Tag Archives: traditions

Christmas Shopping with Shutterfly

Posted on by Run DMT
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Next Wednesday, we have our annual family Christmas portrait session with my fabulous photographer friend, Kelly.  With much anticipation, I’ve added the final touches on everyone’s outfits.  For this year’s portrait, we’re all wearing variations of red and black.

Also in preparation, I’m keeping a list of the poses I’d like to capture this year.  I love close-up shots of my kids’ smiling faces.  They’re perfect for Christmas photo cards sending Christmas cheer to wish everyone a merry and bright holiday.

When choosing our family’s Christmas card, I prefer a large card (5×7) that includes at least 1 family shot and 3 individual photos of each child.  I also prefer the colors of the card to match the colors we’re wearing in the photos; however, finding a card that displays that many photos in one card while color coordinating with our outfits makes the search for the perfect Christmas anything but merry.

Thankfully, Shutterfly makes the search for the right Christmas card or holiday card simple.  With its sophisticated system, Shutterfly helps refine my search by the number of photos and color.

 

 

On the Christmas card product page, I can view an assortment of cards with the appropriate number of photos and color by selecting that option in the sidebar.

 

 

I’ve already found a large variety of cards that fit my criteria, however, some the cards were folded.

 

Still not a problem!  With a simple click, Shutterfly shows the flat 5×7 photo card option.

 

 

But this year, I’m also considering purchasing photo books and other personalized gifts for our family’s Christmas presents.  Our Christmas portraits are such a treasure and I’m sure both sets of parents would love mounted wall art of our family as a Christmas present.

 

 

 

Even a pewter ornament would make a great gift but not solely as a Christmas tree ornament.  After Christmas, our extended families can hang it on the wall to enjoy it all year long.

 

 

Shutterfly offers so much from a variety of Christmas cards that fit my color by number criteria to wonderful gifts our family will enjoy throughout the year.  And that makes Christmas shopping very merry!


*Shutterfly is offering FREE standard shipping on orders over $30.  Enter code SHIP30.  Hurry! Offer ends November 30, 2011.
*

Calling All The Monsters! It’s Almost Halloween! Get Ur Freak On!

Posted on by Run DMT
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China Anne McClain of Disney’s A.N.T. Farm released a treat just in time for Halloween and my girls love it.  The choreography reminds me of Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Halloween is only two weeks away!  I CAN’T WAIT!

My Glee Cheerio cheerleader costume arrived and it fits perfectly and no muffin top was visible.  Thank goodness! Allana will approve.  However, other parts may be visible, so I’ll need to wear a pair of running shorts underneath my skirt.

I have to admit, I will look so cute running in the Frakenfooter half marathon as a Cheerio cheerleader.  I think I’ll also wear it trick-or-treating with the kids this year.  Fun!

My friend, Chrissy is hosting the adult Halloween party this weekend, which should be a devilishly good time as always.  I am so ready to get my drink freak on!

I haven’t officially unveiled our couple costume for the adult party on the blog yet, but I am dying to spill the beans.  It’s a good one.  All will be revealed for next week’s Music Monday when I post pictures from the adult party.

For the next two Music Mondays, I will be sharing my favorite Halloween jamz.  I would love to hear what Halloween songs move your spirit.  Link up and play along…if you dare.  Muhahahahahahaha!

Visit Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

Excuse me, I believe you have my sparkler.

Posted on by Run DMT
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Although I tried my hardest to snap some high-tech firework photos with my fancy SLR camera, I just couldn’t get the settings right to capture the fireworks on the Fourth of July.  The show was over by the time I figured it out.  Oh well.  At least I captured some awesome sparkler shots.

A Fizzed Firework and a Party in the USA

Posted on by Run DMT
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Last night, my neighbors were having a dress rehearsal with their fireworks to prepare for tonight, which gave me an opportunity to test out the settings on my SLR camera.  As you can see, I didn’t quite figure it out.

So, if you have any tips, I would love to hear them.  Nighttime setting with flash? Sport setting? Flash off? Lower the shutter speed?  Which F-Stop?  *sigh* Lots to learn!  Hopefully I’ll snap some better photos tonight.

Speaking of duds, this morning I was a slacker.  I overslept and I missed the Lutz Independence Run.  This little firecracker totally fizzed.  So, I missed the race but there’s always next year to let my red, white and blue colors burst.

There have been some really longs days around here with and I guess my body needed the sleep.  Or maybe these little runner legs needed some better training for the marathon shopping my sisters-in-law made me endure.  No need to worry about me, though. I’m well-rested now and ready to party!

I hope your day is bursting with fun and your camera is set at the right F-stop!

Happy Fourth of July!

Visit Amanda, Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

Summer Breeze for Mother’s Day

Posted on by Run DMT
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On Mother’s Day Eve, the Taylor clan enjoyed a sunset potluck picnic at the beach.  This has become a Mother’s Day Eve tradition for us, which we were thrilled to share with Allan’s sister and his mum.

 

 

Pine Island, a small sleepy little beach in Hernando County, was the perfect spot for a family picnic.

 

 

A light breeze kept us cool while we watched the cousins play along the shore and build a fort as the sun set.

 

 

 

Mum enjoyed the evening so much she wants to make a regular event.  I couldn’t agree more.

 

 

 

 

 

Visit Amanda, Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

 

Loco Para Cinco de Mayo

Posted on by Run DMT
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The names for the NYC Marathon have been drawn and I wasn’t one of them, but it’s all good. Es no problemo.

Now that the selection process is over, I can redirect my attention onto the other races I have coming up like the Crazy Sombrero 5K this Friday.

To get into a Cinco de Mayo mood and into the Crazy Sombrero spirit, I’ve been downloading some Mexican dance music. Hey, whatever it takes to be a Speedy Gonzales for this race. ¡Ándale! ¡Ándale! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba!

Visit Amanda, Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Posted on by Run DMT
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PhotobucketXmas Dolly randomly selected me for the spotlight dance for her Monday’s Music Moves Me blog hop today.  With Easter rolling in next week, Jesus Christ Superstar is the perfect song to get everyone rocking.

 

Jesus Christ Superstar is one of my favorite rock operas because I have fond memories of my family and me watching it every Easter. It’s hard to believe that this production is 38 years old now, although the costumes might give away its age.

 

 

Thanks for linking up and rocking with me in the name of the Lord this week!

 

Remember to visit Amanda, Xmas Dolly and Hairbows & Guitar Picks for more Music Monday fun.

 

 

Irish You Could Taste This

Posted on by Run DMT
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PhotobucketFor our New Year’s Resolution, Allan and I sworn off red meat and we have been eating more vegetarian dishes.  About a month into the New Year and our commitment to a healthier lifestyle, Allan’s gallbladder and my high cholesterol would force us to limit our diet and menu selections even more.

 

Then on Tuesday, Allan underwent the knife laser to have his gall bladder removed just in time for St. Patrick’s Day and a traditional Irish dinner: Corned Beef with Red Potatoes and Cabbage.  There went our New Year’s Resolution, along with my cholesterol and our vegetarian diet.

 

Oh well.  We can always start over and go back to tofu tomorrow.

 

 

Corned Beef with Red Potatoes and Cabbage

(Modified Food Network Recipe)

 

Ingredients:

1 (3-pound) corned beef brisket (uncooked), in brine with seasoning packet included

12 cups cold water

2 bay leaves

20 black peppercorns

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 large head green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cut into 8 thick wedges

1 ½ lbs small red potatoes, quartered

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

 

Place the corned beef in a colander in the sink and rinse well under cold running water.

 

Place the corned beef in a large Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. Add the water, bay leaves, peppercorns, red pepper flakes and seasoning packet. Bring to a boil, uncovered, and skim off any scum that rises to the surface. Cover and transfer pan to the oven, and braise until very tender (about 6 hours).

 

Transfer the corned beef to a cutting board and cover tightly with foil to keep warm. Add the cabbage and potatoes to the cooking liquid and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender (about 20 minutes).

 

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cabbage and potatoes to a large bowl. Slice the corned beef across the grain of the meat into thin slices. To serve, lay the slices over the cabbage and surround it with the potatoes. Top it all with fresh ground pepper.

 

Now link up and see what If I Could Escape and Gone Bananas are serving for this week’s Friday Food Fight.

 

 

*Also submitted at*

 

PhotoStory Friday

Throwing Some Good Fortune Your Way

Posted on by Run DMT
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PhotobucketGung Hay Fat Choy!

It’s Chinese New Year and in the Run DMT house, we celebrate with some homemade Chinese food.  This year, Allan made his famous veggie fried rice and then I attempted Steamy Kitchen’s Chinese Pot Stickers for the occasion.

 

Unfortunately, the ground chicken I bought went bad so Allan saved the day by running out and buying pot stickers from the neighborhood Chinese takeout.   Oh well.  Better luck fu next time!

 

We finished the meal with fortune cookies, but with new and improved kid-friendly yellow dye free fortune cookies which I discovered in the Asian section at Target.  Upon my discovery, I wondered what makes fortune cookies kid-friendly.  I hoped for at least silly jokes, like the ones you find inside Christmas crackers or Laffy Taffy, but the fortunes were just as corny as the ones from the Chinese restaurant, minus the lucky numbers and how to speak Chinese lessons.

 

 

And funny enough, much like the ones from the Chinese restaurant, you could read each one and follow it up with the expression “in bed”.  So not-so-kid-friendly, but funny as hell Diyu!

 

My fortune was very encouraging…

 

 

…in bed.

 

Of course, fortune cookies have nothing to do with Chinese New Year or even China for that matter, but for my family and me, no Chinese meal is complete without them.

 

Now link up and see what If I Could Escape and Gone Bananas are serving for this week’s Friday Food Fight.


 

*Also submitted to*

Gonna Make You Sweat

Posted on by Run DMT
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Every Boxing Day (the day after Christmas), Allan prepares a scrumptious breakfast (also known as a sweaty brekkie) with all the traditional British fixings: scrambled eggs,  potatoes, sausage, bacon, fried tomatoes, fried mushrooms and fried bread topped with Heinz baked beans.

 

Don’t you just love all the bubbly grease on the bacon?

 

 

Celebrating Boxing Day with a breakfast feast is our little way of looking for an excuse to carb load teaching our children the reason behind this holiday while embracing some British customs.  You can read more about our Boxing Day tradition here.

 

When Allan’s World Famous Boxing Day Sweaty Brekkie is plated and served, it looks like this.  A mimosa to wash it all down is my own flare added to the feast.

 

 

Now link up and see what If I Could Escape and Gone Bananas are serving for this week’s Friday Food Fight.

 

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