Archive for 2016


Friday, December 02, 2016

Friday Favorites: 10 Things I Love About December

Every month I say this “Can it already be ___?” haha But seriously, it’s December? When did that happen? Today I want to share all the things I love about December so lets get started 🙂

  1. Christmas music and Christmas performances: There is something so jolly about Christmas music! For the second year in a row, both my sister-in-laws are performing in Celebration, a musical production put on by Houston’s First Baptist Church. If you are in the Houston area consider purchasing tickets, it’s memorable!
  2. Christmas lights and decor: Growing up my dad would drive around town to see all the Christmas lights. One house near us had a themed cat every year. It stood probably 20 feet high and had a tail that went up and down. It’s hard to describe, but it’s a good childhood memory. Being in such a small apartment there is no room for a Christmas tree so this year it’s icicle lights on the porch and a wreath. We went a little overboard at my office, but had a great time creating beautiful garland and window displays.
  3. Fuzzy slippers: In Houston we rarely get freezing weather this time of year, but December usually brings cooler temperatures which means I can wear all the warm pajamas and fuzzy slippers I want!
  4. Family photos: This isn’t something I did growing up or now with my in-laws, but one day I hope to have a family of my own and get family photos taken each year. What I enjoy now is seeing everyone sharing their photos on facebook and instagram.
  5. Hot chocolate: I don’t drink coffee so if you see me at Starbucks it’s probably to get a hot chocolate. It’s one of my favorite cold weather drinks.
  6. Smell: The smell of December? haha All the winter smells from gingerbread, to sugar cookies, to spiced candles.
  7. Reflection: As the year comes to an end it’s a good time to reflect on where you’ve been and how you’ve grown. Knowing that a new year is a chance to continue where you want to go. (I’ll share some thoughts about 2017 in another post.)
  8. Fires: Ahhhh a warm fire, complete with s’mores (Which I believe may be my favorite dessert)
  9. Parties: The holiday parties are amazing! Good food, good drink, good fun, great people! It’s a dream of mine to host fabulous Christmas and/or New Year parties one day.
  10.  Joy: Despite the stress of the holiday season I feel people are more joyful this time of year. They’re more kind to one another, generous, and overall a positive reflection of mankind.

Well this post gave me all the feels 🙂 My inner smile is beaming. What are your favorite things about December? Share in the comments below. Until next post…xoxo Becca

Monday, November 28, 2016

Weekend Recap: Thanksgiving

It’s no fun being sick during the holidays. One of the reasons posts have been sporadic. However, my skin appreciated the absence of makeup while I was sick. Since the hubs had to work Thanksgiving day (shout out to all the men and women who worked the holiday and to their families who also sacrificed), the family postponed Thanksgiving until Friday. It was a relaxing day with tons of yummy foods. In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving dishes, my sister-in-law made Cranberry-Cream Cheese Crescent Bites that were delicious. I also tried a new dessert recipe, Apple Pie Cake. So good (if you like apple pie)! This dessert is the best of both worlds; apple pie and cake! Best served warm with ice cream (this Texas girl says Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla DUH).

It is finally starting to feel like fall around here. Currently simmering away as I write this post is a recipe I found on Pinterest. I printed the recipe in 2014, but never made it. Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe (one-pot meal). Before publishing this post I will come back and update you on how it turned out. I love a good stew, soup, or chowder when the weather cools down. Not much of a chili person, but every now and then I enjoy some. I am hoping this recipe is warm and “good for the soul.”

It is hard to believe the semester is almost over. Two weeks and the students will be gone for the winter break. Always makes me sad to live in a college town when the students are away.

Until next post…xoxo Becca

Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe update: Delicious! Why did I wait so long to try it? If you decide to give it a try, use 6 cups of chicken broth. The recipe makes a lot, be prepared to feed an army or eat a lot of leftovers 😉

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