Peacock Lane

Peacock Lane is famous here in Portland around the holidays.  Every house on this street lights up for Christmas for everyone to enjoy, including myself.

the gift of sweets

This year I decided to give the gift of sweets.  There was another cookie I wanted to make which needed peppermint chips but when I went to the store I couldn't find any.  I asked someone for help and they informed me that peppermint chips were seasonal and that the season was over.  This is crazy considering it isn't even Christmas yet.  These M&M cookie squares did the trick though and while I was making them I realized the ingredients and directions were the same as the nestle cookies I love to make.  Simple as that!

early christmas

I already got to enjoy Christmas with my other family.  My favorite gifts would have to include gift cards to my favorite restaurants.

reunion

Happy Birthday, Tara!

This weekend marked the 24th year Tara has been around, so we took the celebrations to the local bars.  I got to see a lot of friends I haven't seen for about 2 months, and one friend we ran into asked if we were having a high school reunion.  I guess it could be considered one since it's been a long 2 months! I love my high school friends, and so thankful we are all still close. 

Congrats

Last night we went to downtown Vancouver and ate at a cute little Italian place called La Bottega, where the wine was endless.  Our reasoning was to celebrate Raven's graduation from nursing school! (She's the one in the glasses)  I am so proud and happy for her.  

December Birthdays

I feel like December is a month for a lot of my friends birthdays, even if there's probably only three.  This past weekend was this lady's 26th.  Although I've gotten to the point where I'm tired of growing older, we still go out and try to celebrate like we used to.  I feel like I'm talking like I'm much older than I am, but I definitely feel like a grandma now and all I want to do is be home in bed.  Our night didn't even last past midnight.  I get to go out and try again this weekend for another birthday celebration!

life on instagram

the calm before the storm

Sunday was anticipated to be the best day of the week, and that it was.  We had planned on baking the entire day and getting cozy to watch the Holiday.  In the evening we headed down to Henry's for happy hour, but as soon as 10 pm rolled around my view on the day completely changed.  This week is finals for me and I usually meet on Tuesday/Thursday so I was expecting to write my 6 page take home test tonight and bring it to class tomorrow.  Little did I know our final was actually today at 10 am instead of Tuesday.  Who does that?! The entire term you spend going to class a specific time on a certain day only to get to the end of it all and have them switch the final not only to a different hour but an entirely different day.  Needless to say, I got it done by staying up half the night.  I'm glad it's over and glad I got to spend the day relaxing before the high levels of stress came on.