If I start saving up now, I know I could take my family on a vacation here when it opens.
"Owl's Eye View - Inspired by J.K. Rowling's compelling stories and faithful to the visual landscapes of the films, fans will now be able to experience the world of Harry Potter in a physical environment at the newest island of Universal's Islands of Adventure, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter." Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Universal Orlando Resort are partnering to create the world's first fully immersive Harry Potter themed environment. Opening in 2009, "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" will feature rides and attractions, as well as shops and restaurants that will enable fans to sample fare from the wizarding world's best known establishments." (http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=apm&id=1807763769&cf=pg&photoid=970438218)
I really love Groundhog Day. I think my family is one of the only I know that celebrates this day. Matt and I would usually order some groundhog pizza and eat that for dinner then watch Groundhog Day, but we're going to a friends reception tonight. I think we'll skip the Groundhog pizza, but we'll still watch the movie afterwards. If anyone has a hankering to celebrate today you can come over around 9ish to watch it with us.
I've been meaning to write for the past few weeks, but when I thought of something clever to write I wasn't in a place where I could write it. Then when I was, I either didn't have time or couldn't remember it. So, here I am again playing catch up in list form:
- I recently won a prize from the Design Mom Give Away A Day! It is so exciting to win things sometimes! Especially the lovely Nina Handbag I won from Aster & Sage.
I'm going to give it to one of my sisters for Christmas, shh... don't tell. - Matt took me to see The Nutcracker for my big Christmas present last Saturday. It was so much fun, and I am glad I got Matt to go see a ballet with me. Included in the present was a new dress for me. It was a really great evening, and the perfect Christmas gift.
- I am taking 3 finals this next week. My last 3 finals ever. It will be really nice to be done with school for a long time. Maybe someday I'll go back for a Master's, but I am really happy to be done with college for now.
- We are going down to Arizona for Christmas. I am so excited to see my family. Brooke just had her third son a week ago and we are excited to see him. My family also finished the pool a month ago, so we are bringing our swimming suits and are excited for sunny weather. Last year it was 85 degrees on Christmas Eve... hopefully it will be in at least the high 70's this year.
I love to cook, so I get really excited about the holidays. I've never been really crazy about Thanksgiving food though. I don't like green beans, I prefer stove top to homemade stuffing. I like the fake cranberry jelly tube instead of homemade cranberry sauce (they always seem to have nuts in them gross!). I also really don't like Sweet potatoes.
There are a few items that I love. I love turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes. And of course desserts.
My favorite easy dessert:
Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle
2 (14-ounce) packages gingerbread mix
1 (5.1-ounce) package vanilla pudding mix
1 (30-ounce) can pumpkin pie filling
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping
1/2 cup gingersnaps, optional
Bake the gingerbread according to the package directions; cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the pudding. Stir the pumpkin pie filling, sugar, and cardamom into the pudding. Crumble 1 batch of gingerbread into the bottom of a large, pretty bowl. Pour 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the gingerbread, then add a layer of whipped topping. Repeat with the remaining gingerbread, pudding, and whipped topping. Sprinkle the top with crushed gingersnaps, if desired. Refrigerate overnight. Trifle can be layered in a punch bowl. (courtesy of foodnetwork.com)
Yum Yum!
I tried a lemon rosemary salt rub on our turkey roast last year (since it was just Matt and I eating I didn't bother to make a whole turkey) it was delicious. I'm hoping to make a whole real turkey this year, but we'll see. I was going to go crazy and make lobster and go really non-traditional since it's just me and Matt, but maybe I'll save the lobster for Valentine's Day.