bow pose.

And when my teacher sounded like the the 'clear eye's' man today...you know the one.

Besides that though, I'm super pumped about it. Only 21 days left. If you don't see anymore blog posts though it's probably because I have melted.

Death by yoga.

Happy 90th Grandpa!!

Today is my Grandpa Sal's 90th Birthday! I wasn't able to make it to his 90th Birthday celebration in Vegas but we made a date that I would be there for his 100th.

I consider my sister, brother, and me the luckiest of the grand kids because we had the privilege of growing up with Grandma Cora and Grandpa Sal living in the same place. These are just a few of the reasons I adore my Grandpa Sal so much.

1. My Grandpa taught us to chant, "Grandpa's great, he let's us each chocolate cake!"... and he would, whatever we wanted, like pudding pops for breakfast.

2. He is the most quick-witted person I know, he always has a one-liner that makes the whole family crack up. Example, when my Grandma Cora used to be talking on the phone for a long time, my Dad would say, "Who is she talking to?" and Grandpa would reply, "Wrong Number."

3. The goodbye hug and handshake in college where he would slip you a rolled up $20 dollar bill.

4. He was always at every one of our events, whether it was a sporting event, play, graduation; he has been there for every. single. thing. That means my Dad's basketball games too, can you imagine? He also never misses a birthday or anniversary.

6. His favorite vacation spot is VEGAS!

7. Whenever my Dad excitedly asks who wants to play Racko after dinner at our house, Grandpa gets up and says, "well that's my cue."

8. You always want to go to Church at the same time as Grandpa because you get to go out to Breakfast with him afterwards.

9. Some of my favorite childhood memories were staying at my grandparents' house in Long Cove. We went to the pool, fished in the pond in the backyard, rented the latest Benji movies and there was always an endless supply of candy orange slices in the pantry and whoppers in the refrigerator.

10. He is a great dresser. Not because he likes to shop but because we are always searching for the perfect gift for Grandpa and when all else fails he gets some new digs.

11. Pretty sure he is the only 90 year old with an IPad. Please refer to number 10, thanks Chris and Judy....Thanks.

12. I've been vying to be his favorite grandchild my whole life, and he tells me I am...until another grandchild walks in the room. He also likes to tease me when I call him and say "It's your favorite grandchild!" to which he replies, "Kristi!"

13. He knows what he likes. If you want to go to dinner here are your choices: Frankie Bones, The Boathouse, Stellini's, or Il Carpaccio.

14. He is the patriarch of our wonderful family and every one of us is madly in love with him. Especially me.

I love you Grandpa! Have the best 90th Birthday ever!

Happy Halloweenie!

Doesn't this little ladybug look like she is having the best time ever!

According to her mom, this was the one and only smile she got all night. Doesn't it look like she is thinking, 'I LOVE Halloween!'?

We'll just go with that.

Have a great Halloween Weekend!!

Girl Time

Recently my sister and niece came up for a visit! We had the best time together and here are some pictures to prove it.

Our big day out was to the Lyman Orchards. The leaves were at their peak and although the photo doesn't do it justice, they were heavenly.

See the pumpkins?

Kristi 'stealing' a pumpkin.

We opted out of picking our own apples and instead went to the 'Apple Barrel' where we went halfsies on a chicken cutlet sandwich. Then we took Cameron to see the pumpkins. She loved them!

Honestly, could the child get any cuter? I'm obsessed with her! Here are some more pics from the day.

Framer!

Then we sent to see the ducks, and she wasn't as enthralled...

The next day we went to see our fam in Long Island. Some of them got to meet Cameron for the first time. We had so much fun and we are so lucky to have such an amazing family.

I'm counting the days until Christmas until I can get my family fix again.

A Little Ditty

Sorry I've been out of comish, but I have been busy gallivanting with my sis, adorable niece and stellar family in NY.

I have super cute pics of the cutest child in the universe, but that's going to take awhile, so I figured I would hold you over with a quick story.

I've been listening to this 'soft rock' radio station at work ever since they called me on the phone and told me if I gave them my name I could win $1,000 dollars if I heard them call it out on the radio. I know, I'm a sucker, but I figured it might be a sign seeing as how they called a day after I did $1,200 dollars worth of damage to my hubs car while trying to pull into the garage and the house got in my way. (It was at a weird angle!) Anywhoo, some old songs play on this radio station and they bring back some funny memories of when I was growing up. "Tell me one!", you beg? Okay, well today while I was diligently waiting for the D.J. to scream 'Brooke Seiden!!!' on the radio, 'Like a Prayer' came on by Madonna and I remembered this little ditty.

This song came out when I was making my 'First Holy Communion' and I was in L.O.V.E with it. For my communion present I remember being in Wal-mart and telling my Mom it was the ONLY thing I wanted, pretty sure it was cassette tapes back then folks. So my Mom thought it was reasonable and pretty fitting that I should own this song, 'Like a Prayer' for my 'First Holy Communion' and thus I was able to own my own Madonna cassette tape so I could sing it over and over,until... I was watching the video on T.V. one day and then my Mom, in horror, saw Madonna, not only dancing in scantily dressed clothing...no, no, that's not it, she was dancing in front of BURNING crosses. Yah. Not such a holy moment after that. So thanks Madge. And don't worry, I will let y'all know as soon as I win my $1,000 dollars.

2 Years!

Happy Anniversary Hubs!

Here's to my hubs, my best friend, my partner in crime, my favorite.

I love you more and more everyday.

Who would have thought THAT was possible?

You Say It's Your Birthday! Da na na na naahh

Happy Birthday To One Of My Most Favoritist People In The Whole Wide World.

A few things you should know about my sister.

1. When I think about her, I get a warm fuzzy feeling inside because I love her THAT much.

2. She makes jokes and even if you don't think they are funny, you will laugh because she laughs at her own jokes, and her laugh is infectious. It's impossible not to laugh when my sister is laughing (just ask my brother, he will back me up).

3. She is a sweetheart, with bite. Don't piss her off, she's not scared of you but you will be of her, if you cross her. (Cameron, take note)

4. She was perfect child, I'm pretty sure I got drunk before her and we are 7 years apart.

5. She is an amazing mother, we knew this before she had a child because she will take care of you like nobody's business.

6. Don't rush her when she is getting ready, she will be ready when she is ready and there is nothing you can do about it.

7. She loves to shop, and she loves a bargain. Prepare to look over each item she is buying at least twice and compare all of the other exact same items in the store to make sure she is getting the very best one.

8. Her favorite tv show is 'I Love Lucy' and it makes her laugh...hard.

9. She used to torture me when I was young by twisting my arm around my back but made up for it when she was in college by bringing me candy every time she came home.

10. She may have coined the term 'it's alright'.

She is one of the sweetest, most caring, wonderful, hilarious, beautiful, patient, loving, smart people I know.

Happy Birthday Kris, I couldn't love you any more!

Please

Please love this as much as I do. Please laugh so hard that your abs hurt and you have to explain to your boss why your eye makeup is running down your face and it looks like your body is going into convulsions. Please think about it while you are driving home in your car and have to cover your mouth so the cars driving towards you don't think you are insane for laughing by yourself. Please, for me, please love it that much.

Apple Fritters

This, my friends, is the Apple Fritter Stand.

It's only open a few months out of the year, and when I drove by the other day and saw that bright pink sign I squeeled (yes, like a pig) in delight.

Saturday the hubs and I stopped by for apple fritters and fresh hot apple cider on our way to Greenwich. Even though the hubs says there are no actual apples in the said fritters, the delicious fried dough, more than makes up for it.

The leaves are starting to change and my favorite pumpkin spice ice cream is now available at J Fosters (the ice cream parlor located conveniently down the street).

Fall is here and I am loving it, even if the waistline on my pants is not.

10 Things I Loved About Katy and Doug's Wedding

(in no particular order)

The Gon-DOL-a Ride to the Rehearsal Dinner.

We may have taken a bottle of wine hostage for the ride down.

The Transportation.

The Beautiful Couple.

This should have been first on the list but I did warn you these were 'in no particular order'.

Love them!

The Antler Decor that made these photo ops possible.

The Fabulous People.

We had the best time with everyone and definitely made some new friends.

The Decor.

Check out the chandeliers!

The Delicious Food.

I could shed a tear over this cheese.

Just the first course.

The Foam Fingers.

A surprise for the groom

The Dancing.

The band was phenom.

THE DRESS.

I only got the back but I would have worn it at my own wedding, I loved it so much.

Alec Baldwin Look- a- Likes.

I may or may not have asked him to call me Liz Lemon.

Oops that was 11...but whose counting?

We had the most amazing time. Congratulations Katy and Doug!!