If you like buffalo wings...

...then you're gonna love this dip! Super Bowl is just around the corner and I guarantee that I'll be whipping up a batch of this dip to snack on while watching the big game (and hopefully cheering the Pats on to victory!)

Buffalo Chicken Dip

1 lb. boneless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce

1/2 cup blue cheese salad dressing

1 cup shredded cheese (we like a blend of cheddar and monterey jack)

Season chicken with salt, pepper, or whatever you prefer (we use fajita seasoning) and cook in skillet on your stovetop until cooked through. In large bowl stir together chicken, cream cheese, Buffalo Wing Sauce, blue cheese dressing and 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Mix well. Transfer mixture to a 9-inch pie plate or casserole dish and top with remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Serve warm with tortilla chips and maybe even some celery!

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Note to self: Remember to try out some of these delicious looking recipes next football season!

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you a very merry holiday season and a happy 2008!

Thank you! Merci! Muchos gracias!

A big thanks to my swap partner Kenzie who sent me this super cute package as part of the Give What You Want Holiday Swap. The book provided some much needed inspiration and I just adore the colorful necklace! Merci!

For Baby Celia

Am always looking for cute, original gift ideas. When I found these personalized baby plates at Purple Bird Designs, I just knew one would make the perfect gift for my new little niece. The plates are handcrafted and designed by Mary Mar Keenan, a San Francisco-based artist, and can be customized with the name, color, and illustration of your choice. I must say that I had a hard time choosing, but am extremely pleased with how great my plate came out - so cute! Thanks, Mary Mar! I'll definitely be back in the near future - my cousin is expecting twins in January! And for those of you out there looking for the perfect gift, she also makes bowls.

'Tis the Season

Finished! Ten beaded snowflake ornaments packaged and on their way to my swap partners. Happy Holidays! Enjoy!

It's a girl!

Meet my newest little "niece"


Celia Elena born Saturday, November 24th. Can't wait to meet her!

It's snowing!

I told you it was cold!


I have mixed feelings about the snow...

I am usually quite fond of the first snowfall, however, I prefer that it happen at Christmas rather than Thanksgiving. Surprisingly enough, as a lifelong New Englander, I am not a big fan of the snow (or the cold for that matter). And even though I do enjoy the first snowfall of the season, I'm usually also hoping that it is the last!

Note: Image courtesy of flickr. I would have taken my own picture if the window in my office wasn't so filthy (and if the glass wasn't also broken). And unfortunately, my view of the parking lot really isn't very attractive.

Feels like winter

It's getting chilly here in South County. And when I say chilly, I mean downright chilly! 36° right now. Brrrrrr!

T and I went to Newport for lunch this afternoon and as we were walking I was wishing that I had worn more than my LL Bean down vest. Let me tell you, sleeves are key when it is 36°. I could have used a hat and some mittens! Unfortunately, my favorite red J Crew mittens mysteriously made their way into the dryer recently (still not sure whether that is T's doing or mine) and being made of wool, they are now too small for even G or H to wear.

I've spent a good month perusing my J Crew catalogs and their website just hoping that I could replace my beloved mittens. No such luck. The good news is, I think I may have found something better! Just bought these babies over at Etsy and am in love!



I think I might have to buy another pair!

There's no place like home!

So I decided to postpone the last leg of my trip until after Turkey (or perhaps Tofurkey, this year - more about that later) Day. I am exhausted from all the travel and I was missing T, G, H and R big time. It's always nice to get back home and see those you love and let me tell you, NOTHING beats sleeping in your own bed. Nothing!

S and P - thanks for the hospitality in Cali! It was good to see you and you know I'll be back soon!

Must do while in southern California...

* have dinner at La Creperie in Belmont Shore - most likely a yummy Parisian crepe and a glass of Ca'Bolani pinot grigio

* head over to the South Coast Plaza and check out Paper Source (finally!)

* while at South Coast Plaza, avoid all the places where I might spend money that I don't have

* have lunch (followed by manis and pedis) with my aunt & uncle at the Seaside Grill

* have a "mini" for dessert

* grab a breakfast burrito at Nick's in Seal Beach

* take Tucker for a walk at the Dog Beach in Huntington (and miss my own furry friend while we're there)