Christmas Eve/Day

I decided to do a "follow me around" type blog. Although these are generally seen on Youtube, I thought it would be easier to do on a blog--with pictures.

Warning: This is a rather long post.

Here we have the stockings, hung by the chimney with the care. And of course, the nativity scene. I used to play with it when I was a little girl, but now I just like to set it up.

On my bed reside two holiday-themed teddy bears. 

I wish I could rotate this, but it doesn't seem to let me. However, this is our Christmas tree.

And we have the track with the train on it. 

On Christmas Eve, we have egg nog punch. The Santa behind it was filled with yummy goodies from an aunt.

Do you see the dress?

Of course, on Christmas Eve, we watch my dad's favorite Christmas movie:

White Christmas

This scene is from their "Sisters" song.

And this year, we decided to go see the light show. This blurry photo was taken while driving through the Candy Cane Forest. 

And this is another blurry, drive-by shot of the giant star.

Mom is making the sugar cookie dough (:

Christmas Tree sugar cookie cutouts!

My brother, Jack, and I are decorating the Christmas Trees in our pajamas. 

Christmas morning breakfast casserole with Mimosa!

The adorable gold christmas tree is one of my favorites (:

And here is the dining room table all set up for Christmas Dinner.

You can barley see the chandelier (is that what that is called?)...I wove a garland through it and hung gold ornaments as well.

And my mom and I stand for a pre-Christmas meal picture.

There were two more pictures, but I felt that they were too many to put in one post. However, this Christmas was really nice because I'm starting to appreciate family more. As this is my second to last Christmas as a high school student, it really makes me think about how much time I have left with my family. Sometimes, you take them for granted, but you never really should.

Hope everyone had a happy holiday!

Manners Matter

After having sat through a very long family dinner, and having an etiquette class last Saturday, I am slowly realizing that manners do matter. 

I am probably the last person that should be preaching the merit of manners. I am a horrible messy person, and on most occasions you will find me as the least-lady-like person in the room. Yet, when the occasion calls for it, I can be extremely lady like. I will not talk about politics, mention how much something costs, nor will I put my elbows on the table.  I will also put my knife on the plate, with the sharp side pointing towards me. 

And this leads me to my next point; a simple list of my biggest manner pet peeves:

       1. When people talk about how much money something cost.

                This is my number one for a reason. I cannot stress how absolute tacky it is to brag about how much you spend on something. The only reason it is ever done is to show off how much you have, when it does the opposite. It reveals what a shallow person you are that you let materialistic items define your worth to other people. 

         Example: "Don't you love this couch? I spent $1600 on it. A little pricy, but so worth it."

                         "Tell you're father that I have a tool he can borrow! It's a $200 dollar tool."

      2. Chewing with your mouth open. 

                I'm sorry, but if I wanted to see how food looked mashed up, I'd give it to my one year old cousin. I have no interest in how the turkey looks in your mouth, or waving around on your fork while you loudly yell about something. 

        Example: "And then *chewchewchew* he did that! *points with piece of food on fork*

      3. When people talk about politics or other controversial subjects and don't let the other person have an opinion. 

           I think this one is really self-explanatory. It's quite annoying when some tries to shove their views down your throat and refuse to listen to any other opinions. It's rude and boastful. 

In which I Bake.

For those of you who do not know me personally, you probably will not be surprised by this post. However, I am not a "baker." I also am not much of a cooker, either. Really, the kitchen is not where I go. In fact, my mom even face palmed when she discovered I didn't know there was a cooking aisle at the grocery store. Yet, I decided to attempt to make White Chocolate and Peppermint Double Chocolate Brownies from a recipe out of Real Simple.
I took pictures.

This was the basic brownie, the double chocolate brownie recipe. Not really that difficult to make or that messy to clean.

 And here we have the cut up white chocolate, which was surprisingly easy to cut.

And finally, the finished result. Of course, it is no where near as attractive as the picture in the magazine, but they tasted fantastic. They were so moist, and the peppermint candies add the perfect little punch.

Kate Spade Wish list

Things I want from Kate Spade that will most likely never happen:

How Cute is this? 

For a christmas party? Yes, please!

This dress is beyond adorable. And the hot pink color is something that doesn't make me hate the color. And the bow? 

These. make. me. so. happy!

So, my shift key is not working underneath these pictures, but these are alll super cute (: New post about me baking soon

p.s. The baking post should be a total surprise if you know me in person at all. Cooking and I are NOT best friends.