Hello, hello out there. As you can probably tell, I'm deep into my holiday schedule - which is one way to say that things are so crazy that I won't be back into the full swing of blogging until after the new year. I spent a nice holiday with my family on the bayou, but now I'm back in the frigid (to me, anyway!) Mid-Atlantic. Needless to say, I have LOTS of beauty/fashion reviews to share with you of the products I've tried in the last month. Catching up on my reading today I stumbled on a holiday drink that might be spicy enough to warm your winter nights even after Christmas. It's called the Red Hot Santa-tini (on TheGloss.com) and it's pictured in the upper left-hand corner. Here's what it'll take to make it:
Ingredients
Cocoa powder
Cayenne pepper
Small chili peppers
Whipped cream
Chocolate liqeur (we like Godiva’s)
Vodka
Rim a martini glass with cocoa powder with a pinch of cayenne pepper added. Shake together 2 oz. vodka and 2 oz. chocolate liqueur and pour into glass. Top with 1 1/2 oz. sweetened whipped cream. Garnish the cream with a small chili pepper. Enjoy!
Holiday Update and a Cocktail
Quick Veggie Quesadillas
I don't know about you, but I'm pacing myself. I know that Christmas and holiday parties will take a lot out of me and I RE-FUSE to get worn out this year. So I'm falling back on the super-easy recipes that allow me to throw together something nutritious and pop it into the oven while I do (or don't do) something else. Here's what you'll need:
8 oz. of shredded cheddar cheese
One onion
A bag of baby spinach
A pack of 10 flour tortillas
A can of Hunt's diced tomatoes
By the way, be sure to load up on the tomatoes in the new year. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that lycopene* absorption is 2 to 3 times greater in canned tomatoes than in raw tomatoes. ConAgra recently had some interesting findings about heart health and tomatoes. Personally, I've been inspired to look after my own cardio health because heart disease and high blood pressure run in my family.
Alright, back to the recipe. Open the can of tomatoes and drain. Chop the onion and spinach, and keep them in two separate piles. Next use your favorite cooking spray to mist a large baking pan. Lay out 8 or 10 of the flour tortillas on the baking pan. Put two tablespoons of cheese into the center of each tortilla. Put a tablespoon of each of the vegetables into the center of each tortilla. Fold each tortilla. Bake the quesadillas at 375 degrees for 8 minutes, then turn them over with a spatula and bake for 4 minutes. Take them out and enjoy!
*Lycopene is a potentially powerful cancer-fighting agent found in fruits, vegetables and plants.
Although this is a compensated post, the opinions and recipes are strictly my own.
Behind The Scenes of "The Muppets"
Are you excited about the return of the Muppets? If so, you might be a 30- or 40-something with small children. We're told a good bit of nostalgia is going into the new movie "The Muppets" which is filming in Los Angeles. The plot involves all of the characters living in different parts of the world. But, as the story goes, they'll need to get back together to save their old television show. Here are some pictures from the set. 
What do you think? Are you planning to take your kids to see it? Or maybe just yourself?
Photos courtesy of OnLocationVacations
Crystal Renn in Harper's Bazaar
Here are two striking new pictures of the ever-gorgeous Crystal Renn from the December 2010 issue of Harper's Bazaar. But a lot of people feel she's lost too much weight recently. What do you think? Should we even care?
Well... what do you think?
Halloween: A Treat or A Trick?
Here's my question for parents: Does anyone go trick-or-treating anymore? I've been asking around our area and it seems trick-or-treating is less popular than ever. Participation in local neighborhoods seems to be spotty at best. But that's where we live. What are things like in your area? If your children aren't going trick-or-treating, will they be doing celebrating Halloween another way? I would love to know what you all are doing!
picture courtesy of Syracuse.com
Sesame Street Sings "I Love My Hair!"
Like lots of parents these days, we stress the importance of self-esteem and self-love in our home. So, of course we love the new Sesame Street song aimed at teaching children to love their hair. If you haven't heard the song yet, now is your chance. The entire YouTube video is posted below. Once you've heard it, tell me what you think!
Hot New Dresses from Anna Scholz
I'm really blown away by the new Anna Scholz dresses for Fall and Winter. (That's just based on style since I haven't actually nabbed one in real life.) If you haven't been to the website, there are a number of silhouettes available. But my personal favorite is the print jersey dress in key print. Here's a look at that one and a few others: 
So what do you think? Should I try out one of these? If you have any experience with Anna Scholz dresses, please let me know!
Music Monday: Etta James
Etta James
"At Last"
This was the song we used for the "first dance" at my wedding. :)
My Experience with Dannon Activia
I'm at the end of the Dannon Activia challenge and here's what I've found:
Overall this was a very positive experience. I really like that Activia doesn't taste weird and is basically a good yogurt with extra good stuff added in. I'm glad that I've found an easy way to fit more calcium in my diet without having to guzzle milk.
The kicker is that I've lost two pounds since the start of the challenge, but I think that's down to eating yogurt for breakfast instead of pastries or other unhealthy things. That's one reason why I'm going to continue having it every morning. Here is a picture I snapped just a few minutes ago here at work:
Don't forget that you can get your own coupons for Activia at the website or by clicking below.
The Raucus Return of My Chemical Romance
Say what you want about this band (I happen to like their brand of post-punk-pop) but no one knows how to drum up publicity better. My Chemical Romance has just wrapped up its fourth studio album called "Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys", which is expected to be released in late November. After years of flying the banner for The Black Parade - their dark and highly acclaimed third album - they're back with an outrageous pop of color in a new trailer called "Art is the Weapon" promoting Killjoys. It features the song "Na Na Na", which is widely believed to be queued up as the first single from the new album. Judging from the tremendous online response from fans, this could be the start of something huge and strange.
Dannon Activia 14-Day Challenge
For months now I've been looking for healthy ways to get more calcium into my family's diet and to keep our digestion on track. So when I got some coupons that could be used for free servings of Dannon Activia, which contains a special culture that could help with digestion, it seemed like fate. I've decided to take this opportunity to participate in Activia's 14-Day Challenge to find out if incorporating this yogurt into my daily diet will boost my nutrition and help me to feel better. I'll be keeping all of you posted! In the meantime, you can find out get your own Activia coupons (yay!) by clicking below. 
Friend Friday: Fall Fashion
Today we're starting a new getting-to-know-you series called Friend Friday, which is run by Katy over at ModlyChic. Katy sends out personal questions each week and several of us answer them. It's a good way to reveal little things about ourselves and find out things about each other at the same time. I've been wanting to join the Friend Friday posts for weeks now, but couldn't seem to find a good point to jump in. (Blogging can be that way sometimes, kind of like double-dutch.) Anyway, today's topic is Fall Fashion. Jump!
1. What new fashion trend are you looking forward to sporting this fall?
I'm really excited about wearing vintage dresses and boots. But I'm sure I'll continue dabbling in the military styles, too. Love that stuff!
2. Which item in your closet is most likely to be your go-to transition piece?
I've already started reaching for my blue/grey Evans jacket my (army? olive?) green utility jacket as I head out the door, so I think light jackets will be my staples for the next few months.
3. What item from last year are you looking forward to reinventing this fall?
I'm eager to take out my jumpers and see if they'll work under jackets and blazers.
4. What is your favorite part about this time of the year?
Fall is my favorite season, so I enjoy the weather this time of the year. Fashion-wise, I love being able to layer clothing and experiment with heavier textures.
5. Will you be attending any fashion events this fall?
I don't know for sure yet. But I hope so!
Image by Thomas Blackshear
Incognito Featuring Ursula Rucker in "Gotta"
Incognito’s latest album Transatlantic R.P.M. (released this Summer) features this smooth cut “Gotta” with singer Ursula Rucker. The album also taps other
collaborators including Chaka Khan, Mario Biondi, Eric Benet, Stuart Zender, and Maysa. Enjoy!
The Big Eggs Recall
So, basically, if you have eggs in your fridge right now you might need to think about chucking them. Or at least I would, until federal regulators figure out what's happening. That's because the recall has grown since it was announced last week.
So far hundreds of people have been sickened by an outbreak of salmonella on egg shells. The egg brands affected by the recall include: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms, and Kemps.
Here's how to check your carton to find out if your eggs are part of the recall.
JMS Review & Giveaway
This is a sponsored review from BlogHer and Just My Size Sportswear apparel.
As we’ve discussed before, sportswear is one area of my wardrobe that is sorely lacking. Fortunately, this week I had a chance to try some sportswear offerings from Just My Size. I picked up some of the newest items from my local Wal-Mart and had a great time doing it.
I found the entire line of sportswear to be ultra affordable. The tops, leggings and shorts were very soft and size-friendly, with lots of vibrant colors. I was surprised to see that many of the pieces featured details like ruching, ruffles and even studs. I snagged a little of everything. Here are some of the outfits I’ve put together so far:
There was also something else that was a little unexpected. Jeans! Raise your hand if you already knew JMS made kick-arse jeans with tummy control. Well, I didn’t know until I saw them this week and I’m very pleased with my pair. So cute! (Please forgive the fuzzy blogger-on-her-day-job pics.)
Alright, enough about me. You have a chance to win a $500 Wal-Mart gift card so you can go on your own Just My Size shopping spree.
{CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER CHOSEN!}
Say Goodbye to Drop-Side Cribs
After years of incidents surrounding drop-side cribs, government regulators have seen enough. The Consumer Product Safety Commission - that's the group that keeps an eye on items that might be unsafe - is rolling out new guidelines that will essentially ban the sale of drop-side cribs. This is one of those things that some people may be resistant about because they feel drop-side cribs make it easier to put a baby into a crib or because they've been handed-down a drop-side crib. But these kinds of cribs might not be worth it anymore - not when the CPSC says the cribs could pose a "suffocation or entrapment risk to young children."
What do you think? Is the government over-reacting? Did you have a drop-side crib that worked out fine?
Janelle Monae: Cold War Wondamix
Check out the Wondamix version of Cold War from Janelle Monae's album "Cold War."
Running for A Cause
If you've been following the fitness journey of Renee on CutieBootyCakes, you know that her training has been an inspiration to many of us who want to live healthier lives.
But now she's preparing to run in the Nike Women's Half Marathon (that's 13 miles!) for someone who has inspired her. She is running with Team in Training in honor of a friend's 4-year old daughter, Ja'Naya, who is battling (and currently winning against) leukemia.
You can get involved in the fight against childhood leukemia by helping Renee to reach her fundraising goal of $4000 by August 5th. All proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Click HERE for the link to Renee's donation page. 
Beyonce Embraces Vintage Style
Just when it seems female pop stars have done it all to grab our attention, they reach into the past for inspiration. Beyonce rocks the "vintage" aesthetic as BB Homemaker in the video for the single "Why Don't You Love Me", which has caused some controversy over retro and race.
Thanks to BVikkiVintage for the tip!
Arcade Fire Singles
Arcade Fire's forthcoming LP, The Suburbs, is due out August 3 in the U.S. (August 2 in the UK/Europe). But at least two singles are floating around.
OneThirtyBPM.com now has studio-quality versions of "The Suburbs" and "Month of May."
Also check out live performances of the new singles on Pitchfork.
So THAT's why Twilight is so popular?
Admittedly, I always wondered what all the fuss could be about. Then, just when I had decided to give in to the hype and buy the book, one of my bloggy buddies, Liana, revealed that she had just read the first Twilight book and that it was "complete and utter drivel". That was good enough for me and I no longer felt I needed to read the book or rent the movie(s). So if the theory put forth in this video is true, I'm glad someone has figured it all out.
New Single From The Roots
Have you heard the new single from The Roots' eagerly anticipated ninth album? If not, here's your chance. We have an MP3 of the single Dear God 2.0 (feat. Jim James & Monsters Of Folk) from the album How I Got Over.
How I Got Over is set for June 22nd release on Def Jam Recordings.
Kelis: Acapella
This is the "Friends Electric Mix" of Acapella from Kelis' album Flesh Tone. Take a listen.
Music Video: Vampire Weekend "Holiday"
So obviously my favorite music clips at any given time are ones that pack a visual wallop. The new Vampire Weekend video for their single "Holiday" does not disappoint. How do you feel about Versailles-style costumes and powdered wigs, my friend? Regardless, check out this video.
The Dead Weather: Die By The Drop
By now, you know that the supergroup The Dead Weather is back with a new album called Sea of Cowards. Here's the riff-alicious new single called "Die by The Drop".
You'll find the new video for the single HERE
Etsy Find: Ankle Biters
Looking for ultra cute and colorful fare for your baby, toddler or preschooler? By the looks of things, Joey and Aleethea have you covered with lots of adorable pieces. I'm most impressed with the 100% cotton pants, called "ankle biters", after buying a pair for my son last year. They're perfect for daycare, playing outdoors, or just lounging around. 
Now these will be a bit more expensive than pants you might pick up from the nearest discount or department store. But keep in mind that they're handmade and 100% cotton.
Nas & Damian Marley "As We Enter"
I missed seeing Nas & Damian Marley performing "As We Enter" on Jay Leno last night, so thank goodness for the 'tubes.
RIP Lena Horne (1917-2010)
The legendary singer, actress, and activist known to the world as Lena Horne has passed away at the age of 92. After a lifetime spent breaking barriers, Horne died Sunday in New York City. She will always be remembered for her grace, style and beauty.
The Camera-Swiping Octopus
Hollywood celebs aren't the only ones who get tired of being photographed. Take a look at this octopus who swiped a camera away from an underwater photographer.
Kid Robot + De La Soul = Throwback Fun
Not sure if today's post is for the parents or the kids. But someone out there will appreciate this. 20 years ago the hip hop group De La Soul released the groundbreaking album 3 Feet High and Rising. Now the guys are celebrating the 20th anniversary by teaming up with the hip toy company Kid Robot to roll out three limited edition action figures designed to resemble the style of Trugoy, Pos, and Mace from back in the day. Find more information on KidRobot.com.
Happy Mardi Gras!
"I'm gon' stand right there down on Rampart and Dumaine.
I'm gon' stand right there, down on Rampart and Dumaine.
When I get down there, I'm gonna see that Zulu king."
It Ain't My Fault, Olympia Brass Band
An Issue With Size
By now, you've probably heard that highly anticipated copies of V Magazine's "Size" Issue are hitting store shelves this month. We also know that a plus-size model does not usually mean a plus-size woman. As MSNBC points out this week, the average American woman is considered to be a size 14 - and around 41 percent of those are a larger size. But so far the campaign is getting a positive reception (or at least well-wishes) and we think the pictures released so far are truly gorgeous. The poses range from semi-nude to fully dressed. V's editor-in-chief says, "Big, little, pint-size, plus-size — every body is beautiful. This issue is out to prove it." And let's just be honest: Crystal Renn, who is prominently featured, transcends "size-ism". But what do you think about the photos? Are layouts like this a step in the right direction? Tell me after the jump. Find more pictures at Models.com
