Are you wearing Green?

Better watch out because you could get pinched!

If you live under a rock than you better know that today is Saint Patrick's Day.

Sadly all I really know about it is:

1. It originated in Ireland (not sure why or how it came to be)

2. If you don't wear green you may get pinched (always used my eye color)

3. That you eat corned beef and cabbage.

4. Pubs will have green beer (something I have always wanted to try)

5. There are leprechauns involved somewhere with a blarney stone and gold ( I am way off aren't I)

I had always wanted to wear one of those "Kiss Me I'm Irish" shirts, but figured I better not, because I wasn't Irish. Or so I thought...

In college I had to do a family history project. As I was researching my family history I found out that my great-grandma Constance was in fact a full blown Irish lady! (Thank you for the green eyes grandma!)

Ever since then this day means a bit more, since it kind of is part of my culture. Well I want to believe that.

So tonight I want to try to make my first ever corned beef recipe. (Thank you Weight Watchers for having healthier versions so I can stay within my points)

This year I think I will read more about this "holiday". I mean it is my heritage right?

I also think I should go get my "Kiss Me I'm Irish" shirt and wear it proudly, because I can.

I better put "But only if your Rooster" so the many men who would be lining up don't get any ideas.

The day after...

Christmas brings with it all the anticipation and excitement that only that day can bring.

Then the day after brings a Christmas hangover from all the sugar and present opening.

Kids are tired and overwhelmed by their goodies.

The parents are exhausted and just wondering where all this new stuff will be going.

If you are like me, you are aching to take down all the Christmas decorations. I take that back I would love to put off taking everything down, but in our little shoe box we need the space back.

It is all down, but oh the toys that Chick 3 has gotten. Her play area is the living room and we are now overloaded with newer and bigger toys. The space we needed is now gone.

Till next year when all the anticipation and excitement comes again!

Giving Back

This is the time of year where consumerism is on the rise. We all want to give the perfect gift to everyone we know. I know I am guilty.

However I also know that these are not the best times for all. Those without jobs are on the rise as well as those without a home. The weather is changing from nice and sunny to very cold. I live in Southern California so I can only imagine how cold it gets elsewhere.

Instead of only thinking about my friends and family I plan on giving back. We have done toys for tots, but I want new ideas.

A friend is making fleece blankets for the homeless. I think I may take this idea as well. Chick 2 would love to help me.

Chick 2's school sent home a list of things to collect so they can send it to troops overseas. This is something we also will do.

What are things you do during the holiday season? Please share, because I would love new ideas!

Thanksgiving and a Hottie!

Once one becomes married and has children holidays are all about fitting in all the festivities into that holiday weekend.

At least that is how it is over hear. In 3 days we did 3 different houses each filled with all the trimmings a scrumptious Thanksgiving should have. Two pounds added to this body later, I am stuffed beyond belief and want to live in elastic pants for a week while I do all I can to shed the extra padding.

My favorite part of Thanksgiving; after spending time with family of course is the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade in Hollywood, California. After a couple years of ups and downs in the parade this year they really put on a great party of a parade. This is a parade of many "B" list celebrities, but in my eyes one "A" Lister came out. He is non other than Gilles Marini. Just look at his picture. *drools* He is now on one of my must-see TV Brothers and Sisters and DWTS. Or, you may have seen him in Sex and the City. Don't remember seeing him? Think Samantha's noisy neighbor. Yep you've guessed he is the naked guy who Samantha catches doing all kinds of naughty things. *blushes*. What a great way to end a holiday weekend.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

The blog carnival is still going on over at ACU's, Stiletto Shoes, and Pretty Pink Tutu's. She is doing a Holiday Dessert Swap and who doesn't love dessert!

This mommy LOVES and I mean I would marry it loves cheesecake! I also love pumpkin pie during the holiday season. My recipe for this Holiday Dessert Swap combines my 2 dessert loves... Cheesecake and Pumpkin Pie.

This recipe comes from Kraftfoods.com (one of the best recipe websites I frequent)

Philadelphia No-Bake Cheesecake

Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Yields 8 Servings

What you need:

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided

1 HONEY MAID Graham Pie Crust (6 oz.)

What you do:

BEAT cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar and pumpkin pie spice with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Gently stir in 2-1/2 cups of the whipped topping. Cover and refrigerate remaining whipped topping for later use.

SPOON cream cheese mixture into crust.

REFRIGERATE 3 hours or overnight. Serve topped with remaining whipped topping. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.

*This website also gives some cool tricks in the kitchen for their recipes. This recipe has some as well, so head on over to see!*R

I think the best part is no baking. Don't get me wrong I love to bake, but I still worry about burning all the things I make.