Fear Friday - It's that time again

Before we get to today's Fear Friday here is the update on my last project. I've been working on getting all of my beads put away in their new home on the Wall O' Beads. Here is the before picture of the beads over taking my chair. There are 3 large boxes, 1 medium box and many plastic bags full of beads in that chair (and floor)!

and here is the after picture. Aaaah... I have a chair again.

And here are all of the beads in their nice new home on the Wall O' Beads. All of the overstock that could not fit is nicely put away in organized boxes on the bookshelf.

Next up is to tackle the big bookshelf of jewelry findings and such that has become overgrown. And now for this weeks Fear Friday. To honor today's date here is our tribute to one of the classics.


Fear Friday - The Friday The 13th Collection

May 9th 1980 a low budget slasher film is released and helps shape the face of the horror genre. The setup is simple, a group of kids out in the woods with one shadowy figure out for revenge. Just the right amount of blood with a creepy atmosphere makes for a fun ride and start one of the most successful franchises in horror history. The people behind Friday The 13th, looking to cash in on the success of "Halloween", shopped the movie around strictly on the title alone. They had no story yet just a great title. 12 movies later it's still a favorite of many horror fans.



I remember back in the sixth grade my friend Mary and I begging my mom to let us rent it. We wanted the original because Kevin Bacon was in it and Footloose was all the rage at the time. In those days the local video store rarely had more than one copy of a title so we had to settle for chapter 3. Problem was it had been filmed in 3D, as was the craze at the time, but looked a bit silly on a regular TV. Lots of holding things out close to the camera for extended periods of time. Not that Mary or I would have noticed much as we spent most of the time with our heads hidden behind the afghan. And yes, we made my mom watch it with us. It truly scared me and is why these movies, especially the old ones, still creep me out completely.

Being a teen in the late 80's I remember going to the theater to see many of the later ones. At one point I believe they were going to release one a year until they hit 13. Unfortunately the story was worn thin and the chapters became increasingly silly to the point of unwatchable. I mean really, "Jason Takes Manhattan"? In 1993 "Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday" was released. It's one of the few times I thought about walking out of a movie. A once scary feel had turned into a laughable parody of itself.

Then, in 2002, came a revamp of the series with "Jason X". OK, so Jason in space sounds absurd but I actually quite enjoyed it. It was something different for the series and Jason was back in fine killing form. Long gone was the truly creepy feeling of the originals, but this was a fun slasher film none the less. Then, in 2003, came "Freddy vs. Jason". This made me sad at first but my nephews where old enough to see horror films and they begged me to take them. It was fun. Just a bit sad to see these two franchises go from scary to completely campy.

In 2009 a new modern "Friday The 13th" was released. Not really a remake since they acknowledged the happenings of the original movie. I like to think of it as the next chapter in the series. Lots of people didn't think much of this one. I went and saw it at a midnight showing and really liked it. It had a creepy atmosphere, classic "stupid pretty people in the woods" setting and was just fun. One thing I really liked was down in Jason's creepy underground dwelling he had mementos of his killings. There are camp councilor's whistles hanging on the wall. A wheelchair is noticeable in one scene which recalls one councilor in chapter 2. It gave an extra creepy feel to the character.

Jason was not even in the first chapter. It was his mother, Mrs. Voorhees, seeking revenge for her son who drowned in Crystal Lake while councilors where not watching him. Jason appears, all grown up, in the second chapter as the killer but does not sport his infamous hockey mask until the end of chapter 3. For the first part of the movie he wears an old gunny sack on this head. Blaaah ick yuck! That was way creepier to me and I was happy when he traded it in for the hockey mask. He is killed in chapter 4 by a machete.
Chapter 5 leads us to believe Jason's back but ends up not really being him (rip off). He is zapped back to life by a bolt of lightening in chapter 6 and is pretty much invincible after that. Just goes to show you can't keep a good man down!

Stars that appeared in the series...
Kevin Bacon (ch 1), Corey Feldman (ch 4), Crispin Glover (ch 4), Tony Goldwyn (ch 6), Steven Williams (ch 9), Erin Gray (ch 9), Jason Ritter (FvsJ) and Jared Padalecki (ch 12).

Some interesting tid bits...
1) Composer Harry Manfredini has said that contrary to popular belief, the famous "chi chi chi, ha ha ha" in the film's score is actually "ki ki kiVoorhees seems to be possessed by Jason and chants "Get her mommy....kill her!" Manfredini created the effect by speaking the syllables "Ki" and "Ma" into a microphone running through a delay effect.
2) The movie was filmed at Camp Nobebosco in New Jersey. The camp is still in operation to date, and they have a wall of Friday the 13th paraphernalia to honor the fact that the movie was set there.

So let us all know what your favorite Friday The 13th memory is. Favorite chapter, favorite scene or favorite memory that goes along with the movies. Leave a comment below and voice your opinion. I'm old school and will go with the original and Kevin Bacon's death scene as favorite kill. Here's a collection of kills to give your Friday a little scare! Enjoy 8)

Wayback Wednesday - The Cherry 7up guy!

For today's Wayback post I offer you a classic little gem from the 80's. In 1987 7Up released Cherry 7Up and this was the commercial that ran on TV. Not only was the colorized pink cool on the black and white print but look at that cute boy! I referred to him for many many years as the Cherry 7Up guy. Long before he finally had a hit show. Take a look and enjoy.

And yes, I'll have photos of my clean up task from last Monday posted on Friday. It's pretty much done. Yay!

Wayback Wednesday - Dig that swing!

So Brian Setzer came to town just before Christmas and it is the first time I have missed his concert since the first time I saw him my senior year in high school (that would be '89). Such a bummer!!! Always my favorite to see in concert.

For today's Wayback Wednesday I have a little video of Mr Setzer and his orchestra singing one of my favorites "Americano". Remember Jude Law singing that in "The Talented Mr. Ripley"? Mmmm... good stuff. Not sure the date on this but pause the Lounge Jukebox on the right sidebar then enjoy this little bit of feel good music.

Manic Monday - I Know There's A Chair Under There!

Well, a new year is here and the mad rush of the holidays has come to an end. The Lounge has decided to take this slowed down time to get a few neglected jobs done. First up is putting away the massive amount of beads that are running wild around the shop.

This is where they have decided to claim as their home... my chair! There are 3 of those large white boxes and a random assortment of plastic bags.

This is where they should be. All nice and neat in their little boxes. So far I'm about half way done putting them in the little boxes. Then all the overstock will go on a couple of bookshelf shelves. By next Monday I'll have the finished pictures to show and I will be a happy camper!!! 8)

Fear Friday - The Worst Christmas Movie Ever???

Thanks for joining us for Fear Friday. Our weekly review of anything and everything horror/thriller/spooky/B movie classics. This month all of our picks will have a Christmas theme.

Fear Friday - Santa Claus Conquers The Martians

Tagline - Santa Claus saves Christmas for the Children of the World!

Directed by Nicolas Webster and released on November 14, 1964 by Embassy Pictures Corporation. A spaceship full of Martians land in the North Pole and kidnap Santa and two Earth children. Who will save Santa in time for Christmas? Does anyone really care?

I am a huge fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000 so this is a yearly tradition at my house. If you haven't experience this gem yet I would recommend watching the MST3K version instead of the movie on it's own. It is bad, stupid and quite painful when watched on it's own but makes for a truly delightful experience when accompanied by priceless riffing and silly snarking. Besides, how could it be Christmas without Joel and the Bots singing "Let's have a Patrick Swayze Christmas"??? 8)

Some trivia on the movie...
1. The Martian guns are actually painted Whammo Air Blasters.   
2.This was Pia Zadora's debut.
3. This film is listed among The 100 Most Amusingly Bad Movies Ever Made in Golden Raspberry Award founder John Wilson's book THE OFFICIAL RAZZIE® MOVIE GUIDE.
4.When Santa starts making toys, one of the Martians is fascinated by a toy that's "a coiled spring that walks down stairs." The year this film was released (1964) was a huge year for Slinky, which had a resurgence in the early 1960s
5.Most of the film was shot in an abandoned aircraft hangar on Long Island, New York.

Manic Monday - Manic Indeed!!!

Hello again. It's Manic Monday and boy does it feel like it! The Christmas rush is in full swing and this Vixen is about worn out 8) Today we have our last shop feature and one more recipe from our Lounge Vixens. Enjoy!

Now, if you haven't checked out our Christmas A Go-Go Giveaway yet make sure to go enter. It has been extended through Friday! There is a goodie bag filled with fabulous gifts from Laughing Vixen Lounge and 6 more great shops. We'll be doing shop features each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Each shop has given Christmas recipes and they will be posted in their features. There will also be recipes from some of our Lounge Vixens. Do you have something to share? You'll find out how to on the giveaway page and you'll get yourself an extra 10 entries!


Our next shop feature is Bloodcurdling Baubles.
Bloodcurdling Baubles is run by Amber from Aurora, Colorado. Amber has some of the cutest designs I have seen in a long time.

Jar of Candy Canes Pendant

Bloodcurdling Baubles has many whimsical pieces along side a nice assortment of darker designs. From snowflakes to floating brains there is a little something for everyone inside.

Bloody Cute Brains and Skull Earrings

You'll have a chance to win to a Gingerdead Man Necklace from Bloodcurdling Baubles. Enter now on the giveaway page. I mean really, how adorable is he?

Gingerdead Man Necklace

So make sure to take a moment and stop by Bloodcurdling Baubles. You just might find a little something for yourself.

Each shop was asked what their favorite holiday movie or special is. Amber said "My favorite holiday movie has to be a tie between "White Christmas" and "A Christmas Story" . I grew up watching both and have great memories associated with them, so they hold a soft spot in my heart."

Oh, I agree!! I usually wrap gifts to White Christmas and it would not be Christmas without watching A Christmas Story. Love it!


Super Easy Christmas Cookies

Amber sent us this yummy recipe for some quick and easy cookies.

"Since everyone is going to be busy, busy, busy this holiday season, I"ll include a super easy recipe." 

Ingredients
store bought, regular sized tube of cookie dough
package of dried cherries or cranberries (whichever you prefer)
package of shelled pistachios.

Mix dough with 1 cup each of dried cherries/cranberries and pistachios. Once it's mixed thoroughly, roll back into a log and portion and cook according to directions on dough packaging.



And one more Lounge Vixen recipe.


Kourabiedes "Christmas Cookies" from Artemis

"My name is Artemis and I'm from Greece. I will try to give you the recipe for Kourabiedes. Kourabiedes are our Christmas cookies.

Ingredients:

1 pound flour

600 gr butter milk

2 egg yolks

Half cup of sugar

2 vanilla

2 tablespoon baking powder

2 tablespoon rosewater

2 tablespoon cognac or brandy

almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped (as many as you want)

powdered sugar for sprinkling

In a deep bowl or mixer beat well the butter with the sugar until they are whitewashed and then put the remaining ingredients and leave the flour for last.

Begin adding the flour gradually until you achieve a dough soft and pliable.

Knead the dough in any shape you like.

Place them on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven at 175-180 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

When you get them from the oven, allow to cool slightly and sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

Wayback Wednesday - Christmas Recipes

OK, so this is going to be more like Wayback Thursday without much wayback. Ha! Yes, the Christmas season is a crazy busy time at the Lounge and we are just a bit behind. Just a bit 8) Hohoho! Today we have some more recipes from our Lounge Vixens to help you with your holiday baking.

First up though is our next shop feature. Now, if you haven't checked out our Christmas A Go-Go Giveaway yet make sure to go enter. There is a goodie bag filled with fabulous gifts from Laughing Vixen Lounge and 6 more great shops. We'll be doing shop features each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Each shop has given Christmas recipes and they will be posted in their features. Do you have a recipe to share? You'll find out how to on the giveaway page and you'll get yourself an extra 10 entries!

Our next shop feature is Deep Midnight Perfume Oils..
Deep Midnight Perfume Oils is the creation of Cat from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I met Cat on our last giveaway and she is great fun to have along. Her shop is filled with amazing smelling perfumes with a dark, mysterious feel.

Roll On Perfume Oil

She has some great new Christmas Sample Sets. With scents like Comfort And Joy, Silver Bells, Victorian Sleigh Ride, The Holly And The Ivy and Yule Log. Aaah, you'll smell like Christmas all season long.

I have tried some of Cat's signature scents and my personal favorite is Goblin in the Gears. Licorice, yum! You'll have a chance to win a sample set of 5 scents of your choice. Enter now on the giveaway page.

Sample Set of 5 Vials

Stop by Deep Midnight Perfume Oils and take a look around. You might find a scent you can't live without!

Each shop was asked what their favorite holiday movie or special is. Cat said "NO laughing, but it's the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer cartoon. :) My Mom used to tell me I would watch this every year as a baby and just be entranced. I still can't help but love the cute songs and the line.."let's be independent together."

I have to agree. These old shows are still such fun to watch. And I absolutely adore The Bumble. Just look at that face!

Victorian Sugar Plums

1 C chopped pecans or walnuts
1 C dried apricots
1 C pitted dates
1/2 C dried cranberries
1/2 C golden raisins
3 Tbsp orange juice
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 tsp orange zest
1/4 C raw honey
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, ¼ tsp cinnamon—the spices are optional
½ cup white sugar ( for rolling the sugarplums in)

In a food processor, pulse the nuts until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Combine the apricots and dates in the food processor. Pulse briefly until roughly chopped.

Add the cranberries and raisins, and continue pulsing until the fruit is evenly chopped and begins to clump.
Return the nuts to the food processor and add the orange juice, orange zest, honey. Add spices if you so choose. Pulse until well mixed.

Shape into one-inch balls by rolling between the palms of your hands. Roll balls in granulated white sugar. Makes about three dozen sugar plums.

My family has loved these for years and I love making them. Try them with or without the added spices, either way they taste great! It's also best to keep them refrigerated in an air tight container until ready to set on the table for eating.



And now for a few recipes from a couple of our Lounge Vixens.


Santa's Whiskers from Petoskystone

This is my favorite Christmas cookie recipe as it's easy, it's pretty and it kind of gives me a retro vibe.

3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup white sugar

1 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups plain flour
3/4 cup finely chopped candied red or green cherries

1/3 cup finely-chopped pecans
1/4 cup shredded coconut (1/2 cup if you're a touch freaked, like me, that there won't be enough to cover)

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until fluffed, approximately 2 mins.

Add sugar & mix until combined.

Beat in milk & vanilla until combined.

Beat in flour with mixer, when dough gets thick, add in flour with a wooden spoon (or your hands, which is my preference).

Add in cherries & pecans.

Shape into two 8-inch rolls. Roll in coconut. Wrap in plastic wrap, chill 2-24 hours.

Cut into 1/4 thick slices (I use my tomato knife for its' thin blade). Place on ungreased cookie sheets (I can't bear the thought of placing dough on my older metal, so I line my sheet with parchment paper).

Bake at 375F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Transfer to a wire rack & let cool.

Yield: 40-60, depending on how well you slice



Adobo from France Irish


Adobo (a famous filipino dish cooked in vinegar and soy sauce) is a filipino food favorite. May the recipe be done with pork, chicken or a combination of both. It could be also good with beef.

1-1/2 lb. pork, cut into serving pieces
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/3 cup vinegar
3 tbsp. soy sauce
1 bay leaf
salt to taste
1/4 tsp. pepper or 1 tsp. peppercorns
1 tbsp. sugar (optional)
1/2 cup water
oil, for frying

1. Combine all ingredients in a big pot except the oil and let stand for at least 30 minutes.

2. Place pot over medium heat and bring to a boil.

3. Lower the heat and simmer covered until meat is tender for about an hour (checking occasionally


4. Meanwhile, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the meat until lightly brown on all sides. Set aside and keep warm.

5. Pour off all remaining oil from the pan. Pour back in the meat and reserve sauce. Mix for about a few minutes while scraping up the bits on the bottom of pan.

6. Remove from heat. Serve hot.

Manic Monday - Christmas Recipes

Welcome to our first Manic Monday post. Manic Monday will be a random assortment of whatever strikes my fancy. So today, to get everyone in the Christmas spirit, we're going to share some of our Lounge Vixen's favorite holiday recipes. We'll have more on Wednesday so stop back in and take a look.

First up though is our next shop feature. Now, if you haven't checked out our Christmas A Go-Go Giveaway yet make sure to go enter. There is a goodie bag filled with fabulous gifts from Laughing Vixen Lounge and 6 more great shops. We'll be doing shop features each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Each shop has given Christmas recipes and they will be posted in their features. Do you have a recipe to share? You'll find out how to on the giveaway page and you'll get yourself an extra 10 entries!

Our next shop feature is Miss Bohemia.
Miss Bohemia is run by Jen from the UK. I first came across Jen's shop on Twitter and just loved her Vampire, Gothic and Fairytale themes.

Vampire Fangs Blood Drops Bracelet 

She also has lots of Alice in Wonderland designs and these amazing Phantom of the Opera necklaces.

Phantom Of The Opera Pendant - Special Edition

You have a chance to win a great Winter themed gift from Miss Bohemia. Enter now on the giveaway page.

Once In A While....Fairytale Quote Magical Keepsake Box

Ice Queen Heart Of Glass Earrings

Stop by Miss Bohemia and take a look at more of Jen's beautiful designs. You might just find something you can't resist.

Each shop was asked what their favorite holiday movie or special is. Jen said Miracle on 34th Street and I agree. The original, in black and white, with Maureen O'Hara and little Natalie Wood is one of the best! I also like the remake from '94 with Elizabeth Perkins and Dylan McDermott.

Festive Salt Dough Decorations

Jen sent this fun recipe for making salt dough decorations. These really take me back as I remember them being very popular when I was growing up. They definitely remind me of Christmas long long ago 8)

These decorations are made from basic ingredients and easy to make!

Ingredients
2 cups of Plain Flour
1 cup of table salt
1 cup of water
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

Decorations
Acrylic paints
Glitter
Ribbon
Mod podge (optional)
Embellishments (optional)
Cotton wool (optional)

METHOD

Preheat oven to 120°C.

Add the flour and salt and then the oil to a mixing bowl and gradually add the water, mixing with a wooden spoon to form a soft dough.

Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and knead dough for 10 minutes into a smooth ball. Leave for 10 to 20 minutes.

Roll out dough (approx 0.5 to 1 cm high) and use Christmas cutters to make festive shapes or cut out circular shapes etc. Make a small hole near the top (so you can feed the hanging ribbon through later on) with the tip of a chopstick or similar object.

Line a tray with baking paper and transfer the decorations to the tray and bake until dry and firm (usually takes around 3 to 4 hours at 120°C (Gas Mark ¼).
Leave to cool.

Add a layer of acrylic paint and allow to dry. Add a second coat and sprinkle glitter on top. I usually add a layer of mod podge and then add the glitter and gems to the decorations. For Santa's hat I added some cotton wool! Feed ribbons through holes and voila they're ready to hang or display!

And now for a few recipes from a couple of our Lounge Vixens.


Easy Fruit Cobbler from BeWitchy


My favorite recipe is my Easy Fruit Cobbler that my grandma gave me.. it truly is very simple.


Need:
1 Cup Sugar (or Splenda), 1 TSP Baking Powder, 29 oz can of fruit, 1 stick margarine, 1 cup of flour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Heat the 20 oz fruit can (whatever flavor cobbler you want - I often make peach).Melt 1 stick of margarine Make batter of the flour, sugar, baking powder (mix dry ingredients first) then mix in 1 cup of water.

Pour butter in dish (I use one of those glass baking dishes), Pour in batter (I pour 3/4 in first then pour in the hot fruit and then put the last 1/4 of butter on top). Bake for about an hour, but keep an eye on it. It may be finished before the hour is up.

Classic Betty Crocker Stuffing from R.E.B.

My Classic Betty Crocker Stuffing Recipe, we make this for Thanksgiving every year, but I lessen the butter to just enough to saute in, only use poultry seasoning for herbs, add chicken broth for moisture/sticking together, and toast the bread before turning it into cubes.

From the Betty Crocker website

3/4 cup butter or margarine                                           

2 large stalks celery (with leaves), chopped (1 1/2 cups)

1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
9 cups soft bread cubes (about 15 slices bread)
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground sage   
1/4 teaspoon pepper

In 4-quart Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Cook celery and onion in butter, stirring occasionally, until tender; remove from heat.

In large bowl, toss celery mixture and remaining ingredients. Use to stuff one 10- to 12-pound turkey.

Fear Friday - The Christmas A Go-Go Edition

Thanks for joining us for the return of Fear Fridays. A weekly review of anything and everything horror/thriller/spooky/B movie classics. This month all of our picks will have a Christmas theme. Stick around after the movie review as we have our next shop feature from our Christmas A Go-Go Giveaway.

Fear Friday - Gremlins

Tagline - Cute. Clever. Mischievous. Intelligent.
               Dangerous
               They didn't obey the rules


Directed by Joe Dante (The Howling and Twilight Zone: The Movie) and released on June 8, 1984 by Warner Brothers Pictures (PG). A cute and cuddly Christmas gift with three simple rules. Don't get him wet, keep him out of bright light, and never feed him after midnight. Ooops! Soon mayhem ensues when the cute and cuddly Gizmo multiplies into lots of not so cute and cuddly Gremlins.


OK, so it's not very scary but if you saw it as a younger kid it could be a bit creepy. Now it's just a fun nostalgic watch. The Christmas season makes the perfect background for all the mischief and mayhem these little critters get up to. If you haven't seen it for awhile give it a go. It's a nice stroll down memory lane.


Some trivia on the movie...
1. Generally credited (along with Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) to influence the MPAA to create the PG-13 rating, as many felt the scenes of violence in both movies were too much for a PG rating, but not enough for an R rating. The first movie to have the new rating was Red Dawn.
2. In Cantonese Chinese, mogwai means devil, demon or gremlin. The Mandarin pronunciation is mogui.
3. Both Judd Nelson and Emilio Estevez were considered for the role of Billy.
4. Although it is not clearly visible, "Four Magic Moves to Winning Golf", by Joe Dante (senior) is on Billy's nightstand. Joe Dante Junior said his father criticized him for not making the title more visible.
5. The set for Kingston Falls is the same one used for Back to the Future. Both movies were filmed in the Universal Studios backlot.
6. In addition to restoring the classic Warner Brothers logo to the opening of the movie, it was hoped to release the film along with the classic Looney Tunes short, Falling Hare, where Bugs Bunny is harassed by a plane gremlin during WW II. This fell through, but, highlights from the short do appear as part of the Behind the Scenes featurette, that has also been included on the Special Edition DVD.
7. At least one of Phoebe Cates's screams in the scene at Dorry's Tavern is genuine. An enormous cockroach crawled out in front of her during one take.
8. After watching his earlier short films, Steven Spielberg considered Tim Burton to direct the film. But decided against it because at the time Burton had never directed a full feature length film.
9. The theater that blows up was subsequently involved in another accident when Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) in Back to the Future, smashes into the front entrance at the end of the film. The theater then burned down with the rest of the buildings in the fire that happened right after the filming of Back to the Future Part II.   
10. In this film, the Amblin Entertainment logo makes its first on-screen appearance.
11. Howie Mandel does the voice of Gizmo.

*******

Now, if you haven't checked out our Christmas A Go-Go Giveaway yet make sure to go enter. There is a goodie bag filled with fabulous gifts from Laughing Vixen Lounge and 6 more great shops. We'll be doing shop features each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Each shop has given Christmas recipes and they will be posted in their features. There will also be recipes from some of our Lounge Vixens. Do you have something to share? You'll find out how to on the giveaway page and you'll get yourself an extra 10 entries!

Our next shop feature is Junkmill.
Junkmill is the brain child of Chandra from Rockford, Michigan. Chandra makes amazing digital collage sheets to use in all your crafting adventures. I first found her shop on Etsy when I was looking for someone to create some customs Zombie Pinups for me. Not only did she do an incredible job but she was great to work with. You can purchase your own set of Zombie Gals from her shop in a variety of sizes.

Zombie Pinups Collage Sheet

She also whipped up some great Christmas sheets for me this year. Just perfect for what I needed. You have a chance to win 5 collage sheets of your choice. Enter now on the giveaway page.

Retro Holiday Christmas Collage Sheets

12 Days of Christmas Collage Sheet

This is only a small sampling of what Junkmill has to offer. Take a look at the shop and pick up something for your next craft project.

Each shop was asked what their favorite holiday movie or special is. Chandra said "Die Hard. Nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like Bruce Willis battling terrorists at an executive Christmas party. Give me a big cozy blanket, a cup of my Insane Hot Chocolate and surround sound set to eleven and I'm set."

This is an inspired choice! I would have never thought of Die Hard for the Christmas movie list but it's great. Death, destruction and Christmas music. Too fun! And I just love Alan Rickman as the head honcho bad guy.


Insane Hot Chocolate

Chandra sent us the recipe for her signature Insane Hot Chocolate. I bought everything to make it now to stop for a moment and whip some up.

"This rich cinnamon hot chocolate is great for getting all sugared up and trimming the tree or wrapping packages. It’s my take on classic hot chocolate, amped up with a little cappuccino mix and tons of super-sweet toppings."

2 Tbsp. Instant hot chocolate

1 Tbsp. Maxwell House International Café Cinnamon Dolce Cappuccino (the powder mix that comes in the little rectangular tins)

Handful Miniature marshmallows

Handful miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips

Reddi-wip whipped cream

Mix powder hot chocolate and powder cappuccino in a large mug. For super-smooth, no lumps hot chocolate, add just enough boiling hot water to cover the powder, stir until blended and lump-free. Place marshmallows in mug then add 8 oz. boiling water. As the water hits the marshmallows, they melt into the hot chocolate forming an ooey-gooey layer of deliciousness. Top with a generous portion of Reddi-wip whipped cream. Sprinkle Cinnamon Dolce Cappuccino mix on top of the whipped cream and garnish with miniature chocolate chips. Delicious!

Wayback Wednesday - Christmas

For out first Wayback Wednesday I couldn't resist dragging out a few old photos from Christmas Past. I just love old photos. They are little pieces of life frozen in time to make us smile, make us happy and... well let's face it, just plain laugh at!

The mid 60's in my parent's first apartment in Portland. That's my sister and brother and behind them is Buddy Holly... oops I mean my dad.

And here they are again with my mother.

Then the 70's came along and they now had their first house and me. Here's me, mom and the Christmas box of chocolates.

Oh my! The 70's were not very kind where they? That's some snazzy outfits there 8)

Now, if you haven't checked out our Christmas A Go-Go Giveaway yet make sure to go enter. There is a goodie bag filled with fabulous gifts from Laughing Vixen Lounge and 6 more great shops. We'll be doing shop features each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Each shop has given Christmas recipes and they will be posted in their features. There will also be recipes from some of our Lounge Vixens. Do you have something to share? You'll find out how to on the giveaway page and you'll get yourself an extra 10 entries!

Our first shop is JFrancy.
JFrancy is the work of Judi from Milbank, South Dakota. Her shop caught my eye because of these great wire rings. She can make them in a variety of words and in initials. I bought the Love one and can't wait for it to arrive.

Judi also does these amazing wire necklaces that can be custom made to your choice of word. When I wanted to buy a Love necklace but had a bit different look in mind, Judi whipped up a sketch for me and it was just perfect!

You have the chance to win your own wire necklace from JFrancy in your choice of Love, Peace, Hope or Faith. Enter on the giveaway page.

Make sure to take a moment and stop by JFrancy and have a look around. Judi has other styles of jewelry too and there is still time before Christmas.

Each shop was asked what their favorite holiday movie or special is. Judi said  "White Christmas. The message is timeless and the music is beautiful and fun. I've watched it many many times and will continue to do so."

I would have to agree. It's one of the Christmas standards around here. I just love the "Sisters" musical number. Too fun but it will be stuck in your head forever.


Green Bean Casserole

Judi sent us a great recipe for Green Bean Casserole that she came upon by accident.
"My favorite dish is Green Bean Casserole and we recently tried making it with cheesy alfredo sauce because we forgot the soup. It was yummy!"

One jar (15oz.) cheesy alfredo sauce (we used Barilla)
Pepper to personal taste
2 cans green beans (cut or french cut)
One container of French's french fried onions

Pour alfredo sauce into casserole dish. Add pepper. Stir.
Stir in green beans and 3/4 of the container of onions.
Bake at recommended temperature on back of French's onions until bubbly (approx 15-20 mins). Then add remainder of onions and finish baking for about 5 minutes to brown the onions.