Post-Holidays, and in need of a de-tox!

Oh my goodness, the xmas dinners are over. After sleeping for 10 hours last night, I feel rested again. The past 2-3 days have been BUSY with preparations and cookings and cleanings. And now it's the weekend, the wonderful weekend!


Xmas eve we celebrated with my mom, brother, T's uncle, and a friend of mom's and had a super fun time!


Dinner was: sirloin/scallops/shrimp fondue, lefse, salad, bacon-wrapped-stuffing balls, pickle things, steamed green beans, roasted tomatoes and eggplant bruschetta, cheese puffs, brie stuffed mushrooms, and I can't think what else. T's uncle brought sparkling wine, and dinner wine to share- delicious! Plus we had some cocktails/beer before and after dinner.

After dinner we opened gifts and planned on playing a game or two, but by then it was too late for games.

A wonderful xmas eve.

Xmas morning there was breakfast (and Santa gifts) at Mom's home, and we played a few rounds of Pictureka. I knew my brother was be a stiff competitor, but T surprised me- he and my brother dominated! Fun times.

Then, a few hours (and no nap for me) later, my dad, stepmom and her son arrived at the house for xmas dinner. I purchased ham and cornbread stuffing from Threadgills the day before so we had that, zucchini cakes, cheese puffs, pickle things, lefse, steamed asparagus, more brie-stuffed mushrooms, marinated mushrooms, and something else I can't remember. After lots of conversation, a little bit of pie, and more sparkling wine, we opened gifts at the tree.


There was a long running argument between dad and my brother about the spurs trading manu ginobili (who apparently is "a bad man"), which was quite funny! Yes, bourbon was involved.

After they left, we (T, my brother, and I) tested out the Santa gift- a fire pit.

Good times. But I am glad it's all over. Now regular life can resume. : )


I hope everyone has had enjoyable winter holidays.
It's such a pretty season how can you not enjoy it?

And, now I need to detox.
As there are some yummy leftovers, I'll start Monday. : )

How do you detox?
I am thinking no sugar, alcohol, breads, fried foods, cheese (sniffle), and go on nightly walks (looking forward to longer days). No coffee, only tea, unsweetened. Proteins will be baked or grilled, veggies will be fresh or steamed, and that will be it for a couple days.

Got any recommendations for me???

Ready for Anything; well, cocktails at least

The other night I invited my mom over for cherry martinis. Unfortunately I had no snackies, as the grocery trip wasn't until today, and I hadn't set up a jar of snacks for last-minute/unexpected guests. Well, Friday my friend L sent me this link about having a cheese plate ready for just those guests! Perfect timing; it motivated me. As I was running an errand Saturday morning, I swung by World Market and started my bowl (as I wasn't up for spending another $9 on a cool glass jar; a bowl from home would have to do)

I got a dark chocolate bar, a bag of lindor truffles (on sale for $0.59!! yum!), salted cashews, crackers and a salmon spread. There was something else that I wanted but couldn't find it and now can't remember. : ) This should do.

P.s. Here's The Emma sleeping with her tongue out. Cute!

Being Nicer and a Prepared Hostess

Resolutions Update: Being nicer just got a lot easier: the handles to the bathrooms at work have been removed and now the doors just push open. I can't laugh at people when they walk into the doors anymore! Sad; it was always good for a laugh.

Was reading some old posts on Apartment Therapy, this one about being prepared for unexpected guests. Decided that I'm going to clear a spot in my sideboard for a tea tray and have it all ready to go: tea cups and saucers, a small jar of sugar cubes, sweeteners and tea bags, a tea pot, and a small package of cookies or shortbreads.
Started taking down christmas decorations last night. Emma misses the tree.