I Now Know the Problem

Well it seems that when I deleted some of my photos from my google+, my photos were removed from my blog as well.  How this came to be is a mystery since I knew nothing about google+ back when I posted those pictures.  In fact, I don't know why those pictures appeared in my google+ in the first place. SMH

Eventually I will replace them as thankfully I have them saved on my laptop. Not looking forward to that.

Anyways....

I have been sick since last week.  My two week vacation officially started at 4:30 p.m., Friday, July 20th. Instead of getting ready to have lots of fun, I found myself at the doctors office on Friday morning.  As I am typing this, I should be in sunny florida with my friends at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino celebrating me and three other July babies birthdays.  But noooo.  Instead, I'm moving from bed to sofa trying to get rid of this terrible cough.  Not to mention I have no voice whatsoever.  Thank God for my mom. She's been coming by and checking on me.  I'm hoping all is not lost.  My birthday isn't officially til the 26th and I'm hoping I'm better by then, to be with all my friends for a happy hour gathering I have planned.

Once July ends, I'm usually done with summer and am ready for the cooler weather to arrive.  Because with cooler weather means Christmas is not far behind.

Since I'm stuck at home, I decided to go onto the Magical Holiday Home forum and see what my friends have been up to.  I haven't been on there since January.  Then I pulled out my composition book and began to write down a few notes.  One note I jotted down was celebrating the upcoming Rudy Day which is this Friday (and coincidently, my step-dad's birthday).  Since I'm stuck in, I can get caught up on all the holiday movies I missed over the months.  So that's 6 movies total I need to watch.

A Christmas Story
A Muppets Chrismtas Carol
Disney's Once Upon a Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Christmas Vacation
A Christmas Carol  (any version) 

A good lineup if I do say so myself.  Now I just have to get someone to get me some popcorn and I will be all set. Hot chocolate sounds good too.  Hmmmm

January Rudy

Well Saturday marked the first Rudy Day for 2014.  However for some reason I had it in my head that Sunday was the 25th, not Saturday. LOL

A day late I celebrated Rudy Day by watching the movie of the month suggested by the great people over at Magical Holiday Home.  This months movie is Christmas With the Kranks.  I love this movie.  It is so funny and heart-warming.



Also in celebration of the first Rudy Day, I made homemade hot chocolate.  I love hot chocolate and when I went into the kitchen for a pack of my favorite Swiss Miss, the box was empty.  So I went on the internet and found a simple and easy recipe to make it.

12 ounces evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups hot water
1/4-1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 dash salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

I searched for a recipe using evaporated milk because I was all out of regular milk.  I found it strange and was a little scared to use the salt because I thought it would taste salty.  However I was wrong, though I used very little.

Mmm, mmm, good.  Just wish I had marshmallows to go on top. (Should have taken a photo) I will definately make this again.

For the full recipe you can fine it at Food.com

And for more ideas/tips I'm going over to Organzied Christmas and follow the Rudolph Club Meeting for the month.

Shaking My Head

Has it really been over a year since my last post?

Tomorrow is March Rudy Day.  I don't know exactly what I will do (other than watch a Christmas movie).

I am going through a makeover at my home.  Just got a new kitchen and a few other things, so I have been busy with that.  But come the holidays I know my new space is going to look so cool...

Tune in tomorrow and I'll share what I did to celebrate the day.

Cookies

I spent some time today reading the blogs of my friends at MHH .  One of the ladies Leann was quite busy baking all kinds of goodies.  She had made 19 different kinds of cookies and 4 kinds of homemade candies.  Everything looked so scrumptous.  I know the receivers of those sweet treats are very happy campers.  And I thought the 10 I did was an achievement.   My hat goes off to Ms. Leann.

Last weekend I spent time in the kitchen baking away. I love baking.  I've only been doing it for about 4 years or so.  I think I'm getting better every year.  I hope to one day try some real fancy baking, especially decorating.  I filled 3 large cookie tins, handed out two at the office and one to my neighbor and her son.  They were well received which made me very happy. 

I have several cookie recipe books I've collected from BHG over the years.  I think I will take a look through them for some ideas for next year.

In Honor of Rudy Day

For dessert tonight I baked an apple pie. 

To make the piecrust is really easy:

In a bowl mix 2 1/2 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.  Then in another small bowl mix together 1/2 cup of vegetable oil with 1/3 cup of milk.  Add the oil/milk mixture to the flour mixture and with a fork, stir until ingredients come together.  I divided the dough into 3 balls, using two to make the bottom crust for the pie dish and the last ball to make the top.  I placed the doughs between two sheets of wax paper and with a rolling pin flattened it out.  This made it easy to lay in the pie dish, plus it kept my hands fairly clean.


Next, in goes the apple mixture: McIntosh apples (about 5), 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. I prefer Gala apples as they are sweeter (to me) than the McIntosh, but the grocery store was all out of the Galas.

While working with the piecrust, I decided to make it look a little Christmassy. So with a cookie cutter, I cut out a snowflake in the center, then rearranged the cutout on top of the piecrust.

Here's the final result. A little piece of the snowflake broke. It's okay, it will still get eaten.

Mmmm... I love apple pie.  This is the second time I made this pie.   Quite sure I'll be making it again.  Never thought I would ever be able to make a crust.  I've always used store bought.  Me thinks I'll take this to work tomorrow and share with my coworkers.

A Fun Rudy Day

On Dasher, on Dancer, on...  Oh darn, my mind just went blank. - Hahahaha.  

Sitting at the computer listening to Merry Christmas Radio on live365.com.  RadioJonD's show is now playing.

Wednesday I decided to have an impromptu Rudy Day.  It turned out to be a very productive day.  First I signed and address Christmas cards.  These cards will be given out to my office associates.  After signing what seemed my life away, I went on line and ordered some dvd's for two uncles at Barnes & Noble.  I know they are going to really love these movies.  I ordered the first season of Hogan's Heros and the first season of Gomer Pyle.  I used to love watching these shows with my dad when I was a little girl.  And I know that my uncles used to watch them also.  (Woohoo, just received an email that my movies have been shipped).  Can you say "Excitement".  Now, I've lost my train of thought.  Better end it here. 

Shopping for Christmas Gifts

Yesterday was Columbus Day here in the USA and all government offices were closed.  I took advantage of the time off by having a Rudy Day and went shopping for Christmas gifts.  I'm happy to say that after months of putting off this task, I have about half of my list done. Woohoo! 

I got my step-dad a new MP3 player with FM radio so he can listen to his music when he does his exercises at the VA gym.  I got my mom a couple pairs of pajamas (something she mentioned last year).  My mom is the only person each year, I have difficulty shopping for.  I'm still not done with her though.  I bought my 11 yr old niece Diary of a Whimpy kid movie. I'm doing a craft basket for her and will put the movie with everything.   For my two old high-school friends I'm putting together  "white" theme baskets for them.  So far I got them cute robes with hoods and a pair of slippers. Just a few more bath items (bubble bath, body lotion, etc.) and they will be done.

For the guys/boys in my family I bought a Dallas Cowboy shirt, a sweater, a polo shirt,  2 crew-neck thermal henley shirts, a graphic t-shirt and graphic hoody, 2 race track sets, a sweat suit, and a cute toddler outfit.  For the ladies/girls I bought a fleece vest with coordinate pants, 2 'Down' quilted vests, satin pajamas, fleece pajamas, 4 hat/scarf/glove sets, a bath robe, 2 sweaters and a pair of jeans.

By the time I got home I was exhausted, tired and hungry - but happy. 

Hmmm

I haven't had a Rudy Day moment in quite some time.  I'm changing that starting tomorrow. I have the day off  for Columbus Day and I am finally going to start my Christmas shopping.  I have my list printed and in my purse ready to go.  Just set the alarm clock to get up early in the morning.

Happy Rudy Day

For Rudy Day Saturday, some friends from MHH and I got together for a little chat.  We talked about any and everything.  It was quite fun.  While we chatted, some of use listened to holiday tunes from Christmas Music Radio on live365.com .  One of our MHH member, RadioJonD, has his own  show on the station. 

Today, I continued the celebration by making peanute butter cookies - yum, yum.  So here I am, chomping on cookies, with a glass of ice cold milk, blogging all while watching my favorite program Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

A Nice Day to Have a Rudy Day

It's been raining all day.  I love the rain this time of year.

So I am spending the day indoors and have Rudy Day.  I got my Christmas movies playing while I work in the guest bedroom.  I recently got rid of an old dresser and computer chest.  I brought in small table which will be used as a work station/Christmas activity center.

Everyday Will Be Rudy Day!

From this point on I will try to have a Rudy whenever I can and as much as I can.

One thing I did was pull out my collection of Christmas movies so when the mood hits me, I just pop one in the DVD.

January Rudy Day 2010

The first Rudy Day of the new year (Jan. 25th).  What do you plan to do?

Because Rudy Day is on a Monday, and I will be working, I've decided to celebrate this weekend.  One of the things I plan to do is buy a new Christmas movie to add to my collection (an idea I got from Happy2bme, at MHH).  By December I should have a nice collection.  I also plan to put together a few playlists of Christmas tunes to burn onto cd's to give to family and friends this year.  And finally, I want to dress up my holiday notebook so I plan on spending a couple of hours doing that while watching the new movie.

If you want some ideas of what to do to celebrate Rudy, check these out.

• search for craft ideas
• work on homemade crafts
• test a new recipe
• listen to some holiday tunes
• watch a favorite holiday movie
• sign/address Christmas cards
• plan holiday budget
• plan holiday meals
• look for gift ideas
• shop for gifts
• search for ideas on decorating your home
• look for neat stocking stuffers
• take a drive to see neighborhood Christmas displays/lights
• bake some cookies or other tasty desserts

This Week

Well it's Rudy Day at MHH & OC.  There's two more before the big day (Dec. 25th).  This week found me putting up more fall decorations and organizing the master bedroom.  Also I printed labels for the DVD greeting cards I'm sending out this year. My famiy is really gonna enjoy watching this homemade dvd over and over again. While watching the many photos of Christmases past, songs by Donny Hathaway and Luther Vandross play in the background.

My dessert list is finally done! It's mainly cookies.

• chocolate chip
• chocolate cake mix cookies with peanut butter chips
• old-fashioned snicker doodles
• sugar cut-outs
• eggnog sparkle
• oatmeal-raisin
• Santa thumbprint
• pecan-shortbread
• Oreo balls
• Ornament shape holiday cake
• Grandmother's jelly cookies.

I got the recipes for the snicker doodles and eggnog sparkle cookies from two nice ladies who are fellow members at Magical Holiday Home, (Hi Jessica and Snowangel00). Snowangel you may not remember posting this recipe. It was when CEO had the forum at Organized Christmas.

I'm at work right now and things are really quiet and slow. My boss has kept hisself closed up in his office all morning.  Well I'm enjoying it while I can.

Be sure to check out my other blogs, Hey Rudolph! and The Harvest. I just added new posts over there.

September Rudy Day

Another Rudolph Day is here.  What will you do to celebrate?

For me, I am undecided.  I have some crafts that I can do.  I need to get started on altering a few canister jars.  I have everything I need (craft paper, ribbons, glue, etc).  These jars will be filled with candies (caramel, m&m's, Hershey kisses, etc.) and given to the ladies in the accounting office. They love snacks.

Yesterday I printed cover labels for the DVD greeting cards I put together.  My family is definately going to love receiving these. Here's what they look like:

Since today is Friday, I may stretch Rudy Day over the entire weekend.  On my last visit to the grocery store I stocked up on popcorn and hot chocolate. We are expecting rain for most of the weekend which is good because it will keep my in the house. I will spend Sunday lying around in pajamas and watch movies (a couple being Christmas). First I must get my dinner cooked. Oh I almost forgot! Our Ravens play the Browns Sunday. So before and after the game I will be watching movies.

Saturday I will go out for a bit and shop for the remaining gifts for the advent calendar I made back in July.  I finally decided how to display the little Christmas stockings.  I attached them to fleece fabric so that it can hang on the wall or door.

It's work right now, so the celebration is on hold until later today.  Hope everyone has a chance to do something Christmas today!

August Rudy Day!

Well this month for Rudy Day I celebrated by making a few teacup candles.  I used gingerbread mugs I purchased from Dollar Tree a few years ago.  I'm sure the ladies at the office are going to love them.  As soon as I can I will post pictures. I have so many pictures on my camera I need to download, it's crazy. Puts me in mind of that commercial where the guy with the fishing poles says, "I'm not getting deleted, I got deleted last time."  Then puff, he was deleted.  LOL

Be back soon.

July Rudy Day

Well I'm still working on the advent calendar. I'm undecided if I want to attach the stockings to some red fabric or connect them together with string/ribbon.

Here are the supplies I used to put them together:

• 25 mini Christmas stockings (got them from Dollar Tree at $.50 for two the day after Christmas)
• key tags
• red number stickers
• red yarn
• hole puncher
  

First I attached the red stickers to the key tags. Then I punched a hole in the stocking. After removing the metal piece from the tag I attached tag to the stocking with a piece of red yarn. And here's how the stockings look:

Each stocking will have nice surprise. The recipient of this gift will have so much fun counting down to Christmas.

A Day Closer To Christmas

Today during my lunch break I went to the nearby Dollar Tree. I was in Dollar heaven! I went there to pick up some fall bushes to finish my topiary for the diningroom table. Wow did my eyes get very large when I saw the isles of Christmas decorations. I picked up some really cute photo ornaments for the office tree...and that was all (as far as Christmas was concerned). I will go back when I have more time to look although to be perfectly honest I don't need any more decorations...my family and friends will tell you. Just as I'm typing this I do need some ornaments to fill in my tree...wish I had picked them up. The photo ornaments are really cute! I only bought 6 as I already had a few from last year. They are green, gold and red - ornament, bell, Christmas sock, sleigh, Christmas tree, and wreath. They will hold wallet size (or maybe a little smaller) photos.

This year I'm decorating the whole office. I've got it all written out. I've brought in the decorations that I usually have in the master bedroom and will take the decorations I used last year in the office to use at home. I'm waiting for the other Dollar Store to put up their Christmas stuff. I see that they've cleared an isle so I'm assuming it will be very soon. (Everything in this store is not a a dollar though, but their Christmas stuff usually is.) Anyway they have the red and gold glittered gift box ornaments I need. I have some already but need more...I hope they have them this year.

Here's my plan:

• Cover the main door and the head assistant's door with burgundy paper with gold lettering
• Cover my boss' door with the coordinatin green paper with gold lettering.
• Hang wreaths decorated with small gift boxes on all three doors.
• Cover bulletin board behind my desk with snowman print paper. Cover the lady I share an the office with board with coordinating Santa print paper.
• Cover our two desks with the green paper mentioned above. Add gold ribbon and bow to look like wrapped gifts.
• Cover our two chairs with the big Santa hats. (It would be great if I could find one that was a snowman for my chair.)
  
• Cover top of file cabinets with batting; decorate 3 ft tree with gift box ornaments, lighted red glass beaded garland, clear lights, photo ornaments, lighted star tree topper and coordinating ornamments - inside each ornament will be a picture of everyone in the office; The two smaller trees will sit on either side of the larger tree and will just have red lights and a large red glitter ornament as a tree topper; also there will be an animated snowman and Santa; along the front will be my small Christmas village pieces and maybe a few small wrapped gifts. I'm undecided about adding the gifts as I don't want the display to look to busy.
• And finally...The bookcases: cover the fronts to mimmic a fire place; cover the top with red & white felt (The red felt will be cut into a pattern and layered over the white felt); a small tree will sit on top as well. We have baskets up there for work and they will be decorated with little velvet bows. To finish it off, our little 4 ft inflatable Santa that my boss brought in for us a few years ago will stand in front.
  
• I will dress up the clock which is hung over the book case with a wreath
• I need to find a place to display my altered Countdown to Christmas clippboard...When I finally get it done. Here's one that one of my MHH buddies made. Isn't it adorable. I hope mine's will look almost as nice.

Well that's it for now. I'll be leaving work in about 45 minutes and I need to start clearing off my desk.

September Rudy Day

Well the 25th found me at home in lots of pain. I have a wisdom tooth that's giving me hell. The pain seems it's worst at night -- bedtime. The pain takes over the entire right side of my jaw. I have been forced to sleep sitting up. My appointment with the oral surgeon is Monday. I will celebrate Rudy Day afterwards...hopefully pain free. I have a lot to do and time is growing short.

September

Well Christmas is less than 100 days away. The weather has begun to get cooler and the days are getting shorter. Oh how I love this time of year. I've been sitting here at my desk thinking of ways to spend the upcoming Rudy Day. Well for starters, there's several homemade gifts needing doing. I've been so busy getting ready for Fall that I'd basically put my holiday crafts on the back burner. While working on my crafts, I'll put on a few holiday movies.

It's chilly out today. I don't think it will get pass 70 degrees. Tonight it's expected to be in the 50's (40's in the suburbs - where I live). Better pull out a heavier comforter tonight. I'm in the mood for some snowman soup (Hot chocolate, 3 Hershey kisses and a peppermint stick). Since the evenings are a lot cooler I think I'll put on my Christmas pajamas in honor of Rudy Day. After this month, there's only two Rudy's days left. I had better get my butt in gear and hope that I'm ready by the time Christmas arrives.

HAPPY AUGUST RUDY DAY!

It's the first day of school and the weather is dreary. It's supposed to rain - Yeeeeeey! Unfortunately I'm at work so I can't really enjoy it -bummer. The weather will be in the upper 80's but by morning and for the remaining weekdays the temps will only be in the 70's. Anyway today I will attempt to get a few things done. Lunch time I'm going out to pick up two more gifts. My list is really getting down. Will add them to my gift closet list. I'm also going to redo my Christmas Eve dinner invitations as I've decided I don't like the ones I printed. I should have grabbed a Christmas CD to play in the car. On a day like today, some holiday music would definitely have me in the Christmas spirit. I have to work my parttime job tonight as well so won't be able to do much. If we get out at a decent time, I'll put on a Christmas movie and work on selecting photos for the calendar I'm making for my grandmother.