12/31 How We Celebrate...A Look at your holidays...

And just like that the holidays are basically over. Tomorrow, will be the last of the big family gatherings and too much food. I have to say, it was a wonderful Christmas season but it always goes too fast. I do believe almost everyone feels the same. I actually had no plans on posting until into the new year but alas here I am because I noticed that the Blended Blog had one more December prompt for the month that I liked. The prompt is How We Celebrate...A Look at your holidays, figured it was the best time to actually write down some of the traditions and memories that made our Christmas another great one (I also get to write this up on my new Chromebook! Thanks Mom and Dad).

One of my good friends was home for a quick visit over Christmas and I was luckily enough to catch him for a visit before he was off again. It was great to have a nice catch up with him since it had actually been a couple of years almost I feel like since he has been home. He says he is going to come home in the summer for a longer visit so I'm holding you too that Michael!

Christmas eve consists of my mom's side of family coming over for dinner/potluck. We now also include my best friend, her husband and daughter. It was great having everyone over, it was especially great this year having Quinn over because she is 6 and was just almost bouncing off the walls because she was so excited for Santa to come. The youngest in the family that was over was my cousin Charlie who is 16 (might be 17 I can't quite remember). So having a kid over was fun. She was so excited and is enamoured with my cousin Cole. Anyways, we always have a feast of food, drinks and great visit before everyone heads off to more holidays festivities with other family, friends or church. I normally get more pictures during Christmas Eve but I was more wrapped up in being present then I was making sure I got some pictures but I did get a couple of course!

The Wilson Clan...my most favourite people on this planet.

Stockings placed on the couch with care. And yes we have stockings for our dogs!

Santa has been here!

Me and my favourite girl Quinn! I think this was the only time she sat down for more then 3 seconds.

My parents!

The Wilson kids! I seem to look taller in this picture, I think it is because Erica is not standing up quite as tall as she is or I'm just pretending I'm taller than I am. 

Christmas Day, Chase came over around 8:30 for opening presents and Christmas breakfast which Erica made some delicious breakfast sandwiches. Everyone gave and received wonderful gifts. This was the aftermath....

For Christmas Day dinner, we of course had a beautiful turkey dinner thanks to my mom. We have my great uncle Jerry over for dinner, it used to be more but sadly we have lost loved ones over the years. It was a lovely day though filled with family, good food, presents and lazing around.

Boxing Day was a full on lazy day! I caught up on Criminal Minds, snacked most of the day and just laid around the house. On the 27th since the stores are closed in Nova Scotia on the 26th myself and Erica headed to Halifax to see what Boxing day sales were on. I headed up getting some stuff from Old Navy, MAC, La Senza and Winners. It was worth the quick trip up, Erica got even more than I did. I always love looking and seeing that you saved more than you spent. I got a great sports bra from Old Navy for $10! Can't complain about that.

I also got to have dinner with Danielle on Saturday and now here we are on Sunday, yes I'm even prepping this blog post.

I honestly hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and you're ready to start 2019 with a bang! I wish you all the happiness you need for you 2019!

xo

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Friday Favorites: Merry Christmas

And we have made it through another week! And now the best week of the year is about to begin. Well it is the best week for me. I have small list of things I have to get done this weekend since I was driving it this week, it won't be as crazy as some years. I'm hoping a get to see my friend Mike on Sunday since it only home for a few days...and this is his first time home in a couple of years so yay for visits.

Next week, you probably won't see any post from me because I'm going to take a break and just do whatever I want, spend time with family, see friends, eat too much etc. which I hope you get to do as well.

I don't think I took any pictures of my favorites this week but here is a quick run down

• having dinner with my dad
• going shopping with my siblings
• getting the dogs groomed
• getting my holiday baking done
• baking with Erica (getting some stuff done so mom doesn't have to make them)
• getting my wrapping done!

It is has been a great week leading up to Christmas and I'm excited for everything that is coming next week! 

My Christmas Wish for you is to find the joy in the season, spend time with your loved ones, remember the loved ones not with you and fill your heart with everything that brings you comfort.

Merry Christmas everyone!

{ Erika | Narci | Andrea }

Girly Chat: Favorite Ornament

I think I have been spinning this week I have been trying to get so much done so I don't have a crazy busy weekend and just a busy one. I also do not want to have any last minute things to do come Monday expect little bits of cleaning and such. This means I have been going to bed later and getting up early but like I have mentioned I love all of the busy of Christmas plus I'm off next week so I will catch up on my sleep then!

Now, onto the topic of this post which is my favorite ornament! I'm linking up with the girls who put on the Girly Chat link up and this month it is time to talk about our favorite ornaments. When I saw this prompt for the blog post today I wasn't sure what one I was going to pick because I have a few that I love but I think it has to be the the first ornament my parents got together as a couple. This has been hanging on our tree every year for 40 years!

isn't he cute? I think I love this one the most because it represents how our family started with my mom and dad. They are truly an example of what a happy couple should be, sure things over 40 years can't be perfect all the time but life isn't perfect and I think my parents are as perfect as you could get.

I'm throwing in an honorable mention for my first Christmas ornament because well it is cute and I love it since it my first ornament.

I hope everyone is getting their stuff done and is going to have a wonderful weekend lead up to Christmas! 

xo

What's HapPINning Wednesday!

Oh my goodness we are less than a week away from Christmas! How has this happened!? For me this season has been flying by like it normally does but honestly I don't know how it is already less then a week until Christmas. I wanted to have a blog post up before now but I have been crazy busy the past few days and I was away in Halifax for the weekend spending some time with my cousin Callee.

This past weekend myself and Erica (sister for those who may not know) headed up to Halifax to spend the night at my cousin Callee's and to get the bulk of what was left of our Christmas shopping done. The malls and stores were packed but everything was great for us since we didn't have to be anywhere at any certain time we just browsed and waited in the cash lines when it was time to check out. I have to say for the lines that were long in a few shops we were in they went pretty quick which was nice. The one thing that does annoy me is when you have a super long time 6 tills that could be open but you only have 2 open but 100 employee just milling around the store asking if they can help you. We also had a lovely dinner at Moxie's before Callee took us on a Christmas lights drive which I hadn't really ever done before because I'm normally not in the city a lot in the evening/night during the holiday so this was a real treat, and she showed us the BEST lights! There are two brothers who live almost beside each other and they compete with each other and it is a sight to see. If you're from the Halifax area or are going to be in the Halifax check out Connaught Street! 

For the past two days I feel like I have spent most of my time in the kitchen baking for Christmas! I think this is latest I have done most of my baking but it is all getting done so I can't really say it is bad thing and maybe it is a good thing because that means I haven't been sneaking treats all month. I can say my feet and legs are quite pleased when the day is over and I get to relax. I have done sugar cookies, red velvet cookies, peppermint meltaways and prepped the peanut balls for chocolate which will be dipped on Thursday.

How is your Christmas prep coming? Baking Done? Shopping done? Tree up and decorated? I hope you're all having a great Christmas so far!

xo

Linking Up with Jessi
 

 

What Brings Me Joy....

Since I did not get myself in gear on Monday and actually post I decided today I would link up with the Blended Blog and make a post on what brings me joy. I think it is rather fitting during the Christmas season even everything (more like everyone) I will be talking about bring me joy all year all....

My family of course would be the first people/dogs I have to mention because I don't know what I would be or do without them. I also don't want to post a thousand pictures on this post so know if you're a family member of mine reading this even if you don't see your pretty little face I love you.

My extended family aka friends. The quality of friends I have is very high...this is why I consider them family more than just friends because they are people I have handpicked to be in my family, who I love and couldn't imagine not having them in my life even if we have busy lives and do not see each other enough. 

 My work family...I'm lucky enough to actually truly like my work family. There is never a dull moment with these folks and always lots of laughs. 

Now, I'm going to just bring it back into more of a Christmas mode...Christmas in all sense of word bring me joy. This time of year I get to look back on Christmas memories that I wouldn't change for the world, wish for new great ones to be made and hope for many more to come. 

I have one favor to ask everyone who is reading this post...let the holiday season bring you joy, don't let the crazy consumerism, rude shoppers, Christmas Scrooges take it away. Be in the moment, spend time with the ones you love, remember the ones you lost and make memories that will last a lifetime. 

Christmas Cookies...

Wow another week is almost over! The days are flying and the excitement is mounting. I know I have said it a number of times already but I LOVE Christmas.

Last night I finally started some of my Christmas baking which I can't believe how late I'm starting I normally have most of what I make by now done and just in the freezer. This might be a good thing since that means I haven't had Christmas baking around for the eating since the beginning of December. Last night I did decide to try a new recipe and I'm so happy I did because the cookies are just decadent. I made Caramel Pecan Thumbprint cookies and OMG they are so good! But really I don't know how they could not be anything but good I mean they are a chocolate cookies with pecans and caramels! I also have to say they were pretty easy to make and didn't even take that much time. Since the recipe does not make a ton of cookies I decided to hope for the best that they turned out and made a double batch. I'm glad I did because otherwise I would be making more and to be honest I probably will since I know these babies will go fast at any of the Christmas parties I bring them too. This is a Pinterest recipe from One Sweet Appetite (click the link to see the orginal)

Ingredients

1 egg
1 cup flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter softened
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/14 cup pecans diced
16 caramels unwrapped
3 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

Start by separating you egg and lightly beating the white. Set the egg white to the side for later. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment.
Whisk together the flour, cocoa, and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla. Slowly stir in the dry ingredients.
Shape dough into one inch balls. Roll into the egg white followed by the pecans. Place on a baking sheet and lightly press with your thumb or a measuring spoon. Bake 10 minutes or until the edges are firm.
While your cookies are cooling, heat the caramels and cream in a heavy saucepan until melted. Spoon filling into the indentation you made before with your thumb. Drizzle with chocolate if desired.

Happy Thursday!

xo

Weekending!

Good Tuesday morning to you all, can you believe that in two weeks it will be Christmas Day! I honestly cannot believe how the time is flying!
  The Christmas festivities are in full force over here. This weekend was busy as usual and next weekend is shaping up to be just as or even more busy. I love it all though. I love the busy of the holiday season because for me it is always busy with fun stuff at this time of the year. On Saturday, I was able to do some hair for friends and family who were going to a Christmas gala which was great because I hadn't seen them in too long and it was nice to catch up while helping them get ready for their event. Once I was done with them it was time to get myself ready for my own office party. The three local MLA offices decided to all get together for the evening to kick off the holidays together. Pictou Lodge was having an evening for those who maybe didn't have an office big enough to rent out something to come down, have a nice meal with your office without having to plan too much. I have to say it was a lovely night filled with laughs, good food and the best company. The only thing that put a bit of a damper on the evening was the fact that the wind from the ocean was blowing onshore and it was freezing! The Lodge is somewhere I have only been in the summer since it normally closed in the winter except for certain events and I can sure see why now. If the wind had of been blowing the other way it would have been better but the whole place was freezing, thankfully we were in by a fireplace! So other then being rather chilly we had a great evening together. I work with some pretty great people!

On Sunday, I spent most of the day helping Erica with some school work she was trying to get done so she has less to get done over the Christmas break. We got a good chunk done for her but I sat so long over the whole day I had a literal pain in my ass after I was done. Playing teacher isn't all fun and games. And on a bummer note, I totally forgot to DVR SNL! Jason Mamoa was hosting and of course I forgot even after Erica reminded me! #firstworldproblems

How was everyone else's weekend? Did you have any Christmas parties? Are you ready for Christmas? I'm not even going to answer that for myself yet...maybe next Monday.

xo

Linking up with Bianca this week! 

December Goals

Good Morning Friends, I know you weren't expecting me to actually have a blog post up two days in a row. Miracles never cease (haha). Since we are well into December now I think it is time to make my December goals and look back on my November Goals, which I'm not so sure went as well as I hoped they would. So, lets do this...

November Goals Recap...


Get Christmas Craft Projects finished before you start new a new one.
Sadly, this didn't happen, I have been working on these but most aren't done and I have started new ones!

Plan some fun Christmas-y evenings with family/friends
Check! This one has been happening! And lots more are coming!

Make Christmas cards/Send out
Nope, I didn't make my cards this year, I just found I didn't have enough time and I don't enjoy making cards that much unless I'm totally in the mood and I haven't been in the mood. But I did get some nice ones at Winners ;)

Finishing organizing the office
Check! Finished and the office is wonderful haha

Have most Christmas shopping done by end of NovemberNope, I have some of it done but not all of it and I don't even care haha

I only have one goal for December and that is to fully enjoy the Christmas season. I have to say I have been doing a great job so far. The decorations are up, Christmas movies/music playing and the festive love is in the air.

I hope everyone has the same goal to just enjoy as much as you can and spend your time with the people you love.

xo

TBB Asks: Holiday Edition

Yup, I have been the worst blogger as of late but I have been busy and just haven't gotten my act together with the whole blogging thing but alas I think I can get back on the wagon since the house is decorated and I'm not spending my free time decorating now. We will see how this goes anyways, I do have some stuff planned for post so I will try my hardest to make them happen. 

Today to get back into the swing of Christmas posts The Blended Blog is doing another TBB Asks Christmas Edition. We did one in the fall so lets get on with this one for the Christmas season.

Candy canes? Yes! But just the peppermint ones...I have seen too many weird flavors coming out and I couldn't imagine a bacon flavored candy cane.

Christmas morning - early riser or sleep in? Early riser! And I always have been, so much so my parents had to make a rule that we couldn't get out of bed until 6am and then when we got a bit older it was 7am. And to this day I'm still up early! I just love Christmas too much to sleep! haha

Black Friday shopping? Not really because I don't think it is a big thing in Canada even though we do have the sales. I did go out on Black Friday but there was just as good sales the week before when I was out as well. It is like mid November pre Black Friday sales then week of Black Friday sales and then Cyber Monday turns into a whole week too so yeah I don't feel the need to get out and shop on the Friday.

Christmas tree in November? Yes! I like to enjoy the decorations for as long as I can because I love the season so much I don't just want them from December 1 to Jan 1.

Holiday ideas from Pinterest? Yes, I get lots of ideas from Pinterest for Christmas but honestly I can't think of a good one right now to tell you about. I also pin A LOT of Christmas ideas and then end up not doing any of them but that is the way of Pinterest isn't it?

Christmas glam or Ugly sweater? I love a good ugly sweater but I'm way more of a Christmas glam kind of girl.

Stockings stuffers - wrapped or unwrapped? The last couple of years I have taken to wrapping everything that goes into my parents stocking but my mom never wrapped ours, the stocking was the wrapping.

Traditional or Modern Christmas songs? Mix of both for sure. I love the old ones but there is always room for some newer ones too.

Fruitcake? Nope!

Christmas shopping - still going, or finished? Still going! I hope to get some done tonight and over the weekend maybe if I have some time since I have a busy weekend ahead of me. Tis the season right?

Is there snow in December where you live? Sometimes there is, the past couple of years it hasn't been a white Christmas. I'm hoping this year it is because winter has seemed to hit early!

A Charlie Brown Christmas or Rudolph? I could never choose I love them both and are must watches for me over the holiday season!

So there you have it my thoughts on a few things Christmas. Right now I think I have time to prep a bit for another blog post tomorrow so I will leave you there folks and hope you have a wonderful day!

Oh I'm doing a Christmas Photo a Day Challenge over on my Instagram (BrittanyLea) feel free to come and check it out and join in on the fun!

xo