Saturday, December 13, 2008

Tis the season...

This week has been Christmas party week for us (okay, only two, lol). On Tuesday we went to hubby's work Christmas party. It was nice, but you know how it goes...it was a work party. ;) But, it was just fun being together, all dressed up and feeling the season happening around us.

This evening we went to my BIL and SIL's Christmas party. They have one every year and it's really nice. Tonight there were tall, lit candles surrounded with cranberries and nestled in a mason jars lining the steps up to the front door, a big, beautiful table full of finger foods, crock pots filled with yummy things, a house full of family and friends, talking and laughing, white lights, garland sprinkled with red, glittery balls and gold ribbon, mistletoe hanging in the archway and an all-around festive time. The only thing missing is a bit of snow. ;)

I also finished writing out my Christmas cards this week. I made around 110 this year and had a tough time nailing down my design, so I ended with like 5 different styles, lol! More to come about those in a future post. ;) I took photos along the way of my factory process, lol.

And while we're talking about crafty things, I also made this Christmas planner. It was super quick and I have all my family's Christmas lists inside and a receipt envie, waiting to finish my shopping. I haven't scrapped in a couple weeks, so it felt good to get into my stash. You can find the tutorial here.








*here comes the randomness*

I am so super excited because I'm typing this post up on my new laptop!! It came yesterday and I was able to set up my wireless connection, my email and have already loaded my Photoshop Elements and some other software that I often used on my desktop. I ordered a Dell on Black Friday weekend and got quite a deal! I haven't seen a better deal since then. Ohh...and I ordered it in Expresso Brown. It's gorgeous! :) Now I just need to see if I can get my printer in my wireless network. That might not be fun or easy, lol.

As I'm sitting here typing this, hubby has It's A Wonderful Life on tv. It's one of our favorite Christmas movies! Ahhh, George Bailey and Mary. We've already watched Elf (LOVE LOVE that movie!), Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph...well, I didn't watch Frosty or Rudolph all the way through, but they were on while I was fondling my new piece of technology. ;) Now we're just waiting to see A Christmas Story - you'll shoot your eye out! ROFL! It's not Christmas without watching that one!

Tonight before we went to the Christms party, I made a batch of Chocolate Toffee Almond Bark to take as a host/hostess gift and it turned out really good! It's super quick and even though you need a little patience (and a good candy thermometer) for the boiling process, it was worth it! I filled a clear cellophane bag and tied it with a couple different Christmas ribbons and it was good to go. I should have taken a photo, but didn't think of it. I saved a few pieces for us at home, of course. :)

Speaking of recipes, I made a batch of Magic Bars this week. I haven't had them since I was little as far as I can remember. They were really good and didn't last long! It sure puts me in the mood to do some Christmas baking!

Allright, that's it for me tonight. Night night!

4 comments:

Hi my name is Marjorie said...

Yay a post! I'm so happy you got your laptop, and brown no less. ha ha ha
I got your Christmas card today. So cute! I'm still working on mine. What else is new. *smiles* It's very simple but it's the thought right? Keep on posting...I love to hear the goings on at the Patrizio's.

Patrizzia said...

Congrats on your new toy... John bought me one when I had surgery earlier this year. I LOVE it. I rarely go upstairs to use it anymore.

Loved reading all your holiday fun times.

P.S. Thanks for the beautiful Christmas card!

Adora Concepcion said...

yay, to your new laptop nicole!!!
what a great present!!! I love going to Christmas parties, but unfortunately my work is not having one this year and of course dh is on his own! Guys only party!!
Hope everything is well with you Nicole!! Love reading your blog. :)

Denise Beverly said...

nicole congrats on the laptop, hubby loves his. glad you got the cards finished and are enjoying parties and movies.

my fav christmas movies are the bishops wife, miracle on 34th street in black and white, and wonderful life. i finally got my son (16) to watch wonderful life but he said it was depressing.hahah

enjoy the time with family and friends.