4th of July 2015!

Is it officially too late to post about our 4th of July?

Well if it is, then skip over this post.

This year's Independance Day was unlike any other. It was the first year that we were parents to a human baby and it was awesome.

We started our holiday weekend off by going on Friday morning to pick up our newest family member Ronin. After that adventure I scoured Pinterest, where else, for some fun patriotic desserts that didn't require me turning on my oven. I found this one and this one.

Saturday morning we woke up and cleaned our house. We decided that instead of going to my Aunt's house, per usual, we would stay home and start our own little tradition with our little family. We bought a house in a court for a reason. Growing up I lived in a court and holidays were the best with all of the neighbors, I wanted that for my kids. We had discussed with our neighbors and agreed that we would BBQ in the driveways and enjoy fireworks together. We invited a few friends over as well and we got the party started.

I made the above forementioned desserts and one was a fantastic win and the other an epic fail.  Can you guess which one?  Well that jello flag, although seems super easy, can not be done ahead of time, which is why I failed.  I made it ahead of time and by the time that we ate dessert all of the whipped cream had "melted" and made an entire white layer on top of the red jello and those little blueberries spread out all across the pan.  The flag was no longer a flag.  Now the no bake chocolate chip dessert!  AHMAZING!  Tastes just as good as the real stuff and it doesn't have raw egg which makes it the right way you should eat cookie dough :)

We ended up having a great night with all the kids and neighbors.  I'm so glad that we chose this court that we live in.  We are so lucky that we have great neighbors that we get along with.  I can't wait to see how our future holidays go.  :)

Now a photo dump of this year and year's past.

No Christmas For Us In November

Today I am talking all about why we do not decorate for Christmas in November.

I love Christmas just as much as the next person - believe me - but we refuse to decorate for the festive holiday in November.  I feel as though Christmas decorations are popping up sooner and sooner every year.  I love seeing every one's pictures on IG but it's like everyone has forgotten about Thanksgiving.

I am guilty of watching the new Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel, after all they did start premiering on November 1st, but that doesn't mean that I want Christmas everywhere.

I hate that stores are already playing Christmas music.  To me, Christmas is a December and Winter holiday.  In November I want all things Fall and Thanksgiving.  I waited until November 1st to decorate for Thanksgiving because Halloween was finally over, I feel the same way about all holiday decorations, wait until the previous holiday has passed.

In our house we decorate for Christmas from December 4 - December 26/27.  Why such a short time you may ask?  Well both the hubs and I have Winter birthdays and we don't like to have Christmas taking over those days either.  The hubs' birthday is the 3rd of December and he likes to decorate for Christmas after that, so I comply.  Then my birthday is January 1st and my mom spoiled me my whole life and always had our house undecorated by then, so he complies.

It is a nice compromise on both our parts and we are happy to do it.  I love having my house all decorated in burnt oranges and reds and turkeys everywhere.  As of December 4th, swear, our house will look like Santa himself threw up Christmas cheer all over the place :)

Five on Friday - last one in 2013

I cannot believe that this is the last Friday of 2013!!  The year is wrapping up and so are the holidays.  As much as I love Christmas - and believe me, I do! - I am happy to have my house back in "normal" shape.

Today I am linking up again with the ladies of 5 on Friday.

{ONE}

Our house is back to "normal" as I stated above.  Last night after dinner the hubs and I took down the ornaments, lights, garland, tree and other decorations around the house.  As sad as it is to take it all down it had a good run.  It survived our journey to get it, bring it home, keep it alive and keep it from being attacked constantly from the pups.  One thing we learned this year, both of our furbabies like the taste of pine trees apparently.  This might have to be our last real tree but I will probably be okay with that.

{TWO}

We found out yesterday that we will be adding a new addition to my family!  My cousin in Washington announced that her and her husband are expecting their first child on their Christmas card!  It was so cute and we are all soooo excited!  She is due in June so we are all hoping that they make a visit to California before she pops out little Baby Moz.  :)

{THREE}

Hank Hughes - the newest addition to our family if you don't follow me on Twitter or Instagram - has finally slept through the night last night!  That's right folks...our little bundle of joy slept 8 whole hours last night!!!  We are on cloud nine and couldn't be more excited.  LOL.  We have barely been making it 4 hours at night this whole week that we have had him.  Last night he decided to be an angel - probably because he knows how tired his mommy and daddy are - and slept the whole night and no accidents!  We feel like superheroes this morning.  Ignore the over excitement and just let me have my moment please :)

{FOUR}

This Christmas was the best one yet.  I keep thinking that there has to come a year where it doesn't beat out every one before that - but I have yet to find that.  This year, Ryan was home!  Biggest thing by far for me.  Nothing was more special than getting to spend Christmas together.  We started the morning off by spending time with our furbabies.  Ryan and I did not do gifts this year due to getting Hank Hughes just a week before and because being together is all we needed.  We then went to my mom's house for breakfast and presents.  My mom spoiled us - and the dogs - as she always does.  It was the first year that I didn't wake up at my mom's house on Christmas - a little strange, but we survived :)  We then went home and spent the rest of the morning and afternoon with our little family of 4 snuggling on the couch and watching TV.  For the evening we went to my in-law's for dinner and more gifts.  Dinner was delicious and we, once again, got spoiled.  My mother-in-law got everything on our list this year.  We are sooooo set now. :)  We ended the night with our pups just as we started it.  It was an amazing Christmas. :)

{FIVE}

My birthday - quarter of a century! - is in 5 days!  I can't believe it.  I feel like I just turned 24 a couple months ago.  I am so excited that Ryan will be home this year for my birthday too.  We will be going out to dinner for Chinese food like I have done every year on my birthday since I can remember.  I love that we do this and am so glad that my parents started that tradition many moons ago.

I hope that you all have a great Friday and lovely weekend.  Enjoy it!  Last one of the year!!!

So Christmas is Over...

We hope that you had a very Merry Christmas! ❤
From my little family to yours :)

One last Christmas song for the fun of it :)

My 25th birthday is in 6 days folks!!!! AHHHHHH!!!!!

A whole quarter of a century!

Oh, You Fancy! {12 Days of Christmas}

Day 11 of #12DaysOfBlogging with Amber and Erin.

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Today we are talking about holiday looks.  Now I am in no way, shape or form a fashionista.  I think that I can pair simple things together to make them look good.  

Now, my family had their get together yesterday and being the horrible blogger that I am, I did not take a single picture of my "festive" outfit.

Tomorrow I am planning on dressing "festive" for work and then on Christmas Day I will probably just wear leggings and a big top since we aren't going anywhere but to both parents' houses and back to our couch to snuggle with our furbabies.

And with all that said I didn't want to not post any pictures so I discovered Polyvore ::which please tell me how I haven't before!:: and put together two looks that I would love to wear - but could never afford.

Holiday Party for Work:

Dress/Coat/Shoes/Clutch/Earrings/Bracelet/Polish

Holiday Fun:

Tunic/Leggings/Wedges/Hair Bow/Clutch/Bracelets/Earrings

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!!!

Holi-Drink! {12 Days of Christmas}

Day 10 of #12DaysOfBlogging with Amber and Erin.

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Today we are talking about festive, holiday cocktails!  Man oh man, do I love cocktails.  Now don't take this as I have a problem...it is actually quite the opposite.  I have pretty much quit drinking since our honeymoon but I do indulge every once in a while still. 

The problem with the holiday drinks though is that I am picky.  And by picky I mean that there are very few drinks that I actually like.  I like the drinks that are sneaky and yummy.  I don't drink dark alcohol or beer for the most part.  I enjoy vodka and liquors.

Now with that being said - and get ready to GASP - I despise Eggnog.  :(  It is sooooo nasty to me.  Nothing about it is appealing to me.  The eggy taste, the creaminess, the RUM or WHISKEY.  No thank you!  More for the rest of you this way though.

source

So with that I have decided to share one of my most favorite drink recipes ever.  I discovered this when I was bar tending at good ol' Spag.  It quickly became my favorite drink ever and I used to make just a little bit extra each time so I could take a little taste - responsibly of course. :)

I introduce you to - and you're welcome in advance -

The Strawberry Pomegranate Drop

Things Needed:

1 Martini Glass - or any glass for that matter

Ice

Cocktail Shaker

Plain sugar

Lime Juice

Sweet and Sour

Monin Strawberry Puree

Three Olives Pomegranate Vodka

Directions:

::Disclaimer - I just count everything out.  There is no wrong way to make it as long as the proportions are correct::

Take your cocktail shaker and put a scoop of ice inside.

Pour two shots of vodka inside.

Take the puree and put some inside.  As much as you would like it to taste like strawberry.  I usually do about 5-10 seconds worth.

Add a splash of lime juice

Fill the cocktail shaker so that it is about 2/3 full with sweet and sour mix

Cover and shake until you feel the whole shaker turn chilly.

Take your glass and dip the top in lime juice and then sugar.

Strain your shaker contents into glass.

Serve with either a lemon or lime wedge

ENJOY!



Presents..Presents..Presents! {12 Days of Christmas}

 Day 9 of #12DaysOfBlogging with Amber and Erin.

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Today we are talking wish lists.  Now if you haven't figured it out by now I L-O-V-E presents!  Not only do I love receiving, but I also truly love giving.  I like to think that I give thoughtful and meaningful gifts.  I would like to think that I do a great job of listening to people throughout the year and remember things to get them during the holiday season.

For example, one year around my mom's birthday ::May:: my mom mentioned that she wanted a white bench for her front patio because her old wooden brown own - that had been around my whole life - was starting to lose it.  I searched high and low for the next 5 months to find her the perfect white bench.  In the end we couldn't find one that we liked so we improvised.  I bought a plain wood one that I liked and then had my hubby - boyfriend at the time - and his dad paint it white for me.  She was soooo surprised and happy that Christmas morning when I surprised her with it.

Now with all that being said, the hubby and I have some very nice Champagne tastes on a Coors Light budget at times.  I thought today's prompt would be perfect to make up a list of the top 6 things that we would each loooooovvvvveeeeee to have that we will never be receiving as a gift from Santa.

The Hubs Wish list according to me:

And now for mine....Oh please Santa dearest!

What's on your dream wish list this year?

Treats! Oh, How We Love Treats! {12 Days of Christmas}

Today is Day #8 of #12DaysOfBlogging with Amber and Erin. 

 

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Today we are talking about my favorite thing to do in the whole wide world!  That's right folks...we are talking about

B-A-K-I-N-G!!

 

Baking has always been a thing while I was growing up.  My mom is not per say an amazing baker but she holds her own with a mixer and an oven.  I remember growing up we were always creating something - my mom's famous chocolate chip cookies or her fudge. 

 

I don't exactly remember when I decided that I loved to bake but I do remember that I have always enjoyed it.  I would be completely happy making a new dessert every single day if my wallet and my husband's health wouldn't decrease.  LOL.

 

I am so happy that I married a man who loves his treats.  I do not eat many ::if any:: desserts with the exception to ICE CREAM, so I love that he will try out anything that I want to make.  I also love that my father-in-law is just like his son and loves my baked goods as well. 

 

Funny little side note:  My husband now works at the same location as his dad and they eat lunch together every day ::super cute:: and now everyone at work is always asking for him to bring in more goodies because they like them so well.  It makes me happy that people love my baked goodness as much as I love making it.

 

Without further ado, I bring you a wonderful and scrumptious

 

Apple Pie with a Caramel Crumble

 

Ingredients:

1 9-inch pie pan - I used glass

1 pie crust - I used Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts

1 cookie sheet (for placing the pie on while baking)

 

Filling:

5 medium apples ::whichever you fancy:: peeled, cored and cubed

3/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons flour

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon lemon juice

 

Crumble:

1 cup oats

1 cup brown sugar ::really as much as you'd like but at least 1 cup::

 

Topping:

1 jar caramel topping sauce

1/4 cup butter

 

Directions:

 

{ONE}

Heat oven to 425 degrees.  Place pie crust in an ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate.  Press firmly against sides and bottom.

 

{TWO}

Gently mix filling ingredients in large bowl.

 

{THREE}

Spoon into pie plate and cover all areas

 

{FOUR}

Mix oats and brown sugar in a smaller bowl.  Completely cover the filling with the crumble topping

 

{FIVE}

Take the caramel topping sauce and cover the top as much as you like.

 

{SIX}

Take the 1/4 cup of butter and cube it up and plop (so technical I know) it all over the top.

 

{SEVEN}

Place pie on cookie sheet and place in oven.  Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apple are tender and crust is golden.

 

{EIGHT}

Let cool for at least two hours before serving.  If making ahead of time, cover with saran wrap and keep refrigerated and place in oven for warming when ready to enjoy.

 

 

Before Baking

After Baking

 

I hope you enjoy this tasty treat as much as my family did. 

Christmas Tradition {12 Days of Christmas}

Today is Day #7 of #12DaysOfBlogging with Amber and Erin. 

 

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Today we are supposed to talk about Christmas traditions in our family.  I wouldn't say that growing up we had many "traditions" that we stuck to each year.  Then, as I sit here thinking about it I guess in our own way we did.

 

Decorating our house was always a tradition.  My mom and I have decorated together every year since I was a wee little one.  This year is the first year that she didn't help me at my house and me at hers.  It was a little strange and off but we successfully did it and now get to enjoy the others' decorations.

 

Christmas Eve.  My family never did anything with anyone else on Christmas Eve.  It was our day/night to spend together as a little fam bam.  I don't know when or how it got started but eventually my brother and I were able to open one gift on Christmas Eve.  Now we of course had already picked out which one we wanted to open and while ignoring encouragement from my mother I would single-handedly, almost always, open the WORST gift under the tree.  Now I don't mean this to sound rude or selfish - it is just completely true.  One year, the most memorable in fact, I opened up a black pad of paper.  Little did I know that my mom had bought me all of the super cool gel pens that I had asked for.  I was so upset.  I begged to open another and of course was told no.  That isn't how it goes.  LOL

 

Christmas morning is probably my favorite of the "traditions" that my family has.  Each year we would wake up and get our parents.  We would have to wait in the hallway or a bedroom where we couldn't see the tree ::looking back I think my parents didn't quite set everything up from Santa like the should have:: and wait for our parents to call us into the room.  Once we got in there the tree was full of presents!  I have a slight fondness obsession with presents.  I absolutely love them!  I love to give them and receive them.  Christmas was made for me - and the fact that my birthday is a week later ain't too shabby either. 

 

I digress...

 

We would sit around the tree and one of us would distribute the presents and stockings.  Usually it was me, because I love it so, and once all were with their new owners we would go one by one opening gifts.  This is my favorite.  It makes you slow down and appreciate what you get each round.  Plus you can actually pay attention to everyone else enjoying their gifts as well.

 

We have continued this tradition my whole life and now that the hubs has come around he is included as well.  I absolutely love it and cannot wait til we have littles to have them join in as well.

 

Another tradition that is new to our family - and by new I mean I started it 3 years ago - is that I make my brother and sister-in-law a personalized calendar for their Christmas present.  I started this one year to document the year of Gavin ::the most adorable little boy ever::  and it has continued since then.  I secretly hope that they look forward to it each year.  I love going through and finding the last year's worth of pictures to put in it and sending it off to them.

 

I love traditions so much and now looking at it, I guess my family does have some.  We are a strange bunch but we are definitely family and I love every single bit of it. :)

It Isn't Christmas Without... {12 Days of Christmas}

Today is Day #6 of #12DaysOfBlogging with Amber and Erin.

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Today's prompt is "Is isn't Christmas without..."  My answer for this prompt is sooooo easy!  Christmas is by far one of my top favorite holidays!  I have so many things that I love to do during the holiday season and here are a few that make my season complete.

Hallmark Christmas Movies!

This makes my husband upset and annoyed that I love them so much.  I can't help myself.  I know that they are all sappy and cheesy and mostly all end the same "boy meets girl. they fall in love.  they fight.  they makeup in time for the holiday" but I just love them.  Now, don't get me wrong, there are certain ones that I do not like ::i.e. Eloise movies - that little girl is just annoying:: but for the most part they have a part of my Christmas spirit that I cannot help but love!

 

Christmas Classics!

As much as I love Hallmark, I love the classics too!  White Christmas is my all time FAVORITE Christmas movie followed closely by Miracle on 34th Street ::the original!::  White Christmas is on the list partly due to it being a musical.  I am a sucker for all things choreographed and love story.  I always wanted to be Judy while she danced and have a love like Betty.  Oh just thinking about it makes me smile.  I might just have to go home and watch this this afternoon.  It never gets old.  And Miracle on 34th Street.  This is the oldest memory I have of a Christmas movie.  I fell in love with it as a child and continue to love it as an adult.  I cannot wait to pop these into the good ol' blue ray and sing away and love the Christmas spirit.

Mommy Nena Cookies!

These are my favorite Christmas tradition in my family.  My mom and I have made these cookies every year during Christmas for as long as I can remember.  They are cookies that were passed down to us from my Mommy Nena ::my dad's mom::  While these cookies are in no way, shape or form good for you ::even more so than most cookies:: they are to die for!  They are a sweet mixture of flour and cinnamon and while dry, they compliment your coffee, milk or tea quite nicely.  :)  The recipe is secret and something that I will probably never share with anyone that I do not give birth to. LOL.  

These three things ::well two:: are what my Christmas is made of.  I feel like without these my season would not be the same.  I cannot wait to have littles on day so that they can help me carry on this silly thing I call tradition.  :) 



Treasure {12 Days of Christmas}

Today is Day #5 of #12DaysOfBlogging with Amber and Erin.

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Today's link up topic is a Christmas treasure.  I didn't really  know what to talk about for this today and after thinking long and hard about it I have decided that I will be sharing what are my favorite things about Christmas time.

I love snuggling ::and by snuggling I mean getting as close to the hubby as possible without him pushing me away.  he is not a snuggler by any means:: in a warm cozy house.  I love that we are fortunate enough to have a house that we can keep at the temperature that we feel comfortable.

I love drinking hot tea or cocoa and eating a warm meal.  I cannot imagine not having these little things in life and I know that we are, once again, very lucky to have this opportunity.

I love that I get to spend my life and holiday season with people I love.  I cannot imagine not living near my family or not having a relationship with them.  I cannot imagine my life without the hubs and our pup pup.

I love that I live in a country where my husband has helped defend us and our freedom and has been so fortunate to come back home to me.  I prayed so hard that nothing would happen to him and I feel so lucky that my prayers were answered because so many others' unfortunately are not.

While these things are not something that is necessarily a "treasure" to everyone they are the little things that make me feel special during this holiday season.  I am so thankful that we have what we have and can do what we do.  Tis the season to be thankful and merry.  Spread a little cheer this year by doing something kind for others.

Christmas Music {12 Days of Christmas}

Today is Day #4 of #12DaysOfBlogging with Amber and Erin. 

Today is probably the best day because it is Christmas Music!!!

I L-O-V-E Christmas music.  I don't care who is singing it on the radio or what song it is, I love it all!

I love blasting the songs on full blast and rocking out to them - whether it be in my car, house, cubicle at work ::this one can get a little out of hand at times:: I just love it so much!

I am a strict believer in nothing before Black Friday when it comes to Christmas and now even more tricky in my house is that the Hubby's birthday is December 3rd.  He has asked that we don't start celebrating until the 4th and I am fine with that as my birthday is right after Christmas and we have always ended the holiday festivities before my birthday each year.  So I have been secretly ::which I am terrible at keeping things from him so he does know:: blasting Christmas music whenever possible since November 29th.

So the song I am presenting today has a great story behind it.  I'm not even sure when it started but it has gone on for at least the past 5-8 years.  It involves my mother ::of course::  My mommy and I have this thing that whenever this song comes on we stop what we are doing and call the other.  We don't necessarily even wait to see if the other answers and we just start singing to the rooftops.  This has been "our thing" forever and everyone close to us knows it.  We are even so crazy about this song that I snuck it into our "Mother-Daughter" dance at the wedding.  She was so surprised and we thoroughly enjoyed it.  We busted our moves right there in September to some Christmas music.

Without further ado, I give you my favorite Christmas song ::Hit play and continue reading below::

Feliz Navidad has been our song forever and I love that we have this special thing that only we understand. 

I was raised with Christmas music playing every night during the holidays and couldn't imagine it any other way.  Now the hubs is not that into it but I am determined that when we have littles they will experience the holidays just like I did when it comes to Christmas music. 

I hope you all have a wonderful day and enjoy the festive song of Feliz Navidad!

Christmas DIY {12 Days of Christmas}

Today is Day #3 of #12DaysOfBlogging with Amber and Erin.  Today's prompt is to talk about Christmas DIY Gifts.  I am all about DIY and Christmas and gifts.  Three of my favorite things all bundled up into one pretty little package. :)

I thought today I would share an idea of what you could make for someone you care about.  I completed this DIY this week and have it on display in my own home.  I originally meant to start it sooner so that I could make multiples and gift some out but I don't think my schedule will permit that this year.

Anyways!  Let's get to it.

Yarn Tassel Garland

I got the inspiration for this from Kaitlyn and I followed her instructions for the most part so if at any time my pictures or instructions do not help go check hers out here.

ONE:
Pick out the yarn that you like best.  I chose a darker green, a vibrant red and a nice cream/white to fit my holiday theme.  ::essentially you could do one for anything - I'm thinking about making one for every holiday/season::

TWO:
Decide on a book-like item that you will use to wrap the yarn with.  I chose my iPad because I didn't want my tassels to be too long.

THREE:
Wrap your yarn around the item you chose.  I chose to do 30 wraps - and yes, sometimes I lost count and went a little extra just for good measure.  However full or thin you want your tassels is fine, just be somewhat consistent so that they all look about the same size.

I am the worst blogging photographer ever.  Please don't judge

FOUR:
Cut a small piece of yarn from the same color that you are wrapping with and tie it on one end of your yarn loops.  Once you put this on with one tie carefully cut the opposite end of the yarn creating the actual tassel look.  Complete the tie at the top and cut the extra tails off.  ::I would wrap your top tie at least 3-4 times so that it doesn't come apart later::

FIVE:

Flip your tassel inside out hiding the small knot that you just created.  Take another piece of yarn - whichever size you'd like - and tie it around the top making a little bobble ::such technical words, I know::

SIX:
Complete as many tassels as you'd like in as many colors.  I chose to do 7 of each color giving me 21 tassels to hang.

SEVEN:
Take one color yarn and cut a long enough strand for you to hang all of your tassels on.  I chose the green yarn for mine and cut it after measuring out 4 arm-spans.  I estimate that this is about 10 feet.  Whatever size works for you is fine just as long as it is large enough to hold all of your tassels.

EIGHT:
I folded my strand in half - making it about 5 feet - and threaded a needle onto it.  I tied a large knot on the opposite end of the needle.  I then strung my tassels - through the bobble on the top - on in the pattern of Green, Red, White, Green, Red, White.  Once all tassels were threaded I cut the yarn at the base of the needle and knotted that end.

NINE:
Decide where you want your garland to be hung and do so.  With the extra yarn - and you should most likely have a lot extra depending on your space - loop it back to the original nail and slip-knot it.  ::By doing this you are not limiting yourself to moving it to a larger or smaller space down the road::

TEN:
Enjoy your wonderful DIY garland for many years to come.

This project was super simple and not very expensive.  I bought the yarn from JoAnn's and used a coupon so it came to a total of $9.  I only used about 1/3 of the yarn so I still have plenty left over for the next project I decide on.  Although it seems very time consuming, if you make the tassels while you watch some Christmas movies it goes by very fast :)

This is a simple DIY that anybody would be happy to receive as a gift this holiday season.