Our Christmas | Random

I hope you all had a great Christmas!  We sure did, and I wanted to share a little of ours with you.  It is always such a busy time, but I love the hustle and bustle.  Kevin and I did agree that one of the best parts of Christmas is the relaxation after it is all said and done.  We so enjoyed staying in our pj’s all day and watching our nieces and nephew play with new toys, and eating leftovers and goodies.

We left our house around 6 am Christmas morning to get to my sister’s house.  We ate breakfast, enjoyed mimosas, and enjoyed each others company.  It was also great to see our little ones.

She doesn’t look thrilled, but she was…

Such a sweet boy.

And a sweet girl.

Kelly and I got our first guns for Christmas.  Dad got us BB guns.  We love them and are now ready for an upgrade.  Watch out!

We were shooting diet coke cans…

Phoebe also got in on the action.  She got a BB gun last year.

My brother in law got a pellet gun, it is a BB gun on steroids.  We all shot that too.

It had a scope which was really cool. Kelly and I shot a small bottle cap with this gun.  So much fun!

The targets, notice the bottles and cans hanging from tree limbs.

It seems as if we shot guns the entire time, we didn’t, I just got a lot of pictures.

I did get some of Sophie posing for the camera.  She was playing with Kevin at the time.

We always enjoy spending time with the family.  We hate to leave, but we were happy to get back home to see Mona.  We aren’t sure what we are doing for New Year’s, but whatever it is we are sure to have great food and drinks!

Happy New Year to all of you!

 

 

 

 

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas | Random

Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
Next year all our troubles will be
out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the yule-tide gay
Next year all our troubles will be
miles away
Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Will be near to us once more
Someday soon, we all will be together
If the Fates allow
Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow
So have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

This song has always been my favorite, but this year it is even more meaningful.  Those words could have been written for us.  Kevin and I have had a wonderful holiday season, spending time watching Christmas movies.  Our favorites have been some of the older ones, such as Miracle on 34th Street, Meet Me In St. Louis, and White Christmas.  We have also enjoyed the Polar Express, the remake of Miracle on 34th Street, and The Family Stone, to name a few. These movies have reminded us the importance of believing.  Believing in each other, our friends and family, and the path that is ahead.  We all need something to believe in, when sometimes believing is all we have.

We have had a rough few months, but are so thankful for the healing of our hearts and our attitudes as we look towards the New Year.   We have a lot to look forward to, and it’s a great feeling to know the brightest days are still ahead of us.

Kevin and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a great New Year!   I leave you with the best version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, from the movie Meet Me In St. Louis.  Judy Garland will bring tears to my eyes when I hear this.  Enjoy.

 

Chocolate Nutella & Sea Salt Fudge | Recipes

You know I love Nutella.  I posted another Nutella recipe here, and rest assured there will be more.  I stumbled across this recipe from Tasty Kitchen, and knew I had to make this.  We were going to have dinner with Ryan and Vanessa, so this would be the perfect dessert.  I loved the idea of the sea salt, and was excited to try this.

What I loved most about this recipe was that it’s pretty much a one pot recipe.  This equals less clean up.  You combine all of your ingredients into a glass bowl.  Create a double boiler and melt everything together until smooth.  Very simple.

Once melted, pour into a dish lined with parchment.  I used saran wrap and it worked fine.  Sprinkle the sea salt on top.

Refrigerate for about 2 hours.  Remove from the pan  by lifting the saran wrap out.  Cut into squares and serve.  Store in the refrigerator.

This turned out great!  We all loved it, and  it pairs so well with some good red wine.  If you haven’t had chocolate and wine you must!  However I had another piece a bit ago and paired it with a glass of milk…equally delish!

PS, Go visit Vanessa’s blog to see a video of snippets of her life, including us enjoying the fudge!

 

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon Butter, For Greasing Pan
• 1 can (14 Oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 8 ounces, weight High-quality Bittersweet (60%) Chocolate Chips
• 1 cup Nutella (chocolate-hazelnut Spread), Room Temperature
• 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Room Temperature, Cut Into 1/2-inch Pieces
• ½ teaspoons (approximately) Sea Salt

Preparation Instructions

Grease the bottom and sides of an 8- by 8-inch baking pan with butter. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overlap on the sides.

In a medium glass or stainless steel bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, bittersweet chocolate chips, Nutella, and butter.

Form a double-boiler by setting the bowl over a medium pot of gently simmering water. The water level should be low enough that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth, 5 to 7 minutes.

Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan, spread the top smooth with a spatula, and sprinkle with sea salt. Refrigerate until the fudge is firm, at least 2 hours.

Once the fudge is chilled, run a knife under hot water, dry it off, and run it around the edges of the pan to loosen the fudge. Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the fudge out. Peel off the parchment paper. Cut the fudge into 3/4-inch squares. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil.

 

 

Ornaments, 4 Ways | DIY

Michaels had these craft ornaments on sale this past weekend for 50% off.  (I got them for $2.49).  I decided to make a few ornaments.  I had one in mind to make, but they came in a pack of 4 so I needed to come up with 3 more ideas.  I will get to that in a minute.  So this first ornament would have beads.  Lots of beads.  So I  picked up some beads while at Michaels.

As always Mona is there to help.  The ornaments are a good size.  You can tell they are a good size next to Mona’s enormous head…

I had 2 packs of the small beads, and 1 pack of the larger beads.  And my trusty glue gun.  First I placed all of the large beads all around the ornament.  There was no pattern, no plan, just glue and stick.  Next, I glued all of the small beads on one…at……a……….time.  This was very tedious.  Not difficult at all, but time-consuming.  I think it took me an hour at least.  I know that because E News was on for the entire process.  I think next time I may try some spray adhesive and a “roll the ornament in the beads” method.  The glue gun worked great though, and the beads aren’t going anywhere.  Anyway, here is the finished product.

As I was making this ornament I began to think about the others.  After all, I had a good hour to ponder my next move.  I saw this idea on Pinterest and loved it.  I got an invitation from our wedding, cut it into strips, rolled each piece around to make a circle, and placed  into the ornament.  I thought it turned out very pretty.

Next up is ornament number 3.  I had some driftwood left over from this project.  I simply put some pieces inside.

I wasn’t sure what to do with the last ornament.  My ideas were to cover it in fabric, cover it in leftover sweater from this project and this project, monogram it, or paint it.  Painting it was what I decided on.  I wanted to try to make it look like mercury glass, which I saw on Pinterest, and decided this was a perfect opportunity to try it.  We are lucky to have a Lowes right up the road from our house, so Kevin and I went and grabbed some chrome spray paint.  I would have normally just used whatever I had on hand, but I really wanted to try out this technique.  It was very easy, and you can do this on anything glass.  I want to try this on a lamp.  Anyway, all you do is spray the glass all over with water, don’t dry, and immediately spray paint it.  Just a thin layer because you will repeat as much as you want.  I ended up only doing one coat.  I love how it turned out.

The picture doesn’t really show how cool this is.  The water doesn’t allow all of the paint to adhere making it look slightly antiqued…like mercury glass.

As I have said before, the best decorating is that which is meaningful to you.  The possibilities are endless with these ornaments.  You can put sand from a vacation, ticket stubs, photos, or anything that means something to you.

How would you decorate ornaments?  Is there anything special you would do?

Olay Hair Removal | Style

Remember my most embarrassing post?  The one about my eyebrow rehab?  Well, this one may trump that, but I will risk my embarrassment to tell you about another great product.

Once I turned 30 I began to notice hair growing on my face.  Let me be clear, I wasn’t growing a lot of hair, but any hair on my face other than my brows needed to go! If you know anything about me you know I am a waxing advocate, (or addict, not sure which one)…however I wasn’t sure the facial hair was enough to wax, so I never did.  (There were hairs on my chinny chin chin).  (Okay, and maybe my lip).

So a while back I saw a commercial for Olay hair removal cream.  Thought I would give it a try.  It didn’t make me feel any better when the GUY at the checkout said, “Oh I want to try this too.”  But it did make me feel better when he said, “I love your eye makeup.”  All was well with the world again.

This was very easy to use.  Two steps, about 8 minutes.  You will not see pictures of me using this.  Use your imagination, and picture me with perfect hair and makeup as you do.

I tested a spot on my arm just to make sure there would be no crazy reaction.  Once I was good to go, I applied to my lip and chin.  Waited about 8 minutes and removed with a cotton ball.

As I was removing the cream, per the directions, I still saw hair.  I thought this was a waste.  I rinsed with water, per the directions, and dried.  Still some hair.  Waste.  Oh but wait!  Not sure what happened between the removal of the cream and doing some laundry, but Iooked in the mirror and no more hair!  I guess they fell out.  Don’t know, don’t care.  It worked.  I use this as needed, normally on a Saturday during laundry.  I really doubt the laundry has anything to do with the removal, but it’s kinda my routine now.

So if you are in the market for a little at home hair removal you should try this.  You’re welcome.

Oh, and I’m sure you won’t tell me, but I want to know who else has facial hair and how do you manage it?

 

Chocolate Pecan Crackers | Recipies

These are so good.  Easy and so good.  Everyone thinks they are so good.  If you make these,  you too will think they are so good.

Since we are all baking for the holiday’s I thought I would share a cookie recipe that is in the rotation.  Not just at Christmas time, but whenever I need them.

I think I found this recipe from Allrecipes, but I really can’t remember.  I have altered it a bit from the original and definitely for the better.

This is what you will need.

Sugar, graham crackers, butter, margarine and chocolate chips.  I use mini, but use what you have on hand. Oh and the pecans.

Line a baking sheet with the grahams.  Sprinkle the chopped pecans and chocolate chips all over. (I normally have to use my large and small baking sheets.)

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, and butters.  Let it melt and boil for 3 minutes.  I stir it often. This is smoking hot so be careful.

Spoon the butter mixture over the grahams.  It will seem like a lot, but this is when you will realize how good these are going to be.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes.  They will be slightly golden.  And buttery.

Let cool before serving.

I am snacking on these now as I type this post….

Chocolate Pecan Crackers

1/2 package graham crackers

2 cups chopped pecans (you can use more, you can use less)

1 package chocolate chips

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

1/2 cup margarine (1 stick)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Line a baking sheet with grahams, sprinkle pecans and chocolate chips evenly on top. In a saucepan over medium heat combine sugar and butters.  Bring to a boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and spoon over grahams, coating well.  Bake for 12 minutes until golden.  Cool before serving.   Enjoy!!

 

 

Fur Leg Warmers Winner! | Style

The winner of the fur leg warmers is…..

Kelly!  I guess we will be twins at Christmas, but who cares!

Thanks for entering, and there will be another giveaway next month, so check back!

PS, I will be sure to post pictures of the leg warmers.  I have seriously been putting outfits together to were with them.

 

Driftwood Monogram | DIY

While in Tybee Island over Thanksgiving I collected a bunch of driftwood.  I wanted to make a monogram H (H is for our last name).  This was a simple and free project, and I have since confirmed my love/hate relationship with a hot glue gun!

First, I layed the driftwood outside for a bit to make sure it was good and dry.

Once dry I brought it inside and sorted it into sizes.

You can skip this step, I just thought it would be easier as I was looking for a particular shape/size.

Next, I cut out an H from some cardboard.

I wanted to make it as sturdy as possible so I glued pencils on the back.

I used my table as my work surface, and used my usual, garbage bags, to protect the table.  My glue gun was hot and ready to go, but I didn’t want to just start gluing, so I placed the driftwood on the H first.

I started with the bigger pieces, and the more unusual pieces I knew I wanted to use.

Once I was happy with placement I started gluing.  I just picked up a piece from its location, glued, and placed it back down.  This is where I burnt my fingers, but the hot glue works beautifully.

After gluing, I needed to go back and fill in all of the open spots where I could see cardboard.

And here is the finished product.

I was happy with how it turned out, and happy that I had a lot of driftwood left for another project.  (I am starting to become a craft hoarder, so this is added to the stash).

For now I propped it up behind the sweater candles.  You can see how I made those here.

I couldn’t help to think about how great this would look in a beach house, on Tybee Island.  Maybe one day…

If you can’t get to the beach to collect driftwood, you could easily monogram with sticks, moss, or wine corks.  I’m lucky that my monogram has straight lines, curved letters would be a bit more tedious.  I may give it a try on the letter C for my sister.

What I love most is that the driftwood is collected from the place we love the most.  This is the one rule I follow when decorating, use items that have meaning to you and your family.  You will love it so much more than just picking out a random piece.

So what would you use to monogram?  I would love to hear your ideas!

Btw, who has tried the Fudge Ritz Crackers that are in stores for the holidays?  I am ashamed to say we are averaging at least one box a week.  Sometimes two.

 

 

Fur Leg Warmers Giveaway | Style

I wrote about my love for these fur leg warmers here.   And here they are again…

Well, I just ordered myself a pair!  And since it is the Holiday’s and I am in the spirit of giving, I also ordered a pair for one of you!

To enter, simply leave a comment telling me where you would wear these leg warmers.  I know I would wear my jeans, heels, and the leg warmers out to dinner with Kevin.  I would also wear them to go run errands or shopping. You may see me wear them to my Holiday events.  Even to work!

You have all week to enter.  Giveaway ends Friday night at 9:00.  Random.org will select a winner and I will let you know Saturday who will be rocking these fur beauties.

Btw, they are faux fur….

Sage Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Plum Sauce | Recipes

This was the first meal Kevin made for me.  It has been one of my favorites since.  This would be a great meal to serve for the holidays as it is very impressive but quite simple.  We actually made this for a Christmas Eve dinner a few years ago.  This recipe is from Tyler Florence.  We always have a pork tenderloin in the freezer so we make this or a variation often.  The plum sauce makes it.  We served this with garlic mashed potatoes and parmesan wrapped asparagus.  Recipe below.

We got the potatoes boiling and started the plum sauce. This is an entire bottle of red wine in the pot.

Add some red wine vinegar, dried prunes, and sugar.

Let this cook for about 20 minutes.  In the meantime, get the tenderloin ready. Trim away the silver skin and any fat.  Season with salt and pepper.  Lay sage leaves on top of the tenderloin and tie it with some butcher’s twine.

Heat olive oil in an oven proof skillet (we use a cast iron) and sear all sides.

Transfer skillet to a 400 degree oven  and continue cooking for about 15 minutes or an internal temperature of 160 degrees.

In the meantime finish the plum sauce.  Transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.  Keep warm until ready to serve.

For the asparagus, spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.  Place shredded parmesan cheese in a circle on the pan.  Sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper on each circle.

Blanch some asparagus.  You can roast it, boil it, whatever, but we prefer to blanch it.  Put the cheese into a 350 degree oven (we just placed it in the 400 degree) and watch it.  This takes no time.  The cheese will melt and begin to turn a bit golden.  Take it out of the oven, place 3 asparagus stalks in the middle, and wrap it up like a burrito.

Slice the tenderloin and pour the plum sauce over.  This is so good.  You must try it.

Tyler Florence is our go to chef.  His recipes are easy to follow and impressive.  I love reading his blog and delicious recipes.  Check it out here.

Sage Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Plum Sauce

Time: 1 hour

Serves: 2

Plum Sauce

• 1 bottle fruity red wine, such as Pinot Noir
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3/4 cup pitted prunes
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Pork Tenderloin

• 4 fresh sage leaves
• 1 pound pork tenderloin
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Extra-virgin olive oil

Start with the plum sauce, because it takes longer than the pork. Combine the red wine, sugar, vinegar, and prunes in a pot. Cook over medium heat until the prunes simmer down and get really soft, about 20 minutes. While that is cooking, move on to the pork.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the sage sprigs in a row down the length of the pork tenderloin and tie with butcher’s twine to hold them in place. Season the pork all over with salt and pepper. Put a cast-iron (or regular ovenproof) skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the bottom of the pan with a little olive oil and get it almost smoking. Add the pork to the pan and sear on all sides until nicely browned and caramelized. Transfer the whole thing to the oven, pan and all, and roast the pork for 10 to 12 minutes.

Puree the prune mixture in a food processor or with a handheld blender. The prunes will thicken the sauce; season with salt and pepper. Cut the string off the pork but leave the sage leaves in place. Slice the pork tenderloin on a slight bias into 1-inch-thick pieces. Drizzle the sauce over the pork.