December 19, 2009

Today, I'm sharing with you one of my favorite TomTom Santa photos. I did publish this one last year, but just in case you missed it, here it is again. Doesn't he look festive?

BigSis still hasn't been able to convince her two little furkids to pose in their new Christmas outfit she bought for them this year.  Since there's only one December ‘Caturday' left this month, I thought it might be fun to invite our readers to share any Christmas photos of their kitties dressed up for the holidays.

If you have a photo that you'd like to share and would love to see posted on our final December ‘Caturday' next Saturday, just send it to me as an attachment in an email to lilsis at bigsislilsis dot com. Make sure the photo is already resized to no larger than 450 x 340. I know this isn't much notice, but if I have the photos by Wednesday, December 23rd, I'll promise to have them up on Saturday the 26th!

Come on…it'll be fun. Don't tell me that BigSis and I are the only ones who dress up their furkids in Santa Hats and Reindeer Antlers! 🙂

~LilSis

December 17, 2009

We still have donations coming in following Monday's SPCA of Texas Bake Sale, so I'm not telling you yet how much money we were blessed to collect!  Maybe by the weekend I can let the cat out of the bag.  Not that I would ever put a cat in a bag; that wouldn't be very humane.  Unless I had to do that to get the cat out of a dangerous situation and couldn't do it any other way.  ^..^  Do I have a touch of rambling Christmas delirium?  Think so.

I also have some recipes that you have to make if you're trying to figure out what to bake for Christmas!  These were my favorite things to make for the bake sale, but it occurred to me that they are also awesome things to make for Christmas gifts.  I'm not burned out on baking yet – weird, I know – so I may make more of these before we hit the new year since we had nothing left after Monday's sale!  I would feel comfortable mailing all of these except for the Snowballs.  They're a little fragile so keep them at home.

• Barefoot Contessa's Outrageous Brownies: plain, with mint Oreos, or with chocolate chips and walnuts.  I know I talk about these ALL of the time, but they're my favorite brownies and I love them.  We sell the HECK out of them at bake sales.  Not because of my baking prowess, but because it's an awesome recipe!

• Vegan Pumpkin Bread: no one believes there are no eggs or dairy in this bread.  It's moist and flavorful, and absolutely one of my favorites.  I have to add walnuts.  Have to.

• Fudge: chocolate, cinnamon and peanut butter.  Just use the regular fudge recipe on the marshmallow cream jar, and substitute cinnamon chips and peanut butter chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips.  I like to pour the fudge into little silicone molds with Christmas shapes.  When they're cool and set, you can easily unmold them, sprinkle with sparkling sugar (brown on gingerbread boys, green on Christmas trees, and red on stockings).  For a final touch, add some royal icing accents here and there.  For the sale, I packaged them two different shapes to a treat bag: one chocolate and one cinnamon or PB.

• Pecan Pie Bars with Chocolate and Bourbon from the Pastry Queen: these got a little oozy, but they were fudgey and boozy, so who the heck cared?  Nobody!  I love the original flavor of these, and was shocked that I loved this over-the-top variation even more.  Wicked!

• Chocolate Mint Snowballs: based on RecipeGirl's Snowballs. I used mint chips and pecans instead of peanut butter chips and peanuts.  Roll these in green sugar and powdered sugar, and pack in a cute treat bag with a ribbon, or a box with a window so you can peek at them.

Happy baking, little kitchen elves!

~BigSis

December 16, 2009

I love lists! I've discovered over the years that it really motivates me to have an ongoing “To Do” list, not only on my Outlook, but also specific tasks and phone calls written down in my planner each day. Not only do I check it off of my Outlook task list when it's done but I also mark it off my written list with a big fat red Sharpie. I don't know why I enjoy this so much, but I do.

Luckily, I finally made some progress on my Christmas “To Do” List. Yes, it is now officially crunch time! Only eight days and some odd hours til Christmas!! How are you doing on your list?  I'm still a bit overwhelmed with all there is left to do before we leave on Monday, but I'm making progress.

I'm doin' a little happy dance today since I FINALLY got all my Christmas cards in the mail and finished up the shopping on gifts that need to be shipped out of state. I know, I know, for all the early birds out there, this probably seems late to be doing this, but I'm just so glad that it's finally done.

This morning is now designated for wrapping, and packaging the gifts that need to be shipped. I'm sure I'll still be standing in line at the post office as you read this. 🙂

I don't mind though. I'm actually going to take my iPod with me to the post office to listen to some Christmas music while I'm in line. I may even wear a Santa Hat today! I'm so thankful that I finally got some Christmas spirit. I had almost decided not to decorate this year since we'd be out of town, but then I decided that wouldn't be fair to HayHay. (Christmastime is still really hard on our family since we don't have our Dad with us so we all have to make a real effort to not be down in the dumps.)

So, that being said, I'm just happy that it's starting to feel a bit like Christmas around here! Once we decided to go ahead and decorate, we had to get in gear! In the past two days, we've got the decorations out of storage, put up all the lights and outdoor decorations, decorated the inside of the house, put up and decorated a small tree, addressed and mailed all the cards, bought wrapping supplies and containers for neighbor gifts, and finished up the shopping for out of town gifts.

Once the packages are shipped this morning, I think this is all that's left on my list to do before we leave on Monday.

• Finish shopping for gifts we're taking with us on plane.
• Wrap gifts and pack in suitcase. (Pray it doesn't get lost.)
• Make list of ingredients needed for neighbor gifts.
• Make, package and deliver neighbor gifts.
• Buy boots and scarf for trip.
• Pack laptop, camera, iPod, video camera, and chargers.
• Dig through closet for warm clothes to pack.

At least by Sunday night, I'll have everything marked off my list and we'll be able to enjoy Christmas with the family without any last minute rushing around.

I am not at all prepared for the below freezing temperatures in Chicago, but HayHay is going to be thrilled if we have a White Christmas this year.

~LilSis

December 9, 2009

Last week I shared with you some cute photos of TomTom in his new Santa Hat and scarf and I decided that since he was so patient during that photo shoot, I'm going to get him something special for Christmas this year. (Plus I feel guilty because we will be in Chicago for Christmas and he'll be home with the pet sitter.)

I think he's been trying to tell me that he'd like to have a really tall perch to hang out on. This past week, he found a new hiding spot up on top of our cabinets out in the garage. The first time we found him up there it was about 11:00 p.m. and we had been looking for him and calling his name for about a half an hour. We were starting to get worried that he may have accidentally gotten outside when I finally looked up and saw him.  I think he was really amused sitting up there being quiet as a mouse watching us look for him. HayHay snapped this photo once we found him. He looks crazy, doesn't he?

Spooky TomTom in his new hiding spot.

Even though he's a real pain in the butt sometimes, I'd like to get him a really tall perch for inside the house. If I could find room, I'd love to get something like this Cat Tree House Condo that I found on Amazon. These are normally way too expensive for me to even consider buying one so I was surprised when I saw this one on Amazon for less than $85.00.

Cat Tree House Condo

This next item is a little more extravagant and I won't be getting one for TomTom, but a little kitty with claws would be thrilled to find this waiting for them under the tree on Christmas morning. For $160.00, The Sweet Lounge by Marmalade Pet Care is made from recycled cardboard so it's comfy for napping or for doubling as a scratching post.

There are so many cute little Christmas gifts online for the kitty or doggie in your life. These next two items for dogs are so cute I can barely stand it! Wouldn't it be cute to walk your little furkid wearing a pair of these Doggles.

These are adorable for $19.95!

Or how about one of these cute little Hound Hoodies from Annie's Sweatshop for walking on chilly mornings? The Hoodies are $45.00, come in a choice of eight colors, are reversible and custom made of 100% fleece derived from recycled plastic. I love the cute removable pom pom on the hood.

The Hound Hoodie

These Hoodies almost make me wish I had a little doggie to dress up in cute little clothes!

So whether you're doing your shopping online or venturing out to the malls, don't forget about your four legged friends! They'll love ya for it! 🙂

~LilSis

December 26, 2008

We're hoping that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and was able to spend some time with family and friends and maybe even relax a little bit. We are really used to having large family gatherings during this season, so we really missed not being with either side of the family this Christmas.

Luckily, we have wonderful friends and neighbors that know we don't have family in California so they were kind enough to invite us to join their families. Thank you to D & J for inviting us to join their family for Christmas Eve Dinner and to V & C for including us at their family dinner on Christmas Day. BigT was at his dad's for Christmas this year and I couldn't fathom the idea of cooking a big Christmas Dinner for just three of us. We had intended to just go out to dinner, but instead, we had a great time with our friends and really appreciate them welcoming us into their homes.

Unfortunately, today is a normal work day for many of us so there is no time to sit back and relax. It's back to the grindstone and lots of year end accounting for me. (snarl)

Since New Year's Eve is right around the corner; in the next several days, BigSis and I will probably be talking about appetizers and party food, and maybe I'll come up with some special cocktail to welcome in the New Year.

Oh, and then, we need to get down to some serious business and talk about New Year's Resolutions!

~LilSis

December 25, 2008

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

~ Luke 2:4-14 King James Bible

~BigSis

December 24, 2008

We both want to wish everyone a blessed Christmas!  When we stop to think over our last year, so much has happened.  It hasn't been one of those years when you just tread water and nothing really goes on.  In our households, lots has happened. There have been wonderful things like the birth of a new baby boy, the fun of launching this blog, and moving into a new home, but there have been challenges like illness, losing a sibling, losing a furkid, and betrayal.  Life's just like that.  No matter what happens in this life though, we have the hope and the promise of the life after this earthly existence, and we strive every day to keep our eyes focused on the Lord.

Our prayer for all of our friends and family and for all of you is that you would experience a renewed  gratitude this Christmas for the gift that we were given when the Baby Jesus was born over 2000 years ago.  We pray that all of our hearts would be filled with thankfulness, and not with stress over the gifts, the food, the family drama, the traffic, or the weather.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas.  God bless you.  And happy birthday, Jesus.  It's all about You.

~BigSis

December 23, 2008

I'm busy tonight like all of you…baking, gift-wrapping, list-checking, and Christmas-meal-planning.  But even with all of this going on, one thing that CANNOT fall through the cracks is the Christmas pedicure, so I'm doing that tonight too!  What is it about the holidays that makes you want a new pedi color?  I don't know; it's kind of like going on vacation and wanting to buy new underwear and new makeup.  There's no logic to it; you just want it!

So, my new shade of choice is Essie “Tomboy No More” (red currant truffle).  I went to Ulta to buy “Rock Star Skinny” (glamorous crimson red) but liked Tomboy even more in person.  Tomboy actually looks much deeper in person, especially with the 3 coats of color I like to use.  And Rockstar looked a touch browner and slightly more shimmery than Tomboy.

Neither of these shades are on All Lacquered Up's list of the 21 Hottest Holiday Polishes, but there are some great (and bold) colors there.

All Lacquered Up's 21 Hottest Holiday Polishes

Choose one for your own Christmas pedi, or as a gift for one of your nail fanatic girls.  What a fun gift these would make!  You'll see a few reds and plums, but look out.  There are lots of greens, taupes, grays, metallics, purples and browns!  These are not your mother's dusty mauve or creamy apricot shades!  Choose a few of these fun colors and add a base coat and a top coat, and you have a complete cool gift!  And the best part, you won't even have to go near the MALL!

~BigSis

December 22, 2008

Is everyone finished with their Christmas shopping?  If not, you might want to take advantage of this great offer from Origins. I just received an email from Origins stating that they are offering a free upgrade on overnight shipping through tomorrow, December 23rd.  Enter the offer code free1day at checkout to take advantage of this offer from Origins!

Not only do I love, love, love Origins products for myself, but I've given a lot of Origins gifts to friends and family over the years. You just can't go wrong! They have such a wide price range, too. You can buy a great gift for under $30.00. Origins always has wonderful gift sets and you can even create a custom gift set.

Origins is also offering complimentary gift wrapping.  And one more thing, I received a separate email about another discount from Origins. You can receive 25% off all purchases at any Origins Retail Store (not in a dept. store) through December 24th if you just mention the email! Now, that's a bargain!

Happy Shopping!

~LilSis

December 20, 2008

I just LOVE these! Last year, BigSis and I got SisMama some personalized M&Ms and she loved them!

I don't want to mislead you, though. If you do order these now; they won't be under the tree by Christmas. (I should have posted this idea sooner.) BUT, in the past, I have printed out a photo of the gift and wrapped it for opening at Christmas. I don't think anyone minds waiting for something that you took the time to special order! I think it just shows that you put some thought into their gift versus running into Wally Mart for a gift card at the last minute.

You can choose from 22 colors, put personalized text of up to 8 characters on two lines on each M&M, and can even upload a photo to put on the M&M!! Martha Stewart and ‘My M&Ms' have even teamed up. Check out these ideas from Martha for some crafty gifts. You can also choose from a wide variety of creative gifts to go with the personalized M&Ms. You can find something in just about any price range. Here are just a few:

Glass Box Candy Dish

Glass Box Candy Dish for $57.99

Old Fashioned Dispenser

Old Fashioned Dispenser for $89.99

Diamond Ring Flute

This will only set you back $3849.99!

You can even put a Team Logo on them!

Don't tell anyone; but I'm going to get the Little Guys some M&Ms for their birthdays that have their photos on them! They'll get a kick out of eating an M&M with their little faces on them!

~LilSis