Happy New Years Eve

I have not been blogging very long, but have enjoyed it and one of my resolutions for 2010 is to become better at it.  I'm still working on my New Years Resolutions, are you?

It's Complicated

I was lucky enough to see, It's Complicated, on Christmas day with my 21 year old daughter and we LOVED it!  The setting, actors, actresses, and one liners were amazing.  Definitely a chick flick, but highly recommend you go see it.  You will laugh out loud.

{photos courtesy of Hollywood.com}

Black Eyed Peas Tradition for the New Year

As long as I can remember we have always had black eyed peas on New Years Day for good luck.  It is a tradition in the south and this spicy version, courtesy of the Food Network and Paula Dean is delicious!

Don't forget a side of cornbread!

(photos and recipe compliments of Food Network}

Happy Weekend

One Good Berry Deserves Another

After the rush of Christmas and approaching a chilly weekend I hope you all stay warm and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us.

{ photo from Flickr courtesy of Ford Photo}

All The Stockings Were Hung ...

By the chimney with care.

Have a Very Merry Christmas Everyone!

Top 5 Family Christmas Movies

Every year our family loves to get together and watch Christmas movies.  We decided to pick our top five and share them with you all.  Take time to relax and enjoy your time together.

Declutter for the New Year

After the rush of the holidays, it is always a good idea to get organized and declutter your home.  These rooms inspired me from House Beautiful.  Make it a resolution in 2010.

Mamies Million Dollar Fudge

For as long as I remember my Mom, "Mamie" to the grandkids has been making this fudge recipe around the Christmas season.  Some she kept for us, and several batches were wrapped as gifts for friends and family.  Now my kids expect it and have learned how to make it.  It really is the best we have had.  My kids aren't fans of the nuts, so we leave them out.  Either way, tastes great!

Million Dollar Fudge

3( 4 1/2 oz) plain Hershey bars

1 (12 oz). pkg. of Chocolate Chips

1 (13 oz) jar of marshmallow creme

1 Tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon of vanilla

4 1/2 cups sugar

1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk

1 lb. of walnuts or pecans (we leave them out)

*Mix in a 6-8 quart container:  Broken up Hershey bars, chocolate chips, vanilla, marshmallow creme, and butter.

*Mix the following ingredients in a 4-6 quart saucepan:  4 1/2 cups granulated sugar, can of evaporated

milk.  Let the sugar and milk come to a boil.  After it boils, turn down heat and let slow boil for 6 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

*Pour mixture of sugar and milk over remaining ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy.   After it is completely blended, add the chopped nuts.

*Drop with spoons full onto sheets of waxed paper and let stand several hours until completely cooled

*Recipe makes about 6 pounds of the best fudge ever. (roughly 50 pieces)

Happy Weekend

I was looking at my new House Beautiful and saw this ad for cookies and I just loved it.  So creative and festive looking.  The cookies are by The Flour Pot, and called Holiday Light Cookies.  I hope you enjoy this weekend and take a little time to relax.

Parmesian Black Pepper Crackers

I definitely prefer salty snacks over sweets and when I saw this recipe on Cupcakes and Cashmere blog, I decided I had to try it.  We are entertaining family Sunday night and will be serving these.  I followed the directions exactly, but did add about 2 tablespoons of water to the batch.  They smell heavenly while they are baking and are very delicious.  Can't wait to serve them.

(You can find the recipe here.)

(photos from love that and cupcakes and cashmere)

Two Looks, One House

After we moved into our new home, I wanted to slowly go from the red/mustard/olive colors to more natural tones.  i.e. cream, brown, gray, blues, etc....  I have done the color change in our formal living and still have the old scheme in the TV room.  Because of this, I decorated each mantle and tree according to the room it is in.  Anyone else in my boat?

Old Tree and color scheme, TV Room

New tree and color scheme, Formal Living and Entry Way

Christmas Gifts For College Girls

Ok, we got the boys taken care of, so now for the girls.  This was a little easier for me (wonder why?)
The list was growing and growing, so may have to add another day.  We shall see.  Enjoy.

1.  Citizens of Humanity Ava Straight leg jean:  $163

2.  UGG Lace Up Boot Wedge:  $300

3.  Stella and Dot Aimee Locket:   $79

4.  Stella and Dot Drop Earrings Citrine:  $29 (on sale)

5.  Jcrew Sequin Tiered Ruffle Tissue Tank:  $34.95 (on sale)

6.  Jcrew Wooly Shag Scarf:  $78

7.  Flower Bomb Perfume:  $150 (3.4 oz)

8.  Vineyard Vines Cable Sweater:  $125

Christmas Gifts for College Boys

I am the proud mother of 2 kids in college, one daughter and one son.  They will both be home for Christmas and we can hardly wait.  I am going to highlight gifts for college boys and girls separately, and start off with the boys!

1. Chinos by Banana Republic
2. Sperry Topsiders
3. Ralph Lauren Polos
4. John Hart Shaving Bags
5. iTunes Gift Card
6. Diesel Cologne
7. Protein Powder
8. Good Old Cash!

Gifts for Mom

Moms never ask for anything, but deserve so much.  I would love to receive any of these items and thought I'd share them with you.

Anthropologie Spotted Scat Scarf:  $30

AnnTaylor Cashmere V-Neck Sweater:  $145

Asics Gel Foundation Walking Shoe:  $80

Reindeer Coffee Mugs by Starbucks:  $6.95

Jo Malone Vintage Gardenia Candles:  $65

Napa Home White Rain Falls Bath Products:  $20-$34

William Sonoma Wooden Serving Tray:  $72