Today is the last day for this coupon but if you are near a Barnes & Noble today, stop in for a free Starbucks Cappuccino or Latte! Cheers!

Lame name, I know. But it is what it is. And it's mmmm good! I bet you are thinking, "PPC did you make yet another thing in your silly crockpot?!" And to that I will reply.... "you know it!!" I took two similar cook on the stovetop recipes and made this one totally, ridiculously yummy crockpot recipe. You should note that it makes a TON! So either serve it to a large group of family and friends or be like me and freeze your own version of Lean Cuisine meals to enjoy in the chilly weeks ahead for lunch. It is very healthy and filling. Enjoy!


Chicken Tomato Bean Soup


Ingredients:

- 2-3 large chicken breasts, whole
- 1 medium onion, chopped fairly small
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes in puree (I took a spoon and broke them into pieces)
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 14 oz cans cannelleni beans, drained
- 1 14 oz can artichoke hearts quartered
- 1 14 oz can stewed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped (I use kitchen scissors - they cut so easily)
- salt and pepper, be generous
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Parmesan cheese, grated


Method:

Everything minus the cheese goes into your crockpot. Cook all day on low or half the day on high. Just before serving, remove the chicken breasts. Shred and then place back into pot of soup. Serve with cheese on top to taste.

Sweet Miss Petit Prep gave me the Smile Award the other day. How fun! Now it's my turn to pass it along to a few of the many many blogs that make me smile every day. Feel free to pass it along...

So we talk a lot about shows we love on blogs but I think that shows we strongly dislike are just as revealing. In no particular order, here are a few of my least favorite TV programs....

THE VIEW. I've said it on this blog (and probably many of yours) before but I seriously just don't understand why anyone would watch that show. Everyone- and I mean every single host- is so super rude and mean. Not every day, but at least one or two per day. They tend to really talk down to guests- I think Barbara and Elizabeth are the worst at this. What the heck happened to Babs? I used to love her interviews in the 80's. But now, she is all about fluff, dumb, mindless questions when it comes to rare and important interviews. Then she is a nasty B to silly guests who are just there to plug a reality show or sitcom. I don't care that they have different views. In theory I think that's a swell idea. But my biggest complaint about The View is that they all talk at the same stinkin' time. They talk over each other, louder than the next person, making it impossible to make heads or tails of the conversation. It's like watching five pre-schoolers squawking at each other. I have no idea who watches the show or why. I do love Elizabeth's wardrobe. Girl's got style, I'll definitely give her that. She wears the best dresses. Ugh, but it is just the worst show. Ick! It's painful to watch.

ILLUSIONISTS. Like David Blane and Chris Angel. It's not entertaining to see a grown man hang upside down for a week. I mean, if TV cameras weren't there, a big fire truck would roll up and talk that man down. Tight white jackets would be worn and medication would be administered. Where is the line drawn?

TATTOO SHOWS. I don't even know what to say about these shows. They scare me. Why are all of the tattoo artists so dark and harsh? Is wearing leather a prerequisite to work there?

COURT/JUDGE SHOWS. They have been on since the beginning of time so clearly I am in the minority here. But I don't understand. It's always a collection of characters who love curse words, don't speak proper English and go to court to argue over a TV or $62.

FISHING. Because it's so exciting to watch an old man sit in a boat? I do know several guys who watch fishing. Maybe men watching fishing is like women watching cooking? Though I would argue that cooking is fast paced and colorful and entertaining and fun.

FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS. I remember exactly where I sat when I watched the premier episode in the mid 80's. And I remember turning to my mother and proclaiming that there was no way this show would last a full season. I believe the show celebrated it's 20th anniversary recently. I still do not understand what the draw is. It's just not that funny. A lot of dumb and/or gross humor, babies bumping into walls, and dogs barking words.

So there you have it. My must not see list in random order. What are your "I refuse to watch that" TV shows?

On Saturday, I did laundry. I know, so crazy exciting. I lead quite the thrilling life, I tell ya!! Anyhoo, included in the laundry fun was Sadie Kate's bed. I wash it fairly frequently so this is nothing new. But when I brought the laundry up to my bedroom to sort and fold, Sadie followed me in. And was completely distressed when she went to take a nap in her bed. It was missing and this girl was not happy! Now you should note that she can sleep anywhere. She has two beds in my house, plus access to several pieces of furniture. She is far from a suffering child. But girl wanted her bed right then and there. She walked around in circles and sniffed the donut stuffing until she found a way to sort of get into her beddy. Seriously, how pathetic does she look?!






So I quickly went to work putting her broken bed back together again. She was so excited and snuggled right in as I went about folding the rest of my laundry. Ah, freshly washed donut bedding... life is good!

Wow- I stink at tags and awards lately. I love them and always start them but rarely finish and publish them. I'm trying hard to be better. Thanks Pink Lemonade and Peonies!

This is a fun way to waste a few minutes. You can test your color IQ. Thanks for sharing Creative Cupcake. I was worried but I actually scored a big ole goose egg! That's right, this girl apparently has an eye for color, as I got a perfect score. Would you expect anything less? Just kidding... But it was fun nonetheless.

Have you noticed that Preppy Pink Crocodile is now a very fancy blog? It's super fantastic, right?! I love it! I'd love to tell you that I did this myself. That I am highly skilled and know my way around a web page. But that would be a big fat lie. We all know I am helpless when it comes to this blog. So all praise should be directed to the very fabulous Jennifer!! She's the genius behind this blog-tastic makeover! Thanks a million...I love my new and colorful blog!

I love crockpots!

Guess how I cooked a chicken this week? Did you guess a crockpot? Ding, ding, ding! You're right! Y'all know how much I love that magic cooking machine. It never disappoints.

Now you might be skeptical on this creation but please try it. It was hands down the BEST CHICKEN EVER! And you can find the cherries in the low sugar and/or organic varieties if you so desire. Try this recipe. You'll thank me later!

Ingredients:
* 1 whole roasting chicken that will fit into your crockpot
* 2 med sweet or regular potatoes, chopped into 1 in cubes
* 1 med onion, sliced thick
* several handfuls of baby carrots
* 1 can of cherry pie filling
* lots of salt and pepper to taste

Method:
Place 1/2 of the veggies in bottom of pot. Add S & P. Place chicken on top of veggies. Generously add S & P. Add remaining veggies all around chicken. Add can of cherry pie filling on top of it all. Place lid on, cook on low all day or high half the day.

I know, it sounds crazy and super sweet. But I promise, it's not. It's juicy and tasty and finger-lickin' good! Add a salad and you're good to go.




I also made a big batch of apple sauce this week. Mmmmm- that is one of the greatest things about this time of year. Good golly is it so much better than the stuff in the jar! I've been snacking on it all week for desert- delish!

* I bought this eyeliner when I was in DC last weekend and I am in love. I swear, it's truly eyeliner love! I bought the brown but I am so going back for the blue. Bestie is probably laughing because I am not at all a make-up person. In fact, unlike my girl B, I really really dislike getting my make-up done by anyone other than me. It's not that I am picky...rather I am flinchy. As in I twitch and flinch when someone gets that close to me. And forget about having someone else do my eyeliner or mascara. I can't help it. Honest, I don't spaz on purpose. Anyway, my point is that this eyeliner is beyond fabu. Super easy to use- just glides right on. Love. It.

* I only just learned that Fox News is the preferred new channel for Republicans. Like, two months ago. I mean, I don't watch Fox, but not because I ever felt it was partisan. I think it is like the D-list news channel- like the US Weekly/Star of the magazine world. I didn't even know a news channel could be so boldly partisan. Did you? You probably did because y'all are the good friends who finally clued me in. That seems odd to make a "news" channel so significantly partisan and one sided. Is it still "news" or should it instead be called "opinions?" Not that I watch it...but still...seems odd to me. Then again, it probably seems odd to you that I am only just now getting clued in on this little piece of knowledge. I feel like a slow learner.

* Why do Coffee-Mate creamers contain fat? Just a little but still... It's manufactured, right? So why can't they just make them fat free? All of them, not just vanilla. I love the fun holiday flavors but can't help but think that those fat calories could be better used on something else fat-tastic (like ice cream or cookies). I mean, if I'm going to consume fat (and I do...trust me...I have an ever-expanding waistline to prove it!), coffee is not my desired choice.

* How can Half and Half be fat free? I'm peachy with the fat free bit (see above) but shouldn't it be called None and None instead?

* I was in Marshalls today and as I was standing in line I witnessed a daddy trying to help his little girl (5 or 6yrs I am guessing) pick out her Halloween costume. But of course the store has a big rack of candy and gift items at child height right next to the costume rack. And little girl was totally distracted, holding up every gift and candy package she could get her cute little hands on. Meanwhile, the daddy is holding up princess and bride and cheerleader costumes. So finally the daddy says (as everyone in line is giggling at the situation), if you don't pay attention, you are going to have to be a yellow M&M for Halloween (and he held up the ugly foamy costume). She finally walked over to help him after considering the horror of just the wrong candy coated costume. I just thought that was so funny, the threat of an M&M costume. That must be the uncool thing to be this year.

* I am suddenly getting invited to all sorts of shop-at-home parties. Now I have no issues with some events. I love trunk shows for unique clothes or accessories and I think Pampered Chef is about as fun as it gets (it's like Williams Sonoma in your friend's house with yummy snacks and wine). But I am getting invited to all sorts of home decor events. Like Southern Living Home and Home something else. They are all lovely but totally not my personal style. What's up with that? And please take no offense when I tell you that in my opinion, the worst of these home events is Mary Kay.

* A few years ago a friend invited me to a Mary Kay party at her house. I declined because I really really do not like MK events. I don't like that they make you wash your face while sitting on a couch and then wear blue eyeshadow that you scrape off cardboard pieces. For whatever reason, it creeps me out a little. Well said friend, without asking my permission, gave my email, name and phone numbers (yes- both home AND cell!) to her friend, Mary Kay girl. Mary Kay girl proceeded to email and call me non-stop for months. Seriously, it was stalking. Have I mentioned that I am not really a make-up person? I don't even own foundation or mascara. So one day I finally picked up the phone with every intention of sternly but politely asking her to cease and desist. But like so many things in my life, I folded. I agreed to go to an event with her. It was at a hotel and I thought that it would be good because I could scoot out early. But she insisted on picking me up. Mind you, I did not even know this girl. I knew of her via friend but that was it. Again, I fold and agree. Big mistake! I get into her car to find all this crap taped all over- pink diamonds and pictures of pink cars and crap like that. Her self-motivational tools. It seriously only went downhill from there. We drove to the end of the earth to a dumpy hotel conference room with no windows. I was shuffled into one room and she went into another room with all of the other women in matching blazers. Oh yes, apparently MK ladies wear red or black blazers with all sorts of fake bling all over them. We had to do the makeover- I was a rebel and refused to "wash" my face using a dollop of face scrub and a dry paper towel. But once they got us seated, it turned out to really be a ploy to sign up new followers, er, I mean, sales team members. It was a two hour plug to sell MK goods. Sort of like infomercial meets TV church, where followers stand up and shout that they too want to be saved, er, I mean sell MK. I had the worst headache and no way to leave. The whole thing got creepier and creepier as the moments dragged on. I had just quit my job and they were all over me. For months after this dreaded event, not only did MK girl keep calling me but so did her blazer lady boss girl (no idea what her title was but like the MK person who recruited my beloved MK girl). There were other high (or really low) lights but y'all get the gist. I mean no offense to those who love MK. I have a friend and a family member who both sell the products and neither wear the blazer. And I know they are very good to female employees. It all just leaves me with an odd and slightly creeped out taste in my mouth.

* I want to buy a bread machine. I know, so old school 80's of me! If you have one that you love, please tell me.

I'm back from my jaunt to see friends in DC but I brought home a souvenir from the flight....a sinus cold. It's nice. I'm thrilled. So because I am not in the mood to sit up and tell you all about my fab weekend with B (that stands for Bench....remind me to tell you that story when I can again breathe through my nose), I have a copy of the latest issue of Ruminations. Do y'all read these? I've been a fan since college and still love his writing/humor. Because we've been around the moon a dozen times talking politics, I thought this would give y'all a giggle too. Enjoy.


Issue #141 - "Ruminations on Electoral College Life" - October 21st, 2008

-We are in the midst of one of the most divisive elections in history. Democrats hate Republicans. Conservatives hate liberals. Everyone hates the debate moderators. But there is really one group that we can blame for all the negativity and vitriol that has enveloped this campaign: “undecided” voters. Obama and McCain don’t care about those of us who have already made up our minds, and with good reason. All their speeches and ads are now targeted to those people who claim, that after a year-and-a-half-long media blitz, they still don’t have enough information to make a decision. I don’t call these people “undecided” – I call them fucking idiots. Forget about hockey moms and Reagan democrats; what the candidates are really courting… is the moron vote.

-First of all, I don’t quite understand Sarah Palin’s strategy of constantly referring to herself as a “hockey mom.” Isn’t she alienating all the parents whose kids are awkward, ungainly, and don’t play sports? There’s got to be fewer hockey moms than there are Dungeons & Dragons moms.

-Many voters compare the candidates’ lives with their own to see if they can relate. This isn’t the best yardstick of who will make a great president, but I’ll admit, I’ve done it. For instance, it’s odd to consider that Obama and I are alike in that we’ve both written two books, but different in that he’s tried cocaine and I haven’t.

-John McCain and I both delivered speeches at my graduation from Penn in 2001. I spoke at the business school ceremony in the morning, and he spoke at commencement for the entire university. An excerpt from my speech: “After all the 9am classes that we had to sit through, did graduation really have to be this early? All kidding aside though, I am confident that each and every one of you sitting before me today will become a great success by meeting any challenge that comes your way.” An excerpt from McCain’s speech: “Will you specifically, with all the confidence and vitality that you claim today, assume the obligations of community, national, or world leaders? I'll be damned if I know. I'm not clairvoyant, and I don't know you personally.” Way to inspire, Senator.

-During the vice-presidential debate, Joe Biden said he spends “a lot of time” at Home Depot. Is that really something he should be touting? Generally the guys loitering in Home Depot either hate their wives or are clinically insane and just like talking to people.

-Think about how old your dad is. Now think about how many years you’d have to add for him to be 72. Now think of your dad at 72. Now think about your dad at 72 running for president. Even if you love your dad as much as I do mine, your conclusion will invariably be the same: no fucking way.

-One last message to all the moronic, er, sorry, “undecided” voters out there: did you notice that the jokes I just made really have nothing substantial to do with who is better able to lead our country? That’s because all of the important facts are already out there. Us decided voters are bored. This is what we’ve been reduced to while you’ve got the candidates pandering around in circles. So put us all out of our misery and make up your minds already. But come November 4th, if you’re still wavering, don’t stop the car at your local polling station. Just keep on driving. I hear Canada is lovely this time of year.

Here's what I did during the debate last night. I was totally prepared for another snooze fest ahead of time and ready to finish up this baby gift for my girlfriend E. Little did I know it was going to be the best of the debates. No worries, I can listen and sew at the same time. I'm skilled like that!





So you are looking at a baby size tutu, onesie with Lilly applique, bib and burpee. Not to toot my own horn, but toot toot! I was just telling bestie that I want to make that tutu in my size because it is just so crazy adorable. I've made tutu's before but never this style. I love it! I hope E's little-girl-to-be will love it too.

Pink is My Signature Color was sweet enough to give me a Kreativ Blogger Award. Thanks Pink!! I'm totally flattered! So the rules are that I must list six things that make me happy....

1. My baby girl! Sadie never fails to make me smile big. She is the biggest lover ever. Every single morning she gives me a face full of sweet puppy kisses. She loves every dog she meets, even if they growl mean at her. She is just adorable and the best decision I have ever made!

2. Crisp, cool, sunny days. The weather can make or break my mood sometimes. Today was amazing outside. Therefore I am in an awesome mood. Ask me about my mood mid-winter when we haven't seen sunshine in more than a week.

3. My best friends. Bestie is amazing! She is so sweet and we always giggle about such silly things. Things that are not at all funny to normal people. But by golly do we laugh a lot. Georgia is just a peach! She is one of the two funniest people I know. And she is hands down the sweetest friend I have. Which might surprise you and she is likely unhappy I am letting the cat out of the bag. But it's true, she such a softie and has the best heart with a side of sarcasm. Florida is my oldest friend. We've been besties since I was 10 mos old. We go way back. She is the other funniest person I know. She still lives in our hometown and her talent for re-telling local gossip and hometown news is priceless. I am always always in hysterics. And last but not least, Little. She lives far away and I miss her terribly. We swear that we were separated at birth- we have that much in common personality-wise (we look nothing alike but whatever). And ironically, we were actually born in the same hospital, in a city that neither one of use grew up in.

4. Apple Pie. Specifically my apple pie but my aunt's is just as good. I ONLY make pie with home-made crust. I do not use butter (sorry Martha) and go all old school fatty-mc-fatty with Crisco. We did a taste test one year in my family and decided that Crisco is our favorite. Don't let this gross you out, but I actually love to eat raw pie crust. Florida used to find this repulsive as a kid but in my family I am not alone in loving the raw dough. I know, I know, it's kinda gross.

5. Fabric. OMG I have a wicked wicked addiction. I just love the colors and patterns and the feel of new cotton fabric. I mean, it could be worse. Drugs are worse, right?

6. Bagels. I. Love. Bagels! My favorite is rosemary olive oil from Brugers. Sooo yummy! They just might be my perfect food. Add lettuce and lox and cream cheese and it's like a complete food pyramid.

I have lots of pictures to show you because it was an awesome weekend up here. Lots of amazing fall leaves. And a few cute new Lilly items. But blogger is instead being a thorn in my side. For three days I have tried to download pictures and it just refuses. Argh! So know that pictures are forthcoming.... I hope!!

On Saturday I went back up to Manchester to deal with my coat problem (I got it home only to find it had a huge slash down the arm. But the receipt said all sales were final. I called and they said they found lots of coats like that. I could mail it back and they would mail me a new coat. But it was so amazing on Saturday that I just decided to drive up and enjoy the beautiful day.). I thought, I wish my blog pals were here with me to soak in the glory of this sunny drive between mountains covered in candy-colored trees. So I whipped out my Digi and am here to present you with a virtual drive through New England.















Yes, most of these were taken while driving. Safe? Probably not. And yet I did it anyway. I'm all rebel like that! I would narrate each picture but you see, blogger is still misbehaving. It will upload the pictures but on this end they do not look like pictures. I am staring at numbers and letters that make zero sense. I'm just crossing my fingers that when I hit publish y'all will be able to see actual pictures.















Can you see the apples in the tree below? They were on the side of the Orvis property and I just thought they were so cute. Of course I was sitting in traffic so I had nothing better to do that keeps taking random pics from the car.







Isn't this town beautiful? Oh I just love Manchester. So clean and pretty and just cute, cute, cute!!























This is my fabu sammy of roasted turkey breast, three cream brie, grapes and pecans on a baguette, plus a yummy little side salad. So crazy good!

My other boyfriend (I like to multi task!) is of course Anderson Cooper. We go back even farther as we have known each other (and by known, I mean in my head mind you) since I was a freshman in high school. I don't feel bad having Josh knowing that many of you TV date Mr.Cooper too. Dreamy-mc-yummy! He's smart, incredibly handsome, well spoken, and witty. Love it. Love him. I love you Anderson!

And while Geof and I are not in love, we are most certainly in like. A lot. Do you ever watch Ace of Cakes on the Food Network? I have no idea when it is really on- it's one of those shows I catch randomly on the weekend while ironing or loafing about. Now at first glance, Geof is not at all my "type." But once you get to know his dry humor and see his crazy amazing cake decorating talent and sweet personality, you too will adore him.

So there you go. My lovers, revealed. I feel good coming out of the TV closet like this. Cleansing really. Hello lover boys!

Be sure to wish my Bestie a very happy birthday today! She might be an old lady (wink, wink!) but she is also fabulously sweet, fun, generous, loving, creative and as kind as the day is long! She is awesome! I wish I was there to help you celebrate. I know it's your birthday but you are such a gift in my life. I love you, Bestie!

For some reason, lately I have been writing posts as usual but neglecting to click "publish." So several days later I will realize this and go back to publish everything. All at once. I have no explanation for my delayed publishing. I plead blonde I guess. I'm such a scatter-brain sometimes! Sorry!!

I know, I'm obsessed with my crockpot. Fully aware. But seriously, the idea of throwing a bunch of stuff into a pot and having it magically become a yummy dinner is just too fabulous! So on that note, I made up another winner the other night.

AUTUMN CROCKPOT TURKEY

Ingredients:

* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 medium onion, sliced thick
* 2 handfuls baby carrots
* 2 large sweet potatoes, chopped in large chunks
* turkey breasts, sliced (use as many as you need to serve your family)
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 can whole cranberry sauce
* 1 cup frozen whole cranberries
* 1/4 teaspoon ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* 1 handful dates (This is to add sweetness without adding sugar. They basically melt into a thick sauce)
* salt and pepper to taste (take it easy on the salt- you just used soy sauce)


Directions:

Everything goes into the crockpot. Set on low all day or high for half the day. Serve with a large salad. Enjoy!!