So dinner is almost ready, but the fun has JUST begun.  OY, so my g-ma, is always cold therefore my mom’s house is…let’s say unbearable to some most.  Just read the thermomether:

Yes, this says 75 degrees

My sister could not handle it…

She is standing in the doorway to the hall

Even Aunt Susie bailed

 Anyway, the table looks really cute!

LOVE the fall-themed confetti!

I did a little taste test inspection of the carrot cake I brought…YUM!

cream cheese icing is my friend...

BY the way, Husband was THRILLED to find out that the only beer available was “Natty Ice” according to my sister…lol poor Husband!

More pics and recaps to come!

haha!  Feel SOOOO productive!  I guess that uber sleep last night charged me UP!  wootwoot!  Had the most lovely run!  I am sooo thankful for my strength and health.  I didn’t clock distance, I just ran 34:00, I believe equating to at least 3.5 miles.  The weather was beautiful and I ran down to Penn’s Landing, which was laiden with families celebrating the holiday.  So nice!  Anyway, I came home, took a shower, put my casserole together (see previous post-geeeez I REALLY need to teach myself how to insert links!  sorry!  will do soon) for Thanksgiving, and am getting ready to pack for NYC!  4/5 items done off the list!  yay (also see previous post for my list of things to do before we leave for my mom’s, which is supposed to be in about half hour-not happening)!

Speaking of my Thanksgiving, it will be smaller this year, but nonetheless interesting  fun.  The PLAYERS:

sissy Sara

Mom and Dad

Beautiful Grandma Adele 🙂

And Aunt Susie (who hates pictures so I couldn’t find one and got tired of scouring my hard drive)  Oh well, I will get a pic tonight.

So excited for New York, by the way-leaving after din-din!

Yes, you read that right.  Definitely crawled into bed at the ripe hour of ten pm last night and awoke with a “damnit!” at noon today!  Needless to say, this has set me back on the million many things I have to do in less than 2.5 hours before we head to my mom’s.

1.  Check emails to see if anyone wants a free cookie!  See previous post and email me jessdownes@yahoo.com with your address for a free sample cookie from diet-cookies.com

2.  BLOG

3.  Run (probably only a 3-miler today but definitely need to start this Thankful day out with a thankful run)

4.  Make my contribution for tonight’s feast:  sweet potato casserole.  Going to be using the recipe I found on Lisa’s blog www.pamperedwithpaige.com

Sweet Potato Casserole

Makes 6 servings @ 85 calories per serving. NICE.

• 1 (18-ounce) can sweet potatoes, drained
• Brown sugar substitute to equal 1 cup brown sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup skim milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon reduced-calorie margarine, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon reduced-calorie margarine

Combine sweet potatoes, three fourths of the brown sugar substitute, milk, egg, melted margarine, and vanilla, stirring until well blended. Spoon into a shallow baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Combine flour and remaining one fourth of the brown sugar substitute; cut in 1 tablespoon margarine until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over potatoes, and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Why do I doubt mine will actually look like this:

Anyway, continuing on:

5. Pack myself for NYC!

6. Pack lil’ Oscar for NYC-we think we will get him groomed while we are there-heaven knows he needs it!

LOL Bri and I thought it would be funny to make him horns- he REALLY needs a haircut!

OK, I will be posting throughout the day, so please check back and send me an email to get your FREE cookie!  Did I mention they are fat free and only 115 cals or less so you can eat these babies guilt-free during this often guilt-ful holiday season?!?!?

Peace out!

Today I got a blow out from my girl Allie

at Lakshmi Hair Studio in Old City www.lakshmihairstudio.com

So, Allie has deservingly won a top colorist award in Allure magazine (www.alluremagazine.com).  Yay Allie-girl!  Congrats!  She did my hair for the wedding! 

My hair is getting longer quickly!

Excuse the blurry pic- my bberry STINKS at taking pics, but I insist on using it…I guess I’m too lazy to carry a camera 😉

Anyway, I just tried the cookies I ordered from www.diet-cookies.com  and they are AMAZING!  I got two flavors; black and white (115 cals)

YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUM!

and the cinnamon brownies – 107 cals (haven’t tried yet, but it looks to be happening in the forseeable future)

I saw them on Lisa’s blog www.pamperedwithpaige.com and had to have them!  Thanks, LP!  Seriously people, you really have to try them.  In fact, you WILL try them!  The first ten readers to email me their mailing address will receive a sample of these delicious delights!  Please indicate your choice of either black and white cookie or cinnamon brownie.  Yay!  I guess this is my first official “giveaway!”  Fun!

jessdownes@yahoo.com

Anyway, I am waiting patiently for Husband to come home.  Watching Biggest Loser: Where are They Now

Toodles!