Happy New Year!

Have a happy and safe New Year's Eve!

Christmas 2011

Well Christmas sure did come and go in a flash! We had a really nice time with family and friends. It is always nice to get the whole family together and we were lucky enough to have that happen on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

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And now Christmas 2011 is nice memory, I have all the Christmas decorations down and the Christmas tree is gone. For getting the tree on December 1st, it lasted really well. It wasn't even dried out yet, or turning brown.We sure did pick out a good one, but I was ready for it to be cleaned up (can't help the OCD in me!)

Merry Christmas

Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lotd

All Wrapped Up!

It's about that time to get things all wrapped up for Christmas! Literally and figuratively (Where has the time gone?) I found these ways to add an extra special touch to your Holiday gifts this year. 

Happy Wrapping!

Christmas Cocktail Collection

'Tis the Season.....to enjoy a beverage or two!

Cranberry Margaritas 

Berry Merry Christmas 

Peppermint Candy-tini 

Skinny Girl White Cranberry Cosmo  

Gingerbread Martini 

Christmas Mojito 

Deep Dish Pizza Casserole

I made something new for dinner tonight, this deep dish pizza casserole. It was quick, easy and really good! And it could be customized to include your favorite pizza toppings. I made it with ground beef because that is what I had, but could easily be made with ground chicken, ground turkey, or Italian sausage.

Ingredients 
1lb ground beef
1 med onion chopped
15oz jar of Pizza Sauce
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 cup fresh oregano
8oz mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Directions
Preheat over to 350. Brown hamburger and onion together and drain well. Add garlic salt, oregano, and pizza sauce and stir well. Meanwhile, grease a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on the bottom of it.  Spread the meat mixture over the cheese. In a mixing bowl, mix together the eggs, flour, milk, and oil and pour over the meat in the pan. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top and bake for 30 minutes.

Christmas Round One

We celebrate Christmas today with Jordan's mom, dad, and Grandpa. I made my first Christmas Dinner (a little early) and got to use my china for the first time. It was a wedding present from my mom and dad, and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to break it in. I made a prime rib that was delicious, creamed corn, and parmesan potatoes.  Dinner turned out really well, everyone loved it, and we had a nice time. Good food, good wine, and good company!

Date Night!

El Torito for dinner tonight, I love chips, guacamole, and margaritas!

Gooey Butter Cookies

I found this delicious looking recipe for Gooey Butter Cookies and can't wait to make them! We are going over to a friend's house next week for an early Christmas and I think I will be making them for that.

My New Obsession!

BIRDS!

No, not real birds, but things that have birds on them. 

At Starbucks today I saw this coffee mug today and loved it!

Vera Bradley has this pattern out called Floral Nightingale 

Crate and Barrel has these Christmas Ornaments out 

I found these pillows on Etsy

Also on Etsy there is this ring holder

Christmas Party Success

Saturday Night's Annual Christmas Party was a huge success. We had about 30 guests and everyone had a really good time, the hours spent in the kitchen totally paid off. We had plenty to drink and lots to eat! I think I over estimated the amount of food that I needed, but I would rather have to much food then not enough.

Pudge is ready to party!

Chocolate Dipped Cookies

Wine Table

Christmas Tree Roll-ups

I can't believe that Christmas less than 2 weeks away! I am just about done with all my shopping, and all the presents that I have are wrapped underneath the Christmas Tree.

Another busy week ahead full of Christmas activities!

Breaking Dawn!

This past Sunday I FINALLY saw Twilight: Breaking Dawn with my mom. The last couple weekends have been pretty busy, so we did not have a chance to go until this weekend and I loved it! It makes me want to reread all of the Twilight books.  I saw the first 2 with my mom when they first came out, and actually have never seen the third one. Jordan and I were on our honeymoon when it came out =) But Breaking Dawn was so good, and I really enjoyed it! It's been 3 years since I read the book, but from what I remember they did a good job keeping it similar to the book. I cannot believe we have to wait a year to see part 2! When it comes out, we will be there!

Jordan had his work Christmas Party this past Saturday night and they had Christmas Carolers called the "Lagunatics" that sang "The 12lbs of Christmas." I had never heard this song before but it was hysterical! Watch the video below, for the song. Not the same people that sang it at his party, but still funny!

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Christmas Party Inspiration

We are having a Christmas Party this weekend and here is some of my inspiration:

Caprese Skewers  

Baked Brie

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Christmas Cranberry Punch

Christmas Tree Pinwheels 

Chocolate Dipped Cookies