Twelve Days Of Christmas

It feels like I blinked and Christmas was over as quickly as Santa can throw back cookies; like I'd just found the radio station playing non-stop Christmas carols when people were already starting to return gifts that didn't fit or weren't to their taste. I never realized how much that extra week in between Thanksgiving and Christmas actually makes.

Every year, we all sing the Christmas song "The Twelve Days of Christmas." You know, the partridge in a pear tree, those two turtle doves or all those golden rings. You probably sing the song leading up to Christmas each year but how many of you knew that the twelve days of Christmas are the days following this joyous holiday?

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Although my bank account isn't too pleased with all of my recent Christmas gift shopping, that doesn't mean that I can't keep the Christmas spirit alive for a few extra days. There's more to this time of year than just buying people presents. 

To carry on the remaining days of the season, I plan on doing little things to keep spreading the cheer.  Why not, right? To name a few, I will be:

• Writing thank you notes to those who were so generous to me this holiday.
• Having extra patience around those who usually try my patience quickly.
• Leaving an extra couple of dollars in a tip when I go out to eat.
• Calling my grandmother a bit more often just to check in and say hi. 
• Holding the door for the person behind me.
• Giving someone in need on the street a helping hand (or dollar).
• Oh, and listening to Christmas carols a little longer than I should be...

I realize that might not be the most exciting or entertaining list but I think they're all attainable and necessary - sometimes less really is more. What's on your list?

Hope everyone has a very merry twelve days of Christmas and that you keep your spirit (and decorations!) up through January 5th!

Kid At Heart: Merry Christmas!

Just a short post to wish you all a very merry Christmas! It's okay to be a kid today. I know I sure am - why not? Thanks to my parents, who let me be, and keep the Christmas spirit alive in every way. I always look forward to the Santa gift tags that my mom still writes out with her left hand. 

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and can enjoy time off with loved ones!

Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Since I don't want to give away what I'm getting for my family and boyfriend for Christmas, I figured I'd make a list of gift ideas for twenty-something year old females. Really I'm just doing all those of you reading this who I might buy something for a favor...I swear I'm not just dropping hints ;-).

For me, this time between Thanksgiving and Christmas has been flying by and I've been stressed out just trying to think of ideas let alone finding the time to do the actual shopping & spending. To help, here are some ideas:

Cape Clasp Bracelet: Growing up on Cape Cod I'm automatically drawn to nautical jewelry & gifts. This bracelet is simple & can be paired with other casual bracelets or a watch. The best part: 15% of profits are donated to the Cape Cod National Seashore to support the conservation of local beaches so you don't have to feel guilty about your purchase from Cape Clasp for $29.99!

Apron: At twenty-something, it's time we all started learning how to cook something other than macaroni and cheese and frozen pizza. At this point, I will say that I've mastered a few recipes - see here for some of these delicious meals - but the one thing I'm always concerned about is splashing sauce or grease or some other splash-able food onto my clothes. An apron, or better yet a monogrammed apron, is a great Christmas gift and Williams-Sonoma has plenty to choose from starting at $29.95.

Scarf & Gloves: December is the perfect time to stock up on some last minute gear to bundle up for the remainder of winter. A chunky knit infinity scarf and fingerless gloves are necessities during the winter months in Boston and I've been extra good this year in hopes that Santa will deliver these. The cowl neck scarf is perfect so you don't have to worry about it coming unwrapped around your neck and the fingerless gloves allow you to check your phone unhindered. Gap has a number of options ranging from $19.95 to $39.95 to help keep you warm this season.


DIY manicure set: If you're on a budget, try putting together a DIY manicure set with all of the essentials. First, fill the bottom of a mason jar with cotton balls - it gives the Christmasy effect since it looks like snow and serves a practical purpose since that's what the person can use to remove nail polish. Next, add in some emery boards, nail polish, nail polish remover and hand lotion. It's a great alternative to a mani/pedi gift card.

Hope these ideas help or at least get you started as Christmas quickly approaches and last minute gifts need to be purchased. You better start checking those naughty and nice lists!

Sweet & Salty: Peanut Butter Pretzel Treats

Every year, my family and I deliver an assortment of cookies to friends and neighbors on Christmas Eve. It has become a tradition and something that both the givers (my family) and the recipients always look forward to. Admittedly, I'm more of a cook than a baker so my contribution will be these delicious, sweet and salty peanut butter & pretzel treats that don't involve any baking. Since I can't deliver the actual treats to you, I thought I'd do the next best thing & deliver the recipe!

You will need:

Pretzels
1 Cup Peanut Butter

3/4 Cup Confectioners Sugar

3/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar

2 Tbsp Butter

1 Bag of Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (for the sake of Christmas I decided to use some white chocolate chips with red & white food coloring as well)

To start, melt the butter in the microwave and then mix it with the cup of peanut butter in a large mixing bowl. Next, combine the peanut butter with the confectioners sugar & brown sugar. Stir the ingredients together until the consistency is dry enough to roll the mixture into little balls. You may have to add a little extra of each sugar.

Portion out about a tsp of the peanut butter mixture onto individual pretzels and make a sandwich using a second pretzel. Stick them in the freezer for about 30 minutes so they can harden up and be easily dipped in the melted chocolate.

Next, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, heating them in 20 second intervals. Stir them frequently to make sure that it doesn't burn. After a total of 45-60 seconds the chocolate should be nice and smooth. Dip each sandwich in the chocolate so half is covered. As a warning, I found that the white chocolate wasn't as easy to dip in once I added the food coloring. Although just as delicious, the semi-sweet chocolate came out a bit smoother looking once dipped.

Place each onto wax paper so they don't stick to the tray and let the chocolate harden in the fridge. Store in the fridge until they're ready to be served or gifted!