just jill...

day 16 ~ yum rum cake...

Take two...

This is my second attempt at the Pioneer Woman's Rum Cake. I made it last year for a work party and it was a big hit, so I tired it again this year. Again, it was a big hit and I received many requests for the recipe and got lots of thumbs up from across the room. So, thanks Pioneer Woman!!



The Buttered Rum sauce alone is like Christmas morning in your mouth...

day 15 ~ my most favorite christmas gift... ever.

Does anyone remember their most favorite gift they ever got as a kid..? I do. It was a doll by the name of Velvet. I remember wanting that doll so much. I'm positive that I whined, cried and even begged for that doll when I was about 6 years old. (And, don't even ask if that was the Christmas when my parents got so drunk at the Christmas Eve party that they passed out before putting out the gifts, and then the next morning I was heard by everyone within the state of Oklahoma to yell, "Hey Mama, guess what... Santa left all the presents in the Suitcase..!" Yeah, don't ask, because yes, it was that particular Christmas. It was also the same year my parent's won the Parent's of the Year Award.)

Um,Not.

But back to Velvet... She was magical, or so I believed. Her silky white gold hair literally sprouted out of the top of her head. But, the magic trick was that you had to push in her belly button to make it do so. (No, it wasn't some freaky sex doll, this was for real!!) She had a belly button that you could push in all the while pulling her hair out of the top of her head. Just like the commercial says, "It grows and it goes from here to there.." This provided hours and hours of fun for me. All the combing, putting it in ponytails or braiding it into pigtails. Then when I got tired of it long, I could just crank the dial located on her back to make it "shrink" back into her head. Velvet was much more than a doll. She was a friend. Of course the attraction to this doll was the hair, and the fact that you could play with it, change it, make it however you wanted it on any particular day, was beyond a a 6 year old girl's dream. But, I think the second thing I loved most about Velvet was her Purple Velvet dress. I loved that dress, and secretly wanted one for my very own. (no longer a secret)

Here is a picture of me the day after I got my very own Velvet doll... Look how happy I look! I don't think there is anything in my entire life that has made me smile like that since.
Simply Velvet.



"I'm the luckiest girl in the whole wide world."

Even if Santa did forget to put her in my stocking.

day 14 ~ christmas cup o' joe...

Just to update any of you who I've haven't called to brag share the good new with... remember that whole, "Gettn' Healthy" thing I started back in September, well it's going pretty good. Without going into too many details, I'm getting smaller and I feel a lot better. Who knew I could eat healthy and not DIE..? Hmmm. I've been pretty dilligent and it's paying off. And the best part is, it hasn't even been all that hard. Slowly but surely, is my new motto.

But sometimes, you just gotta treat yourself... Dontcha? I think that you do. And I did.



I just made mine a "mini." It was sooo worth it!

Caramel Brulee Latte...

day 13 ~ don't mock the christmas sweater...

About a week ago or so, my cousin Amy made some remark on Facebook about all the ladies she spotted out in public wearing their Christmas sweaters and how it was all she could do to refrain from shouting to the world, "Are you kidding me, oh please, you're not really going to wear that with pride are you..?"

I immediately phoned her and we then had a giggle or two about it all, making fun of pink snowmen, bulky jingle bells and big fluffy pom pom's protruding from these womens chest's. After the giggles I mentioned to her that TL's boss had even been guilty of actually wearing the famous "Bill Cosby" sweater to the Christmas party the week before, the phone went dead silent for a moment or two. But, soon after the dead silence came the flying snarky comments, one after the other like rapid fire... We both said things like, "Ohhh, how 1987 of him," and "Did he actually think he looked good..? and lastly there was the, "Where oh where is the mobile upload..?"

Well, after having some innocent fun poking at other Christmas sweater wearing fools nice people, I recalled my own mother used to make these "decorated sweatshirts" back in her crafting days. And then I felt bad. You know, for all the mocking. How rude. You all know how much I love my mom and everything that she made was actually pretty ahead of it's time. However corny these sweatshirts seem, at the time they were pretty nice. I mean look at us, all matchy poo poo... Come on, these are practically couture! In this photo you'll see my 4 Aunts, my mom (of course), my cousin Beth and myself all looking pretty spiffy if you ask me.

Wait... now with a closer look, it appears that some of their faces have frozen smiles, as if they're fearful that someone will see them out in public and mock their Christmas sweater... It's almost as if they're saying to themselves, "Please just take the damn picture already so I can get this damn day over with."

No... surely not.

I swear I will never mock the Christmas sweater again, because you just never know about the love and care that goes into making one of these suckers treasures!



And yes Amy, we actually wore them OUT IN PUBLIC!

And don't even laugh at us, because we look goooood...

Oh, and I have an extra one for you in white!! It's SO you!!

day 12 ~ a fire in a fireplace makes things all right with the world...

1. Fire! Dec. 28, 2008, 2. Cozy, 3. Warmest Wishes, 4. And to all a good night, 5. A Cozy Christmas, 6. Lounge, 7. Enjoyment*, 8. Our Christmas Mantel..., 9. come in and warm up

On a day like today with cold, windy rain, this is where I'd rather be...

Thanks Flickr Friends..!

day 11 ~ eleven favorite holiday films...

Since it's the 11th of the month, here is a list of 11 of my favorite holiday films... this list is not a "top 11" list, because that would just be too hard to narrow them all down as my favorites. But, I can say that these films are ones that I could watch over and over again, whether it's actually the holiday season or not. Not all of them are necessarily holiday focused films, but the story line at one time or another celebrates the season, or just has that festive touch to it, and that qualifies for a holiday movie in my book.

Most of these films, I've seen many many times, and every single time I'm left... in a much better mood, drying my eyes from all the happy tears and oddly enough, craving Egg Nog. Well, that is a lie... I'm always craving Egg Nog so, maybe that isn't so much about these movies, as it is about my love for all things Nog. Check out these clips and enjoy!!

...and in no particular order:

11. Planes, Trains and Automobiles... My love for Steve Martin runs deep, but this movie is all about "Del Griffith" for me. John Candy was flawless and it was his facial expressions, that old trunk, the dead wife, this old sad sack had me from hello. Oh and I ADORE the music!!

10. You've Got Mail... New York City during the holidays, does it actually get any better than that? I've only been one time during the holiday's and I have to say to this day it is one of my most favorite memories. This movie is all things charm to me. Meg Ryan made this entire movie... her quirks, her darling wardrobe of; tights, wool skirts with loafers, her cute apartment, delightful friends, and awesome job at the classic children's bookstore... everything about her character I love!! Plus there are some breakout moments by Dave Chapelle.

9. Holiday Inn... As far as classics go, this is one of my tops. Most people like "It's A Wonderful Life," "Miracle on 34th Street," or "White Christmas," and I do too, but this one has just always been a favorite for me. Bing sings so beautifully, and I love all the old fashioned humor!

8. Love Actually... This is an obvious choice. There are so many things to love about this movie. All the different story lines, the music, the hope, and all things Hugh Grant. It's been a favorite of mine ever since it came out and I've been known to pop this in the DVD right smack dab in the middle of July. It's that good.

7. Sabrina... This is one of those films that isn't necessarily a holiday themed movie, but I do adore the celebration aspect of it. This is a remake of an old classic, and I have to say that Julia Ormond does a fantastic job of seeming very "Audrey" like. It might be a tad dated by now, but I still love the love triangle and who doesn't love a happy ending!

6. Baby Boom... Again, this movie isn't so much about the holidays, but being that most of the movie is set in Vermont, that is why I'm a huge fan. I love all the snow, the big country house (even though it's a bit tragic at times) and the idea that Diane Keaton's character transforms into a bit of a Martha Stewart. I could so see myself... oh never mind, it's just a movie. But I love it so and that baby girl is sooo darn cute.

5. Yours, Mine and Ours... Lucille Ball is mainly why I love this movie. I've been in love with her ever since I spent most of the 4th, 5th and 6th grades watching her tv show every single day. I can quote pretty much anything she or Ethel says... Another reason why I love this movie is because I introduced it to TL a few years back and he actually loved it too. We had lots of giggles over the fact that he felt like he was watching an episode of his own life growing up. No, his family didn't have 18 kids, but there were 7 of them; 3 of his and 3 of hers, and the little baby TL... it just brought him right back. It's classic 1960's humor and a great movie to watch with your kids!!

4. About A Boy... Another Hugh Grant classic. I first read the book by Nick Hornsby, and couldn't wait for the movie to come out. I was not and have not been disappointed with the film. It is very heartwarming and has some good lessons about not judging others, and to remember to keep your hearts open to those who we'd never think we could. And, I adore Toni Collette.

3. The Holiday... Sigh... I love this movie with all of my heart. All things London, cozy cottages, pubs with lots of libations. I also love the relationship that Kate Winslet's character forms with her neighbor Eli Wallach. I wish I could find a neighbor like that!!

2. Grumpy Old Men... Speaking of neighbors, this movie is classic old men! Walter Matheau, and Jack Lemmon warm my heart even with all of their bickering and fighting over the hot broad who moves into the neighborhood. Even though they live in Minnesota, it reminds me of upstate NY where TL grew up, and makes me think of Tony, my beloved father in law. He and his buddies who used to get together every morning for coffee, and then hang out at the dealership all afternoon. Another classic fun film. Oh and these outtakes are a little bonus you get to see at the end of the film.

1. Elf... Okay, so I lied again, I'd probably have to say this is my favorite. I love love this movie. There is nothing wrong with it at all. Buddy is my pal, he's my buddy for life. Classic, silly comedy, but Will Ferrell is genius in this role. It just makes me so happy every time I watch it. Run, don't walk to watch this film!

merry merry...

day 10 ~ the year of the elfs...

I'm sensing a theme here...



[bringing in a dead goose]...
"I accidentally ran over it.
It's a Christmas miracle..!"

day 9 ~ it's an annual thing...

Taylor is now 8, but still excited to get her tree I'm sure...

day 8 ~ this year's "chosen one..."

Dear USPS,

I give up. You stink. I'm going to from now on, design my own commemorative stamps. You've just let me down for the last time. Nice try. Oh, but Merry Christmas to you and yours. I still respect the fact that it takes a little sticky piece of paper that costs only around 40 cents to get something from my house all the way to Santa's house.

That is simply amazing.

Love, just jill...

day 7 ~ christmas came early this year...

I've told the story a few times here before, but just in case you've drank a few eggnog and rum's since then, I'm going to share it again now.

Years and years ago, my maternal grandmother,Bert collected the magazine, The New Yorker. She really had an eye for all things art. I often wonder what prompted her to start saving the covers, and if she by chance "knew" what she was going to do with them all along. But, however it all begain, what she did end up doing with them is wallpaper-ing them to one entire wall in her kitchen. She lined them up in rows and rows and each cover magically created a "focal point" in a room that usually sees nothing but bacon grease on the walls. It was just so unexpected, so ahead of it's time. Genius, I tell ya.

My fascination with this project of hers I think came about because my own mom was fascinated by this idea of her mom's. One house we lived in, my mom did the same thing, but in a bathroom. It was way cool too, but not nearly as awesome as that kitchen wall. So, I don't know, for some reason this has stuck with me, and for years I've dreampt of doing the same thing. Maybe in an office or craft room, or study; I just think it would be, again so unexpected. Art.

Well, you'd think if I really wanted to do this project all on my own I'd possibly start collecting the magazine myself, right? Nope. Trust me I've thought about it, many times, but just never pulled the plug and purchased the subscription. It's a weekly magazine and I could just never justify the money on a "maybe one day I'll have a kitchen all of my own to maybe figure out how I too, could wallpaper my wall."

Fast forward to a month ago or so... I was perusing Craigslist. I like to look at the "free stuff" section, just to see if by chance I could score something worth more than nothing. And I saw this ad that said, "100 New Yorker Magazines...FREE" I cliked on it and even called the guy. My concern was that when you get this magazine as a subscription, the mailing label usually comes glued to the front of the cover and would essentially ruin the cover for this project of mine. So that was the first question I asked, "Do the magazines have mailing labels glued to the front of the covers?" I patiently waited for him to go and look and when he came back to the phone he said that they did. "BUMMER MAN!!" Oh well.

Now, this is when the story gets interesting to me... Just "because," and I really have no idea why, but I decided to forward the Craigslist ad on to my Aunt Vickie. I guess I figured she could "relate" as it was her mom who had originated this project to begin with and I figured I'd just share with her how close I was to getting the covers for myself!! Well, she emails me back after receiving a copy of the ad, and informs me that she just so happens to have about "10 YEARS WORTH OF THE MAGAZINES just LAYING AROUND IN A BOX IN HER BASEMENT!!" Blink. Blink Blink. "Say whaaaat..?"

Within a week, I had the box in hand and now have 10 years worth of The New Yorker Magazine all for my very own. Now all I need is a wall (or 3) and some wallpaper paste!

My Christmas definitely came early this year... Thank you Aunt Vickie!!





The New Yorker Magazines gets it's Christmas on...
circa: December 1970's