Post Post Christmas Update

Christmas was great this year. Although I didn't head to Cali, like in years past, it was still nice and surrounded by family. Only 2 of the people happened to be my actual blood relatives -- no biggy :). Christmas Eve I had lunch with my dear friend Dawn and her son, Andrew. We went to Chuy's and had yummy Mexican food! There is a new one in Plano and it is just as good as the one on McKinney Ave. We then hit up Willow Bend Mall. I normally wouldn't hit a mall on Christmas Eve but it wasn't as crowded as you would think a mall on Christmas Eve would be. Later that night, I met them to see "How Do you Know". It was pretty cute. I didn't really think I would like it after the horrible reviews,but I left the theater feeling warm and fuzzy and I did have a few laughs. Don't expect Oscar winner Reese, just expect adorable, warm and fuzzy Reese and you will do fine. And "Black Swan" is AWESOME!!! It is dark and creepy and interesting. There are plenty of WTF!! moments too. I totally loved it. I definitely did not leave the theater all warm and fuzzy. I was just freaked out. And I would see it again.

On Christmas Day, Mom, Dad and I went to the house of their church friends. It was a huge family gathering and I am grateful they let us join for the day. It was fun and the food was great.

Today is Monday and I am trying to get back into it. It is another short week and Friday I fly into JKF airport for NYE. I am so happy the blizzard hit this past weekend, not next! Man, reading the stories of stranded passengers is just making me cringe. It should be all cleared up by the time I fly out on Friday morning. I won't be hanging out in Times Square on NYE night (too many people and too cold!). I am fine with that -- I like the idea of being able to enjoy champagne, warmth and the ability to move freely. And I heard Snookie (from Jersey Shore) is being lowered in a ball to countdown the new year. That I can totally miss!!! Right now I am not sure of the exact plans for the night. I am just going to show up at the airport and be ready for anything. I will leave the exact plans to my friend. It will be a nice visit - 5 days. Can't wait. I am sure that is why I am actually in a very good mood today. I have this feeling, otherwise, I'd be kind of cranky. Just because.

Everyone have a wonderful Monday and stay warm! Congrats are in order to my friends Tobey and Jennifer on the birth of their daughter, Landrey Claire! She was born Dec 23, so a wonderful Christmas was had by their family. I will go met her when I return from NYC! I don't think I will have time to run to Frisco during the evenings this week so it will have to wait!

Meeting the new little people

Saturday I went for a brief visit with my friend Regan. She had the twins about 4 months ago and I hadn't been to see them. They are so so cute! (I know, you are thinking they should be at 4 months old!). It was a lot of fun to visit with her and to finally see the little ones. It was also a productive visit because she is a member of the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce and invited me to their happy hour on Thursday night. I am looking forward to it! Hopefully the babies will allow this to happen. I am fully aware that if something comes up, I will have to go alone :). But her husband is a perfectly capable papa :).

Saturday night, I went to look at Christmas lights with another friend around Frisco. There is a house that just goes all out. The lights are synchronized to music you can hear over the radio. Pretty fun stuff! I have some pictures so I will have to post, however they don't do it justice! The owner of the house is an Aggie which makes him even cooler :). This friend is expecting a baby any time (she is due Dec 28) however I really expect her give birth within the next 2 weeks (definitely before Christmas!).

Okay, that is the brief overview. Nothing too big, just a lot of visiting on Saturday. Later!

Peppermint Bark Recipe

I went to a cookie party on Friday night and it was a blast! It was modified to have us bring 3 dozen of our treat (not even all cookies!) and we just took what we wanted. This way, we still were able to share the treats but the participants took just what they would be able to eat (or share) and the yumminess wouldn't go to waste. Last year, I think a few people didn't take their pre-packaged cookie box and it just isn't fair to those who put effort into making 6 dozen cookies. I took some home Friday night and will be sharing with those at work on Monday! There was some yummy stuff. Instead of cookies, I made the Peppermint back. Yummy, yummy stuff! Here is the recipe:

Crushed candy canes, to yield 1 cup (The fun part is beating the crap out of the candy canes!)

• 2 pounds white chocolate
• Peppermint flavorings, optional

Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler (or microwave or just on the stove. I didn't use the double boiler). Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired.) Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Break up into pieces and enjoy!!!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! Later!

Hump Day

I am kind of addicted to AMC's "The Walking Dead" now. Yep, nothing says Happy Holidays like zombies. :). By the way, never watch 3 episodes in a row before going to sleep.... I had some REALLY weird dreams!

So, not much is going on this week. Truthfully, I kept forgetting today is Wednesday! I have an Angel Tree child to buy for and some holiday treats to make for a party on Friday (peppermint bark. YUMMY and very easy. I'll post the recipe later.). I just need to pick up a few more things for the Angel Tree child. Mom took half of my kid's wish list and took full advantage of the sales on Friday! (Thanks Mom!).

Later!