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Christmas Candy Crush

This

 Candy Crush

has nothing to do with the sweet adventure of Tiffi and Mr. Toffee through the wonderful Candy Kingdom. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

My candy crush involves an activity I love… creating my annual assortment of Christmas treats. Typically I will include about five kinds of goodies, mostly candies, and will without fail involve divinity, dark chocolate fudge and sugar cookies.

I expected to begin on Saturday.

This was my plan:

For my first installment, I attempted to make

Peanut Butter Pinwheels

They are supposed to look like this

Sadly, the consistency of what was supposed to be “like pie crust dough”, was not. (Love how LB catches every moment)

It baffled me because I am accustomed to having success with this recipe.

Although I may appear to not have a clue,  I have made peanut butter pinwheels in the past with no trouble at all. LB suggested that I start over. Being stubborn as I typically am, I wasn’t about to throw 2 pounds of confectioner’s sugar away, so I improvised. Since the ingredients are basically the same ingredients used to make Buckeyes,
each “pinwheel” was lovingly rolled into a little peanut butter ball and placed on a cookie sheet in the refrigerator.

These are currently being stored in the freezer, until I have time to dip them in chocolate.

Although that turned into a royal pain, I am confident it will turn out to be a tasty treat.

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is making

Divinity

My Mema Reid taught me how to make divinity many years ago.

That time with her and her recipe will forever be in my memory.

However it would be wonderful if I had it in her own handwriting, like this recipeIsn’t that sweet?

Mema’s Divinity recipe is similar to Paula Deen’s recipe.

Mema was of the mind that it is impossible to make divinity on a rainy day and/or without a helper.

For the past few years Amanda has been my helper.

She recently asked when we were going to get together for divinity making, but due to our schedules, this will be my last entry into the assortment, and just barely in time for Christmas.
The sugar cookies will also have to be scheduled for late in the holiday season, as I will be needing Stephanie to help with the frosting/decorating.

LB is looking forward to that day, as he is the official beater licker.

My recipe for

Dark Chocolate Fudge

is the easiest recipe for fudge that I’ve come across yet. Thanks to Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk and a little book of recipes that I found in 1988. 

It is so easy, as a matter of fact, I’m going to make it right now.

Done!

For the rest of my collection of goodies, I’ll be making

Magic Cookie Bars

(also an eagle brand recipe found years ago)

because Wendy mentioned that she likes these (not that she’ll actually eat any).

and last but not least

Rum Balls

because they smell good.

Now that I have a definite Christmas Goodie Plan…

time to embrace the fat kid within!

Amanda

History was made on December 9, 1986 when a sweet baby girl came into the world!

She is my second born and I loved her the second I saw her…

Amanda Kristine Starling

arrived on a Tuesday at 6:06 PM weighing in at 8 pounds, 15 ounces and measuring 21 inches long.

It was in this stocking that I brought my Christmas baby home with me on the following day.

Her sister, Stephanie took to her right away…

mostly.

 

And they have been best friends ever since.

Amanda is my “middle child” whom I recognized in the post National Middle Child Day.  And as mentioned in that post, SHE IS an adventurer.

With each passing year, there was something new she wanted to try.

For example…

there was dance

then tee ball

baton

basketball

then piano lessons,

and running

traveling

Although Amanda has an extremely easy going personality, rarely showing excitement, she has always taken advantage of every opportunity to try something new.

She has just about done it all!

Amanda is a smart girl and one of the most self-motivated people I know.

It was Amanda that encouraged our homeschooling experience and accelerated into ninth grade school work with her older sister, so her teacher, aka Mom, would only need to manage one grade level.

Amanda graduated from high school as she was on the brink of earning her AA degree.

And went on to earn a Master’s degree… with honors.

Daughter, Granddaughter, Sister, Niece, Cousin, Aunt, Friend, Coworker, Adventurer, Athlete, Scholar…

Amanda has worn many hats

and the one that is most special…

simply my sweet baby girl!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA!

I am proud to be your Mom!

Holiday Favorites

I love it when the Blended Blog posts a questionnaire!

Here’s a fun one about Holiday Favorites:

 

1. Real or Fake Tree?

Fake. Fake. Fake.

I have three of them!

No pics yet… the Christmas décor doesn’t come out until AFTER Amanda’s birthday (December 9th).

2. Favorite Christmas Cookie?

I LOVE these!These are officially on my Christmas Wish List!

3. Home on Christmas Morning or Travel?

NEVER have I had to travel to be with family at Christmas. My kids come to my house early on Christmas morning. After we exchange gifts at my house, we all walk next door to my Mama’s house. We will meet there with my sister and her family.  Most of the time my Grandpa will join us.  I am very blessed.

4. Clear or Colored Lights?

BOTH! With 3 trees, I can enjoy the white lights on 2 of my trees, and colored lights on the other.

5. Send Christmas Cards?

Sometimes… if I remember.

6. Favorite Christmas Present Received?

Every gift I receive is appreciated and enjoyed.

However there is one that comes to mind more quickly than any other…

Elvis.

You can barely see him hiding in the Christmas tree (yes, my tree is purple).

He was introduced in this post.

7. Favorite Christmas Present Given?

Along with Elvis, Aymie was introduced in this post.

It was a pleasure to hand the little fur-ball over to Stephanie on Christmas morning. 

There is nothing better than getting a little black kitten for Christmas!

8. Stockings or No Stockings?

YES STOCKINGS! Got to have the stockings!

9. Christmas PJ’s?

Nope.

Did it once, looked like an idiot in my pink reindeer onesie.

Then a picture appeared on FACEBOOK!

10. Favorite Christmas Carol?

All of the carols are beautiful to me.
Recently I heard 98° sing in at Christmas concert.  I left that concert with their new Christmas CD.  From that CD is their rendition of Mary Did You Know.
It is absolutely lovely.

11. Favorite Holiday Tradition?

There are two.

One is an old tradition; one is a new tradition.

It is tradition to meet with my family at Mama’s house for breakfast (English muffins with sausage and Velveeta) and gift exchange on Christmas morning.

LB and I have made a new tradition of seeing the Alhambra Christmas show every year. We have seen White Christmas, A Christmas Story, and the fabulous story of Scrooge… A Christmas Carol… multiple times.

12. Early Shopper or Last Minute?

Both. I started on Black Friday and will likely still be shopping for something on Christmas Eve.

13. Favorite Christmas Movie or Show?

It’s A Wonderful Life

My Daddy introduced me to this movie years ago.  I absolutely LOVE it!

14. Favorite Holiday Beverage?

All of them!

Here is a good Egg Nog recipe.

15. Cookies and Milk for Santa?

Of course!

A well fed Santa, is a happy Santa!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

Happy December 1st

and

Happy Friday!

It has been a restful week as I enjoyed some time off to spend with my LB.  Aside from a trip to the dentist office and a short case of the stomach flu, this has been a wonderful week.  But whether you work Monday through Friday or have the weekday free, there is something about the weekend that makes everyone smile.

To celebrate the coming of Friday (and December), here are my favorites this week:

Favorite # ONE

This

Furry Vest

from Classy Crossroads.

LB bought it for me on our annual “Celebration of Fall” trip that you can read about here.

I enjoyed wearing it again Thursday night when LB surprised me with…

Favorite # TWO

98°

in concert…

The handsome 90’s boy band is touring and sharing songs from their new Christmas album.I was surprised at how much I enjoyed hearing this group and watching them interact with each other.LB may have been the only man in attendance at the concert, but I was happy to have him there with me.

Favorite # THREE

White House Black Market

This women’s clothing store is quickly becoming my favorite place to shop.

In case you missed my post, here are some of my favorites:

Blush Pullover Sweater  // Embroidered Jeans (somewhat similar) // Floral Top (similar) and Jeans

Burgundy Blouse (similar) // White Blouse (similar) // Ruffle Sleeve Blouse and Jeans

 

Favorite # FOUR

St. Augustine’s

Nights of Lights

Photo by LB

Mentioned in my Tuesday post, this event dazzles the city of St. Augustine as approximately three million lights adorn the Plaza de la Constitucion and other areas of the historic district.  You can see all of LB’s pics and read my post here.

Favorite # FIVE

The

Jacksonville Baldwin Rail Trail

runs 14.5 miles from Imeson Road in Jacksonville to the Town of Baldwin.A 12’ wide paved trail currently exists for hikers, bikers and roller-bladers to enjoy.  An equestrian trail parallels the paved trail (source).   On Wednesday afternoon, LB and I loaded up our bikes and headed to the rail trail.

My suggestion would be to visit on the weekend as there are more people there biking and running.  You may feel a little less paranoid and not have to be packing heat.

(hee hee)

Its a City of Jacksonville favorite that you can read about here.

Favorite # SIX

 A suggestion to

Live Your Best Holiday Life for Less

by The Blended Blog

I will revisit these suggestions throughout the month in an effort to see how many I can check off the list.  I’ve already completed half of #5…

lets see if I can stick to it as I continue my Christmas shopping!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

Nighttime Browsing

While waiting for the sun to set, and Nights of Lights to begin, I perused through a few of the shops on Saint George Street.

As I’ve mentioned before, H.W. Davis Clothing and Shoes never disappoints.  I can always find something pretty at this shop.

On this particular trip, I discovered a few places that may not be new, but are new to me.

Colonial Oaks Music Park mentioned in yesterday’s post.

A performance and event venue, with an oak in the center of the park, and a nice place to relax and enjoy a band or a show.  The old live oak’s branches are spread over the the park offering shade in the summer and a place to hang lanterns and lights.

29 Olives

There were several pretty blouses and a wall of jewelry.

And this store has a website you can find here.

After the sun set, and I had enjoyed the holiday display, LB and I took a walk on King Street, along the Plaza de la Constitucion.  Just past the Ale House is a cute little shop called

Mod Mari

The window display made it impossible to pass by without further investigation.I wandered through the shop examining all of the accessories and potential gift items.Some of the items in Mod Mari:

LB mentioned that my daughters would probably like this store.  I believe they would.

At last I found the dress in the display window.

And LB encouraged me to try it on.

I look like a PEASANT!

Uh… yeah…

No

LB and I left St. Augustine with no shopping bags (for LB to hide from me until Christmas).  However we both took home sweet memories of the evening that will remain with us forever.

Nights of Lights

LB and I headed to St. Augustine yesterday afternoon in hope of seeing the city lit up with holiday lights later that evening.    As I’ve mentioned time and time again, St. Augustine is a favorite place I frequently visit.  Beginning November 18th and continuing through January 31st it is an especially lovely place to visit.

  The 24th Annual

Nights of Lights

dazzles the city of St. Augustine as approximately three million lights adorn the Plaza de la Constitucion and other areas of the historic district.

However, until the sun goes down, it is nice to find something to do to pass the time.

Did someone say SHOPPING?

If I have already passed the St. Augustine Premium Outlet, the shops on Saint George Street are my next choice.  There aren’t as many stores to chose from, but H.W. Davis Clothing and Shoes never disappoints.  Recently a few other shops have become worth exploring as well.

On this particular trip, there was less shopping, and more sightseeing.  I discovered a couple of buildings under construction in the Saint George street vicinity that are likely new restaurants or shops coming to the area.  In addition, I discovered a few places that may not be new, but are new to me.  For example the

Colonial Oaks Music Park

a rustic performance and event venue complete with a stage and picnic tables.  There is an oak, as the name suggests, in the center of the park.  Its branches are spread over the picnic tables offering shade in the summer and a place to hang lanterns and lights.

 Obviously there is no one on stage, but it looks to be a nice place to relax and enjoy a band or a show.  I’m sure LB and I will be back.

Once the sun set, it was time to check out the holiday display.

The Plaza de la ConstitucionFlagler CollegeThe Discoverer of Florida…

Juan Ponce de Leon landed near this spot 1513. This festive fellow…And a photo op in Santa’s sleigh…

Nights of Lights is a great opportunity to grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the dazzling display with someone you love.

Thank you for the holiday cheer LB!

I’m looking forward to another Christmas season with you (on your left arm).

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

St. Simons Shopping

LB and I enjoyed our Saturday visit to Jekyll Island’s Merry Shrimpmas.

We visit the island often, but will typically stay at the Hampton on St. Simons Island.  Sunday morning started with a quick Hampton breakfast.

Mixed fruit.

  Then onto a quick shopping trip.

Last spring I published a post about how a shopping excursion in the Golden Isles ended with a stop at

White House Black Market

This time it began with a shopping excursion at White House Black Market…

which turned out to be a good idea!Thanks LB!

This pretty sweater caught my eye before I walked through the door.

So I headed straight for it; and Yes, it is very pretty.  An on trend blush colored, at-the-shoulder sweater featuring a  velvet bow in the back.

You can see it online here.  It is officially on my wish list along with a perfectly matching pair of jeans that look like this…

Sadly, they aren’t to be found online in my size, but if you wear a 16W + check them out… they are so cute!  I’m not a fan of destructed jeans, but these have rose gold sequins peeking through.  I’ll probably be heading to WHBM to find my size soon.  While I’m there I’ll be looking for this blouse.

It was on the sale rack… a lonely size ZERO.  As you can see, it is too tight.  I’m hoping another store will have one in a more comfortable size.

There were many treasures to be found in the sale section.  One of my favorites was this pretty little outfit…The jeans that were paired with the floral top were not quite as cute as another pair I came across.

These floral embroidered cuffed jeans…

And I thought this blouse would also pair nicely with those jeans..

This one is a keeper!

Unfortunately it is not to be found online…

but this Ruffle-Sleeve blouse can be found here.

(Can’t help myself, I have to touch everything)

This St. Simons shopping trip ended well for me.  I walked out with a pretty little package.And I was a happy girl!

Until LB took that pretty little package away from me and told me we were saving it for Christmas.

 

 

Here’s looking forward to Christmas!

 

 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to stop by my blog.

Kim

 

 

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