Christmas 2015 In Review

Since my last post my laptop died.  I have a desktop but I hate being stuck in one room so I had not been posting anything until today.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas.  I watched a lot of Christmas movies and played lots and lots of Christmas music. Everything was going great. I put up all of my decorations over Thanksgiving weekend. Even decorated my office.  But then a monkey wrench was thrown into the program and for a while I wasn't sure if I was going to get back to enjoying the holiday. However by the weekend before Christmas I was in awesome spirits again.

Besides laptop issues, I loss the use of my brakes while driving on a busy road a week before Christmas.  Thank goodness I didn't cause any accidents. Needless to say, the money spent to have the repairs done cut big time into my holiday budget.  Let me tell you, I was feeling the pressure.  I still had to buy food for my Christmas Eve family dinner and gifts for family members.  I had no clue how I was going to get through this holiday.  That's what I get for putting things off.  The first time, I've ever done this, and will NOT be repeating.

So I had a decision to make and in the end everything turned out great.  I just explained that not everyone was going to have their gifts until after Christmas and my family was truly understanding.  That's why I love them so.

The week leading up to Christmas was the most busiest and fun week of all and when I began to relax and enjoy the holiday again.  Over the weekend I baked cookies - 10 different kinds - and took in a large tray as well as a tin for my coworkers. Those cookies were gone before lunchtime.

I tried a new cookie recipe this year.  Cheesecake thumbprint cookies.  They are the little white ones in the center of the tray.  I must admit I was not to sure anyone would like them.  The dough has a shortbread taste and I guess I was hoping for it to be a little sweeter, but my coworkers truly enjoyed them.  I also gave my favorite neighbor and her son a basket of cookies and the rest, well my family took care of that.

On Monday I went to an Ugly Sweater party with a girlfriend and we had so much fun.  There were games, good food and awesome drinks.  We even did some painting.  Here's what I painted...

I found an easy image on the internet to copy as I am not Picaso by a long shot - lol.  I forgot to paint the holly on his hat and the mustash is a little funny on one side but I had a blast doing this.

Here's me and my girlfriend in our ugly sweaters:

They're not ugly really. Not to me - lol.

Tuesday I rested and Wednesday I got started on prepping the meal. On Christmas Eve family and close friends gathered at my house. I love seeing everyone and catching up with those who I don't get to see as much because of everyday life.  I had a problem with my phone so I was unable to take pictures.  Needless to say I added purchasing a new digital camera to my master shopping list for next year.

Because I had to work on Christmas Eve - the first time in 15 years - I created an easy menu which included purchasing a few premade dishes.  That which I cooked myself I prepared the night before.  I wasn't sure how I was going to have everything ready before guests arrived but as luck would have it, my boss allowed me to leave a couple hours early.  Big help!  The menu consisted of...

-Fried chicken (that I ordered from one of my favorite restaurants)
-Minced BBQ (I let that cook in the crock pot while I was at work)
-Lasagna (I put it together the night before so all it needed was to go into the oven)
-Mac & Cheese (same as the lasagna)
-Spinach & Artichoke dip
-potato salad I purchased from Walmart.  I love their Amish potato salad.
-deviled eggs made the night before
-green beans also cooked in a crock pot
-garden salad
-Hawaiian ham & cheese sliders; and for dessert
-Vanilla bean icecream & eggnog in a punch bowl

At the end of the night there was not one drop of food left which made for an easy and quick cleanup for me.  The down side to that was I woke up a little hungry the next morning and realized there were no goodies left - lol.

Christmas day I usually am too tired to do anything and just lay around the house recouperating.  But this year I went to a girlfriend's house.  She hosted a crafting/sip&paint party.  We had a ball. We made jewelry, sand art of course painting.  Everyone agreed that we must do this more often.  I made a bracelet and painted this...

Notice one shoe is bigger than the other.  A little too much sipping - lol.  As I said earlier, I'm not Picaso.

Well that's my story.  Looking forward to next year.

Happy Holiday!  

One More Post Before Bed

Christmas Hats!

Today a co-worker came to my desk and I noticed she was wearing a Christmas hat.  At first I just looked at her, puzzled.  I honestly don't know why I looked at her the way I did lol.  Then I asked why she had on the hat.  She was decorating the Christmas tree that sits in the lobby of our building.  One of the maintenance guys who usually puts up the tree will be off next week, which is when the tree usually goes up.  So they decided to put it up this week.  I transfered to this building, actually a year ago today and I have never walked through the lobby.  All employees enter through a separate door.  I'm going to have to go take a peek once it's all done.

I have quite a collection of Christmas hats/headbands - twenty-five to be exact.  One for every day counting down to Christmas Day.  I don't know what posessed me to start buying all of these hats.  I'm trying to stop but I can't

The headbands were all bought from the dollar store.

Here are my favorites. 

Baltimore Ravens Hat

Let the hat wearing begin! 

Post Christmas

Well Christmas is over!

Usually the day after Christmas is kind of a let down for many. Including me.  Months of planning and prepping and then just like that it's over.  Well not this year.  Not for me.  I have already started planning for 2014 (God willing I'm around to see it).

Since Thursday I have been making lists and printing new forms for my notebook.  First thing I did was start a 'To Do' list: Gifts recipients/ideas, update address book, plan holiday menus, etc.   So far I made a list of persons whom I want to get gifts for.  Even have a few gift ideas written down. Like for my brother I want to get him a new ratchet set. When he worked on my truck last month I noticed the set he has is so old and rusty.  Although they worked fine, I think he would be happy to have a new set.   I also started a master shopping list which I've already started ticking off items from, like Christmas cards, more ornaments, lights, and such.  Yup, I want to be on top of things next year.  No more dragging my feet.

I even have a menu written up for next year's Christmas Eve family dinner though I think some things may change as the months pass.  It always does.

And for the first time, I did not make it out for Black Friday.  I always go out on that day.  It's the day I find really great gifts for me. Heehee.  There are a few things I want like an Ipod. Yes people, I do not own one. I also want a portable hd tv to keep at work.  A new high memory disk drive. The one I want costs a pretty penny but holds more than I will ever need.  A digital camera as I broke the on/off button to my HP digital camera.  That's what I get for leaving it in my handbag for weeks on end.  I never do that. As well as several other things I want.

What I don't get for myself as birthday gifts in July will go on my Christmas Wish List.

Guess I will end here.  I've had several glasses of Ovebrook Eggnog and I'm feeling mighty jolly.

Enjoy your day!!!

Wishing you and your loved ones a Very Merry Christmas!  

It's Christmas Day

From my home to yours,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!       

Making Plans

Good Morning all. That was a long sleep I took, huh. LOL.

I've been spending a lot of time with family and friends. I love being with them.

Yesterday I started taking down my fall decorations. Since I will be spending Thanksgiving elsewhere, there was no need to keep them up. This worked out perfectly as I am able to get a head start rearranging furniture and making space for the Christmas Decorations.

This week is a three day work week for me. Yipee. I'm so excited the holidays are here. I just love this time.

My plans for the week are to finish clearing space for decorating. Hang up lights outside while the weather is fairly nice. Pull out the many totes of decorations. Get Christmas cards signed and address so they are ready to go out in the mail December 1st. For the third year I am participating in the Christmas card exchange over at Magical Holiday Home. Cards will be going to England, Australia, Switzerland (to name a few), as well as across the United States. I want to make sure that my friends across the waters get my card in time for Christmas.

I think this year I am going to put up my Christmas tree when I get home from visiting family Thanksgiving. My best friend since high school told me yesterday that she and her daughters put up theirs yesterday. Black Friday I will be hitting the stores. I'm in desperate need of a new vacuum cleaner. Also I need to pick up all my baking ingredients. Then return home and continue decorating.

Also, I have some new ideas I want to try. One idea I got from Dollar Tree (which as you all know by now is my favorite place to shop) is making hurricane holders using a tall glass vase, a glass tapered candleholder and an 8" white pillar candle. I can't wait to show you. I think I may make a set for one if my besties who loves Christmas as much as I do.

Well gotta go, I'm meeting friends in a few to watch our Ravens play the Bengals. Gooooo Ravens!!!

Happy Holidays!

It's two days post Christmas.  I hope that everyone had a nice holiday.  My holiday was fantastic, though there was almost a chance that it wouldn't happen.

Woke up last Tuesday with a terrible sore throat.  I could not believe I was having the same issues I had during the Thanksgiving holiday. Still I continued to get things ready for Christmas Eve.   Wednesday I had to go out and get the remaining groceries for dinner.  I was slowly falling apart and by Wednesday night, I was feeling so bad, all I could do was lay in bed, rest and get myself together.  I dranked a hot cup of Thera-flu which soothed my throat and relaxed me.  I didn't even feel myself doze off to sleep. 

Thursday morning when I woke up I felt a little better.  I was supposed to be preparing dishes that could be made ahead of time but I ended up going out with one of my best friends to finish gift shopping.  I didn't get to do it Wednesday because I felt so bad and didn't feel like going anywhere else after marketing. 

Oooooh, I've got to tell you what I found when I walked into a Dollar Tree.  I found Santa hats that fit over the top of your chairs. 

I was just browsing through the store while my friend was grabing some things she needed, and there was one hanging on the rack.  I asked a worker if this was all they had left and she said yes.  I was so devasted, but I didn't give up.  I searched high and low through the shelves hoping to find three more.  Just when I was about to give up, I found them, hiding under a bunch of tissue paper.  I had to laugh at myself for the way I was acting.  When I got up to the register the cashier said she was surprised there were any left.  She said they knew these would go fast so they just dumped them all in a shopping cart and left it at the front of the store instead of putting them on the shelves.  When my friend saw them she wanted two so I went back and found two more.  These will be used next year.

We got home from shopping just before the evening rush hour started.  When I got in I decided to take it easy. A hot bath, warm pajamas and a cup of Thera-flu and I just layed in bed and rested.  The food prepping would have to wait until Friday.

Friday morning, I was up early with no problem.  I got in the kitchen and got busy.  Just took my time and did not stress out about all the food I had to prepare.  Know what?  It worked.  Got everything done and still had time to relax before the guests arrived.  This was the menu.

Appetizers:
cheese/ham spirals
crab-red pepper dip
caribbean style wingettes

Entree:
Pork ribs
Bourbon glazed chicken
Steak with carmelized onions

Sides:
roasted potatoes
macaroni & cheese
green beans
fresh garden salad
fresh baked dinner rolls

shrimp salad
deviled eggs

Dessert:
variety of homemade cookies
large punch bowl of eggnog with vanilla bean icecream

The ribs were a last minute thought. Just had a taste for some. The only thing I didn't get around to making were the cupcakes but it was okay.  Noone cared.  I tend to go overboard with the menu.  I just like to make sure that I have something that everyone would like.

The evening went off without a hitch.  I even got a nice surprise.  Some relatives came in from New York whom I hadn't seen in three or four years. 

After dinner we opened presents.  Everyone was very pleased with the gifts I got for them.  Especially the one who received the Washington Redskins car mats.  He completely lossed it. After I watched everyone open their gifts I opened mine.  I got a cute bath set (rug, shower curtain, hooks, towel set), a soft hooded robe with some soft slippers, 3 piece glass candle holders, another candle holder set that has some beautiful writing on them (will go nice with the new bath set), a bottle of Moscoto (my favorite wine), perfume, a 15 inch tall nutcracker (from my neighbor), a gift card for Lane Bryant, a lovely spa set, a digital photo frame (I've always wanted one) and the nicest gift of all - a new laptop computer.

Back in the summer my mom decided to buy herself a new laptop and she would give me her old one.  Well for months I had been waiting for her to give it to me but she kept saying that she was transferring information from the old laptop to the new laptop.  So on Christmas while we were opening gifts she surprised me with a brand new laptop.  When I tore off the wrapping paper I thought it was some glassware.  It wasn't until I turned the box around to open it that I realized it was a laptop.  I was so happy - like a kid.  I couldn't open the box fast enough.  Now I can sit in bed or on the sofa and use the computer instead of being stuck at my desk.  Ooooh, it's a nice one too.  It has a built-in web cam (Now I can chat with my newphew whose in college on Skype) and something called light-scribe.  Light-scribe adds designs to your cd/dvd.  No more do I have to buy the paper and waste the ink from my printer to make labels.  I'm still learning all the programs installed.  Yep, she got me good.

Christmas day for me was a day of rest.  I layed in bed most of the day and watched holiday movies.  My poor feet were hurting so bad.  I could barely stand when I got up to get something to drink.  Usually I am in a coma after partying with the family the night before, but I think because I made sure to get proper rest all week, I was feeling okay.

Well, let me stop boring you guys.  It's almost 8 in the evening and my Monday night line-up of shows are about to begin.  More tomorrow. Good night!

Spending Christmas in Another Country

If I could spend Christmas in another country I would choose to spend it in either Switzerland or Germany. 

I watch a lot of public television and one of my favorite programs is Rick Steve's - Travels in Europe.  One year I saw a Christmas special he did showing several countries and the traditions they share during the holiday season.  The towns he visited in these countries are not places a lot of tourists would ever think to go to.  The people were sweet and charming.  And although each country he visited was beautiful, magical places, Germany and Switzerland really stuck out from the others with me.

I like Switzerland, one because you're guaranteed a white Christmas. (at least it seems there's always snow there in winter).   Plus there's so much you can do. I would love to go sleigh riding and walking through the villages/towns looking in the shops. The scenery was so old world - quaint and cozy. One tradition I saw was in the evening they were sking down a snow-covered hill holding torches. It looked lot a lot of fun. Then afterwards, they were all gathered in a cute little cabin enjoying a lovely meal by candlelight.  A perfect way to end a day of being with family and friends.

The town Rick visited in Germany was hopping with lots of Christmas cheer. The marketplace was alive with music, lots of food, cute little stands to shop for gifts and decorations everywhere.  Germany has such a rich, strong tradition. It'as all about family and friends.  I so would love to visit one Christmas.  Who knows. Maybe one day I'll get the chance. Maybe. 

Christmas Journaling - Christmas Carols

Keep the traditional or please write some new one?

What's wrong with the traditional songs?  Nothing!  To me the traditional Christmas songs are an important part of the holiday season.  They tell us stories of how and why we celebrate such a joyous ocassion.

Now that being said, I want to also say that I like the new, more hip Christmas songs as well.  I thought I had heard every Christmas song there was, and am always amazed when I hear something new or different.  For a long time I only knew of the songs my parents, aunts and uncles used to play regularly when I was a kid and the songs sung in church.  It wasn't until I got older I began find out about other kinds of Christmas music. 

I start playing Christmas tunes the day after Thanksgiving. I consider myself to be well rounded and will listen to any kind of holiday tunes. It depends on what mood I'm in.  Like when I'm enjoying a nice evening at home just lying around on the sofa, gazing at the Christmas tree and all the decorations, I usually play instrumental tunes.  If I'm sipping on a glass of wine I'll spice up the music with some holiday jazz.  That get's my fingers snapping. 

When I'm cleaning and getting the house ready for decorating, I put on the old R&B Christmas classics: The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Nat King Cole, etc.  Those songs always remind me of when my family would all gather at my grandma's house.  She lived in a little apartment and one of my uncles and his family lived directly under her in their apartment. Somehow we all fitted in there nice and snugged (counting 8 siblings, their spouses/friends and us kids).  One uncle and one aunt are no longer here, and the family has grown over the years with great grandkids and great-great grandkids.  And now the family gathers at my little apartment. :-)

Now when I'm sitting at the computer (like now) I tune into Merry Christmas Radio and when I'm wrapping gifts, baking cookies or taking a drive around the neighborhood looking at the lights, I usually turn on the radio where the local station plays Christmas music nonstop til New Year's Day.  The radio is where I heard 'Grandma Got Runover By A Reindeer' and Porky Pig's version of 'Blue Christmas'.  That Porky Pig song always crack me up.  I remember the first time I heard it. It was about 2:00 in the morning during the holidays.  I was on the highway on my way home from my second job (it was parttime) when it came on the radio.  I was in tears by the time the song ended. I had never heard such a crazy song before.
Then there's a couple that I tear-up a little whenever they come on the radio.  One is "Christmas Shoes".  The other is actually a narration, when Santa meets a soldier during a war. I don't know the name of it, but everytime I hear it, I just sigh and begin to think about all those soldiers fighting in wars, not being home with their families for the holidays. 

I have quite a few favorite holiday songs: "Let It Snow," by Boys II Men; "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas," by Burl Ives; "Winter Wonderland," by The Eurythmics - to name a few.  "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas", by James Taylor, has become one of my favorite Christmas songs (I like Taylor anyway and have several of his cd's).  His version of the song gives me a warm feeling inside and I especially love the video.  It makes me think about my family coming altogether Christmas Eve. A new tradition I started about 7 or 8 years ago. It's the only time everyone gets to see everyone all at once.  A few months ago I finally broke down and downloaded the entire album  and have been playing it ever since.

Christmas Is Coming

Know how I know?  I saw it with my own eyes.  Heehee.

I had Columbus day off so I decided to do some Christmas shopping.  I started my day at 5:00 a.m. First I took my boyfriend to work (his car is in the shop), then headed to the 24-hour Super Walmart. I love shopping in Walmart in the wee hours of the morning. So quiet and peaceful. You can take your time and really look around. Also it's when the workers are stocking the shelves with all the new goodies. I was in there for hours.  I was looking for Christmas decorations but nothing has been put up yet. They do have boxes of Christmas trees stacked on high shelves in the garden center section, but that's all. I was also hunting for the new holiday scented candles by Air Wick. No such luck on that either.

After leaving Walmart I stopped in Kmart and what should mine eyes see?....  An assortment of Christmas trees.  Not just trees - outdoor decorations, gift wrap, lights, ornaments, pretty bows, Santas and snowmen.  Tableware..... Oh I could just go on and on. 

I was scared to take more pictures.  I didn't want the people thinking I was a competitor from another store.  (wink)

It's Coming!

Yes, yes, Christmas is coming. Only 108 days.  Will you be ready? I sure hope to be.

With my trusty notebook in hand I've been going over everything I need to do before the big day arrives.  So far I have my budget, gift list, shopping list and holiday menu done.  I really need to get on the ball shopping for gifts. So starting this week I plan to start shopping. I spent the day Saturday with my nieces and nephews to find out what they wanted for Christmas.  My niece is into the Whimpy Kid books.  She already has two so I will get her the other two I saw in Walmart.  She also wants some games for her DS.  My nephew just wants games for his XBox.   I want to have all my gifts purchased before Thanksgiving.

Then there's those craft projects to complete.  Today I finished putting together a holiday mix playlist then burned them on to CDs.  I'm also making photo calendars for the second year. They were such a big hit last year.

Yesterday I was in the mood to bake so I made some shortbread cookies.  I decorated them with color sugar for a festive look.  The cookies  turned out good but would have been better with icecream.  So I went to the store today to pick up a pint of vanilla icecream.  I know what I will be snacking on tonite.

Cath-Up

So much has been going on since my last post.  My home is all decorated.  Gifts are bought, wrapped and under the tree. Plans for my family Christmas Eve dinner are going great.  My family loved the dvd greeting cards I sent them this year.  I can't wait until we are all together.  It's going to be so much fun.  What's really great is a cousin whom I haven't seen in probably 10 years is coming and he's bringing his wife.

We had our first snow fall last Saturday.  It was so beautiful. It snowed nearly all day.  It really put me in the Christmas mood.  I cranked up the holiday tunes and wrapped gifts while drinking rum eggnog  - Mmm, mmm good.  We got a little bit more Tuesday night but the rain had washed it all away by Wednesday morning. Boy did it pour. There were floods everywhere. Skies are clear today and sunny, but it is very windy and cold.

Next Wednesday will be my last day at work.  I will be off until the new year (Whoo-hoo!).  This will give me a few days to get all of my baking done and take care of any last minute issues before the family gets together. 

My mom and I are hooking up later today to do some Christmas shopping.  She's one of those people who shops at the last minute.  Speaking of shopping I was in Kmart yesterday and found some great deals on men's crew-neck shirts and sweaters.  I bought a pair of jeans for one of my nephews for $14.99.  They are THRE3 jeans by Polo. Originally $24.99.  I couldn't believe the price and am going back today to get him another pair and two sweaters.  The sweaters are beautiful. I wouldn't mind one for myself.  What is shocking is that they were in Kmart.  I also found some nice night-gowns and ladies robes at half the original price. 

Tonight after shopping I need to take pictures of my place so that I can get them posted for the Holiday Tour of Homes.  Cathymac, one of my friends at Magical Holiday Home is again hosting.  You will be able to see how members (and non-members) have decorated their homes for the holidays on Cathy's blog, "Cathymac's Holiday Hamlet".  If you would like to show off your fabulous home, Cathy has provided us with a way to link our blogs or pictures.  Hope to see you there.

Well I better get off this computer and do some work before the boss catches me. 

97 Days

SparkleNana, an MHH buddy has started a fun topic counting down the days to Christmas. Each day, she wants you to try to do something fun as it relates to Christmas and report what you did at the forum. The only things I''ve done since the countdown began is go through my planner. I need to start really having some fun. Actually, working on this blog is fun. I enjoy coming here and writing about my adventures as I prepare for the holiday season. And now that we're under 100 days I will be here even more.

On my lunchbreak, I think I will go window shopping. A MHH buddy said she went into KMart the other day and saw that they had Christmas trees out already. There's a KMart right behind where I work. I will walk over there on my break to see if they have their trees on display.