Tomorrow, I will be spending Thanksgiving at my aunt & uncle’s house. And while I’m very grateful that they are hosting, I also dream of hosting myself one day. So that I can try my hand at creating a beautiful tablescape Thanksgiving or Christmas.
One // Two // Three // Four // Five // Six
It’s that time of year again!! Okay, sorry, yes, Thanksgiving hasn’t happened yet. ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas hasn’t started yet.
But is it my fault that Hallmark Channel is already playing Christmas movies morning, noon, and night??! Thank you, Hallmark Channel.
It’s no secret that I heart cheesy Christmas movies.
My DVR is already full of them.
Today, I’ll share 3 new (or new to me) Christmas movies that I’ve enjoyed this season so far.
3. Snow Bride
PS…not recommended: The Thanksgiving House, A Very Merry Mix-Up, The March Sisters at Christmas
Let’s play catch-up, shall we?
1. A couple of months ago, I went to the Oddball Comedy Fest show to see Flight of the Conchords, Dave Chappelle, and others. This is the only picture I could check. Security was on a power trip really strict about no photos during the show.
2. I had brunch at La Condesa with Meredith & Mary Helen. This BLAT was soooo good. I need another soon.
3. I went to Cleveland for work for a few days. Top on my list was going to Michael Symon’s B Spot restaurant. I was a bigger fan of the S’Mores milkshake than the burger. Yummmmm!
4. Several of us had a blogger meet-up date in South Austin. We went to a dive bar. Really divey…..the regulars were really into their shuffleboard. Unfortunately the smoke in there got to us quick, so we moved over to the Moontower Saloon which I loved.
5. I went to the One Republic & Sara Bareilles concert at the ACL Live theater. Great show!
6. I had brunch at Elizabeth Street Cafe with my friend, Bonnie. I should go to this restaurant more often. I’ve only been twice, but it’s charmed my socks off both times.
7. Haley girl turned 11 on September 30th! I had a sinus infection, so it was just a normal day for her. But I gave her lots of treats.
8. I went to Bath & Body Works this weekend to stock up on hand soap. The sweet clementine one is by far my favorite. Love it so much!!
I had every intention of bypassing the candles too. But the soap area had customers around it so I smelled some candles until they left. And once I saw the pumpkin pecan waffles one, I was a goner. It smells as good as it sounds!
9. I’m set for the holidays.
Happy 2013! 2012 brought a lot of changes for me. New city, new job, new friends…bring on the adventures of 2013!!
For Christmas this year, I stayed in Austin. My parents came down to spend the holiday with me and my aunts & uncles.
Haley loves visitors!
Family brunch at Kerbey Lane Cafe. Everyone loved it!
My aunt & uncle at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
Every arts & crafts fair should have a live band!
Shopping at the Domain
Dad & I taking a break from shopping to sit outside & enjoy a beer.
Love this new dish towel that my aunt Ann got me!
My Dad asked if we were going to have our breakfast date at Whole Foods to get coffee and a muffin like when they visited this summer. Yes yes! A new tradition! 
Brunch at Magnolia Cafe
I made Christmas Eve spaghetti & meatballs!
New owl nightlight lamp from my parents! My owl obsession is going strong!
My cousin Kristy has had a great 2012….getting fit! I’m so jealous proud of her!
My cousin-in-law makes a great turkey!
Mom & Ann
I made fudge for the first time!
Thanks again Mom & Dad for making the long drive down to spend Christmas with me. But next year…leave the flu at home.
When my friend, Sarah, was in town about a month ago, I told her about my love for made-for-TV holiday movies. Think Lifetime, ABC Family, and the Hallmark channel. I got her sucked in one morning watching A Christmas Wish with Kristy Swanson. It was a tearjerker. Sarah was a goner. I’ve brought her over to the dark side. I now text her whenever I find another good holiday movie. So, I wanted to share the wealth with you all as well.
These movies are perfect during the holidays when you are home and need some background noise basically. Have these movies on when you’re baking, decorating the tree, wrapping presents, doing laundry, etc.
I posted last year my “rules” for picking these holidays movies. So, far these movies are my favorite ones I’ve watched this holiday season…
1. Hitched for the Holidays
This movie with Joey Lawrence was by far my favorite TV Christmas movie! I’m almost embarrassed to say how much I liked it!! I immediately text Sarah to tell her how good it was. Yeah, Sarah was at a Ray Lamontagne concert at the time. Julie = nerd, Sarah = awesome
2. 12 Dates of Christmas
Amy Smart & Mark-Paul Gosselaar?? Duh, that’s a no-brainer that it will be good.
4. Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade
5. Holiday High School Reunion
Take these movies for what they are. Cheesy, mindless fun…the plots are predictable, but doesn’t everyone want to see a happy ending in December?!
Pumpkin Carving Party at Mary’s. I didn’t carve this pumpkin, but was so impressed by it!
This was probably after I told Jessica that Flight of the Conchords weren’t relevant anymore.
On Saturday morning, I went to a clothing swap party. There was a lot more loot to go through than just in this picture.
In addition to some clothes, I also brought Mimomas & muffins!
The best part of a party from 10 am – 2 pm is that you can start with cinnamon rolls & then advance on to cheese straws and hummus!
Someone also brought kolaches! I’ve had sweet kolaches before, but this was my 1st savory kolache with cheese, peppers, and sausage. So good!!
In addition to the clothing swap, it was also a Stella & Dot party!
I got these jade earrings pictured and 2 necklaces. But at least my clothing swap items were free!
I got 2 tank tops, 2 shirts, and a cute black Express skirt that I love.
Saturday night Halloween party at Jessica’s. I was a black cat. Meow!
Eyeball apps!! Mozzarella and olives for the eyes drowning in marinara sauce for the blood.
Blinged out trophies for the costume contest winners.
This evening, I went over to my aunt & uncle’s for dinner for my cousin-in-law’s birthday. My aunt sure knows how to pour a generous glass of wine!!
Chili & corn bread muffins…perfect Sunday night fall food!
Strawberry cake with strawberry icing & strawberry ice cream, my fave!
Happy Birthday, Cary!
My thoughts exactly!
Frozen strawberry margarita! I was already well into this one…
UNO Attack! Sadly, I didn’t win any rounds.
Loved this quinoa salad and….
…this Asian slaw!
I love these little poppers things so much. The only things I love more are…
…my beloved Killer Beez!!
See ya next year, fireworks!
Have a great 4th of July!!
I hope your day consists of food, fun, friends, family, beer, sun, laughter, and sparklers!
Do you have big 4th of July plans?? I’m going over to my aunt & uncle’s for a BBQ. I’m planning on bringing a dessert and some sort of side dish.
Do you have ideas for me?? I will reciprocate with some ideas for you!
Sharing is caring.
Appetizer:
Sour Cream & Bacon Stuffed Tomatoes — so tasty!!
Tortilla Pinwheels — I may very well make these for 4th of July tomorrow myself. They are a proven crowd pleaser!!
Drink:
9 times out of 10, I’m beering it at a BBQ. But if fruity is more your taste, try a:
Side Dish:
Patti LaBelle’s Mac N Cheese — Patti knows her mac & cheese!!!!
Entree:
Dessert:
Vanilla Pudding Chocolate Chip Cookies — Cookies are a great BBQ dessert since people graze all night long. They’ll want dessert, but may not have the stomach room for a whole piece of cake/pie.
Brownie & Marshmallow Crunch Bars — I haven’t made these gems in over a year, but they were so good. Maybe they’ll be at my aunt & uncle’s tomorrow too!!
What’s on your menu tomorrow??
