Best Christmas Gift of 2011...

I absolutely need to take a better photograph of what Kevin and his brother in law got from my In-Laws for Christmas, but this one will suffice for the time being.  My father in law (and mother in law) deserve the award for greatest Christmas gift of 2011.  This is a completely hand made piece of art.  The idea whas loosely taken from a piece of art that they saw at Red Robin and thought the boys would love, and boy were they right!

We are someday trying to convince FIL that he needs to make these for a living, but we haven't quite motivated him yet, since he's not convinced that we can sell them, and they're a little price ($200) to make.  But, I had to share!



Red Robin Version with Baseballs




Father In Law's Amaaaaaazing Gift!





Go-To Gifts!

There are a few super-fun gifts that I stumpled upon this holiday season, and wanted to share.  Two of the items below I purchased knowing exactly who I would give them two.  The other two I purchased because they were awesome, but I wasn't sure who they would be for.  I think having a "grab and go" hostess and/or friend gift is a great asset during the holidays.  I personally don't want to show up to a party without a thank you gift, and someone always buys me a gift that I wasn't prepared to exchange for. So, want to see what I've got?

1. For the outdoor girl (or guy, I guess).  I have these gloves and they are my favorite for running, cycling, shoveling, you name it.  They're incredibly warm, even without liners, and I can still have some flexibility while cycling to change gears.  They did take some getting used to for cycling, but everything else they were perfect right off the bat!

image via Altrec.com

Northface - ETip Windstopper Glove

2. For the teeny-bopper.  Yes, I still consider the 16 year old a teeny bopper.  Why, you ask? Well because if she is still a teenie bopper, then I'm not old yet - right? Got it, good. I bought her a blinged out watch, because who doesn't love something shiny!

image via Amazon.com
XOXO Rhinestone Watch

3. Anthropologie Nostalgia Jar Candles - These were just the cutest thing in the store, and were one of the items I bought with no real destination in mind.  I am so glad I did though, as I was able to split up the set of 4 and gift two candles, each with some tea, and a good book to two friends.  It was a great way to give a "relaxing" gift, without breaking the bank! However, I may need to go back and buy a set for myself now too.

image via Anthropologie
Nostalgia Jar Candles

4. My favorite cookbook.  I adore Alton Brown, and I got this cookbook for Christmas last year and decided to pass on the awesomeness to someone else! I very much enjoy the technical exact science of cooking, while also enjoying the flexibility of some recipes.  This is obviously more the exact science, but I received such an education on so many things while reading this and cooking from it.

image via about.com
The Good Eats 2: The Middle Years

So - do you have any go-to gifts for this Holiday season?  Or one I should add to my list for next year?

Baking Gals - Round 36

I can't believe that I've been a member of Baking Gals for more than 16 months now! Some months my boxes are plain and simple and some months are more elaborate.  Some months (last December for example), I baked more than 2,500 cookies and distributed them amongst 3 soldiers.  I know, I was crazy. 

I try to mix up the recipies so the soldiers get something new and exciting, but also because it's a great reason for me to try out new recipies.  I've got a few ideas for my second December box, which I'll be baking for tonight and shipping out tomorrow! Yes I said second - sometimes special soldiers get extra spoiled, and those that are deployed over the holidays are extra extra spoiled! I haven't decided yet which of the cookies below I'm going to make - but they all sound great! One bonus of shipping during the cooler months is that it's a little easier to ship gooey things, since they melt less!

Once I chose a recipe I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.  And maybe, if my soldier is extra awesome this month, I can let you know how well it travels too!

Triple Chip Cookies - Bakerella

Just Because

Via  Graphics 16

I'm Thankful...

I thought about this post long and hard yesterday, I wanted to make sure I didn't leave anyone out, or hurt any feelings in my "thankful list". 

I think that the things I'm most thankful for are the things that make my heart swell with pride, the names that make me grin when they light up my phone, and the people who call and text on the hard days.

So, thank you to the US Army for finally allowing our soldier to come home.  Thank you to my amazing husband for putting up with the insanity that has been 2011.  Thank you to my best friends, who love me even though I seem to always call with more bad news.  Thank you to my awesome staff that help me through the hard times, and celebrate little milestones along the way.  Thank you to god for allowing my mom to have pneumonia, so we could diagnose her cancer before it became terminal.  Thank you to the wonderful ladies who take care of my grandmother each day, as though she was their own family. 

I don't think I could list each and every thing that I am thankful for, even if I tried.  But these few are the ones I continued to come back to, time after time.  Thank you <3