Mad For Plaid

Not sure what has gotten into me, but this Holiday season, I am Mad For Plaid.  I usually shy away from plaid, I think it has something to do with having to wear a plaid uniform skirt for too many years to count, but this year, I am finding it so chic.  Lucky for me, plaid is everywhere, clothing, accessories, home decor, EVERYWHERE.  I added a photo of my own little plaid stash.  My puppy is loving her plaid sweater.  Our Christmas cookies have looked much yummier on this plaid tray and everyone is getting a sweet plaid thank you note this christmastime!!!!  However, I have found even more plaid goodies for you!!!! 



Mad For Plaid

L Agence collar blouse
intermixonline.com

Hervé Léger cage skirt
herveleger.com

Hollister co
hollisterco.com

Cougar water proof boots
$97 – shoeme.ca

Casetify iphone case
casetify.com

J crew
factory.jcrew.com

Beige throw pillow
chairish.com

Mark Graham fire log rack
markandgraham.com

Plaid home decor
hobbylobby.com

Christmas cup
kirklands.com

Red home accessory
hobbylobby.com

C F plaid napkin
belk.com

European Christmas Markets

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.

Berlin

Prague

Budapest

Munich

Salzburg

Vienna

Holiday Bar Cart

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!

How Clever!!  A Coffee Bar Cart

Ideas For Your Holiday Table

I don’t host Christmas Eve or Christmas Day but I still love to set a holiday table.  I usually stick to gold or silver but this year I might mix it up and opt for a plaid or something out of the box for me.  I love all of these tables and how they incorporated color and small trees and other props.  Happy Tablesetting!!!!

Ideas For Your Holiday Table

Saro spring napkin
overstock.com

Burlap table linen
$18 – notonthehighstreet.com

Don’t Open Until Christmas

OK, So most of the shopping is done, all the presents are sorted out and now the hard part…the wrapping.  I love to wrap my gifts in festive paper and glittery bows.  I do cheat and use gift bags as well.  My next trip is to Michaels, Party City and The Dollar Store to stock up on paper, bags, decorative accents, bows and anything else I can find to adorn my packages.  I love all of these ideas that I found below.  Brown craft paper is so popular right now.  But, I think I might take it to the next level and stick with decorative paper.  I did find the cutest wrapping paper with scotty dogs and the sweetest dog gift tags.  I can’t wait to see how it all turns out!!!!  I will post, I promise!!!  Happy Wrapping!!!!
image Women’s Day




image finding home



image Pinterest






image one fine day



image providence design




image tumblr


This is one of the best You Tube Wrapping Idea Videos

Cookie Pallooza

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!!!


Cake Mix Cookies
adapted from all recipes

image Sally’s baking addiction

2 large eggs
1 package white cake mix
1/2 vegetable oil
sprinkles

Mix together cake mix, eggs and oil in a bowl
Make little balls with the dough and place on an untreated cookie sheet
Decorate the balls with sprinkles or any holiday decorations
Bake at 350 degrees for 4-10 minutes


S’mores Cookies
adapted from food network





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


Chocolate Cake Cookies
adapted from Betty Crocker



image I made your recipe

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 


Our Cookie Pallooza: