Five For Friday

1.  American Girl Dolls are B's obsession.

Ob-Ses-Sion.

She spends HOURS on the American Girl Doll site.  Happily discovered some items at Borders & then the mail catalogs follow her all over the house. I need to make LOTS of money just to allow for the AGD Xmas for B.

2. Cheesey Macaroni Chili

2 pounds ground beef

2 tablespoons oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 celery ribs, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup elbow macaroni
3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1. Heat a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add oil and sauté the onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic until onion is translucent and vegetables are tender then add ground beef. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
3. Stir cooked macaroni into the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes over low heat, uncovered. Remove from heat and fold in cheese, adjust seasonings if desired. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Makes 4 servings.

3. Wish Upon A Hero is a clearing house for people in need.  The Tagline is that anyone can be a hero. Some of the requests are from people in serious need for food, clothing, etc. Others would just like cards or stickers to cheer up a hospitalized child. Take a look, maybe you can HELP.

4. The Elf On The Shelf is a huge Christmas tradition in this house. "Ralphie" magically appears on a bookshelf and watches over the kids. He reports good & bad begavior back to Santa. The catch? He moves by magic. I move him they find him all over the house & TRULY believe that he has special powers.  So much fun for all of us.  The Elf also has a fab site HERE.

5.  Five For Friday cell photo: