holiday movies

Sometimes all you need to get into the Christmas spirit is a holiday movie. Here are my faves that I tend to watch year after year:

~National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation~

{who doesn't love this movie? it's hysterical!}



~While You Were Sleeping~

{not necessarily a holiday movie, but it takes place during the season}




~The Holiday~

{Another great movie that just takes place during the holiday time}


~Love Actually~

{a perfect romantic comedy to watch before Christmas}


What are your favorite Christmas movies to watch this time of year?

holiday baking

So I'm one of those girls that love to bake. There's nothing intimidating to me as far as baking goes - but ask me to cook something and it turns into a long, challenging process that isn't always enjoyable. Hence why I'm always posting easy dinners. With baking, however, I enjoy every little step. 

My mom even got me this card one year - it's exactly how I was as a child and still am today (meaning, i always add extra sugar and love sweets - don't worry, i can read)!

So, yesterday I baked Almond Roca Cookies and Pecan Puffs. Nothing is better than baking with the Christmas music on and rain pouring down. Although I don't mind baking intricate desserts, these are rather simple. Especially the Almond Roca Cookies.

~Almond Roca Cookies ~

Almond Roca Cookies**
*1 cup butter
*1/2 cup sugar
*1/2 cup brown sugar

Cream above ingredients thoroughly.

Add:
*1 beaten egg yolk
*1 tsp. vanilla
*2 cups cake flour

Mix well and spread on a cookie sheet about 1/4 inch thick. Bake 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees. Melt one 10 oz. milk chocolate bar (i always use Symphony Toffee & Almond) and spread on baked cookie while warm. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Chill and cut into pieces.

**My mom got this recipe from another customer in the grocery store when I was a baby. My brother wanted to know what the lady was using that giant candy bar for! So - she sent my mom the recipe and it's been part of our Christmas collection ever since. **

christmas shopping

I love Christmas shopping.  Figuring out that perfect present for your loved ones and imagining their face when they unwrap their gift...

The bad part about Christmas shopping?  Finding unnecessary items that you want for yourself and can't pass up.  Or decide to pass up for the time being but know you will be back on payday.

In addition to these jeans and these boots that I caved and purchased over the weekend (you can never have enough skinny jeans and boots I reasoned) here's a snapshot of  a few m0re things I now have my eyes on after shopping for gifts these past few days:

~ The perfect apron to wear during holiday baking ~

{available at crate and barrel}

 ~ Champagne glasses to have on hand for holiday toasts ~
{also available at crate and barrel}

~love this - pretty and homemade~

{available at esty.com}

first thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2011 was a milestone - I successfully hosted my first Thanksgiving!  Sure, I had a little help from the boyfriend, but this was my first turkey ever!  I did a lot of research online prior to the big day and wished I had paid more attention all those years my mom did it. But it's not nearly as bad as you might think (I've heard tons of horror stories).  i.e. My mom once told me about someone who actually cooked the turkey with the giblets still inside (uh, gross!!).

I highly recommend this "turkey in a bag" recipe and we also incorporated the feedback of reviewer #1.  Our 17 lb. turkey was cooked to perfection in just 3.5 hours seasoned perfectly with paprika, sage, rosemary, onions, apple and celery. 

Turkey in a Bag - Before

Turkey in a Bag - After

{proud of our masterpiece!}