2010

Before every new year, I reflect back on the year that's coming to and end. 2010 was one of the best I can remember. I feel happy, lucky, and blessed to be celebrating a new year with the love and support of family and friends. While I feel nostalgic towards 2010, I'm anxious to start a new year, one that's certain to bring many changes our way. I appreciate the support from each of you and am thankful for the blogger relationships I've made over the past year. Cheers to welcoming change and a happy new year!

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake

 chopped Reese's peanut butter cups

 oreo cookie crust

In general, I'd call myself a traditionalist.  But this year I decided to stray from the typical "holiday desserts" and go with something that I've always wanted to bake- a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake.  I have to say it was one of my favorite desserts I've made to date.  It was rich, creamy, and decadent-all the things I look for in a holiday dessert.  I used this recipe, but changed the topping into a chocolate mixture (I melted 5 ounces of milk chocolate chips with 1/4 cup sour cream over the stove, stirring constantly, then spread it over the cheesecake and refrigerated overnight).  If you're a peanut butter/chocolate lover, I highly recommend this for your next dinner party. 

Holiday Smiles

Kylee and my mom

Over the holiday week spent with our families, there was never a shortage of smiles.  We were all delighted to be together for Christmas and the convivial spirit was infectious.  As adults, the holidays often bring chaos and stress, but that all seems to disappear the minute I see my nieces happy faces and the joy that Christmas brings them.  As usual, I feel a bit of the "post-holiday blues" this year, but looking at the pictures brings me back to a happy place. 

Sarah's baby Sophie

Vince (my brother), Kylee, and my dad

Gabe's parents, Dick and Ginger

my nieces, Kylee and Keshley

wearing our new sweatshirts with the family farm logo

my parents

Johnnie (my brother), Brooke, me, Gabe

Kylee likes to hold onto your ear when she's tired

Holiday Details

 freshly squeezed orange juice

 Christmas dinner

 Belgian waffles

Our Christmas week was exactly what we needed- family time, great food, homemade desserts, See's candy, walks, and games.  It always surprises me how quickly time goes by when I'm visiting my family.  We were thankful to have both our families together this year to celebrate the holidays and we all had a blast.  I'll post more pictures tomorrow.  How was your Holiday celebration?

Cold Weather Shorts

Aqua blouse, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent vest, Forever 21 shorts, tights, & necklace, Steve Madden booties, vintage clutch

This outfit might have been my favorite "holiday date" ensemble of the month.  I love winter shorts for their comfort and versatility and this pair from Forever 21 has become a cold weather staple in my wardrobe.  I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas weekend and were able to spend time with family and friends! 

Merry Christmas

{via}

It's almost Christmas and Gabe and I are delighted to be spending the week with both of our families.  Our Christmas week agenda includes lots of family time, fabulous food, holiday movies, board games, baking, and relaxing.  I'll be back on Monday to tell you more about it.  I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!  What are your plans?

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oreo Bark

For me, the month of December has been a whirlwind of family, friends, Christmas movies, date nights, egg nog (specifically soy nog), and lots of baking.  My latest creation was this Chocolate Peanut Butter Oreo Bark and it was absolutely superb.  I threw it together in a matter of minutes, chilled it in the refrigerator for an hour, and it was ready to eat.  I had planned on giving this to friends as a Christmas gift, but after tasting it I couldn't stop eating half the batch.  Whoops!  I'll be making it again this week for the "gifts" and hopefully this time I can give it away before eating it all.