Christmas Eve Tradition

At Ramos House.

can't go wrong with their hot cocoa and homemade marshmallows. 

huckleberry coffee cake... delicious. Although the apple cinnamon beignets are my favorite. 

Love the atmosphere here. They always have the quaintest decor. Simple and elegant. 

 Perfect start to the Christmas weekend. Also got to see my new nephew. Can't wait for tonight.
Wishing you the Merriest Christmas of all. 

Sweet treat

This year I wanted to make rice crispy treats for my neighbors, since it's super easy and we have a ton of kids in the neighborhood. So when I came across a instagram post on adding cake batter, I had to try it. 

They are delicious. I can't believe I haven't tried these scrumptious treats before!

Cake Batter Rice Crispy Treats

• 
  

3 Tbsp. butter
1 (10 oz.) bag of mini-marshmallows
1/3 cup yellow cake mix
6 cups crispy rice cereal
1 (1.75 oz.) container of sprinkles

Method: Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat and add marshmallows. Stir until they begin to melt, adding in cake mix one spoonful at a time so its combined. Stir in rice crispy cereal so it is completely covered with marshmallow mixture. Sprinkle in half of the sprinkles and mix. Press into a baking dish (any size will do) and top with remaining sprinkles. Let sit for about 30 minutes before cutting. 

Unfortunately I have to go to the store and get more because my kids have inhaled most of them. 

 Just watch out for the sticky fingers. 

Santa's Message

photo found on pinterest via Tracey Lau

So I discovered this very important Santa Clause message that every child should get a chance to see and hear. Click here to see one of the videos I sent to my child. Or click here to make your own. My kids are obsessed and have watched it possibly 30x's today. I cried the first time I saw my kids watch the videos. They are amazed.

Enjoy!!

It's Raining

photo

There's a soft pitter patter on the roof this morning. 

And it hasn't let up.

It feels so nice to just lay in bed and 

listen to the rain. 

Knowing that today 

I'll get a lot done inside. 

It's going to be a link list day.

Find the DIY tutorial here for this lovely garland. 

Kris at Young Married Chic is making some cookies I really really need.
Mary at mygreendiet is doing a giveaway... ends tomorrow!!
Caitlin at Caitlin Wilson Design is doing a 2 day sale!
Nicole at Me Oh My reposted her Felt Garland tutorial.
Totally Rad is doing giveaways for the 12 days of Christmas!

Cozy up by the fire and your lit tree with your coffee or hot cocoa and call it a day.

Happy Weekend!

photo and this DIY found here

 Hope you have a wonderful weekend planned. This week has been too busy for words. Everyday in December seems to be shorter then the one before. However I did manage to get a few things done.

I made these cute little clips for my baby girls. I'm a sucker for anything that sparkles. These will be some good stocking stuffers. 

Wrapped most of my Christmas presents, and I am done Christmas shopping!! Feels so so good to say that. 

While shopping, I picked up this lovely bracelet combo for a total of $8. Best purchase of the day for sure. You can find them at Forever 21.

 and my Christmas Cards came in. We ordered through Minted, and I can't say enough good things about their cards. Now I need to finish getting my addresses in order so I can send the rest of them out. All this organizing made me add something to my "To Get" list... an address book.

Have a Happy Happy Weekend!

eating

My way through the  long weekend. 

It was chilly outside, 

but we were nice and  toasty inside

stuffing our bellies.

Made Maple Cranberry Syrup and Butter

Maple-Cranberry Butter:

1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

1/4 cup pure maple syrup (no aunt jemimas! :)

1 cup butter, at room temp

To make the maple cranberry butter, combine cranberries and maple syrup in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until the cranberries have softened and popped, about 5 minutes.

Let cool, then place in a large bowl with the butter. Beat with a wooden spoon until just combine, cover and set in the fridge until ready to serve

Recipe courtesy of me oh my

Chopped up homemade 

Chicken noodle soup 

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped celery

4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth

1 (14.5 ounce) can vegetable broth

1/2 pound chopped cooked chicken breast

1 1/2 cups egg noodles

1 cup sliced carrots

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

• In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Cook onion and celery in butter until just tender, 5 minutes. Pour in chicken and vegetable broths and stir in chicken, noodles, carrots, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes before serving.
• Recipe courtesy all recipes.com

Made my own rendition of 

Brie Grilled Cheese with Rosemary salt and Clover Honey. 

amazing!

Made Gingerbread houses with our cousins.

decorated the tree

Had hot cocoa

Sat by the fire and cuddled with hubby and kids while watching, what else, football. 

 Christmas is here and I am loving every second!

Sweet Paul

Can I just say that anything Paul does is amazing.  

The online magazine just came out and you must take a peek.

 There is so much inspiration in every page...

These cranberry Fizz drinks are a must!

If I were to have the perfect Christmas table spread it would look a little like this.

Check it out you wont be disappointed. 

DIY-Christmas Globes

Project: Do it yourself Mason Jar Snow Globes. 

 I saw these adorable globes at Anthro and decided I had to give it a try and make them myself. It was really easy so I thought I'd share. 

1.

What you will need

Spray Adhesive Glue

Glitter

Mini Tree's- I bought a 21 piece pack at Michaels

Glue Gun

a bag of fake snow

a bag of small pine cones 

I also made globes with Snowmen and added glitter jingle bells- both from Michael's. 

2.

Spray the tree's with adhesive glue and sprinkle with glitter.

Let dry.

 For the snowman I bought three different sized balls (Small,Medium,Large) separately, 

each came in packs of 4-6 balls. 

 Glue gun the body of the snowman together using one of each size,

spray with adhesive glue, 

and sprinkle with glitter.

Turn the mason jar upside down and unscrew the cap. 

Arrange the tree's or snowman how you like on the inside of the cap,

then glue gun all the items to the cap.

Once the glue is dry add the fake snow, 

then screw the top back on. 

Make sure you don't turn the mason jar right side up. 

It will make a mess. 

Keep it upside down the whole time. 

Happy Crafting!!