The Break.

 The last two weeks were twelve glorious work free days.
This year, I didn't embark on any crazy out of town adventures.
Just a lot of hanging out at home, doing the things I never get to do, or hardly have time for.
Working on a few projects, and did a little exploring in my extended backyard.
It was amazing.


I had my third annual "off the grid baking day".
Where I lock myself in my house and bake until the cows come home.
Or I run out of ingredients.
Whatever happens first.

Like these Snowballs.

 

And put together some treat boxes for a few friends.
Including my favorite Spumoni Cookies - several people asked for them this year. Which makes me so happy!

  
Enjoyed being at home.
In the daytime.
With Mylie by my side.

Checked out a new restaurant in town with some friends.
And went to Walgreens afterward. Because, Walgreens. 

 Practiced being a reindeer

Made my dad come over and help hang my Christmas present. 

Isn't it gorgeous.
I can't stop staring at it.

Watched hours of cheesy Lifetime Christmas movies with my mom.
Yes, that is Whoopi Goldberg as Santa. Including white Santa dreads.

 

Finally opened my Christmas gift from last year, an enamel pot and made my Grandma's award winning (really!) Beef Burgundy recipe. 

 And invited a couple friends over to try it.
Wine & cheese included.

Worked on a house project that I have been planning in my head.

It only took me 4 years to actually get started.  

 Cleaned.
Everything.

 Made breakfast.
Like actually made it.

 And enjoyed whipped cream.
Probably a bit too much.

 

Did a little clearance shopping at Target.

I think Smiles is pretty happy about it.

 Went into the City and had a nice lunch w/ my mom at the Beach Chalet.
And caught this incredible ring around the sun.

 And took in a view of the love of my life.

Enjoyed a sky party from the comfort of my living room.
With one snoring Schnoodle by my side.

Had some friends over for tea & cookies.
And puffs.

 Good, longtime friends.

 Exchanged the exact same gift with the bestie.

 Made a lot of damn good coffee.

Adopted a sister for the day and headed to Monterey with the fam.

Where a really nice lady walked up to us and handed us free tickets to the aquarium!

Even the octopus was in a great mood and came out to show off twice!

Checked in on the sunfish. They are my favorite fish.

Brought a #notfoodpoisoning care package to a friend who was the plague's latest victim.

Ramped up for 2014.

Spread a little Baked Brie joy.

Ubered. In costume.

 Went on a boat.
(But not really).

And finally, FINALLY, ordered cable. Got a new TV. And AppleTV.
Just in time to go back to work and not have any time to sit at home and watch it.

And it was all good. Just so, so good.
Grateful that I had this chance to just hang around and be for almost two weeks.
Just what I needed.

Happy New Year, friends!

Peppermint Puppy Chow {Pintertest Kitchen}

The Pintertest Kitchen for December is here.
So far I've tested three recipes.
Gingerbread Man Garland.
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies.
And, Peppermint Puppy Chow.

The garland was a disaster. I had a crime scene of mangled gingerbread men all over my kitchen.
The whoopie pies had promise, but I made the cakes too thick, and the cake to frosting ratio was off.

But the dog days were over with the Puppy Chow.
I modified this recipe a bit.

1 Box (approximately 10 cups) Rice Chex
12 candy canes - smashed
16 oz vanilla candy melts
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 bag Andes Peppermint Crunch


Stir candy melts over low heat until melted.

Smash candy canes. (It's therapeutic)

When candy melts are completely melted and smooth, in a large bowl immediately pour over Rice Chex.

Coat completely and fold in candy canes.

Pour Chex mixture into a brown paper bag along with powdered sugar, close, and shake. (Also therapeutic).

When completely coated, toss in half of the Andes mints.

Pour Puppy Chow into serving bowls and top with Andes Mints and additional candy canes.

I suggest pairing with a hot cup of cocoa topped with a mound of whipped cream garnished with leftover candy cane and Andes crumbles.

Linking up this candy cane goodness with Jessica's Pintertest Kitchen!

Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love

Growing up in church, "advent" to me just meant a family with really cute kids would stand in the front of church on Sunday and read something from the bible.
Usually I was too distracted by the kids being funny or adorable, or even unruly.
Most of the time I missed the advent readings. I was more focused on the dads' attempts and failures to use a lighter, while the congregation chuckled.

But  the past few years, I have tried to be more intentional with the Christmas season. Some years have been better than others.

That feeling on Christmas Day, after the gifts are opened, and the tummies are full, and the laughter has quieted, when you realize the season has passed you buy, and most of it was spent thinking about gifts and treats and decorations, can be the most convicting of feelings.

But advent, it means "the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event."

So as we wait for the arrival of the Messiah this Christmas, we wait, with Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.  And I am setting my heart on these things this advent season.  Spending time in the Word meditating on these amazing gifts that the Lord has given.

Inspired by the desire to seek Jesus and celebrate His birth intentionally (and something I saw on Pinterest), I was able to put together this makeshift advent wreath with things I already had, mason jars, cake stand, twine, Epsom salts, tea lights, and whipped up the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love tags.

It's not too late to start this season with a heart of advent, mason jars not required.
However, if you want to make your own wreath or something like it, I am so happy to share the tags as well. (Just right click and save.)

And lastly, if you're looking for a great devotional to read this season, I recommend Good News of Great Joy from Desiring God/John Piper - which are the December readings in the Year Round Piper Devotional App (also available on the YouVersion app). Or, this book - which takes you through the Christmas story in the Bible with writings by believers from centuries past through today, from many perspectives within the Christmas story. 

Seek Christ and His Christmas this year. Celebrate the arrival of the most notable and worthy King!
He is the only one who can fill your heart with Hope, Peace, Joy, Love.