Cranberry or Pineapple??

[jiminyC_fan]

Sorry Heidi! We will think of you when we are nice and toasty!

I found a recipe for Irish Cream and it says like Baileys Irish Cream. I really think I will make it:
1 1/2 oz hot water
5 oz sugar
3 tsp. chocolate ovaltine
1/2 tsp almond extract
7oz vodka
Mix together. Add 8oz whipping cream. Shake well and refrigerate. Keeps a long time.
Sounds simple and cheaper that Baileys!

 

[Jsme]

Who bought up all the King size electric blankets? I didn't realize it was going to be such a challenge to find one.

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Produc...blankets&S4DeptID=25438&CmCatId=SearchResults

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Produc...=1&S4PageSize=28&S2HighLight=False&Dep=window

Look at these links Heidi. I asked for an electric mattress pad for Christmas. I love mine. I have one on Mac's bed and if the other bed in the guest room ever gets set up I have one for it too.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Good thinking Selena!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Hi, there ladies! It is so nice and sunny in NJ today! It's cold, but the sunshine is what puts me in a great mood! I'm looking at the beautiful flowers Rob got me for Valentine's and the sunshine and I am feeling happy. I hope more bad weather never comes!

I am busy making ADR's and planning for our August trip, so I also have something great to focus on. So far I have dinner reservations at bluezoo, Liberty Tree Tavern, Spoodles, Rose and Crown (hoping to get the patio for IllumiNations!) and Cinderella's Royal Table. I was so surprised that CRT now requires prepayment for ALL meals, including the non-character dinner! I haven't had dinner there since 1994 when it was King Stefan's so I'm looking forward to it- I figure a late ADR will be romantic and special!

That's a great recipe for the Irish Cream- surprised to see the Ovaltine in there, but I like Ovaltine, we used to stir it into ice cream when I was little!

Thought I'd share a recipe for Mockahlua! (Low cal) Mix together 2 1/2 cups of spring water, 3 cups of Splenda (or use other low cal sweetener, or sugar if you prefer), 3 tablespoons instant espresso powder (or instant coffee), 4 teaspoons vanilla extract (the real stuff) and 1 bottle 100 proof vodka (whatever kind you prefer- I like Stoli) You stir this all up until everything is dissolved and Pour into a 2 liter or 2 1 liter bottles (glass, airtight, VERY important!!!!) using a funnel.

Each standard size shot (1 1/2 ounces) has 45 calories and 1 gram carbs!

I am definitely thinking about buying a Magic Bullet Blender for December's cruise. I am so excited. I really hope to do a 7 day soon, too, though.

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Selena - that is a great idea, I didn't even think about Penney's...thanks.

All these wonderful recipes sound yummy!!!!!

LuLu - your ADR's sound llike good choices, wanna bring me along

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Wow Lulu, that sounds perfect. Lo cal is what I like the most about the mockalua. Hey Heidi, we need to make it.

Has anyone ever traveled with a magic bullet? I was wondering about the airline weight restrictions. That is always on my mind! How does it do grinding ice?

I am bored. The girl, Graci, that I watch on T & Th is napping and tv doesn't grab me. I can't make noise or she will wake up. Sheez!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

By the way, we have never eaten at CRT. I really would like to experience it someday. What meals are character meals besides breakfast? I know it is next to impossible to get reservations so I have never really tried. Spoodles is yummy.

 

[ImMarcik]

Hey everyone! I am finally almost finished with all of my work for the 28th deadline, so I am taking a breather for the first time in 2 days! Yesterday I finished what I had due today. I am soooo tired, I am going home having a drink and watching American Idol. This is what I am drinking tonight:

Tropical Dream recipe

1 part Malibu® coconut rum
1 part Blue Curacao liqueur
1 part pineapple juice

Shake the three ingredients together and poor in a cocktail glass. Garnish with a red cherry on the rim of the glass.

I've made one ADR for my trip this summer. We are flying in 2 days early and going to DTD the day we fly in and then AK the day before the cruise. That night we are going to 'Ohana for dinner to watch the fireworks. We'll probably eat at Earl of Sandwich while at DTD. Sandy, we at at CRT on our trip in Nov. It was okay but I doubt I do it again. Too expensive.

Karen, if I don't get a chance, I hope you have a very magical cruise.

An electric blanket sounds heavenly to me but only for about a month tops. So, I've never bought one. JCPenney's is a great place though.

Okay I better get back to work now. Bye Monkey's talk to ya soon.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Surprise!

Phase three of my Trip Report!

Day 2 of the Cruise, Day 5 of my vacation

We woke up and the sun was just blinding! We had left the curtains open and we were arriving in Nassau! Brightly colored buildings glided past my verandah and I got up just in time to see the docking. So cool!

We had decided not to get off the boat on Nassau, since it was our first cruise and we really wanted to enjoy all the amenities onboard. This was great, because as it turned out we had 2 days at Castaway Cay and this was really a great opportunity to do all the onboard stuff!

We went to the Buffet for breakfast- I had some great fresh fruit, pancakes and hashbrowns. We relaxed in the hot tub, took a walk around the ship and showered before our Couples' Massage! It was awesome. We were giggling like little kids! I opted for 1/2 hour massage and 1/2 hour facial since I've had several massages before. Robbie had never had a massage before, so he wanted the full hour. OMG he's an addict! I had to talk him out of making a second massage appointment. (Hopefully, we will get to try out the massages at Mandara this August. He wants the Reflexology this time and I heard they did Reiki and since I'm a Reiki Master, I'd like to see how they do theirs.) The massage was wonderful!

After the massage, we were deliriously and deliciously relaxed! We were listening happily to a sales pitch of the Elemis products- Cellutoxbath sachets with Red Algae! Red algae are apparently teeny warriors that will march right into my fat cells and slay all the toxins. Apparently toxins are all that stand in the way of my looking like Angelina- or Jen, pick one. But you need two, in order to really detox. Cellutox serum that will smooth my lumps of love and pull all that junk right outta my trunk. I said "sure" to all their suggestions, and got the bill to sign. OMG!!!!! It was over 500 dollars for the Elemis stuff I bought, not counting the massages (That was prepaid on the Romance Package) I was floored. i figured a few sachets and a bottle of oil, how much couuld it cost- 100? 200? I was wrong! But I am still hoping that those Red Algae warriors are successful soon! Truth be told, Robbie and I kind of enjoy them, but the price was a little much.

Anyway, after our massages, we were thirsty so we went to grab a lunch at the buffet. I really didn't feel like eating much, but they had couscous salad and I'm a sucker for that.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

After lunch, we went back to the pool area- got a couple drinks and then went into the hot tub, and then to our Rasul. The Rasul room has a steam room with three different areas, a changing area with a bench and a side table full of muds, oils, shampoos, cleansers, milk bath, etc. and then a shower. She explained what all the products were for and left. After our Rasul, we went to the Rainforest Room to relax on the warm lounges (LOVE those!) and the steam rooms. I also grew to love the aromatherapy showers- especially the tropical scented one!

We got some more drinks (whatever the drink of the day was- I think a Bahama Mama?) and laid out on the top deck on some loungers and I actually fell asleep- I woke up when I smelled smoke! Turns our a man was smoking a big stinky cigar! we left soon after, as we were a little spacey from being in the sun too long, and the smell annoys us both.

We went and sat for awhile on the secret deck on deck 7 and ended up ordering some room service (of course I was hungry now!) Pizza was great! We showered and got dressed, watched some Disney movies on TV (Pinocchio and Sleeping Beauty) while we got ready.

This night we were dining at Triton's. I wore a turquoise (I wanted to match the under the sea theme!) and black zebra print skirt and a turquoise cami and with a black cardigan on top- it gets cold at night on deck!- I'll try to scan in the professional pics soon.

Check out the little teeny fish!

Rob had salmon

I had beef tenderloin. And I swear my clothes match- it's the blue lighting.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Desserts

We got a couple drinks and went upstairs to check out the Pirates Party. It was crowded but really cute and the characters were adorable. The fireworks were AWESOME!
(and it wasn't even New Years Eve yet!)

They don't like you to take character pics, I guess?

We passed by a huge buffet, but decided to skip it, since we were so full from dinner, and instead changed into our suits and managed to get a couple of drinks and relax in the hot tub for about a half hour before bed. I really wish the Rainforest Room was open later. It would have been nice to get a steam and a tropical shower before bed, but I am sure the Spa Staff would not want any longer hours than they already have! They could just keep it open with one or two people there, but anyway. . .

This was the night that we had the Romantic Turndown Service from the REAS.
Here are our swans and rose petals.

Another day in paradise!

I'll put on the next day . . . . soon. I'm off to teach my diet class. I have lost 9.5 lbs in the past 5 weeks and I am just dying to hit the 10 lb mark! (I'm dying to hit the 40 lbs mark, but I digress.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the trip report. Can't wait to talk to you guys soon!

 

[dreamakermom]

They are not generally available in the dead of winter because all of the stores are stocking spring & summer items. We tried to find a space heater at Home Depot this weekend and they do not have any. They pulled them all so they could fill the space with patio furniture. I'm sure the store managers are thrilled that some corporate knuckleheads decided they should be trying to push outdoor items when it isn't even getting above freezing.

Luckily, we have our electric blankets and, man, are they toasty! I can't imagine being able to sleep without one!

This is where you use your imagination to keep warm guys!!!!!

Getting ready!!!! Well.... cleaning and all. Last miinute last minute lists (you read that right unfortunately!!! )
My sister comes tomorrow!!!!! I can already feel the buzz!!

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

LuLu - such a suprise to see your trip report, sounded great!!!!! The food looks so yummy and I just can't wait to get back on that ship!!!!! Nice pictures, now I am really dreaming of a cruise. I only have about 7 months to go, that's just depressing!!!

Karen - only a day left and your sister will be here!!! You will be boarding in 3 days!!!!!

Jrsy - Target had space heaters on clearance last week. Maybe they still have some left for you.

I went to JC Penney's and the electic blankets were buy 1 get one for a $1.00. Too bad they didn't have King size.

It was so nice to see my bedroom with all the furniture, it looks like a completely different bedroom. The bed is up much higher and it is huge!!! I don't think I kicked Chris once last night!!! Sable, the dog, does not like it one bit. It is too tall for her to jump up on, so now she has to sleep on her bed!!!!!!

 

[dreamakermom]

Hi guys~ OK... The leaves are kinda done, the house is kinda clean, I am kinda packed, food is kinda ready, animals are kinds set.....
hahahaha and this is me....
DH just threw his back out. Great. I am sure htere are no chiropraters on the ship if he gets bad.
I have to work tonight until 1 and get home about 2ish so I willclean then. Tomorrow... nails, pedicure, eyebrow wax. .. last minute groceries for my sister... wash floors... do turtles tank... exercise, tan, go cash in all my change..... and I think that is it. Not too bad. My sister just called and said she has so many things to do she will be pulling an all nighter. Her daughter's friend was part of the group that won the Lottery Jackpot in Lincoln, Ne.
Mickey flag is out and i willput out the MIckey doormats LAST minute as they are real cheap.
This is me now!!!!! I shall return... still a couple days before I leave. Sea you soon!

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Karen - I hope your DH's back isn't too severe or major. I am sure the ship has a doctor that could help him out if he needs it but I bet it would be pricey!!!!! That is crazy that your DD knows someone who won the huge jackpot!!!!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Karen, I have been thinking of you all day. How are you feeling? Too bad you are bored with nothing to do. lol Sorry about dh. Back problems are never fun. Is he doing ok?

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Lulu, I am so mad at you!!! Your trip report was giving me the goosebumps. I want to go back so bad! I can't do aromatherapy, it makes me sick to my stomach. Weird, I know. Then of course you had to post the pics of food. I have been craving the creme brulee and lo and behold, you added to the craving. Yum. And, was that a choc souffle as well? The warm benches in the rainforest are wonderful! What is reiki? I guess no one warned you on the stinky cigar smoking. Everyone seems to buy cigars in Nassau. I remember on our first cruise some men actually smoking them IN the hot tub and thinking that they were all that. Yea, right.
Congrats on the weight loss. You are doing great!

 

[ImMarcik]

Okay what did everyone think about Idol this week? Out of the girls, I liked Katharine & Lisa the best. I voted for both. The girl I think will be out is Stevie, I'm not sure who else I think will be out. I really loved the guys tonight. Randy might be right, the guys are going to win the show. I couldn't decide so I voted for 6 guys They just kept getting better. I really love Taylors voice, and Ace is such a good performer. I think Bobby & David will be gone. Okay so much for my predictions, I am probably way off.

I'm drinking hot chocolate and Bailey's.

Karen I am soooo excited for you. I hope your Dh's back is okay.

Ohhhh Selena, you are next!!!!!!!!!!

Lulu I loved your latest trip report. The pictures are great, Sandy I'm with you they made me hungry.

Heidi, don't you love the king size bed. It would be hard to go back to a smaller one now.

Okay I am off to bed.

 

[RobbieLovesLulu]

A little monky love from my lulu:

horay!

 

[Jsme]

Selena - that is a great idea, I didn't even think about Penney's...thanks.

All these wonderful recipes sound yummy!!!!!

LuLu - your ADR's sound llike good choices, wanna bring me along

Heidi the frist place I thought of was Kohl's but they did not have any when I did a search. Several months ago there was a thread on this and Kohl's had them on sale but that was in the fall. Penneys was the only other place I could think of. They are very expensive. I would do an on-lne search if I were you and see if I could find one cheaper. Does Bed, Bath and Beyond have a website or Linen's and Things?