Preppy Empty Nester

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Over the Top

I spent my precious time last night in search of over the top Halloween decorations. I should have been purging my old outdated make up and "miracle" creams that held nothing but empty promises. We're making the big move in 13 days and only have two more trash days left. I have a sneaking suspicion a lot of our old junk that should be thrown away in Texas will be headed for a new life in Massachusetts. Don't tell the Mister... I told him everything was under control.

Of all the states we have lived in, Texas, by far does everything in a big way. I don't know whether any of these homes are in Texas, but I think they could be...

Here is what I came up with in my search. I don't have any idea where these homes are located. The last address they had was Googleland.

Now there's a party waiting to happen!! Who needs guests when you have so many hosts!

Is this the same Auntie Em that lived in Kansas??

I want to meet the mother who had enough patience to carve all these pumpkins with her kids! Every time we attempted to carve pumpkins somebody ended up in tears.

There is NO way I would let my girls trick-or-treat at this humble abode. I wouldn't even care if they gave out the large size Snickers!

How long do you think it took this guy to set up this menagerie?

Hope this isn't my new neighbor in MA!! I can just hear my realtor.... your new neighbor is dying to meet you!

This photo must have been taken in Texas. Everybody except us seems to travel around in golf carts. Actually, the ladies kind of look familiar. I think they were the ones on the hcg diet.

Great looking couple.

A lot of work went into this one.

I wanna hang out with this lady!

Hope your Halloween is only filled with treats!

Monday, October 28, 2013

A Movie and a Book

Last weekend, my #1 came home. We had a great time indulging in retail therapy as well as dining on delicious, fattening, comfort food. She's such a bad influence on me.

I took her to my favorite fancy schmancy movie theater. We lunched on chicken satay, quesadillas, and the best darn sweet potato fries known to woman.

We both agreed on the choice of the movie.

Tom Hanks did it again. He gave one of the best performances of his lifetime in Captain Phillips. He plays brave and vulnerable better than any guy in Hollywood. Even you, George Clooney.

The movie is based on a true story. I remember when the drama played out before my eyes in the news. Although I knew the final outcome, the details still captivated me. I was positively sitting on the edge of my lazy boy!

There is not one dull, ho-hum moment in this flick. Warning: use the restroom before the movie begins. You won't want to miss a minute of this nail biter of a film!

"My darling Cecilia, if you're reading this, then I've died...." Her husband had not intended that she read the letter until after his demise, but Cecilia's curiosity betrayed him. The unsettling words that she read forever changed the life of this once contented wife and mother; yet this well-intended posthumous missive also becomes the spur that enables Cecilia to connect with two other women recently pushed towards crossroads. A new novel by Liane Moriarty (What Alice Forgot; The Hypnotist's Love) as original and well-crafted as a fine string quartet.

~Barnes and Noble

I had not read any of Liane Moriarty's previous books. But when I was midway through this one, I ordered two more books of hers on Amazon.

This book was a total joy to read. I loved the characters and although the story line was a bit far-fetched at times, it was a fun read.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Cup Stacking

When my girls were little and they started school in Texas, part of their physical education classes included "cup stacking." The Mister and I had never heard of such a thing. Turns out our #2 showed quite a talent for this much heralded skill. When I came across this video I was reminded of the good old days.

Hope your cup was half full this weekend!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

A Tight Fit

Some of the scenes in this video remind me of trying on last year's jeans.

Enough said.

Hope this weekend is the perfect fit!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

book club

Yesterday, I attended my very last book club in Texas. It was at the home of the lovely Hostess with the Mostess (HWTM). I knew I was in for a bittersweet afternoon of catching up with friends topped off by a delectable lunch.

When I arrived, I was greeted by this scary guy.

...and this guy.

HWTM's home was decked out in its finest Halloween adornments.

Love the school desk and blackboard!

HWTM's island in her kitchen looked so festive.

I took a peek at her recipes written with care. Am I the only one who has food slobbered all over my recipes?

Delicious turkey, Havarti cheese and homemade cranberry sauce on double grain bread were teasing my taste buds as I walked around the kitchen.

HWTM makes the best pumpkin soup in the world. I was so happy to see it was on the menu.

Fresh crispy salad with cranberries and nuts.

The cupcakes were positively scrumptious!

How cute are these Halloween plates?

This is the book that we read. Or should I say the others read because I had spent my days cleaning and purging for the big move. The ladies seemed to enjoy it. We even skyped Big V in her new home in Philly!

THE YELLOW HOUSE delves into the passion and politics of Northern Ireland at the beginning of the 20th Century. Eileen O'Neill's family is torn apart by religious intolerance and secrets from the past. Determined to reclaim her ancestral home and reunite her family, Eileen begins working at the local mill, saving her money and holding fast to her dream. As war is declared on a local and global scale, Eileen cannot separate the politics from the very personal impact the conflict has had on her own life.

Hope your day includes good friends and a great book!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Winter Wedding Wednesday

Welcome back to Wedding Wednesday! Today is all about Winter Weddings.

Sista was married on December 29th at the Union League Club in New York City a hundred years ago. There was just enough snow on the ground and flurries in the air to make it the perfect evening to get married.