One thing on my bucket list is to visit the Christmas Markets in Europe. I have heard this experience is truly magical. Our travel sponsor Carrie Mandala put together this beautiful peek into the markets for our readers. Carrie is a travel expert and can help with planning any trip, to contact Carrie, click HERE.
The Christmas season is such a special time to visit Europe. Not only are the crowds gone, but each city is alive with their own unique markets and celebtations. Wander the stalls of Europe’s most traditional and enchanting Christmas Markets, shopping for handcrafted toys and gifts, sipping hot mulled wine and inhaling the fragrance of gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. Another fabulous way to take in many of the different markets is a river cruise down the Danube or the Rhine during this magical time of year.
We all spend a lot of time planning our Holiday table but what about our Holiday Bar Cart? Bar Carts have become so popular and a must have in entertaining settings. Its such a great idea to include the bar cart in your holiday decor. I have been working on mine for a while now. I love the look of hanging a wreath or garland in front. So far I have two white glittery trees adorning both levels of mine but I have a long way to go. These photos have given me so much inspiration. However, I might just end up changing gears and turn the whole cart into a coffee cart. I think this is a fabulous idea. I first saw this on Pinterest and immediately fell in love. You decide for yourself. Here’s a good place to start!
This week both my daughters have cookie exchanges. I am sorry but there is nothing more stressful than a cookie exchange!! You not only want the cookies to taste good but they have to look good as well. And don’t even get me into finding the perfect cookie tin. My girls are very particular about this!!!!! So Sunday we invited a bunch of friends over for a cookie baking Pallooza. I gave the girls a bunch of easy recipes, left the house to do a few errands, and let them go. I have to say we were all impressed with the outcome. You can see my boomerang video below. It turned out so well, that I had to share the recipes with you. Happy Baking!!!
Refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
Mini Marshmallows
Chocolate chips
Slice the cookie dough on a greased cookie sheet
Place 3 or 4 marshmellows and chocolate chips on each cookie
Bake at 350 degrees until just set in the center approx. 8 minutes
1 box chocolate cake mix (devils food or fudge)
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1-2 cups chocolate chips
Mix all ingredient until blended
Roll into balls and place on cookie sheet (leave room between the cookies because they spread)
Bake at 350 degrees for approx 8-10 minutes