12 Cookies of Christmas

Growing up my mom always made 12 different varieties of cookies for the holidays (I know, she had a lot of free time right) for the 12 days of Christmas.  While I would like to say that I am so organized that I too make 12 different cookies, that is just not the case.  If I make 4 kinds then I call that a success.  

I have rounded up my top 12 cookies, so if you are feeling motivated I promise you cannot go wrong with any of these!!

Mint Slice Cookies

Italian Wedding Cookies

Cherry Kiss Cookies

Jewel Cookies
I personally think raspberry jelly is the best and it must be bonne maman

Decorator Sugar Cookies
If you have children and you only make 1 cookies, this needs to be it!!  One of my best childhood memories is icing cookies with my brother and sisters and this was the recipe my mom used.  I know, butter crisco, but this is so. damn. good.   If you have an ounce of restraint then bake away.

Meringue Cookies
We call these nighty nights in my home because they sit in the oven overnight.  I always leave out the  nuts, that seems to be a bit too much.

Oatmeal Lace Cookies

Cookie Dough Truffles

Candy Cane Cookies

Buckeye Cookies

Turtle Cookies

Rice Krispies Wreaths


Only 4 more days ladies, turn those ovens on!!!

Pretty Little Things

This afternoon I am forcing myself to stay home and start wrapping presents.  A beautiful wrapping job can make a pair of socks even look fabulous.  All I need to see this come together is some Christmas tunes, a nice glass of pinot, and a little inspiration...

and if things get really crazy over here I might just make some pom-poms

looks like I might need a second glass of that wine!

Girlfriend's Guide to Gifts

Not only is December here, but it is closing in on Christmas.  My December to do list is a full time job in and of itself.  The past 2 weeks have been utterly exhausting with non stop parties and gift exchanges.   I love shopping for my favorite things, wrapping them pretty, and then seeing what happens in a game of rob your neighbor.

My first stop for gifts was Kate Spade.   I know, you just can't go wrong in that store!!

here is the world's hands down most darling coin purse, and a damn cute hostess gift

a glitter make up bag with my all time favorite staple especially in the winter

do yourself a favor and stock up on this now.

I think I bought the stud earrings in every color under the sun

These are just great to have on hand for that last minute gift that somehow slipped your mind.

And then of course I had to get a little something for myself, and I absolutely could not resist buying this purse...

swear to God, cutest thing ever!!  

You take this purse out and you will be asked constantly where you got it.

This past Sunday night was one of my favorite nights of the holiday season, i.e. the Nordstrom Christmas Shopping Party so I added to my gift exchange pile

This shimmer body powder smells amazing and leaves glitter all over your body

and another great scent is Tory Burch

they had so many gifts with purchase on Sunday night so I got this bar of soap for free

hostess gift or gift to self???




I think every day at 5pm on the dot the wine comes out and the lounge wear comes on

who doesn't want comfy flannel pants??!!



And for the girl who has everything and can appreciate a good sense of humor, this tray nails it!

so awesome!!

Girl Friday

I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is next week.  Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday.  I love spending time with my friends and family but I don't have the stress of gifts, and decorating, and baking 12 different varieties of cookies, and getting out a photo card and the list goes on....

Next week we are heading to Detroit to spend the holiday at my sister's house

I am in charge of the veggie on Thursday.  I think my sister wants me to make the canned green beans with the soup and french onions but I just can't.  I think I am going to make this instead

Brussels Sprouts Gratin

It is going to be freezing in the big D town so I picked up a cute little number so at least my neck will stay warm

The day after Thanksgiving we plan on doing a little shopping

then off to see The Nutcracker

and this weekend, we are having our Friendsgiving here in STL

Thanksgiving feast in a barn about an hour outside of the city.

It's going to be a chilly night, the barn is open air, at least I got my new favorite pinot to keep me warm, and my new scarf!!

Have a beautiful weekend!!

November Gift Guide

I should be starting on Christmas gifts but I have 6 friends with birthdays during the month of November so instead I am hunting high and low for birthday gifts.  

The problem is once you start to give good gifts you raise the bar then you ABSOLUTELY have to give good gifts.  At this point a Starbucks gift card, though very much appreciate by most, is completely unacceptable.

I want my gifts to be like those Russian dolls, you think that's it; but then one more inside...



1.

Kate Spade Umbrella

with a little pair of studs tucked inside for my prim and proper friend.








2.
For my hippie chick friend, a funky clutch

with some statement earrings inside

3.
For my friend who is obsessed with lotions, perfumes, sprays, and anything beauty

a little amazing grace shower gel

and then body oil

and a little perfume roller






4.
For my sister Jules who travels 2 weeks out of every month, a very cute carry on

and inside the bag a gift certificate for a cooking class that we will take together.  This year she wants to do a Christmas appetizer class.

5.
This gift is an easy one, every time I wear my lululemon scarf my friend keeps saying how cute it is and how much she loves it, so bam she is getting a scarf...

and I am going to wrap one of these blessing bracelets around it.

Our sons go to the same school and I am buying it from the school bookstore.  The Benedictine Monks that run the school have personally blessed each bracelet they sell for all the moms.

6.

The bestie

My BFF has a birthday in November and she is by far the hardest.  She has been some through major life changes lately so I want something special.  She is going to be the recipient of my latest obsession....

Mantra Bands

I love that you can pick a bracelet that means something, and I think mixing the metals is so on point.  I picked my favorite 3 for her

I love birthday gifts, but this is why I have no money!!