Winter is in the Air

I don't know about you, but around here, the temps are starting to cool down. A lot! I'm starting to get into the Christmas spirit. As in, I want to start decorating, wrapping presents, and baking yummy Christmas goodness!!!

I know. It's barely, early November. I just can't help myself. I adore the cold weather. I live for "Holiday Decorating." Oh, and I just can't wait for all the yummy treats!

Yum! I was just thinking of my favorite hot chocolate. I've been making this, for close to 11 years now. I even remember the first time I made it. I burned my hand. Pretty bad. But boy, I didn't stop making this yummy goodness. It was almost too much, for me to bare. But darn, this is some good stuff!!!

How about a little fun treat. As in some "Baby Santa" gear! I have been wanting to make this, since it was posted. I even have the yarn. Darn, I need to just sit down, and get my "Crochet" on!!!

Yes, I'm totally in the holiday mood. I might even pull out the Christmas music. Is anyone else like me? Or am I the only one, counting down the days, until I can decorate. Putting up my decorations in November. And leaving them up, until late January. Yes, this is really a magical time of year! ♥

60 Days...and a Little Wishing...

Just a little while ago, I got off the phone. With a good friend of mine. One that I hadn't talked to, in way too long!!! Say over a month...too long. If we're being honest here, it's almost been 2 years, since we've seen one another.

This is the same friend, that I used to meet for lunch...oh, 4 times a week. We'd literally spend 5 hours chatting. Meet up for lunch, that would take us well into dinner. That friend. One of my friends, that I'm desperately missing right now.

The funny thing that stuck in my brain...was Christmas. Don't panic or anything. But it's only 60 days until Christmas. I know!!! Where has the time gone? And my friend, she wants to know...just what I want. Um, even I was stumped by that question.

For the most part, I'm super easy to shop for! Buy me a scarf, and I'm your BFF. Get me some candles, I'm over the moon. A pair of chandelier earrings, I might just jump up and down.

But my friend was looking for something more specific. I thought, and thought. Then I remembered what I had told this guy, just the other day. Anything from Stella & Dot, makes me happy! Heck, I sold it for years. Cause you know, someone had to pay for medical school. :)

I thought I'd make it even easier for my friends. Pick out a few favorites. And you know, get them started. Because, Christmas is just 60 days away. I'm not panicking yet. Are you? So let's get started...

First up, Serenity Stone Drops. In jade please. :) $49 for the pair. And I'd just love them so! You know me and my earrings.

Keeping with earring theme, how about these Charlize Teardrop Earrings. Priced at $34. I just adore the various shades of blue. :)

Next, well there are 2 things in this picture. The Soar Necklace, for $59. Yes, this is my favorite of the bunch. But don't forget about the Tree of Life Necklace. For $69. Another darling!

I'd adore the Chelsea Necklace. In gold. For $59. Isn't it just lovely? You could layer it with other necklaces. Or wear it alone.

One of the mot gorgeous necklaces that I've seen, and amazing values, is the Glint Flower CZ Necklace. $39 for years of happiness! Don't you think???

Another simple necklace that I just adore, is the Aura Coin Drop Necklace. Come on, it's gorgeous! And just $49. Even I'm tempted to buy this one. Because I could see myself wearing it, every single single day!!!

Another favorite of mine, is this Serenity Small Stone Pendent. It reminds me of my birthstone. And is just $49. Honestly, this necklace would make a nice "every day" necklace too. :)

Something a little more understated, Odette Infinity Necklace. For $39. I just adore the mix "of colors."

Along those same lines, is the Together Forever Necklace. For $59. I adore the mix of metals. The different sizes, also makes this necklace interesting. Oh, I think I'm in love!!!

But really, we NEED to talk about the Infinity Charm Necklace. A little pricey at $79. But it is adorable!!!

The last necklace, that I'll be talking about is, the With Love Necklace. For $69. I like it's simplicity. But amazing meaning. This is high on my list!!!

How about a a few bracelets? Over the last few months, I've really fallen in love with bracelets. Any kind really. But here are a few of my favorites. :)

How about something for $19? This Courage Bracelet is one of my favorites. I just adore the style. And the little charm.

The Hope Bracelet is one of my favorites. Really it is! It's $32. But my favorite quality, is the rose gold! I've been a fan of rose gold, since I was a wee one!!!

The Elizabeth Bracelet is just plain fun!!! With a little bit of sass. For $29. Don't you just love it too? I do!

I can't help but be a fan of the Luna Wrap Bracelet. For $89. I think this would be a nice piece to own. Something that goes with a lot of other jewelry. But the real star here, is the Sole Bracelet. For $39. I don't know what it is, I just adore it!!!

Don't think I'm a spoiled brat. Or that I'm begging my friend for anything. She asked me a question. And it got me thinking. Of a few things, that I would welcome into my life.

But in reality, I'd adore a scarf from Wal-Mart, or a pair of earrings from Target. Heck, a nice lunch would be nice too! Although, if this Mr. is reading...these earrings, this necklace, or this one, or this one, or even this bracelet...they'd love living with us too!!! ♥

Creating Memories

This year, my Mom and I, have really tried, to pull our family together. Since my Dad's medical emergency last year, we've tried to make things special for him. Bring our family together. And I think, we succeeded in that!

Although, My Guy and I had already decided to spend the holiday alone, I knew I had to be with family. My Mom and I talked about it. And we decided on Christmas Eve. For a lot of reasons. One being the weather. And my Dad not really being able to go out. It's been snowing. And so cold! We didn't want to risk, him getting hurt.

I started calling up family. And my Mom and I, got to cooking. I baked for days. Tamales, rellenos, and empanaditas were made. I wrapped presents every single night, for 2 weeks! All that hard work, really paid off. And I've never been happier!



The holidays are such a special time. A time for all of us, to enjoy family and friends. To teach family traditions. And make new memories. Just like Thanksgiving, my parents' house was so full of people. And love! Not everyone made it. That's unfortunate. But a reality in our family.

My older brother came for about 5 minutes, as everyone was leaving. Late in the evening. My second youngest brother, and his family didn't make it. They didn't tell us, until that night, that they didn't have a ride. He lives about 30 minutes out of town. None of my sisters came. And well, we never expected my youngest brother. One of my nieces also had plans. And my younger nieces and their mom, don't celebrate until January. I don't know...

But we had tons of people over. I spent lots of time with the kiddos. Watching a silly Christmas movie, opening presents, and playing games. Of course, we sat and talked. And you know what, those little ones are so special. Carry so much in their little hearts. And make their auntie's heart just break!

There was lots of chatting. And laughing. Making new memories. Remembering our past. And Thanking God for our Daddy. Prayers were said. The real Christmas story was told. We placed baby Jesus in his bed. And Thanked God for our loved ones.

It's been years, since my parents hosted the holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas...in the same year. We did it a lot, when I was really young. But the family grew apart. This year, was just a glimpse, of those special days. Of a time, when life felt so special.

I have to say this, it was a lot of hard work. To prepare everything. But, it was so well worth it! At the end of the night, both of my parents thanked me. And I was taken aback. Me? Why? All I did, was help them.

The last year, endless health issues, and tough times...really have made me think. Life is worth so much more! Time to set aside our issues. Time to love with everything we have. Time to get back, to what is important. I wouldn't trade these memories, for anything in the world. It was such an amazing holiday! ♥

Merry Christmas

I just wanted to take a few minutes, to wish you all a Merry Christmas! What a magical day this is. I've always been a HUGE fan of Christmas. Not because of the presents. But because of the time, that I get to spend with my family and friends. I'm wishing you all an amazing, and blessed day! May you spend it with everyone that you love. Merry Christmas! ♥

Faithful Love

His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and spoke this prophecy:
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
for he has visited his people,
he has set them free,
and he has established for us a saving power
in the House of his servant David,
just as he proclaimed,
by the mouth of his holy prophets from ancient times,
that he would save us from our enemies
and from the hands of all those who hate us,
and show faithful love to our ancestors,
and so keep in mind his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham,
that he would grant us, free from fear,
to be delivered from the hands of our enemies,
to serve him in holiness and uprightness in his presence,
all our days.
And you, little child,
you shall be called Prophet of the Most High,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare a way for him,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the faithful love of our God
in which the rising Sun has come from on high to visit us,
to give light to those who live in darkness
and the shadow dark as death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
~Luke 1:67-79

May you all be blessed, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! I hope that you are all able to enjoy your family and friends. On these very special days. Sing from the mountaintops. Love with everything you have. And make the most beautiful memories, to last a lifetime. ♥

Really Big...Really Fun!

How are your holiday preparations going? I'm pretty sure, that I've bought and wrapped 90% of the presents, on my list. :O) I've baked some cookies, made some candy, and tackled some Christmas crafts. Our Christmas tree is up. And our cards are sent out. I'm thinking, this is success!

We are taking this as s good sign. And we're heading out, to explore a nearby, tiny mountain town. The town, where my good friend Manders, grew up. I'm pretty darn excited! They have some cute shops there. I just might have to get me something. :O)

Well, last night, after wrapping lots of presents, I decided to relax. And then, I was browsing some crochet websites. When I stumbled on this cute cowl. On Bernat's website. The "Really Big."



I happened to have some gorgeous yarn. And while My Guy and I talked in front of the fire, I whipped this up. I can't find my camera, so you'll have to look at Bernat's picture. Honestly, this is such a warm cowl! Perfect for a snowy adventure.

So how is everyone doing out there? Done with your shopping? How about your crafting? Are these some relaxing days for you. Or is it turning into some crazy chaos? Well, I hope you get a few minutes to just relax. Happy Sunday! ♥

Maple Syrup Shortbread

One of my favorite things about the holidays, is baking. I just love it! And I LOVE to try new recipes. Yum! That's probably why I'm so excited about this week's Gooseberry Patch Free Recipe of the Week. A yummy shortbread cookie! By the way, this cookbook is AMAZING!



Maple Syrup Shortbread

1/2 c. plus 1 T. butter, softened and divided
1/4 c. sugar
1 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. maple syrup
1 egg
1 t. vanilla extract
Optional: 1/2 c. chopped walnuts


Blend 1/2 cup butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add flour a little at a time, mixing continually; blend well. Pat mixture into a lightly greased 8"x8" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees until light golden, about 25 minutes; remove from oven and set aside. Stir together brown sugar, syrup and remaining butter. Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth. Pour evenly over baked shortbread; sprinkle with walnuts. Return to oven; bake at 350 degrees until topping sets, about 20 minutes. Let cool; cut into 1-1/2"x1-1/2" squares. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 1-1/2 dozen.



Yum! I've baked 2 batches of these already. And they are so delish! I'm also making a few of the other recipes in this cookbook. Do you have any favorite cookie recipes that I should know about? I'd love to try some of your favorite recipes. ♥

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

One thing that you should know is, I LOVE red velvet cupcakes. LOVE THEM!!! Just thinking about them, makes me want to go bake a batch. Oh. My. Goodness!

This week's Gooseberry Patch Free Recipe of the Week, just hit all the bells and whistles for me! Red Velvet Christmas Cookies! I'm sure that the people at Gooseberry Patch, know that I'm in the middle of my Christmas baking. And wanted me to add these to the mix. But oh my goodness! I might gain 20 lbs this year. Because of this recipe. :)



Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

18-1/2 oz. pkg. red velvet cake mix
1/2 c. oil
2 T. water
2 eggs
12-oz. pkg. white chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients; mix well. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets sprayed with non-stick vegetable spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly before removing from baking sheets. Makes 3 dozen.



Earlier this week, I baked these cookies. 3 batches of them! And guess what? In the matter of hours, they were history!!! And in case you were wondering, I wasn't the only one, that ate them. All my friends were so excited about these cookies. :)

It probably doesn't hurt, that most of my friends are from the "South." And red velvet is a staple there. But we ate. And ate. And ate some more! It's a good thing that we're performing this week. For 2 reasons. 1 can't bake while we're out here. And 2, I burned off a lot of calories!

But honestly, this is going to be a "staple recipe" for me. From now on! If I know you in "Real Life," you can bet your pants, that I'll be adding these, to your Christmas baskets. :) Today is Saturday. And boy, I can't wait for next week to come. When we head home. And I can bake up a few more batches! Oh, and I just might NEED this cookbook too! ♥