Guess What I Got For Christmas.....

Yep!  My hubs totally shocked me and bought us a piano!  I'm so excited! I still can't believe he hid this from me.  I also got a lovely new table and an awesome sewing machine!  I was seriously spoiled.  I'll have those pictures after the holidays since family-in-town is taking all of my time.  But, finding a place for new pieces in your home is a ridiculous challenge!  Toys included!

Will my home ever be organized again?  Sigh.

Happy New Year to you all!

Two Small and One Big

 Additions to my Christmas wish list:

Cute satin top to go under a darling ruffley sweater. 

via Charlotte Russe

And some darling earrings to match.

 Via Sole Treadmills

Lastly, an Elliptical Trainer, of course!  I can't do a holiday or birthday without my annual request.
I won't be back until after the holidays so I can spend some family time!

 I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

Wishing For a White Christmas

Images via Ideal Home

Images via House and Home

Images via Southern Living

We had a snow packed week last week and now...nothin.  The snow has melted and the rain a-poureth.  

Hope you're having good Christmas weather!

Weekend Inspirations....

Images from A Life's Design via Traditional Home

Amidst a ridiculous amount of listening to "Elf" and "White Christmas" I think I lost my mind somewhere.  I've literally been so busy that I've forgotten so many things that I was supposed to do!  There has been a lot of laughter, fortunately, and that has saved my sanity somewhat.  My daughter loves the Hanes' Sisters from White Christmas.  She sings, "Sisters...Sisters!"  All day!  She even told me she was the Hanes Monster.  I asked what that was and she said, "It's like the sisters...but mean."

Oh, the thoughts of a child.  Fortunately I saw these images and loved them.  I'm feeling the energy coming back already!

Christmas Wish List!

Well, it's MY wish list so I figure I can post about whatever I want, even my practical requests.  Yes, I'm one of those people that asks for a bathroom cabinet or a new vacuum for Christmas!  So here goes:

Abercrombie 8 Cologne

 $50

I love this cologne.  It's strong, attractive and covers up any post-gym odor...if you catch my drift.  No pun intended.

Adeline Rug from Pottery Barn

$149.00 – $799.00

I love this rug.  It's a gorgeous blue and totally matches my tree ornaments!

Blue London Skinny Pencil Jean from Victoria's Secret

 $59.50

I have really nice dark skinny jeans, but I always need a lighter wash for more casual outfits.  I Love these.

Allesandra Floral Pillow Covers from Pottery Barn

 $29.00

Great fabric, awesome pattern, and perfect for my family room.

Concorde Medallion Panel from Ballard Designs

 $69.00-$89.00

I've been on the lookout for a good drapery pattern and these just caught my eye.  I would love it if they had a bigger color selection, however....

Chateau Collection Wall Cabinets from Home and Garden Décor

 $249.99

My son's bathroom is the one we bathe both kids and get them ready in.  The result is a cluttered space.  I definitely need more storage therefore, the need for cabinet.  See?  I am practical.

MAC Plushglass Lipgloss

 $18.00

 In this color called "Fulfilled"

 From Macy's.  I definitely would feel fulfilled with this luscious gloss on my yappers!

Garmin Forerunner 310XT

 $349.99

I know it's pricey, but this thing is a calorie counter, GPS, Tell's the time, and you can even check your running routes online!  I love it!

I hope you all have wish lists!  

Because this IS ONLY a wish list!

Hmm...I didn't even put in all of that jewelry I've been obsessing over.....next time I guess.

Christmas Baking!

Yowzah!  Every year I bake a boat load of cookies and treats for the neighbors, for gifts, or just for family parties.  When I'm browsing blogs, I save recipes that look good for my "Christmas Goodies!"  This is my list thus far:

Cinnamon Rolls

 Tomorrow is my neighborhood Christmas party.  They're having breakfast with Santa!  I volunteered to make cinnamon rolls because I have a delicious recipe from Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook.

They are fluffy, cinnamon-ie goodness!  Find recipe here.

Chewy Molasses Cookies

If you're like me, I add a little chocolate chips to make them sweeter!  Find recipe here.

Chocolate Revel Bars

 My mother loves this bar.  I like it, but it's not my first choice.  I like things a little more chocolately and a little less oatmealish.

 But, if you're a bar person, you'll probably enjoy these.  They're super easy to make too!

Images via

Find recipe here.

Ina Garten’s Fleur de Sel Caramels

 I love caramel.  When it's done setting, I twist it in parchment paper.  It's the perfect little package to cure that sweet tooth!

Image via

Find recipe here.

But, you know what I love more than caramel.....

Fudge, of course!!

I love the smooth, creamy coating it makes in my mouth!  Delish!

Find recipe here.

Nigella Lawson's Hokey Pokey

 This is also known as Sea Foam or Honeycomb.  This could be the easiest candy to make known to man...er woman

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup dark corn syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

In a small saucepan off the heat, combine the sugar and corn syrup and stir together.  Place over medium high heat.  Do not stir.  Allow the sugar and corn syrup to melt together and begin to bubble and darken - about 3-5 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and immediately whisk in the baking soda.  The mixture will bubble and turn light gold.  Quickly pour the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper.

Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes, then break up into shards and enjoy.

 

Images via

I think it's great crumbled, then covered in melted chocolate.  

 It's almost like a haystack but, with sea foam!

White Buche de Noel

  Traditional dessert, made easy.  I make mine more like a pumpkin roll versus the decorative log!

Find recipe here.

Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Image via

Cookies are a must for the holidays.  I love the idea of using red Andes Mint chips and crushing some candy canes into the mix!

Find recipe here.

Believe it or not, this is not all I'll be making!  Yep, I actually have real food to cook for the holidays.  The problem is...I don't know what!  

Hope your holiday cooking is as enjoyable as mine will be!  

There's nothing better!