Halloween Cuties

Spooky Story Winner

Last week I had some of my language groups create spooky stories. I told them the winner would receive the amazing opportunity to be featured on my blog (and they got a pencil or something but obviously the blog part was a WAY cooler reward).

The point of this activity was to help improve their oral expression, particularly regarding their ability to continue a story so that it makes logical sense. I provided the group with a story starter and then we took turns in the group with people adding to the story. After they had their idea in place, we all helped them to word it better. We expanded the utterances, adding in more complicated vocabulary, as well as descriptive words. The group members all worked together to make sure the grammar was correct and that the story was on track to follow a logical path. Below is the winning story. 

The Attic

by: The Friday Girls

Three years ago something happened to me that I will never forget. That night my friends and I were continuing our tradition of attending Spooky Walk. Two miles into the walk we all looked up in surprise as we noticed a large, dangerous-looking house. The house had a small cemetery in the front yard and it was surrounded by bare, twisted trees. In the spirit of Halloween I thought it would be a fun idea to explore the house. We crept up to the broken glass windows to peer inside in order to determine if someone lived there. We didn't see any people but we saw broken furniture, cobwebs, spiders, bats, a screeching black cat, and what looked like a pile of bones in the far corner. We dared each other to enter the house. 

As we approached the main door we heard a shrill, squeaking noise as it slowly started to open on its own. We heard someone walking up to us and as we turned our heads we noticed it was a man chasing us with an axe. In a panic, we all ran into the pitch black house and slammed and locked the door. We then scrambled up the stairs looking for a place to hide. The only way we could see was by the light of the moon until we found an oil lamp in a second floor bedroom. We nervously peeked out the window and saw the axe man outside waiting for us. Our hearts were beating fast as we huddled together trying to decide what to do next. 

We decided to explore the house for better hiding spots in case he entered inside. In the hallway we found a door that led to a set of narrow, wooden stairs leading up to a creepy attic. We thought this might be our best chance for survival. At the top of the stairs was the horrid sight of a skeleton covered in cobwebs sitting in a rocking chair. The attic door slammed shut and we heard a sound, like nails scratching on a chalkboard behind the door. Suddenly, the door opened and we beheld the figure of the man with an axe. He threw the axe on the floor and told us that he was a ghostly inhabitant of the house and he had been trying to warn us that the house is haunted and that people who enter the house can never leave. This is why I am writing this story from that very attic. 

Favorite Recent Purchases

* Perfume: Tresor In Love by L'ancome


This perfume was released in March of 2010. Its fragrant composition incorporates fruity-floral notes on a cedar wood base. The description states that it opens with accords of nectarine, bergarmot, peach and sour pear. A heart blooms with Turkish rose and elegant jasmine, while a base includes cedar. 


Clearly I've been loving everything French recently. I personally think it's a very romantic scent. It is long lasting and the scent changes a bit throughout the day. I like it the most after a few hours.

* OPI Urban Ballerina Collection Nail Polish in Leotard Optional


The color is described as an opaque mocha beige. I don't really remember to wear nail polish much (and I am terrible at putting it on my nails). However, I do love this color because it is so neutral. It looks elegant and classy.

* Target Penguin Mug

For only four dollars you can buy a Santa, Snowman, or Penguin mug. It was so hard to decide. It doesn't exactly look like the one below but it was such a great purchase. I've already had some tea from it. So done with Halloween. It's all about Christmas now.

* Kohl's LC Lauren Conrad Bow Cuffed Blazer

I really love anything Lauren Conrad makes or does and I love anything with bows, ruffles, or sparkles. So this is great because it incorporates a little bit of the bow element. It is also the best fitting blazer I have ever owned. You can pair it up with a dress or with jeans and a shirt. 

* Target Infinity Scarf


I bought this in black because I am so excited for winter accessories. I love it because it can dress up just about any outfit. It just takes a little while to arrange properly.

Scarve (see more black scarves)

Halloween Wars

Happy Halloween Eve!!

The other night I couldn't sleep but luckily I was able to watch a few episodes of Halloween Wars on the Food Network. I was blown away by what some people can do. It must be nice to have talent. 


The show is based around five teams of three. They consist of an expert pumpkin carver, (how do you know if you're an expert or not??) cake decorator, and sugar artist. They are all competing for $50,000 dollars. Together the teams created Halloween displays that corresponded with a theme. The themes were witches and scary places, scary tales, zombies vs. vampires, and the underworld. I just had to post some of the pics below because they are amazing.


Look at what you can do when you have talent: 




This is from the winning team the Blingbats.

This one is my personal favorite. I was for Team Boo all the way.  

Witch with Blown Glass

                                              Whimsical Haunted House

Scary Haunted House

Limoncello

The other night my newly alcohol-loving mom, Carol, went to her friend's house to learn the art of making limoncello. She has generously shared her experiences and recipe with us below. 


Ingredients:
1.) One 1L bottle of grain alcohol. 
2.) 12 lemons with good peels (No pits or dark spots)


Directions:
1.) Pour the alcohol into a large glass jar.
2.) Grate the lemons and put the peels into the alcohol. AVOID the pith of the lemon (the white part underneath) because this will make it bitter.
3.) Let it stand for at LEAST a month. The longer it sits, the better it will taste.
4.) When it is done resting (after a month's time) strain the alcohol with a small-mesh strainer.
5.) Mix four cups of sugar to 2L of water. Boil that down on the stove to make a simple sugar. 
5.) Once the sugar solution is totally cooled, combine with the alcohol and lemons and freeze.


Random Asides:
* I can't wait to try this. I bet it will be delicious for the holidays.
* I bet my boyfriend wishes he was limoncello and could rest for a month.


Other Uses for Limoncello:
* Spiking lemonade, flavoring cocktails, and splashing on ice cream, poundcake, or fresh fruit. 
* Below is a recipe for Limoncello Cake from www.inside-sonoma.com.  

LIMONCELLO CAKE

From Tanya Baker of Baker’s Kitchen, Sonoma

2 sticks unsalted butter

2 cups sugar

3 eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

3 Tablespoons grated lemon zest

2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

½ cup  Limoncello 

Preheat oven to 325. Grease a 10″ tube (bundt) pan. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Add to the batter alternately with buttermilk. Add lemon zest and juice. Spread batter evenly in pan, tap to release air bubbles.

Bake for about an hour, checking at 50 min. Toothpick should come out clean when inserted in center.

Cool cake in pan 10 min. Drizzle with  Limoncello and cool another 10 min. Remove cake from pan. Serve with fresh berries and whip cream.

Quote of the Day

"It is ironic that your blog is called 'Joie de Vivre' because I never feel the 'Joy of Life' when I am with you." Nick Pick

Halloween Clip Time

Below are some of the "best" clips from some classic Halloween movies of years past.


* The Casper Dance Scene
    Has there ever been a more beautiful moment in Halloween movie history?
    Devon Sawa was such a hottie! (Well when you're ten years old). 






*Addams Family Values: The Debbie Monologue
  Poor Debbie was so misunderstood. All she wanted was a Ballerina Barbie. 




*Double Double Toil and Trouble
There are so many clips from this movie that are classic. However, I couldn't find any so instead I found a video from Mary Kate and Ashley's Sleepover Party. It might be the funniest and scariest thing ever. Look at the face of that girl on the thumbnail. If that doesn't scare you, seriously what will??



*Hocus Pocus: Come Little Children
Sure some may believe this role was SJP's shining moment in film history. 
Part of me finds this song very creepy and disturbing. 

Pumpkin Perfection

Anyone who knows me realizes that I kind of have a pumpkin obsession. I love anything that smells like, tastes like, or looks like a pumpkin. While researching this blog for some awesome tasting pumpkin things, I found a lot of people who are really into pumpkins. It was comforting to know that there are people out there who are crazier than I am. This was my favorite website. This guy tastes every pumpkin product out there. His site is like pumpkin Heaven: 

http://www.scottsevener.com/pumpkin/

Below are some of my favorite tasting pumpkin products:

*Pumpkin Muffies from Panera Bread:

I'm not sure if Panera even still sells them but these are muffin tops. When I used to frequent Panera regularly they were sold out about 90% of the time when I tried to go buy one. They are so soft and delicious.  It's a good little treat when you want a nice subtle pumpkiny flavor. I even named my fantasy football team after them. (Okay maybe I am a little strange). 

*Shipyard Pumpkinhead Beer:

I'm definitely not a huge beer fan, but I love this. It is my favorite of all the pumpkin/seasonal beers I have tried up to this point. The label is awesome looking. I feel that would be a wonderful Halloween costume as well because I would love to encounter a real live pumpkinhead man. My second favorite pumpkin beer is probably Pumple Drumkin beer.

*Pumpkin Spice Cake (of any kind)

I Loooooove pumpkin cakes and breads. In fact I've been living off a half loaf of pumpkin bread all week. I've been asking my mom for over a decade to make me a pumpkin cake for my birthday. Maybe this year will be the time.

*Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds:

These are a delicious healthy snack, and they are gluten free and dairy free. I love them in cinnamon sugar, but recognize that they have many more flavors. They are dry roasted and made right here in Rhode Island. Definitely worth checking out.

*Newport Creamery Pumpkin Ice Cream:

It's not often that I talk about ice cream but this is worth mentioning. I wish I could eat it again because every time I used to have some of this pumpkin ice cream it reminded me of my childhood. All of you people with lactase enzymes should have some for me. 

*Dunkin' Donuts Pumpkin Muffin:

I feel that this is the best pumpkin muffin BY FAR. If it didn't contain a zillion calories I would have one (or more) every day. It's soft on the inside but the muffin top has that nice bit of crunch. It is really pumpkin perfection and what every dessert should strive to be. 

*Eggo Pumpkin Spice Waffles

I'm an eggo girl. These waffles have just the right amount of pumpkin flavor. The only downside is that when you toast them they are so soft that they were falling through my toaster and were hard to get out once they were done. (Hard to explain but you have to see for yourself). However, after burning my hand a few times I still felt they were delicious and worth the trouble of salvaging them from the toaster.

  Fun Facts About Pumpkins (From scottsevener.com)

* Pumpkins are 90% water.

* Depending on who you ask, pumpkins can be considered both fruits and vegetables.

* Every continent except for Antarctica has climates capable of producing pumpkins.

* Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites.

* The Native Americans used pumpkin seeds for food and medicine.

* In early colonial times, pumpkins were used as an ingredient for the crust of pies, not the filling.

Learn a New Language

Currently I am obsessed with www.livemocha.com. This is a free internet site where you can learn over 30 languages. There is also a social community aspect so you can talk to people who can help you on your quest for language learning.

I am (have been for years) trying to learn French. I'm kind of going through a French phase but as you can see I have not been too successful. I can't really pronounce anything or spell the words in this language, but I'm going to keep trying. I've only gotten through one lesson but so far I can say "Comment allez-vous?" and "Je m'appelle Rebecca." Sure the title of this blog is a French phrase, but aside from that I cannot really understand anything. Perhaps I should have stuck to Spanish where at least I got a head start from all those high school classes. 

A Healthy Pasta Idea

I love to indulge in a nice pasta meal every so often, but I realize that it's not always the healthiest thing in the world. I noticed that it's usually easy for me to consume a lot of pasta and not be full at all. Therefore, now I usually add an eggplant to my pasta dish. It's very simple and inexpensive to do:

1. First I wash and then cut an eggplant into 1/4 inch thick quarter moon pieces.

2. Lightly season the eggplant pieces with salt and pepper

3. Lightly drizzle a large sautee pan with olive oil

4. Sautee the eggplant on high heat for about eight to ten minutes, stirring on occasion to make sure both sides are thoroughly cooked. 

5. When plating I put some pasta, a large scoop of eggplant, followed by marinara sauce. (You could also add a small portion of mozzarella cheese. I bet that would taste really good).

This technique cuts the portion of pasta I eat in half to reduce the amount of starches I eat. Eggplant is a great vegetable because it has a lot of fiber, potassium and other vitamins and minerals. It also contains phytonutrients, many of which have antioxidant activity. I love eggplant parm, but that has a lot of fat because the eggplant is fried, and you also don't get as much eggplant because you are busy eating the batter (although it is delicious). So when I feel like a healthier, faster alternative, I turn to this. 

Drink Perfection--The Chaitini

Part of me wonders if there could ever be a drink more perfect than the chaitini. I was introduced to the Chaitini only about two years ago by my Auntie Linda and Cousin Holly. They took me and my sister to Perks and Corks in Westerly specifically for that reason. I'm only bummed that I don't have them as often as I like, but I suppose absence does make the heart grow fonder. Basically this martini (if my memory serves me adequately) is vanilla vodka with chai mix and a splash of milk (soy for me). They top it with whipped cream (if you're into dairy) and cinnamon. It is basically the hugest drink ever and you will be drunk after one. Fair warning. 

Enjoying Chaitinis at Perks

Ahhh I'm so jealous of myself in this picture. If only I could leave work right now and drink this. 

My Favorite Music Releases of October

Since it is the last Tuesday in October I think it is about time for a list of my personal favorite music releases of the month. According to Amazon.com there were over 2000 cds released this month. Therefore, I didn't even come close to listening to everything that's out there. I didn't even get to listen to Metals by Feist yet. Below are my faves. Don't judge me.

4. Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay

I really like the name of this CD. I'm not sure what it means but it's fun to say. I guess I could look that up but I don't really feel like it. I don't have a favorite track off of this yet but I had it playing in the background and most songs sounded really captivating. It just came out today though so I need some time.


3. Evanescence by Evanescence

The first Evanescence CD "Fallen" was a must have for every music lover. I seriously think every away message I had back in the day was a lyric to a song from that CD.  (I must have been depressed back then). Open Door was pretty good but I was excited to see how the band would be after such a long absence from the music scene. I was pleasantly surprised and realized I had missed them. Sometimes you don't notice you miss something until it's back in your life. The first single off of this is "What You Want." I don't think I've heard it on the radio though. My favorite song is "Swimming Home." It is hauntingly beautiful and I think you should check it out. "The Change" is also great too. 

2. Ashes and Fire by Ryan Adams

My friend Nick is the one who made me listen to Ryan Adams and I am upset with myself for not doing so before this summer. (Even though he's the one who hasn't even listened to this CD yet!!) His sound is slow, soulful, vulnerable, and incredible. He also writes amazing lyrics. My favorite track off of this one is "I love you but I don't know what to say."

1. Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

I only needed to hear the 30 second snippets of this CD on amazon.com to know that I would love it unconditionally. It seems like there is the potential for a lot of hits from this disc. You basically have to love Kelly because no one can really tell a man off quite like her. Everything she sings is amazing. As the American Idol judges said, she could sing the phone book and it would still sound terrific. Even the CD "My December" which some critics deemed as "bad" I thought was incredibly good. In fact it includes some of my favorite songs ever. (I really wish I had a favorite song though). My favorite songs on this particular CD so far are "Dark Side" and "Einstein." In Einstein she states "Dumb + Dumb = You." I have to say  that math hasn't been this great since 2gether's Calculus. You can download the MP3 album on amazon.com for only 4.99 this week.

TOP 5 HALLOWEEN MOVIES

This is a guest blog by Susan Gallucci. Being as Halloween is pretty much the best day of the year, I figured I would share my top picks for Halloween. Obviously, I have nothing else to do during my Prep period- nothing to prep!

5) The Others- This movie is great to watch with someone who has never seen it. What a surprise ending!! If you haven't watched it, please do so. It seems a bit draggy to start but it all makes sense at the end. Rebecca loves the fact that she bought it many years ago and I just took it. Luckily, she hates the movie anyway. (What an idiot for buying it then!)

4) The Nightmare Before Christmas- I'm not sure if this is really a Halloween movie considering it entails most holidays, but it typically revolves around Halloween. What a great musical this is! I can't wait for it to come to PPAC! Jack Skeleton is a classical figure during our youth!



3) The Addams Family (and Values) - How can anyone not laugh out loud after hearing Gomez and Uncle Fester try and kill each other several times? My FAVORITE moment of course from Values comes from summer camp with Wednesday and Pugsley during the Thanksgiving play. Most of our favorite quotes come from these family favorites."GLICKER GOOOO" being a great example. Listen for it next time you see us!

2) Hocus Pocus- I just love how this story takes place in Salem, MA. I love witches (being one myself) so this of course would be up there as one of my favorite movies. Although little Thora Birch is very ugly (HUGE forehead), she is a great actress. Go see it! (It's on ABC Family tonight @6:30. Wish I could watch, but I'll be in class.)

1) Of course... the winner is... Double Double Toil and Trouble. Seriously, is there anything better than watching the bad acting of the Olsen twins in a comedic Halloween movie? I think not. Although completely unrealistic that they would befriend a homeless man, it has a GREAT plot that you will be hooked on from beginning to end. If you haven't seen it yet, bake some cinnamon cookies and take a gander at this timeless classic.

What will they think of next??

Just when you thought applesauce was as good as it could be, along come the inventors of Go Go Squeez, my new favorite eat at your desk snack. I'm not sure if this is just for kids, but I happen to love applesauce, and basically lived on it freshman year of college (along with wheat bread). The Go Go Squeez clocks in at about 50 calories per resealable pouch. It also has no refined sugar, no artificial anything, and no gluten, dairy, or nuts. It comes in five different flavors (I've only tried apple cinnamon) and it's available at Target. It's perfect to me and would make a lovely birthday gift if anyone is interested. :)

Friends Forever

I couldn't help but share this video that Melissa and I made about two years ago. It makes me laugh hysterically every time I watch it. BTW Pat still hasn't taken us to a playground. 

Hair Reviver

One 'n Only Argan Oil Restorative Mask

I basically looked everywhere for a wonderful hair mask that could repair my very damaged hair.   I happened upon this beauty at Sally Beauty Supply for around ten dollars and I LOVE the way it makes my hair feel. Once a week during the afternoon I spray down my hair until it's damp and then I generously apply this mask from the middle of my hair to the very dry ends. Then I tie it up  into a small bun and let it soak in for a few hours. Once I rinse it out my hair it actually feels silky smooth and comb-able. (Usually my hair is a tangled mess). I highly recommend it!!

Currently Reading

                            Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

One of my students gave me this book to read after I commented on him reading it. It sounds kind of strange but kind of interesting at the same time because it did get good reviews. Anyway it is Halloween time and I really should mix up my latest trend of only reading nonfiction books. It will probably take me twice as long to read this as it took my student and that is sad. Below is a brief summary a la Amazon.com

Following the success of his bestselling Pride and Prejudice and Zombies with another mélange of history and horror, Grahame-Smith inserts a grandiose and gratuitous struggle with vampires into Abraham Lincoln's life. Lincoln learns at an early age that his mother was killed by a supernatural predator. This provokes his bloody but curiously undocumented lifelong vendetta against vampires and their slave-owning allies. The author's decision to reduce slavery to a mere contrivance of the vampires is unfortunate bordering on repellent, but at least it does distract the reader from the central question of why the president never saw fit to inform the public of the supernatural menace. Grahame-Smith stitches hand-to-hand vampire combat into Lincoln's documented life with competent prose that never quite manages to convince. (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dairy Free Delights

Unfortunately I've been allergic to milk since I was about 22 years old. (and when I was in first and second grade, although I think my mom made that up). Therefore, most of my life I've had access to creamy cheeses, decadent ice creams, and the chocolatiest of milks. I was probably the biggest dairy consumer of my time. Since this most unfortunate allergy I've really expanded my eating horizons despite people thinking I'm a "picky" or "plain" eater. I've also had the opportunity to try out many dairy free options which I will share with you. People always ask me "Don't you miss cheese?" or "How could you live without ice cream?" Thanks Jerks. I do. However, the items below have made things more tolerable. 

1.) Silk Pure Almond Dark Chocolate

This milk is delicious. Especially as a hot chocolate. I basically live off of this stuff. Even people who are lactose tolerant love it. 

2.) Silk Chocolate Soymilk

Unfortunately I don't care too much for the taste of the non chocolate dairy free milks. This is also delicious. I'm still on the quest for the perfect dairy free regular milk. I will be trying out coconut milk soon. 

3.) So Delicious Coconut Ice Cream in Chocolate, Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Cup

This ice cream is amazing. It has a coconutty flavor but it works. 

4.) Earth Balance Buttery Spread

I typically use olive oil but if I am ever in need of a buttery spread this tastes very good and provides you with many cooking options. 

5.) Tofutti Pizza

Ok this may not be even close to the best pizza in the world. But it's good enough and if you toast it, it will taste somewhat normal and cheesy. 

6.) So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt in Blueberry

I've tried soy yogurt in the past and it was pretty disgusting. This is rather good although I really haven't been into yogurt recently. But if I do get back into it then this is really delicious. So delicious. 

There are a lot more things I really need to try. I'm sure no one else will probably try any of these products because most of you can have the real thing. But in case anyone becomes allergic to dairy, I want you to know that I have your back.