Breakfast for Healthy Eaters

I'm getting back on the saddle of healthy eating. Today I started with a breakfast of Kashi Honey and Cinnamon and a skinny, sugar-free caramel latte. Hopefully I can stay on the healthy track for the rest of the day.

Cleaning out the Purse

Ladies, it's that time to clean out your purses again. Time to get rid of all that scratch paper of Christmas lists and addresses of parties to attend. Plus it's a great time to get out a new style of purse for the New Year. I've been using my LV for too long (since my mom gave it to me in September). I'm going back to a long time favorite...my Kate Spade.

First things first:
1. Take everything out of your purse.
2. Start the sorting process (take out all 5 lip glosses, you know you only use two of them everyday anyway). Sort things into three piles: things to put in your new purse, things to throw away, and things to put back in their place somewhere in the home (i.e. unused lip glosses go in with the rest of your makeup).
3. Think of how you'd like to organize your purse. My mom got me this great purse organizer as a gift a few year back. It's a great help on prioritizing what's a keeper and what's not. Unfortunately it doesn't work in all purses because of it's size. I believe it's called Purse Brite. So I place everything I need in the organizer, place it in my new purse and put my big items like my wallet in the middle.

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.