The Great Blizzard of 2011!

This is what the blizzard of 1967 In Chicago, IL looked like....
No... I wasn't alive to even see it (my parents we're only 6 years old) but over the last 24 hours, I've heard A LOT about it, so much about the 67' blizzard, I almost feel like I lived through it!

We're supposed to be experiencing a blizzard tomorrow-Wednesday! What a way to start February?! This is going to be the first "massive" blizzard-like snow that we've had in the Chicago-land area since 1979! From what the forecasts have been predicting, its going to be the "REAL DEAL"... eek!

So what do we have in store for us over the next 2 days?! Well, they're saying from a foot-20 inches of snow; winds up to 45 mph and overall nasty, snowy, blowy and cold weather!

I must admit, that I am a lover of all things snow! I love snowfall (its sooo beautiful) and I love to be in the snow (there's something so magical and whimsical about snow)... So I'm pretty darn excited about this blizzard which is headed our way!

We'll see what REALLY happens, it seems that these weather reports always disappoint rather than satisfy my desire for a REAL snow storm!

Hopefully, I'll be able to experience the Blizzard of 2011! Wouldn't it be awesome to share blizzard pictures, movies, and videos with my kids someday?!

My parents were old enough to remember the Blizzard of '79 and I've seen pictures, videos and heard stories about the storm-and I've often wished that I were able to experience such a snowstorm! It seems like my chance is finally here and I am welcoming mother nature into the area with open arms!

Bring it on Blizzard!!! I cant wait! :)

Tequila-Lime Chicken

We've been eating better here at home... its been kindof a pain in the butt to eat healthy but keep a variety going. My mom and brother are both picky eaters, but my dad and I pretty much eat anything (or I'll at least try it); since we have picky eaters to deal with, we seem to eat a lot of the same recipes over and over again... I guess its easier that way, but for those of us with a curious taste pallete, its tough to be happy eating the same ole chicken breast or pasta dish once a week....

So I've been looking for some chicken recipes that everybody would eat... last night we made Sweet and Sour Chicken and white rice; from a McCormick's dinner spice packet; it was really yummy and something different and everyone pretty much liked it!

For tomorrow, I found this Tequila-Lime Chicken breast recipe and I couldnt be more excited to make it! One thing we all agree on eating is some good "mexican" flavor food! I think it'll be a hit!

the recipe is found here:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/06/tequila-lime-chicken-with-all-the-fixins/

YUMMMMMMY!

Cruise History!

Wow I must say that I (and my brother) have lived a pretty blessed life... some people may look at this list and say spoiled, but I hate that word (we're not spoiled, because we're both very grateful) we have been raised to understand and respect the blessings that we have been given into us in life. We don't expect to be taken on these cruise vacations, but when we get the opportunity to go on them, we take them and we enjoy them! We've been extremely blessed to be able to have parents and grandparents who have the money, the means, and the desires to take us on such wonderful vacations.

I often think about how different our lives would be if there were certain circumstances that were different, for instance, if my dad didn't work for the airlines, if my grandparents lived out of state, if my parents had more children, if my grandparents had more grandchildren; if just one of these things were to change, our lives would change. We have benefited from each of the above scenarios working out the way that they have.

Well, in the end, as I look at this list I am grateful for all of the cruises (19) that I have been on and the experiences and memories which each of them have provided me with. Many of these cruise vacations have stories that we've told for years and we will be telling for years to come.

49 days until we leave for our next cruise and I cant wait to see what memories are waiting for us at sea!

Is It Summer Yet?!

No its not and I wish it was! Cuz I'm really tired of the snow...
but this pie is bringing a little "slice" of summer to us now!

It sounds so yummy... and it's not ALL that unhealthy?!!?

Strawberry Margarita Pie


1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup butter, melted
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup tequila
4 tablespoons triple sec
1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
1 (12-ounce) container non-dairy whipped topping
Red and yellow food coloring (optional)


Combine crushed pretzels, butter and sugar together.

Press into a 9-inch pie plate. Set aside.
In a bowl, mix together the tequila, triple sec, condensed milk and lime.

Pour half of the mixture into another bowl.

• Add strawberries and a few drops of red food coloring to one half. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping.


• To the remaining half of tequila mixture, add just a drop or two of yellow food coloring and fold in 1 cup whipped topping.

Spoon into crust, alternating the colors. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.