SevEn cLoWn CirCuS

Brazilian Chicken and Shrimp Soup

2009-12-06T00:55:00.000-08:00

Humor me as I begin this post with a contented *sigh*.

I found not only a delicious recipe developed by Chef Hubert Keller, but a kitchen gadget by Cuisinart that makes my heart sing.

Have you seen or heard about Cuisinart's Rice Plus™ Multi-Cooker with Fuzzy Logic Technology?

If not, let me introduce you. Cuisinart's Rice Plus™ Multi-Cooker with Fuzzy Logic Technology is a fancy schmancy rice cooker, and I mean that in the best possible way. Basically, it's rice cooker that is also a slow cooker and steamer. And it has a built in brain. It's fantastic. Seriously. I can steam rice, I can steam vegetables. I can slow cook meat. I can cook just about anything I want in it, even going as far as being able to saute the food first.

The best part is that the totally new and innovative "fuzzy logic" or brain housed in the appliance "senses fluctuations in cooking and automatically adjusts operation to ensure perfect results".

The cooker has pre-programmed settings for six types of rice and did I mention that it's dishwasher safe?

Now. About that soup I was telling you about.

Chef Hubert Keller developed this soup recipe (and others as well) as a "one-pot meal that incorporates delectable and authentic flavors". And it does. It really is tastey, although if you have children that don't like onions, I'd omit them from the recipe or practically puree them so they don't know they are there. One of the things I liked most about the recipe is that it gave me the opportunity to use different functions of my Cuisinart, so now I feel like a pro using it.

Brazilian Chicken and Shrimp Soup

A medley of aromatic spices, chicken and shrimp gives this hearty, Brazilian-inspired soup a burst of flavor; great as a one-pot meal.

Serves 8

5 chicken thighs, skinned
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 small)
1 cup diced green bell pepper (about 1 medium)
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1/3 cup finely chopped toasted peanuts
1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 bay leaves
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 cups chicken broth
1-1/2 cups coconut milk
8 ounces raw shrimp (medium size), peeled and de-veined
10 ounces frozen peas
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
4 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice for serving

*Prepare rice using the long-grain directions on the cooking chart for Cuisinart’s Rice Plus™ Multi-Cooker. Rice can also be prepared the day before.

*Place the chicken in a medium mixing bowl and season lightly with salt and pepper. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the lime juice and rub chicken with minced garlic. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

*In the cooking pot of the Cuisinart Rice Plus™ Multi-Cooker, add the olive oil. Set to Quick Cook and press start. Once the olive oil is hot, after about 3 minutes, add the onions and peppers and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

*Stir in the canned tomatoes including juice, peanuts, jalapeno, bay leaves, salt, pepper, broth, and coconut milk. (Note: be sure to stir the coconut milk prior to pouring from can). Add the chicken and marinade and stir until well combined. Turn the unit off. Close the lid and select the Soup function and set the timer for 5 hours.

*15 minutes before the timer is done, rinse the shrimp well and pat dry. Place in a mixing bowl with the remaining lime juice and a pinch each of the salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 5 to 8 minutes; no longer or the acid of the juice will begin to cook the shrimp.

*Once there are 5 minutes remaining on the timer, open the lid and add the frozen peas and the shrimp, with the juices, and close again to finish cooking.

*Once the timer tone sounds, open the lid. Discard the bay leaves. Take out the whole chicken pieces and place on a cutting board. Remove the meat from the bone, cut into bite size pieces, and return to the pot. Stir in the cilantro to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

*To serve, place some warm cooked rice (approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup depending on portion size) in the bottom of each soup bowl and ladle the soup on top. If desired, sprinkle with additional chopped cilantro and/or chopped peanuts.

If you are looking for a holiday gift idea, I'm thinking I just gave you a great one (idea, that is). I'm just sayin'. :)

Disclosure: Cuisinart sent me the small kitchen appliance that I just honestly raved about for review. They also sent me the recipe I shared with you above.

Norton 360 3.0-Great Gift Idea

2009-12-05T00:53:00.000-08:00

Up until last year I would have never considered Anti-Virus Software a particularly spectacular gift. That was until both of my computers got infected and crashed. Now I view Anti-Virus Software in a whole new light. I'll bet many of you do too.

Norton has an all-in-one Anti-Virus Software that I use now. It's called Norton 360 version 3.0. It's family friendly, easy to use and most importantly, it works.

If you'd like to give Norton 360 3.0 a test drive, then go here for a FREE 30 day trial. If you like it, then it might be helpful to know that one year of downloads for use on up to 3 computers costs $79.99. Two years is slightly more and a very economical way to go.

Norton 360 3.0 offers the following features:
Protects your PC, online activities and your identity 24/7; Provides industry-leading security without slowing you down; Blocks botnets; Makes online shopping safer; Protects your identity when you buy, bank or browse online; Offers secure, one-click login to web sites;Secures your browser from attacks; Delivers up to the minute virus protection; Protects your important files from loss; Speeds up PC boot time; Defends your wireless network from intruders; Helps make your PC run like new again; Includes FREE 24/7 technical support.

And, if you'd like (or need, like I do) some tips for Internet Safety, then you won't want to miss these:

1. Use up to date security software. Most security suites run on a subscription model, which means that your updates and upgrades are likely free within your subscription period. Older versions of security software often times are missing the latest virus signatures and may not be able to protect you from the latest online threats.

2. Use firewalls to keep the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. Most security suites or even internet providers offer a firewall. They are an important tool for keeping you and your files safe. Think of it as your first and last line of defense.

3. Never click open emails or email attachments if they are not from a trusted sender or if the content/subject of an email looks suspicious. If the email looks like spam and is promising a deal that is too good to be true it probably is. Be sure to check any links in an email before clicking; if the link is not as advertised by the email content do not click. Cybercriminals know that we’re all out for good deals this time of year.

4. Sites promising insane deals need to be treated with caution. Sometimes they are legitimate but sometimes they are not, if you’re getting a funny feeling from an online vendor follow your instincts and steer clear. Look for typos and any other tell-tale-sign that the site was thrown together quickly. Spoofed sites can be used by cybercriminals to deliver and install malware onto your machine without you even knowing it.

5. Use a variety of passwords when setting up accounts with online vendors, this tip also includes your emails and online banking passwords. If a password is cracked you want to limit the damage.

6. Do not use the “remember” function of your web browser for important credentials like credit card numbers. If your computer has been compromised you may end up with a couple purchases that you had no intention of making.

7. Use secure sites when making online purchases. A safe site can be distinguished by the “s” after http, as in https://. This denotes that it is a secure site with secured data transfer. If https is not present in the URL and you do not know the seller from a previous experience you should think twice before making a transaction.

8. Pay by credit card. Encryption and validation technologies have made most transactions quite secure, and furthermore, under U.S. law your potential liability for unauthorized use of your credit card is limited. You don't get the same kind of protection from checks or money orders, and certainly not when you use cash. Never send cash to make an online purchase.

9. Save all of your receipts, one electronic copy and one soft copy (like a PDF or jpeg).

Disclosure: The Norton Outreach program sent me a complimentary download for review. The Norton Outreach Program aims to educate users about the importance of cyber safety and answer any questions related to Norton’s suite of security software.

Sheep, Sheep and More Sheep

2009-12-04T01:39:00.000-08:00

In Central Utah, where my grandparents live, undeveloped land is abundant. The open land is perfect for raising live stock like sheep, cattle, and turkeys.

My grandfather has been a sheep herder his whole life.

I have wonderful memories of visiting his sheep camps. Foremost in my mind is eating friend mutton and homemade tortillas; playing with the herd dogs, riding horses, checking for newly born lambs and enjoying a world that seemed so different from the one I inhabited.

Somehow I've gone my whole life without knowing that a part of every herd is a guard dog. I'm telling myself I didn't know about guard dogs because they are always out with the herd and as a rule are NOT people dogs. So, why would I know about them? But, that's not a very good excuse. The real reason I never knew is because I've never asked my grandpa for details about his life work.

This trip I found out about guard dogs because we "met" one that was actually a people dog. He loved us, and to tell you the truth, I kind of fell in love with him, too.

He let the twins ride on him. He had perfect manners, and I didn't even have to feed him or take care of him.

He was a perfect gentleman, but most importantly, he taught me a lesson. It's amazing the knowledge we can obtain if only we ask. I didn't let up with the questions this trip, and I'm glad.

Pioneer Woman, I'm not

2009-12-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

We go visit the horses every time we visit my grandparents.

I'm not even clear whether my grandfather owns the horses, to be honest. I'm assuming he does since he saddles them up and lets us ride them. And feeds them. But, you never know. {Kidding. I'm kidding.}

This trip I decided to take some pictures and wow both myself and my readers the way Ree, the Pioneer Woman does. I mean, she takes incredible pictures of horses like every single day. And, no matter how many horse photos I've seen of hers, they captivate me every time.

I'm not even a horse person.

So, when I had the opportunity, I clicked away. I edited away. Sort of. And this is all I have to show for it.

Sadly, I came to a realization. A Pioneer Woman, I'm not. :)

I do have some great memories though, and a few good reminders that open fields, domesticated animals and children enjoying the wonder of them with their great grandpa makes me happy.

Wordful Wednesday-Pigeons

2009-12-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

*Wordful Wednesday is for those of us that like to showcase a photo(s) but that just can't seem keep our mouths shut about it(them). If you'd like to play along, post a photo on your blog, and let the words roll. Feel free to "capture" my 7 Clown Circus button (below and on the left) or simply hyperlink to my site, and be sure to add yourself to Mr. Linky. Thanks for playing along!

Grab My Button

My brother has raised pigeons for as long as I can remember.

I've always thought it was an interesting hobby. For someone else.

I'm afraid that this affinity for pigeons, in particular, somehow runs in the family.

Can you tell?

I would just like to hereby declare that no common nor show nor even a stuffed pigeon shall live at or near my house.

Are you reading this Emma?

Just thought I'd throw that out there before you got any ideas.

Seriously though, my brother raises some pretty amazing varieties of show pigeons, and the variations and interesting characteristics within each breed astounds me. And, on an interesting note, those two pigeons being held by Emma were born on the same day by the same hen. One was rejected by the mother and has been nursed by my brother and his wife while the other (white) pigeon has been taken care of by it's parents. Can you see the drastic difference between their physical development?

Utah...

2009-11-29T21:31:00.000-08:00

I was gone all week.

Can you believe it? A whole week.

At the last minute Jeff and I decided to pack our bags and head to my dads house for Thanksgiving.

We were busy little bees and came home with tons of memories.......and pictures........and stories to tell.....

About sheep and horses and dogs and birds AND babies. And a whole lot more.

I can't wait to share them with you.

Dean's Dipstakes Giveaway

2009-11-29T00:51:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I'm thinking a Dean's Dipstakes giveaway package would be a fantastic holiday present for one of the men in your life. Dean's Dip is found in the refrigerated dairy section of your grocery store and is the "Chip Magnet™".

Dean's Dipstakes is giving to one of you a prize package worth $50.00 including:

FIVE vouchers for Dean's Dip

ONE dip tray

ONE stadium blanket

To enter to win, simply:

Leave a comment here expressing your interest in winning.

For additional entries:

Tweet about the giveaway or become a fan on Facebook.

Separate comments, please.

Contest ends Sunday, December 6th at 11:59 PM and only open to US residents.

For more information on the Dean's Dipstakes, visit their Facebook Page . There you will have the chance to win other "BIG" prizes and find more details about Dean's Dip.

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for hosting this giveaway.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T00:02:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the most {THANKFUL} holiday season this year.

Wordful Wednesday: Feeling Pretty Thankful..........

2009-11-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

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Four years ago something happened that changed my life.

It was emotional.

It was painful.

It was downright spectacular.

Most importantly, what happened makes me exceedingly grateful for my blessings and serves as a reminder that I have much to be thankful for.

Four years ago tomorrow, these healthy, happy, fun loving, melt-my-heart, hilarious, miracle boys were born.

I've been able to watch with wonder as they went from this:

To this:

Life IS sweet.

Happy Birthday, my babies.

Chronicles of a Mommy appears today!

2009-11-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

You know how some people have that knack for making whatever it is they do special? They pay close attention to detail and have an eye for color and combinations that work well together. You know, the kind that are just plain talented? Kacey is one of those people. I absolutely LOVE her style and ability to personalize gifts and parties. She's SUPER cute and sweet, plus, she is a mother after my own heart as she has twins, like me!

I asked her to guest post today and share a tutorial that would be great for the gift givers out there that want something special. Like me.

You can find Kacey at Chronicles of a Mommy (it's that the greatest blog title?).

Enjoy!

{As promised here is the "tutorial" on how to make this butterfly applique shirt. It is SUPER simple. This is my version on how to do this - the most simplest sewing machine free way. I kind of wing everything and learn through trial and error. If you would like more of an in depth tutorial there is a great one right here.

Here is what you are going to need:

Scrap paper

Pen

Pre-washed T-shirt - I got mine from Wal-Mart. It is the Geranimals brand and it washes really nicely

Two pre-washed scrap fabric pieces - preferably different complimentary fabrics

Hot iron

Iron on adhesive

Needle

Thread or embroidery floss

This is what we're making...

Pick two pieces of fabric to create your butterfly. I was originally going to use this dragonfly as a template, but I was better at drawing my butterfly freehand. *Remember to make sure that your T-shirt/onsie and fabric are both pre-washed.*

Freehand your butterfly on scrap paper, or anything else you would like to make...

Cut out all of your pieces....

Use your cut out pieces of paper to cut out your pieces of fabric....

Make sure your pieces of fabric line up how you would like them to. Adhere your iron on adhesive to the back side of your fabric. *I found my adhesive at JoAnn's, however, I would imagine that it would be available at any craft or fabric store.*

Once your butterfly is ironed onto your T-shirt and is secure, you want to add a little more embellishment that also acts as a little more security for your applique. Use your thread and needle to whipstitch around the entire applique. Apparently I have my own version of a whipstitch so I will spare myself the embarrassment. My friend Michelle clued me in on how to do an actual whipstitch though so fear not. One thing I learned is that I would use embroidery floss in lieu of thread the next time. I think I would like the bolder look of the floss. Its just a matter of preference though.

Once you've stitched all around your applique, throw that baby back the the washer and dryer to get the cute frayed edges. Once it's dry...Viola! You have a sassy appliqued shirt all your own. There are several other ones that I would like to do...I think a tiara would be stinikn' cute and so many others. I'll be sure to let you know if I come up with anything else.

I hope you enjoyed this little lesson. Another note I would like to make is if you do have a sewing machine, you can do a cute zig zag stitch (which I need to practice) or even a regular stitch. It was much less stressful for me to hand stitch. I think this will continue to be my best bet because I will also use the embroidery floss next time as well.

If you would like to make the matching tu-tu you can find the tutorial on that here from the fab Refugee Crafter. I took the liberty of making Lily's longer in the back so it looks like a little train and added the bow. It was SO CUTE on her!

Have a wonderful day!}

Thanksgiving Ideas from the Tip Junkie

2009-11-23T00:20:00.000-08:00

Do you remember last month when I talked bragged about meeting Laurie Turk of Tip Junkie and Executive Homemaker? I told you all that she is even nicer in person than I would have ever imagined, if that's even possible. When I told you I ADORE her personally and professionally, I really meant it.

I'm not sure if I told you this, but if we lived in the same city, I'd make her my new B-F-F, stat.

She's just that great. And I mean that.

Keep on reading and you'll see what I mean.

And yes, the text below IS Laurie Turk "talking". She's guest posting here today.

Ms. Laurie Turk, the original Tip Junkie is here. HERE. I feel like a celebrity. This is just as exciting {or more exciting, really} as when one of my favorite authors actually visited my blog, commented on it, AND linked up.

I hope that you enjoy this Thanksgiving week, finding many things to be grateful for!

I just love to focus on gratitude and family traditions during November. Here as several activities you can do with your family this week.

World of Homemaking does the Turkey Day Awards! Ask each family member for their nominations and be sure everyone gets an award. For example, "best haircut of the year" or "toughest survivor of a home renovation." You make awards in these cute pine cone scrolls tutorial.

A tradition that would be fun to start is a Thanksgiving Book. Every year each member of the family is given a sheet of paper to write down the things for which they are thankful. You then put the sheets into a binder and save them so that next year you can look back and see what everyone wrote the year before and then compare it to the current year.

A Little Life has a tutorial on how to make these fun gratitude leaves.

High Heeled Mama made a gratitude garland.

I found this idea from Country Living. On strips of paper, write quotes or phrases. Fasten strip at end with double-sided tape, so it is slightly smaller than the glass's circumference; place on each glass. Invite guests, when seated, to read quote aloud.

This is Jennifer's picture grateful album with a mini tutorial so you can do it too!

Debbie has a Thanksgiving blessing book to help focus on the what we're grateful for.

I found this Family Gratitude Spinner Project over on Ali's blog. What a beautiful way to capture what your family is grateful for this year.

Amber gratitude tree is beautiful, it's a Hallmark tree altered for Thanksgiving.

Jo-Ann's family tradition; every year the children make their thankful lists on the chalkboard in their kitchen. Jo-Ann takes a picture of it to capture these special blessings.

Chocolate on my Cranium's tradition: Every year we each have a thanks tree and a giving tree. We add leaves to each tree each day writing something we are thankful for and something we have done to give or help others.

Kendra's family is working with our kids for the whole month of November on cultivating an "attitude of gratitude." So she made a gratitude tree. Every night at dinner time, each member of the family comes up with one specific thing they are thankful for each day and we write it on a leaf and post it on the wall.

Rebecca's family's tradition; She makes a thankful turkey and throughout the month everyone writes something they're are thankful for and adds it to the turkey. He gets nice and fluffy by Thanksgiving.

To make planning your traditions really easy this year, print out all of them on 2 pages and simply circle the one's you want to do!

THANK YOU, Laurie!

One Last Hurrah at the Magic Kingdom....

2009-11-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

Being a resident of Southern California DOES have some perks.

Lots of them, really.
For today though, I'll just focus on the Disneyland perk, otherwise known as,

ANNUAL PASSES.

Our annual passes expire this month and so in order to get the most out of our Magic Kingdom passes we took the kidlets out of school and braved the crowds that ALWAYS SEEM TO BE present there.

EXCEPT.......

EXCEPT.......

We lucked out and the crowds were not the crowded I-just-want-to-get-out-of-here type of crowds. Of course there were lots of people, but nothing like every other day we've gone to Disneyland this past year and wanted to pull our hair out in frustration because it was so densely packed with people.

We had SUCH a nice time.......

So much fun, in fact, that we almost considered springing for another year of Magic Kingdom enjoyment.

Almost.

Until NEXT time.......

Wordful Wednesday-the perfect location?

2009-11-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

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I started a new tradition last year.

The tradition involves calling Tammie of Halcomb Photography and asking her to photograph my family before the holidays. Knowing that this has hereby been declared a tradition by me, I have all year to think about settings and wardrobe. All year.  Yet both years I've put those details off until the last minute and then run around like a crazy person trying to find just the right spot and just the right outfits. Not the smartest thing to do or the best use of my time....sigh.

I found the perfect setting at the last minute this year. It involved a park with beautiful trees and a duck/turtle pond.

There was just one tinsy problem. Other people found the perfect spot too.

Who would have guessed?

Two bridal parties and no less than 4 quinceneras.  One hour of good light and about a million people vying for the same spots.

I wasn't very happy. Neither was Jeff. Tammie wasn't phased by it though and got some great shots.   At least I'm confident she did. She always does. I've only seen a few.

Like this one.

I can't wait to show you more. First I have to deal with the fact that my hair looked super stupid (no one's fault but my own) in some of them and the super cute shirt I was wearing made me look.....chunkier than I'd like. I hate it when that nasty vanity rears it's big fat head..........:)

Did he really?

2009-11-17T00:20:00.000-08:00

Oh yes he did.

He snapped his fingers right next to my ear and said, "HELLO?"

Are you picturing his tone of voice? I am, and the impatience I can still hear in it makes me red-hot-mad.

I can't remember the last time I was so angry at a stranger.

What I wanted to say was, "Did you seriously just snap your fingers in my ear?"

What I did say was, "I know there is a register open, but they are not ready for me".

I also said another word that I shall not mention in my head. My girls were with me.

He saw that I was steaming and he said, "You're a lucky momma".

Really? Hum. Is that the new greeting for lucky momma's? Snapping at them? When they are paying more attention than you to the line?

Being the reactionary that I am, I glared at him It didn't feel as good as it should have.

I wish I could have snapped my fingers on either side of his ears. For like 5 minutes straight. I really, really wanted to. I'm an ADULT though, so I didn't. But that doesn't mean I didn't want to. It might have felt good to kick him, too.

I should have taken his picture. I wish I would have taken his picture. Because wouldn't being able to see a photoshopped picture of him make this post all the better?

My question to you is: {Is it ever appropriate when-standing-behind-someone-in-line to snap your fingers in their ear to get their attention?}

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say no.

Want to weigh in on how you find balance in motherhood? My friend Nicole over at Defining Moments is writing an article for her local paper and she'd love for you to weigh in. Head on over now.

Me? Crafty?

2009-11-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

I think so.

On occasion. It may be rare, but it happens.

And when it does, I'm pretty darn pleased with myself.

So pleased, in fact, that I have to brag a bit.

So bear with me, and please, I IMPLORE you, feed my ego. You know, so I feel so special that I do something crafty again...Unless of course, you honestly feel like I should explore other avenues of expression. In that case, be gentle. Please.

What started out as this:

Ended up like this:

I won this custom vinyl piece from Kristina at Pulispher Predilictions. It was donated by Jessica at her Etsy Shop, Say it with Style.

Once the vinyl arrived in the mail, I had to do something with it.

So, I went Thrift Store shopping and found the frame pictured above for $2.99.

Then, I rushed home and took the glass and print out and spray painted the frame. Next, I followed the instructions for adhering the vinyl to the glass, popped the glass back in the frame, and stood back all amazed.

Yes. It's true. For under 3 dollars I put together a cool dry erase calendar for my family.

Some would not call that crafty.

Some would say anyone could do that.

I'd have to agree.

And then add that only I did what's pictured.

And I think that's crafty.

My Boys. Captured.

2009-11-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Every once in awhile I actually take a picture that I look at and think, "Here. This picture totally captures his/her personality".

And when I do, it warms my heart. Not because I think I got some spectacular shot, but because what I see in the photo reminds me of something that isn't tangible.

But then if I think about it for too long then I start to get sad because I know that the expression I happened to catch isn't always going to be there.....and then I want that time machine because......

I'm just plain not ready for my children to grow up.

For more Give Me Your Best Shot entries, visit Better in Bulk today.

Great News....

2009-11-12T12:20:00.000-08:00

{This will remain a STICKY POST UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE...please look below for newer posts}

I'm being facetious here. Very facetious.

My computer's power source thingy doesn't work.......which means when my battery dies, I'm cut off until the technican can get out to fix it. I'll still be able to post when I can beg, borrow or steal time on someone else's computer, but won't be able to comment on your blog like you all know I love to. Love me through my commenting absence, please.

(Wordful Wednesday is just below.....just scroll a second.)

Talkin' about my favorite vacation.......

2009-11-12T00:13:00.000-08:00

My friend Genny at My Cup 2 Yours is talking about favorite vacation destinations today.

May I present mine? For like the 4th time?

And for the powers that be at The Royal, feel free to comp me a vacation to your resort anytime. I'll even write about it. Again. For free. :)

Wordful Wednesday-Better Late Than Never

2009-11-10T15:55:00.000-08:00

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I'm always a bit behind. I just can't seem to get my pictures uploaded to my computer and into a post in a timely manner like you all manage to do. Perhaps the saying, "better late than never" should be my trademark? Or my brand, as Alli Worthington would say?

Instead of apologizing, I offer you this: at least I'm not showing you Halloween pictures during Thanksgiving.

See? Now I don't feel so delinquent.

May I present THE Incredible Hulk, My Clown with a Squeeky nose, A Plundering Pirate with good manners (he said, "Thanks! Matey" to all who gave him candy while Trick or Treating), an Excellent Nurse and a Superhero?

Now, let's see what you have to show me. I'll be seeing you!

Hip Hop Bling

2009-11-09T02:18:00.000-08:00

I have my social calendar handy.

You know, in case you've neglected to invite me to your holiday shin-dig.

I have the perfect earrings, and I plan on wearing them A LOT this holiday season.

BUT, I kind of need some invitations.

Don't worry. The invitations need not be formal. I'm easy that way.

Just don't tell everyone that I'll be wearing the same pair of earrings to your party as I'm wearing to theirs.

It's not that I don't have other options...........I do.

It's just that I really, really like these, AND they are super light (and when I say super light, I mean SUPER light) so I can actually wear them, unlike most other earrings that are too heavy for my pathetically torn ear piercings.

Plus, I have them in both BRASS and SILVER so I can change up my outfits with just the accessory finish.

They look really, really great with these velvet slacks that I snagged last year from Banana Republic (on sale) for the fancy schmancy parties......

Or these jeans (I love me some Rock & Republics) for the more casual parties.

If you'd like a pair, they are available for purchase starting on Novmeber 9th at Twisted Silver (don't forget to use the coupon code found in my right hand sidebar when making your purchase)

OR,

You can enter to win a pair (you chose whether you'd like Brass or Silver).

All you have to do is (separate comments, please):

1. Tell me what outfit you'll pair these earrings with this holiday season.

2. For an extra entry, go visit the Twisted Silver blog and tell them I sent you. (3.) I suppose that while you are there if you decide to subscribe to their blog you deserve an additinal entry, don't you?

4. And lastly, for a fourth entry, Tweet "Twisted Silver's Salvage line ROCKS @Twistedrocks! Giveaway http://angiescircus.blogspot.com/2009/11/hip-hop-bling.html"

Only open to US residents. Contest ends November 15th at 11:59 pm PST.

As a Twisted Insider, Twisted Silver sent me a sample of the Hip Hop Bling Earrings for Review.

Fishful Thinking........

2009-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Have you had the chance to see what's new on the Fishful Thinking site?

Go ahead.

Click the fish.

I double dog dare you.

Escape From Adventure Island

2009-11-07T00:22:00.000-08:00

JumpStart is about to release their SECOND Wii game! Escape from Adventure Island hits the store shelves on November 17th, right in time for the holidays.

Escape From Adventure Island is geared towards 5-9 year olds (ESRB has rated it "E" for everyone), so it's more advanced than the last JumpStart Wii game, Pet Rescue. Which means.........my older children have to use their noggins a bit more with this game, even if they don't realize it. It also means there are more advanced jumps and maneuvers available to them than in the other game.

Creating one's own avatar is of UTMOST importance in this household so it's a VERY GOOD thing Escape From Adventure Island players can create their best PRINCE or PRINCESS. My kids very quickly found out that they need to actually play the game and earn sand dollars in order to access ALL of the available accessories. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure that a few of my kids would spend all of their time changing their princess' rather than actually playing. Very smart, Jump Start!

Same rules apply for their house within Adventure Island.....it's customizable, and earned sand dollars are redeemable for different elements of their house.

These sand dollars are important for more than just customizing elements within the game though. Players need to collect sand dollars which then roll over into helium tanks which then inflate their blimp and allow them to Escape from Adventure Island.

We haven't escaped yet. We have changed our clothes a lot though.

There are two learning modes within the game: English skills and Mathematics skills. The player tilts the Wii remote to steer around within each area, and instructions are given at the beginning of each section so the player knows how to find the correct answer to the questions.

The first time my kids played, I heard comments like:
"MOM! When I went down the slide I got to swim underwater!"
"Look at this cool jump!"

I particularly like that the game comes with a very short Instruction Manual. See? It's mom friendly! Bonus.

My children are inexplicably drawn to the non-educational games within Escape From Adventure Island, which is sort of a bummer for me. I'm not surprised, though really. What's that saying? The apple doesn't fall far from the tree?

My kids like Escape From Adventure Island and would recommend it to their friends. Here's what Emma has to say, "It's fun to discover things, it's fun to decorate your house, and to play all the games, especially the fashion shows".

JumpStart is hosting a fabulous contest now through the 16th of November. You don't want to miss this one! For more details, be sure to go to the JumpStart blog.

JumpStart provided me with a pre-release copy of Escape From Adventure Island for this review.

The Best Pumpkin Carving.......

2009-11-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

...Is the pumpkin carving where my only role is as the photographer.

I admitted to being a Halloween Dead-Beat Mom last week.

I give you further proof in pictures and words:

I don't like carving pumpkins. And never really have.

Good thing my husband doesn't mind because we had A LOT of pumpkins!

(Somehow I only got a photo of 3 of the 6 carved pumpkins.)

For more Photo Story Friday photos, be sure to visit Cecily at My Chaos My Bliss.

Wordful Wednesday-Sleeping

2009-11-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

Grab My Button

For the past few weeks we've tried out having a prompt IF and only IF you would like to use it. I hereby give notice that I am throwing in the towel. I'm terrible about think up and sticking to a prompt. No more prompts......just your photos........your words.......on whatever topic you chose. Just like originally.

This could very possibly be the 43rd time I've told you all how much I love to see children sleeping. I'm sorry I'm redundant occasionally. I hope it's only occasionally, anyway. I love to see all children sleeping, but especially babies. They just seem so angelic. And beautiful. My babies are not quite babies anymore, but I still delight in watching them sleep. Especially together.

And the winner is:

2009-11-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

(of the Flip Ultra HD camera, that is)

CONGRATULATIONS! I really appreciate you all playing along. Your comments were incredible, and your extra entry submissions were fantastic. There were more than 10 extraordinary bloggers who commented every. single. day on my blog AND participated in every.single.carnival for the maximum number of entries. I wish that all of us could have won. If it makes all of you that didn't win feel any better though, know that I didn't get a FLIP either, even though I wanted one really, really badly for free. :)

I'm not sure who the other winners are (I do know there are no duplicates), but you can check at Mayhem & Moxie, Mama's Losin It and Better in Bulk. Wishing you luck there!
AND in other news.......

JumpStart is having great contest called “Time to Escape!” It runs from 11/2/09 to 11/16/09.

There are fantastic prizes!
50 winners will receive a copy of JumpStart Escape From Adventure Island

3 GRAND PRIZE WINNERS will receive a family Escape Pack (over $1000 value)!
1 Nintendo Wii Console
1 copy of JumpStart Escape From Adventure Island
$250 in spa gift certificates
1 JumpStart branded flip camera
3 lifetime JumpStart memberships (1 for winner, 2 to share)
500 virtual coins for JumpStart.com
4 JumpStart pirate hats & 4 JumpStart kids T-shirts

Have you all started Holiday Shopping? I'm getting started, and here are a few things I've run across that I own or I think look promising:

Have you ever heard of the xshot 2.0? It's a rod thingy (extends to 3 feet) that screws into your camera and allows for self-portraits or videos. Go here to see what I'm talking about. I LOVE mine. For $29.95 I think it's a GREAT gift idea.

If you are a tea lover, you might be interested in the Tea To-Go mug that Mighty Leaf Tea Company just introduced to their line. For $12.95 it tooks like a great gift for your tea loving friends!

You all know how I feel about Twisted Silver jewelry....in my opinion, always a good gift choice. Don't forget to use the coupon code found in my right sidebar when you place an order.

And vinyl lettering........I've turned crafty on you. I can't wait to show you (this week) how custom vinyl lettering and an old thrift store picture can be transformed.....I'm so proud of myself I think you should all try it too.....makes for an excellent gift for about $20.00!