The secret of Spaghetti

So, let it be known that I know that I am NOT a great cook!

Yes, shocker. Please, don't tell Scott!

But, I have discovered the secret to the best creamiest Spaghetti sauce in the whole wide world!

CREAM CHEESE!

Try it. Just add about 2 ounces to your favorite spaghetti sauce (see mine pictured here.....made with love!) Yes, me and Bertoli are BFF!

It will make all of the creamiest difference in the world! No one will know that it came out of a jar!

And, hey, if you are WILD and CRAZY, sprinkle some extra garlic and add mushrooms! They'll go insane! No really!

Enjoy!

Christmas Cards already?!

Yes, I am in the mood! Already thinking of what my Christmas Cards are gonna be!

I have said it time and again, but.....yes, you know, one more time can't hurt!

One of my very favorite parts about Christmas is all of the Photo Cards. I love every single day checking the mail.

Waiting for new ones to arrive. Looking at beautiful families, creative card makers, and fabulous photos. Oh, how I love getting them in the mail.

So, I always want mine to be special. A personal touch.

For the past few years, I have turned to Shutterfly to help with that! I would LOVE to handmake every single one, but honestly, I just love toooooo many people to do that! I have to make them "by hand" on Shutterfly :)

Here's a link to some I am loving right now!

Can you imagine how cute my family would be in this one!




Oh, and then I was thinking, I could wait and do some fun New Years Cards!

I mean, is this the cutest card EVER!!!



Well, and then, I was checking out the Christmas Thank You cards! Do any of you do this?! I am wondering if I am terrible because we have never done this! What are your thoughts?



So, while I was checking all of this out, and thinking about which one I want, I noticed this little treasure, and I thought I'd pass along the savings, to you!!!

Early Bird gets the worm....or atleast the really cute photos!
Shutterfly is offering 20% off all holiday cards!!! Get started NOW, so you don't have to worry about them, um, say....December 23rd and you are paying like a gazillion bucks extra for shipping! Order today!

Ok, ok, enough for now. I need to quit playing and really be productive! I mean, after all...what would people say if I actually got my cards done in November :)

*Disclaimer: I am participating in Shutterfly's Holiday Card promotion. I was offered free Shutterfly cards for my post, but as always, the opinions are my own....and for the record, I love Shutterfly...every day of the year*

Kmart Halloween Winners!

$50 Kmart Halloween Decor Winner:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

14

Timestamp: 2010-10-23 05:09:36 UTC

JoeyfromSC said...I LOVE the Gemmy Airblown Archway-Floating Reaper! Thanks for the chance to win!

Miss Mouse Costume Giveaway from Kmart:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

27

Timestamp: 2010-10-23 05:13:04 UTC

Lisa said...

would love Iron Man for Cole

On purpose

Football Season 2010.

Tonight is Mason's last game (actually, the team has one more game, but we will be out of town).

It's kind of sad.

Every week, atleast 2 times a week, my Facebook status has been "Here we go, Panthers".

It seems silly. I know. But, him playing JV and Varsity has been kind of fun this year. A little bit of play time on Varsity and a lot on JV, makes for a FULL Season.


$5, or $6, or even $7 (they were proud of their stadium) EACH person...EACH game...plus parking...plus some of these...YUM! Fried Oreos.....makes for a LOT of $$$$$$$$ spent...just on games alone.


Cleats.

Tshirts. GROSS. Because he has RUINED all of his other ones under his uniform. Double Gross.

Food to run grab a bite before the game.

Lots of $$$.

Lots of time. Pick up from practice. Take to practice. Sunday. Watch film. Drive to the away games. Pick up from the Field House....very late at night.

Cold. Lots of hot chocolate on a few nights.

Yes, typical. Football Season!!!

AND I LOVE EVERY SECOND. Every. Single. Second.

I have missed a few fun getaways, and I have missed doing a few things I wanted to do...and heck...I have just missed being home in my "soft clothes"...but instead..on the hard cold bleachers.

And, I would not trade it for the world.

Hanging out with friends. Making some new ones. Cheering them on. Hoping that Panther on the field is not hurt....just down for a play or two. Concession stand food. Fun rides home from the game with the hubby and the more social child :)

And, please, you know I crazy Love this PCHS MOM shirt!!!

So, so much, I am thankful for.......as football 2010 comes to a close.

I am thankful I chose not to go on the girlfriend trip.
I am thankful I rearranged my schedule more than once to be home when he got home from practice.
I am thankful I was here to put a few bandaids on.
I am thankful for the nasty, gross, laundry.

I did it all on purpose. And, I am glad I did.

I am proud of you #62! (and, for the record, I know that you looked up in the stands every game to make sure I was there, even though you did not want your friends to know)...xoxo

What's for Dinner?

Ok, let's face it, so I am NOT a great cook! It's ok. It's ok. No one has to tell me, I just know it :)

But, then, comes the Lawry's......I *love* using mixes, sauces, spices, etc that are EASY and make it seem like my "cooking" was really more of me, than of a package.

So, when I was offered the chance to try these packets, I said "yes. Yes. YES!!!!"

And, wow! When you get into these, you will see just how easy it makes cooking!

Lawry's has 4 new varieties of spices, and I think it's enough of a variety to please the masses....and the Not-so-GREAT cooks like me!

•Asian Style Beef & Broccoli – This easy to prepare stir fry meal will remind your family of their favorite Asian restaurant. The dish combines beef, broccoli and seasonings with a hint of garlic. Serve it over rice and you have a complete, satisfying meal.
•Chimichurri Burrito Casserole – Lawry´s gives the familiar Burrito casserole a new twist with this traditional Latin American sauce. With a few simple fresh ingredients, mealtime just got a lot more exciting.
•Mediterranean Sundried Tomato & Garlic Chicken – Add a taste of the Mediterranean to your family´s casserole. This easy to bake casserole combines chicken, pasta, tomatoes and Feta cheese to easily make a flavorful meal any night of the week.
•Tuscan Style Chicken Marsala with Garlic and Basil – Chicken Marsala is a restaurant favorite, but it might not make the menu at home. This effortless version comes together on your stovetop with just a few fresh ingredients. Flavorful garlic and basil gives this meal its own Tuscan flair, perfect for serving over pasta or rice.

And the best part is.....You can win this same package!!! (well, not those super fresh veggies!)

So, here's how YOU can win!

(Mandatory Entry must be completed FIRST)
1. Leave me a comment and tell me which one of these flavors you would LOVE to have!!!

(Bonus entries...you know, so you can rack up more chances for the loot!)
*Leave a comment for each*
*Total of Five Bonus entries possible*
1. Follow me on Twitter.
2. Follow me via google connect ----->
3. Subscribe to my blog via email ----->
4. Post about this giveaway on your blog, and post the link in the comments.
5. Share the link to the giveaway on facebook ,and post the link in the comments.

Good Luck, and I hope you win :)

***Contest Ends Tuesday, October 26th!!! So, enter Today!


**And, as a bonus, click on over here to Gourmet Mom On-the-Go!!! She has a fun pack from Lawry's too!

**This contest is open to all US Residents. I was given the products for my honest opinion and review from Lawry's through My Blog Spark. As always, these opinions are my very own :)

Launching a Dream....a Disney Dream

I spent the morning in this Webinar.....Launching a Dream!

What an exciting time! Disney Cruise Line is just about to launch the Disney Dream, an amazing ship, and just behind that, they have now announced the launch of the Disney Fantasy.

The maiden voyage will be Saturday, April 7, 2012. Um, can you guess what I want for my birthday in 2012?!

Ok, so that being said, if there was ever a time for a Walt Disney World Vacation Package, it is NOW!!!

email me today, and we can get you started!

The best news is this:

Reservations for the Disney Fantasy......begin TOMORROW, October 19!!!!!!

Email me now!
brittney@classictravelconnection.com


Some fun facts to know...coming up:

CELEBRATION, Fla., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral, Fla., on the popular seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern and western – including a stop at Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

The Disney Dream will continue to sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, while the Disney Wonder will remain on the west coast, sailing Mexican Riviera itineraries from the Port of Los Angeles. To start the 2012 season, the Disney Magic will sail alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.

"The Disney Fantasy continues our tradition of sailing beautifully designed vessels that offer innovations, world-class guest service and memorable family vacation experiences like only Disney can do," said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. "We are delighted to expand our offerings to provide guests with more options and more flexibility to enjoy a Disney family cruise."

Additional Disney Fantasy details and 2012 itinerary information will be released at a later date.

Disney Fantasy 2012 Schedule (April – August)

The Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage April 7, 2012, and will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Both itineraries include a stop at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean cruise itineraries on the Disney Fantasy start at $959 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Dream 2012 Schedule (January – August)

The Disney Dream will sail alternating three-, four- and five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Five-night itineraries will include two stops at Castaway Cay.

Rates for Disney Dream Bahamas cruises start at $333 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Wonder 2012 Schedule (January – April)

The Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

Rates for the seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary start at $658 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Disney Magic 2012 Schedule (January – April)

Prior to the Disney Fantasy entering service on April 7, the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel). Both itineraries include a stop at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for the seven-night Caribbean itineraries on the Disney Magic start at $707 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

All pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, government taxes and fees not included.

Email me for a quote today: brittney@classictravelconnection.com

Miss Mouse Halloween Costume Giveaway

Oh, you know how I love Walt Disney World. And Halloween, and the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and Trick-or-Treating on the Disney Cruise...and....well, you get the picture.

I was so excited when Kmart offered this giveaway to one of my readers! How exciting!!!

Kmart is helping celebrate Halloween with thousands of costumes, candy by the bagful and countless spooky decorations! Kmart is also hosting a contest, called Shock the Block, which gives readers the chance to win a $2,000 grand prize, just for saying why their Halloween party will be the best one ever.

It wouldn’t be Halloween without heaps of candy and tons of pumpkins! Customers who shop at Kmart don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a frighteningly fun Halloween. Kmart is also offering super deals on spooky Halloween décor.

The Shock the Block contest (running now until Oct. 20) will give some lucky customers even more spending power this holiday season—one grand prize winner will receive a $2,000 Kmart gift card, while five first-place winners will receive $200 Kmart gift cards! Customers can enter by telling Kmart about their Halloween party plans in just 200 words or less.

This season Kmart has amped up its exclusive decorative options, offering freaky, family-friendly, fabulous and frugal Halloween decorations available in stores or online. From giant fake spiders to dancing skeletons, everyone can create the scariest haunted house on the block.

So, for Today's Giveaway........(and don't miss the other one....$50 in Halloween Decor from Kmart....click HERE to enter) Here's WHAT you can win!!!


A super cute Miss Mouse costume!

So, here's how YOU can win!

(Mandatory Entry must be completed FIRST)
1. Go to Kmart, and tell me ONE other Halloween Costume you would LOVE to have!!!

(Bonus entries...you know, so you can rack up more chances for the loot!)
*Leave a comment for each*
*Total of Five Bonus entries possible*
1. Follow me on Twitter.
2. Follow me via google connect ----->
3. Subscribe to my blog via email ----->
4. Post about this giveaway on your blog, and post the link in the comments.
5. Share the link to the giveaway on facebook ,and post the link in the comments.

Good Luck, and I hope you win :)

***Contest Ends Thursday, October 21st!!! So, enter Today!

KMart's Halloween Decorations Giveaway----and a contest!

Ok, Ok!!!

If you combine my *LOVE* for Walt Disney World......and Mickey Mouse and all of the things that go along with it.....and my *swoon* over the Halloween Holiday......well, then you will know that I was crazy excited when KMart and Sears offered me the opportunity to give away this fabulously cool prize....to YOU....one of my readers!!!

How exciting is that!!!!

Now, you must read this all the way through, to get the greatness of it all!!

Kmart is helping celebrate Halloween with thousands of costumes, candy by the bagful and countless spooky decorations! Kmart is also hosting a contest, called Shock the Block, which gives readers the chance to win a $2,000 grand prize, just for saying why their Halloween party will be the best one ever.

It wouldn’t be Halloween without heaps of candy and tons of pumpkins! Customers who shop at Kmart don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a frighteningly fun Halloween. Kmart is also offering super deals on spooky Halloween décor.

The Shock the Block contest (running now until Oct. 20) will give some lucky customers even more spending power this holiday season—one grand prize winner will receive a $2,000 Kmart gift card, while five first-place winners will receive $200 Kmart gift cards! Customers can enter by telling Kmart about their Halloween party plans in just 200 words or less.

This season Kmart has amped up its exclusive decorative options, offering freaky, family-friendly, fabulous and frugal Halloween decorations available in stores or online. From giant fake spiders to dancing skeletons, everyone can create the scariest haunted house on the block.

So, for Today's Giveaway........(hint, hint....there's another one coming!!!!) Here's WHAT you can win!!! Over $50 in Halloween Decor! Awesome!!!!


Totally Ghoul Marcus the Carcus


Sienna Pumpkin Light Set



Disney Airblown Mickey Pumpkin




So, here's how YOU can win!

(Mandatory Entry must be completed FIRST)
1. Go to Kmart, and tell me ONE other Halloween Item would would LOVE to have!!!

(Bonus entries...you know, so you can rack up more chances for the loot!)
*Leave a comment for each*
*Total of Five Bonus entries possible*
1. Follow me on Twitter.
2. Follow me via google connect ----->
3. Subscribe to my blog via email ----->
4. Post about this giveaway on your blog, and post the link in the comments.
5. Share the link to the giveaway on facebook ,and post the link in the comments.

Good Luck, and I hope you win :)

***Contest Ends Tuesday, October 19th!!! So, enter Today!

The Best Cheesy Biscuits in the World!

Oh, honey(pun intended!) These are the BEST cheese biscuits ever!

Now, let me start by telling you that if you don't like nuts, just try them with regular Cream Cheese, but, there are only a small amount of nuts in the Honey and Nut cream cheese, so, it really was not very obvious.

Here goes!

1 1/2 c. Biscuit mix (Bisquick or any other)

3/4 c. buttermilk

3 T. sugar
2 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese (Honey and Nut flavor)

1/4 t. vanilla

1 c. cheddar cheese, shredded

Now, here's the VERY hard part!

Mix it all up! Spray the pan! Pour it in! Bake at about 400 and in about 13 minutes (hey, who's counting!) you have the most yummiest Cheese Biscuits EVER!

And, if you are WILD.....serve them with Honey Butter!

Oh, Glory! That is good!

I stole it!

I don't care who you are.......this is the best picture in the world! Well, atleast it is for me today.

My house is a wreck.

My car is a wreck.

My closet is out of control. Is it Summer or Winter? I can't tell outside! UGH!

My dishes are flowing out of the sink.

And, then...I saw this! On her blog HERE!

Oh, Lord, thank you for this!

My kids are in sports, and I go to their games.

We have a new puppy.

We dipped caramel apples (and they were a disaster)

I am training for a marathon.

My husband lets me lay on his chest at night (even though he HATES it).

Life is good and my home is a "wreck". Thank you, Lord, for that!

And, thank you, Erin, for your awesomeness!

Winner Winner! New England Coffee Giveaway

Congrats to lucky number #27 "clenna"!! You have some delicious New England Coffee on it's way to you!!! Yummy! Enjoy!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

27

Timestamp: 2010-10-11 18:43:42 UTC

Winning Comment:

#27 clenna said...I follow via Google

Disney Travel Agent - Birmingham Area

Ok, so this might be one of my FAVORITE pictures I've posted on here!

Well, not really, but...you know!

I am so excited that I can attach THIS logo to every single email!

I am so excited that I have business cards with THIS on them!

I am so excited that I am an Authorized Disney Travel Planner!!!

I can help you with your Walt Disney World Vacation Packages!

My, oh, my, why have I not done this years ago!

Well, if you will notice over to the left
<---------------------------------------------- I have added some new buttons, one of them is Main Street Memories!

Will you click it? Will you be my "friend" on facebook?! Some fun interaction on there, but also, a place where we will be posting our Disney Specials, Giveaways, etc

And, if you know of anyone planning a Disney Vacation, let me know! I'd love to help them have a Magical Time!

In the market.......

I have not yet had a chance to post pics of my newly remodeled Kitchen......with some fabulous (if I do say so myself) re-purposed cabinets.....but, never fear, it is coming!

And, with the new cabinets, and new paint....you know that puts me in the mood to start shopping for new dining sets.

As I was painting, I knew that I would check out their sites FIRST. I am so lucky to be a CSN Preferred Blogger, and I knew they would have just what I needed!

UGH! Did they! Oh, my!

Hmmm.....where to start............


Pardon me.....while I take a few days to think about it :)

The Nate Berkus Show

Oh what a wonderful experience. Pardon....in advance...but this is a photo HEAVY post!


Our adventure started bright and early Thursday morning, as our driver picked us up from the Flatotel. A nice, posh hotel, right in the heart of Midtown.

As soon as we arrived, I had an "out of my mind" experience. I noticed the audience line. Yes, a line I have been in several times for other shows, and so I knew exactly what it was.


A line. Waiting. Waiting for the show that I was about to be on! Are you serious! So, of course I took a picture.

They quickly took us inside, and down the halls of the CBS Studio. Oh my. It was crazy being inside....a part of it all!

We were taken to our Green Room (oh my! A Green room! I have only DREAMED of having a Green Room!!!)

Yes, I know...my name is spelled wrong...but it was totally ok :)

And then quickly to hair and makeup. Now, I had already "done" my hair, but she was quick to start working her magic....making me presentable! (maybe hoping to get some Alabama OUT of me and some NYC into me!)




Yes, that's right...even the hubby got some makeup too! Lookin' fine, I tell ya! Lookin' fine!

Yes, someone pinch me! It just keeps getting better!


Then, off to a quick "run thru".......onset......no Nate just yet....but they just wanted to get us familiar with the site and the lights!


She said that a lot of times, people get awestruck by the lights, so they like to do a "run thru" before the show goes live! Yay!!!!!

I was loving the set!

The producers were just buzzing around everywhere!!! It was so great. So so great!
Then, back to the Green Room to go over all of the details.

Now, this was a process. We went over lots of "if he says this, or when he says that".....it was so interesting to see how it all happens!

This was our little cutie-patootie producer! I could just put her in my pocket! I love her so!


And, then, of course, during the break...Scott and I had some fun, posing with Nate!



And....then.....it's show time! No cameras allowed :(

But, we were taken to the set again, and were watching everything go on from backstage. It was all just an out-of-body experience.

Then, Nate's wardrobe manager came by and "adjusted" my bow...and he said "you like like a million bucks.....great outfit choice!" (thanks, Lucy!).....I was stoked.

And, as we are standing there.....in walks Nate! What! There he is! What!

Scott was LOVING all of this! He was just laughing at ME....


Anyways, the show happened, it was GREAT, we had TONS of fun.....and then....

sadly, it was over!

We said our good-byes, gave hugs and love...and we were on our way!

Us with Kelly, our life and style expert!

Me and my two fave producers...and my new New York City BFF's! I'll miss you girls so much (please keep in mind, I talked to these 2 gals....about 20 times a day (no exaggeration!) for about 5 days prior to our arrival!)

Scott with the girls! He loved them!


And, then outside the studio! What a fun day!



And, yes, now we are off......on our way.....to explore some more of what NYC has to offer!