Gotta love bagels...

Black Friday

Is any product worth this much effort? I just don't think so. I mean, do any of those people look happy? I understand you can't see their faces in this picture. But they look cold, and tired. I hate being cold and tired. And I just don't care that much. Are you planning to shop on Black Friday? I don't mind shopping on this day-but feel no need to get up at 4am to wait in line. I will go out around noon, and shop at the Park City outlets, and possibly pick up some signature items from fabulous stores such as Banana and JCrew. That is all I need.

Banana Pudding

I know I have already shared this recipe with some of you, but I feel like more should benefit from this treasure. Mom sent me this a few weeks ago (courtesy of the one and only Paula Dean-so we know it has to be good, right Aly?), and told me I HAD to make it. So I did. It was divine. Not only do I love banana pudding, I love the memories that go with it. We used to always make banana pudding together sophomore year, in the good old Foxwood-remember? Oh how I miss those days...

So instead of our fast/easy banana pudding that we made as starving students-here is something more sophisticated for our grown up lives. Enjoy my darlings!

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding

Ingredients:
2 bags Pepperidge Farm Cheesmen Cookies
6-8 bananas sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5 ounce) box instant French Vanilla pudding1
(8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipping cream

Directions:
Line bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2 inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top. In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping or cream into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

My recent obsession

Maybe it's just me, but I am in-love with cake stands lately. They are just so darling, and can make any cake look good. These can be found at Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and Macy's (You are welcome). Do yourself, and your cakes a favor.

Thankful

One week from today, I will be with my WHOLE family, in a cabin, in Park City, eating turkey. This is our first Thanksgiving in 2 years all together, since Michael is back from his mission. I am so excited to see mom and dad, to go shopping, and to just relax! It has been a while since I have done that...

As I think about the things in life I am most thankful for, it always comes down to the people I know and love. I am so blessed to have a wonderful family, and the best friends in the whole wide world. There is nothing more important in this life than our relationships we build with our family, friends, ourselves, and our Heavenly Father. I hope we all feel this during Thanksgiving, and always.

What is everyone doing for Thanksgiving this year? I hope that each of you have a wonderful time! I miss you all dearly. Megs and I are holding down the fort in P-town. Please come visit soon-all of you! The snow isn't too great yet-but I am certainly not complaining! This is the first year I have not cried when it snowed.

I can't wait to see Thomas, Alta and Krew the beginning of December, as well as Kels and Brandon! The end of December, Birdtree comes home from her mission! I just can't believe that. And then we will all be together...bliss. I miss you all! Everyone needs to get Skype, so we can at least see each other. That is my one request!