In my last post I encouraged some blogger friends to participate in a version of  "My Favorite Things".  We will not be doing any fancy giveaways like Oprah, but highlighting the things we love to buy for ourselves, friends and family.  This could also include things you might like to receive.  This post is the result of thoughts I had after seeing an interview on Fox News about the power of mom bloggers.  So many businesses are targeting mom bloggers to do reviews by sending them free products.  I think most of these reviews are a little biased considering the idea is to get more free stuff and advertising as a result of the reviews.  This list of favorite things is just stuff I buy or would purchase for family, friends or myself.  If you were not tagged, but want to participate just comment and I will add you to the list of links.  This is a great way to network and share ideas.  I took pics of the things I already own just to let you know I really like these things.  A few other "wish lists" items were added for good measure.  Some of the stuff is used so remember they come to you looking new if purchased.

Tagged Bloggers:

It's a Golden Day

The Dowdy's Doings

Mom of Redheads

Twist of Lime

Southern Living

Come Give Me Sugar

Semi Slacker Mom

Life of a Southern Belle

Pagoda Press




My Favorite Things:

This morning I was listening to Fox News as the host of the morning show interviewed the creator  Squinkies, some new hot toy.  As a mom I see these things as the new enemy of the vacuum.  The toys are inexpensive, tiny and supposedly collectable- just like everything else made in China- Ha! Ha!  Sorry if you bought them, but they look like a mom's worst nightmare not to mention a major choking hazard.  The host asked the inventor about how he used current technology, social networking and blogs to get the word out about this toy.  He commented "the mom bloggers" were instrumental in spreading the word about this product.  Evidently he sent free samples to mom bloggers and encouraged them to blog about the toy.  This interview made me think about the power we have as moms and bloggers.

Some of the blogs I read sponsor contest and giveaways as a way to introduce people to a new site, blog and sometimes a product (usually created by  a self-employed mom).  I love this way of networking.   I do realize there are blogs out there featuring tons of advertising and one review after another on products.  Personally, I have made a decision not to read or follow those blogs.  I feel I would get a very slanted view of the product due to someone's desire to get more free stuff and advertising.  For me blogging is a great way to meet new people, share great ideas and journal. 

Later today I will post a blog about My Favorite Things- these are things I buy, love and give as gifts.  These are not business or products I have been given to promote.  As the daughter of former small business owners, I think it important to support these businesses  (the backbone of our country).  My promise is to post about products I LOVE and use or purchase for family, friends or myself.  I also must say NONE of these small business owners have given me anything to post- I'm doing this as sort of my list of  "Favorite Things" (sorry no giveaways like Oprah).

I'm encouraging a few bloggers to join me in posting their "Favorite Things".  If you would like to participate, but I did not link you- please let me know by leaving a comment and I will add you to my list of links. 

It's a Golden Day
The Dowdy's Doings
Mom of Redheads
Twist of Lime
Southern Living
Come Give Me Sugar
Semi Slacker Mom
 Life of a Southern Belle
Pagoda Press

After the Fact:
It has been a whirlwind few days for my family. We started celebrating on Tuesday with my monthly GNO. Wednesday we all enjoyed an Oyster Roast with friends. Our family spent Thursday with my hubby's family before traveling to spend a few days with my family. Friday I visited a few stores and found very few great deals, but I did not get up early or stay up late to hit the stores.



Here are a few pics:

Great day spent with great friends!  For the last couple of months some of my besties have been training for their first 5K.  I really admire their dedication.  Today was their big day.  We woke early and traveled to a nearby town for their first race.  It was so much fun to cheer them on.  As most always we met interesting characters along the way.  Can't wait to spend two evenings with these girls this week.  We are long overdue for Girls Night Out!

This week many celebrated American Education Week.   The members of our household got to participate in a variety of ways.  My hubby participated in the Readers are Leaders event at the kiddos' school.  He got to read to our son's 5th grade class.  My mother-in-law read to my daughter's kindergarten class.  The school sponsored the annual Thanksgiving lunch on Thursday and it is tradition for 5th grade to dress up for the special occasion.  My son was one handsome boy- so glad he gets excited about these school activities.  Thursday evening I baked and prepared for the teacher appreciation event PTO sponsored on Friday while the kids prepared their costumes.  On Friday all of the children dressed as their favorite book character for a parade- son was Greg from Diary of a Wimpy Kid and daughter was Eloise.  It was a fun week, but I'm exhausted.  So glad for the upcoming holidays.

My friend Bevy at It's A Golden Day tagged me in a post about my favorite authors- fifteen to be exact.  I have compiled a list of books I read for fun, read with my kids, read to get me geared up for work, and read in the kitchen.   My favorite go to book is the Bible.  I did not list it here, but wanted to point it out as THE BOOK!  Thanks to technology I love reading blogs.  I have my favorites posted under "My Blog List".  Here is a list of my favorite books:

1.  Frances Hodgson Burnett- The Secret Garden

• Love this book and can't wait to read it with my daughter.

2. Jeannette Walls  The Glass Castle

• One of my favorite books- EVER.

3.  Jane O'connor  The Fancy Nancy Books

• I adore these books.  My daughter has the best time learning new "fancy"words from these books.

4.  Karen Kingsbury

• Christian fiction- can't read one without crying my heart out.

5.  Celia Rivenbark - Bless Your Heart Tramp, Stop Dressing Your Six Year Old Like a Skank as well as several others.

• Hilarious essays by a good ole southern girl.  I always pick up one of these books when I need a good laugh.

6.  Gayden Metcalfe - Being Dead is No Excuse

• Funny w/lots of great recipes

7.  Mary Kay Andrews

• Just for fun southern fiction.

8.   Matthew F Christopher

• Awesome for the young reader that loves sports.  My read all of his books in 3rd grade.

9.  Rebecca Lang- Southern Entertaining for a New Generation

• Rebecca has written two cookbooks, but this was her first.  She details grocery lists, wine pairings and gives a preparation timeline.  Rebecca is from my hometown.

10.  Nicholas Sparks

• Just for fun, but these will also make you cry.  Two of his books were made into movies- Message in a Bottle and The Last Song.

11.  Matthew B. Crawford- Shop Class as a Soul Craft

• Some might find this a strange one for my list, but as an educator I really value his writing on the importance of working with your hands.   This book has really changed the value some place on blue collar jobs.

12.  Rafe Esquith- Teach Like Your Hair Is On Fire

• Great read if you are gearing up to go back to school.  This teacher has given his life to his students.  Very inspiring.

13.  Erin Gruwell- The Freedome Writers

• Another great "back to school" author. 

14.  Christie Mellor- The Three Martini Playdate

• Must need parenting book- hilarious.

15.  Laura Ingalls Wilder- The Little House Series

• My favorite childhood books

I'm tagging the following bloggers for their list of favorite authors:


The Dowdy's Doings
Mom of Redheads
Pagoda Press
High Heels and Hairbows
The Cowgirl Lawyer

Several friends are doing a blogs or Facebook posts everyday in preparation for Thanksgiving.  Each day they are writing post about all of their blessings.  The posts have been super sweet and I enjoy reading them.  I wanted to do this, but I know I'm not going to be able to write everyday.  Just like most I am thankful for my family, friends and relationship with God, but this week I have been reminded of how blessed I am.

This week I encountered several situations at work that remind me of the struggles I have not encountered.  As a high schooler, I was fortunate to have parents to provide for all of my needs.  My family was never what I would consider wealthy, but I was never in need.  If I asked for money to take college entrance exams I got it.  On the morning of the test I never worried about how I would get to the testing site.  I've learned some don't go because they simply don't have a ride.  If I wanted to visit a college all I had to do was ask and my parents made the arrangements.  During my school years I was never sent home or called to the office for inappropriate clothing, but I also had parents at home that made sure I had clothing and would not let me leave home in unacceptable clothes.  I've realized the dreaded washing machine is also a luxury we never appreciated.  When a school trip was announced there was never a doubt I could go.  During the trip we might go to a restaurant and their was never a doubt about whether or not I could eat.  If I needed supplies for school I had them.  On a few occasions I missed the bus, but I always had a ride from my parents if needed.  My sister and I never considered coming home to a house with no power, but some do.  Did you ever want to play sports, but did not have the opportunity because your parents work and you don't have a ride home from practice?  I realize this is a bunch of random thoughts, but you  just might realize why I have left work in tears several times this week as I praised God for my many blessings. 

We are about to begin a very busy holiday season.  My prayer is each of us recognize the gifts we already have and bless others with some of the same.  Several friends and I have discussed how we have decided to make this year a slim Christmas.  With the current economy many are saving instead of spending.  Many of us have realized our children really don't NEED anything.  My husband and I are working to help our children realize how blessed they are.   I encourage everyone to consider your own blessings.  These gift unlike those wrapped up under the tree will last forever in our hearts.

Time is slipping away and it is time to get busy thinking about the annual family Christmas Card. Until this year I purchased our cards at a cute little stationary shop in a nearby city. Last year that store closed and I managed to buy my Christmas cards on clearance as they were going out of business.  Life in a small town is absolutely the best, but we don’t have any stationary shops so I’ve had to resort to online shopping.
Lucky me, I visited the Shutterfly site.  I was amazed at the selection of cards the site offers.  I’ve narrowed my selection down to three options:   Family Wall Red, Initially Chic Green and Family Wall Noir. I take so many pictures of the kiddos and it will be really difficult to narrow down my pics to fit onto the card.   Shutterfly offers coordinating address labels too.

Shutterfly also offers a Simple Path photo album starting at $12.99. The site allows you to upload your Facebook pics and create a book. As a Facebook user I load tons of pics to share with my friends and family. What a great idea to create a book of all of these great memories!

With several family birthdays just around the corner I also took a look at the birthday invitations shutterfly offers. My son says he has grown a little old for the traditional birthday party and would rather take a few friends to the movies. The “movie night” invite featured on Shutterfly would be just perfect for his celebration.

If you have a difficult time finding something for your hubby or your parents you should really consider one of the Shutterfly desk calendars. This gift will be used everyday and always bring a smile to the receiver.  I know I wouldn't mind one on my desk- hint to the hubby!

I just phoned my hubby to request he pick up some bleu cheese on his way home from work.  When I told him one of his favorite chicken casseroles was in the oven he didn't think twice about my request.  Several years ago when I had our first child hubby's assistant delivered a delicious casserole to our home.   The herb stuffing mix in the recipe makes me crave my grandmother's turkey and dressing.  Tonight I am serving this casserole with fresh greens, pears and toasted pecans along with the homemade bleu cheese dressing.  This dressing recipe is much more common than the tangy recipe I shared last year during the holiday season.  The tangy version will definitely be on the table again really soon.  Hope you are enjoying your fall cooking as much as I am.

Chicken Casserole

2 cups cooked diced chicken
1 stick margarine
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of celery soup
2 cups chicken broth
1 small package herb stuffing mix

Combine soups and broth in a saucepan.  Mix and heat 5 minutes.  Melt margarine and pour over stuffing.  Mix well.  Butter bottom of baking dish.  Cover bottom of dish w/stuffing mix.  Add layer of chicken then a layer of soup.  Alternate layers finishing with stuffing mix on top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes

Creamy Bleu Cheese Dressing

4 oz. bleu cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
salt to taste

Mix all ingredients and put on tossed salad.  Makes about 1 1/2 cups.