Today's Decor: Christmas in the Living Room

It is my dream to live in a huge two-story house. I'd decorate the banister with lightened garlands and hang dozens of lights outside. I'll have three Christmas trees; one in the family room, living room, and dining room. Or kitchen, depending on the layout of the house. There will be all kinds of Christmas goodies in bowls; red & green M&M's, frosted sugar cookies, and peppermint candy canes.

For now, we live in an apartment. There is no banister for me to decorate. Our front porch does not have any outlets, so I can't hang Christmas lights. We have one tree in the living room. The kitchen, while a good size for an apartment, is much too small to display numerous bowls of Christmas goodies.

But I make do! One day I will have that glorious house. In the meantime, I'll dream of how it will be decorated.

I love Christmas and I love decorating for Christmas. We don't have much as last year was our first Christmas together and this year I am out of a job. Couldn't add to our collection! The dining room is seriously lacking- that will be my project for next year. The best room in the house is the living room, with the fireplace and Christmas tree all decked out.



Our mantle, my favorite spot.



These little guys hang on our TV towers.



Breakfast Bar





Our Tree!!



I love snowflakes, hence the snowflake theme for our tree. I think I'm going to give the tree more of a color scheme next year. Gotta add some red in there. The whites and silvers are blending in too much. You know where I'll be the day after Christmas. Clearance!!! :)

How's your Christmas decor coming along?

Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

Ingredients
-25 NABISCO Ginger Snaps, finely crushed (about 1-1/2 cups) (I used graham cracker crumbs to make the crust)

-1/2 cup finely chopped PLANTERS Pecans (omitted)

-1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

-4 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened (I only used three)

-1 cup sugar, divided

-1 tsp. vanilla

-4 eggs

-1 cup canned pumpkin

-1 tsp. ground cinnamon

-1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

-Dash ground cloves (didn't have)

Directions

HEAT oven to 325°F

MIX crumbs, nuts and butter; press onto bottom and 1 inch up side of 13x9-inch pan. (I used a regular springform cheesecake pan. Keep checking on it after it's been baking for an hour if you decide to do it this way.)

BEAT cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla with mixer until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each just until blended. Remove 1-1/2 cups batter. Stir remaining sugar, pumpkin and spices into remaining batter.

SPOON half the pumpkin batter into crust; top with spoonfuls of half the plain batter. Repeat layers; swirl with knife.

BAKE 45 min. or until center is almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate 4 hours.

Paula Deen's Roasted Turkey with Maple Cranberry Glaze

Turkey: nocoupons

• 8 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon House Seasoning, recipe follows
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 2 tablespoons minced shallots
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic cloves
• 1 (15-pound) turkey
• Stuffing, if desired

Glaze:

nocoupons

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 (12-ounce bag) cranberries
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 3/4 cup cranberry juice
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Turkey:

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a small mixing bowl combine the butter, House Seasoning, parsley, shallots, and garlic. Thoroughly rinse and dry the turkey. Tuck the wings underneath the body and place the turkey in a roasting pan. Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey. Stuff, if desired.

Roast for 18 minutes per pound (including stuffing weight, if using). The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (and deep into the stuffing) and registers 165 degrees F. and the juices run clear. Remove from the oven and loosely tent with foil. Let rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Glaze:

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer until the cranberries burst, about 8 to 10 minutes. Strain the mixture through a sieve and let cool. Reserve for turkey.

House Seasoning:

nocoupons

• 1 cup salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• 1/4 cup garlic powder

I Know it's Late...

..But I still have to share my Thanksgiving table!! I know, I'm a horrible blogger.

Our Thanksgiving was PERFECT. And when I say perfect, I mean the food, desserts, table decor, and company was exquisite!! I have never made a turkey before and my best friend and I made the best turkey we have ever had. I SWEAR. It was unbelievable. We were in shock! All the desserts were made the day before as well as the sweet potato casserole. We also brined the turkey and it sat in a bath of saltwater seasoned with pepper and oregano. On the day of, the stuffing, cornbread, corn on the cob were all prepared while the turkey baked in the oven. I don't know how it all worked out so well, nothing was cold, nothing was out too long before we sat down to eat. I think Kim has to be involved in all my events from now on! We made an amazing team.

Here's the table before.



And after.



Buffet Server with all our sides.



This was my plate.



And then there was dessert! The pumpkin cheesecake was so good.



I have to share some of these recipes with you. They are just too good to keep to myself! I hope your Thanksgiving went just as smooth. Now on to some Christmas decor!

Tomorrow's Timeline: The Hubb's Birthday!!

Tomorrow is the hubb's 26th birthday!! I think I'm more excited than he is as I've been planning his day for almost two weeks now. There's going to be good food, good company, and chocolate cake.

At first, I was going to cook one of his favorite meals, but then the guest list was getting a little out of hand so we opted for a restaurant instead. After dinner some friends are coming back to our place for chocolate cake. It's been a while since I've planned an event so here's my try at a timeline.

Morning
-Make hubbs chocolate chip pancakes
-Open gifts
-Relax a little bit, then tidy up the house.
-Wipe down guest bathroom
-Dust living room furniture

Afternoon
-Bake Chocolate Oreo Cake while hubbs is at band practice
-Set up dining room with decorations

Evening
-Get ready
-Eat out with friends
-Come back home and surprise hubbs with decorations and chocolate cake!

I hope he has an awesome day!

Today's Update: Our Thanksgiving Menu

I am very excited. Very excited to be hosting and cooking my FIRST Thanksgiving!! Since the hubbs and I can't fly down to Miami for both Christmas and Thanksgiving, we chose Christmas. When our lovely best friends found out about this, they immediately decided they were coming to see us for Thanksgiving.

I am beyond grateful.

So! After much debate over the menu, we have finally decided on what to serve! I insisted on having all the traditions; I don't care if it's just going to be the four of us, we'll have plenty to eat the rest of the week! As far as desserts she can tell you that I went back and forth for weeks until I settled on serving only two, not three.

Our Thanksgiving Menu

Main Course
-Maple Glazed Turkey
-Maple Sweet Potatoes
-Apple & Cranberry Stuffing
-Buttery Corn on the Cob
-Homemade Cornbread
-Sweet Cranberry Sauce
-Mushroom & Parsley Gravy

Dessert
-Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake
-White Chocolate Cranberry Bars

Ahhh!! I am soo excited!! I hope everything turns out well as I have NEVER made a turkey, or sweet potatoes! I have been preparing by reading other blogs and watching plenty of episodes on the Food Network. I'll let you know how it goes!

How are your Thanksgiving plans coming along?

Today's Purchases: Christmas Presents!!

I'm extremely excited for Christmas. Not so much the decorating aspect, and that's only because I've exhausted myself with the Fall/Halloween decor in the house. Don't worry, this won't last very long.

I am really excited for the baking, cooking, and time I'll finally be able to spend with my family. The hubbs and I are flying down to Miami for Christmas and we'll be there for quite a few days. I am a bit envious of all of you who will be waking up to a white Christmas while I am suffocating in 85 degree weather. No, trust me, you don't want to trade! It does NOT feel like Christmas!

Anyhow, just because I'm not ready to redesign my home for the Holiday season, that doesn't mean I haven't started to buy anything. I contradict myself, I know. I've already purchased white lights to string around the house, the peace sign from the post below, and little hanging Santa's and reindeers for our TV shelfs. They are so cute.

I continued my Christmas shopping today! I went to Marshall's and Old Navy while the hubbs was in his laboratory cutting open a human hand. Eww. I could never be a doctor. I managed to cross off a few people, only to be discouraged at Marshall's. Every now and then I'll manage to score an awesome find, but most of the time, I end up second guessing myself and questioning whether it really is a good bargain. I walked out with nothing after having spent a good forty-five minutes staring at the torn, ripped, discarded toys in the children's section. Oh well.

My favorite purchase of the day had to be for the hubbs. I bought him a very nice jacket at Old Navy, (50% all outerwear this week) while I made mental notes of what I want for Christmas. Coming from Miami we really don't have a winter wardrobe, so I'd like to get lots of sweaters, boots, and jackets. As well as a crockpot. :)

Just because I can, here's a look at what I want for Christmas!



Nice, cozy sweaters.



I LOVE anything in white.



And just for fun...they look so comfy! Don't worry, I'll only wear them in the house. :)




Have you thought about what you want for Christmas this year? Have you started your Christmas shopping? What are you waiting for! It'll be here before you know it. :)

Today's Random Ramblings: Friday

In an effort to keep myself writing everyday, I'm going to be adding more to this blog. I've seen several blogs listing random thoughts and I like that idea. I don't want to have a separate blog just for ramblings, so I'll be incorporating different aspects of my life into this one. It is after all about our new home and sharing about our new lives feels appropriate. Enjoy!

1. I'm already thinking about Christmas. I've got my Christmas list written down and I'm searching the ads in the paper every Sunday, hoping to find something for someone on my list. I've already gotten something for my Mom, grandmother, sister-in-law, and mother-in-law. I hate getting people just one gift, especially these people in my life, so I might get them all an extra something.

2. One of my aspirations in life is to write a book. I've started to write what I would call a memoir. 20 pages in. I hope I can keep it up!

3. Another note about Christmas- I'm making my own Christmas cards this year. It's so much fun! My Cricut makes it even easier.

4. I can't wait for our besties to arrive for Thanksgiving. I'm planning a huge feast for them! We're going to have leftovers for weeks.

5. Despite the fact that I have been dead-set against substituting, I'm filling out the substitute application. I applied to a three-month maternity leave position as well. It's in my field, so I would LOVE to get it!

6. I miss Miami's hustle and bustle. I miss Cuban food. I miss waking up to beautiful, sunny days and summer thunderstorms. I miss my parent's house, my in-law's house. I miss my Grandmother's cooking. The hubbs and I have already demanded loads of Cuban food and trips to Moon, our favorite sushi restaurant. I can't WAIT!

7. My husband and I have become obsessed with apples. I made pork tenderloin the other night and garnished it with apples, after watching Rachel Ray do this on her show. It. Was. So. Good! You can find the recipe here.

8. I LOVE food blogs. If you've got one, leave me a comment!

9. I love my new home.

What would you like to share?

Today's Update: The Living Room

If you remember our living room, it has a fireplace. I've wanted a "mantle" for it the second we moved in. I've been looking for awhile and found a few, but they've all been too short. The hubbs and I went to several home improvement stores this weekend and finally found the perfect one.



We scored the "mantle" (which is actually a shelf, but who cares), at Lowe's. The mirror we found at Home Goods.



As you can see I didn't wait very long to put up some Fall decor. Remember my previous post gushing about Halloween decor? I bought all the decor on the same trip to Michaels.



I can't wait to decorate this spot for Christmas. It's going to be bea-u-ti-ful!!!

Any decor updates in your house?

Today's Purchases: Halloween Clearance & Holiday Decor

This year I completely forgot to check out the Halloween clearance. I went two days later. That might not sound like a big deal, but if you've ever shopped for holiday clearance, you know all the good stuff is gone in a matter of minutes. I have a serious problem when it comes to Halloween clearance. Or rather, ANY holiday clearance. I circle the aisles endlessly, thinking about everything I already have and contemplating whether I really want the item or not. At least I'm not an impulsive buyer. Then we'd seriously be in trouble.

Anyhow, I went to Meijer for my regular grocery shopping this week and went to see what was left over from Halloween. I really wanted to find pumpkin cookie cutters oranything related to baking. Halloween sprinkles or baking cups. They were all out, but I did manage to score this super cute haunted house cut out for my buffet spread next year.



The next day I went to Michaels. I wasn't even planning on going through their Halloween clearance. I was only there to find candlesticks for our new mantle. But there it was, as soon as I stepped into the store. All the leftover items were haphazardly thrown together on wire racks. I proceeded to spend a good thirty minutes going back and forth until I decided on two items.



This will go on our new mantle next year. And I found the pumpkin cookie cutters I wanted for only 39 cents!



I also stopped in the basket aisle as they were 40% (gotta love Michaels). Books have been sitting in a pile under our nightstands, driving me crazy, so I bought this basket for them. Now they're resting under our coffetable in the living room.



Last, but not least, Michaels has their Christmas decor already out on display. I'm not thinking about Christmas decor yet, but I did take a little look-see and found this pretty sign on sale. My first Christmas item of the season!



I didn't do that bad now, did I?



What have you bought lately?

Happy Halloween!!

We're waking up to an eerie morning in Michigan, perfect for Halloween. Gray, cloudy, and the trees outside my window have lost all their leaves.

The hubbs and I carved our pumpkin this week. As promised, here are some pictures!













Love it!! All credit goes to the hubbs. He spent a lot of time making sure it would come out right. I hope we get some trick-or-treaters!


What are your Halloween plans?

Today's Update: The Front Door

I can't say it enough: I Love Fall. After not having a real fall for the past 23 years, it's an entirely new experience for us. I've loved watching the trees in our backyard go from a dark green, to a light green, pale green, yellow, and red. I've loved the gradual change in the temperature, dropping down to the 50's and 40's. I've also loved shopping for my new wardrobe; never owned a wool coat, pair of Uggs, or down jacket until now.

I've already shown you my front porch area. We've got pumpkins, bats, and spiders tacked on to the front door and a cute pumpkin welcome sign. But something has been missing!

Pumpkins!

I HAVE to have pumpkins outside our front door. It was a tradition for my Mom and I to buy a pumpkin every year at the supermarket.... but hello, I live in Michigan now. I can pick my own pumpkins at a pumpkin patch!

Allow me to share with you our trip to Berry Hill Farm this past weekend.


Our scenic drive to the farm.


Real Pumpkins!!! Growing out of the ground! Amazing to me.


We replaced the pumpkins in our wheelbarrow about a dozen times. Every time I came across a perfectly round, medium sized one, I wanted to take it. We ended up with four. :)


Kodak moment with the hubbs. Always a good sport!


And here's our door now!! Yay!!

Soon we'll be carving two of our pumpkins for Halloween. Check back to see what we come up with!


Have you been pumpkin picking lately? Have you already carved your jack-o-lantern? Share your stories with me!

Today's Decor: Halloween!!

I've had a few issues with my Halloween decorations this year. I could have sworn I had more; I spent a good two days wondering where it all went. But I worked with what I had and went out to get some more...

I bought Halloween garlands last year and put them up by our doorway. This year I decided the kitchen never gets some Holiday love, so I hung them above our cabinets.



Please keep in mind that we rent an apartment. The kitchen has to remain this way. Ugly cabinets!!



I had this black bowl from last year, filled it with candy corn, and then I found these placemats early on during the week. They were 30% off, yaay!! I think they're so cute.



Here's our server in the dining room which I'm really not liking. I want to find black candelabras and black candles to replace the autumn ones there. I might buy some spider webs too and make it all spooky.

...and here's our front door! When my husband saw everything that I had done, he just shook his head and told me I have a problem. Yes, I know, and it just keeps getting worse. :)


How's your Halloween decor coming along?

Tomorrow is October!

Ever since I was a little kid, the first day of October would be Halloween decorating day. I blame my Mom for my obsessiveness over holidays, she has boxes and bags full of decorations for Halloween, Christmas, even Valentine's Day. Every year we'd pick out a new ornament for our Christmas tree and a new piece of decor for Halloween.

As much as I love Halloween, I do have a serious weakness. . .scary movies. To this day I can not watch a scary movie without covering my eyes and peeking through my fingers to see what's going on. Yes, I know, it's sad.

I specially remember a cardboard witch I picked out one year. I thought it was cool in the store, but when we took it home to put it up, I refused to walk down the hallway! It had red, glowing eyes, and it freaked me out at night. So my Mom took it down and it was never to be seen again.

Anyhow, I leave you with a picture of my dog from last Halloween. I haven't decided what she's going to be this year!





Check back soon to see my Halloween decor!

Weekend Visit: My Family

This weekend my family came to visit us for three days. They arrived Friday night and left Monday afternoon. I loved having them here, which made me realize that I like having guests. We've never had guests before, as we had no where for them to sleep in our old place! Now that we do, I hope to have guests more often. Now that they're gone, the house feels empty, and I'm having some emotional days. I knew it was going to be hard to say goodbye to them again and I wasn't prepared for the aftermath. Now that they're gone the house feels empty and I'm going to be stuck at home for awhile until we get a new car. We took one of our cars with us from Miami, my 1998 Saturn which is at the end of it's days. I don't want to drive it unless I have to, hopefully we'll be able to start looking this weekend for a replacement.

Anyhow, I wanted to share some pictures. My mom's birthday is October 2nd, so in a way, my parents came to celebrate her birthday with me. I made her a birthday cake and a home-cooked meal.

Here's my Mom and I in front of her cake!

Me with my parents and my brother

The BEST chocolate cake I have ever made. I got the recipe from Good Things Catered. Everyone loved it so much that now my Dad, husband, and brother want me to make it for their birthday's!

How was your weekend?

Today's Updates: Living & Dining Room

As previously mentioned, my husband and I made some updates to our home this weekend. We hung up our scones in the dining room and our collage frame in the hallway. Today I did a little shopping and found a beautiful plush throw to drape over the new couch. I also bought some cute pumpkins and fall foliage for the living room.

Our scones in the dining room.

The collage is hanging right by the front door, same place we had it in our old apartment.

Our living room all decked out for Fall!!

The pumpkins look so cute, don't you think?

For those of you who don't remember, I am a native to Miami, FL. Right now it's over 90 degrees in Miami; the heat smacks you in the face as soon as you step outside your door. Who wouldn't prefer Michigan weather over that!

So far I love living up north, and yes, I know, everyone tells me, just wait until the winter! Very soon I'm going to start experimenting with Fall recipes, anything that has to do with apples as I've never baked anything with apples before.

Oh, and I almost forgot, take a look at my front door!

<3