Are You Ready For Thanksgiving?

This is what my dining room looks like right now. Two of my tote bags on chairs instead of being put away. My coat on the chair instead of hung up. Hangers ready to go back to the dry cleaners. Assorted junk mail, DH's laptop case and a blooming cactus on the table. This table does not say I'm ready for Thanksgiving.

I'm more ready than it looks. My grocery list is ready for the store tomorrow. I'm keeping the menu traditional: turkey with all the trimmings and ham for DS #2 who doesn't care for the bird. There will only be six of us for dinner: DH and I, DS #2 and DIL, DS #3 and GF. Nice and simple. Just the way I need it right now.

Our trip to Mohegan Sun and Mystic, CT was fun last weekend. On the way down DH suggested we visit IKEA. I'm always up for a trip to IKEA. I found this cool floor mat for wooden floors and it now resides under my chair and desk. We also purchased a track lighting unit for my studio. I can't wait to get it installed.
While DH played poker at Mohegan Sun, I went shopping. There is a Lush store in the casino complex and I love Lush. When I walked into the store I was told for every $50 I spent I could get a $20 gift for free. I chose a couple of Christmas presents and some items for DH and I to share. My total was $109 so I got a Happy Gift Set for me. I suppose you're wondering what I got to share with DH - well, I bought a couple of massage bars. And they are wonderful! If you have a Lush store near you I highly recommend a visit. It's a great store.

Tonight DH and I are having a stay-at-home date night: dinner, a movie and then . . .

What are you doing this weekend? More importantly, are you ready for Thanksgiving?
Sweet P

Weekend With Hotel Man

Hotel Man is taking me away for the weekend. We heading to Mystic, CT for a trip to Mohegan Sun . I'm hoping the weather will be nice enough for us to walk around Olde Mistick Village. Otherwise, we'll be napping in the hotel room before heading to the casino.

Meanwhile, here's a photo of one of the gorgeous blooms on my Christmas cactus for you to enjoy.

Have a great weekend!
Sweet P

Win New Dishes for the Holidays!

Aren't these casseroles gorgeous? You can win them from My Journey Toward: The Glamorous Life of a Housewife. Go over there quick! The contest ends on Tuesday!

Good luck!
Sweet P

Blogging By Mail Package Arrived!

Today was a dull, damp, dreary day here in New Hampshire. My day brightened up when there was a package in my mail box. My Blogging By Mail package arrived from Sarah at Sweets by Sarah.

Sarah sent me a box full of awesome goodies. I can't wait to start enjoying them.

First up was organic coffee. I will be enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. The Wine-a-rita from Duplin Winery will make a great addition to our Thanksgiving dinner with my sons and their SO’s. I may be using the muffin cups this weekend. The fruit spread mix and fruit leather are new to me. I’ll save them until Hotel Man is home next week. The Sticky Fingers Rub will come in handy making ribs for football Sundays. The napkins and rings will add a special tough to our Christmas celebrations. The candle will make soaking in a bubble bath fun.

Sarah, thank you for choosing a wonderful assortment of goodies. Each and every one of them will be enjoyed!
Sweet P

What Kind of Tree is This and Hotel Man

Can someone tell me what kind of tree/bush this is? It is next to our mailbox. It caught my eye the other day because all of the leaves are gone, but these beautiful berries are still on the tree.
I'm sure the berries are not edible by humans. They are surely beautiful.
On Monday morning DH headed to Europe again, London this time. For some reason he asked me to take a photo of him before he left. Here he is with his luggage, ready to leave. Excuse the gray splotch on the wall. We are still testing colors for our entry area.
I miss him! He'll be home next Tuesday night. We are going out for dinner on Wednesday night. Next week is Restaurant Week in Portsmouth. Our favorite restaurant, Ristorante Massimo, is part of the celebration. I can't wait for our dinner!

What's happening around your home?
Sweet P

My Christmas Cactus

A friend of mine gave me a Christmas Cactus as a housewarming gift back in March. In May the cactus had one lonely flower bloom. This morning while looking at it I noticed it is filled with blooms. I can't wait to see how many flowers bloom on it.

I see at least 10 blooms on it. How exciting! I have absolutely no green thumb so for me to have my Christmas Cactus bloom again is awesome!

Stay tuned for photos of the flowers.
Sweet P

Hot Mama Apron Swap

I don't remember how I learned about the Hot Drinks for Hot Mamas Apron Swap but today I received my swap package from Tammy at Sweet T Sews. What a wonderful and perfect package she sent to me. Inside the box was a handmade card, two Christmas ornaments filled with coffee beans and a painted coffee cup on the outside, a hazelnut scented candle, a package of coffee, a mug, and a matching apron and hot pad.
Here I am wearing my new apron. I love it! It's in my kitchen colors and it's full of coffee cups! Perfect for Coffee Time at Home.
It didn't take me long to use my new coffee cup. I enjoyed my afternoon Orange Cappuccino in it. The weight, shape and heft of the mug are exactly what I like in a coffee cup.
The quote on the back fits me to a "T". I don't well without my morning cup of coffee.
Thank you Tammy! Thank you to Valerie for hosting a fun swap!
Sweet P