Mantle(decor)

found this on The Creative Crayon.

super cute.  

here's the how to by Paper Stitch.

Brussels Sprouts Casserole

My sister made this delicious casserole for Christmas dinner.  It was super good and so tastful.

4 cups Brussels Sprouts (sliced in half twice)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup white cheddar cheese

1/2 cup bread crumbs

red pepper flakes, salt, pepper

2 tablespoons butter

Cook sprouts until tender.  Transfer to a baking dish.  Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.  Pour heavy cream over sprouts, sprinkle with grated cheese and bread crumbs.  Dot with butter.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Recent Purchase

Just recently purchased Twine.  

(It should be arriving any day!!)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

What did Santa bring you?

Christmas is Approaching...

It's almost here.  Christmas is almost here.... and then it will soon be over.  The day goes by so fast and each year once it's over I think to myself, wow it's already over.  But for some reason the years go by so fast that Christmas always seems right around the corner.

I think for all of us we can say as kids that one of the best parts about the holiday season was the presents.  Who doesn't like receiving gifts?  I know I enjoy it (But not as much as I like giving).  Watching the tree skirt slowing disappear because of all the gifts was so exciting and thrilling.  However, the best part was truly spending time with my family.  

Growing up Christmas Eve was the best night of the year.  My mom, sister, and brother, and I would spend much of the day doing a puzzle, then head off to church, return home to eat dinner and then head out to look at lights.  Upon return we would continue working at the puzzle with the one goal in mind... to finish it by the end of the night.  While we completed the puzzle my mom was in the kitchen cooking up a late night snack of chicken wings and chex mix for us.  While the wings were baking we (finally) got to open gifts.  We always took a break half way through to have our wings and chex mix.  And continued on opening gifts.  And then once the gifts were all opened and tree was empty we worked at the puzzle until every last piece was in place.

Christmas Eve was our special night as a family.  It was the best night of the year.... for some reason all the problems and worries went away for that one day.  As a family we enjoyed each other so much.  Over the past few years our traditions have changed, however, our time as a family hasn't.  Christmas Eve is still a special day together and we make a point to be together on this day.

a new favorite

best place to find this, and that,

and endless choices of these

oh and dont forget located close by is this amazing place.

Tomato Filo Tart

Abby, James, my mom, and I enjoyed a night together last night.  We made this delicious Tomato Filo Tart.  My uncle passed the recipe on a few years ago and it's become one of my favorites!  It's great for an appetizer or even a light main course paired with a salad.

Tomato Filo Tart

7 sheets filo dough, thawed

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

7 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup thinly sliced onions

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

8 roma tomatoes, cut into 1/8-in thick slices

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Salt 

Freshly Ground Pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.  Lay 1 sheet of filo on paper and brush lightly with a little melted butter.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese (roughly 1 tablespoon per layer).  Repeat layering 5 more times (filo, butter, cheese).  Lay the last filo sheet on the top, brush lightly with remaining butter and sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese.  Scatter onions across filo, top with mozzarella cheese, and arrange tomato slices in a single layer, overlapping slightly.  Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.

Enjoy!

***Note:  This is the original recipe.  I have changed it many times, omitting onions, adding garlic, basil, rosemary, asparagus pieces, and small broccoli florets.  Anything would make this taste delicious... so feel free to mix it up!

I hate to admit that I am a wannabe Martha, Giada, Ina, and Rachael, and maybe even a little Sandra all rolled into one.  I like cooking but love the finishing touching of creating the perfect appearance for the dish.  The little touches that go into something make it look even more complete and perfect.  

I found these amazing dessert tables on Save the Date for Cupcakes.  I hope one day I will be able to create a table setting that looks as dazzling as these do.  There are bundles of ideas to fish through from birthday partys, holidays, color themes, and many more.

Chocolate Christmas Candy Table

Red, Aqua, and Pink Holiday Table

Shabby Chic Holiday Dessert Table

Rustic Christmas Dessert Table

Pink and Purple Holiday Dessert Table

Go Shopping!

New Cards Posted!!

Need to thank someone special?  These handmade cards are perfect.  Check out my store for pictures and prices.

more cards in the making

coming soon: 

CARDS with LINED ENVELOPES

i bought envelope liner templates today from Paper Source and so excited.  it adds a touch to the card and makes it more personal!  i will post pictures later.

loveactually

Love is actually all around.

laying on the couch

enjoying (one) of my

favorite holiday movies.

Caramel Corn

My mom taught me how to make homemade caramel corn this weekend.  When we were growing up she made it often and it was such a treat.  I haven't had it in years and I finally learned how.  It was so delicious, figured I would share it with you.

2 cups unpopped popcorn

cooking oil

1 stick butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.  Make popcorn over medium-high heat.  Pour into a large oven safe bowl.  Over medium-high heat melt butter.  Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt.  Bring to a bowl stirring constantly.  Once boiling, let boil without stirring for 4 minutes.  Remove from heat add baking soda and vanilla and stir well.  Pour over popcorn and mix well.  Place in the oven, stir every minutes 15 minutes for an hour.  Turn oven off after an hour and let caramel corn harden for thirty minutes.  Remove and break into small pieces.

Wish I Were Here....

I need some sun.

I dislike rain, dark, and cold.  It's no fun.

Come back SUN!

Holiday Wreaths

Wreaths By Wendy

Solidago Wreath Company

Pocket Full of Posies

The Wright Wreath

Black Bean Cakes

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 egg, beaten

1 cup shredded zucchini

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup shredded cheese

2 tablespoons chili powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cumin

2 tablespoons olive oil

                       

In a mixing bowl, mash beans. Add the egg, zucchini, bread crumbs, cheese, chili powder, salt, baking powder and cumin and mix well.

                       

Shape into six patties; brush both sides with oil. Place on a baking sheet.

                       

Broil on low about 4 inches from the heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a thermometer to determine if they are warm throughout (it should read 200 degrees).

Serve with fresh salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.  

{BR}

cozy warm....

classy

simple.

super adorable....

Banana Republic: classic, timeless, elegant, 

charming, and unique.

Will it stop (please)?

Is this weather ever going to stop?

I hate the rain.

I hate the wind.

I hate the cold.

I need some sunshine to brighten my day!

GAME DAY: CIVIL WAR

Today is a big game!  Each year Oregon and Oregon State face off in the CIVIL WAR.  The excitement and energy for the game is outstanding.  The DUCKS are number one and on top, there is no doubt they wont be competing hard and staying on top!

I am excited to cheer on the DUCKS and watch them win another CIVIL WAR.

Happy Friday

It's FRIDAY!!  Let's celebrate.

(BEST)day

Waking up to James is the best way to start my day!  Looking at him makes me smile and my heart is filled with joy.  He is the most special person in my life.  Abby has gone back to work and I had nothing to do so James and I get to spend the day together (and James is 5 months old today)!!

Tex-Mex Pork

2-3 pork loins, cut into 3/4-inch cubes                        

1/4  cup  water

3/4  teaspoon  kosher salt                    

2  cups cooked rice

3/4  teaspoon  pepper                                         

1/4  cup  light sour cream

1 1/2  cups fresh salsa                                       

3/4  cup  cubed avocado

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add pork to pan; sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Sauté for 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Add salsa and 1/4 cup water to pan; bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Serve pork mixture over rice; top with sour cream and avocado.

going shopping

Check out MY etsy store!

I have cards and burp cloths for sale.

It's Christmas at the Calhoun's

The tree is up, the inside is festive with decorations, and the bright lights outside add the extra touch of the Holidays!  


It has always been a tradition to go as a family during Thanksgiving weekend to hunt for the perfect tree for the house.  This year we met at David and Abby's and ventured out to a tree farm out near Boring.  We have been there the last few years and have always left with the perfect tree.  It's funny how each year we can say.... "That's the perfect one" or "This is the best tree ever".  Today we had three trees to hunt for... my mom's house, Abby and David, and Scott and Holly!  We found three perfect (for this year) trees!

(holiday)playlist

My HOLIDAY playlist:
1.  It Came Upon A Midnight Clear- MercyMe
2.  N'SYNC - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays
3.  New Kids on the Block- Funky Funky Christmas
4.  Carrie Underwood- Last Christmas
5.  Mariah Carey- All I Want For Christmas
6.  Denetria Champ - O Holy Night
7.  Chris Brown- This Christmas
8.  Kelly Willard- O Come All Ye Faithful
9.  Colbie Caillat - Mistletoe
10. Christian Aguilera- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

giving thanks

I could not be more thankful for such an amazing family.  It seems that each year we grow closer together and our relationships with one another become more special and personalized.

My mom is the strongest, most helpful and inspirational women I know.  There is not a day that goes by that she does not say "I love you" or ask me "How I am doing".  She gets me through the toughest times and supports me in every decision I make.

My sister, Abby, is my best friend.  Growing up she was who I wanted to be.  Abby has never let me down and always offers advice and guidance when I am stuck in a hole.  Without her I am not sure where I would be.  She kept my in style with upcoming fashion and gave me advice as I made my way through college.  Now as we have gotten older we rely on each other for just about everything.

My brother, Scott, is the humor and comedy that makes each of us laugh.  Growing up Scott was the man of the house, we had our fights; however, I knew that he was my security and protection.  To this day, Scott creates excitement, chaos, and laughter every time he enters a room.  His personality makes him so enjoyable to be around.

My brother-in-law, David, is the go-to-guy.  There is not a problem David can't solve.  Every year that David and Abby spend together, David and I grow closer together.  We spend time together, have good conversation and I know that David would do anything for me to help, keep my safe, and take care of every problem that I have.

Holly, my sister-in-law, has been a great addition to the family.  Holly creates a positive vibe and energy as she walks into a room, sincerely cares about individuals, and loves and respects my brother deeply.

James, my nephew, has been the best part about my year.  I could not be more thankful for him.  Being an aunt is everything and more than I could expect and I enjoy spending each and every day with James.  Watching him every moment grow and develop into a human has been so special.  I remember being with him when he was two weeks old and all he did was sleep and lay around.  Now at 5 months (almost), he giggles, is more stable on his own, and is aware of what is going on around him.  I look forward to being able to watch him grow as baby to a toodler and than onto a big boy.  He means the world to me.

Pistachio Cheese Log

It's that time of the week... RECIPE WEDNESDAY.

Pistachio Covered Cheese Log

1 bar cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup coarsely chopped white cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

Salt and Pepper

1 cup pistachio nuts, coarsely chopped

In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, cheddar, Dijon, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined; season with salt and pepper.  Cover and refrigerate until slightly firm, 1 to 2 hours.

Transfer cheese mixture to a piece of waxed paper; using paper, shape into a 6-in log.  Cover with pistachios, pressing to adhere.  Wrap log in a fresh piece of waxed paper; chill until firm, 1-2 hours (or overnight).

Serve with crackers.

(my)own: craft corner

I have created my own craft corner at my house.  It is not exactly what I would picture for the future craft room but it will do for now.  I love having everything there... ready for every crafty minute!

Cupcakes

For sale on Etsy at MY SHOP!

JT

Ooo.... how I love thee....

A Brisk Morning