I Can Cook - I Admit It

I’m not a chef, however lately I’m finding out that I can actually cook! Now, don’t go getting all excited, just because I’m admitting that I can cook, it does not mean I love to cook. But, I wanted to share with you all some of the things that I’ve forced on my family tried out lately. I’m one, that hates trying something new and having it turn out like a piece of baked crayon!

For Christmas, I borrowed several recipes from a couple of blogs and foodtv.

I baked my very first ham, using Big Daddy's Spiral Ham recipe – ya’ll the ham was to die for, it was lip smacking, finger licking yummy! Did ya’ll hear me – I baked my VERY FIRST ham! I’m forty-one! This ham will have a special place in my recipe folder! Thank you, Aaron McCargo!

I shared the Whiskey-Glazed Carrots, I found on the Pioneer Woman’s blog. This was the second time I made them and they are delish – this coming from a person that does not like carrots – AT.ALL!

I also borrowed Ree’s Dinner Roll recipe again – I’ll be honest, the first time I made them, they did not turn out – it was Thanksgiving and it was sad! I decided to give them another try, this time I made the dough up the night before and took my time – ya’ll, the yeast rolls need a lot of time – don’t be rushing. They were SO yummy!!!

And lastly, I borrowed a very yummy Ultimate Creamed Corn recipe – ya’ll, there was nothing left – I should have doubled it! My vegetarian loved them – he loved the whiskey glazed carrots, too!

So, here ya go – I don’t have any pictures for proof – just trust me! I’ll be making everything again!

Planning for Next Christmas

This year we bought a very tall real tree, because we have very tall ceilings in the living room. Just one issue with that, I didn’t have enough lights or ornaments or ribbon – one side of the tree was naked.

I decided after three days of decorating this one tree that next year we would not be buying anything that large again. Instead of having a calendar count down for Santa to come – I had a calendar count down for removing the tree from the house. I had had enough – sadly, I know, but I was tired of the tree this year. I only have iphone photos of the tree and just with my daughter, my boys never made it to the photo session! LOL

Christmas is mostly removed from the house; it will be all packed up and ready for the attic this week.

Tonight at Target, I found two 6 ft, non pre-lighted artificial trees for next year. I wanted trees without lights for a reason; we have several strands of LED lights – brand new. So, next year we’ll have two trees, one snowman and the other one, I haven’t made my decision yet – I’m thinking about ALL handmade ornaments. If I do all homemade, I’m gonna have to get busy! Oh, I just had a brilliant idea for a garland for the snowman tree – note to self – buy blue, white, and silver ribbon, and glue gun and sticks!

Also, since the artificial trees are short, I’ll need to plan for a table or chest - for the one in the living room to sit on, so that everyone outside can see it. It’ll look lost in that huge living room.

Sweet Gift

I had quite a nice Christmas. I’m not going to sugar coat it, it was bumpy – but ended up being really nice. However, for some reason, Christmas is still not there for me. It’s a little empty lately and I can’t seem to put my finger on it – the reason for the season is still here – just something else is missing. I probably need therapy; well those that know me would say that I do need therapy! LOL!

So anyway – the whole reason for this post is to share my favorite gift. The very first time I saw this was on Oprah. But Oprah, had a different version on her show, she had the Kindle. I got the Sony Reader, the Touch Edition. I saw the Kindle on Oprah years ago, at least two years ago, I think. Since then I’ve gone back and forth, reading, researching, going to the Sony Style store, etc… And, I decided back then, that when I did get one, I wanted the Sony Reader. I’ve heard stories on the differences, and now Barnes and Noble have one, too, however, I’ve heard that their version will not be available until February. One big huge factor was that I could go to the Sony store and hold the Sony Reader, I could touch it and play with it – I could not do that with the Kindle.

Thank you, Matt for getting me the Sony Reader! Yes, you can borrow it!

Tomorrow I'll tell you about a very special gift that my daughter made just for me! I might even include a photo if I can find my sd card.

Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas - I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

Frosty's Snow Tree

Yep, that is Frosty's hat, I found it at Hobby Lobby -

I had to have it!

Happy Holidays

I finally got the tree decorated, we've only had it since Thanksgiving weekend. We actually bought the very first tree off the lot.

It is huge! The ceiling in the living room is about 12 feet, I think. The rest of the house has the standard 8 ft ceilings, except for the master bedroom.

I need to charge my digi.

Yes, I know you're all sitting here thinking - Are you unpacked yet? And that answer would be, no. I'm working on it - my excuse - holidays and holidays! I did some actual work in the master bedroom tonight - I unpacked a ripped bag and 2 more boxes. I folded laundry, too. LOL

We have a room that I'll be using as an office/craft room - and right now it full of pictures and boxes and craft supplies...I need shelves.

So, yeah - I'm still here, I'm still reading your blog and I'm still making notes on things I want to do - decor and craft wise.

Sorry for not being here...