Christmas Cookies for Every Craving

Everyone has different reactions to stress. Some people nap, some eat, some exercise, but personally, I love to go into my kitchen and bake. Normally I will just bake something like chocolate chip cookies that I have the recipe memorized for because it is a mindless task, but this year I have been using that time to test out new recipes from the Martha Stewart Living magazine, Pinterest, etc. With finals approaching and Christmas being one of my favorite seasons, I have already tried quite a few holiday cookie recipes and plan to try even more in the coming weeks. Below are some of my favorite recipes that I've made, or want to make. Believe it or not, I think my current favorite recipe comes from Taylor Swift. Also, I promise all of these can be made without the aid of an electric mixer or food processor since I have neither... seriously, I hand-whisk everything. I did ask for a mixer for Christmas though, so maybe that will all be changing...(*wink wink* Momma)

Peppermint-Candy Sugar Cookies

I definitely used too much flour when I made these last week, but people still enjoyed them! Personally, I would recommend buying pre-crushed peppermint or candy canes for this one because those peppermint rounds are a lot harder to crush than I realized! This is basically one of Martha Stewart's great sugar cookie recipes with just a subtle hint of peppermint, definitely nothing overwhelming. However, I think next time I make them I will add a dash of peppermint extract to the batter to really enhance the holiday flavor.

Gingerdoodles

These cookies kill two birds with one stone. I actually stumbled across these while searching for a good snickerdoodle recipe and thought these would be a fun holiday variation of a cookie classic. Plus, it makes me feel less guilty about using the pre-made Pillsbury gingerbread dough that you just have to roll out since I will at least be making something with a ginger flavor.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

These sound amazing. I feel like the same few flavors get all the attention this time of year, neglecting other wonderful flavors like cranberry! So, I haven't actually made these yet, but I probably will soon...do you think the twins will like them? I hope so, since I use them and their friends as guinea pigs when I am home (they don't complain).

Peppermint Crunch Chocolate Cake Cookies

When I made these, I had to tweak the recipe a bit due to Kroger having largely insufficient holiday baking supplies. Seriously, they had no peppermint chips of any kind, Christmas sprinkles, cake mixes, or Christmas Oreos (I needed them for Christmas bark). I was more than a little annoyed after that trip, but I substituted chopped up Ghirardelli peppermint bark squares for the peppermint chips and they turned out just fine. I also used a devil's food cake instead of dark chocolate which was perfectly good as well!

Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies

When I was going through my list of holiday flavors to include, I realized I had totally skipped over anything with nuts! There are so many options out there for praline, walnut, chestnut, etc. cookies too, but I love using pecans, plus I already have some in my kitchen from various other projects. On the note of nut-flavored items, I highly recommend the new Chestnut Praline Latte at Starbucks. I got a skim one over Thanksgiving to try and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it!

Chai Sugar Cookies with Eggnog Spice Glaze

Thank you, Taylor Swift. These cookies are basically like a chai latte and I love it. The sugar cookie recipe she recommended is one I am going to use for years to come. Plus, she also introduced me to two new cooking blogs through this post, so I am doubly grateful. I would definitely recommend adding the icing glaze on the cookie because it wouldn't be quite sweet enough without it, but to each their own. I hope you enjoy my favorite cookie of the season...maybe even the year.*

What are your favorite Christmas cookie recipes? I'd love more suggestions!

xx

erin

*just kidding, the salted caramel dark chocolate chip cookies are going to take that title

Be Thankful and Decorate Your Table

Happy Thanksgiving! Eat some turkey, hug your family, and remember how blessed you are for all the good in your life! Last night we had some family friends over for dinner and it was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday. Today the family is coming in town and we will all eat some food, watch some football, and the boys will compete in the infamous Turkey Bowl.

I am going to go downstairs to get some coffee and help momma in the kitchen, but I will be back to full blogging tomorrow! But, before I go, here is some (p)inspiration for decorating your Thanksgiving table (a task Gillie and I are assigned to every year). 

xx,
Erin

What's on my Christmas List?

I think by now we have established that I love the Holiday season and I love picking out presents for my friends and family. I will share the presents I am getting for some of my lovely friends soon, but I have to put that off because they are so great and support my blog and therefore it will be totally spoiled if I put it up here before they get them! However, it is not too soon to start on gift guides for myself that I can give to my momma. I don't know about your parents, but Bridge always wants my list ahead of time. Last year she just bought everything I had in my J. Crew cart, haha!

Here are some suggestions based on what I'm asking for on my list this year. Some of them are things I already have but think everyone should also get! Seriously, I wish I had bought my J. Crew coat a couple of years ago because I love being able to swap out my parka on days when it isn't quite as cold!

you can find links to everything here

What's on your list this year? I would love suggestions of other things to add!

xx,

Erin

Tis the Season to be...Tacky!

Tis the Season...to wear a tacky Christmas sweater, ya filthy animal! I love tacky Christmas sweater parties because I always think it is so funny to see what people end up wearing. Thanks to Pinterest, there are all sorts of creative ideas out there for what to wear, but just wearing a classic sweater works in my book. I have one that I got at Walmart last year and I love it, especially when paired with some tacky earrings and a giant bow or antlers in my hair (go big or go home, right?)

holi-dazed with part of the fam

If you are still in the market for a sweater, here are some of my favorites. I know a lot of people who have gotten sweaters at Goodwill or random thrift stores, but most of those are probably picked over by now so these might be your best bet.

find all these sweaters here

Or, you can always get Pinterest creative. I actually debated making a costume for our date function on Thursday but Santa's face won out in the end. Oh, you can also get super creative and make a dress out of wrapping paper like my grandlittle. I'm talking panels and all for the skirt...it was so impressive.

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What is your go-to tacky christmas party outfit?

xx,

Erin

These Flats are on Point

How is it that I am in my last year of college and still making rookie mistakes like breaking in shoes on a long day of classes? This is why I should have my morning coffee before I get ready in the morning! Anyways, although I am currently debating how I am going to get home, I absolutely love these cute flats I got at Target a couple of weeks ago. Everyone knows that a pointed heel on a shoe can make your legs look longer and leaner, so why not get flats with the same effect? I tend to wear flats and jeans during transitional weather because I feel like my boots get too hot throughout the day and I can cuff my jeans as the day goes on if it gets too hot! Plus you can continue to enjoy your flats throughout the late fall and winter when you want to give your boots a rest.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/43417583883255262/

original pin

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original pin

original pin

Personally, my favorite pair of flats is the J. Crew Emery Flat. I have them in nude and have absolutely worn them into the ground because they are so cute and comfortable!

xx,

Erin

Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

So Halloween is two days away, meaning tomorrow night is the first night of costumes. Have you picked out what you're going to wear yet? If not, don't sweat it. It is amazing how many things you can do with just a few simple items from your wardrobe and a craft store. Personally, I love getting dressed up for Halloweekend. I already planned out my costumes for this year and I am so excited to make them tonight and tomorrow! If you are looking for a costume idea, this post has some of my favorite, relatively easy costumes to inspire you. 

Costume Ideas:

Rosie the Riveter

Denim Shirt

Red Bandana

Red lipstick

Fantasy Football

Football Jersey

Fairy Wings and maybe a wand

Woody

Yellow shirt

Jeans

Cowboy boots

Cowboy Hat

Tape with "ANDY" written on it

Vest

*you can make a vest by cutting a white t-shirt into one and then sharpie-ing on the cow print*

Pinterest

Board Name Titles

Pictures

T-shirt or actual cork board to display them

Jack-o-Lantern

Orange t-shirt

Black tank top

*cut the face's holes in the orange shirt and layer over the tank*

Minnie/Mickey Mouse

Red skirt/pants

Black shirt

White Gloves

Mouse ears

(Bow for Minnie)

Charlie Brown

Yellow t-shirt

Black paint

*just paint a black zig-zag line on the shirt*

Princess Leia

White Dress

Side Buns

Sheldon and Amy

Sheldon Shirt (buy one or make one)

Jeans

Cardigan

Jean Skirt

Tights

Mary Jane flats

Glasses

Starbucks Barista

White Polo

Green Apron

Black Hat

Starbucks cup (that you can drink out of!)

Hermione

Plaid uniform skirt

Cardigan

Tie

White Button-down

Trophy Wife

Sundress

Apron

Trophy

Big Ring

Olaf

White Shirt

White pants

Black paint

Orange construction paper

twine

*paint 3 dots on the shirt and glue the paper into a cone shape then cut it to fit onto your face and tie with twine*

Holly Golightly

Black Dress

Pearl Necklace with Charm

Black Shoes

High Bun

Bedazzled Comb for Hair

*I actually used an old pair of big earrings as the comb in this picture and I wrapped a bracelet around the necklace for the charm! Bonus if you bring a stuffed cat or croissant with you*

Happy Halloween Desserts

Happy Hallo-week! My apartment is 100% prepared for Halloween...actually, I am a bit worried about our decorations after this weekend because everything down to our shower curtain is Halloween themed. In honor of the holiday on Friday, I decided to create a themed dessert for my Relay For Life meetings tonight, so naturally I consulted Pinterest.

I opted for the super easy Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats, but there are a bunch of other great treats to try at your Halloween parties this week!

Candy Corn Cake 

Halloween Cake Bars

Mummy Oreo Pops 

Oreo Bat Truffles

Witch Cupcakes

Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats

xx,
Erin

It's a (Dinner) Party

Those of you who've seen my 22x22 list know that I still have a few things to check off before my birthday rolls around two weeks from today. There are a couple things that I unfortunately will not get to do, but I am doing my best to finish the rest. One of the items was to host a dinner party so I decided to invite some of my friends over for a casual Friday of food, wine, and relaxation. It was the perfect evening because we were all pretty tired and wanted to save our energy for last night's 7:30 football game!

I also got to kill two birds with one stone on this one because I used Pinterest for a couple of the recipes.

 

I had work all afternoon, so I just prepared the Chili in the crockpot before I left for work and prepared everything else when I got back. It was so much fun to be able to host everyone and try out some new recipes! One of my friends commented that she had been thinking about how she wished people made more plans like this and I couldn't agree more. It is so nice to be able to organize time together when people's lives get so crazy, especially since it's our fourth year.

Plus, this dinner was so easy to make. I kept the menu simple since I knew that I only had a little bit of time to prep after I got off work:

Menu:

Chili with Rice

Corn Muffins
Spinach Salad

Apple Galette with Ice Cream

Wine

As I said before, I threw the Chili in the crockpot before work so that was easy. The recipe I used called for butternut squash, which I didn't use, but I also wish that I had added some more salt and garlic powder for a little more flavor. For the Corn muffins, I just used Jiffy mix which made the perfect number for a small dinner party. The Spinach Salad was a Dole kit (doesn't get easier than that). I love this Apple Galette recipe. It was incredibly easy to make and it is basically an open face apple pie. The recipe called for a homemade dough, but in the interest of time and sanity, I just used a 9in pre-made pie crust from the grocery store and I think it turned out perfectly fine!

Thanks to my friends who came over for this little dinner party, I am so lucky to have friends like y'all!

xx,

Erin

Flavors of Fall: Baked Goods

So my birthday is right around the corner and I still have quite a few things to check off of my 22x22 list! One of them is to make ten Pinterest recipes, which may have been a bit ambitious from the start. Luckily, I bake something for my Relay For Life committee meetings every week so I have been making some progress on these recipes through that. Right now I am loving all the fall recipes they're featuring and I wanted to share a couple that I've tried and a couple that I am looking forward to trying. Also, these haven't been Pinterest fails at all luckily for me, so I definitely recommend trying them!

Already Made

Pumpkin Pecan Oatmeal Bars

I got really excited about making these since I love the taste and smell of pumpkin pie. They were a definite crowd-pleaser for those who actually like pumpkin, and even some of my committee members, who don't like pumpkin said they liked them! One little thing though, these do take a while to make and cool so don't make these if you are on a time crunch.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Okay, technically not totally a recipe, but it is important. I couldn't find pumpkin spice at Kroger yesterday, but luckily a quick search for Pumpkin Spice mix helped me make my own. Plus, now I have a couple more spices in my kitchen cabinet!

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

I mentioned these in a Friday Five a long time ago and finally got around to making them a couple of weeks ago. They were amazing and I would totally make them again.  Salted caramel is one of my favorite flavors and this was the perfect amount without being totally overpowering

Want To Make

Apple Pie Cookies

How great do these sound? Its a nice variation on a traditional apple pie, especially if you don't have a pie dish. Plus this actually calls for apple pie filling instead of making your own, so it shouldn't take too long to make.

Buttery Pecan Pumpkin Spice Cookies

So I had no idea these were pumpkin flavored when I first went to pin this, I honestly just thought they looked delicious. Usually I just stick with pumpkin chocolate chip cookies when I want a pumpkin flavor, buy now I want to try these.

xx,

Erin

Beauty Bar Cart

Last year I had my eye on this bar cart at a consignment/candy store in Culpeper for two months before finally biting the bullet and getting it. I mean, it was $40 and I knew that I would use it in my current apartment and wherever I move to next. The only thing that had been holding me back was my hesitancy about having a full-fledged bar in my bedroom. Ultimately, I decided that wasn't the only thing the cart could be used for, and the "Beauty Bar Cart" was born.

For the first several months, I just left the natural wood stain finish because I didn't have time to paint it during the school year. Luckily, I had a week back in Charlottesville before classes started and I used my time to paint the cart. It was incredibly simple and took two days to finish thanks to fast-drying with primer spray paint.

I am so happy with how it came out. I went with gold because my room is off-white and I wanted it to pop off the wall a bit. Plus, one of the first bar carts that I saw and absolutely loved was gold. It's the perfect color because it is fun and sophisticated, just like a bar cart! One last note on painting with gold: the dust tends to get everywhere but it will come up with a Clorox wipe or Swiffer so don't freak out if it looks like your entire room was covered in pixie dust!

So what do I have on this bar cart?

Nail Polish: I got these nail polish holders from The Container Store over the summer and they are absolutely perfect. Now I can see all my polishes and they add some color to my cart!

Makeup: I keep my makeup necessities in a Lilly cosmetic bag which allows me to just grab it and go if I am getting ready somewhere else and it keeps my supplies organized and out of sight when I'm not.

Tools: I really wanted to be able to somehow incorporate the wine bottle holders into this cart and using it for my hot hair tools is perfect. It keeps them out of the way and they fit nicely in the divots!

Hair Box: I didn't really know what else to call this, but basically it has hairspray, headbands, bobby pins, etc. I like sitting on my floor to do my hair and this keeps everything within reach.

Bottles: Since I tend to paint my nails and do my makeup in my room, it makes sense to keep some of this stuff in here. I also keep makeup-removing facial cleanser wipes on the cart to use when I get back late at night. 

Books: These don't really have a purpose on here, but they are some of my favorites and they don't really belong on a coffee table, so instead they've found a (temporary) home on my bar cart.

Sewing Kit: If you don't have a needle and thread, I would recommend going out and getting one ASAP. You never know when you're gonna need it!

What would you keep on a Beauty Bar Cart?

xx,

Erin