Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Even More Rain...

Here are pictures of the urban river that is running through our street. The forecasters in San Diego always talk a big game when there is even a chance of clouds. So when the news started forecasting this storm I didn't really think it would be as wet as they said. This storm seems to be living up to expectations. It is pretty exciting and a nice change. Stay Classy San Diego

More rain

I love this weather! However I wish it was sunny for my sister since today is her birthday!! She is a sunny person who likes the warm weather. She really should have been a summer baby. Tonight the whole family is going to dinner and then to the Hotel Del in Coronado to see the beautiful tree.

Happy birthday to the greatest little sister!!xoxo

Rain

This what we have been up to, playing in the rain.

Cookies

Today's goal is to find the best sugar cookie recipe out there. I've been looking through my cookbooks and checking different websites to find the best. It is cold and rainy today so I need an activity to keep the boys busy! Only a week till Christmas and the anticipation is mounting!

Last night we went to a White Elephant party. It was so much fun. I wish I'd brought my camera the gifts were Hilarious and the tree looked lovely.

Spring revival

Something wonderful that happened to me this spring that I never mentioned is I went to New York City. The reason I went to the big apple with my best friend Kristina was to participate in the Revlon run/walk for women's cancer. This was our 6th year but only our 2nd time doing New York. Let me explain the picture above...the race starts very early and we had just woken up. It was a great day.

Today I got an email letting me know the dates for the 2011 Revlon Run/Walk. The Los Angles will be held May 7 and New York will be on April 30. I am not sure which city Kristina and I are doing yet but I can't wait. If you would like to get more infromation go to www.revlonrunwalk.org

Workshop

This is my new work space (aka dining room table) and I couldn't be happier! It is pretty simple but for me it's just the right amount of room. I love that the sliding glass door gives me so much natural light to work in!

I have been looking online for some good peppermint recipes to try out this year. I found a couple of good ideas. One that I think the boys will like involves smashing candy canes.

Stella & Dot

Trudy Love - Stella & Dot Stylist <-----it looks even better in person!

This past weekend I hosted a trunk show at our new house. I really love the Petra braided bracelet. This bracelet is on the pricier side but they do have 50 things under $50. Its a newer line of jewelry. I hadn't heard about it until I came across a catalog. So here is a link if you want to check it out. Its fun but not cheesy.

I had a busy week right into the weekend. I felt so productive...made cookies, made 10 coffee cozies, had a little house warming party, started Christmas shopping. The tree looks great and the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. Yet today I have little motivation. I need to sew some more but I am putting it off till tomorrow. I think there are 2 reasons I don't feel crafty today...1 FW is on a field trip to Legoland and I wish I was there with him. 2 It is 85 degrees in December!! I just don't feel like 1 of Santa's elves today when its this hot! Because of the weather I am treating this day as a lazy summer day. Get me a book and a hammock STAT!

Maple Sugar Cookies

These cookies are a BIG hit in my house. They get eaten up before I can take a picture of them! Sugar cookies are expected but adding the maple turns the classic sugar cookie into a taste sensation.

1 stick unsalted butter at room temp
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
half of an egg yolk
1 1/2 cup flour
pinch of salt

Set oven @ 335 makes about 18 medium size cookies

Sift flour and salt set aside. Cream butter and sugars together till they are creamy. Add half an egg yolk and the maple syrup cream for a minute. Now mix in flour & salt. blend it all together. flatten out the dough on saran wrap (so its easier to roll out) put it in the fridge for 20 minutes or the freezer for 10 minutes. roll the dough out and use your favorite cookie cutters. You can decorate these cookies but I think they taste best plain. bake @ 335 for 8-9 minutes take them out of the oven right when the corners get golden. Now try not to eat them all yourself!