When I was asking people what cookies they wanted me to make for my cookie platter this year, I got a lot of classics (chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, sugar) and even a couple more complex (Samoas). Well, those were all requests from co-workers. The Husband had to go and get cute on me. ”Why don’t […]
Coconut Macaroons vs Almond Macaroon Cookies
Macaroons have a long and varied tradition. Most know about coconut macaroons, but almond macaroon cookies are easier to make and just as delicious. I love macaroons. When made right, they’re perfectly chewy and delicious. And when you’re preparing a cookie platter, coconut macaroons are a fantastic way to provide a variety of texture […]
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Guys…I’ve always said I’m not much of a chocolate person, but these double chocolate cookies could very well change my mind. Even though they’re ALL ABOUT THE CHOCOLATE, they still meet my requirements for the perfect cookie: 1. A good balance of flavor 2. Crispy around the edges, and 3. Perfectly soft […]
The Best Snowball Cookies with Walnuts
Classic snowball cookies with walnuts are an easy and addictive treat. Who cares if there’s snow on the ground when you can enjoy these instead? When I was a kid, I lived in one of those neighborhoods where everyone knew each other. We had block parties every summer and ran around together as […]
{12 Days of Christmas Cookies} Ginger-Orange Shortbread Cookies
Sometimes the simple recipes are the best. I think that’s why I love these ginger-orange shortbread cookies so much. They’re simple, they’re tasty, and they’re pretty. That’s just about the perfect kind of cookie for the busy holiday season. While I love classic plain shortbread, a little holiday pizzazz is always a fun touch. These […]
{12 Days of Christmas Cookies} Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
I just couldn’t have a series on Christmas cookies without including classic cut-out sugar cookies. No cookie says Christmas like cut-out sugar cookies in all the holiday shapes, amiright? They’re pretty, they’re fun to make and decorate, and the kids go crazy for them. I asked nearly every co-worker of mine for requests […]
Chewy Oatmeal Cookies (made with beer!)
Chewy oatmeal cookies made with beer are full of flavor and stay soft for days! Try them with your favorite winter ale or stout and taste the difference. Remember that Beer Syrup recipe I posted a while back? Well, there’s actually a bit of a back story behind the entire post…and it all started […]
Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches
Try chocolate chip cookie sandwiches filled with rich Swiss meringue buttercream frosting. They’re sweet treats worthy of a glass of milk and a quiet moment. As far as I’m concerned, chocolate chip cookies are the the quintessential cookie. It was a couple years ago that I found my very favorite recipe, and never […]
Samoas Copycat Recipe
No more waiting for those special boxes every spring. This Samoas copycat recipe tastes just like everybody’s favorite Girl Scout Cookie! Every spring, when I should be getting into shape for bathing suit season, my nemesis comes out. Girl Scout cookies. Between the little entrepreneurs at the grocery store, or their ‘helpful’ parents […]
12 Days of Christmas Cookie Recipes
The Christmas season has officially arrived. Are you stressed yet? Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year; but it can get so stressful. Some people deal with the stress by shopping, others by drinking. Some just ignore reality and wait until the last minute to do anything. I bake. It may not be good […]
A Rustic & Gold Thanksgiving That Anyone Can Recreate
We officially survived hosting another Thanksgiving dinner. It’s almost hard to believe that seven years ago I swore off hosting Thanksgiving at our house. Two years ago, I broke that promise with a table covered with the colors of fall leaves. This year, I pulled together a gold Thanksgiving tablescape that has me looking forward to […]
Healthy Sweet Potato Muffins via Holly Bloggy Gift Exchange
Happy Christmas Eve Eve everyone! Are you ready for the big day yet? We’re pretty well set here – even if it meant we were up until 2am wrapping gifts the other night. Speaking of Christmas gifts, I was really excited this year, when Joi over at RX Fitness Lady decided to host a Holly […]
{Roundup} Christmas Printables
I love Christmas. It really brings out the charitable aspect in all of us….especially when it comes to printables! Today I’m continuing my holiday tradition and sharing with you a comprehensive collection of Christmas printables all ready for your home or your party! (see the 2012, 2011 and 2010 roundups) And drumroll, please… Just like last year, there are over […]
{Gifting} Home Made BBQ Boxes
It’s often hard to gauge what’s appropriate for co-worker gifts. Some years I’ve just brought in loads of homemade goodies and put them out for everyone to enjoy. Other years we’ve just exchanged cards. But my last office was a little different. In that office, most people would purchase and wrap gifts for each person […]
{Gifting} Little Kids
With three older cousins and three sets of grandparents, our kids have a ridiculous number of toys. Which means that Christmas is always a challenge. Here’s a run-down of some of the favorites for our kids so far…and a few items we’re planning to get the kids for Christmas this year. 1. Little People Zoo […]
{Roundup} Free Christmas Printables 2012
It’s time again for another roundup of free printables! This time, I’ve gathered a collection of more than 100 Hanukkah/Holidays/Christmas themed printables. (Update: Don’t forget to take a look at the 2013 Christmas printables roundup for another 100+ printables to enjoy!) Free Time Frolics – He is The Reason Ellinee – Country Christmas Gift Wrap […]
DIY Gifts for Preschool Classmates
As T has been getting older, I’ve involved her more and more with the projects that I’ve made to take to her classmates. Even when writing cards, we usually had her color on one side just to add a personal touch to the note. With Christmas approaching, I’d like to get her involved in making […]
{Etsy Finds} Stocking Stuffers for Men
Is it just me or are men particularly difficult to purchase for? My father, my step-father, my husband; they’re all impossible to buy for. Either they want things that are way out of the price range, or they have already purchased for themselves the things that are within budget. Where this really gets me is […]
Simple Table Decor for Christmas
The Husband and I find ourselves at opposite ends of the spectrum on celebrating Christmas Eve. For as long as he can remember, his family always got together and had a sit-down meal on the 24th. They would talk and party until midnight, when they would read the nativity story and open their presents. My […]
Last Minute Advent Calendars
Can it really be true? Advent starts in just four days! I am in no way prepared. We just went and bought all new outdoor decorations (our old cheap ones pretty much bit the dust last year). Still, I’m so excited for Christmas this year. T is old enough to remember how much fun it […]
{Real Parties} Christmas Eve Dinner Party
I hope everyone had fantastic holidays! The last week and a half has been a complete whirlwind. In the last ten days, we’ve hosted a dinner party, had family come to visit, visited my family in Richmond, recovered my computer, reconfigured our entertainment system and played a ton with the little one. To say my […]
{Recipes} Christmas Horns
Now that things are working again, I’m still editing all the photos from the Holidays. Pics from the dinner party should be up tomorrow…but in the meantime, I’m sharing the full how-to for the Christmas Horns that was guest posted on CSI Project right before Christmas. Happy New Year and happy Monday to everyone! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ […]
{Tutorials} Crayon Covered Gift Jar
Lots of change happening in this house right now. For those who missed it, I’m re-posting my guest post from Darling Doodles last week. Have a great Wednesday, everyone…only four more days until Christmas! (insert panic attack here) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hello all Darling Doodles readers! I’m so excited to be here as part of Brie’s 12 […]
{Roundup} Free Christmas Printables
Update: Hi there Pinners! I’m so glad you stopped by to find some fantastic printables. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, feel free to check out printables from other collections. The 2012 holiday collection and 2013 holiday collection each have over 100 more new printables to enjoy. Otherwise Happy Holidays and Happy Pinning! […]
Christmas Treats to Wow Your Guests
Now, y’all know I have a serious sweet tooth. (Just look at all the desserts in the Food & Recipes Index!) But sometimes, I’m just completely blown away not only by how delicious a recipe sounds, but by how gorgeous and creative it is. This Christmas season has proven no different. Check out these amazing […]
Oh Christmas Tree…Oh Christmas Tree!
So it seems that a weekend full of baking, crafting, watching kid-friendly Christmas movies and buying and trimming our first live tree has helped to work its magic. Though the house is still far from decorated, and bins are stacked high around our dining table; Christmas spirit is starting to enter our household. It also […]
{Real Parties} A Christmas Tea Party
I mentioned earlier this week that I actually helped put together two different parties last December…merely days apart! Yesterday I shared pictures of the Cookies & Milk party we had for the little ones last Christmas. The next party was actually a birthday tea celebrating the 60th birthday of one of my husband’s aunts. I […]
{Real Parties} Christmas Cookies & Milk
I don’t usually like to re-post, but it seems appropriate to share again the first party I put together to kick off the year of parties. The party was somewhat small, with just the parents and kids from T’s daycare class. I still remember how much fun all the kids had together. We served a […]
{Entertaining Tips} Hosting a Holiday Brunch
The holiday season is fast approaching. With that comes entertaining family from morning till night. Like many women, I have visions of preparing a fantastic brunch, hot off the stove. But my family wakes up and wants to eat NOW. Anything cooked just ends up being either a mid-morning snack or breakfast for lunch. Over […]
My Perfect Winter Party
Well, I did it! Twelve parties in eleven months! There were times I didn’t think I could do it. There were times my Husband was begging me to back out. There were times I wanted to back out. But I’m too stubborn….and through all the frustration and stress, I still always look back and regret […]
{Foodie Friday} A Sweet for Your Sweetie
As if Tuesday’s post didn’t already have enough chocolaty goodness; I recently took some time to tackle my first foodie goal of 2011 – homemade chocolate truffles! Mmmmm….chocolate! Because they just look so good ultra close! I used a recipe I found on the Joy of Baking website; and a blend of artisanal dark chocolate […]
Featured Party: A Colorful Christmas
In the past I have shied away from doing too many party features since as so many parties are featured over and over again at other blogs. However, I also realize there are a lot of parties that are incredibly special – even if they don’t have the glitz and glam of a professional photo […]
‘Seamless’ Ruffle Garland Tutorial
One of my favorite elements from the Tea party last month was the ruffle garland I made by hand. I have been crushing on the Hank and Hunt garlands for a while now (Etsy shop, Blog), but being the kind of person I am, I just had to try to DIY a variation of it […]