Hey there, 2015!

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Our little family is back from NY after an extremely GREAT time! Traveling home last night was a bit of a nightmare, but we're home and cozy...and that's all that matters. Daddy had to go to work this morning, and Ella and I were up and out super early to get ready for our New Year's celebration with some very special peeps later tonight. I'm still decompressing from the chaos of traveling, but I'll be back very soon to share a few highlights from this past week. 

2014 was a wonderful year for us, full of so many memories of our sweet growing girl! I can't wait to see what's next in 2015! Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

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X-Mas in NY

I'm psyched! The Babes, Hubs and I are New York bound for Christmas. Last year we didn't go so we're long overdue for a holiday visit! They say there's "no place like home for the holidays" and although I believe this to be true AND I'm super excited about this visit...Florida is feeling more and more like home so I'm not sure how much longer the saying will apply for (It's been over 5 years)! Besides that...there's no denying that I'm a New Yorker at heart! I'm truly excited for Ella to have a NY Christmas this year and to be with ALL of our family! It's going to be a jam-packed, fun-filled visit and I know she will have a blast with all of her grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and cousins! I counted 16 little(ish) cousins! Whoa baby, she's going to be in her glory! 

First we need to get there. You know me, I'm slightly nervous about the plane ride. This time I'm not equipped with goodie bags for our flight neighbors in case she freaks out the whole way there. Ain't nobody got time for that! Something had to give and that was it! Wish us luck! Ella isn't the best at sitting on laps but she will just have to deal. I've got stickers, crayons, movies, books and the iPad...so we should be okay! 

I'm not sure how much blogging I'll do while I'm there. I'll take it day by day and see how it goes but not counting on it just in case it's craziness! We will be home on the 30th and then we have a special visit with Mal, DLW and Collins! So much to look forward to! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and cherish every moment spent with loved ones because that's exactly what we're doing! YaY! Be back soon! 

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A Rediscovery of Chai

I'm just a tad late hopping on the chai tea bandwagon, I know. My mom made me try it years ago and I remember thinking it was just "okay" and never having it again. What was wrong with me!? This stuff is phenomenal! I've spent just about every night these last three weeks curled up on my couch with a cup of chai. Don't even ask what made me buy the chai tea concentrate from Oregon Chai one day while perusing the aisles of Fresh Market, but I'm glad I did! I've since branched out and tried the one by Tazo which is also amazing but just a lot sweeter. Strangely, I think I like the Oregon Chai better but they are both delish. 

My new obsession has inspired me to seek out other ways in which I can enjoy chai...

1. Chai Pear Scones - These are a little adventurous for me, but would probably be worth it. 

2. Chai Tea Snow Buddies - I'm already a lover of muddy buddies, it stands to reason that these would be a fave too. 

3. Chai Tea Mix - What a cute gift idea...maybe next year!

4. Homemade Vanilla Chai Tea Latte - Making this as soon as I run out of concentrate.

5. DIY Chai Spice - I already have all of the ingredients to make this, so why not!?

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What's cooking this week?

Don't you just love when you can have a lazy weekend after an incredibly busy week? The best part  is that I don't even have to go back to work on Monday. In fact, I'm off until January 5th! Pretty sweet, I know! I'm more than thankful to have a bit of time at home to decompress from the chaos at work, spent some quality time with my girl and get ready for our big Christmas trip to New York! I'll be cooking up some deliciousness and Hubs is breaking in the new BBQ before we leave!

Tonight: Chicken Sausage and Vegetable Hash (finishing up what's in the freezer)
Monday: Chicken Fajitas
Tuesday: Vegetable Soup and Steak for Hubs

There's nothing too interesting to report on the home front besides watching loads of Christmas movies and playing with Ella's new toys. (*If you have Netflix, don't waste your time watching "Happy Christmas...super lame.) The Christmas shopping is done and now we can relax! Our little sweetie is battling yet another yucky diaper rash. She seems to get them every three weeks or so. We've tried basically ALL of the store bought creams and the Nystatin doesn't seem to be doing the trick this time. My poor girl's little tushy! Any ideas for alternative remedies are appreciated! 

I hope you're all having a nice, relaxing weekend too!

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Jelly Button Time

It wouldn't be the Christmas season without making my Grandmother's yummy cookies. I've made these every single year since she passed away back in 2007. This was the first time I made them by using my KitchenAid mixer and WOW, it was so much easier and cleaner! It was also the first time making them in my new kitchen! 

This is the original post to the Jelly Button recipe that I shared 2 years ago.... CLICK HERE! Ella was sleeping when I made a big batch the other night but next year that little lady will be my helper! This is one of my most favorite Christmas traditions and hopefully it will be hers too!

Now that I'm in baking mode I've found a bunch of recipes that I'd love to make, but no one to make them for. Hubs and I could only eat so many cookies (honestly I hardly eat any...not really one for baked goods strangely)! Perhaps I could make some to bring to New York, I'm just trying to minimize the amount of stuff we need to pack. These candy cane cookies are so cute though, surely I can find a spot for them in our suitcase! This is a Laura Vitale recipe, the video make them look SO easy! If I make them I'll let you all know. What's your favorite Christmas cookie recipe?!

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