I'll be hiding here until it's over

the puking that is.

everyone in my house is puking.

except me.  but now I feel my house is a 

cess pool of germs so I'll probably be next,

but I could stand to lose a few,

so whatevs

Do you ever fake it?

I have a real Christmas tree

this is Martha Stewart

but fake garland.  

otherwise doesn't it turn brown in the house?

also Martha

I make real caramels.

they are awesome .

But I am thinking of faking this

with  a doll from Target

She's 4.  She won't care right?

What about you?  What will you fake this season?

I was thinking plaid

For the main paper in my gift wrap color scheme this year

but I didn't see the exact colors I wanted

then I saw this and thought, gold and red, perfect, elegant. 

then I saw this and thought, it's more me.  Casual and poppy.

then I saw this thought I'm in love, this one, it has to be

but wait,  then I thought red and white is classic

then I thought, I'm thinking way too much about this, I better get back to work.

also I have a closet full of wrapping paper, I can make something work from that,

but these pretty papers are available to you at the Container Store, 

also I found some really cool vintage paper on eBay.

Wear this today

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cause I said so.

Thankful

While this has not been the best year at the Appltree house, we really only have, 

as Raina so aptly puts it, "White People Problems"

There are no bombs dropping on my neighborhood, we have a warm home, 

cars that work, toilets that flush, and liquor stores nearby.

So I am thankful

for her

and him

and also in no particular order for

coffee

smart wool socks

my babysitter: who lovingly takes my kids whenever they show up 

and who understands that when they don't we can't afford to send them 

coffee

my SIL: who listens to me whine

my BFF:who also listens to me whine and who is a chiropractor and 

and treats me for free in exchange for household projects

done by my handy husband

my handy husband:who helps out my bff because I ask him too

bread: I try, but I can't live without you

my mom

lip balm

compression fabric

bubbly water

magic treehouse books: which have both my kids 

snuggled up on either side

begging me to read more

coffee

my grandparents

my brother and my dad:who both have houses on a lake and let me hang out there

my neighbors

Have Peace

What's your favorite?

I'm not much of a meat and potatoes girl.

(but I look like one)

For me, holiday gatherings are all about the appetizers.

This looks about right.

My family does a faceload of appetizers at every get-together.

Grandma makes these and they go fast.

There is always chex mix, cheese dip, vegies with dill dip, a huge plate of fruit, and on an on...

These bacon wrapped dates look good if you like bacon

(which I don't but every else seems to worship at it's alter)

recipe here

Looks easy enough, but who has extra room in the oven on Thanksgiving?  Make them Friday.

And even though the actual meal is my favorite part, I always love me some squash.

sorry dad

What's your favorite?

Cleansing

Today I start cleansing my body

And my blog

I think sexual innuendo is funny.  My dad called to tell me that my employer may not.

I HATE to admit when he's right. But

they are a pretty conservative bunch.

Being nuns and all.

So in case anyone at work is reading this blog 

and questioning the wisdom of their employment of me, 

I would like to refer you to this woman

She prays for my soul every day and has a direct connection to God.  

She can attest to the quality of my character.

Thanks Grandma.

Lately Loving

Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe Joe's from Trader Joe's.  I know I have blogged about them before, but they are worth another post.  

Do not buy these if you would like to maintain your current weight.

Four cheeses all of them delicious.  Trust.

Might only be available in Minnesota, and then only in weird places like the tiny gas station in my tiny town outside of Minneapolis.  But is totally the best ever frozen pizza you can buy.

Seeing a theme here?

We have money stress.  I am the kind of person who eats her stress.  

Mr. Appletree lets the stress eat him.

He has lost 10 pounds.

I have found it.

F*ck, F*ck, F*ck.

Which kind are you?

Does size matter to you?

This cabin is 180 square feet.  The family that summers here has 2 boys and a dog.

Small space living is all the rage.  I'm not sure I want to do it, but still, I'm fascinated.

This is on an island off the coast of Washington or Oregon, I forget, read about it at AT.  

No sexy time happens here, unless those kids are really sound sleepers or gags are involved.

I could handle a summer of sexy time with a pillow over my face, but I am not sure I could handle living with two young children who don't get to wash their hands after using the loo.

What I really loved about this place was their first aid kit.  Isn't it cool?  It is a vintage army bag.

I found one on etsy for $25, Santa.

Genius

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and did you see his interview with Anne Hathaway last night? I felt like I was watching them on a date. In a good way. I heart you Jimmy. Call me K?

Do you still love me?

xoxo,

 louis

elements of style

Who's Cooking?

I love this bright modern kitchen.  They probably grill a lot of fish.

I love this one too.  This is where a delicious Thanksgiving meal would be made.  From scratch.

Do you cook the meal?  Do you make the stuffing from scratch?
Or do you doctor up the Pepperidge Farm?

I go to a  4 generation gathering of 40+ people and being part of the 3rd generation,  I am not yet trusted with any of the cooking.  Fine by me.

The Elusive Taurus

you should do this to every Taurus you see

no you shouldn't

(yes, you should)

You need it too

cute 

affordable

you're welcome

kg