For his first Christmas with us Zeus got a brand new little coat! He's not really a fan lol Hopefully he won't have to wear it to often, but there are definitely days outside where it's just way to cold for him without something to help protect him from the wind at least a little. This will work for his short trips to potty :) Still need to find him some booties. 

Mix up this great copy cat recipe and you can have delicious tasting Chili's Salsa in your home whenever you want! It's perfect for get together's with family and friends. 

Chili's Salsa - Ingredients: 

• 1 14½ oz. can Ro-Tel
• 1 14½ oz. can whole peeled tomatoes (do NOT drain)
• 1½ tbsp. finely diced raw jalapeno (include seeds only if you want your salsa to be hot!)
• ¼ cup diced onion
• ¾ tsp. garlic salt
• ½ tsp. cumin
• ¼ tsp. sugar

Chili's Salsa - Directions: 

Place jalapeños and onions in a food processor or Magic Bullet and run for approx. 5-10 seconds.

Add Ro-Tel, tomatoes, sugar, and cumin.

Process all ingredients until thin, but not completely pureed. (Just think of the consistency of Chili's Salsa and aim for that.)

Place in a covered container and chill for two hours.

Serve with thin, warm tortilla chips. 

Get this great little food prep machine from Linen World to make prep work even easier. It's perfect for making salsa. It features a drip-free pour spout, chopping and blending blade attachments, a salad spinner basket, and built-in egg separator.

Everyone will be super impressed by how great your nails look this holiday season with the cute nail accessories from #BornPretty! They have massive selection of products to choose from. Whether you just need a few new bottles of polish, are looking for stickers, stamping plates, rhinestones, or other nail accessories, you're guaranteed to find what you're looking for! 

They have products for every style and budget. BornPretty also offers worldwide free shipping! 

Santa has arrived at our house early this year! He's the newest addition to our Christmas lawn display. He's 12' tall and reaches my office on the second floor :)  

I'm going to have to do some more planning for our display next year so that everything is spread out around Santa a bit more. We didn't realize just how big he was going to be when we ordered it. lol 

Cornelius and the Bumble are the latest additions to our growing Christmas decorations collection!  We ordered these online and didn't realize they would be cloth covered. We were looking for items that could go out in the front yard, but there is no way these would survive a Northern Maine winter. Instead they will spend the holidays on our front porch. Thankfully, the porch is closed in with plenty of windows so everyone will get to see them and the weather won't destroy them! 

Holidays can be insanely stressful for anyone planning holiday gatherings for family and friends. Some advance planning and preparation can help to make your event a huge success.  

One of the most important decisions in your planning process is deciding what type of party you'll be hosting. Is this going to be a formal occasion, or something more casual? Will you have both kids and adults in attendance? How many guests will you invite?  If you're planning on a formal event, then you might not want kids there. Should you decide to have children at your event will you need a separate table for them to sit at? 

Once you've decided on the type of gathering you'll have, it's time to decide on the menu. Traditionally, everyone cooks a big turkey for Thanksgiving with a wide range of side dishes. For a large gathering you might want to cook more than one "main dish". We made a baked stuff Salmon as our contribution to our family dinner one time and it was a big hit! Other choices include a nice roast, duck, or a vegetarian dish. Your guests will love the option of a different choice. 

Another thing to consider is how you want to decorate your home. For an eye-catching centerpiece, place a decorative vase in the center of the table and fill it with flowers and leaves that are evocative of the winter period. Around this centerpiece, place several large candles, as these will create a traditional, homely atmosphere and will draw attention to your centerpiece.  To make the dinner that extra bit special, use napkin holders, place mats and runners, as this will make your table look more elegant and help to create a genuine sense of occasion. 

Don't just focus on the table though, as you can incorporate Thanksgiving decorations into a number of other areas of your home. For example, you can lay bowls of orange and brown potpourri around your house, as these will give off a welcoming aroma for your guests and the colors will reflect the winter season. Similarly, placing a wicker basket of fruit in the living room is a good way to highlight the Thanksgiving theme and evoke the gift-giving traditions upon which the occasion was originally based.

These are just a few tips to help you get started on hosting a great Thanksgiving! With just a bit of preparation your celebration will be full of food, fun and holiday spirit :) 

1. Halloween is held on October 31st which is the last day of the Celtic calendar. 
2. The Halloween custom has evolved from the ancient Celts belief that the border between this world and "the Otherworld" becomes thin on All-Hallows-Eve. People wore costumes to disguise themselves and avoid harm. 
3. The day after Halloween is called All Saints Day. Christians dedicate this day to all those saints who don't have a special day of their own. 
4. All hallows is another way to say all saints. All-Hallows-Eve means the night before All-Saints Day. 
5. The first evidence of the use of the word Halloween comes from Scotland in the early 16th century. It was slang for All-Hallows-Eve. 
6. The colors orange and black represent Halloween because orange is the color of pumpkins (and autumn) and black is associated with death. 
7. The tradition of carving a jack o' lantern started in the United Kingdom. They were carved on All Hallows Eve and left on the door step to ward off evil spirits. 
8. The original jack o' lanterns were carved from a swede or a turnip. 
9. Jack o' lanterns were named after the phenomenon of strange light flickering over peat bogs. 
10. Carving gourds into elaborately decorated lanterns dates back thousands of years to Africa. They were intentionally brought to the New World via prehistoric migration through Asia. 
11. A record for the most simultaneously lit jack o' lanterns was set on October 21, 2006 when 30,128 jack-o'-lanterns were simultaneously lit on Boston Common. 
12. The world's largest jack o' lantern was carved from the world's largest pumpkin (at the time) on October 31, 2005 in Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania, United States by Scott Cully. The pumpkin weighed 1,469 lb (666.33 kg), 
13. Today the record for the world's largest pumpkin is held by Nick and Kristy Harp whose pumpkin weighed in at 1,725 lbs (782.45 kg). 

14. Trick-or-treating is the Halloween custom where children dressed in costume go door to door asking for candy with the question, "trick or treat?" The "trick" is a (usually idle) threat to perform mischief on the home-owners or their property if no treat is given.
15. Many people believe, trick or treating evolved from the Middle Ages custom of giving freshly baked soul cakes to children who went door to door on All-Hallows-Eve offering prayers. 
16. It was believed that each soul cake eaten represented a soul being freed from purgatory. 
17. In Sweden, children dress up as witches and go trick-or-treating on Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter). 
18. In Northern Germany, Norway and Southern Denmark children dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating on New Year's Eve in a tradition called"Rummelpott". 
19. In Scotland, children are only supposed to receive treats if they perform tricks for the households they go to. This normally takes the form of singing a song or reciting a funny poem. 
20. For a number of years (in the late 19th century and early 20th century) Halloween in the U.S became synonymous with vandalism. 
21. In 1912, Boy Scout clubs and other community organisations came together to encourage a safe Halloween celebration. School posters at this time called for a "Sane Halloween". 
22. In an effort to prevent damage to their properties, householders began to offer children treats if they promised not to play "tricks". 
23. By the end of the 1930's trick or treating had become widespread. 
24. Research done by the U.S National Confectioners association in 2005 revealed that 80% of adults and 93% of children went trick or treating on Halloween. 
25. The first screen depiction of Trick or Treating was in Disney's cartoon, "Trick or Treating". In this cartoon Huey, Duey and Louie try to trick their Uncle, Donald Duck into giving them candy. 

26. In 1964 a New York housewife annoyed by Halloween started giving out packages of inedible objects to children whom she believed were too old to be trick-or-treating. The packages contained items such as steel wool, dog biscuits and ant buttons (which were clearly labelled with the word "poison"). Though nobody was injured, she was prosecuted and pleaded guilty to endangering children. 
27. In 1970, the New York Times published an article that claimed that "those Halloween goodies that children collect this weekend on their rounds of 'trick or treating' may bring them more horror than happiness". It provided examples of potential tamperings. The examples were speculative but led to a ground swell of fear. 
28. By the 1980s, US and Canadian parents fear that trick or treating children could eat compromised candy reached a peak. In 1985, an ABC News/Washington Post poll that found 60% of parents feared that their children would be injured or killed because of Halloween candy sabotage. 
29. Apart from one incident-actually an act of premeditated murder by a trick-or-treater's father-there have been no recorded incidents of malicious and deliberate tampering of candy during Halloween. 
30. In 1970, a 5-year-old boy from the Detroit area found and ate heroin his uncle had stashed. The boy died following a four day coma. The family attempted to protect the uncle by claiming the drug had been sprinkled in the child's Halloween candy. 
31. In 2008, candy was found with metal shavings and metal blades embedded in it. The candy was Pokemon Valentine's Day lollipops purchased from a Dollar General store in Polk County, Florida. The candy was determined to have been manufactured in China with faulty equipment. 

32. In the U.S, Halloween accounts for 25% of the year's candy sales. 
33. In the U.S, nearly $2 billion is spent each year on Halloween candy. 
34. Candy corn is the most popular Halloween candy. 
35. Candy corn was created by the U.S Wunderlee Candy company in the 1880's. 
36. Snickers bars are the most popular candy bar sold on Halloween. 
37. Snickers bars were created in 1930 by the Mars family. They named it after their family horse. 
38. Research conducted by the U.S National Retail Federation found that in 2005 - 53% of Americans bought a Halloween costume, spending an average of $38. 
39. The first mass produced Halloween costumes appeared in the 1930's in the U.S. 
40. Originally Halloween costumes were scary characters like vampires, ghosts, skeletons, witches and devils. 
41. Today, Halloween costumes are often inspired by science fiction, television, cinema, cartoons and pop culture. 
42. According to the U.S National Retail Federation the most popular Halloween costume themes for adults are, in order: witch, pirate, vampire, cat, and clown. 
43. In 2009, the most popular Halloween character for Adults and Children was Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009. 
44. In 1966, The TV series Batman was so popular, a fabric company issued patterns for costumes. 

45. Apple bobbing is a traditional Halloween game. The game is played by filling a tub or a large basin with water and putting apples in the water. Because apples are less dense than water, they will float. Players then try to catch one with their teeth. 
46. Apple bobbing is becoming less popular, possibly because more and more people regard it as unsanitary. 
47. Girls who place the apple they bobbed under their pillows are said to dream of their future lover. 
48. On 19 February, 2008, New Yorker, Ashrita Furman, bobbed 33 apples in one minute to establish a world record. 
49. Agatha Christie's mystery novel, "Hallowe'en Party" is about a girl who is drowned in an apple-bobbing tub. 
50. New York City hosts the United States' largest Halloween celebration, known as The Village Halloween Parade. The evening parade attracts over two million spectators and participants.

A simple detox every few months is one of the best things you can ever do for your body.  The best ones provide your body with all the vitamins and nutrients that you need, while helping you to flush out all the junk that you don't want. Many people think that these diets are bland, tasteless ordeals that they will have to suffer for eternity. The truth is that they are the complete opposite. A good diet is filled with delicious fruits and vegetables that once you start incorporating into your diet, you'll never want to stop! 

There are some very easy ways to get the nutrients that you need into your diet.  Thankfully there are some easy, delicious recipes that you can start using today that are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that will help you to live a healthier life.

Ginger Turmeric Healing Tea:

• tsp tumeric
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• lemon extract

Add tumeric to boiling water and let simmer for 10 minutes. Strain into a mug, add maple syrup and lemon extract to taste. Stir and enjoy :) 

Vegetable Super Juice: 

• 1 cucumber
• 4 celery sticks
• 2-4 handfuls of spinach
• 8 lettuce leaves
• Parsley (optional)
• Fresh alfalfa spouts (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Water

Juice all of the ingredients together and enjoy :) 

This juice is a great way to start the day. It will give you the energy you need to boost your senses, wake up your digestive system, and keep you going until lunchtime. 

Alkalizing RAW Cold Soup:

• 1 Avocado
• 2 spring onions
• 1 red or green pepper
• 1 cucumber
• 2 handfuls of spinach
• 1 clove of garlic
• 100 ml light veg. bouillon
• Lemon or lime juice.

Blend the avocado and stock to form a light paste. Add other ingredients and blend.  This is quick and easy to prepare for a healthy  lunch. 

Warm Broccoli Soup:

• 1 Avocado
• 6-8 broccoli heads
• 1/3 red onion
• 1 celery stick
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1" ginger root
• Cumin

Lightly steam the broccoli. About 5-6 mins. Once the broccoli is ready, blend all of the ingredients together. You can also add garlic and pepper to taste. 

These are just a few of the thousands of detox recipes available today. Detoxing doesn't mean you have  to starve! You can have lots of delicious dishes that are packed with vitamins and nutrients without all those added sugars or preservatives. 

Fall is an extremely busy time of year. The weather is school is back in session, and the days are starting to get shorter. This busy time is also an excellent opportunity to start getting in shape! With all  the changes happening it's easy to establish a good, healthy routine that gives you plenty of workout options. Here are some ideas to help you manage the changing seasons while avoiding set-backs.

Establish a New Fall Workout Routine:

This is great way to try out a new workout program. You might consider joining a new group or exercise group, or maybe pay a visit to your local community center or gym to see what new fall programs they are offering. If you have children make sure to find out what programs are being offered for their age groups to help keep the whole family active. 

Set a fall goal: 

Check out upcoming events in your area that you'll need to train for and make those your goals for the season. Something such as a Holiday Fun Run, or weight loss goals can give you the motivation to keep going through the Holiday season. This can also help to prevent you from gaining unwanted pounds during the holiday season. Reaching your short term goals will give you a sense of accomplishment making it easier to reach long term success. 

Re-write your favorite fall recipes:

Fall is full of delicious and healthy foods, but too often the preparation of them is filled with unhealthy ingredients. Check over all your favorite recipes and rework them to be healthier. It may be as simple as choosing to use Truvia or Splenda instead of regular sugar, or as complicated as making gluten-free breaks from scratch. There are many ways a simple recipe can be changed. Make sure to incorporate more seasonal fresh foods into your diet.  

Get professional help:

Some people are fine working out on their own, but others need someone to help coach and motivate them. If you're one of the later, don't be afraid of hiring a professional personal trainer. Many gyms offer this service and can customize your needs to your personal goals and current fitness levels. 

Visit your doctor:

It's very important to monitor your health. While no one enjoys visiting the doctor, it's imperative for your health and well being. Discuss your health goals with them. They can give you additional advice on any problems areas that may need special attention. 

Check your equipment: 

If you have workout gear and equipment at your home then it needs to be maintained. Before you begin your new fall routine examine your treadmill, indoor bike, home gym, etc. for signs of wear. Make sure that everything is properly lubricated, and replace any worn belts. If your equipment is getting older you might need to replace it. Check for places that offer trade-ins on your current equipment. Shop around before you decide on anything to get the best deal. Equipment can be an investment, so spend wisely. 

Use these tips to start a new healthy routine for you and your family! 

Salads don't have be a mess anymore thanks to the On the Go Salad Bowl from Linen World! This holds up to 5 cups of salad, and a 1/3 cup of dressing in the removable dressing container. Then it collapses for easy storage when your not using it. This makes it easy to make and take your own healthy lunches to work. 

While I am very lucky to have a job that I can do from my home, every once in a while I have to go to the office.  In my case that means a trip to Washington, DC for a week! 

Even though it was a business trip I did get to walk around a bit and take a few pictures. The office was only about 8 blocks from the White House, but it was really hot that day and felt like walking for miles! 

I'll be going back for another week this spring! I can't wait and hopefully, I'll see more of the city this time. 

Going a trip means new stuff! I got the shoes and boots above at a huge discount thanks to a code from Vipon.com. They both fit perfectly, and are super comfortable. I love them! 

I never travel, ever! So I was in desperate need of luggage. Even thought I only needed a small carryon piece I couldn't resist getting this whole set. The color is awesome! This is will definitely stand out among the sea of luggage at the airport :) 

My husband loves to go fly fishing! In just a few minutes he's at his favorite spot catching dinner :) We live in Maine where there is a 5 fish daily catch limit. Today he only caught two that he decided to keep, and don't they look yummy! 

Baked Trout

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 whole trout, gutted and cleaned with the heads and tails still on. 
• 1/4 tsp dried dill weed
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 large onion, sliced
• 2 thin sliced lemon
• salt & pepper to taste.
• 2 tbsp hot water

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish with 1 tsp olive oil.

Place trout in the baking dish and coat with remaining olive oil. Season inside and outside with dill, thyme, salt & pepper. Stuff fish with onion slices, lemon. Also, place lemon slices on top of fish.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 mins. Add water to dish. Continue baking until the fish is flaked easily with a fork, approx. 10 minutes more. 

Optional: Add fresh sprigs of dill or thyme stuffed inside of the fish. 

I love painting my nails! It's my one beauty thing. My nails are real, and I paint/decorate them myself. So they don't always look perfect, but they do look nice :) 

This is a super quick and easy design that anyone can do. Just pink a base color, and a color for the dots. Paint your nails, then use a dotting tool to add some quick little dots. Easy-peasy! Only takes a few minutes and looks great! 


Visit BornPrettyStore.com for all of your nail art needs! 

Meet our adorable new dog Zeus! He's a lhasa apso that we got from our local animal shelter. He's still nervous, but he'll calm down soon enough and be a wonderful little doggie! 

Isn't he just the most adorbs little doggie ever?