|
December 8, 2011

Homemade Amaretto

Remember when we had to do those Science Fair projects that required foam-core board, photos and colored construction paper? I’ll never forget those! It stresses me out to think of all of the times our printer stopped working the night before my project was due. My brothers totally sabotaged one of my experiments when I was in 7th grade and I still haven’t forgotten about it. I’ll spare you the drama.

If I was to do a Science Fair project as a grownup, I’d enter with this Homemade Amaretto.

Imagine this: my foam-core board is a very dark gray (of course it is!) and all the fancy lettering is white with yellow construction paper. It’s totally eye-catching (I always put more work into what my project looked like than the actual project. Figures, right?). There could be a few silver stars pasted on for extra appeal. Who knows!

On the left-hand side you’ll find this:

And then I show the judges a step by step pictorial of my project:

CONTINUE READING

|
December 7, 2011

Homemade Limoncello

homemade limoncello

JACKPOT!

(what someone blurts out when they get a bottle of homemade limoncello as a present for Christmas)

homemade limoncello

Have you had limoncello before? Oh man, it’s good! If you’ve never had it, it’s a sweet Italian lemon liqueur that comes from the Amalfi coast and it’s abso-fricking delightful. It’s pretty much the nectar of the gods, if you ask me. I love adding it to sparkling water, drizzling it on top of vanilla ice cream, mixing it with cranberry juice or sipping it from a fancy cordial glass. Limoncello is heavenly when served directly from the freezer where it remains cold, syrupy and viscous. Think maple syrup but lemony & boozy!

If you’re trying to figure out what to make for the holidays, might I suggest this? You need about 8 days from start to finish and it lasts up to 3 months in the freezer. The hardest part is giving it away! Now, tell me what are you waiting for! There are people to impress…

CONTINUE READING

|
December 6, 2011

Maple Bourbon Cider

maple bourbon cider

12 tips for surviving the holiday season:

1. Mistletoe. Stay away from it & you’ll avoid close to 80% of all holiday awkwardness.

2. Bring booze to a party. The party can start once you arrive.

3. Drink a glass of water for every boozy drink you drink. You just have to.

4. When your mother asks you AGAIN when you’re having another baby, distract her with booze.

5. Drink booze when you find out you did not get a Christmas bonus.

6. If you DO get a Christmas bonus, buy a nice bottle of booze. Buy one for your boss too. You both deserve it.

7. Gift cards are awesome. Whoever said they weren’t thoughtful, clearly doesn’t get it.

8. If you ate too many cookies don’t feel bad. Just eat salad for the next few meals. Also, inhale kale.

9. Keep tabs on who’s around you when you open presents. This is important information for future re-gifting.

10. If you plan on wearing an ironic/bedazzled Christmas sweater, avoid open flames.

11. Whenever there’s awkwardness in a conversation, blurt out the word YULE LOG.

12. Host a Christmas party and make Maple Bourbon Cider. Make some cheese straws while you’re at it.

CONTINUE READING

|
December 5, 2011

Christmas Decor 2011

CONTINUE READING

|
December 4, 2011

YUMALUM GIVEAWAY!

Shutterbean is teaming up with Yumalum to offer you an awesome giveaway just in time for the holidays!

CONTINUE READING

|
December 2, 2011

365- Week 48

A food related photo everyday until 2012. Here’s week 47:

333/365 A peppermint cupcake at Kara’s Cupcakes.

12.02.11

CONTINUE READING

|
December 2, 2011

I love lists, Friday!

  1. Can I tell you how much I’m in love with this coat? I feel like it was made for me!
  2. If I could have a girl that would say crocodile in french, I’d try for a 2nd baby right THIS INSTANT.
  3. Shirts with hearts on them are the new black. You can make your own!
  4. I just love a What’s in My Bag post, don’t you?
  5. Not gonna lie, I’m kind of obsessed with this cute blog!
  6. What better way to show that you love someone? Giant Cross stitch heart!
  7. Popovers. Yup. Popovers are on my TO DO list.
  8. Roasted potato stacks anyone? I get dibs on the crispiest stack!
  9. Why does this seem like the best idea ever?
  10. This Father/Daughter dance medley is BOSS! What a good sport, dad!

And in other news!

-Check out the latest Joy the Baker podcast episode # 28: MERRY XMAS TO ME! This week we talk what to wear/bring to holiday parties, American girl dolls (what?!) and our thoughts on egg nog. It’s real fun!

-I made a fancy schmancy Gin & Pomegranate LOVE POTION for my good friend Miss James & her new hubby Aubrey to celebrate their nuptials!

-I somehow worked up the courage to share what my desk looks like to the whole world. WARNING! It’s A HOT MESS. But don’t worry, I’m cleaning my act up!