Happy Thanksgiving

This year I hosted Thanksgiving. I made a killer turkey + even my picky niece declared that my turkey was delicious! One bummer [besides my gravy] is that my mom was sick + unable to come. I sent a care-package to her with a good dinner + desserts. A couple pics of the day...

flashback!

Last night was my 20 year grade school reunion. It was so great to see friends that I haven't seen in years, yet spent so much time with growing up. I didn't get too many pictures [a couple are blurry + eyes are closed], but I like this one of me, my friends Chris + Cathy.... I get to see Chris when I can, but this is the first time I have seen Cathy for 15 or more years. She is just as sweet + wonderful as I remember!

froyo?

I have been working hard to get in better health/shape/weight... taking vitamins, eating more veggies + less baked goods + even getting to the gym on a regular basis [well, that needs a bit more work:)] I am down a jean size which feels GREAT!

At school the other day, a co-worker walked by with a white cup filled with almonds + strawberries. I asked. She answered.... A low-fat, low-sugar frozen yogurt from Saxby's down the street. I had to give it a try. It was nice + warm in the Philly area, so a good time for a cool treat.

Verdict... worth it! It was tangy rather than sweet. I got the small with berries + sliced almonds, rather than chocolate or coconut. It would be more fun to have a friend to enjoy one with, so any takers?

And the winner is...

HOLLY WOOD SQUARES.... really I won for best dessert [+ best shoes!]. My prize? A ticket for a raffle for prizes, but I did not win the raffle. No worries. I was able to spend time with some nice new girls I have met when I was in a wedding recently.

The other perk.... I saw a Wegmans! I hear all about them, but have never been in one. On the way home I pulled up to one. Being 1:30am I decided to snap a pic + be on my way. Next time, Wegmans, I will venture inside + peruse your gourmet cheese isle + see what all the fuss is about:)

This week's list

• continue going to the gym
• continue eating well + having lots of veggies + water
  
• find a great outfit for my grade school reunion
  
• run a glaze fire for my kiln
  
• get house organized
  
• tart shopping for thanksgiving dinner
  
• relish in my jeans fitting better
• decide + bake a dessert for a get together on Friday

Okay.... I am deciding between 3 desserts to bring on Friday [sorry for all the bulleted lists] Everyone brings a dessert or app along with copies of the recipe. The best of each win points for the Southern Living part of the party. [There is also an awesome shoe category, but I do not think I would be a contender for that] I have a great oatmeal with chocolate chunks + butterscotch chips, but I am not willing to share that recipe.

• Aztec Chocolate Cookies [spicy chocolate cookies with pumpkin seeds]
  
• Hollywood squares [recess cup like bar dessert]
• Cranberry coconut chewy cookies [self explanatory]

If you are one of the few who follow + are checking in today... weigh in [even if you put in anonymous] on what you think would be a good dessert to bring.

pumpkin painting

I love my 1st graders.... I end the day each Friday with them + it is such a great way to end the week. They love to listen to the lesson, question + work so well with materials. Recently, I brought in little pumpkins for them to draw.... overlapping + showing "space" by making ones smaller that are further away + higher on the paper. They are looking so beautiful!

to do list

• get to the gym
• decide + make costume for the school halloween parade
• print + assemble tickets for the Rod Stewart Tribute group
• have a little date at my favorite vietnamese place + then see David Gray
• run a bisque fire for my kiln
  
• clean up the kitchen
• get a sub for Wednesday after school
• carve/paint a pumpkin
  
• get some food ideas for tailgating at the World Series game this weekend!
• a haircut would be nice
• get ideas together for having thanksgiving dinner
  
• make a mini care package for my cuz Christen who is up to her eyeballs in grad work
• nap