Rantings of a Creole Princess

Message from Santa to Coley Pole!

Portable North Pole!

This is soooooooooooo cute!

What's your FAVORITE...

...Christmas song??????  Who sings it best?

The Post Office ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

See the postal truck in the middle left corner?????????????

So often the post office gets a bum rap.  Sure they don't have the "slick" ads or the commercials during football games and such but when I tell you that we are having a straight BLIZZARD outside right now and our mailman slid up...LITERALLY...to deliver Christmas presents I am NOT LYING!

DING DONG!

Us:  DA HELL????????

Me:  Wow!  It's the MAILMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And there you have it folks.  He delivered packages up and down our street saving Christmas!!!!!!!!!!

Where ya 'et UPS and Fed Ex?????  LOL!

"Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail shall keep the postmen from their appointed rounds." - Herodotus bastardized

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Holiday Event Notice!

Smooches!  Invitations for our Holiday event have gone out via eVite.  If we "know" you and you'd like to attend...please email me for an invitation if you didn't receive one.  Please remember I'm not on my main computer so I don't have a lot of addresses I would usually invite in my inbox.  My apologies in advance for the trouble.

My Christmas Tree is FINISHED! GO ME!

Dear photography people:  Please give me tips on the settings for a good picture of the tree with the lights on.  Thank you in advance.  :)

OKAY...I'm going to try again...

What made me decide to get up and shake it off AGAIN to see if I can get Christmas going?

Bah.Fugging.Humbug Indeedly

All day yesterday I tried to find my Christmas spirit.  I went shopping with a smile on my face and ran a few errands.  I was in WalMart...my 5th store, when it happened.  A heffa rolled up on me and got sliced into bits.  I'm not the one.  Seriously.

Weekend Holiday Plans?????

Do you have anything planned to do this weekend for the holiday?

Decorating?

Partying?

Shopping?

Baking?

Tell us!

Christmas Tip #345

Don't turn on the fireplace if you have chocolate in the stockings hanging from the mantle.  I know this one FIRST.HAND.  Just...ewwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!

Christmas just ain't Christmas...

I'm not in the Christmas mood yet for some strange reason.  I'm actually contemplating not even putting up a tree this year.  I put a bit of Christmas in every room anyway so it's festive...I'm just not in the Christmasy mood.

Apparently my saying this has caused some alarm in my  world and folks are really worried that something is wrong with me.  The gasps have been audible and the silence palatial when I mention that I might not put up a tree.  *sigh*

I usually give a Christmas party every year...but I'm not in the mood for that either.  I'm thinking of just having a nice lunch out and about with my friends and framily in the area before they all leave for the holiday.

I'm just not feeling it.  Truly.

I've been doing a bit here and there in the house and I have a color scheme and ornaments and everything but...hey...I don't know...I'm just not there yet.

Usually I've decorated the outside by now and every room in the house to include bathrooms. 

Usually.

I don't know man...something's up with me. 

Here's what I've done so far.  Not much.  I'll just build on it.  I'm traveling this weekend to be with family so maybe by the time I return I'll be in a better mood.  Maybe not however...since I'll be with babies I love and yet...still don't have.

What?  Yall thought I wasn't broken this time?  Oh...I am.  I've just had more stuff to concentrate on that I haven't focused on me all that much.  Oh well.  Life sucks sometimes and yet...still goes on.

I'm a survivor.  I'll be just fine.

I know this.

Pics after the click...

Christmas Budget

Are you setting one this year?  What is it?  Is it more or less than last year? 

My Christmas Colors!!!!!

 

From My Inbox

Happy Holidays Tribe!  I have a question.  My husband and I have been hosting our family's Thanksgiving for years and really enjoy doing it.  It has become a family tradition and we usually have about 36 people in attendance.  My brother and his wife just recently got back together after a two year long separation.  During the separation she was always welcome to our house for Thanksgiving and has always been treated like family.  She and my brother have three children who are spoiled by all of us since my sister and I don't have children yet.

This Thanksgiving, my sister-in-law announces that Thanksgiving will be at her house next year because she feels guilty that we do all the work.  I let her know it wasn't work and it was a labor of love for our family.  It got really quiet and nobody said anything.  I felt this was something she could have discussed at a later date and maybe we could have come to some sort of compromise.  Their home would not comfortably accommodate our large family gathering and to be honest, she's not a good cook. 

I'm pissed about how she went about this especially as it seems she is going to try and use her children as bait and keep them and my brother away if the family doesn't agree to have Thanksgiving at her house.  One of the reasons why she and my brother separated was because she doesn't value family as much as we do and always seems to be trying to start mess with family members or keep my brother away from us.  What would you do if you were me? 

On a Scale of 1 - 10...

How was YOUR Thanksgiving holiday weekend?  

Are you ready to get back on the grind?  

Did you do any Black Friday shopping?  Any great deals?

Did you enjoy being with your family?

How to Set and DECORATE an Informal Table Place Setting

Quick Table Shot!

Monica Mingo

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2009 EVERYONE!!!!!!!!

I was flipping through my closet this morning and found this t-shirt someone sent me as a gift a few years ago.  It always felt kinda weird walking around with your head on your t-shirt so I've actually never wore it but this morning I was thankful that the person thought enough of me to have it made for me and it made me smile.

And that's how life should be.  

Today on this loveliest of holidays I hope you don't allow anything to get in the way of the true spirit of this holiday.  I hope your heart is at peace and your mind is at rest and the same is said for all around you.  I hope your turkey is juicy and your dressing browns perfectly.  I hope your cranberries are tart and your pie crust is flaky.  I hope your greens are flavorful and your wine is complimentary.

I hope your family is lovely  and you feel only the best of intentions from them all.

In short...I hope your Thanksgiving is AB.SO.LUTELY gobble-icious! 

From my home to yours...HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scenario...

You invite folks over for dinner.

The atmosphere is festive and you've gone all out.

One of the guests is the sibling of another guest.

They start arguing BEFORE dinner starts.

One shoves the other and the other retaliates.

The sibling falls into your table.

ALL of your GOOD CHINA along with crystal et al crash to the floor and breaks.

VERY, VERY, VERY expensive stuff.

What do you do?

Do you call the police?

Do you tell them that you expect payment or replacement IMMEDIATELY?

If they didn't...would you take them to court?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVE PREPARATION!

 

Bedroom clean?  Check.

Dressed in comfy yet cute clothes and shoes?  Check.

Lips Aquaphor'd up?  Check.

Cuticles extra moisturized?  Check.

Fridge clean?  Check.

Freezer clean?  Check.

Oven clean?  Check.

Sink disinfected?  Check.

Counters disinfected?  Check.

"The Color Purple" playing in the background?  Check.

Seasonings cut up?  Check.

Baking Done?  Bout to be.

Ice maker clean?  Bout to be.

Serving pieces chosen?  Bout to be.

ETC. ETC. ETC.

As you can see I'm busy, busy, busy.  I know most of you are out and about bout to get your travel on and I hope yall get to your destinations safe and without incident.  It dawned on me that I've never done a video about Thanksgiving so I'm going to do that for a reference for next year.  LOL!

What are YOU doing today?  Anyone working?

Note to our Thanksgiving Dinner Guests!

Hi guys!  I'm so excited about Thanksgiving this year!  I know the food is pretty much the same but I love these dishes so since I only get to do this big Turkey Day feast once a year! 

Please arrive by 4:30 at the latest.  Of course you are welcome to come as early as you want to because the games will be on, the grazing table will be stocked and the wine will be ready!  LOL!  Wear  your comfy clothes and socks and PLOP down and enjoy!  That's how we get down at 13700!

Please know that we have more than enough of everything and are looking forward to hosting our framily.  :)  If you MUST bring something...a bottle of wine is fine but you do NOT have to bring anything! 

(Yes Mercy...I remember I told you that you could bring a dessert!  LOL!  Yup...I'm giving up a bit of control! )

Again...I am soooooooo looking forward to seeing you guys.  The menu will be:

Turkey
Creole Cornbread Dressing
Stuffed Peppers
Green Bean Casserole
Kale
Sweet Potato Casserole
Crawfish Macaroni and Cheese
Cranberry Sauce
Mixed Green Salad (The Robinator:  Um...why taint the good stuff you only let me eat once a year? ROFL!)
Southern Comfort Cake
Sweet Potato Pie
Mini Fruit Tarts

If there are any food allergies, etc. that I am unaware of...please let me know so I may accommodate with a substitute dish for you.

We are soooooooooo very excited to share this holiday with you and look forward to lots of good eating, laughter, grins and smiles for miles!

Love,

Monnie, Robby, ST, Jaru & Lucy

P.S.  If you haven't let me know you don't have any place to be and you've decided you want to be with us...Imma need you to let me know by tomorrow night so I may make your place card.  NO ONE should be alone for the holidays if you're in the DMV and "know" us.  Seriously.  We mean it.  Come eat and enjoy.  We TRULY believe in the more the merrier!

Tell the truth and shame the devil!

Who is the person you least want to see when you go home for the holidays? 

Thanksgiving Tablescape Take 3

Well...I finally figured out what I felt was missing.  The color black.  Black is such a lovely grounding color that can tie everything down pretty solid and I knew I wanted something patterned for the tablecloth.  This tablecloth is from the Badgley Mischka line.  Found it at HomeGoods for $14.99.  GO ME! 

 

So I have to decide on something major.  I need to figure out which of the three place settings I'm going to use and which napkins.  I like the black, of course, but I totally like the rust color one too.

 

 

Let me know in the comments which of each do you like the most pretty please with sugar on top! (This kinda stuff makes me soooooooooooooooo happy!  LOL!)

Turkey Day Plans!

Where are you having Thanksgiving dinner?  Do you have to travel to get there?  When are you leaving?  When do you get back?

Turkey Brine

Are you going to brine your turkey this year?

Thanksgiving Tablescape: The Second Layer???????

Okay...so I changed some stuff up.  Look at it and tell me what you think.  I scattered some diamoniques on the beveled mirror runner and, as always...I can't decide on place settings.  I always try and incorporate something new by way of salad plate but I always end up using our china it seems and I'm trying to change that up.

Oh...and I added a tablecloth and decided against the 4 candle candelabra.

I think.

I'm still playing with it.  Haven't even decided on the napkin color or if I'm going to use a napkin ring.

 

 

 

 

Yall know I love Thanksgiving right?  RIGHT!

Tomorrow I'm cleaning out the pantry and the fridge.  We're eating all the food out the freezer and fridge so I have room for my food shopping.  I've already bought all of the stuff that is hard to find and am picking up the rest on Monday.  Picking up the organic turkey on Wednesday and putting it straight in the brine Wednesday night.

Thanksgiving on a Budget Tips!

By none other than our own girl!  Host a classy Thanksgiving celebration without the costs

Thanksgiving Tablescape: The First Layer

It's causing me problems.  I can't wrap my brain around it right now..but I'm not feeling it thus far. 

This is the first layer because these are the things that are going to build the color scheme of the table.  The full table will be built with all the place settings, linens, etc.

I'll go out again tomorrow before Oprah to see if I may find the something I'm missing.

Whatchu think?

HomeGoods Holiday Decor Shopping!

What would you do?

...with this fun table confetti that looks like round diamoniques?

NOTICE!

NOTICE: As always, if you are in the DC Metro area and don't have family to have Thanksgiving dinner with you are welcome at our table. Send me a message via Facebook. There is no reason to be alone for the holiday. Don't make me cut you trying to be all hard talking bout you don't need nobody.

From BellaDomani: "WICKED"-LY FABULOUS!

Hi, Monica!
I know you lurves the kiddos and I wanted to send you pics of O in her Halloween costume. A's party will be tomorrow so I will send some of her then. <[:-) By the way, her makeup took a solid hour to do! Did I mention she REALLY wanted to be Elphaba? LOL!

(((HUGS)))

 

 

From Lisa:

Okay...warning...this is bad.  It's funny...but it's bad.  ROFL!

Trick-or-Treat Pics!

Foxy Brown goes NINJA and yup...that's Prince Charming ST!
13700 looks spoooooooooooooooooky all dark huh?

 

It started raining just as soon as the kids were supposed to head out.  I'm so disappointed as I've only given out a half cauldron full of candy.  I'm just CRUSHED indeed!

From TravelDiva

Pics from the party!

Hey Yall! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Whatchall doing?  How's the weather out by yall?  Send me some Halloween pics!  I LURVE, LURVE, LURVE seeing folks dressed all up for Halloween!

It's a beautiful Fall day out here today and we've been expecting rain all day today but it still hasn't started.  I hope it doesn't start right at Trick or Treat time because I have an entire cauldron of candy to give out!

Have I shared with yall how much I LURVE Fall?  The colors are so beautiful to me which I why I used them throughout our home!  I'm posted up on the sofa nursing my sick and look at my view!

 

I plan on putting my leaf blower to work tomorrow on the deck for sure.  Not in the mood today.

I love this red flower trying to hold on till the last bit of warm weather leaves us!

 

I hope you are somewhere REALLY seeing the beauty around you and REALLY enjoying it.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! (Off to take my Robitussin DM!)

Kids are Fun-tay!

Caption this...

Did we have fun?

What do YOU think?

So...carving and painting pumpkins is a messy job indeed.  Because of...I put a big, black, plastic paint tarp down stretched across some parking spaces.  Then...I put those vinyl tablecloths you get at the dollar store on top of all of those tables and tied them down with balloons from the dollar store too.

This way...all you have to do is roll em up completely and put everything in the garbage can for a quick cleanup cuz TRUST...this is MESSY!

Each table had a pack of baby wipes and a roll of paper towels as well as tins with paintbrushes in them.  I got the tins from the $1 bins at Target and there were 25 paintbrushes in a pack for $4.99 at Michael's.

The big kid's table had the carving tools in a plastic bowl in the center.  (Notice all this plastic and vinyl right?  RIGHT.  T-Monnie KNOWS KIDS.)

All of the snacks were inside and I basically played server to make sure the kids had some outside with them.  The party was just PERFECT.  It wasn't crazy, over the top and exactly what kids who want to have a messy fun time wanted. 

LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT!

The kids had a blast.  I had a blast and the parents had a blast!  Afterwards we all cleaned up together and everyone was long gone and my home clean by 7:30pm. My kinda party!  Oh...and there was face painting!!!!!

I believe we should know who our neighbors are.  Some of my neighbors have lived here over 7 years and never even KNEW a lot of the people they met today.  It was just LOVELY and I was really glad that I was able to make that connection for them.  The funny thing was they all knew me.  ROFL!  "Oh yeah...we know Monica!"  Why?  Because Monica makes it a POINT to get to know who her neighbors are.  Grownups, children...et al.  Ain't nuttin wrong with knowing who you live next to and to consider them "friend."

I promise!

Halloween Party Playlist

Halloween Party Planning!

In Monnie-land today has been a FABULOUS day!  I really would have made a video had I not sounded and looked soooooooo awful but since I didn't...ya just hafta take my word for it!  LOL!

First things first...pumpkins!  WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

I went to the orchard/pumpkin patch to get pumpkins!!!!!  Why?  Because I know some parents are going to forget to bring a pumpin and I'm not trying to have anyone left out!

 

So many choices!  Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!  LOVED THIS MUCHO!!!!! But I knew I wasn't going to pick this big azz pumpkin for sure.  ROFL!

 

That sucker was big as me!  Um...no.

So then I ran around and did a bunch of other shopping and headed home because my neighbor was helping me put together the BOO bags!

 

While we were putting together the BOO bags we put the kids who kept asking could they help to work cleaning the pumpkins!

 

 

 

They did a good job but I made them do it again just so they could stop asking me could they help with other preparations!  LOL!  Evil huh?  I know.

 

There are BOO bags for little kids and "cooler" bags for the 14 and overs.  LOL!  I figure they are going to show up because they keep asking all nonchalant if they are invited.  ROFL!

I went down to my basement entertainment pantry and started pulling stuff for the party.  All orange stuff, of course.  Base colors are white and silver.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jaru and Lucy don't know yet that they are going to be gated.  Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh...don't tell them.  Parents are welcome inside because the grown up table will be inside and the kiddie table will be outside.  NO.KIDS.IN.MS.MONICA'S HOUSE!  LOL!

 

E has been briefed on his duties as a host and his mom is doing the BOMB swamp juice for the kiddies!  T-Monnie is making Bloody Eye Sangrias so YEAH BOY!  It's going to be BIG.POPPING at 13700 for Halloween!

I'm going to pick up the cupcakes tomorrow and I have a few more things on my list that I didn't get today:

Tealights

Apples

Juice Boxes

1/2 pint water bottles

Cookies

Black taper candles

I'm VERY excited!  We'll have painted mini pumpkins as well as carved big pumpkins.  Should be FABULOUS!

GO ME!

What say you?  Whatcha think so far?

Halloween Party Countdown!!!!!

E's pumpkin carving Halloween party is tomorrow and I'm spending the day today getting the last of the things I need to make it a super-dooper BASH!

My schedule for today:

1.  Shopping (tealights, pumpkins, more poster paint and brushes, more carving tools, apples, caramel, sticks to make caramel apple slices...etc.)

2.  Making treat bags

3.  Baking cakes

4.  Choosing serving ware from my pantry

5.  Reminding kids to NOT knock on Ms. Monica's door today to ask to help or she will cancel the party, tear down the decorations and pass out pencils and erasers for Halloween.

That is all.

I've already created the music playlist and I have printed out several carving patterns for the kids to use.  I'm sure it's going to be pure chaos...but hey...it's HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!

If I didn't look and sound so horrid...I'd make a video.

Are YOU going to a Halloween party?????

Question...

How much do you spend on candy for Halloween?

Would you let your child dress as a pimp for Halloween?

FUNNIEST HALLOWEEN VIDEO OF ALL TIME!

From Stan:

"In honor of Columbus Day I'm going to get lost on my way to work, kill whoever is there and take up residence."

He has us over here HOWLING with laughter!  LOL!

Columbus Day

Does this holiday bother you?  Why?

Me LURVE Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Halloween and Thanksgiving are my absolute FAVORITE holidays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm already planning for both, of course.  LOL!  I bought a piece of jewelry yesterday for my costume this year and it makes me happy, happy, happy!

What about you?  Do you dress for Halloween?  What are you gonna be this year?  Do you pass out candy?  Do you get the good stuff?

My Ghost Hangers!

 

Of course I have to reposition them since I went out to hang them and all I heard was...

Neighborhood Kids:  MISS MONICA, MISS MONICA CAN I HELP, CAN WE HELP?????????

Ms. Monica:  MAY we help.

Neighborhood Kids:  MAY WE HELP?

Ms. Monica:  Of course. 

T-Monnie loves the kids even though they make extra work for me.  LOL! (Shall be repositioning while they are at school manana.)

My Ghost Makers!

Every.single.time I look at my flower beds I wanna CUT ST...

Don't worry...that tape is coming off the tree.  ST was helping me get started with my Halloween decorating.  Since he couldn't damage anything...I let him wrap it around the tree.

Yall see my flower beds?

*sigh*

I'm going to have to do something with it.  No way I'm going to be able to last till Spring.