Twilight Christmas Spoof

Mariana sent me a link for a Twilight Christmas spoof. Funny stuff! To see the full screen version click on the link below.

http://www.take180.com/s/ep5l7

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

My Christmas tree was in a woeful state at the beginning of the month. Last year, as I packed away our Christmas ornaments, I packed a separate box for Madison's ornaments as I knew she would be needing them for her own home, sooner or later. So, this year my tree looked a bit bare and needed some umph. I turned to my friend Meredith, who is an awesome decorator, and she came to my rescue. We spent time at WalMart and Target, selecting the right additions to what I already had. When we got back to my place, she showed me how to decorate a tree step by step.

Decorating a Rockin' Christmas Tree

1. Have husband put up Christmas tree (this is my step, but I bet she does the same thing)

2. Put lots of lights on.

3. Take ribbon (must have wire edges), starting at the top, and secure it in sections with the tree branch (only works on fake trees). So, it's like this: secure the beginning of the ribbon by bending the end of a tree branch over the ribbon, then take a finger spread width to another branch and secure again. You will have bumps of ribbon going down the tree in a diagonal direction.

4. Place all the filler ornaments. These are the WalMart ornaments that add depth (place them inside the branches) and color.

5. Place all your personal, special ornaments.

6. Place any picks you have. I have silver poinsettias, red flowers and red and silver pine cones. (Fill holes).

7. Place additional ornaments, if needed. I purchased some ornaments that are glittery and dangle. Also, some that were the shape of snowflakes. These add dimension.

8. Cut bead garland in 10 inch sections and drape the garland around the tree. Filling and emphasizing.

My tree is sooooo pretty. It sounds like a lot of stuff (I guess it is), but it just pops in so many ways and is fun to look at. Randy wasn't so sure about the idea at first, but loved the final look. Come over if you want to check it out. Especially what I mean by the ribbon.

Amazing Peanut Butter Clusters

So I have this rockin' friend named Meredith who can do all sorts of things and is utterly amazing. She is one of the kindest people I know. She "hired" me for an internship position at SAMC when I was at CSUFresno and taught me so much while I was there. Anyway, I was at her CUTE house the other night for a purse party and she had a delish spread on hand for our enjoyment. One of the yummies was Peanut Butter Clusters. This is a perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter with a twist added. Try it you'll like it!

Peanut Butter Clusters

2 cups peanut butter chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts (I used regular peanuts)
1 cup crushed ridged potato chips (ya, you read that right)

In a microwave safe bowl, melt peanut butter & chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Stir in peanuts & potato chips. Drop by level tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until firm. Store in an airtight container. Yield: about 3 1/2 dozen.

Christmas Enrichment

Our Christmas Enrichment took place at the Maxwell's home, which was beautifully decorated with pine garlands and accented with red poinsettias, a perfect backdrop for the homey attmosphere I wanted to create for our special evening. We asked the sisters to bring a favorite dessert and there were too many to choose from! Renita started the program with a Native American Christmas song sung a Cappella. Her voice was just beautiful. We followed that with carols sung with chimes, led by Ina & Marilyn. I was able to introduce next year's Enrichment calendar and hand out bookmarks that Marianna designed, which lists all of the Enrichment dates and topics. A fun surprise was to see Angie at the meeting as she no longer lives in the area. I am really grateful for the sisters who serve on the committee. I know I would not be able to do any of this without them.

The Little Lady Agency

The Little Lady Agency series begins with the title book, followed by Little Lady, Big Apple and The Little Lady Agency and the Prince. I just finished the third book and have enjoyed the series. The first book takes place in London and as I am too tired to write a blurb, I will let you read what a professional wrote: Crackling with Brit chick wit, Browne's first novel stars a spunky whirlwind in search of love and money. Melissa, after losing her job as a London estate agent, starts the Little Lady Agency to attend to the social needs of single men. This requires Melissa to don a blonde wig and become Honey Blennerhesket, a posh "Mary Poppins in silk stockings." Running the new agency leads to the successful channeling of her inner glamour goddess and romance with Jonathan, but then she wonders, does he love Honey or Melissa? "Little lady" is a term that sounds as retro as Melissa's yearning for old-style romance, but her struggle to empower herself and deal with her feelings regarding the men in her life is as satisfying as free champagne. Browne's dead-on take revitalizes a genre already littered with worn-out Jimmy Choos and tattered miniskirts. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bialetti Hot Chocolate Pot | Williams-Sonoma

Bialetti Hot Chocolate Pot Williams-Sonoma
I don't think you've ever seen a way to make hot chocolate like this before! The Bialetti Hot Chocolate Pot will take your hot chocolate experience to a new level! Click on the above link to watch the video to see all it can do. This is going on my Christmas list along withWilliams & Sonoma's Rich & Creamy Hot Chocolate, which is not merely cocoa powder, but is shavings of premium chocolate! After watching the movie Chocolate, I am always trying new hot chocolates to achieve the euphoric level of hot chocolateness that you see in the movie and this contraption just might do it.

Formal Pictures

Spencer's Formal

The same night as my work party, Spencer had Winter Formal. He went with Jessica and they looked so cute! Jessica is 5'10", so with her high heels she's 6'. Very nice to have a very tall boy to go to formal with!

Just Say No to Stupid

Tonight Randy & I attended my work Christmas party that was held at Pardini's. We enjoyed a nice dinner followed by a raffle and dancing. It's always interesting to go to a party or event where people are drinking. The thing I have figured out is, if you are going to drink, don't drink so much that you are stupid. There's nothing worse than seeing a person make a fool of themselves in front of everybody. Not drinking does have its advantages. Not looking stupid is one of them.

Thanksgiving Day Photos

Emme & Carey Above - Me & Carley

Mom & Carley

We had such a nice Thanksgiving. On Sunday I set the table. On Monday I went grocery shopping. On Tuesday I made two types of stuffing and sweet potatoes. On Wednesday I made mashed potatoes and brined the turkey. So, Thursday I just rinsed the turkey, put it in the electric roaster, which I put outside on the work bench in the garage along with the mashed potatoes in the Crockpot. Simple! Got to hang out with family and play. I was having such a good time I forgot all about putting the sweet potatoes and stuffing in the oven until my sister reminded me! What a nice way to do Thanksgiving.

Christmas Photo

Christmas photo of the department heads at Hy-Pana, one of the skilled nursing facilities I doing marketing for.

Golfing Away the Time

I started golfing last year, but really started playing on a regular basis this summer. I can't believe how much I really love it. Golf is amazing. There are so many layers to it. Just figuring out the grip took me a long time. I love that there is always something to work on. When I first began, I had a hard time even putting. Now I can usually two putt. Of course, that is at Riverpark which has flat greens. The difficulty is stepped up once I am playing on a full course that has greens with a slope. A couple of Saturdays ago I played at Madera Muni. The day started out foggy. Weird hitting a ball and not seeing where it lands because of a blanket of fog, but the fog lifted and it ended up being a great day for golf.

Time Well Spent

I've been asked how can you read so much? How do you find the time? Well, I find the time because I work, I golf and I read. No, I really don't cook every day, I don't clean the house all the time and I grocery shop as infrequently as possible. I don't have little kids that I need to take care of. My kids are big and they should be able to take care of themselves with minimal input from me. Seriously, if you're a senior in high school and you can't manage yourself, how are you going to take are of yourself when you go away to college six months later? My husband is out of town three days a week, so I have plenty of time to indulge in what I like to do, which is reading, time well spent.

Twilight Revisited

Bev and I saw Twilight this week. I know, surprising after what I previously wrote. Madison told me she liked the movie and I thought I should give it another chance. Well, this time I liked it. I didn't love it, but I did enjoy it. The voices in my head that were so vocal in telling me all the things that were wrong with the movie the first time I saw it were much quieter this time and I was able to enjoy the movie as a stand alone piece as opposed to it being just like the book. Brandy, we need to see this with Maddie when she comes home :O)

Denny & Izzie

I'm watching Grey's Anatomy as I'm typing this and am trying to figure out the Izzie/Denny situation. She's in the hospital "sex" room (seriously? they have a room where they do it) with Izzie going to town on him. Now, I don't mind Denny coming back at all. I think he's rather hot in a scruffy, big man kind of way, but I don't get where this is going and I have a feeling it's going to end up rather bad and it's bugging me.

Evernight

Evernight, by Claudia Gray, is a young adult book I recently finished reading. The main character, 16 year old Bianca, moves to Evernight Academy because her parents have accepted teaching positions at the academy and it is a way for her parents to force Bianca to branch out from her small town security. On the first day of school, Bianca meets Lucas and they develop a tumultuous relationship that develops until a pivotal moment when he discovers she is a... and she then she discovers he is a... It's a great book that will become a great series. The next book in the series, Stargazer, comes out March 2009. Check out Gray's website for more information and other books. http://www.claudiagray.com/books.htm

Fresno Adventure Boot Camp

In October I attended Fresno Adventure Boot Camp for women. The outdoor camp took place at Liberty Elementary school at 5:30 am, five days a week, and I loved it! The workout was intense, but so much fun. The hour flew by and we had such a variety of activities that I was never bored. I gained strength and stamina from the class. I can do 50 jumping jacks in a row, go ahead, try it, jump rope 50 times, squats, lunges and more. While I did gain strength, I didn't lose any weight due to me not keeping my piehole shut. Doesn't matter, because I'm exercising at the gym five days a week and it'll come off once I keep my mouth closed more than open.

Thanksgiving

The end of the day arrives, sigh, the food has been eaten, the nap has been taken and we are ready to kick back and play games. I was texting Maddie all day and sending her videos from the family and told her I hoped to be laid back at Christmas time. I was doing a pretty good, well, I must say an excellent, job at being laid back today. I told Randy about me being laid back and he laughed and said, that's not happening. Well, I guess I can try. Happy Thanksgiving...

Remember Me?

I just got done reading this cute book, Remember Me?, written by Sophie Kinsella. She writes the Confessions of a Shopaholic series, which I just started, and has written The Undomestic Goddess, which I also read. Kinsella is English and the stories are all set in England. The main character in her stories is a young woman, usually flawed in some way, who finds herself in a predicament, falls in love and gets herself out the predicament. I really enjoy the British slang in the book. A light romantic read. A caution - Kinsella liberally uses the f*** word in Remember Me?.

Don't Read This If You Haven't Seen the Movie!

Last night, I saw Twilight with ten friends and while we had a good time enjoying each other's company, I did not have a good time watching Twilight. How disappointing to sit in the theater with so much anticipation, waiting for particular scenes to occur and not have them in the movie. The Meadow. Need I say more? That was a huge turning point in the book for Bella and Edward's relationship. This is where is all came together for them. This is where he decided he wanted her alive more than dead. This is where he let down his mask completely to her and she accepted him. After The Meadow is when they had their first kiss. It's pivotal. How could that scene not have made it to the movie? Where was the lab scene? When the lights go off and they can feel the electricity flowing between them. What about when he screeches to a halt and flings open the car door and tells her to get in the car when she's in Port Angeles? In the movie he gets out and glares at the men. Seriously? The whole Bella leaving her dad scene? In the book, she was crying, hysterical! Where was that? Dad walks her out to the car? No! He's inside devastated. Casting: I'm not going to pick it apart. I think the makeup had a big affect on their looks (obviously it was meant to), but for some the makeup didn't work. Carlisle? I LAUGHED when he first walked in the room. Really? That's Carlisle? He's suppose to be an incredibly hot, model-type guy, which he wasn't. (The picture up above is what Carlisle should have looked like. I think it's the same guy, but he's more, hmmm). Ok...how about smaller things: where are the tinted windows on the car they drive to Arizona? A hotel instead or an airport (ok, cost factor)? My final point for now. DO NOT compare the movie to the book! The book is magical, intense, emotional, romantic, passionate and more, while the movie is not.

It's Almost Here!

I clicked on my blog, because I like to do that, and noticed we're not counting down days any more until Twilight comes...we're counting down hours! Woowee! I'm sure I'm making more of this than it really needs to be, but, dang!, I'm excited. So much hype is out there. Today's Bee had a front page article in the Life section on Twilight, Entertainment Weekly has a article on it and I'm seeing trailers on TV all the time now. I don't usually read books more than once and I've read Twilight at least 10 times. Of course, the other books in the series had multiple reads, but Stephanie Meyer's first book just sucked me into the world of Edward and Bella. Maddie and I have even had discussions on naming her little girl (when she has one) Isabella or Isabell and call her Bella for short. The movie will be here soon, so very soon...

I'm Yours

I'm Yours, sung by Jason Mraz, is my new favorite song. It's just so, hmmm, bouncy? bubbly? upbeat? It makes me happy anyway and now I get to share it with you! :)

Twilight Mania

I am getting more and more excited for Twilight, the movie! Randy drove down to Pasadena today and said a movie theater, that was similar to the Tower Theater, had people lined up in front of it and the street was blocked off. I wonder if they're having a special premiere? I know the movie is not going to be as good as the book, but maybe there will be some redeeming parts to it. Sigh, remember the part when they were sitting in the lab class watching the movie? They both had their arms crossed and their hands balled up into fists because of the electricity flowing between them. I hope that is in the movie. I love tension like that. That's the kind of writing that makes your belly quiver and your anticipation and yearning rise. Maybe the movie will come through. Maybe...

Greed Monkey

Spencer's latest play, The Ash Girl, ended tonight. The story of Cinderella, more Grimms Brothers than Perrault, was taken to the next level by Timberlake Wertenbaker with the addition of the Seven Deadly Sins. Spencer portrayed the sin of Greed in the character of Greedmonkey. His lithe body was fluid on stage as he encouraged the mortals to become greedier in their pursuits of the "things" of the world. The forest setting was dark and freaky as the Seven Deadly Sins met there to plot their next exploits. Spencer was intriguing to watch on stage with his makeup, fuzzy ears and costume. The story line was very different than the Disney version of Cinderella and it included a disturbing scene between Ash Girl and her father. The costuming and staging was incredible and could have easily been a college production. The next show will be a musical, The Pajama Game, and I look forward to lighter entertainment.

Seriously?

Thursday night on Grey's Anatomy, we find Izzie having a meltdown by continually seeing her late boyfriend, Denny, in the halls of the hospital. Now, it wouldn't be a problem if he was late as in timing, but in this case, he's late as in deceased. Izzie has seen Denny at the hospital before, so it's understandable she might see him again, but Thursday he followed her home and encouraged her to touch him so she would know he was really "there for her". Izzie touches and then falls into his arms for a make out session while Alex is conveniently in the other room burning Denny's sweater. Seriously? Making out with a ghost? Isn't that a bit awkward? What happens when Alex comes back into the room and her arms are around nothing and her mouth is going to town all on their own? Ok, there has been some buzz that perhaps she has a brain tumor and is experiencing hallucinations. I'm hoping for a good explanation, because this is getting a bit far fetched and it's not The Fringe.

Glass Block Nativity

How many times have you gone to an Enrichment craft night and walked away with an unfinished craft? I hate the guilt associated with that unfinished craft. You know, the one that sits on your counter waiting for you to finish it. Then it moves to your hall closet after you get tired of your husband asking you when you're going to finish it. Then, two years later, you finally throw it away. So you can probably appreciate my definition of a great Enrichment craft, which is a craft that can be finished in five or less steps.
Tonight's glass block Nativity craft met that criteria:

Directions to make a glass block Nativity
1. Wipe off block
2. Rub back of transfer
3. Rub transfer onto block
4. Peel transfer off
5. Tie ribbon around block

I found battery operated tea lights at Costco last week and I'll put the light behind the blocks. So pretty!

Books Disclaimer

Just so ya know...I love to read. Books can transport you to another world, another time or another place. Books can introduce you to characters you would never have the opportunity to meet in the real world. Books can uplift you, inspire you and bring you to tears. Books can be a friend when you feel friendless. I love to read all types of books, I always have. The books I have listed are books that I have enjoyed. Not all of the books are suited for all people, so pick and choose what you will. I'm always on the lookout for a good book, so if you have any books you've read that you love, please pass on the titles to me!

Twilight Mania

Twilight the movie is coming and I have mixed emotions. On one hand, I am thrilled to see the book I've read over and over put up on the big screen and see the characters I love come to life. On the other hand, I'm terrified at the changes that will be made to the story and to see real people try to portray Edward and Bella. I'm preparing to see the movie by telling myself it won't be the Twilight I am seeing, but a Twilight similiar to the book I love so much. I'm getting a group together to see it 11/21, probably about 9:00pm. Please let me know if you want to go!

The State of Sassiness

sas·sy 1

(sās'ē) Pronunciation Key adj. sas·si·er, sas·si·est
Rude and disrespectful; impudent.
Lively and spirited; jaunty.
Stylish; chic: a sassy little hat.

sassy
adjective
improperly forward or bold; "don't be fresh with me"; "impertinent of a child to lecture a grownup"; "an impudent boy given to insulting strangers"; "Don't get wise with me!" [syn: fresh]

So, in developing a blog and trying to think of a clever title to come up with, I ultimately settled for the tried and true label that I have been given, which is Sassy Cin. It's on my license, my email and most recently a baseball cap given to me by my dad. My husband lovingly gave me the moniker a couple of years ago and it has stuck. I like to think that it's because of the second definition, that of "lively and spirited: jaunty, with a little stylish and chic" thrown in ,opposed to rude or impudent. I must admit though, I do have moments of being impudent (more likely, impertinent) and I have been rude (although, I hope that has only occured in my mind and was not spoken aloud). I don't have a desire to hurt feelings, but as I've gotten older my mouth sometimes opens and words come out unbidden. I now have a tendency to say it like it is, whereas in the past I was reticent to say anything as I was to concerned with pleasing everyone. Now, I just call it the way I see it.