baking time

I've never been good with surprises. Giving them, that is. I always end up getting too excited and want to spill the beans. This year, I got Erik an early Christmas gift and he agreed we could have one exchange before the holidays.  We made a Christmas afternoon of it exchanging gifts and preparing cookies.  I found a unique watch company, JORD Wood Watches and thought I'd add to Erik's growing collection. They've got a great variety of men's watches and women's watches too! Erik got me the perfect addition to my record collection. Hello, 'A Very Merry She & Him Christmas.' We obviously put it on for the afternoon.  

I've actually never made Gingerbread cookies, but they are delicious. What's your favorite kind?

This watch is the Fieldcrest Series Dark Sandalwood

Happy Holidays!

Watch Gift Ideas

Christmas in New York

Yes, I was blessed with the opportunity to spend this Christmas in New York City! I don't even know where to begin with posting pictures because I took so many.  So for the occasion, I'll start with some Christmas views I saw.  I hope you're having a very Merry Christmas!

These two were so cute waiting for their Christmas brunch with Santa!

I loved seeing the city in this way, but was disappointed that it never snowed while I was there.  In fact, it was 70 degrees one day! Next time I go back I think I want to see the city in the Spring or Fall.

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.

A Christmas Apartment

We are officially Christmas ready, and I couldn't love it more.  Why can't Christmas trees be acceptable year round? It just makes our apartment that much more wonderful. 

tree hunt

This weekend Megan and I set out to find the perfect Christmas tree for the apartment.  Thank you Oregon for being good to us weather wise! Two tree farms later, we found the perfect one. The second farm was unneeded considering we found our tree at the first.  It was just prettier, and we used it as a photo opp time. We spent the rest of the afternoon decorating the apartment, which made us all the more excited for Christmas to get here! Oh, and seeing my favorite puggle only made for a better day.