Link Love: JC Penney Toy Sale

Check out Mama Cheap's post on the great sale for JC Penney toys good through 12/3! Great time to shop for Christmas!

For the Locals: The Works of Reverend Howard Finster

Stranger in Paradise: The Works of Reverend Howard Finster
November 11, 2011 — January 15, 2012

Currently on view at the Tennessee State Museum is a special exhibition featuring the work of the late folk artist Howard Finster. The exhibition, Stranger in Paradise: The Works of Reverend Howard Finster, is free and on exhibit in the museum’s Changing Galleries. A self-proclaimed "Man of Visions," Finster was one of America’s most widely known and prolific self-taught artists, producing more than 46,000 pieces of art before his death in 2001.

Go HERE to learn more about the artist and display. The entrance of the museum is the same entrance as TPAC.

For the Locals: Tuba Christmas!

I went to Tuba Christmas for the first time several years ago. I was not sure I would enjoy listening to a hundred or so Tubas (that's what it seemed like but was probably less) playing Christmas music at one time. It was actually quite amazing and a lot of fun. Everyone is so happy to be there and the music is great. It is also free and a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit. Here is the information for this year's Tuba Christmas. If you have never been, I recommend it! Also, kids love it. Get there early because it is always packed.

NASHVILLE - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13

TIMES: 11:00 am - First Baptist Church, corner of Broadway & 7th Avenue South
12:30 pm - First Baptist Church

REGISTRATION: 8:30 am, Fellowship Hall

REHEARSAL: 9:30 am, Sanctuary

PARKING: Free parking for performers and audience in Church lots.

NOTE: Directions: I-40, I-65 or I-24 to downtown Nashville, Broadway exit. Head toward downtown to just past 7th Ave. South. Turn off Broadway into driveway that goes under building. Unload at Fellowship Hall entrance.

CONDUCTOR: G.R. Davis

COORDINATORS: G.R. Davis 615-714-0247, Nancy Holland 615-419-2837

Cub Scout Cake Decorating Contest!

I am a big believer in Cub Scouts for boys because it's fun, inexpensive and teaches them important skills. Last night was our cake decorating contest, and I thought you might enjoy seeing the cakes! This is what we spent our Sunday doing. They both placed first within their dens but did not place within their pack. They had a ball and came home stuffed with cake. I am giving you the links as well if you should like to get directions to make these yourself. There were some pretty amazing cakes. I really liked the Star Wars, Lego and Angry Birds cakes.

This is my 10 year old's cake:


The fries are browned slices of pound cake. The "ketchup" is white icing mixed with red and a little brown food coloring. The hot dog is a pound cake and twinkies and directions are found HERE and HERE.

This is my 8 year old's cake:

My younger son wanted a dog. HERE are the best directions that I could find. The results were not perfect but certainly fun and pretty easy to make! I suggest before you begin the process, you make a trip to the dollar store for supplies. It is far cheaper than Michael's or the grocery store. This cake was pretty cheap as it only requires one box cake and two cans of frosting. The expensive part was having to buy the frosting tip for the "hair". Michael's had a 50% off printable coupon so it was not too pricey (about $5). Don't forget the pan for display at the dollar store. Buy two for each cake for extra support in transportation.

Menu Plan Monday: 11/28/11

Monday: Crockpot Chili

Tuesday: Chicken Corn Chowder

Wednesday: Florentine Meatballs and Pasta

Thursday: Crockpot Cranberry Chicken & Steamed Vegetables

Friday: Cheeseburger Bread & Sweet Potato Fries

Saturday: Chicken Pot Pie

Sunday: Kitchen Sink Quiche

For the Locals: Flea Market Weekend!

The “Holiday Preview” November Flea Market is this weekend through Sunday, November 27th at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, Hours are 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday.

It may be a great alternative to the super busy mall!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving!