Merry Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2012 by

4 Comments

Wishing you and your family a warm and wonderful Christmas. xoxo, Erica (and Jack too!)

Church Windows

Posted on December 24, 2012 by

5 Comments

My first Christmas away at college I went to a cookie exchange party, and received recipes for a wide range of cookies and treats sure to make the holiday sweet. One that I continue to make every year is Church Windows. Not only are they gorgeous, they are simple to make and always a huge hit at holiday gatherings. 

Church Windows
Ingredients
1 package (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup salted butter
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 bag (10-12 ounces) mini colored marshmallows
1 bag(14 ounces) shredded, sweetened coconut

Directions
1. Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a saucepan that has been placed in a pan of water over love heat (or use a double boiler). Stir until smooth and cool for about 1-2 minutes. Add the nuts and marshmallows and mix to coat.
2. Using wax paper, shape the mixture into three round logs. Roll each log in coconut and shape wrapping firmly in wax paper. Freeze over night. While frozen, slice each log into desired sizes and enjoy.

Snapshots

Posted on December 21, 2012 by

3 Comments

 {ice heart}
My week consisted of plenty of baking, wrapping and unpacking the house. This after noon I will be loading up the car and heading downstate to celebrate Christmas with my family. Here are some things that kept me inspired this week. What are some of your Christmas traditions.
 {sugar plum potpourri}
 {handmade mitten utensil holder}
 {the secret to the best sugar cookies: vanilla bean infused sugar}
{making ice candles for the front porch}

Jack\’s Signature Treats

Posted on December 20, 2012 by

6 Comments

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Cookies are a huge part of the holiday season. So why not share some sweet treats with your fur baby? These puppy treats are packed with most dog’s favorite thing… peanut butter. Since my puppy only weighs two pounds I used mini cookie cutters for his cookies, but feel free to use large shapes based on your dogs size. My veterinarian approved this recipe.

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Peanut Butter Canine Cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup canola oil
2 eggs
6 tablespoons peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup cornmeal

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
2. In a medium bowl combine the water, canola oil, eggs, peanut butter and vanilla; set aside.
3. In a large bowl whisk together the flour, cornmeal and oats. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir well to combine.
4. On a well-floured surface roll the dough out to about 1/3 of an inch thickness. Using a cookie cutter cut out the treats and transfer to a baking sheet.
5. Bake 10 to 20 minutes or until desired crispness. For harder treats leave in the oven once you turn it off. Store in an airtight container.

Little Black Bow

Posted on December 19, 2012 by

15 Comments

From headbands and hair ties to ribbon and ruffles I have an entire arsenal of accessories dedicated to my hair. I have even been known to plan an outfit out based on what I will be wearing in my hair. While the perfect little black dress tends to be a holiday go-to for me, because the accessorizing possibilities are endless my heart is after a different black this holiday season; the black bow. Lauren Conrad, Clemence Poesy and Kelly Osbourne just to name a few have been spotted using a black ribbon to create a bow for their updo, ponytail or headband.  The result is a chic look perfect for Christmas or New Years Eve. What do you think of this look? I know I will be wearing it to my grandparents Christmas party this Saturday.
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