remember these?

I gave my {handsome}brother Denny a vintage copy for his birthday last year (along with some happy socks, because really, who doesn't need a pair ot two?)

As a kid I adored these books and would steal them from Denny's room.  These days though, I think I prefer this kind of choose-your-own adventure.  How fun!  Happy Monday all! =)  (And in case you are wondering, the song from the link is Free My Mind by Katie Herzig.)

making a list and checking it twice.

I am not one of those people. I do not have it all together this time of year.  I haven't completed all my shopping by Thanksgiving.  My Christmas cards aren't stamped and ready to send December 1.  My house is never fully decorated.  I get stressed out and overwhelmed with everything that has to get done during the holidays.  And because of that feeling, I often am not completely present in the moments of Christmas that actually do bring so much joy.  

When the first inkling of stress began the day after Thanksgiving, I practiced my yoga breathing, slightly calming myself.  This year I was going to focus more on the actual doing, and waaaaaaaaaay less on the getting done.  To that end, and in keeping with holiday tradition, I made a list, but not a list of "to dos" or "to buys."  The list isn't about accomplishing anything or checking things off of it.  I titled it "Things I Enjoy about the Holidays."  Over the last couple of weeks, I've been adding to it, while at the same time carefully curating, so as not to include anything out of pure obligation or because the collective "we" has been doing it forever.  

I carry my list, written in a spiral bound notebook, around with me in my rather large handbag.  It's written in my swirly, slightly messy script and I can refer to it whenever I need reminding of what is  important to the four people that live in our little house.   I realize that I can't completely eliminate the stressors or the "have-tos" of the season, but I can check my list when I'm feeling overwhelmed, harried, or irritated.  I can choose to come back to those experiences that remind me of the spirit of Christmas and why I do love it so.

A few of the things from my list: 

(in no particular order and included here because I have it captured in a photograph)

Hiding Rocky the Elf every night before I go to bed and experiencing the 6 year old's joyfulness when she comes running in our room at 6 am to tell her sleepy, bleary eyed momma where she found him.

Taking the night train to see Santa at Irvine Regional Park.  So much better than waiting in line at the mall.  (And oh how I love this picture.  Does that make me a little bit evil?)

Decorating gingerbread houses with the six year old and her bestie.  

Searching for the "perfect" tree.  (Sparky always finds it within 45 seconds of being at the lot and I always make him look for at least 20 more minutes.  This has been going on well before we were married. ;)

Preparing and sharing yummy food with all of my loves.

Christmas pajamas!

Watching all the gorgeous boats go by at our friends Kim and Kevin's boat parade party, as seen from the Bay Club.

Gettin' a little bit fancy to go out with Sparky (sans children.) 

Please visit my friend Torrie over at ...a place to share.  She's written her own list which I can't wait to read.  And Torrie doesn't know it, but she, in part, inspired me to make mine.  I love her blog.  She always keeps it real, sharing not just the "looks good on paper" stuff, but also some of the relatable struggles of life.  Dontcha just love a friend like that?!

a little bit rocky.

It's that time of year again.  The time of year when I blatantly use Santa as a motivator, and-- let's just call a spade a spade--a (possible) punisher.  I attempt to keep it positive but it's the same way I use "the manager" at restaurants and the grocery store.  (As in, "Oh my gosh, Georgia, the manager is going to come over here and tell us to LEAVE if you don't stop jumping up and down in the booth..., screaming..., standing up in the cart..., taking off your clothes...")  We have our little friend Rocky the Elf to join in the fun of "Santa's Watching."  Last year, Rocky was MIA the first day of December but happily, this year he's found some mischief right off.

Happy Saturday!

good.little.elf

hungry.little.elf

adventurous.little.elf

Only 21 more mornings to go.  Only need 21 more creative "hiding" places for our elf.  Any ideas?!

"sin"amon pumpkin muffins*

Hi y'all.  It's been awhile.  I've missed you.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving (but you probably know that.)  About a month ago, I made an executive decision not to slave away all day cook on Thanksgiving.  I also made an executive decision that my mom wasn't slaving away cooking either.  Along the same line, I decided we weren't doing any dishes for some poor schmuck lovely soul who might be willing to invite us all to dinner.  I was tired after this laborious decision making but I had just enough energy to pick up the phone to make a reservation at Bayside in Corona del Mar.  After that, I patted myself on the back and sat down on the couch to rest.

Quite a few things were behind the ban on cooking this year.  Mainly, this meal seems like SO MUCH WORK, which, in and of itself, is not necessarily a bad thing.  I mean, I like to cook.  I love the process of bringing seemingly random ingredients together and creating amazing delicious dishes for friends and family to enjoy.  But this meal, for me, requires much work with very little payoff.  We have a small crew for Thanksgiving.  The man part of the equation is done eating in 15 minutes.  The littles like nothing about the meal but the turkey/gravy combination.  My mother and I now argue over discuss cornbread stuffing vs. her stuffing.  I don't like pumpkin pie.  Or pecan for that matter.  So I decided to be selfish.  And I feel very good in that decision.

Now that's not to say I didn't cook anything on Thanksgiving.  I got up early and while the children watched Sesame Street Phineas and Ferb :( and the husband went on his 10 mile run (go Sparky!),  I baked these muffins for our first annual "Thanksgiving Day at the Beach."  I love traditions.  And sometimes, we need to create a couple of new ones.

The muffins have a delicious cinnamon surprise center and a crumbly streusel topping.  They go equally well with a cup of coffee or, as I prefer,  a morning mimosa on the sand. 

Pumpkin "Sin"amon Muffins* 

Yields 19 large muffins

Filling:

3 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

2-3 tablespoons water 

Batter:

1 box spice cake mix

1 cup canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie mix)

4 eggs

1/2 cup water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

Topping:

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 to 1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup flour

3 tablespoons room temperature butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line muffin pan with cupcake papers or lightly grease.

Mix topping ingredients well until crumbly.  (I use my clean fingers.)

Prepare filling by mixing all ingredients well with fork or hand mixer.

Prepare batter by mixing with hand mixer on low for 30 seconds.  Increase speed to medium and mix for 2 minutes, scraping down sides. 

Divide half the batter evenly among the muffin cups.  (I made 19 muffins.)  Dollop approximately 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon filling onto each muffin, then top with remaining batter.  Sprinkle a little topping over each and pressing lightly.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned and lovely.

Oh, and if you forget to put the topping on the first batch like I did, make this cream cheese frosting, because well, every muffin needs a topper. =)

*People, let's call these what they are-- CUPCAKES! 

now and then i think of all the times you screwed me over.

I'm ever so slightly obsessed with this song right now. (The six year old has asked me repeatedly "Really, Mom? Again?") I'm not sure why as it hasn't any relevance to my (current) life. But I guess at one point or another we've all felt the emotions this song reveals, yes? Plus it's got quite a catchy tune. =)

I'm particular keen on moment 2:33. Happy listening!  (Give the song a full listen, it starts a bit sloooooow.)

i love black too, but...

photo

In my opinion, this dress is a lesson in the unflattering.  How could you do this to your lovely figure?  Gwyneth, I love ya, but boo.

i love color.

My favorite of the night.  And because it's never been said before--wow, her body is smokin'.

photos