Hostess with the Mostest

The countdown to the big event has begun!

Can't you all come to my party this weekend?

I'm making margaritas...with 1800 quervo, fresh squeezed lime juice, grand marnier and cointreu. I'm also making eggnog. It's now a tradition, and it's Paula Deen's recipe so you know it's good! If that's not your taste, you could also choose to have a glass or two of sangria, recipe complements of the bartender at Savilla in Grenwich Village. Goooood stuff!

The theme is Mexican, so I've decided to make a Fundido recipe that I found on Epicurious(cheese AND beer, how could it NOT be good?), roasted red pepper wraps, a mexican chicken casserole, mexican meatballs and of course a big bowl of fresh guacamole with chips - enough to feed 25. I'm skipping the veggie tray this year. Nobody ever touches it but me so I'll just be sure to eat my servings for lunch that day instead.

I'm also doing a brie en croute this year. Although it's not mexican, brie is always a crowd pleaser. And I'm hoping that the beautiful puff pastry casing will make it extra special.

If that hasn't tempted you enough, let me tell you about the dessert table. The cupcake tree will be filled with yummy delights from my favorite local bakery. You can also have your choice of lime meltaways, coconut balls or truffles. By popular request, there will also be peppermint bark and mud buddies hanging around.

I swore I was going to cater most of the event this year, but even with us having the cash to do it, I just get so much satisfaction out of doing everything myself. I will be absolutely exhuasted by Saturday, but it will be worth it.

So who needs directions?

mmmm...Sweet Potatoes!

It's been so long since my last post with any content worth reading. I blame it on work. But now I have had five nice lazy days at home with my puppies and honey and I'm almost to the point of not knowing what to do with myself other than blog.

And I haven't yet taken a moment to revel in Obama's win. And I'm a liberal hippie and feel I must.

*WOOOOOOOOO!!!*

So anyway,

During my time off, I've managed to do a little shopping, put up my tree and make a nice mexican themed menu and grocery list for our annual christmas party we have for our friends. I can't believe it's just over a week away! Still have SO much to do! But I did the most important part tonight...decided on attire and placed an order for this scrumptous number from Ann Taylor Loft:



I think it'll be pretty cute with my knee high black boots. I'm excited about it.

As for Thanksgiving, we'll be celebrating the usual way. We always go to Joe's grandmother's for dinner. She loves my sweet potato souffle so much she specifically asked me to bring mine this year. And I love Grandma June, so the sweet potatoes are mashed awaiting oven time in the morning. I love them too, so you can bet I'll skip all of the casseroles and breads that just aren't worth it and have a heaping helping of my own dish instead.

I don't really have any game plan as far as eating goes tomorrow. I know I'll have more than I should and I've been preparing for that all week long. I have also joined the new gym in town and have been three times this week. I took a cycle class and a pilates class and I plan to go again on Friday, perhaps for more cycling if my ass can sit on the seat for an hour, for some damage control.

The scale hasn't been kind. But being in NYC for a week, I really didn't expect it to be all that great. I was up 4 pounds when I got home. I'm back down to a more reasonable 156-ish, but still 2 up from my low. I'm hoping that being at home for a while and the gym time will kick that 2 pounds in the butt!

I am thankful for so much this year...mainly that Joe and I have worked hard to cut our debt in half (and in hindsight the smartest thing we could've done to prepare for whatever will come from these tumultuous financial times) and are on track to finish paying off that debt next summer. You can bet we'll be planning an outrageous holiday to celebrate that zero balance - and without having to carry over a balance to do it. I am also thankful for the people who love me and all my wonderful friends, who gave me the best (surprise) birthday ever this year to celebrate my 35th. I am thankful that I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Long time, no weigh in

I'm on the road...have been for 2 weeks, and will be for another. And then it's thanksgiving. And then Christmas. The eating is non-stop from here on out...or is it?

I've been hanging on while I've been on the road, but man, is it hard! I'm just managing to hold steady. -.5 for the week.