Buckeye Cookies

How do you make Buckeye Cookies?..You put them in a bowl and beat them for 3 hours. 

 

Okay, fine, that joke is almost 5 years old. However, this afternoon the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Florida Gators will meet for the second time in five years at the Gator Bowl. This time, I am not so sure the Gators will pull a 41-14 win, especially with our former coach pulling for the other side this time around. 

All pigskin rivalry aside, here is the recipe for delicious Buckeye cookies... 

Buckeyes
 
Ingredients

1 ½ Cups Peanut Butter

1 Cup Butter, softened

½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

6 Cups Confectioners' Sugar

4 Cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips

In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar. The dough will look dry. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet. Press a toothpick into the top of each ball {to be used later as the handle for dipping} and chill in the freezer until firm, about 30 minutes. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler {or in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water}. Stir frequently until smooth. Dip frozen peanut butter balls in chocolate holding onto the toothpick. Leave a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top to make them look like Buckeyes. Put back on the cookie sheet and refrigerate until serving.

 

Twenty-Twelve Resolutions

Come January 1, everyone has something in common: resolutions. It’s that very special day each year where everyone joins together to try to remake ourselves, hoping to be better versions in the coming year.

I have never been a huge believer in New Year’s Resolutions. I honestly just try to live each day happy, healthy, and positive. So for 2012, instead of making the cliché promise to lose 10 lbs, eat healthier, or workout more, I am committing to 5 good deeds that help more than just myself…

Though they may seem small or insignificant, it doesn’t matter. The more good I do, the better I feel about myself. And truly, to benefit others is to benefit yourself.

 

This year I am going to try and live life a little leaner by cleaning out my closets more often than I do.  And rather than leaving items out by the curb to fill up our landfills, I am resolving to donate old furniture, clothing, and household items I no longer need to Goodwill.

 

One thing we can all agree on is that it is so nice to receive compliments – and yet we forget how much fun it is to give them! Whether from a loved one or a complete stranger, compliments are one of the greatest small pleasures in life. So, I am going to make an extra effort to float more compliments out into the world in 2012. Sincere praise is so powerful, can make someone’s day, and is totally free!

 

The holiday season has definitely inspired me to help others by getting more involved in service projects. So to help carry the giving spirit through 2012, I am resolving to pass up on less of the numerous service projects my church offers each year. 

 

Whether it’s paying for the person behind me in the drive-thru, writing a note of appreciation to the mailman, or sending an unexpected bouquet of flowers to someone, spreading kindness is contagious. Even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life.

Ringing in the new year with a greener lifestyle is a small commitment that reaps big rewards for our environment. Recycling at the office, remembering to actually bring my reusable bags to the grocery store, going paperless, and switching to Eco-friendly cleaning products are a few green habits I plan to adopt for 2012. 

What are your 2012 resolutions?!

I wish y’all a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Christmas 2011

This year, Matt, Charlie, and I drove down to the Sunshine State to spend Christmas with my family in Orlando {in 80 degree weather}. We had such a wonderful weekend with our friends and family, eating, drinking, watching Christmas movies, and opening presents!

  

Here is a recap of our Christmas festivities in photos...

Mom's Christmas Tree, post Santa delivery. 

Our first married Christmas! 

I made a delicious breakfast casserole on Christmas morning {recipe to come}

 

Dad with his girls

One of our favorite engaged couples, Ashley and Drew, stopped by...twice!! 

We played cards and celebrated Shanny's birthday!

This Christmas, Dad decided to buy every boy in the family a remote control inflatable FLYING SHARK. Within minutes of receiving the sharks, they were blown up and flying throughout the house. Watch this video to see just how hilarious these toys really are...{warning, the dogs did not like the sharks}...

Hilarious and awesome, right? Here are a few more pictures of the shark swimming throughout the house...

Dad cutting the turkey while Mom prepares the rest of the feast!

This was definitely our favorite Christmas yet! I am already excited about Christmas 2012. I hope your Christmas was warm and merry! xo 

 Our 2011 Christmas - so happy!

Making Spirits Bright

Looking for a last minute gift idea for a friend, coworker, or neighbor? A personalized bottle of vino is always a fun way to spread the holiday spirit!

All you need is to download this super duper cute template:

Once you've cut out your label, carefully glue {I used spray glue} it over the label on your wine bottle. Tie a pretty bow around the neck of the bottle, and TA-DA!

Merry Christmas!

Candy Cane Blossoms

Tis the season for lots of sprinkles! Since my Candy Cane Blossoms were a big hit at the Cookie Exchange, I plan to make an extra batch for Santa {and his reindeer} on Christmas Eve.

The recipe...

You Will Need:

{1} bag HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Candy Cane Mint Candies

{1/2} cup {1 stick} butter or margarine, softened

{1} cup granulated sugar

{1} egg

{1 ½} teaspoons vanilla extract

{2} cups all-purpose flour

{¼}  teaspoon baking soda

{¼} teaspoon salt

{2} tablespoons milk

Red or green sugar crystals

 Heat oven to 350°F. Remove wrappers from candies.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, egg and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. 

In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda and salt.

Add alternately with milk to butter mixture, beating until well blended.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls.

Roll in red granulated sugar and place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and cookie is set. Remove from oven; cool 2 to 3 minutes.

Press a candy piece into center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. 

Merry Christmas y'all!

Stocking Stuffers

Since we will be spending Christmas with my family this year, Matt, Charlie and I decided to celebrate our own little Christmas together this past weekend by opening our stockings {one of my favorite parts of Christmas}.

All of the fun "stuffers"...

 Matt's favorite stuffers were the Whiskey Stones and book, "Stuff White People Like." 

 Charlie's favorite stuffer was the squeaky hotdog!

My favorite stuffer was The Help, which I have been dyyyying to watch, and a $5 coupon to Target (haha)! 

What sort of items do you give/receive in Christmas stockings?