Taking on a new role

I have added a new hat to my head- I am now also the National Children's Book Examiner.  So make sure you click over and sign up for subscrption to my articles.

You can also email me at childrensbookexaminer@gmail.com, find me on Facebook or follow me on twitter @KidsBookExam

You can also find books on my recommendation list

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"

Ok weather make up your mind

Like I have said in the past I like Autumn.  However, one thing that drive me crazy during this time of year is that the weather can't make up its mind with the temperature.  One day its hot enough to turn on the AC and then the next day its chilly.

So this weekend was  ME weekend.  The Hubby was out of time to go to the PSU game and find the elk.  I spent some time with a few friends and enjoyed some cheese fondue.  Got some errands done and just relaxed.  Its crazy at night though- we have a king size bed and I still found myself sleeping on the edge like I was being pushed over.  The dog and I only took up about 1.3 of the bed I swear.

Oh Yeah- Happy Halloween.  I carved a pumpkin a week ago with some friends however my pumpkin didn't last- due to the warm weather I think. I never even got to put a candle in it :(

What more can I say?

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
                                         -Eleanor Roosevelt

Today's daily quote really hit the spot today.  Dreams are what hold us together sometimes.  As one dream becomes a reality another dream develops.  However, sometimes following our dreams and making them reality can be the hardest thing!  Just don't forget to dream BIG!!!!!

Photo:  tomspixels

Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding a La Mode from Baltimore local chef Tucker

One of my favorite things about fall is APPLES! I love them in desserts, in main entrees, on their own, on pizza (had that the other night and LOVED it) and did I mention dessert yet? This recipe from Chef Tucker from the Owl Bar will surely get everyone at the table to "oh and ah" not just from the smell alone but the mouth watering taste.

Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding a La Mode

Click here to get the recipe

Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding a La Mode

Photo: The Owl Bar

A future worth living for

Babies- they are EVERYWHERE!  Went to vist a friend today who just had her baby- SO CUTE and tiny!  Another friend called and tald be she is expecting.  I have 2 friends due in December.  Then my nephew is going to be 1 year old in about 2 months!  My turn?!?! Greatest gift...

Friends- Honestly where would we be without you?  Lost, disgruntled, alone and unhappy- so THANK YOU!

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for”

                                                                                                 -Anonymous 

 

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”

                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                   -Anonymous

 

Me pondering life in Quebec City

The fresh crisp air

One thing I love about the change of the season is that in Fall the temperature is comfy and offers a fresh crisp air to enjoy yourself in.  I love being about to sit outside while enjoying a flatbread with apples and prosciutto and at Alexander's Tavern not sweating to death with a good friend.  I love being able to watch my Husband do what he enjoys best- taking pictures (it is Bald Eagle season).  I love that my BGE bill has dropped at least $80 because the AC isn't running nonstop.  I love breaking out the cute boots I couldn't wear all summer long with out my feet feeling like they were baking to a crisp.  I love the crisp apples and all the things that comes along with them- too bad I can't drink the hard cider.  I love the peacefulness of the leaves changing colors (even though we had to miss our trip to Shenandoah Valley doe to my IVF egg retrieval.

The World's First Nonprofit Wedding Wish Granting Organization

Wish Upon a Wedding is the world's first nonprofit wish granting organization that provides weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness or other serious life-altering circumstances. Less than one year old, the organization has 16 active chapters, and will have granted 12 wishes by the end of 2010.

During the month of November, they are hosting several fund raising galas and auctions throughout the country, and would like to invite you to participate.

Whether you are a bride or groom to be, a wedding industry professional, or you simply love the concept behind their mission... YOU can help make Wedding Wishes come true, while raising crucial funding needed to sustain this wonderful, new nonprofit organization.

Here's How:

Attend The Blissful Wishes Ball

A Gala Celebration to Benefit Wish Upon a Wedding

Chicago November 1

LA November 4
San Francisco November 10
Houston November 11

Charlotte November 12
Orlando November 14
St. Louis November 14
Baltimore November 17
Portland November 18
Atlanta November  21

 
The Blissful Wishes Ball is a festive way to support Wish Upon a Wedding.  Enjoy a nice night out on the town with an elegant dinner, entertainment, music, dancing, and incredible auction items.

Buy your tickets today!

Bid Your Wish for Wedded Bliss

Online and Live auctions for a Worthwhile Cause

For the first time in history, couples getting married can plan their entire wedding from virtually any city in the United States, knowing that every penny they spend will go directly towards helping a couple in need.  It's so EASY to bid.  Find everything from invitations to flowers, catering to DJs, photography to wedding planners, honeymoons and more.

Simply visit their online auction site here to choose from hundreds of items from the industry's best vendors.

Even if you are not getting married, check it out for other exciting items, such as dinners in top-rated restaurants, entertainment, sporting events and popular autographed memorabilia. Every cent earned goes towards Wish Upon a Wedding and their mission to provide these heartfelt Wedding Wishes.

About Wish Upon a Wedding 

Founded in January of 2010 by CA wedding planner, Liz Guthrie of San Jose Wedding Consultants, Wish Upon a Wedding was created to help couples who did not have the time, money, resources or strength to plan a wedding on their own, because of terminal illness or other serious life-altering circumstances. The organization now celebrates the courage, determination and spirit of these couples by granting their dream wedding wishes. It is their goal that chosen recipients can inspire other couples facing similar situations to find hope and strength, while raising awareness for terminal illness.

Growing up with a sister who was deaf since birth, and raised by parents who ran a board and care home for people facing numerous disabilities and life hardships, Liz learned early on to value the many blessings in life, and the importance of helping others. Volunteering throughout her life for a variety of nonprofit organizations, Liz was looking for a way to combine weddings and community service.  

After producing the San Francisco Dream Wedding Giveaway in 2009, a contest in which only one couple would be granted a dream wedding, Liz came up with a way to merge her two passions. While going through the process of giving the wedding "prize" to a woman suffering from stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Liz  created Wish Upon a Wedding. Overnight, Liz decided to change wedding history, and the way we give, by launching a nonprofit organization that was totally unique and had never existed before.

Supported by industry leaders such as Sasha Souza, David Beahm, Stella Inserra, Jenny Orsini, Kevin Covey, Stacie Francombe, Sylvia Weinstock, Steve Kemble, Mindy Weiss, Mary Dann, and Ivy Robinson (to name just a few), the organization has experienced rapid growth and seen voracious acceptance throughout the country.

To date, eight couples have benefited from the generous work of Wish Upon a Wedding. Over 4,000 volunteers have signed up to become Wish Granters. Their facebook page has attracted over 10,000 fans. 

None of this would be possible without public support.

 

In Loving Memory of Wish Recipients who have Passed On

Dani and Tony married in St Louis on September 1. She passed away September 30th. Dani had suffered from Cystic Fibrosis since age 3, and had recently received a double lung transplant.

Florence and Micheal married near Sacramento on March 13. She passed away on September 28. Florence battled stage IV breast cancer, and was diagnosed with six months to live at the time of her wedding.

Shelly and Jay married in Seattle on May 2.  Shelly passed away three weeks later. She had been battling a rare type of cancerous lymphoma, and Jay suffered from Multiple Sclerosis.

 Please help Wish Upon a Wedding continue to do great things.

Attend a Gala.
Donate to or bid in the auctions.

And help them spread the word, by sharing this article with your friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances.

 You CAN make a difference in someone's life today!

*All photos provided by Wish Upon A Wedding

Roasted Cognac Chicken in Baby Pumpkins recipe

Today on my restaurant blog I posted a recipe from a Baltimore local chef...

What better way to “fall” in autumn then enjoying a meal with fresh seasonal ingredients?  This recipe will surely dress up your table for the next dinner party or give the kids some excitement for your next family dinner-  brought to you by Executive Chef Timothy Dore of Truffles Catering at the Belvedere.

You should really check out the Roasted Cognac Chicken in Baby Pumpkins recipe

The turn of the seasons

Its official fall is here...

Now I am ready for the weather to flat line and stop going from cool to hot and back all over again.  We had to turn the AC back on this weekend because it got stuffy in the house.

One of my favorite things about fall is APPLES.  While we were back up in PA to celebrate the Hubby's birthday we went on adventure.  The Husband, Brother-in-law, Nephew and took my new 4Runner out on the back roads up into the mountain.  I was on baby duty in the back seat but my nephew and I had a great bonding day and enjoyed our self- we giggles, played ate, read stories and napped!  While on out adventure we stopped at a local farm to get some fresh apples, cider, their homemade hard cider and fresh baked cookies.  Mmmm Mmmm good!  The Husband is heading back up at the end of the month to go to PSU game and is going to get more!  I think I am going to bake some pie and crisp.

Another great thing about the Fall I love is the children's books out there.  This past week I read a GREAT book to the Lil' ones at school called There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves!  The kids love this series and laugh then entire time as you read it.

Speaking of birthday's I got the Hubby the new PlayStation Move Starter Bundle and guess what one of the games was Disc Golf- the system is just like the Wii and can be added to the Play Station 3 that you already have.  Now I have my Dad's birthday coming up on the 13th and today is my great friend A's birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY A!

I know I haven't been posting much lately- but things have been busy and hopefully have some GOOD news soon!

Check out some photos from our weekend in PA

I am NOT much of a chocolate girl

Yes you heard me right- I am NOT much of a chocolate girl!  I am not like most normal woman out there who love chocolate and use if for a sense of relief and relaxation- like a glass of wine.  Now don't get me wrong there are some things chocolate I like- I just don't crave it really.  I do like Hot Chocolate, candy bars now and then plus sometimes a brownie.  Now chocolate cake or ice cream actually make me turn and walk away.  I have no problem passing in cake if its chocolate. The only exception to that is a chocolate cake with peanut butter icing.

Yes I am odd!

However, there is one thing I do savor when it comes to chocolate- Gardners Peanut Butter Meltaways.  The squares of whipped peanut butter covered in a coating of milk chocolate.  YUM!

Now I am the type of person that this box would last me awhile because I would only allow myself  1-2 of those heavenly squares. Even thinking of these yummies makes me melt inside and relax.

Like I said-  I am NOT much of a chocolate girl... 

But everything has exceptions

Freebie time- Gift Card Rescue Giveaway

Have you heard of the site Gift Card Rescue which is a local business based out of Ellioctt City?  If you haven’t then here are the details… 

What they do is buy unwanted gift cards from consumers and sell them on the website for a discount.  Plus why pay full price for gift cards when you can save money before you shop by buying discounted gift cards on the site.

You can also exchange your gift card for an Amazon.com gift card and get 5% more over their cash payment. Amazon.com gift cards never expire and can be used to purchase millions of items at Amazon.com

What is great is that you can find local Baltimore restaurant gift cards to up to 30% off.  You can also find gift cards books, toys, entertainment, shopping, clothing, etc.

Enter to to win one of two $25 gift cards from Gift Card Rescue by using the entry form below- you have till October 10, 2010 to enter (be sure to read the rules) 

I recommend GiftCardRescue.com

Save lids to save lives

Ocotober is Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

Its time to start looking for the pink lids in stores near you on packages of Yoplait.  Then just save ‘em, rinse ‘em, and mail ‘em in by December 31st, 2010.


For every pink lid you send by December 31, 2010 Yoplait will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure plus Yoplait donates 5 cents to the ZTA Foundation (my femal fraternity I am a member of).


Mailing in your lids is so easy...

1. Make sure all your lids are the pink ones issued for the Save Lids to Save Lives^® program.
2. Wash your lids well and let them dry: an envelope full of yogurt is not a pretty sight (or smell).
3. Flatten your lids and put them in a regular envelope, like a #10 business envelope. You don't need any kind of special mailer.
4. Be sure to put your return address on your envelope, including your zip code. They use that information to distribute our donation money back to your local Susan G. Komen for the Cure Affiliates.
5. Apply your postage. You can mail up to 12 Yoplait yogurt cup lids with one First Class or regular-sized envelope with U.S. postage stamp.
6. Address your envelope to:
   Save Lids to Save Lives
   P.O. Box 420704
   El Paso, TX 88542-0704
7. Drop it in a mail box.
   
   Have you seen this book- Promise Me: How a Sister's Love Launched the Global Movement to End Breast Cancer?