Monthly Archives: December 2011

Wine and Love v38 (The Christmas Edition)

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Most of you familiar with my blog know the Wine and Love dealio by now, but we are always welcoming new friends and bloggers to this weekly event! If you don’t know what’s up check it out Wine & Love, join in on your own blog or comments.

Wines:

* Really, I have no reason to complain. Nothing in my life is that awful. What does have me drinking wine? The fact that there are over 1,100 kids in my area alone that will have no presents on Christmas day. And more people in the area than that who are without food and warm clothes. (This is what prompted us to get involved with the Food Pantry and local drives for warm clothes and etc.) Add to that the fact that one of my dear friends has a very sick brother; there is never a good time for health issues but it seems like it’s the worst over the holidays. Just wish that none of the bad or rough stuff existed at this time of year.

* There is no chance of a White Christmas as of right now. Kind of wish we’d have snow. Makes it feel so much more cozy.

Loves:

* This is the first year that Knight and I get to celebrate the entire holiday season together; we have both been sneaking bags and boxes in and out of the house, talking about Christmas “secrets,” and getting excited for our Christmas together.

* Christmas music is everywhere. I love Christmas music and could listen to it all the time, but I love it when every single station is Christmas music. Adds a bit more “jolly” to my step.

* Vacation starts today! Each year my company goes on “forced” vacation until January 2nd. I do have to check emails and do some customer-facing work but it’s so awesome that I have eight business days total off. Much needed and so necessary.

* My mom sent me a Christmas book, “Highlander for the Holidays,” and I’m totally gobbling it up. It is a little bit better than some of the other Christmas books I have read (re: intricate plot, good writing, mystery and intrigue as the book progresses). Bonus: once I finish this book, just one more and I’ll be completing my book goal for the year!

* Saturday Night Live Classic Christmas skits. Knight and I sat and watched the two hour SNL special on Tuesday evening. It’s so fun to see some classic SNL skits that I hadn’t seen before and others that were just as hilarious despite their newness.

* Planning Christmas Eve brunch with a few of my friends and working with my mom on the Christmas Day menu. I love baking and cooking on Christmas just as I love the present giving and family time!

What are your holiday (or otherwise) Wine and Loves this week?

 

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Christmas Cheer

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I found my Christmas Cheer this past weekend. I mean, I’ve had it for awhile but I’m really there now. Sometimes it’s a little bit hard to be full-on all about Christmas when you’re experiencing new traditions and locations, will still pining a little bit for days of yesteryear (and yes, I just said that).

Here’s what’s helped me to get into the spirit of the season:

Something about opening presents with Belle and Jolie is contagious. (If you want to read more about a sample day as a Bonus Mom, check it out here today!)
And seeing Santa and his live reindeer on Main Street in our little town.
Strangers wishing each other Merry Christmas as they come and go from the shops, nestled on streets lined with a dusting of snow. {Photo Credit}

Seeing a Live Nativity scene, sitting on a hay bale warm and cozy, feeling kind like of we lived in the 1950s going to something like this in our little town. Getting lost in the words and the story, watching Belle and Jolie take it all in.

Wearing my jingle bell ring. Happening upon my collection of Christmas shirts.

The glow of the Christmas tree in our living room every night.

Making donations to the food pantry and other local charities. Explaining to the girls what Christmas is all about and how there are others out there who are not as forutnate as they are which led to a massive donation pile of toys and clothes the girls no longer want.

Forecasts of snow. Marveling at the kindness of people I encounter when Christmas shopping. Reconnecting with friends through Christmas cards and phone calls that last a few hours. Christmas dinner with friends full of laughter and cheer and intelligent conversation.

Discovering Christmas packages on our front porch, along with oodles and oodles of Christmas cards.

Counting down the days until  Knight and I head to STL for a few days to celebrate with my family and a few members of our wedding.

Checking out Christmas lights near us, which constantly fascinate me: how even though there can be sadness and a less than perfect live for many people, we still have hope. We still put up Christmas lights. We still celebrate, keep Christmas merry, look forward to the future, the unknown, the beyond.

Where are you finding Christmas cheer this year?

On Writing a Love Letter

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When Becky asked to me a part of the 12 days of Love Letter Writing, it was a no-brainer. I love to write. I like to make people smile. And I own a ton of cute cards. But what I didn’t think about was just how tough it would be to write a letter to someone I don’t know, especially someone going through an incredibly diffuclt time in their life.  Then I remember that the person I’m writing this letter for really, truly needs some inspirational words. I wrote a few drafts, each time writing more authentically with joy and love in my heart and a smile on my face, hoping and believing that when the person I wrote for will feel it when the letter is read.

Here’s the background on the person who I wrote my letter for:

Recently, Priscilla lost the love of her life, husband of 33 years, and father to two boys. Her close family friend wrote that Priscilla and her husband provided the perfect example of what love should look like. She wrote, “If there is anyone in this world that I think deserves a love letter, it is Priscilla. She has survived this entire ordeal with grace and courage. She is an amazing woman and I’m hoping that some love letters help ease her pain and remind her that her husband is in a better place now and forever looking down on her.”

I can’t fathom losing the love of your life, your husband and the father to your sons close to or during the holidays. What words are there for someone going through a loss like this? In reality probably not much, but I tried. If it brings a glimmer of a smile to her face for just a moment, then the More Love Letters campaign mission is accomplished.

I encourage any and all of you to spend a few moments writing a letter to Priscilla yourself. Grab a cute notecard or anything else you want to write on, and get in the mail in the next week:

More Love Letters, PO Box 2061, North Haven, CT 06473

 

While you are at it, consider joining the email list, bookmarking their blog, and if you still have no idea what this campaign is about, familiarize yourself with the story.

We all know how the smallest things can make our day: a smile from a stranger on a bad day, having the door held for you, or a note on your desk at work. Why not give back in the form of a love letter? Imagine the good you and this campaign could do!

Wine and Love v37

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I think most of you familiar with my blog know the Wine and Love dealio by now, but we are always welcoming new friends and bloggers to this weekly event! If you don’t know what’s up check it out Wine & Love, join in on your own blog or comments.

What has me reaching for some Chianti…

* Receiving bad news around this time of year; I know one too many people who are dealing with health and other personal issues right now. Wish I had a magic wand to make it better.

* On a more shallow side, when tv shows I enjoy get switched around or aren’t on air for tv specials (such as Parenthood and Happy Endings).

* People who make things overly complicated and full of drama. I really don’t see why it’s so hard to get along or think before you speak.

* Fake tattoos on three year olds. Not a fan even if they are just for fun. (Yes, I know, I’m rather conservative when it comes to kids, at least on some things.)

What I’m loving…

* Including today only five business days until my vacation starts! I cannot wait. And in a little over a week I get to see my parents, brother and gram, plus a bunch of great friends.

* This is the time of year when the mail is the happiest: Christmas cards. Mini packages. Wish the mail was always this awesome. (Which reminds me, check back tomorrow to see my contribution to the 12 Days of Love Letters campaign! You won’t want to miss it.)

* We are doing Christmas with Belle and Jolie this weekend; I can’t wait to see their faces once they realize Santa has come. We will also be making a trip to donate food to the local food pantry to help them learn and realize the importance of giving back. Kind of love starting these new traditions with the girls.

* The 30-day shred. Less than 10 days in and I already see and feel a difference with my body.

* The temps this week! It’s been mild and rainy and we even had thunder. I’ll take this weather any day.

* How I Met your Mother is streamable (is that a word? I think I made it up) on Netflix. We haven’t seen all the seasons so it’s been fun to watch a few episodes here and there. That show never fails to make me laugh.

* Candy Cane Joe-Joes from Trader Joe’s. Oh, how I love Trader Joe’s.

What’s on your Wine & Love list this week?

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Aprons and Cookies and Blenders, Oh my!

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This past Sunday, Knight and I headed into the Windy City to hang out with Nilsa, Sweets and Gavin… and to bake a ton of holiday goodies that are still tempting us each time we open the fridge or glance at the counter. (Nilsa posted her recap yesterday which I highly recommend you check out if you haven’t already!)

On the list of things to make:

*Peppermint Fudge (Nilsa is right; super secret recipe but divine, I promise)
* Oatmeal Carmelitas (which I will use only homemade caramel sauce going forward since Nilsa and I accomplished making it from scratch on Sunday. Check out the link for the recipe I posted last year.)
* Chocolate Covered Pretzels (semi-sweet and white) , which are pretty much the easiest thing to make but still taste so decadent
* Salted Caramel Cookies

Sweets and Knight hung out in the kitchen watching football, sipping beer, anxioiusly awaiting tasting or trying any of the goodies once they were done, and occasionally laughing at the way Nilsa and I were reading the recipes. Gavin, who is one of the most adorable and hilarious toddlers ever chilled with us throughout the day, introduced me to his own language (I love it when kids are learning to talk. Just too cute) and melted my heart when he indicated he wanted me to hold him (which I gladly did). We made a mess of dirty dishes, oohed and aahed over the homemade caramel sauce (it was so cool to watch it happen) and discussed future baking plans and events.

We wore aprons (that’s me above, sporting a new one that Knight’s sister gave me. It’s an odd shape and a little big but I love it anyway!). Talked about everything from blogging to baking (duh!), parenting to holidays and everything in between. It was an all around lovely day that had me on a heap on the couch as soon as we got home from sore feet and a full belly. We left with two tupperwares and one tin full of sugar, caramel-y deliciousness and we are trying are hardest to not eat it all so that Belle and Jolie can enjoy some when they are with us.

It was a wonderful way to end the weekend and start the week… with a house full of treats! 

What’s your favorite Christmas cookie to make or enjoy?  Are you an apron wearer?

Nora Confessions (X)

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It’s been ages since I’ve posted anything in my confessions series  so today I bring it back!

* During the Christmas/holiday season I cry at any sort of commerical involving a soldier overseas or coming home, no matter what. The Hallmark commercial that’s currently airing kills me. Oh, and the radio shoutouts the soliders give to their families? Gets me too.

* Last time I posted about how Lady GaGa scared me. She still does in terms of her outfits and etc., but I’m really warming up to her music, especially for working out. That and she has a pretty good message (assuming I’m understanding it correctly).

* I am having a helluva time finding Christmas presents that speak to me for my parents this year. No idea why it’s so hard.

* I can no longer drink anything except Chianti, without getting a hangover. It makes me feel… older.

* I am no longer interested in, nor do I care about, Glee. I haven’t watched it since midway through the previous season and I don’t think I’m going to catch up or start watching it any time soon.

* It’s the Christmas season and I still haven’t watched “You’ve Got Mail,” “Love Actually,” or “The Holiday,” which if you know me is kind of a big deal. I must remedy that this weekend.

* If I do my grocery shopping at Target it’s incredibly hard for me to stick to the list; I’m working on it and have had a few successes but that stores is just so addicting.

* When the Mariah Carey song “I Don’t want a lot for Christmas” comes on the radio I dance around the house like it’s my job.

* If I remember correctly, I believed in Santa Claus until I was nine years old.

* On Christmas Eve and Christmas morning it’s impossible for me to sleep; in that sense I’m still like my nine-year-old self. I’m too giddy and excited!

Any confessions that are holiday-related or otherwise that you’d like to share today?

Wine and Love v 36

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It’s back! I think most of you familiar with my blog know the dealio by now, but we are always welcoming new friends and bloggers to this weekly event! If you don’t know what’s up: it’s time for more Wine & Love. You know the drill: share your weekly wines (or beer, liquor, soda- whatever your beverage preference is) and then your loves since last Thursday. Join in the comments or participate on your own blog (and if you do, link-up below please so that we can all read what’s on your list this week and check out other participants too!)

Wines:

* It’s cold. Not as cold as I know it is some parts of the world or even as cold as it’s going to get where I now live but I’m being a big baby cause I’m not used to it. I need to find better gloves (any recommendations, fellow northerners?) and learn to bundle up better so that I’m warm but not bunchy (you know, when you can hardly move around between the sweater, scarf and coat that you are wearing?).

* Not enough hours in the day. Like at all. Work has been insanely, well, insane as of late since a colleague quit a few weeks ago and while I’m loving the challenges and new duties I’m also working extra and longer hours which is leading to brain fatigue and not enough time to get everything done. There is a hopeful light at the end of the tunnel soon, though.

* Distance. This is the time of the year that I wished all my friends, family and loved ones lived within an hour or two of each other instead of spread out all over the United States!

Loves:

* 10 day business days and counting until my holiday vacation starts! I can’t wait. With work being as crazy as it is I just remind myself how many days I have left until a break.

* I made a few apointments to try on wedding dresses when I’m home over the Christmas break. I’m excited (and for some reason nervous?) but I know that my mom, one of my local STL bridesmaids and I will have a great time whether I buy a dress that day or not.

* Driving around at night looking at Christmas lights. Even if it’s a quick trip to the grocery store I just love seeing all the lights in the neighborhoods and at the nearby resorts. This is one of my favorite times of year. I’m also loving all things that are cheesy and related to Christmas: Hallmark and ABC Family movies, books, and still wandering around the decorating part of Target each time I go.

* 2012 is already off to a bustling and busy start and while one on hand I know that I tend to overbook I’m also excited for another work trip, three friend trips and more. The reason I love it the most? It makes it slightly less depressing once the holiday is over.

* Belle singing Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” over the weekend. Rather than saying “flames” she says “planes” and gets louder and louder during the chorus each time. It’s both funny and hilarious. And Jolie who loves to play “salon”; I had sideways ponytails and hair clips and she even attempted eyeshadow (with Knights permission of course) on my eyes. While I wasn’t fit to go in public it was a whole lot of fun.

* Some of my friends have received some really good news lately in the way of job promotions and opportunities, positive changes for their families and careers and it makes me happy, especially considering the season.

* Making Christmas lists and planning my next shopping endeavors. I love playing Santa!

What’s on your Wine/Love list for this week?

 

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Tradition: Holiday Bake-A-Thon

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Thanks to Duncan Hines for sponsoring my writing. There’s no limit to the baking possibilities, so grab your favorite Duncan Hines mix and Comstock or Wilderness fruit fillings and Bake On! www.duncanhines.com.
For the last few years, I have been having holiday bake-a-thons with my friends and this year will be no exception! This Sunday, Nilsa and I will be donning our aprons and making four or five Christmas/holiday cookies, fudge and cookie bars. My inner Martha Stewart loves this time of year: trying new recipes, sharing laughter with friends, hanging out in the kitchen amid the bowls and mixers, ingredients, and if we are being honest, some wine. As Nilsa has already said, she senses a new tradition. She’s probably right (and yes, I promise pictures and a recap next week!) {Photo credit: Me! Gooey Butter Cookies from last year.}

In past years, when I lived in St. Louis, my mom and I would open our house up to our friends and neighborhood buddies for a mini Christmas cookie exchange. Though I’m not there this holiday season, we are hoping to do something similar on Christmas Eve this year.

We like to keep the rules simple:  

Make two desserts to share. Come over in something festive. Hang out around the kitchen and dining room. Sample all the desserts. Take a TON home. Drink some wine (or eggnog). Enjoy holiday merriment. Leave all stressors at the door and kick back with good friends and great desserts. It was a combination girls night in/dessert with friends kind of a night and honestly, it is one of my favorite things to look forward to. In addition to hosting this mini Christmas cookie exchange there is lots of Christmas music, both traditional and the more contemporary remakes, for those who are inclined we have Christmas Karaoke, and of course no shortage of girl talk.

Leading up to the event my mom and I would spend a few hours in the kitchen baking together. Gooey butter cookies. Peppermint fudge. Oatmeal carmelitas. Chocolate covered pretzels. Holiday cupcakes. We would spend time wrapping up our dessert pairings in cellophane bags and ribbon because as we all know appearance is just as important as how the desserts taste. I’m looking forward to the bake-a-thons I have coming up in the next few weeks and sharing the baking with good friends and family.

Do you participate in any holiday baking events/exchanges? What is one holiday tradition you keep that you’re looking forward to this holiday season?

Remember to check out Duncan Hines’ website www.duncanhines.com to find some great recipes for your holiday get-together! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.

Book Worm: Christmas Book Swap

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Remember how Lisa and I are big Book Worms? And we did a swap what seems like eons ago? We decided to post and share some of our favorite Christmas books this week; if you are curious what some of my favorite books are, check out Lisa’s blog and of course, read on below for Lisa’s favorites. She has a few listed here that I have not read, so I’m hoping I can perhaps pick them up from the library this week!

Hello and Happy Tuesday! This is Lisa of Lisa’s Yarns! I’m here today to share some of my favorite Christmas Novels. These books help me get into the spirit of Christmas and remind me of the reason for the season!

The Christmas Box Collection by Richard Paul Evans – This is a collection of 3 stories: The Christmas Box, Timepiece, and The Letter. This trilogy tells the story of the Parkin Family. It’s a beautiful, and at times sad, story and is definitely worth checking out.

Christmas Jars by Jason Wright – In this story, a report tries to uncover the secret behind “Christmas Jars” which are jars of coins and money which are left on the doorstep of a person in need.

 

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – Of course, I have to include this classic in my list of ‘must reads’. It’s a fast read and is a great reminder of what matters most during this time of year.

The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans – This is another book by the author of The Christmas Box Collection. It sort of ties into the theme of A Christmas Carol – but instead of being visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, the main character gets a glimpse of what his obituary would look like. It stirs him to make some changes in his life.

What are your favorite holiday books?

I Heard ‘em Say v4

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So last week? Kind of handed my butt to me. Between new chaos at work and recovering from a bustling four-day Thanksgiving weekend, well, I ignored the blogosphere for awhile. While I was gone though, I amassed a few of the funny things that the kidlets have been saying as of late, mostly Belle. She turns three this week and I think she gets funnier as each day gets closer.  Jolie has reached the more serious/saracastic stage the age of five. {Photo Explanation: A lot of people have told me that me, Knight and the girls remind them of “The Holiday,” and sometimes it feels that way! So I figured in the spirit of the season and the post, why not a photo from “The Holiday?” Credit here.}

“Nora! Look! She has HOT DOG feet!” – Belle, referencing the Lalaloopsy doll she received from her grandparents for Christmas.

“It is time to eat yet? My tummy is running!” – Belle, on being hungry.

“Oooo. I love whooping cream.” – Jolie, after seeing the whipped cream and pumpkin pie we were having for dessert on Thanskgiving day.

“Nora, you know if you are wearing a scarf it means that you have to get married? And if you kiss Daddy it means you ARE married?” - Belle sharing her understanding of marriage with us. It should be noted I wear a lot of scarves this time of year.

“If you and Daddy get married then we have to have two more sisters, right!?” – Jolie on her understanding of marriage. That’s totally not in the plan but funny nonetheless.

We had recently introduced the word shenanigans to the girls, as there are lot of them between the two kidlets. Belle can’t quite say the word yet, so she runs around the house shouting “she-nuggins! she-nuggins!” It’s pretty adorable.

“Look! I can be a Princess now! I have Princess sheets!” – Belle on her purple and white striped sheets on her bed.

” Bye, bye boobie!” - Belle as she attempted to hang-up the phone on her grandmother. It shouldn’t have been as funny as it was.

That’s all I have from the kidlets today, but hopefully it’s started your week off with a smile!

Have you heard anything funny lately from kids or adults?