Hugo. Seriously, I love this movie. I'd bought the book, Hugo Cabret for Quayd's birthday two years ago. It's quite unique. It's a thick book that looks intimidating until you open it and see that over half of the book is filled with amazing illustrations. When I heard that it was going to be made into a movie, I had told the kids that we'd go and see the movie once everyone had read the book. Grace finished it today. The movie is like nothing I'd ever seen. Apparently, Martin Scorsese's grandchild was reading the book and was so enthralled that he became interested and the result is this film. It's wonderful. Intriguing, exciting, outstanding. I highly recommend it for anyone of any age. It's got the technology of today, but the feel of an old-fashioned "Heidi". We saw it for our family activity with the B's and loved it. It comes out in Blue-Ray in April and we'll be buying it on the release date. Loved it! And if I'd have known Jude Law was in it (remember I don't watch previews), I'd have been there on opening day. Love him too! Again, it's an amazing story.
Chili's began serving from their new menu today. If you're looking for a tasty lunch, the new guiltless chicken salad in a honey-lime vinaigrette is a must try! LOVED it! The new Philly Steak and Cheese sandwich is on the best bread I've ever had in a restaurant... however, I'm thinking that this one is probably going to be one of their highest calorie lunches. Oh, but don't was all need an occasionally guilty pleasure?! And if you like fire and spice, try the new grilled shrimp tacos. (Note: order a glass of milk with them!) Also, their new Oreo Molten Lava Cake... divine. We do love Chili's! Especially the Logan Chili's!
Another new love... Melaleuca has a new shampoo and conditioner, Affina, that I'm totally loving. I don't often push my husband's business on the blog, but seriously, it's awesome!
Great Customer Service... I called the company that I'd ordered the paper plates from to let them know that I was so disappointed in the quality of the product. I commended them on their excellent service, their speedy delivery and the other products, but those plates. A huge disappointment. The customer service lady thanked me for calling, acknowledged my disappointment and then offered me a credit for my next purchase within a year. I insisted that I'd not called for a "freebie" but to let them know. She appreciated my feedback. I think that most companies do... good and bad.
Jalapeno Jellies: I think that I posted this photo during the holidays. I got it from friend, Marilyn, while we were having dinner in December. When she gave me two jars of homemade jalapeno jelly and showed me this photo, I did a happy dance! (Although, I think that you need double the jelly after taking this beautiful photo!) Friend, Natalie, also discovered a tasty store bought jalapeno jelly at Costco that is to die for! I sent Doug to the store to pick up a jar during the holidays and he came home with a jar of dark green jalapeno jelly that looked more like pickle relish. Even though it wasn't nearly as pretty, it was pretty tasty. We've discovered jalapeno jelly on cream cheese and crackers, jalapeno jelly on salmon, jalapeno jelly on whole wheat pancakes (remember, I'm married to GranolaMan). He's not suggested it yet, but I'm waiting for him to put it on ice cream. (He already thinks that is why Sweet and Sour Sauce was invented.) Regardless of Doug's concoctions, it's a must have in the refrigerator these days!
A new recipe: I wanted to share this very tasty and super simple recipe that I'd made for a treat on Sunday evening. They are rich and sweet, which I'm sure is why they suggested 1" bite-size pieces.
1 box Yellow Cake Mix
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
First layer: Mix cake, melted butter and 1 egg. Pat into the bottom of a 9x13" pan.
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 eggs
Second layer: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and 3 eggs until smooth and creamy. Pour and spread on top of first layer. Bake at 350' for 40 minutes or until browned. Cool completely and cut into 1" squares. Top with fresh strawberries in glaze or caramel sauce or chocolate. Enjoy!
And last but not least, have I mentioned Pinterest in the past few days? Okay, I admit. I'm hooked. Love that I can find any recipe under the sun, any crafty creation, any beautifully decorated room, any awesome quote in seconds. I love it.
And this quote, then...enough said.
I saw that entry with the berry wreath and shutters on Pinterest and actually thought it looked like you. :) I LOVE Pinterest! Every time I'm waiting anywhere, school pick up lane, doctor's office, etc I pull it up on my phone and look at all the wonderful ideas! I'll look you up on there and start following.
Posted by: Candice | Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 04:36 PM
Glad you loved the pepper jellies. I have more where that came from. lol. I taught Creative Cooking today and whenever anyone asks how to fix something, I tell'um just "add cream cheese." Truly, how can you go wrong with it?
And anxious now to see Hugo!
Posted by: Marilyn | Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 04:01 PM
Cream cheese and jalapeno jelly on a bagel: Pure heaven!! I discovered that when my sil gave me some jalapeno jelly at Christmas a few years back. Thanks for this new recipe!
Posted by: Nicole | Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 03:16 PM
saw Hugo on day one, and then again within 24 hours. It was exquisite. The part about Scorcese and his granddaughter that I loved best? She asked him to make a movie she could see...tsk tsk grandpah! And to think it's a real story makes it even better. If you liked the book because sure to buy the author's newest that just came in late November. Bought it for my older grands in December.
Posted by: susan | Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 02:39 AM
Seriously Soph??!! LOL. do you EVER post a recipe without cream cheese? You should just name your blog, Cream cheese and us..LOLPIMP!!
Looks good though!
Posted by: cindy | Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 07:17 PM