Christmas dessert party

I had a little Christmas party at my house Friday for my mom, aunt and cousin, and we had a great time! They shopped (I have no money with which to shop), we opened presents and giggled a lot. Isn’t that what family is all about?

As I tend to do, I went a tad overboard with the after-lunch desserts. Here’s what I made if you’d like to know…

Christmas Potpourri
Ok, obviously we didn’t eat this, but it made my house smell like Christmas! Isn’t it funny how certain scents just mean something? This mix you can make once, leave it out and turn the stove on whenever you want; just add water when it needs it! Next year, I think I’ll use a little baby crock pot so I don’t have one eye out of commission on my stove.

Red Velvet Mini Cupcakes (no pic)

Truthfully, I can’t tell if I bombed these or if I just didn’t like the recipe. Red Velvet is my favorite cake flavor, and I really wanted these to be the star of my little show. I have to admit I killed it on the frosting, but the cake part blew. My kitchen sink looked like someone tried to cover up a murder with all the blood-red batter everywhere. Next time I’m using this recipe. I might do that this week to try to redeem myself in my mind.

Mini Treasure Brownies

These are such an old stand-by recipe for me. I made them for a party a couple of years ago, and they were so easy and popular, I’ve made them many times since. The name is kind of stupid, so I’d love to change that if you can think of something good. This go-round, I used Reese’s cups and those peppermint Hershey’s Kisses. Festive!

Angel Food Cake Skewers

I pinned these a while ago, and wouldn’t you know, there’s not a recipe attached to the pin – just a picture. Oh well, not like a monkey couldn’t figure these out. But for your convenience, here’s what I did:

½ of a store-bought angel food cake

1 pint strawberries, washed and stems removed

Nutella (duh)

Short skewers (they were about 7-8”)

I cut 1-inch slices of the angel food cake and cut those slices in half. Then I “broke” the slices into cubes – that was much easier than trying to cut with a knife. On each skewer, I put 3 cubes of cake with a strawberry between each cube (that’s 2 if you’re counting). I laid out all the skewers on wax paper and heated some Nutella in a double boiler (Don’t even think about trying to heat it in the microwave. It’s a disaster, plus you just waste good Nutella – a crime punishable by death). When it had loosened up some, I poured the Nutella into a small Ziploc bag and cut a tiny corner off. I then piped/drizzled the melted Nutella over the skewers and put them in the fridge until I was ready to serve them.

We listened to my playlist for the season, and there you go! A Christmas dessert party in a nutshell! Can you believe Jesus’s birthday is Sunday? I don't want it to come because then it's over!

christmas playlist 2011

“Zat you, Santa Claus?” by Louis Armstrong
“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah MacLaughlan
The Night Before Christmas” by Brandon Heath
“What Child Is This?” by Third Day
“What Christmas Means to Me” by Stevie Wonder
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” by The Civil Wars
“Merry Christmas from the Family” by Robert Earl Keene
“Joseph’s Lullaby” by MercyMe
“O Holy Night” by Selah
“That Spirit of Christmas” by Ray Charles

well, isn't that clever?

image from you are my fave

Look at what Melanie made? Isn't she the smartest/cutest/darlingest?

Treat boxes made from, wait for it...aluminum foil boxes!

Adorable, clever and very green!

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* How cute are these 12 Days of Christmas plates? (Even though I loathe the song...)

* To make some homemade marshmallows. This recipe looks like a good one. Fran swears it's easy...

* This super little glittery bag. It would be so hard not to carry it every day!

* This book spotted on A Cup of Jo. Dogs rule!

* A classic Christmas movie film festival with Rudolph, Charlie Brown, The Grinch (the original, NOT the Jim Carrey one...), Elf and Christmas Vacation. What are your faves?

What's your wish?

tis better to give

image from you are my fave

I’ve been told on more than one occasion that I’m hard to shop for. I disagree, but that’s probably because I know in my head what I like and what I secretly want. And if we’re being honest here, and we are, there are often things that I want and want to give, but financial means prevent me from doing so.


So, here’s a thought: if you could give anyone ANY gift EVER, no matter the cost, what would you give?

it's beginning to look a lot like Pinterest

Who up in here is digging on Pinterest? I am (follow me!). Something about it has re-energized my creative spirit, and that makes me happy.

Last year, I didn’t do any Christmas decorating other than a tree. I kind of thought it was pointless since only Kell and I would see it, but turns out, I was a little depressed about it. So this year, I knew it was on like donkey kong. And where’s a girl to go for inspiration? Duh.

All that said, would you like to see my mantle?

I can’t take credit for the look, and please excuse the poor photo. I had to take the picture with my phone, and there’s just not a lot of natural light in my living room. Here’s the mantle muse (image from there, too)…

What do you think? Did I get close?

I have to admit, when I first start copying a project, I can have blinders on for everything except what’s exactly like in the original. I searched high and low for the candlesticks, but they were nowhere to be found. (What’s the deal with no one selling hideous glass candlesticks anymore?) I even scoured our local Hancock for fabric just like what’s in the picture, but that didn’t happen either. When I got over the hurdle of not executing a carbon copy, it was much easier to visualize (and breathe).

Wanna know how I did it? As if it’s really complicated.

The trees are just floral foam trees from Michaels, and that’s where the garland is from too – it’s actually yarn from the knitting section. The only reason I even recognized it from the picture is because I used the same stuff in pink for a baby shower this summer. The sequined garland is from Big Lots – don’t you dare knock that place.  I tore strips of fabric for the trees and pinned them on with those pins that have the little white balls on the top. It didn’t matter if it matched up perfectly; in fact, I didn’t want it to. I like the overlap here and there – it reinforces that it was handmade.

The blue trees are circles of felt pinned with the same pins. I saw the idea here and went along with that tutorial, except I used pinking shears. Not sure if you can even tell, but I think it adds another layer of cuteness, and as we all know, cuteness counts.

The other stuff I had – the window is old, the “MERRY” I got years ago when I lived in Greenwood, and I have no recollection of where the glittery trees came from.

I have to say, I’m proud of my little mantle, and I’m so glad I decorated this year. I feel like much less of a Grinch.

Have you decorated yet?

thankful thursday

Happy Thanksgiving! My favorite holiday!

I’ve seen something on Pinterest that asks, “what if you woke up tomorrow morning with only the things you thanked God for today?” I don’t know about you, but that stopped me in my tracks. Because let’s face it – we all have it pretty good. I have an embarrassment of blessings for which I am thankful, but I often take for granted.

Here are just a few (in no particular order)…

My sweet husband. I can really be a handful sometimes. I’m messy, kind of lazy and my mood can turn on a dime. But Kell is so patient and even. He makes for such balance in our home.

Pets! Y’all knew I wouldn’t get far in this list without mentioning them, especially since today is their 5th birthday! I believe that all good things come from God and that He created Olive and Charlie just for us. I know they’re not human children, but for now, they’re all we’ve got, and they bring us a lot of joy.

A good job. I wake up 5 mornings out of the week and go to a job that provides, gives me opportunities and where I’m surrounded by good, supportive people. So many Americans don’t have this luxury, and I try to remind myself of this when my alarm goes off.

A loving family. I can’t imagine what it would be like to not want to be with my family during the holidays. I could call my parents right now, and they would drop everything to help me or my sister. And although it took us moving out of my parents’ house for Harris and me to like each other, I really think she is about the coolest, kindest, most fun person I know. Not to mention incredible in-laws!

Good friends. I really don’t like (most) country music; it makes my ears bleed. But, some of my friends went to a Reba McIntire concert last weekend and wanted me to go with them, even after complaining for about 3 months. Misery loves company!

5 senses. I can see, hear, smell, touch and taste. I take these for granted probably most of all.

A loving God. We’re not meant to understand everything, but I know God’s hands are all over it. I’m so thankful I can go to Him at any moment in prayer, and He hears every word.

Healthy body. Sure I don’t take care of it like I probably should, but I try to appreciate the blessings of being able to go to work and not have to be in a hospital bed or worry every day about getting sick.

A house. We have a roof over our heads, four walls, grass on the ground and air and heat we can turn on and off for comfort (even though Kell is a bit of a AC/heat dictator). We live in a safe neighborhood with courteous and kind neighbors. Not sure what they’d say about us…

America. No matter your politics, America is the greatest country in the world. Bar none. We have so many freedoms that others only dream about, and we’re protected by the best military in the universe. USA! USA!

For what are you thankful?

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Psalm 100:4-5

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* This Harry Potter mug. If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand. (be sure to read what it does!)

* A hot chocolate party! Wouldn't this be such a fun end to a progressive dinner?

* Some vision for decorating my home for Christmas. I'm so overwhelmed!

* Speaking of Christmas, I can see this topper on a sweet little Charlie Brown tree.

* That you'd come back tomorrow to see my annual Thankful Thursday post. After a year of wishing, I love to give thanks!

What's your wish?

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

image from here

* Soup weather. I feel like I'm being teased...

* That the Christmas cards I want weren't so darn expensive.

* A Bulldog miracle on Saturday!

* This gorgeous sequined dress. Yowzaa!

* About a million feet of this felt garland. Can you tell I'm ready for the holidays?

What's your wish?

boo!

The night is dark
and the goblins are out,
and the witches and black cats
are prowling about.

And costumed creatures
the strangest I've seen,
are knocking on doors
'cause tonight's Halloween!

who am i?

Now that it’s finally October, it’s high time to talk about Halloween. I’ve always kind of liked it, even though when I was a kid my mom would never let me be a witch (always wanted to). I love to ask Kell what he’s going to dress up as and make suggestions to others. I rarely don a costume myself, but it’s so much fun to think about them!

OK, time for the crazy: my costume idea for this year came to me in a dream. Seriously. Want to know what it is?

SLASH. Can you believe I’ve never thought of this before? I totally have the hair, and I can dig up a top hat and a guitar and a pretend nose ring! 

What are you going to be for Halloween? Do you love it or loathe it?

land of the free

Happy Independence Day! 

I much prefer calling today "Independence Day" to "4th of July;" I think it's much more specific as to why we celebrate this date every year.  Down with British rule!  Hooray for the United States of America!  Wave those stars and stripes!

And what better way to celebrate freedom by making an eagle out of a cookie?  Confused?  Here's how to do it.

“We are driven by five genetic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun.”

- William Glasser

celebrate with cake



photo from Glorious Treats

As if I needed a reason to have more cake mix and frosting in my house...

How 'bout you make this 4th of July flag cake on Monday for Independence Day?

wish list wednesday

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* Some letterpress business cards. Too bad the business I might receive from distributing them would barely cover the cost to print.

* That I could alter my own clothes. My life would change dramatically.

* An invitation to one of Ina Garten’s parties in the Hamptons. She would LOVE me!

* This gorgeous JCrew purse. Anyone want to give me an early birthday present?

* To whip up this darling heart cake for my Valentine. (Yes, that’s red velvet in the middle!)

What's your wish?

wish list wednesday - guest post!

To spice things up a bit, this week’s Wish List Wednesday is shared with us by a guest blogger! My sister Harris is impossibly darling and trendy, so I know you’ll love seeing what she’s wishing for.

What am I wishing for this Wednesday?

* That I could have this fabulous A.L.C. skirt in my closet. It’s not on sale (yet!) but with a $400+ price tag, sadly it will never be mine. I also love the mixed prints of the outfit.

* That someone would make these for me… without any of the calories...

* That I was on a beach somewhere tropical with this swimsuit.

* A trendy pair of oxfords. How cute are these?

* That the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow today.. Come on, Punxsutawney Phil… Look the other way!

What's your wish?

If you'd like to share your Wish List Wednesday, give me a shout, and I'll feature you, too!

cheers

Here's to 2011!

I hope your 2010 was great and your 2011 is even better.

reason for the season

Rembrandt's Adoration of the Shepherds

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests'."

Luke 2:8-14

happy festivus!

I got a lot of problems with you people...

Let's rumble!

wish list wednesday - christmas edition

What am I wishing for this Wednesday before Christmas?

* Some of these A Christmas Story cookies while I watch, well, A Christmas Story.

* These nesting doll wine glasses. I love a nesting doll, and with these, there’s no need for a wine charm! (which aren’t even that cute to me, anyway)

* That Kell hadn’t deleted Rudolph from the DVR. I was SO not finished watching it.

* Some of this hazelnut-mocha chocolate sauce for a big bowl of vanilla ice cream.

* A safe, healthy and happy Christmas to all of you!

What's your Christmas wish?

delightful decor...

The only thing in my house decorated for Christmas is my tree. Sure, I've got wreaths on the windows, and Barney our Elf on the Shelf is lurking, but I've got no festive mantle, no holiday centerpiece, nothing hanging from the ceiling...

I really had high hopes for my house this year. I was traveling for work the first two weeks of December, and I suppose once I got home, I figured it was too late (or funds were too short) to really bring the Christmas thunder. Maybe if I'd found these little DIY decorating ideas from youaremyfave a little earlier, I could've made it happen:

These little trees are as easy to make as they are cute. Just some felt and straight pins...imagine the possibilities! (that sounded nerdy)

I love the wall-o-wreaths, and the post tells you how to make them all! Hooray!

If you've got a small space and don't have room for a Chrimma Bush, how 'bout a Chrimma Branch? It kind of looks like a wizard has it suspended in mid-air.

These little ornaments are sparkly, affordable and perfect for those of you that have a themed tree (which I've never understood, but to each his own...).

I love stuff hanging from the ceiling, so I of course love this chandelier!

So... What have I been doing these days since I clearly haven't been decorating? Cooking and eating, of course. I'm off work today (yippee), so I think I'll be whipping up some of this:

Santa Party Mix from over there at Cookies and Cups. Have you EVER seen a cuter snack? I think not. Little Santa hats? Come ON!

Have a festive weekend, my little elves!