I came across this beautiful video the other day on YouTube. It's a gorgeous display of fall scenery shot in PA's Laurel Highlands. It really captures the beauty of the season.
Hope you like it.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sweet Potato Casserole
This is a favorite of mine for Thanksgiving! This recipe is super easy to prepare, and it's delicious! It is so sweet it could almost double as a dessert!
Enjoy!
1 (16 oz.) can sweet potatoes
1 (16 oz.) can sweet potatoes
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon1 egg, beaten
4 tbsp. melted butter
1 pkg. marshmallows
Butter baking dish. Place 1/2 of mixture in dish. Dot with marshmallows, then add remaining mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, dot top with marshmallows and replace in oven about 10 minutes or until brown.
You can also crush pecans and sprinkle on top when finished to give a crunchy, nutty flavor. Delicious!
Peace
The old earth is changing;
The seasons turn round.
The autumn leaves flutter
Their way to the ground.
My own world is changing;
The seasons conspire
To grant me the peace
Of a rest by the fire
~Melissa Pinol~
This is such a lovely poem, and it really sums up how fall makes me feel. Fall is peace. It's a time to reflect and renew before another year comes to a close and a new one begins. To me, fall is about change. And it always forces me to look at myself and all the changes that I have made or am going through. It's not about the death of something - it's renewal. We can constantly renew ourselves. Just like fall brings a change, spring comes by quickly with new life. We can do the same.
The seasons turn round.
The autumn leaves flutter
Their way to the ground.
My own world is changing;
The seasons conspire
To grant me the peace
Of a rest by the fire
~Melissa Pinol~
This is such a lovely poem, and it really sums up how fall makes me feel. Fall is peace. It's a time to reflect and renew before another year comes to a close and a new one begins. To me, fall is about change. And it always forces me to look at myself and all the changes that I have made or am going through. It's not about the death of something - it's renewal. We can constantly renew ourselves. Just like fall brings a change, spring comes by quickly with new life. We can do the same.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
F stands for fall and fashion
Ugg boots, chunky sweaters, tights, beautiful scarves... all the more reason to love fall! Fall and fashion just go hand in hand. I am a self-declared 'shopaholic.' I have a serious addiction to clothes. It's bad. And this time of year does the worst damage.
And apparently television has caught on to this fall fashion craze. Am I the only one to notice that a lot of the TV shows this fall are about fashion in some way? I for one love it. We are definitely paying more and more attention to what the shows' characters are wearing, thus making new trends stick even harder. I'm sure you've heard of the little show 'Sex and the City.' Carrie made Manolo Blahnik's a household name. And just take a look at reality shows. We have 'America's Next Top Model,' 'Project Runway,' 'What Not to Wear,' 'How to Look Good Naked' and there are even three shows based on stylists alone!
My DVR has definitely been running this fall. I won't discriminate on these different network shows either. I would try and watch them all if I had the time.
I also had the pleasure of getting a sneek-peek of the new Nordstrom store at Ross Park for my WPXI internship. Oh, it was fall fashion bliss! They had the biggest selection and new designs of Ugg boots I have ever seen! Even new black metallic Ugg Boots! They are definitely going on my Christmas wishlist...
Oh I love fall!
And apparently television has caught on to this fall fashion craze. Am I the only one to notice that a lot of the TV shows this fall are about fashion in some way? I for one love it. We are definitely paying more and more attention to what the shows' characters are wearing, thus making new trends stick even harder. I'm sure you've heard of the little show 'Sex and the City.' Carrie made Manolo Blahnik's a household name. And just take a look at reality shows. We have 'America's Next Top Model,' 'Project Runway,' 'What Not to Wear,' 'How to Look Good Naked' and there are even three shows based on stylists alone!
My DVR has definitely been running this fall. I won't discriminate on these different network shows either. I would try and watch them all if I had the time.
I also had the pleasure of getting a sneek-peek of the new Nordstrom store at Ross Park for my WPXI internship. Oh, it was fall fashion bliss! They had the biggest selection and new designs of Ugg boots I have ever seen! Even new black metallic Ugg Boots! They are definitely going on my Christmas wishlist...
Oh I love fall!
Please don't go!
I'm just not ready to let fall go yet! I don't want to!
I just heard on the television that snow is coming... ugh.
Which reminded me that I seriously need to get snow tires - as my tires have been bald since last winter apparently. Wouldn't you think that my mechanic would tell me that when he inspected my car? I suppose I ask too much of him.
I also walked outside yesterday morning and saw my neat-freak neighbor raking up all his leaves in his yard while he said to me, "Boy, is this a pain. Hopefully this is the last time I have to do this, huh Jenny?"
Um, no? I love leaves. Leave them alone. They look so beautiful, and they are like fall decorations everywhere you go! The trees are almost bare now, so I want to enjoy those beautiful firey, orange colors while I still can.
I should of said, "Yes, I'm sure it will be the last time you have to rake them. I suppose you would prefer to shovel snow then?"
I just heard on the television that snow is coming... ugh.
Which reminded me that I seriously need to get snow tires - as my tires have been bald since last winter apparently. Wouldn't you think that my mechanic would tell me that when he inspected my car? I suppose I ask too much of him.
I also walked outside yesterday morning and saw my neat-freak neighbor raking up all his leaves in his yard while he said to me, "Boy, is this a pain. Hopefully this is the last time I have to do this, huh Jenny?"
Um, no? I love leaves. Leave them alone. They look so beautiful, and they are like fall decorations everywhere you go! The trees are almost bare now, so I want to enjoy those beautiful firey, orange colors while I still can.
I should of said, "Yes, I'm sure it will be the last time you have to rake them. I suppose you would prefer to shovel snow then?"
Too soon for Christmas?
I just have to wonder...
I believe it was the week after Halloween that the Starbuck's cups turned red. That is always a sign for me that Christmas is around the corner. Isn't it crazy though that we couldn't even get past Halloween this year without everything turning red and green and sparkly? When it should have been black and orange and bloody?
We live in such a society that is so consumed with what is next, that we can't even take the time to enjoy the present (no pun intended.)
The Starbucks cups are now red, Wish 99.7 is playing continuous Christmas music, and preparations for the Christmas tree in PPG place has started weeks ago. Does everyone just bypass Thanksgiving? Why can't all the Christmas hustle and bustle start after Thanksgiving? It is, after all, a beautiful holiday that has so much meaning.
I can't help but think this is all consumer-related. Retail stores know what they're doing. Heck, it even works on me. You're in the mall and hear these beautiful songs and see the happy couple in banners giving each other presents - it absolutely DOES make me want to buy.
Christmas is such a wonderful, generous time. And it is so great to physically show your loved ones how much you and love and appreciate them, so I am not bashing gifts at all... but can't we just enjoy the rest of this beautiful season before it turns frigid and the traffic becomes a nightmare? Somehow that just takes away from the real meaning of the season. It's not about running around like a psycho to different stores and being grouchy to everyone you meet if you can't find the right gift. It's about being generous to the people you love, and enjoying quality time with them. After all, having these amazing people in your life all year long is the gift that keeps on giving.
I believe it was the week after Halloween that the Starbuck's cups turned red. That is always a sign for me that Christmas is around the corner. Isn't it crazy though that we couldn't even get past Halloween this year without everything turning red and green and sparkly? When it should have been black and orange and bloody?
We live in such a society that is so consumed with what is next, that we can't even take the time to enjoy the present (no pun intended.)
The Starbucks cups are now red, Wish 99.7 is playing continuous Christmas music, and preparations for the Christmas tree in PPG place has started weeks ago. Does everyone just bypass Thanksgiving? Why can't all the Christmas hustle and bustle start after Thanksgiving? It is, after all, a beautiful holiday that has so much meaning.
I can't help but think this is all consumer-related. Retail stores know what they're doing. Heck, it even works on me. You're in the mall and hear these beautiful songs and see the happy couple in banners giving each other presents - it absolutely DOES make me want to buy.
Christmas is such a wonderful, generous time. And it is so great to physically show your loved ones how much you and love and appreciate them, so I am not bashing gifts at all... but can't we just enjoy the rest of this beautiful season before it turns frigid and the traffic becomes a nightmare? Somehow that just takes away from the real meaning of the season. It's not about running around like a psycho to different stores and being grouchy to everyone you meet if you can't find the right gift. It's about being generous to the people you love, and enjoying quality time with them. After all, having these amazing people in your life all year long is the gift that keeps on giving.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Here we go, Steelers (and Pens!), Here we go!
This time of year means football, and football to me means Steelers, good food, good friends and good beer! I know some people, especially girls, may not see the huge deal about a football game, but that's not the point. What the point is, is that these games bring people together! Just take a walk outside in Pittsburgh, or go to any public place, and chances are you are going to see someone wearing Steelers or Pens gear. How great is it that sports teams can bring this city together so much?
And people! I think it's so wonderful how every football or hockey game I hear people say, "Where do you want to watch the game?" or "Come on over to my place to watch the game!" It makes Pittsburgh like one big family because that is something we all love and agree on -- our wonderful sports teams. What else can we say that about?
While I am a hockey girl at heart, I am so grateful for the Steelers as well (even though I know the Pens are creating quite a fan base because of our all-star team.) What can I say? I'm a native Pittsburgher - it's genetic! Going to the Strip or watching people on casual Friday's walking Downtown in their Steelers shirts really makes me proud.
And people! I think it's so wonderful how every football or hockey game I hear people say, "Where do you want to watch the game?" or "Come on over to my place to watch the game!" It makes Pittsburgh like one big family because that is something we all love and agree on -- our wonderful sports teams. What else can we say that about?
While I am a hockey girl at heart, I am so grateful for the Steelers as well (even though I know the Pens are creating quite a fan base because of our all-star team.) What can I say? I'm a native Pittsburgher - it's genetic! Going to the Strip or watching people on casual Friday's walking Downtown in their Steelers shirts really makes me proud.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
ARRRR!!!
I'm so excited! My boyfriend and I got our Halloween costumes after deliberating about it for awhile -- we are going as Pirates! And that was such a fun day shopping for those. I almost peed my pants watching Joe try on these skin tight costumes. It's amazing to me that they don't have different sizes for men's costumes. All they have is "standard." What is standard anyway? Can you really classify all men as standard? But I digress...
We are also doing something new and fun this year. On Halloween we are going to pass out candy to the little trick or treater's (which is a tradition of mine, I just love seeing all of our adorable neighbor kids in their costumes), and then we are going to a Halloween Dance Cruise on the Gateway Clipper. Our friends are coming over to my house before to get ready, also.
It's gonna be a blast. There is a Bon Jovi cover band, KISS fm will be there, the rapper that sings "Swing" will perform, and I think a Trani show which will no doubt be quite interesting I'm sure.
It's going to be a little sad, too, I must admit. My friend's boyfriend who is in the Marines is leaving for Iraq on Monday, so this may be the last time we see him before he leaves :( I love all our troops. The sacrifices they make for this country are unparalleled. Drinks all around for him Friday night!
Halloween is probably tied with Christmas for my favorite holiday. I'm so looking forward to being off work and school and being with my wonderful boyfriend and friends for the entire day! They mean the world to me.
My boyfriend is gonna look like such a hunk in his Captain Jack Sparrow costume. Let's be honest, that's what I'm really looking forward to! ;)
We are also doing something new and fun this year. On Halloween we are going to pass out candy to the little trick or treater's (which is a tradition of mine, I just love seeing all of our adorable neighbor kids in their costumes), and then we are going to a Halloween Dance Cruise on the Gateway Clipper. Our friends are coming over to my house before to get ready, also.
It's gonna be a blast. There is a Bon Jovi cover band, KISS fm will be there, the rapper that sings "Swing" will perform, and I think a Trani show which will no doubt be quite interesting I'm sure.
It's going to be a little sad, too, I must admit. My friend's boyfriend who is in the Marines is leaving for Iraq on Monday, so this may be the last time we see him before he leaves :( I love all our troops. The sacrifices they make for this country are unparalleled. Drinks all around for him Friday night!
Halloween is probably tied with Christmas for my favorite holiday. I'm so looking forward to being off work and school and being with my wonderful boyfriend and friends for the entire day! They mean the world to me.
My boyfriend is gonna look like such a hunk in his Captain Jack Sparrow costume. Let's be honest, that's what I'm really looking forward to! ;)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Zombie's have heart
I had the pleasure on Saturday to attend the annual Zombie Walk at Monroeville Mall for my WPXI internship. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much, but I was SPEECHLESS when I saw thousands upon thousands of "zombies" come marching into the mall entrance to register at 9 in the morning. What a following!These so-called "zombies," while they are supposed to be lifeless, really have heart. It was almost like a big zombie family. Everyone was complimenting each other's costumes, taking pictures, giving hugs to zombies they have met at past walks -- it was really something to see, and a great event to go to a week before Halloween.
Monroeville Mall was the official location of the George A. Romero zombie film "Dawn of the Dead," so it was the perfect place to hold the zombie walk this year.
And oh the zombie's that came! I have never seen such creative costumes in my life! There was a Marilyn Monroe zombie covered in blood, a PennDot worker Zombie holding a "SLOW" sign (**my personal favorite, he even said, "See, even a zombie can do this job!" Haha, I love it!), a pregnant zombie with a baby popping out, a zombie gardener, a homecoming queen zombie... the list goes on.
There was even a 92-year-old woman in a wheelchair dressed up as a zombie! And my personal favorite -- zombie babies in strollers. Can you believe that? :)
The walk was also free this year, so participants were asked to bring non-perishable food donations to benefit the local Pittsburgh Food Bank, and there were boxes FILLED with soup, cereals, pasta and canned goods.
Even though many zombies were moaning and groaning for brains, the walk proved that they give back, too :)
Click on this link to see my slideshow of the event I created for WPXI.com -http://www.wpxi.com/slideshow/vj/17817906/detail.html
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Why do we LOVE getting spooked so much?
My biggest fear? This guy to the left coming after me! Yikes!
I simply can't handle chainsaws...
Really, when you think about it, what is the fascination with haunted houses, scary tales and getting the crap scared out of us? I love it just as much as the next person, but I just can't help but wonder why?
Do we just love that adrenaline feeling... and does it really count when we KNOW people are out to scare us? Would it still be fun if we weren't prepared for it? Probably not!
My boyfriend is so into it, too, this year. He is always looking up haunted areas to explore around Pittsburgh and the stories behind it. The paranormal really is entertaining to us "normal" people. Hope they don't mind :)
Every year, I look forward to the haunted hayride in Portersville at Cheeseman's Farm. It's so much fun and a nice ride up I-79. For some reason, standing in an hour long line in the freezing cold in the middle of corn fields is fun! How do we explain that? :) But EVERY YEAR it is a tradition to go up there opening weekend. This year was no exception. We get a big group of friends and huddle together to keep warm and share good stories and great laughs while waiting to get spooked! I guess when you think about it we do a lot of silly sounding things in life, but what the hell, if it makes up happy, why not?
If you're looking for a fun hayride to go to this year, check out Cheeseman Farm's Fright Farm. You'll have a blast, I promise. Log onto www.cheesemanfarm.com for all the details!
Happy Haunting!
Pumpkin cookies = L.O.V.E.
I think it's official. I think my favorite cookie in the world is my mom's homemade pumpkin cookies that she ONLY makes in the fall. Yet another reason why I love this season so much! Oh, to wake up and smell those delicious things baking in the oven... yum. The kitchen is so warm and I know they will be the perfect addition to my coffee. I wish I could share these with every human in the world. They are delicious, moist pumpkin drop cookies with this amazing cream cheese and brown sugar frosting... and she somehow always makes them the perfect size for popping in your mouth. And I swear they get even better as the days go on... Normally, I am one of those health conscious/calorie-counting girls, but when these things are in the picture, all bets are off. And I could care less!
I always make sure when they are done to put some (er, a lot) aside in a tupperware container for myself, and my mom always laughs at me when I do that because I look so selfish, but I KNOW, I've learned, that these things literally are gone in a day when my brother, dad and neighbors find out what she made. They only come around once a year! I have to get my fix!
My mom's famous quote for all her delicious homemade desserts definitely comes into play, and I of course have the agree with her when I ask her for every dessert:
Me: "Is this bad for you?" (of course, I know the answer for all her cakes, cookies and pies... but sometimes you just need a little positive reassurance.)
Mom: "Nah."
I love my mom :) No guilt here! All her food is made with love, so that can't be bad, right? ;)
I always make sure when they are done to put some (er, a lot) aside in a tupperware container for myself, and my mom always laughs at me when I do that because I look so selfish, but I KNOW, I've learned, that these things literally are gone in a day when my brother, dad and neighbors find out what she made. They only come around once a year! I have to get my fix!
My mom's famous quote for all her delicious homemade desserts definitely comes into play, and I of course have the agree with her when I ask her for every dessert:
Me: "Is this bad for you?" (of course, I know the answer for all her cakes, cookies and pies... but sometimes you just need a little positive reassurance.)
Mom: "Nah."
I love my mom :) No guilt here! All her food is made with love, so that can't be bad, right? ;)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
I never carved a pumpkin before this year... was I REALLY deprived?
Hey everyone. I'm so excited for this time of year! Fall is already in full swing, and I am loving every minute of it. The food, the smells, football and hockey, pumpkins, leaves, fresh-pressed cider, haunted houses, costumes... what could be better? I know I know, I probably sound way to cheery and corney, but I LOVE FALL! It always just goes way to quick! Right now, btw, is the BEST time to take a ride up 79 North to see the leaves. All too soon they will have all fallen and the snow will come rolling through. Get out there and enjoy them now!
So... a week ago my boyfriend and I went to Soergel's in Wexford. I have never been there before, and we went on a Saturday (it was insanely busy, btw, not that that detracted from the fun) and we picked our very first pumpkin together. I have never done that before. Yes, believe it, as much as I love fall, I have never picked and carved a pumpkin! Is that depressing? Growing up we always just painted our pumpkins. Is that weird? I never thought so... but apparently...
My boyfriend couldn't believe this so he insisted we do it this year together, and I officially carved my first pumpkin last night. AND IT WAS SO FUN. Totally an awesome October tradition. We watched the Pens game and carved a pumpkin. What a great night. I have to say I had to get used to the weird sensation of sticking my hand in to pull out all the guts and seeds, but after awhile I lost all my girlish qualities and got down and dirty with it. It felt good!
Benny, as we named him for no particular reason (he just looks like one), really made me even more excited for Halloween...
(Benny the pumpkin)
But now the other question... what to be for Halloween this year?
YES, I have dressed up for Halloween before. I'm not THAT bad!
So... a week ago my boyfriend and I went to Soergel's in Wexford. I have never been there before, and we went on a Saturday (it was insanely busy, btw, not that that detracted from the fun) and we picked our very first pumpkin together. I have never done that before. Yes, believe it, as much as I love fall, I have never picked and carved a pumpkin! Is that depressing? Growing up we always just painted our pumpkins. Is that weird? I never thought so... but apparently...
My boyfriend couldn't believe this so he insisted we do it this year together, and I officially carved my first pumpkin last night. AND IT WAS SO FUN. Totally an awesome October tradition. We watched the Pens game and carved a pumpkin. What a great night. I have to say I had to get used to the weird sensation of sticking my hand in to pull out all the guts and seeds, but after awhile I lost all my girlish qualities and got down and dirty with it. It felt good!
Benny, as we named him for no particular reason (he just looks like one), really made me even more excited for Halloween...
(Benny the pumpkin)
But now the other question... what to be for Halloween this year?
YES, I have dressed up for Halloween before. I'm not THAT bad!
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