Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas Eve



Christmas Eve means the joy of family and friends.
I want to wish the happiest of holidays to you all.
I'm thinking of everyone enjoying a peaceful evening with family through special and past down traditions.
{the thought is magical}

So before you all dream of sugar plums and your kiddies giggles and screams Christmas morning...
My treasures from this week...
Miss P's sugar snowflake cookies was a treat for me.
Watching my daughter find the joy and love in baking her own cookies.
Priceless.




I love the sheer joy on her face over crayons and
discussing S-A-N-T-A.

What a Mama's girl, she has my ♥.

Miss P, Papa, Nana, and Mama in their jamies reading,
 "Lamma lamma Red Pajamas"

Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Creativity during the holidays

I love traditions, old or new, just as long as its fun and inspiring to anyone and everyone.
I've been reading everyone's blogs and I'm loving how each and everyone of you share your holiday traditions.
Music while cooking.
Making cookies with the kids.
Donating time and love to others.
Creating cute and whimsical crafts.
You are all inspiring.

My fondest memory was in California (Salinas) dressed in jammies on Christmas Eve. We wound up driving through the country area's and admiring lights while listening to Christmas music (from the 80's and 90's) and giggling in our Ford mini van.
Oh, how I loved the simplicity and childhood callings.


I think Heather from Make and Takes is so creative. Creating holiday traditions such as a Santa and Reindeer pancakes for family or friends is special and yummy.

 

Heather Mann's personal blog, the Dollar Store Crafts also yields amazing crafts from the dollar store--awesome I say!
I think her Dollie snowflake Decor is super sweet and easy for the creatively challenged. 

Take a gander before the holidays if your on the search for simple and fun projects, especially for those that are dealing with snow and no school.

These may just be the indoor fun you need while having to prepare for the feast and other holiday tasks.


Saturday, December 19, 2009



I love cookies! Miss P's Papa was baking cookies today due to our 16" of snow.
Yummy ginger and molasses, peanut butter cookies, chocolate crinkles, and Spritz.
Sorry, my mouth is watering from thinking of all the choices.
Sounds good, right?

So, while thinking of cookies (hense, the picture) I decided to browse for ideas, as I'm off on winter break.
Searching for fun recipes and inspiration on Monday.
I will bake and eat, eat and bake...and pretty much be happy.


I fell upon these beauties.
Yum.
Must. Bake. These.
Immediatly!

Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies


Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

• 1 egg yolk

Makes: Recipe makes 4 dozen cookies.



Instructions:

•Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and cream cheese together. Add sugar and mix well until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, vanilla and lemon peel. Mix well.

•Gradually add flour and salt to cream mixture. Shape dough in small logs and place in Wilton Cookie Pro™ or other cookie press.

•Press cookies onto cool ungreased cookie sheet.

•Bake 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.

•To make green trees add a small amount of Leaf Green paste color to dough before shaping into logs.

•To make red/white cookies, add Red food color to one half dough. Shape red and plain dough separately into narrow logs; place together into Wilton Cookie Pro™ or other cookie press.

•Follow above instructions for shaping.

•Store in airtight container at cool room temperature for several weeks or freeze for two months.

{All courtesy of Wilton.com}

You must agree with me, as I know this recipe not only sounds good, but the picture looks good too.

So, stay tunned as I am whipping up some yummy things come Monday.

But before I leave, what types of cookies, cakes, or goodies do you enjoy during the holidays?




Friday, December 18, 2009

Let it Snow!



 

 

I love winter white holiday baking!
We are going to recieve between 6" to 14" of snow this Saturday.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

Holiday vintage finds



I love these vintage inspired various holiday decor.
All decor and collectibles of Bethany Lowe and various artists are such great finds
for family holidays and any occasion for that matter. 

Take a peak. You may find some great treasures for the new year!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Game Time!

Army vs. Navy

Enjoying the march off of Navy midshipment!



My man gettin' some bear for a good game day.



Bundled up in layers for 30 degree weather and wind.
Yes, it was freezing!



After Navy scored 7 points (Army 3pts).
We were jumping up and down! ;)

We left Philadelphia early (an hour and a half to beat traffic)
and found out at TGIF that Navy won 17-3. Woo hoo!

My daughter stayed home with Nana and Papa making a gingerbread house and eating Papa's homemade cookies.
She suffered as you can imagine without Mama and Dada. Mhm.
So, back to a normal schedule of assignments, watching the doodle bug, and searching for Christmas crafts while making some too!

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!

Thursday, December 10, 2009


 
I've been busier this week than anticipated.
I have a bunch of crafts and recipes I'm so anxious to try,
yet have no time to try everything out due to a mandatory schedule of other obligations.
No. Fair.
Ugh!
I will be in Philadelphia come Saturday enjoying some "me" time. Pictures to come, promise!
In the mean time, hope everyone is having a pleasant week of cooking, hosting, crafting, working, being a mommy, or whatever you busy bee's are up to!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Holiday memories...



I love looking back on Holiday memories of my cherished loved ones. Miss P was only 4 months old and such a peanut! Weighing only a mere 7lbs. (pitter-patter)

What brings wonderful memories to your heart of family and friends?

Friday, December 4, 2009


{picture via Living Creatively}

I love the artistic talent displayed in Living Creatively.
Scroll on over to the projects tab and into Creative Projects.
You'll find everything from Christmas projects, scrapbooking, knitting, to kids crafts.
You just simply click and download the project sheet with step by step directions.
I just know I'll be trying my hand at the wrapping paper handmade lace stencile.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Topper's galore!


{pictures via Toddler Toppers}

Are these pictures making you ooohhh and ahhhh?
My friend Laura at Toddler Toppers melts my heart with her handmade crochet hats for any age.
So soft, warm, and super-uber cute!


I took this Christmas of last year, as my daughter enjoys playing on my heart strings.
I just ordered my Army vs. Navy game head warmers for the man in my life.
We head to Philly the 12th to enjoy some time away from my gumba and to root for Navy!

Anyway, I've gotten side tracked here.
I had to show some ♥ to Laura as she always make beauty-ful creations!
Stop by and take a gander in her store--might just find 1,2, or 3 hats you just can't live without!



Holiday Centerpiece's


{picture via Celebrations at Home}
I love Chris from Celebrations at Home idea for homemade tabletop center pieces.
She made a great point reusing items you may already have to creating beautiful holiday decor.
Take a peak at her blog for the sites she found and other ideas.

Sweet Birthday Party


{picture via The Party Dress}
I love Kelly over at The Party Dress. She creates wonderful party ideas for all occasions.
Kelly recently posted pictures from a 1st Birthday, so cute! Take a look at Kelly's blog for more details on this birthday and other inspiration for the holiday season.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Hey Santa!


{picture via Sweetly Sweet}
My friend over at Sweetly Sweet with the cute and crafty DIY parties
has stepped it up a notch with a holiday giveaway!


The Sweetly Sweet Santa Kit giveaway!

I love how she thinks of family time and how important it is to bond and embrace what Christmas is really about...
PRESENTS!!!
NO
{just kidding ladies, breath!}
To enjoy the presents and love of family, friends, and the people around us by sharing the traditions and family time we all love!
Stay tunned for Sweetly Sweets Etsy shop opening soon!

Holiday Project Inspiration





{via Etsy's rubyvictoria}


{via Etsy's Note Trunk}



{via Etsy's loveseptember}

 
{via Etsy's hooraydesignshop}

THe Holiday Season


Not only is it the season to be jolly, but going crazy with holiday decor!
We finished decorating the house and I've started to purchase gifts online.
Cannot even dare to enter that mall and be snickered at, pushed, shoved, or given looks by crabby Grinch's that don't believe in being a little extra nice during the holidays.
(no offense towards the Grinch--I truly love the movie!)


{via Martha Stewart}

I love the simplicity and cuteness of the holiday craft project Martha presents here.



I love vintage feel in all decor. Adding a touch of vintage from craft supplies, scrapbooking paper, and etc.
I love the paper wrapped with twine around the jars filled with candles. So sweet and simple.
What creative decor can you come up with?

Tis' the Season for Creativity



I love making people smile! Who doesn't? Seriously! 
I've been in ♥ with Robin's creations from first glance at her web site over 8 months ago.
She can whip up the most whimsical children, adult, holiday, or everyday crafty paper products.
Love. Love. Love.
I'm taken by her new layout featuring illustrations that you simply click, pick, and design.
Take a peak at Robin's specialty parties for Fall and Winter. You just might find yourself overwhelmed with ideas for the holidays this year.
Happy shopping!