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.