9/11

What's a girl to do with a 10 hour layover at JFK

 besides eat pizza

by really tall buildings

that isn't a waste of time (ah jeez, people).

I grabbed some tickets to the 9/11 memorial preview site

 I remember being in the city for NYE 2000 and taking photos of the twin towers in this spot.

 9/11 Memorial - World Trade Center - North Pool - Ground Zero

 South Pool

Kiosks that allow visitors to look for location of names at the memorial pools.

These signs posted outside the construction zone pretty much sum up the feeling you get from visiting the site. God bless America, the innocent who lost their lives, and the heros who protect our country.

FENWAY PARK

There was one place in Boston we didn't visit yesterday that was on my list so we went back today.

Fenway Park...America's most beloved ballpark.

Home of the Boston Red Sox.

This is what it looks like during the off-season.

Celebrating 100 years in just a few months.

Green monster seats

oldest seats in the house

We were able to tour the park (Yankees jokes included in price)

I was almost as excited as Jimmy Fallon's character in the movie Fever Pitch.

POLITICS

It seems Bostonians are very serious about their political stance.

I found this bench inside an Uno (PS I know I'm not in Chicago, but their deep dish pizzas are pretty much AMAZING).

In town I found this gem.

I didn't stand here...

instead I rode the donkey.

Still not sure which party that is in favor of though.

**No democrats or republicans were hurt in the photographing of this event**

An afternoon in BEAN TOWN

A quick morning trip to Boston, Mass, brought us this fun in Beacon Hill:

A stop at the Cheers bar. Where nobody really knew my name (except the people I walked in with).

Really old statues

History

(Paul) Revere bells

surviving brick walkways in heels (how'd the pioneers do this?!) at the Faneuil Hall marketplace. 

to see New England's largest holiday tree

and dine on tasty treats.

(cannoli from Mike's Pastry, Celtic carmel hot chocolate, and Bruegger's Bagels)

Perfection.

THANKFUL

This thanksgiving I'm thankful for my family in New Hampshire.

And for heated blankets and slippers...it sure is cold on this side of the country!

*Oh, and for you...because you read my blog.

BLACK FRIDAY CAMP OUT

Remember when it seemed ridiculous for people to wake up at 4am to get the doorbuster deal at stores the day after Thanksgiving?

Next, when it seemed ridiculous for the lines to start at 2am?

Then, when camping out overnight was ridiculous?

But many of us did it.

Well, I have a new ridiculous: this photo was taken last night...5 nights before the "Black Friday" sale doors open. Seriously?!

What is in that ad that could be more important than being with your family for a week and enjoying a Thanksgiving day feast?

PARAGLIDING

Want something fun to do if you're not at the theater this weekend battling lines to see the latest sparkly vampire movie? Try paragliding.

There was a hawk flying with us. How many times have you looked down on a hawk?! It was incredible!

Hello Draper Valley

Coming in for a landing

Thank you Cloud 9 Toys for fun-filled, incredibly windy morning with a new perspective.

(UT LOCAL) GOOD EATS

Once in awhile, I like a good eat. Here are a few delicious items I have recently found and want to share with my Utah pals.

1. Charlie's Hotdog King - Orem, UT

For those of ya'll who like a good hotdog, I recommend the Panini dog (not pictured).

2. Beyond Glaze - Draper, UT

I like bacon. I like donuts. Why not combine them with some maple frosting?! If that doesn't sound like it's your bag, there are plenty of other pretty and yummy tasting donuts to choose from.

3. Ridley's family market bakery - your local grocer, UT

Three words: coconut pecan cookies. Best I've ever had.

EBATES

If you're going to do your shopping online anyway, why not get rewarded for doing it?!
On top of using your rewards credit cards, you can sign up with ebates.  All you have to do is choose your favorite store (GAP, Victoria's Secret, Sports Authority, Apple store, Toys R Us, Walmart, etc - there are over 1,200) and you will be directed to a page with coupons and links to that store. Click a link and you will be directed to your store where you can shop away like normal! As long as you go to the store through a link from this page, you will be eligible for cash back (and right now is the season for double cash back!) So hurry and join. Click the logo below or this link here.


There are no rebate forms to fill out, no points or miles to redeem, and you get paid in cash.
You get access to over 5,000 online coupons and free shipping offers which are updated daily.
Cash back on clothing & accessories, electronics, travel, books, games & toys, baby supplies, appliances, and more.

Join for free today and you'll get a bonus $10 gift card!

**I've honestly used this site and have received 2 checks already. It's not like winning the lottery, but any money earned by getting my normal purchases is worth the savings!

LOVE TO EAT

Ever since high school, I have loved holidays and reasons to party. My friends and I would plan the party from decorations to entertainment, and most importantly...FOOD.

Celebrating fun times with yummy treats is what I'm all about! My sister-in-law is super fun this way too. We have had gingerbread house making competitions, decorated caramel apples a few weeks ago for Halloween, and green eggs and ham for St. Patrick's day. We don't have to feel bad about our treats because they look cute and are pretty healthy!

I found this cool book called Real Moms Love to Eat. It's written by SocialMom and certified health counselor Beth Aldrich. The book  is written with an easy-to-follow 10-part plan for moms (and cooks alike) to implement to make gradual, life-long changes in their approach to food. I've spoken with so many friends who want to cut their kids from fast food "happy meals" or give healthy snacks instead of candy as treats to their young ones.

Eating healthy isn't just a phase, it should be a lifestyle change. You can learn how the food you eat affects your body. Don't worry...you won't have to start eating cardboard and water! I believe there is no reason to not eat foods you like. It is possible to do that and still look fabulous...and this book offers teaches you how to do that by providing tips, recipes, and 21 days of meal suggestions!  I have to say the recipes look delicious. 


I have looked over the tips and they are simple and useful for both those who have hours to cook or need something fast because they have 1 billion other things to do (like soccer practice, violin, laundry, cleaning, etc etc etc.)  So the Watsons can still have gangs of fun celebrating every holiday and trying out new festive foods and not feel guilty!


For fellow bloggers, Beth has a unique Food Affairiate program. For more information and ways to win prizes go here.


I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Beth Aldrich - Real Moms Love to Eat blogging program, for a chance to get 3,000 My SocialMoms Rewards points. For more information on how you can participate,click here.