Food and Football

Yesterday we had a really nice Thanksgiving over at my aunt's house. We stuffed ourselves of course, and my sister got a chance to visit with family she doesn't see that often. Here we are with our cousin Olivia...

On a photo side note, I'm drinking a delicious spiced apple wine that we picked up the other day from a winery in Chadd's Ford that has a shop at Peddler's Village. I had three glasses before dinner it was that good!

Later that night Amy, John and I went to the Philadelphia Eagles game. We bundled in our cutest team garb to brave the cold night which turned out to be well worth it because it was a great time and the Birds beat the Arizona Cardinals 48-20. Even though Amy lives in AZ, we know where her football loyalty truly is.

We just got back from taking Amy to the airport and I am definitely sad to see her go. It's so nice to have her here to do things with. I miss that part of being around my family so much. Thankfully John and I are scheduled to head to AZ for a visit in January and I know the time will fly by. Until then I have some great memories of last week to keep with me.

Family Bonding

It's been a busy couple of days but all for good reasons. This Thanksgiving I'm most thankful for my sister being able to visit from AZ. It's not often that family can make the trek back here with the soaring costs of travel these days, especially during holidays. She has been here since Sunday so we've been able to spend some quality time together.

Monday we went into Philadelphia on the train (Amy's first ride on one) and had lunch with our two cousins Lauren and Carolyn, then walked along the shops on Walnut St. and had a spa day at Toppers. Amy opted for a facial, me a massage. We never pass up a chance to relax!

Tuesday we walked around nearby Chestnut Hill and had lunch at a cozy diner.

Then it was off to Peddler's Village where we could scan the outlet shops for great deals. Amy picked up the steal of the century at the Coach outlet while I took a trip down memory lane at the bakery that made my wedding cake.

Last night it was dinner at PF Chang's with John...

And today we are headed to King of Prussia to do some shopping and have lunch with our other cousin Livy. Can you see a shopping/eating pattern forming here? :) Just another reason I love spending time with my sister!

Wah, Wah

Yesterday armed with my 30% off coupon, John and I drove to The Gap and Old Navy in a torrential downpour because that was how excited I was to use the discount. I was mentally calculating all the cute outfits I could put together with a few new pieces.

Well, let's just say the weather was more thrilling because I walked away with just this, in purple...

Yep, that's it. I tried, believe me, I tried. But nothing was flattering or that great a deal. It was a giant let down. Not for John, though. He walked away with two shirts and two sweaters happy as a clam. Men.

So Long

I'm not really accustomed to my TV shows getting the ax, so I was surprised to see that one of my weekly staples, 'Lipstick Jungle' is hitting the road. I know, I know, it was probably doomed from the start and isn't as smart as Sex and the City was, but I found it entertaining. Especially when paired with my pjs and cereal on a Sat. morning thanks to DVR. Bummer!

When shows get cancelled does that mean no more episodes period or do they try to wrap them up somehow? 

You Say Potato...

Inspired by A., who I believe is the queen of cooking for two, I decided to attempt another round of soup for dinner. I have been fearful of this since the Tortilla Soup debacle from a few posts back but it just always sounds good for dinner and I'm fresh out of new ideas. Lately, I have been enjoying Better Homes and Gardens so checked out their site for recipes and found this one for Smashed Potato Soup. I honestly think the key for me here was that it had simple instructions and cooked in the crock pot all day. John even agreed that it was hearty enough for a full meal (with a side of french bread of course) and with the rainy, cold weather we've been having today, I believe I'll be heating up the rest for lunch today.

Break Time

Last night my husband made it to level 34 (the final one) on Brickbreaker, the totally addicting BlackBerry phone game. I can also admit to being disturbingly hooked.

It's one of the more simpler concepts you could ever find. You use a left/right moving paddle to shoot a ball into bricks, breaking them in order to move on to the next level. Each stage gets harder and harder as you go along. I myself have only managed level 24, so needless to say I was very impressed by John's accomplishment. However, when he began screaming from the living room, I knew he must have lost his last life on the final level of the game. While I don't like to see him upset, I encouraged him to look on the bright side, he can continue to play. And I'm secretly glad I still have time to catch up!

Here Comes The Bride

A few months ago I decided that it would be nice if I offered to host my future sister-n-law, Stacey's, bridal shower at my house. With all our new space it feels natural to want to have get togethers and I have been meaning to break out the nice serving pieces I'd received during my own bridal showers. Of course it never really sinks in that you'll be running around like a nut in heels all day, but at least it was for a good cause.

My MIL, Peg and myself were in charge of the food, though we received much help from my wonderful husband who made up 40 chicken and tuna salad sandwiches. Peg bought a delicious ham and side salad and I made a pasta recipe with veggies and ricotta. 

Stacey's mom and bridesmaids brought all the decorations and beverages, cake, etc. It truly was a team effort that ran very smoothly and Stacey seemed really happy. Her friends and family were very nice and gracious which helped make the day an overall success.

Here are some pics...

Stacey and Chris, John's brother.

The reason for a bridal shower...gifts.

The bride to be and I.

The shower was a scrapbooking theme so guests each created a page for Stacey.

Hope

Today I am filled with a great sense of joy and pride in my country. We elected the best man for the job and I am so thrilled to have been a part of it in some small way. I got teary last night watching Obama's speech after hours in front of the television awaiting the results. It's truly a moment I will always remember. My hope is that the momentum will keep going and we can make the changes that are needed in this country. And if our new President asks us to do our part in helping him do just that, I will give 100%, because I believe now more than ever that anything is possible. 

Election Day In PA

As if I had to be reminded, right?  

John and I voted in less than five minutes and I've felt excited all day. Let's just hope the night goes accordingly and my state does me proud.

I'll be plopped in front of the TV with CNN if anyone needs me.

Another Year Older

Yesterday I celebrated my 29th birthday. I've had some mixed feelings about it as I just can't seem to grasp exactly where the time has gone and truthfully I have been more excited about the upcoming election than another birthday. Luckily, all the well wishes from friends and family put a smile on my face, as well as the jumbo breakfast and mimosas my husband made for me in the morning after presenting me with Wii Fit, my sought after gift. 

I spent the rest of the day at the bridal shower for John's best friend's fiance', Lia (left of me) 

and rooting the Eagles to another win. A little unorthodox compared to years past but just another sign I'm getting older I suppose. At any rate, I'm always so grateful to everyone who helped make the day special. It's always a good feeling to know you are loved.