Winter Bucket List

Tomorrow is December 1st! Where has the time gone. It doesn't quite feel wintery yet, I went on a walk today in a short sleeve shirt, but tomorrow brings a cold front. Time to snuggle up with some hot chocolate and watch Home Alone. Its the best way to kick off the holidays! Here are some things you should defiantly give a whirl this holiday season. Shucking oysters is a little questionable, but I'm defiantly down to do the rest.

Sometimes sources fall through the cracks at Pinterest. If this is your work, I'd love to give you credit :)

Santa came to town!

Santa rolled into town in a red hot convertible. He must be going through a mid life crisis! Landry didn't mind Santa at all. In fact she may have liked him. I'll have to remind her of that when she is two and is terrified of him.

On a separate note: it is a lot of pressure being a Santa if you think about it. If Santa had closed his eyes in our picture he'd have ruined it.... that's a lot of pictures to make sure you look good in. I know I close my eyes in at least a quarter of all photos I take... just saying.

Here is a fun tradition I'm going to do with Landry next Christmas. Make Christmas pizzas!

source: deliacreates

Tis the Season

for holiday parties! I already have two Christmas parties this coming week :) So excited! Here are some fun homemade gift ideas for the gracious hostesses in your life.

You'll be sure to be invited back next year if you make some of these 

delicious chocolate covered pretzel rods for the hostess!

How about making some hot cocoa stirrers to go along with a 

Christmas mug and your favorite hot cocoa mix?

goodhousekeeping.com

These chocolate dipped peppermint sticks would also make great cocoa stirrers!

country living

And lastly, these chocolate covered strawberries are to die for cute!

glam.com

Notice all my suggestions have chocolate in them? This is not the season to try and loose some baby weight! O well, that is what New Year's resolutions are for right?!

All I want for Christmas!

Here are some ideas of things I'm loving, maybe they will help you out in your hunt for the perfect gift!

For the chef... or new mom :)

I have a friend who would always make her baby's food, and half the time I was jealous of what he got to eat! I can't wait to try my hand at making food for Landry. This babycook is from Williams Sonoma and retails at $120.00. It steams, blends, warms and defrost all in one appliance. 

Less mess to clean up after cooking in my opinion!

For the luxe lover: 

I've been drooling over this David Yurman bracelet for a while...

 It would compliment the black onyx one I already own. 

Another staple... Tory Burch Reva flats in leopard.

This monogram necklace will surly be treasured forever.

For the hostess with the mostess...

Pedestal Cakestands from Zgallerie are always fun! A perfect way to display your latest baked goods.

I'm also loving this apothecary drink dispenser from ClassicHostess.com, at $65.00 that's a big statement piece for not a lot of money!


My mom is particularly obsessed with Mackenzie Childs Courtly Check enamelware this season. The black and white check are timeless!

For the home:

I love this leopard rug from Ballard Designs

Chevron Blanket from Tory Burch... yes please!

Mini Oreo Pumpkin Cheesecake

You're welcome in advance. These treats are so delicious, you'll be thanking me :) They are a wonderful alternative to a Thanksgiving dessert, and they are the perfect portion size. Also super easy and quick to make! There is no downside here, unless you hate cheesecake or pumpkin, if that is the case maybe you should skip this recipe...  These would have been perfect for Halloween, maybe try them with the golden oreos for a more Thanksgiving feel.

I found these on Inside Brucrewlife.

PUMPKIN OREO CHEESECAKE

2-8 oz pkgs. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tbsp. sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. canned pumpkin
oreos
whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350* Place cupcake liners in a muffin pan. Beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add the sugar and cream again. Add the eggs one at a time beating after each one. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat again. Place one whole oreo in the bottom of the cupcake liners and fill up the liner 3/4 full with the cheesecake batter. Push another whole oreo into the top of the batter. Bake for 20-22 minutes. Cool in pan for 15-20 min before removing and placing on a wire rack to finish cooling. Keep refrigerated. Top with whipped cream and oreo sprinkles before serving. Makes 24.

Enjoy!

Friday Favorites

I spent my day busy celebrating my little 2 month old! 

I'm going to do this to my front door this weekend! So excited to get ready for Christmas!

source: CBdesigns

I'm going to try my hand at these toasted raviolis this weekend. 

Calories don't count on the weekend, right!?

source

Have a good weekend!!

Thanksgiving- Set the table if you're able!

Here are some ideas for you Thanksgiving table!

This is a very organic table. Use pillar candles of various heights and colors, then go back with small pumpkins, leaves, branches and gourds to make it a centerpiece. Tie each napkin with a leather ribbon and add a leaf for some fall drama.

www.theperfectpalatteblog.com

 I cannot find the source for this but what a lovely table! 

Use small pumpkins as place cards, and a cute little going away gift.

For some glamour stack small pumpkins in tall cylinder vases. 

www.theknot.com

I'm always starving by the time Thanksgiving meal rolls around. Ease the hunger pains with this creative turkey cheese ball as an appetizer sure to amuse all!

Learn how to make it here! 

No time to make your own cheese ball? Buy a store ready one and add in the pecans, oval crackers, red pepper and summer squash decorations!

Dark Chocolate- Toffee Brownie Shooters

Yes, the title is correct. How many yummy words can be in just one recipe?! One of my favorite food blogs, Midland Morsels, posted these yesterday, and I can hardly wait to serve them for the holidays, maybe paired with a gingerbread martini? 

As told by Michelle, "My two favorite desserts on earth are brownies (from a box, please---I know I'm weird---I prefer boxed brownies) and chocolate mousse.  What happens when you put the two together?  Answer: You create my own personal version of chocolate paradise.  This is good.  Dangerously good--as in its dangerous if you eat my portion!  It takes a little time to assemble because there are a few steps but its really quite easy.  Its really, really worth the effort. I didn't have enough shot glasses so I served them in small glasses.  Do what works!"

Dark Chocolate-Toffee Brownie Shooters
source: Southern Living Christmas Cookbook

• 1 (18 oz) package triple chocolate brownie mix (or your fave brand)
• 3 TBL Kahlua (optional)
• 3 (3.5 oz) dark chocolate bars with toffee bits, chopped (they recommended Ghirardelli)
• 1 1/2 cups whipping cream, divided
• 6 TBL caramel topping
• 1 (7 oz) can of instant non-dairy whipped topping 
• mint garnish if desired

Bake Brownies according to package directions, using fudgy brownies directions.  Poke holes in baked brownies and pour Kahlua over the top if using.  Allow to cool completely in pan.

Microwave chocolate and 1/4 cup whipping cream in a microwave safe bowl on HIGH for 1-1 1/2 minutes or until chocolate melts, stirring after 1 minute. Let stand 45 minutes or until cool (mine cooled after 30 minutes).

Beat remaining whipped cream at a high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the chocolate mixture.Crumble brownies into bite-sized pieces.  Layer brownies, caramel, and chocolate mousse into your cup.  Top with a shot of whipped topping. Garnish with mint, if desired. Makes about 36 (2 oz) shooters.

Go here to read more wonderful recipes by the girls at Midland Morsels! On a separate, but equally chocolatey note, go to your local Target and buy the Peppermint Junior Mints! I tried them for the first time last night, and I"m hooked! My new Christmas candy favorite!

Shades of Gray

Gray... cold, sterile, dreary.. Gray has a bad rep, but its anything but boring in these spaces.
Here are some rooms I've been swooning over.

All Sources can be found on my pinterest

Friday Favorites

Its that time again! Friday Favorites. I'm trying to stay in the Thanksgiving mode, but lets be honest, Christmas time is here in full force, I can't enter a store without hearing my favorite Christmas tunes.
Here is one Thanksgiving recipe to ponder, then its on to Christmas tree styles... it won't be long until we're pulling out our christmas tress... unless you already have.

These would be great to make for Thanksgiving. Mini Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes. Yum.

PUMPKIN OREO CHEESECAKE

2-8 oz pkgs. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tbsp. sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. canned pumpkin
oreos
whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350* Place cupcake liners in a muffin pan. Beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add the sugar and cream again. Add the eggs one at a time beating after each one. Add the rest of the ingredients and beat again. Place one whole oreo in the bottom of the cupcake liners and fill up the liner 3/4 full with the cheesecake batter. Push another whole oreo into the top of the batter. Bake for 20-22 minutes. Cool in pan for 15-20 min before removing and placing on a wire rack to finish cooling. Keep refrigerated. Top with whipped cream and oreo sprinkles before serving. Makes 24.

Christmas Tree Styles... Someday I'll have a different theme tree in every room, with a special christmas tree closet, so I don't have to take them apart every year. Here are some of my favs.
BLUE AND GREEN

source: my home ideas.com
PURPLE AND BROWN

houzz.com

SWEET TOOTH TREE

trendytree.com

GRINCH TREE

source: Roomzaar.com

CRAFTY TREE

This tree is made from clay pots. Genius.
http://www.favecrafts.com/kids-clay-pots/Painted-Christmas-Tree-Pot#

TASTY TREE

Cabot Cheese Coop

Betty Crocker

Hope these trees give you some inspiration!
Happy Friday friends!

My little Longhorn

My poor baby has been brainwashed already. Everyone in the family is a University of Texas Alumni or supporter, expect little ol' me. Here is what poor Lan looks like every Saturday...

Clay sent out a massive email of this picture of Landry below with the quote,

"She just found out her mother went to the University of Oklahoma!"

I like her better in her birthday suit!  This was one of her newborn pictures. Kristi McKnight did a fabulous job! I guess I was too tired in the beginning to post many pictures, many more Landry pictures to come!

I'm going to have to do some major bribing to make her like OU like me!

Turkey Treats

It seems Thanksgiving is getting skipped over more and more every year. We go from Halloween to Christmas with commercials and decorations! Make Thanksgiving special by doing something to celebrate.

Here is a collection of Turkey inspired treats to try out!

These turkey pops are so cute! Heather Ann over at My Creative Life Blog made these treats from a vanilla oreo, mini nutter butter cookie and some candy corns, they couldn't be easier. These would be fun to make with your kiddos, and they can pass them out in class during their thanksgiving celebrations! 

To get the instructions go here!

Or you could try these cupcakes! Don't have time to bake them, buy the store made version and make the turkey toppers. No one will notice, because they will be blinded by your craftiness! The turkey bodies are made from Nutter Butter cookies and the feathers are made from fruit roll ups.

source: Family Fun.com

Don't forget tis the season to:

I'm so thankful for my family! Having a new baby really shows you how great your support system is! I'm also thankful for all my friends! The ones that bring me dinner when I'm too tired to cook, the ones who text me to make sure we're doing ok, and the ones I've never met, but care enough through this blog to make a connection!

I love you all!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese- Its that good

I'm reposting about this pumpkin cream cheese, because it was that good! You guys have to try this! I tweaked it to my liking, adding more pumpkin pie spice and vanilla. I cut up a cold honey crisp apple and dipped it in the pumpkin cream cheese! Fall heaven!
Pumpkin Cream Cheese! Ingredients: - 8oz low fat cream cheese, softened - ½ cup canned pure pumpkin - 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice - 1 tsp vanilla - 2 tbsp brown sugar - dash of salt Directions: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until smooth and creamy.


Source :BHG

Friday Favorites... the holidays are sneaking up on us!

While it may seem premature to post about Christmas, lets be honest, there are Christmas commercials on tv already, and all the good stuff will be gone from the stores if you wait till after Thanksgiving to buy decorations. So here are a few pictures to jump start your Christmas decorating planning.

How angelic are these wings attached to the back of the dining chairs?! I love it!

We all love monograms! Why not put your initial as your tree topper! The sky is the limit, you can get a wooden letter and modge podge it with paper to match your Christmas style, wrap it in ribbon, or cover it in glitter!
source: Brooklynlimestone.com

If Landry could walk, this would be our Christmas Card picture!! Too cute.
Source: etsy

Dont' throw away your burnt out Christmas lights!
 Dip them in glue and cover them in glitter, they'd make great vase fillers!
source: blog.craftzine.com

These are just some ideas to get your creative juices flowing! Don't you worry I have millions of ideas to post for the Christmas season! Happy Friday everybody!