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Chit-Chat Friday Because Sometimes A Girl Just Needs to Chat

’Tis the season to be busy, isn’t it?  As we end this week, I thought I would do something different here and chit-chat a little with you because sometimes a girl just needs to chat.

I am enjoying a cup of Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Green tea as I write this.  I have a cup every afternoon.  Do you have a favorite “pick-me-up” beverage in the afternoon?  I think it would be kind of nice to have my tea in this mug during the holidays. 
Source: modcloth.com via Gina on Pinterest


Source: google.com via Autumn on Pinterest


Our beloved elf, Jolly, landed on our coat rack yesterday morning following a long commute from the North Pole.  If you will please be so kind this month to remind me in my comment section, on occasion, to move him to a different place or room in my house, I will be very grateful.  

Maybe it’s the two kids, the craziness of the day, or my poor, failing memory, but I made up many stories last year as to why he was sitting in the same spot AGAIN.  This year, I’ve already told my son that there are not many places he can land because he cannot be touched, and we may have an issue this year with the Baby Diva running off with the elf.

My friend, Amy, from Eat.Live.Laugh.and Sometimes Shop has talked about soup all week on her blog, and even pulled out her chicken noodle soup recipe from her archives this week.  Little did she know that I was cooking up my own soup pot here in Raleigh.  Chicken noodle soup, in fact.  Our recipes are very similar, but Amy makes her own chicken stock.  I cheated.  My recipe is for those quick and easy nights when you want something better for you than opening a can of soup, but almost want the convenience of a can. 

A Mom's Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

I’m sharing that recipe over at Mess for Less today.  If you have children, then you will love the activities that Vicky shares with her readers.  I am so impressed with her creativity.  She has fabulous ideas. 

In fact, I gave her website to my child’s preschool teacher the other day, in case she wanted some kid-friendly craft ideas to do with my child.  Yes, you all thought it, but didn’t want to say it.  I’m saying it for you.  Shame on me! I rely on teachers to do my dirty work. 

You will love Mess for Less, and I think you will like having A Mom’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup when it’s cold and you want to put dinner together in a snap.  

We’re trimming our tree this weekend.  It’s time to get festive.  Not sure when I’ll get any shopping done or my cards addressed, but you can bet that you'll find me on Twitter or Facebook.  Say hello!

Have a great weekend, and I’ll see you back here next week. 


Don't forget to enter my photography giveaway with Jacqueline Perry.  It ends December 6.  She does great work. You can view our photos from the Mordecai House and City Market in Raleigh. 


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Wednesday’s Wish We Were Here: Salzburg, Austria

Have you ever been somewhere in the spring, summer or fall, and thought to yourself, “I would love to visit this place near Christmas!”



I said those exact words during a spring visit to Salzburg, Austria, fourteen years ago. 

I’ve never forgotten it, and there is something about that place that makes me think it would be magical at  Christmas.
Salzburg, Austria
Image via Facebook Page of  Hotel Goldener Hirsch

See what I mean?

 

I would love to visit the city again, see the Christmas market, eat a few chocolates with Mozart’s face on them, and stay in this charming property that I spotted on my last visit.



Hotel Goldener Hirsch, Salzburg, a Luxury Hotel Collection by Starwood.

The hotel location is ideal, situated on the renowned Getreidegasse road in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town.  I was only in Salzburg for the day, but I had a love for hotels back then, too.  I spotted the hotel while shopping and thought then that it would be a fabulous location to stay.

Of course, in 1997 the Internet was not widely available, so bookmarking the hotel’s website for future reference when I returned home to North Carolina was not an option.  

Now I can search for hotels as long as my children leave me alone, and when I discovered the 600-year-old property via Starwood’s website, I knew I had found my gem again.

The 65 rooms and four suites boast authentic Salzburg-style décor handpicked by Countess Harriet Walderdorff, who bought the property in 1939.


After World War II, Countess Walderdorff began her quest to refurbish the interior with simple and contemporary décor, creating a country residence in the city center. In contrast to the extravagance of Salzburg at that time, Countess Walderdorff opted for indigenous Austrian furniture and antiques, replacing Persian carpets with traditional rag rugs. Boasting a new pink exterior, the hotel Goldener Hirsh re-opened on April 29, 1948.  Its casual yet sophisticated style soon became the model for Western Austrian hotels. 


Even though the 600-year-old property is very modern in creature comforts, the look and style of the hotel have changed very little though the years.



Doesn’t this photo just make you want to hop on a plane and spend some time in Salzburg before the holidays?
Image from Hotel Goldener Hirsh, Salzburg's Facebook Page
Yes, I know it’s cold, but that is just good Christmas weather.

What other cities make you think of Christmas?  Starwood has put together a list of hotels that will accommodate you throughout Europe’s Christmas Market.  What city should we explore next? 



Linking up with:



Photobucket
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Striking a Pose with Jacqueline Perry Photography

Every year, I schedule a family photo shoot.  It’s ritualistic!  It’s just what I do, and it was something I did way before a husband and kids entered the picture.

Those were the easy days.  Santa, my cat, and I always smiled for the camera, but now a good family photo takes a great photographer behind the camera.

I went for a different look for our photos this year, but the preparation leading up to the family shoot was all too familiar.

“No, I don’t want to wear that sweater,” my son yelled as he ran off to hide.

“How long will this take?” inquired my husband as he got everyone in the car.

And the baby?  She was happy as long as she could wear these shoes.



We met lifestyle photographer Jacqueline Perry in downtown Raleigh’s City Market area.  It’s a quaint area with cobblestone streets and charming cafes.


Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina (City Market)

You never know what to expect with the weather when you schedule a photo shoot.  At 4 p.m., the City Market area was extremely cloudy and windy.  Jacqueline decided to move us a mile down the road to the historic Mordecai House and grounds.  It was a fantastic decision.

Chapel on grounds of Mordecai House in Raleigh, North Carolina 

The colors on the grounds were spectacular.



My kids forgot that their photo was being taken.  They were having fun. 


The Mordecai House is Raleigh’s oldest residence on its original foundation and was the seat of the largest plantation in Wake County.  It was the perfect backdrop for this Southern girl and her family.

Mordecai House in Oakwood Neighborhood of Downtown Raleigh, NC

Out of 105 photos, I think I got the perfect Christmas card photo, too. But, you won't find that one in this slideshow below.  Some things just have to be in the mail.

I’m showing you so many photos because I want you to get a feel for Jacqueline Perry’s work. She has agreed to give away a photo shoot and package for my readers.  It’s one of my holiday gifts to one lucky reader because photo shoots are so important to me, and sometimes they may be hard to fit in the family budget.  I thank Jacqueline Perry Photography for working with me this year to make this holiday gift possible.

Anyone can enter this giveaway, but the photo shoot will have to take place in the Triangle area.  This package will be valued at over $200.  She is also offering a special discount to Hines-Sight Blog readers if you book a photo session by 12/31/2011.  Your photo session can take place in 2012.


To enter the Hines-Sight Blog/Jacqueline Perry Photography Giveaway
Visit Jacqueline Perry’s blog, and tell her what type of photo shoot you would like to have for your family so she can get her creative juices flowing.   It can be in your home decorating your Christmas tree or in your favorite park.  Jacqueline also knows some great spots in the Triangle area that are great for on-location photo shoots.  (Remember, anyone can enter this giveaway, but photos have to take place in the Triangle area.)  Once you give Jacqueline your photo wish list, be sure to record your name under my comment section so I can add you into our random drawing.

Additional entries:

Share this giveaway on your Facebook page (two entries).

This is not required for entry, but I would love it if you decided to follow the Hines-Sight Blog via Twitter, Facebook, Google friends, or through email.  Facebook is where I have the most fun interacting with you.  Jacqueline Perry is also on Twitter and Facebook. This is how she informs clients of  her specials. 

Deadline to enter is Tuesday, December 6, at 11:59 p.m. 



Disclosure:  I received a discount on my photo session as well as negotiated the photography giveaway for my readers in exchange for this post.  
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Many Thanks!

I will be surprised if I don't get a phone call from my mom once she sees this post.

"Get off that computer, and get that turkey in the oven! We used to cook the turkey the night before when we hosted Thanksgiving.  Your turkey won't be done," my mom will say with nervousness in her voice.

Somehow though,  all the catalogs, and other junk,  will be removed from the dining room table, and the table will be set for seven by 5 p.m. tonight.

It will get done.

There is no doubt in my mind that the kids will cry at some point, and my house will seem like chaos before we all sit down, and eat a very done turkey.

Our family has so much to be thankful for this year.  We are very blessed.

I could not begin my Thanksgiving preps today without taking the time to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Thank you for the time you give me each week.  In the past year, I have loved getting to know so many wonderful and talented people.

Enjoy your time with your family, and I'll see you back here next week.




Oh, and I hope you remembered to thaw your turkey.  I had some friends one year who forgot.  If you didn't remember, I know some great luxury hotels that are serving Thanksgiving dinner today.






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I’m Just Not a Same Ole, Same Ole Gal. Are you?

It’s true.  I like variety.

As you have gotten to know me this year, you realize this blog is a hodgepodge. I write about parenting, travel, food, and whatever inspires me that day.  I can’t just stick with one topic, or I would be bored.

I like variety in my closet, too.  You can find lively Lilly to Bohemian chic.  Classic Prep to Trendy.  I’m either a stylist’s dream or her worst nightmare.

My husband, on the other hand, shops at only one men’s store, and every day he totes one ham or turkey sandwich with provolone cheese, some type of half-sandwich, and a handful of tortilla chips in a Tupperware container to his office. 

I just can’t eat the same thing every day like he does.  That’s why you can find me lunching with my mom quite frequently, which is not good for the family budget.  I get tired of the same ole sandwich, and sometimes I want to eat a meal that requires a fork.  In fact, when I was in the working world, I ate out every day and probably spent at least $50 of my salary each week.  Did you know that is $2,600 a year?  Yikes.  It’s also hard to keep those restaurant calories in check.

Healthy Choice sent me two entrees to review
When theMotherhood asked me to give my opinion about the new Healthy Choice Top Chef Inspired Café Steamers, I welcomed the opportunity to put some variety in my lunch choices at home.  I lived off of Healthy Choice in my twenties because it was certainly easier to eat those than to cook for one.  Since having a family, though, I have rarely purchased the frozen, single-serving entrées.

Truthfully, I had no idea that Café Steamers were on the market.  I don’t watch Bravo’s Top Chef, and all that I really know about that show is that the contestants can cook better than I can.  In case you didn’t know, either, Bravo’s Top Chef and Healthy Choice have partnered to introduce an exclusive line of dishes that combine bold, innovative, and exciting flavors.

This exclusive new line includes eight healthy varieties that utilize proprietary steaming technology that produces a fresh-tasting meal in minutes.  The unique steaming technology separates the sauce from the rest of the entrée to steam the meal in the microwave, allowing for crisp vegetables, tender meats and al dente pastas.



Will Healthy Choice Break Me from the Same Ole Same Ole Lunch at Home?


I have to admit that I was excited to eat something other than a sandwich for lunch when I popped a café steamer into the microwave.  The first entrée I tried was the Grilled Vegetable Mediterranean with Rice.  What I liked about it was that it was 230 calories and that it had no preservatives.  Honestly, I think I loved having something other than a sandwich to eat for lunch, and eating something hot, healthy, and only 230 calories more than I loved the taste of entrée.  I can’t put my finger on it.  It was just OK to me, but not really memorable.  I also don’t think I’m a big fan of barley, which is an ingredient in the dish. Will I buy this one again?  Maybe. I think it deserves another taste, but based on my tastes, I think I personally would choose the other seven over this one.  They seem more appealing to me.

Two days later, I happily opened the Barbecue Seasoned Steak with Red Potatoes.

Healthy Choice Entree
There is something about a hot meal that is just pleasing to the palate.  In less than five minutes, I sat down at my computer and took my first bite.  WOW! I loved this entrée.  This was “clean the plate good, and wish you had a little bit more.”  It was a great lunch for me.  It was 330 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber.  I stayed full until dinner.  I highly recommend this entrée.  In fact, I have even thought about the entrée this week and wished I had another one in the freezer for lunch.


Will I be buying this entrée?  Yes, I’m going to be storing a lot in Baby Diva’s cart on our next trip to the grocery store.

Healthy Choice Top Chef Inspired Cafe Steamers will soon fill this cart
I don't have to eat the same ole, same ole sandwich again. 
Healthy Choice Top Chef Inspired Café Steamers will definitely give me the much-needed variety I crave in my lunch routine.  I no longer have to eat same ole, same ole again.  Who knows? Maybe my husband will even take one to work to change things up a bit.

These entrees are starting to appear on the grocery store aisles with a retail price of $2.75 to $3.50, which beats eating out.

For all the varieties on the market visit, www.healthychoice.com or www.bravotv.com/showdown


Disclosure: I was compensated by theMotherhood and Healthy Choice to write this post.   As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own, and are not influenced by the company. 




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