Apple Pie Muffins

I found this tasty recipe for Apple Pie Muffins on Allrecipes.com. It was their featured recipe of the day several weeks ago and the title grabbed me. What's not to like about apples this time of year? It's a pretty straight forward recipe with lots of brown sugar. The topping just sinks in and gives you a few surprising bites of brown sugar every now and again, which is fabulous.

The biggest note on this recipe: Don't fill the cups to the top. 1/2-2/3 full will do the trick and save you the clean up later. In fact, it's a good rule of thumb for most cupcakes & muffins.

Operation Baby Room: Project 1

It was a beautiful Sunday in Nashville, which makes it a great day for a Mr. Diva project. Bad news for him, the hangover from yesterday's UT/UGA game was still pummeling the poor guy though he didn't let it keep him down. First project for Baby March Madness' room, the bookshelf.
I've had this bookshelf forever, but never got around to staining it. Staining is super easy if you've never done it. Just make sure you've got a well ventilated area (or outside) as this stuff is really potent. I chose to let Mr. Diva complete this one as the fumes were just too strong for this Diva mama. We used Minwax's Red Chestnut wood stain and one coat seemed to do the trick.



Next up: Painting

Apple/Pumpkin Butter Squares

One of the Diva mob made these yummy pumpkin squares last year. With a chill in the air, I thought it was a good time to pull this recipe out. Pumpkin butter isn't a normal grocery staple (check William Sonoma or Whole Foods), so I substituted the always delicious, slightly less expensive apple butter. These bars with apple butter were still a big hit. One party dweller said, "These are so good I just want to dance." Granted the kid was 5 and high on Cheetos, but I'll take it.

Sundays with Manning

Where have I been? Most likely cleaning up some mess that Manning has created. Whether it's a roll of toilet paper or one of his yard excavation projects, our dog has been putting his puppy energy to use. Here are a few pictures from his latest escapades!



I was cutting up a small watermelon and decided to give Manning some of the rind. He loved it.



The other day I was sitting at my desk attempting to do some work when I hear Manning bounding into the house looking like a dog full of mischief. After a quick picture and a little laughter, I decided I better clean him up. Look what I found when I went into the kitchen!

Deconstructing Manning

Here's the little Man fast asleep early into puppyhood dreaming...
Manning at 6 months no longer dreams of destruction. He takes the bed by the pillow and attacks.















Manning 1, Bed 0.

Beverly Hills Diva

In case you haven't checked your calendars, it's 90210 today. It's been 10 years since the Wednesday night staple left it's regular time slot and TV hasn't really recovered. Thank goodness for Soapnet! Since I can't hit up the Peach Pit for a malt and a burger with Nat, I can think of no better to highlight this day then a few classic clips!

Fame is where you find it, especially at the Peach Pit.

Classic Beverly Hills High drama.

Classic Steve

Poor Noxzema girl never saw it coming.

Can I get a Donna Martin Graduates!

Did I miss your favorite?

Season of hope (part 2)

As I mentioned Monday, I can't wait for the return of my favorite shows and whew the list is long. Thankfully Tivo has my back!

Returning:

The Big Bang Theory: The Geeks are back for more. Will Sheldon really find love? I hope not. He's too funny to be tied down.

Cougar Town: Hello Jennifer Aniston is up for the series premiere. Who doesn't love a Friends reunion?!?!

Glee: With a Britney themed episode in the can, I can't stop believin'.

How I Met Your Mother: It's make or break time for this show. Keep up the funny...keep up the viewers.

The Mentalist: Will Jane get close to catching Red John?

NCIS

NCIS: LA: LL & Chris O'Donnell...need I say more!

Parenthood: Always love me some Lauren Graham.