Snow Days

I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas! I know that I sure did. I love this time of year and spending time with family, it's the best. We are taking a break for a few days from the celebrations and then we are off to Orangeville to visit my husbands side of the family. It's a busy time of year! I have been wanting these boots for a while now and my husband gave them to me for Christmas! He did good work. Beckett, Beckett, Beckett....he got spoiled for Christmas and got some cu-ute stuff! That spoiled boy.

My Outfit:

Cardigan: Kohls

T-Shirt: Nordstrom Rack

Jeans: Papyrus

Belt: Old

Boots: Lauren Conrad (gift)

Necklace: Forever 21

 

B's Outfit:

T-shirt: Old Navy

Cardigan: H&M

Bomber Jacket: Baby Gap

Jeans: 77 Kids

Shoes: Old Navy

Last Minute Christmas Gift: Homemade Berry Granola

Okay, so for all of you that have a few people left on your list to buy for, this is a great idea! I found this mixed berry granola recipe idea in Family Circle magazine and put my own twist on it. I have made granola at home before but this recipe is by FAR my favorite. Plus, it's better than store bought-healthy and you know exactly what you're eating. It's even husband and child approved!

Mixed Berry Granola
Ingredients:
1/3 C honey
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 tsp salt
2 C rolled oats (old fashioned)
1 C pecans, coarsely chopped
1/2 C flax seeds
1 bag (6 oz) dried mixed berries and cherries (any dried fruit would work)

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 325. In a small saucepan melt butter, honey, and salt over low heat, about 3 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, pecans, and flax seeds. Pour honey mixture over oat mixture, toss to coat. Pour onto a baking sheet and flatten into one layer. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

3. Transfer oat mixture to a large bowl and coming with the dried fruit. Let it cool completely and then package into jars or bags. (Servings size: 1/4 Cup = 115 calories)

Casual Saturday

It's the big one! Last Saturday before Christmas. You couldn't pay me to fight the crowds at the mall today. This is the day i'm glad that I get my Christmas shopping done early! Today was full of little errands and spending time with family, so my outfit reflected that. Merry Christmas!

 

Shirt: Nordstrom Rack

Cardigan: Cotton On

Jeans: M.E.K.

Shoes: Target

Scarf: Old Navy

Hat: Target (mens section)

Watch: Gift

Candy Cane Cookies

I have been OVERLOADED with holiday sweets as of late. I feel like i've eaten enough sugar these past few weeks to last me a lifetime. I'm definitely going to need to detox after New Years. However, the holiday season wouldn't be the same without all these sugar filled treasures. One of my favorite is a cookie that I grew up making with my mom, candy cane cookies. They are yummy and best yet they are cute. Perfect for a neighborhood gift, which is exactly what I used them for this year :)

Ingredients:
1/2 C shortening
1/2 C butter, softened
1 C powdered sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp almond flavoring
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 C flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp red food coloring
1/2 C crushed peppermint candy (candycanes)
1/2 C sugar

Directions:
1. Cream together the shortening. butter, powdered sugar, egg, and flavorings. Mix the flour and salt together and add to the creamed mixture.

2. Divide the dough in half. With one half mix in the red food coloring and knead well to mix evenly.

3. Roll out 1 small spoonful of each color into a strip about 4 inches long. Place strips side by side. press lightly together and twist like a rope. Put on ungreased baking sheet. Curve top down for the handle of the cane.

4. Bake at 375 for 9 minutes. As soon as you take them out of the oven, sprinkle the peppermint and sugar on top.

Simplicity

It's the simple things in life that really make it enjoyable. Today's out fit was comfy and easy to throw on for a long day at work. The best part of my day? Seeing these two waiting for me when I got home :)

Top: H&M

Cords: American Eagle

Booties: shoedazzle.com

Necklace: Forever 21

Pop of Color

 

Hello, hello! Hope everyone is enjoying their holidays, I know I am! Our household has been under the weather the past few days because Beckett caught the Stomach Flu and daycare. He has been a trooper and I think he is starting to get better. I hate seeing that little guy sick. So, this outfit is a little bit dreary with the black and gray, but I felt like the little pop of red was just what it needed.

 

 

Shirt: Forever 21

Vest: Nordstrom

Jeans: Target

Boots: Shoebuy

Belt: H&M

Scarf: Urban Wear

Necklace: Forever21

Snowflakes & Chocolate

I have been waiting for another snowstorm, and we finally got a small one yesterday. We met up with some friends of ours for a double date; we did some shopping and eating. We went up to see the new outlets at Traverse Mountain but boy....it was cold and windy.

Cardigan: Cotton On

Dress: Macys

Belt: Nordstrom

Leggings: Forever 21

Boots: Shoebuy.com

Headband: Forever 21

Necklace: Cotton On
 

While my friend and I checked out some stores, the boys went and took a break at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory store, Beckett came out with a chocolate covered marshmallow. He was more than excited. Love his face.

Also, I think I have a nail polish hoarding issue.

shake it like a polaroid picture

I have been one busy lady this week. I teach Health & Dance at a junior high and we've been getting a dance ready that they're performing in the high school's christmas concert this weekend. (I can't foreget to mention the awesome 70's couch in the background)

 

I haven't been home as much as I usually am, so i've been missing this guy. He lo-oves wearing mom & dads shoes :)

Bib Necklace & Sock Bun

I don't know about where you guys live but it has been SO windy the last few days by our house. This morning the wind finally took the power out. So we had to get ready for church with the power turning off & on. I got this new bib necklace i'm lovin it. It's more simple, plain black, so it goes with more. And a sock bun on a day like this? Yes, please! (Sorry about the picture today, bad quality)

Top: H&M

Necklace: Forever 21

Skirt: Target

Tights: Forever 21

Shoes: Forever Young

Watch: Gift

Earrings: Dillards