Well, it has been a delightful birthday week.

I’ve spent time with friends and family, enjoyed some wonderful gifts along the way from very dear friends (think…some of my favorite things…Pumpkin Pie Skinny Lattes, Coffeesmith muffins, jewelry), I was able to work on writing, and actually cooked and baked this week.

And that brings us to today.  The BIG day…my ACTUAL birthday.  It is going to be filled with lots of fun.  (You see, I just might be that person who tells everyone they see that “It’s my birthday today!”  Gas station attendants, neighbors out on a walk, baristas at the drive-thru…no shame.  I would write it in the sky if I could.)  Birthdays…love them.

I will be volunteering at the boys’ school this morning.  It’s Apple Celebration Day in kindergarten and I. am. pumped. up.  First of all, I love helping out in the boys’ classes.  Maxim’s class is so cute and those little kindergartners just wanna hug on you ALL THE TIME.  Second, I love apples so this kindergarten Apple Celebration is my kind of celebration.  Third, I love “party days”.  Who doesn’t love a good party?  And an apple party is sure to be bushels of fun.  (sorry for the poor joke).  I plan to pop in Nate’s room and possibly help a little there before I meet my parents and grandma for lunch.

Tonight, I hope to have some yummy taco pizza (remember last week’s post about this?  Happy Joe’s Taco Pizza) with Hubby and the boys.  Along with tasty pumpkin bars that I made this week.  It’s sure to be a great evening.

So, now that you know how I’ve been celebrating my birthday week, let me forge ahead with Fun Friday Favorites.  Just because there is a birthday to be celebrating doesn’t mean that fashion and recipes need to wait.

 

1.  Central Park West cardigan –

I saw this at Von Maur and really had to show some restraint from wanting to buy it right then.  It’s darling on and of course…it’s gray…love it.

 

2.  Mossimo plaid scarf –

This infinity plaid scarf is such a great accessory for fall.  And right now, Target has a sale “buy 1 get 1 at 50% off”.  That’s a deal to be excited about.  Scarves are a “must have” for fall.  And you know me and plaid.  I just love me some plaid!

 

3.  Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Retinoid Eye Repair –

You all.  I am spilling some secrets here.  This is a NECESSITY.  I started using this eye repair cream this summer under my eyes and around the outside of my eyes.  I absolutely love it.  Helps reduce lines, wrinkles, whatever.  And this stuff makes your skin feel as smooth as a baby’s butt.  Seriously.  I cannot recommend this enough.  Go to Von Maur or get online and order some of this.  It’s absolutely amazing.

 

4.  Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Retenoid Pads –

Now, before you go spending $74 on this, try the Miracle Worker trial set at Von Maur for $45.  See if you like using these pads at night.  The nighttime routine goes like this:  clean your face (I use an Estee Lauder cleanser because that’s just what I’ve always loved), use one of these pads nightly on your face, neck, and I always wipe the pad over the top of my hands or wherever, then moisturize your skin with a moisturizer.  Go to bed and let this stuff do the miracle work of healing your skin and making it feel like new baby soft skin.  You need to use these retenoid pads at night, not during the day because it will cause your skin to be more likely to burn from the sun.  I cannot tell you how much I love these pads.  Now.  In typical Angela manner, I don’t always wash my face every night.  I forget.  I’m too tired.  Just whatever.  But then I kick myself for not being responsible because then, I don’t get to use these miracle worker pads on my face.  So, with me being another year older…I plan to be wiser and wash my face every night so that I can use these wonderful facial pads.

 

5.  Skinny Tortilla Soup –

This soup is so good, easy to make, and it’s low-cal.  Perfect for these fall days!

Skinny Tortilla Soup

1 can fat free refried beans

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can reduced sodium chicken broth

1 1/2 cups frozen corn

3/4 cup chunky salsa (I use medium)

3/4 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast (I used a rotisserie chicken…it’s easy)

1/2 cup water

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (reduced fat is an option), divided

baked tortilla chips

light sour cream

In large sauce pan, combine first 7 ingredients.  Bring to boil.  Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes.  Add 1 cup cheese; cook and stir over low heat until melted.  Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crumbled tortilla chips.  (Makes about 4-6 servings.) (*Soup is very thick.  You may add more chicken broth to thin it out.)

 

6.  Pumpkin Bars –

Oh, these are so delicious.  Moist bars with a yummy cream cheese frosting.  Mmmmm!

Pumpkin Bars

1 cup oil

2 cups pumpkin (about 1 1/4 cans of pumpkin)

2 cups sugar

4 eggs (lightly beaten)

 

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix first four ingredients together.  Add dry ingredients and mix well.  Bake at 350 in a greased jellyroll pan for 25 minutes (toothpick inserted will come out clean).

Frosting:  

1/2 cup oleo (soft)

1 8 oz. pkg cream cheese (softened)

5 cups powdered sugar

a dab or so of milk to proper consistency

Mix the oleo and cream cheese together.  Add powdered sugar and milk; blend together with a mixer.  Spread over cooled bars.

 

7.  Saturday Night Live…the cowbell skit –

This is one of my favorite Saturday Night Live skits ever.  Will Ferrell plays one mean cowbell.  Always remember…when in doubt…play a little more cowbell.  Maybe I’ll celebrate my birthday by playing a little cowbell…

Click here to enjoy… Will Ferrell and the cowbell skit

 

Have a wonderful weekend!!