"12 Days of Christmas" -- Days 12, 13, & 14

I have completely missed blogging for the last few days, but this weekend, I was out of touch because we were out of town (more to come on this later).  Also, last night, not only was I completely tired, but my computer decided to go completely haywire, and I'm not even sure that my hard drive can be recovered (here is to crossing my fingers that Patrick can work his magic and I can at least get all of my pictures back).  Meanwhile, tonight I am using a borrowed computer, and am really glad I can get caught up on my 12 Days of Christmas...So, without further ado:

Day 12 -- Show us your Decorations

I discussed my Christmas Tree in this post, but here is a look at the rest of my decorations:

My Mantle Project that I stole from Aly!

My Door Wreath

Day 13:  Favorite Cookie Recipe

Pumpkin Cookies:

1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups pumpkin
1 teaspoon lemon flavoring
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
3/4 teaspoon soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips

Cream shortening, brown and white sugars.  Add eggs, vanilla, lemon flavoring and pumpkin.  Combine dry ingredients and mix together with shortening mixture.  Bake for 12 minutes at 375 degrees.

Day 14:  Oprah's Favorite Things

I figured I might as well add the Ipad since everyone else is doing it.  =)

An annual subscription to this magazine!

The new Taylor Swift CD

An all-expenses-paid trip to Paris!

 There it is!  All of the 12 Days of Christmas!  I can't believe it's already over!  It has been so much fun!

Hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas!

"12 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge -- Day 11: New Year Resolutions

Okay, so Blogger is acting funny, so I'm unable to add the "12 Days of Christmas" picture.  However, you've seen it everyday over the last 11 days, so you know what it looks like.

Today is all about New Year Resolutions.  Like most people, I don't make many resolutions because I never keep them.  However, I'm going to go ahead and get a few documented...maybe this will be MY year!

1.  Lose 10 pounds so I look good in Kat's wedding.  =)
2.  Simplify my life.  I don't mean get rid of stuff or become a hermit.  I guess I really mean that I'm going to learn to be more content just spending an evening relaxing and not feel like I have to be so busy that I stay stressed out all year long!
3.  Run a 5K.  This task has been on my New Year Resolutions list for about 5 years now (I know, I know...I'm just as embarassed as I should be).  However, this year I am running in the Resolution Run on 1/1/11, so hopefully, I can actually meet this one.

Maybe since I've actually written these down, I will be more accountable.  Let's hope so because all 3 are pretty important to me!

Well, that's all from me for today.  We are heading to Gatlinburg to spend the weekend with friends.  If I'm not around, I will definitely have a fun recap early next week!  Have a great weekend!

"12 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge -- Day 10: Favorite Christmas Caroles

Just so you know, I have been listening to Christmas music ALL day in preparation for this post!  I mean, I HAD to be informed before I blogged, right?  =)  Here are just a few of my favs:

Carol of the Bells
O Holy Night - Kenny G (Yes, I said Kenny G...I heart him)
Winter Wonderland - The Ray Coniff Singers
Sleigh Bells - Johnny Mathis
Christmas Canon - Trans-Siberian Orchestra
O Come All Ye Faithful
Away in a Manger

Again, I love Christmas music, so I'm sure I could go on and on!  However, these are definitely at the top of the list!

"12 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge -- Day 9: Favorite Holiday Recipe

Okay, so I have a confession to make...I LOVE food!  Like, I am the most UN-picky eater ever because I pretty much love the taste of everything.  Therefore, it's really hard for me to narrow my favorite recipes to just one or 2...However, here's my best attempt:

1.  Baked Crab Rangoons

This is my "go-to" recipe.  In fact, one of my girlfriends always jokes around about how I bring these things to EVERY function that requires me to provide food.  However, they are SUPER easy, and they taste delicious!  You can find the recipe here.
2.  Red Velvet Cake

As I mentioned in this post, I LOVE Red Velvet Cake.  In fact, I make this other times than just during Christmas.  However, this is the perfect time of year and therefore, I make it all the time!
3.  Peppermint Bark

Every time I eat peppermint bark, I think of my Grandmother.  She used to make this stuff ALL the time during the holidays and she even went out of her way to find the peppermint that was red AND green colored. 

4.  White Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Cookies

This is the first "Christmas Treat" I remember making with my mom as a child.  I love these!  There is something so great about the mixture of sweet and salty.

"12 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge -- Day 8: Least Favorite Thing About the Holidays

Day 8: Least favorite thing about the Holidays

I pretty much love everything about the holidays!  Next to summer, it's my favorite time of year.  However, if I could change one thing, it would have to be the TRAFFIC!!!!!  I really hate how everywhere I try to go during this time of year takes about 15 minutes longer because of Christmas shopping traffic.  Even running errands during my lunch break is tough.  Oh, well, you have to take the good with the bad, right?

Head over the Aly's blog and tell us about your "12 Days of Christmas."



"12 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge -- Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY

So, I have absolutely ZERO abilities when it comes to crafts and do-it-yourself projects.  I mean, seriously, I have to ask Patrick how to hang Christmas lights on my deck, for crying out loud!  Ridiculous!  Therefore, I can assure you that I have no Craft projects going on right now, although I did "borrow" Aly's idea that she mentioned here, and I must say it looks fabulous on my mantle.  Anyway, back to the topic at hand...since I am not a DIY-er, I started thinking about what I do around the holidays that I would consider my specialty.  The only thing I could come up with was baking...and not just any baking, but I make a Red Velvet Cake.  It is one of my favorite desserts and this time of year is the perfect time to make it because of the colors.  So, without further ado, here is the recipe:

Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa
3/4 cup oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 1-ounce bottle red food coloring
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar

Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa in bowl.  Cream oil and 1 1/2 cups sugar.  Add eggs one at a time; beat well after each.  Add food coloring; mix until well blended.  Combine buttermild and soda.  Mix well; add to oil-sugar mixture alternately with dry ingredients.  Add vinegar and vanilla.  Mix well.  Spoon into 2 greased 9-inch round pans.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.  Combine milk and remaining sugar in saucepan.  Bring to a boil.  Spoon evenly on each layer.  Cool and frost.

Frosting

1 8-ounce package cream cheese
1/2 cup margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pound confectioners' sugar

Combine cream cheese, butter and vanilla in mixing bowl.  Beat until smooth.  Gradually add sugar while beating.  Mix well.  Spread between layers and on top and sides of cake. 

So, there you have it...my only DIY project!

"12 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge -- Day 6: Gift Ideas

Because I have already mentioned my Christmas gift wishes on 2 different blog posts, I thought I would take this time to mention some of my bigger Christmas wishes:

1.  I wish that all of the people in Nashville whose homes were destroyed or damaged by the May floods would be back in a home of their own by Christmas.

2.  I wish that all of the children whose names are on the Angel Tree would get every gift they have asked for.

3.  I wish that I could wake up on January 1, 2011 and it really already be April 15, 2011.  =)

4.  I wish that Tennessee would get a bid for the Music City Bowl right here in Nashville, TN!!!!!

5.  I wish that I could get every thing on my "House To Do List" done before my Knoxville girlfriends come for a visit in early January.

If you aren't like me and haven't already told the world your Christmas List, head over to Analyze This or The Fuschia News and tell us your Wish List. 



"12 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge Day 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show Special

This is the easiest Day of the "12 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge, yet!  I love Christmas movies, but my favorites are definitely:

If you'd like to participate in the "12 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge, head over to Aly or Molly's blogs!  It's not too late!

"12 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge Day 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly Holiday Season

Since I am taking some "Me" time on this Saturday evening, I decided to go back and catch up on the 12 Day of Christmas.  Yesterday's Challenge was Tips for a Budget Friendly Holiday Season.  I don't really have many, but here are a couple, anyway:

1.  Make a list!  Yes, I know that several people have said this, but this is definitely something I live by.  I make lists of my lists, so a Christmas shopping list is definitely a necessity!

2.  I withdraw a certain amount of cash before I begin my Christmas shopping, and once that is gone, I'm done.  Usually, if I budget properly, it's more than enough.

3.  Every year, Patrick and I have a "conversation" about what our budget is for each other for gifts.  I know that's not very romantic, but it keeps one of us from going wayyyyy overboard, and it also keeps things in perspective and makes us both realize that there is no reason to go crazy!

Head on over to Aly or Molly and tell us your budget tips!

"12 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge -- Day 3: Meaningful/Memorable Gift(s)

Meaningful/Memorable Gift(s)

Today's Christmas Blog Challenge is all about the best gifts I have received.  Surprisingly enough, most of my most meaningful gifts aren't Christmas gifts.  I have received some fabulous Christmas gifts, but these are definitely the most meaningful gifts I have received (in no particular order):

1.  I have mentioned before in my blog how much I love Charleston, SC.  Well, one year while we were there, my mom agreed to Cross-stich a scene in Charleston that is my favorite -- Rainbow Row.  It took her over a year to finish and she even had it professionally framed when she was done.  I LOVE it!  Here is a pic:

2.  Not long after Patrick and I started dating, he went on a trip to Australia and was gone for 3 weeks.  Not having dated very long, I figured he would bring me a gift, but I didn't really think anything of it.  Well, when he got back, he gave me the prettiest Opal that I've ever seen.  I have never seen an Opal this dark before, but apparently, these are normal in Australia.  I wear it all the time because it looks great with black, and black is one of my favorite colors!  Again, here is a pic:

 

I couldn't get a very good pic, but you get the idea.

  3.  All my life, my grandmother had a cedar chest in her house.  There is nothing fancy about this cedar chest, but it's always been special to me because it reminds me of her and brings back so many memories of spending time with her as a child.  When she passed away back in 2002, my mom and uncle told me I could have the cedar chest.  I still have it displayed in my house, and probably will for a very long time.  I hope to refinish it one day, and think that it will be even more beautiful then.

4.  I don't have any pictures of this gift because it's not just 1 gift...it's many.  Ever since Patrick and I started dating, he has always randomly surprised me with small little gifts here and there.  I've gotten CDs, water bottles, African violets, bouquets of flowers, and even a little MP3 player, in addition to many that I can't remember right now.  No, these aren't necessarily expensive gifts, but they mean a lot because they let me know that he is thinking of me!  Thanks babe!  =)

Head over to Anaylye This and tell us what your favorite gifts are! 

"12 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge -- Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks

Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks

My family has never been the wake up at 2 am and hit up all the stores buying ALL of your Christmas presents kind of family, so I'm afraid I may not have a lot to add to this post, but I'll do my best.

1.  The main shopping trick that my mom and I figured out a few years ago is to wait and head to the mall around 10:00 am on Black Friday.  Yes, I probably miss all the HUGE sales, but I also get to keep one important thing...MY SANITY!  Like I said above I'm not a big morning person, and I'm also not much of a patient person, so therefore, it's sometimes really hard to imagine myself in the middle of Target before the sun comes up fighting over a iPod...it's just not my gig...I do however, love to shop and I love a good deal, and I've found that most of the "Black Friday" door busters don't end until 10-11 am so if I get to the mall toward the end of the time frame, I can still get a lot of deals AND it isn't NEARLY as crowded. 

2.  Another tip I have is to buy online.  When you shop online, you are always sure to get what you want and you never have to leave your home or office.  Also, so many online stores don't charge shipping this time of year, so it's not really any more expensive.

3.  A final tip I have is to buy stocking stuffers as you find them throughout the fall months.  Stockings are just fun, and the perfect way to round out all of your gifts.  If you buy items as you see them here and there, it tends to not be as tough on the ole pocket book.

Head on over to Aly or Molly's blogs and tell us about your shopping tips!

"12 Days of Christmas" Blog Challenge -- Day 1: Christmas/Holiday Traditions

Aly over at Analyze This and Molly at The Fuschia News have teamed up to do the "12 Days of Christmas" Blog Style!  This is so exciting and I can't wait to see what all my Blog Friends say about their Christmas holiday.  So, without futher ado, here is Day 1 of the Blog Challenge!

Christmas/Holiday Traditions

1.  One tradition my family has always celebrated is the Advent Season.  For those that don't know, Advent is a Christian celebration of the weeks leading up to Jesus' birth.  It consists of an Advent Wreath, which is usually a normal wreath laid flat on a serving plate with 5 candles (3 purple, 1 pink, and 1 white) standing on the serving plate inside the wreath.  Every night we would light the appropriate candles (you start with only 1 candle and work your way up until all 5 are lit on Christmas night), read a short devotional, and then we each got to pick our favorite Christian Christmas carole for the family to sing.  I say "Christian Christmas carole" becuase when I was young, I always wanted to sing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" but my parents always had to explain to me that while that is a very good song, it doesn't talk about Jesus, so I needed to pick a different one.  =)

2.  Another tradition we have every Christmas is for my mom's family to come to my parent's house every Christmas Eve.  This is always a very fun celebration because we don't get to see this side of the family very often.  It's always a great night!

3.  After my family leaves on Christmas Eve, and after we have opened all of our presents (yes, we do it on Christmas Eve...weird, I know...guess that could be another "tradition" we have), we all head to church for the 11:00 pm communion service.  This is always very interesting...mainly becuase by this point I am so tired that I can hardly keep my eyes open, but it's still so nice because it always ends at midnight, just in time to start the Christmas celebration!

4.  Since Patrick and I have always celebrated Christmas with our respective families and have never been together on Christmas day, we have started our own little Christmas tradition.  Every year on the night before he flies home to see his mother, he and I always do something REALLY Christmasy here in Nashville and open our gifts for each other.  Last year we drove around and looked at Christmas lights

We even went to George Jones' house!

And 2 years ago we celebrated by heading out to Opryland Hotel and looking at all the pretty lights there:

It's hard to say what we'll do this year...maybe I'll wait and see what Patrick has in mind...he's usually pretty good at that kinda stuff.  =)