Merry Christmas!!

I had a wonderful Christmas with my in-laws at their home. Everyone was so overly giving this year and has taught me not to be so strict with presents...I am thankful for everyone even thinking of me, although I'm a grown up and don't really need anything, I appreciate everyone being so sweet and thoughtful. My husband got me a gorgeous diamond necklace but the chain came apart (I don't know how), so I'll have to send that back to the jeweler and I'll post soon. We usually agree not to exchange gifts (I may be a 'Diva of the Midwest', but I'm not a frivolous spender) and DH got around that by saying Duke, our dog, got the present.

Since this was our year to be with DH's side of the family, I did miss my mom and dad...but I did get to church today and was able to thank God for everything I do have even if they're not with me today, I'm glad they are my parents.

I hope everyone had a wonderful day, I'll be posting soon :-)

P.S. This isn't my puppy (mine is a bigger version) but I thought this pic was too cute not to share.

Christmas Decor

Here are a few pics around the house...Hope you enjoy.

Mexican Wedding Cookies

One of my all-time favorite cookies is the Mexican wedding cookie. I don't hear them called that in the Midwest but people do make them, however I don't know what they're called. I'm from the Southwest, and we call them Mexican Wedding cookies. I can still remember coming home from the bakery with my mom and dad with a bag of them. I used to think they were such a treat.

1/2 cup toasted nuts (hazelnuts, pecans or walnuts); ground finely but not a paste
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 cup of powdered sugar for decorating/rolling

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Using a mixer, cream butter and sugar until light. Add vanilla and flour until combined. Stir in nuts. Refrigerate for one hour.

Form dough into balls and place on cookie sheet. Cook for about 12 minutes. Cool on wire rack for about 5 minutes. Roll cookies carefully (a few of mine broke b/c they were either too warm) in the powdered sugar and enjoy.

Amaretto Cream Martini

I just love cocktails and since I'm a newlywed, I registered for a cocktail shaker that hasn't had it's share of use. I was looking to make a cocktail that was creamy and Christmas like. I didn't want to buy all new alcohol so this is what I came up with and it was quite yummy.

1 part amaretto liqueur
3 parts Irish cream
Ice


Fill martini shaker with ice and then with ingredients. Shake, pour and drink to classy girly urban drinks!!

Gift for the Boss

Traditionally all the managers go in together and purchase one large gift for the owner of the dealership where we work. He's a wealthy man who has everything imaginable, so what kind of gift can a group of managers get for their boss? I called his wife and she's very modest and says we shouldn't do anything expensive. In years past, we've purchased restaurant gift cards and wine. He's always grateful but since I'm in charge of it again this year, I'm making an effort to think out of the box.

If anyone has any suggestions, please forward them over to me! Thanks.

Bathroom Organization

This was everything in my top drawer before I cleaned it out the other day! I just couldn't stand it anymore, so I took matters into my own hands...

I unloaded EVERYTHING.

Then I cleaned the drawer and tadaaaaa! All done! Now lets see how long it stays like this.

Christmas Candle Centerpiece

**Thank you everyone for the "Get Well" comments, I'm 99% recovered!!


I like to build my Christmas decorations a little bit every year. While shopping at The Limited this weekend, I stumbled across this wonderful candle and thought it had so much potential, not to mention a decadent scent! The way it was displayed in the store was just so elegant, like something in a model home aimed at affluent home buyers. A simple candle floating on a bed of sand in a giant contemporary, straight-walled hurricane.

After purchasing the candle, the hunt for a very similar look for my own candle centerpiece was in full force! The search was called off only after losing my patience with other holiday shoppers impatient attitudes or laggard pace maneuvering through the parking lot...how do they always seem to be right in front of me.

I settled on this pedestal hurricane at Wal-Mart (**suggestion: avoid this place like the plague until January 15th if you are uncomfortable with putting a hot poker in your eye in public because it will be hard to resist). I originally had my stylish heart set on a round simple hurricane similar to this but without a pedestal like the one in The Limited. We'll see how long I keep this.

I thought I'd share some photos of the centerpiece. My ribbon is too small and that will be changed when I can locate my holiday ribbon (I'm thinking I have some argyle somewhere...)


Isn't my plaid Mac cute!! I bought a "skin" for it and also have a cover on it, FYI. It's sooo cute and it's new and I love it.