Party Popcorn

It's Food Friday! And it's Halloween! Happy Halloween!

The other day I started watching Sunny Anderson on her show on the Food Network - Cooking For Real. She was going to make something called 'party popcorn' and it sounded like a great snack for movie night. As soon as she started popping the corn, I had to leave. I wish I had seen the whole show because I think I did something wrong. How well does toffee melt? Mine was a bit globby. Maybe I just didn't leave it on the stove long enough. And the drizzled chocolate was good, but it's not like it hardened or anything. Maybe I'm just used to using almond bark for things. Now, this may sound like I didn't like it. And the truth is, it never even made it to the couch for the movie. Billy and I stood in the kitchen and ate the whole thing. I want to try this again, maybe with some changes. If you have any suggestions, let me know!

1/3 cup popcorn kernels (I just used a bag of microwave popcorn)
2 tbs vegetable oil
2 tbs butter
1/2 cup toffee chips
1/2 cup honey roasted peanuts
1 cup semi sweet chocolate morsels

In a heavy pot on high heat, add oil and 1 kernel of popcorn. Cover. When kernel pops, add the rest. Pop until you no longer hear the popping sounds. Remove from heat and spread on a baking sheet. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat, add toffee and peanuts. Stir until toffee melts, adding more butter, if needed. Pour over popcorn. Melt chocolate in the microwave and drizzle over the top of the popcorn. Cool for a few minutes (that toffee is hot!), then serve.

Juicy Couture Hat and Scarf

Is everyone excited about the colder weather? I know I am. I've already dug out my super comfy pjs - the ones with pics of hot chocolate, cake, and presents all over them. And last Friday makes the first time this season I have worn a hat and scarf. I said 'hat' but I normally call it a toboggan. Does anyone else say toboggan? I have just one - a plain black one that I'm sure cost me only $5. But I have 4 scarves - pink, green, cream, and black. My favorite is the green one (wish I had planned better and taken a pic). My brother got it for me while he was in Ireland. So, I've been looking around for something new and I looked at Coach, but didn't see anything I loved (gasp!). I also looked at Burberry, because when I think of scarves, the first image that comes to mind is that famous check print. But, I think my favorite right now is the Juicy Couture Iconic Scarf and Hat Set ($95).


Unfortunately, that's not me. The picture is from Sak's. But, what do you think? Cute, right?

And, once again, I tried another Harajuku Lovers perfume sample over the weekend - Love. I'm so bad at describing perfumes so here's what the website (hlfragrance.com) says - A sensuous floral. Base notes: creamy vanilla orchid, sensual musk, blonde wood. Mid: rose, watery peony, egyptian jasmine. Top: pink pomelo, sparkling bergamot, bamboo leaf. I would describe it as soft and pretty. I liked it but, you know, G is still my favorite!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Weekend Recap

Not a whole lot happened this weekend, but I still had a good few days.

Friday night, I went to a high school football game. I try to go once a year, just for the atmosphere, the food, the cheerleaders, and the band. Sometimes I feel a little weird, since I didn't attend the school and I don't have kids that go there or know anyone there at all. But I quickly get over it after I eat a hot dog and nachos. We rode the motorcycle, which meant great parking, but it definitely got colder as the night went on. We downed some hot chocolate right before we left, hoping it would help a little. Yeah, not so much.

I had a great day Saturday. Mostly because I wasn't at work. Slept late, ran some errands - got some papers notarized, and then Walmart. Ate a late lunch at Dixie Cafe. Really, the only thing I need is rolls, cornbread, and extra butter. I really like that they have a sugar free shake. If I ever get back on my diet, I need to take advantage of that. That night I made 'party popcorn' - more on that Friday, watched Psycho on AMC and then Baby Mama on dvd.

Sunday was work as usual. Signing the entire misses, womens, juniors, petites, socks and hosiery, and handbag departments took all day - as usual. And also, as usual, my mini freak-out happened in juniors. I can't even tell you why - too much stuff, signs not right, messed up department. After work, I took one of my famous 3 hour naps. And I wasn't even that tired to begin with! Billy worked the night before, so I just thought it would be nice to take a nap together. He got up 20 minutes later. When I finally got up he said 'I don't know how you do it,' I said 'I don't know how you don't!' We went to Kroger for a few things, stopped by Starbucks for iced tea, and of course watched Desperate Housewives. I missed so many episodes the past 2 seasons, so I'm surprised at how well I'm keeping up with it this time. I like it, but I'm not in love with it - it's no Lost, or The Office.

I usually like to put at least one picture up in a post, and since I talked about work, here is my new Betsey Johnson tote I got from Marshall's for $20. Everything has to be clear at work so they can see if you're a thief. Can't even have regular lunchbags anymore. I complained in the beginning, but that was before my new tote. Isn't it cute?!


Did everyone else have a good weekend?

Paula Deen's Gorilla Bread

It's Food Friday!

I thought I had remembered Paula Deen making monkey bread on her show. When I did a search for it, I came across her recipe for gorilla bread. Is it crazy that I've never heard of gorilla bread? For those of you living under a rock like me, it's monkey bread with cream cheese inside each biscuit. It's simple to make, looks really impressive, and most of all - it's delicious.

1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tsp cinnamon
1 stick butter
1 cup brown sugar
8 oz cream cheese
2 (10 count) cans biscuits
1 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Spray bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon together. In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over low heat, stirring well. Set aside. Cut cream cheese into 20 cubes. Press out biscuits with hands, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp cinnamon-sugar. Place a cube on each biscuit, fold over and seal with fingers. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of nuts in bottom of pan. Place half of the biscuits in pan. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar. Pour half of the butter mixture over it and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of nuts. Repeat.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove, cool 5 minutes. Place a plate on top, and invert.

Pink Wallet from Target

I mentioned in my last weekend recap post that I got a new wallet. I was using a long clutch wallet that I got at Sears. It was pretty to carry by itself and I could also throw it in my purse.

Then I got a wristlet and a swingpack, so I definitely needed something much smaller. I thought about a Coach Mini Skinny since I have Coach bags, but I've never used anything like it before. I wasn't sure if something like that would work for me, and I didn't want to spend $42 in case it didn't.



I found this at Target:

It kind of looks look a mini skinny, but it was only $4.99. The official name is 'Top Zip Coin Case in Ocean Rose' made by xhilaration. If there was a black one, I probably would have gotten it. There were 2 silver ones left, but the little extra piece was missing. But I like the pink, and so far, I am definitely liking the style of this wallet. Better, even, than the Coach mini skinny.

Is it just me, or is anyone else really picky when it comes to wallets? It's so hard to give up and old one, isn't it?


I tried another sample of Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers perfume over the weekend. This time it was Lil' Angel. The description reads 'colorful, tasty, and sweet.' I will definitely agree with the sweet part. I've also read that it smells like pineapple. I guess I could kinda smell that. But really just more of a sweet floral than anything. It was ok, but G (coconut - yum) is still my favorite.

Weekend Recap

I was about to say I had a boring weekend, but really, it was actually just very relaxing. My off days were Friday and Saturday, so it was nice having 2 days off in a row. It felt like a real weekend.

I did a few errands on Friday - this weeks groceries from Walmart, and a trip to the post office to return the Coach lanyard (sad face). Met Billy for lunch at NYPD Pizza. I love their cheese calzones and the crushed ice that they use. Watched The Ring on tv, and thought for sure that I would have nightmares since it doesn't take much, but didn't. The last time Scream was on tv, I watched the first part just to where Drew Barrymore dies. That night, I dreamed that I saw a black floaty ghost thing go into the closet.

The closet. I sleep by myself a lot so I turn the light on so I won't be scared. But, the jacket and the hat hanging on the door just makes it worse.

Saturday, I made gorilla bread for the first time. It was really good and I plan on posting it on Friday. Watched Billy work on the motorcycle a little more, and I helped put rod covers on. Or, at least I think that's what I did.


We picked up burgers from Rally's then ate at a park. Watched Notting Hill on tv that night. Cute movie, first time watching it even though it came out ages ago. That night, Maggie slept in the bed with me all night. She's really not that kind of dog at all, even though I wish she was. I didn't want to bother her or make her annoyed and want to get up, so I just took what covers I could get. I managed to get some of the blanket, but no sheet at all. But as long as I didn't disturb the precious Beagle Mix!


Sunday morning I got up early enough before work to go by Starbucks for a raspberry mocha. Yummy yummy yum yum. After work, a trip to Target for a new wallet (a possible post for Wednesday, not sure). And then Pizza Hut for dinner for the best pizza ever - stuffed crust. I seriously don't even need the pizza part, just the crust. I promise I don't eat like this during the week. Or at least I try not to anyway. After watching Desperate Housewives I really meant to go to bed early, but got sucked into a rerun of Lost. Watching reruns still doesn't help me understand things any better.

See? Kinda boring. Didn't do much of anything. I think cleaning the toilet and running a load of dishes were the only productive things I did. Hope everyone else's weekend was more exciting!

Spinach Dip

It's Food Friday!

I'm not really into sports that much. For me, it's a chance to throw a game night party with all sorts of appetizers. One of my favorite things to serve is spinach dip. I happen to love spinach. I have a salad almost everyday made with spinach leaves, Newman's Own Olive Oil & Vinegar, 2 slices of turkey bacon, and a chopped up cheese stick. I don't even remember eating spinach as a kid. Maybe that's why I like it now, because it wasn't forced upon me. But, this dip is so good, that I'm forcing you to make it. Seriously. Make. Eat. Enjoy.

1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 10 oz pkgs frozen spinach - thaw and squeeze out excess water
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1 8 oz container of sour cream
1 6 oz pkg parmesan cheese
salt and pepper

Coat skillet with cooking spray. Saute onion over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Add spinach. After 1 or 2 minutes, add cream cheese and stir until melted. Stir in sour cream and parmesan. Season to taste.

Coach Leather Loop Lanyard with Heart Charm

My main goal on my Memphis trip was going to see polar bears, but my second goal was to go to a Coach store. I loved seeing the gloves, scarves, perfume, jewelry, and charms that I don't get to see at Dillards. And the treat that I was going to buy for myself was the cell phone lanyard ($38). So, of course, they didn't have it. I had to order it and a few days later, look what I got!


A present? For me? I'm so excited!

I wanted to love it. I really did. But the leather loop was smaller than I thought it would be. And purple. The pic on the site looks black, so that's what I was expecting. What's kinda funny is that when I got my new phone a couple months ago, it came in 2 colors - black and purple. I chose black. Oh, well, no treat for me since I'm returning it. Unless I get the gorgeous Bleecker patent leather tote. I think I tried it on at all the department stores I went to.

But it's $398! Too expensive for just a vacation treat.

I did get a chance to pick up the samples of the Harajuku Lovers perfume I talked about a couple weeks ago. I've only tried 1 so far - G, which is described as 'tropical, sunny, and delicious.' Yes, yes, and yes. I agree. It seriously smells like coconut. I love it. Maybe that should have been my vacation treat! I can't wait to try another 'flavor' this weekend.

Does anyone else look forward to a vacation treat just as much as the vacation?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Weekend Recap

My weekend started off a bit confusing. My alarm went off at 5 Saturday morning. I hit snooze 3 times before I realized 'Hey! It's Saturday! I don't have to go to work!' I slept a few more hours then got ready for the day while Billy put a trailer hitch on the back of his truck. He has big plans to pressure wash things for people. Or something. We went to Senor Tequila's for lunch, which we do almost every week. I should try to make my own guacamole. Or maybe not. It probably won't taste the same. I know my margaritas are lacking something. Billy worked on his motorcycle, Maggie watched from the patio, and I took pictures of myself in my van's visor mirror. Which reminds me, how much is Botox? After a trip to the Harley shop, we stopped by Shakey's. There's pretty much just 2 ways I like ice cream - in chocolate milkshake form, or crammed full of snickers. And as much as I didn't want to go, a trip to Walmart for groceries ended the day.

Sunday was work as usual. We went to Buffalo Grill for dinner. And then to the Fresh Market for dessert. I got a fudge brownie and Billy got a pecan pie square. Remind me to get the pecan pie next time - I had a bite and it was delicious. I think this is only the 3rd time I've had pecan pie. I was always under the impression that I didn't like it. A nap (I need to stop going to bed at 1:30 am when I know I have to get up at 5:30 am), tv (Desperate Housewives), laundry (how exciting), and computer time ended the day at almost 1 am. I need to stop getting on the computer at night.

Finally got around to putting up pics of my Memphis Zoo trip on the right.

Everybody have a good weekend? Have a great Monday!

Memphis Vacation

I've been pretty busy since last week. I took a short 3 day vacay to Memphis, which went by way too fast. Last Tuesday, I drove 1 and a half hours to my parent's house to drop off Maggie and spent the night at my sister's house. Drove back to Little Rock, packed, and Billy and I drove to Memphis on Wednesday. On Friday, we drove to Tunica and then back to Little Rock. After work on Sunday, I drove to my sister's house, spent the night, picked up Maggie and drove back Monday night in the pouring rain. Now I need another vacation.

We had a lot of fun. The main event was going to the zoo. I was determined to see some polar bears. Thankfully, we were there during feeding time. We ate at Neely's BBQ, and did some shopping. I saw Juicy Couture bags/shoes, Kate Spade bags, and Coach jewelry, all of which I don't get to see around here.

I've never been to a casino before, and didn't think I would have as good a time as I did. But it was great - I won $115! And I only spent $15. Leave me slot machine tips in the comments!

It was nice to get away and stay at a hotel. Except the cable at the hotel was horrible. Not a lot of stations. I did discover a new guilty pleasure though - My Big Redneck Wedding on CMT. I can't even begin to describe it. Has anyone seen this show? Apparently they're in their second season. Seriously. You really need to watch this. At least once. You will cringe and want to flip the channel, but keep watching.

I'm too lazy to put up any pictures right now, I'll try to have some up soon!

Where do you like to go for a mini vacation?