10th Day of Christmas: Sweets!

5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Day of Christmas!

TWO DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!

Where did the time go!?! Obviously I couldn't keep up with blogging everyday, which I've learned from some of the bloggers I follow that its totally fine not to . . . you just have to start somewhere! 

The past few days have been filled with shopping, wrapping, baking, making candy, reading, spending time with family and much more! I'll hit the highs and lows:

• My pound cake exploded somehow . . . these are usually my specialty. I have no idea how it happened.
• I've wrapped millions of presents!
• Had a movie and chocolate night with Josh and my family. Complete with chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels
• Successfully made another round of our annual Buckeyes (or Reese Balls) and I made cutout cookies for the first time in years!
• Shopped til I dropped. Literally. I don't know how Santa does it
• Got my nails done in a bright sparkly red and had my hair trimmed (primping for the holidays)
• We survived "the end of the world!" I guess the Mayans just didn't have enough time to finish another 1,000 years of calendars? 
• Had a wonderful day of horseback riding, watching movies, decorating cookies and trees, and spending time with Josh's family who came in from New York!

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year because almost everyone is in a cheerful mood, family joins together to reconnect and everyone shares the love. What could be sweeter!?

Favorite Things:
Obviously my cat, Maryanne, had to make in this blog at some point under my favorite things. Because she is definitely one of my favorite things. Here's a couple of her glamor shots since I've been home . . . 
 
Sausage Balls are a staple around here during Christmas. Every gathering, every party, snack for the neighbors. It wouldn't be Christmas without them! Check the Recipe Tab for all the ingredients and instructions!


Christmas Craft:
Don't be surprised but I actually haven't crafted much since the beginning of break. I've been filling my free time doing a few things for UNC-DM and reading a series of books by Nora Roberts called "The Bride Quartet." The first one is "Vision in White." I'm sucked in. I can't stop reading . . . but hopefully the crafts will come back! For now here's one my mom's best friend, Debra, made here. A Glowing Wine Bottle! I have a ton of wine bottles I want to do this with! Picture to come but for now, here's the Pinterest link on how to make them!

Y'ALL ITS ALMOST CHRISTMAS!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." -Romans 15:13

4th Day of Christmas: Wisdom!

9 days til Christmas!

This morning, after a wonderful night with the girls, we went to Summit Church in Durham which is where we normally go to church when we're at school. The sermon was about the 3 Wise Men and J.D., the pastor, reminded us that historically, the Magi came after the birth of Jesus because they started traveling when the saw the star. He joked that the Nativity scenes shouldn't have them, that they should actually be placed across the room from the scenes and we should pull them back out of storage in June because that would be about the time that they actually arrive to see Jesus. He also made an interesting parallel that I had never thought about: he said that in the story of Jesus' birth, the gospel Matthew talks about how pagans (not believers) from many nations came to see the Messiah. Then Matthew ends with the Great Commission, telling us to go out into every nation and spread the Gospel. I thought it was really neat how it came full circle. He also talked about many of the other misconceptions of the Christmas story and highlighted some of the parts that we don't necessarily pay attention to. I would highly recommend that you listen to his sermon from today because it was amazing! The link to the series is here. The one from today isn't up yet but should be pretty soon! 

After church we went to McAllisters, introduced Stacey to Snapchat, then headed to the Dean Dome for Kristen's graduation! I can't believe she graduated already! It seems just like yesterday that I had met them in our Freshman year Bible Study . . . and here we are. All of us will graduate in May, which is crazy! Preparing ourselves for the real world. YIKES. Personally, I know I've become really frustrated with applying for jobs, continually improving and re-working by resume and cover letter. But its nice to look back and remember how much fun I've had at UNC, how much I've learned, all of my friendships and memories. I'm just so blessed to have the opportunity to be at UNC-CH, earning my degree and working to figure out where my future may be!

Favorite Things: 

If you know me well, you probably knew this was coming . . . but one of my favorite things in this world is kittens. Particularly my cat, Maryanne. She's sleeping beside me right now and has slept in my bed with me since I've come back from school. People think its weird that I sometimes have her picture as my phone background...I'm that weird cat lady. Here's my most recent picture of  her...she loves Christmas!

Today's recipe is for Buckeyes, or as I call them, Reese Balls! We're making these tomorrow for some of the neighbors so I'll have a picture of them soon!

Christmas Crafts:

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." -James 3:17

3rd Day of Christmas: Gifts!

Again, we can just pretend I posted this on the right day . . . Saturday, December 15!

Three French Hens with a Side of Cheesecake:
Saturday I actually woke up early so mom and I could shop ALL day long. We headed to Southpoint for the day to pick up the last few gifts and to see the Christmas decorations. To me, giving gifts is SO much fun. Of course I like to receive them too, but giving gifts makes me feel so happy and warm inside. I put a lot of thought into what I'm going to get someone because I want it to be useful and I want them to love it. Once I find the perfect gift I get so excited imagining the person's face when he/she opens it! That's where I have the problem . . . I always want to give the gift before its time. For example, on mine and Josh's year anniversary since we started dating, I bought us tickets to the Bank of America 500 race in Charlotte and I would always say "I can't wait to give you your present," well then I ended up telling him what it was because I was so excited and couldn't hold it in. The same thing happens at Christmas. I always want to have my present opened first, or earlier than Christmas. I guess its a good thing that I love to give so much, but I wish I could just keep the presents a secret! Mom and I shopped for at least 5 hours, got back home and started wrapping presents. Then I went back to Southpoint to the Cheesecake Factory for Dirty Santa gift swap with my friends from school. I got the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake which was delicious, but its always such a hard choice. I really like their Red Velvet Cheesecake too! They have so many options and choosing is honestly the hardest part. I've made a resolution to try a new one every time I go . . . and then I will also be like 500 lbs heavier. But the Cheesecake is SO good! We weren't as vicious as usual with the stealing presents, probably because we were stuffed with cheesecake. I got to go first and opened a CAT COFFEE MUG! That couldn't have been more perfect for me so I just threatened people so they wouldn't steal it. It also probably helped that I had already named the mug Harold, so people knew I was pretty attached. After the party and cheesecake, I wobbled back to my car and went to stay at Shannon, Kristen, Chloe and Stacey's apartment because Kristen's graduation was the next day! We watched lots of Friends episodes, constantly laughing. Its so relieving to just spend time with my friends, watching as many episodes that we want and not have to worry about studying!

Favorite Things:
Cross Necklace. (and reindeer antlers) The sideways cross necklace has been all over Pinterest and I finally got one in October. I love it and can't stop wearing it! I obviously like reindeer antlers too . . . I actually have antlers on my car now too! Yes, I'm that car with the antlers that every one stares at, but they're so stinkin cute!

I wish I had a great cheesecake recipe for this entry but I've never tried to make a homemade cheesecake yet! Maybe I will soon but for now, Party Ham Rolls. These babies seriously make me drool (check out the Recipe Tab). They are wonderful and we have them every Christmas when we go to my Grandmas. Sometimes I can convince mom to make them, she made them for a tailgate this Fall, but they usually only make an appearance during Christmas!

Christmas Craft:

"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” -Acts 20:35

2nd Day of Christmas: Mistletoe!

Let's pretend I actually posted this on time (Friday, December 14th), who knew Christmas Break would keep me so busy!!

Two Turtle Doves in a Mistletoe Covered Tree:
Friday morning I slept in...again. WOW. That seems to be the only thing I'm good for this week. When I finally woke up I headed out to Josh's house in Fuquay that they have been renovating over the past couple weeks. I figured I would roll up my sleeves and do a little hard work! Well . . . that's an exaggeration. There wasn't too much I could help with because Josh was busy sanding some of the walls and dust was flying everywhere. So I busied myself decorating the front porch! It actually took me a while to fluff out all the strands of garland and add the little pine cones and poinsettias throughout each strand. I wrapped the garland around the poles, perfected their spacing and we were ready to fire up the lights just in time for sunset. One of the strands in the garland was dead so we had to find another strand of lights to wrap through it but by the end of the day they were perfect! During one of our work breaks, I sent Josh to the top of a tree to cut down some real mistletoe!
He managed to get a whole bundle down and came out of the tree with only a few scratches. Then while he went back to sanding I broke some of the limbs off and made a small bundle for his mom to hang in the house. Well, I hung it after I held it over my head a couple times to see if it actually worked!  :)  I  didn't even know that mistletoe grew in the tops of trees until a few years ago when my mom told me one day while we were driving. Now every time we're in the car Seth and I point it out in every tree we see. It grows only in hardwood trees and it is taken from tree to tree by birds' feet. When all the leaves fall from the trees you can see theses balls of green mistletoe in the limbs . . . its the only green thing in most of the trees during winter so they are really easy to spot! It's a great reminder that we need to spread the love, just like birds spread the mistletoe, and make sure everyone can see it (and feel it) during and after the Christmas season!

Favorite Things:
Nashville. The show. I've never actually been to the city but I absolutely adore the show. We took a break before dinner to watch last week's episode, which happens to be the last one until January. AHHH. WHAT. If you like Country music, a little drama, great clothes and a little love story then you have to watch this show! 

One of my favorite things to eat when it gets cold is Chili! With a little cheese, sour cream and crackers . . . I'm in heaven! My grandma's recipe is in my Recipe Tab. It never tastes exactly like my Grandma's when we make it. We thinks she keeps some of the ingredients secret! 

Christmas Crafts:

This is the lyrics to one of my favorite Christmas songs, "O Holy Night." I'm thinking about making a couple more with different lyrics to holiday songs so I can hang them side by side next Christmas!

  

"Show faithful love and compassion to one another" -Zechariah 7:9

1st Day of Christmas: Cheer!

12 Days til Christmas!

For the next 12 posts (for the 12 days of Christmas), I'm going to share with you a little bit about my break, some of my favorite things and some of the crafts I've been busy with over the week. I'll break each post into little parts, include links, recipes and all that good stuff so I can spread some of the holiday cheer!

Better than a Partridge in a Pear Tree:
Sleeping in today felt so good! That is definitely one Christmas present to myself for finishing exams while maintaining at least part of my sanity. At 11:30, Chelsea and I welcomed the morning with a nice workout in the FBC gym. Holla! Starting the break off right! That was also after we survived a rough and tough hour of Zumba Toning at Studio C fitness last night...every part of my body was burning. For the rest of the day I ran errands and did a few things for mom around the house before heading to my cousin Alayna's high school cheerleading competition! It was the Tri-9 Conference Championship and Alayna was chosen to represent Lee County as an individual and she performed by herself after the team showing off her jumps, tumbling, cheers and stunts! It made me miss cheering and being on team of crazy girls just a little. All of the energy, adrenaline, music, fans. But at least I can still cheer in the stands for the Heels, on the couch for all of the now Pro Heels (like Julius Peppers and Bruuuuuuuuuce), and I can cheer up my friends when they need a little boost. See Mom, those 10 years and hundreds and hundreds of dollars for cheerleading didn't go to waste! If you check out my Facebook, someone has been digging up some old pictures from our Sanford Sting days . . . slightly embarrassing. Anyways, the Lee County girls did wonderful tonight! So proud of them! It's hard to believe I was in their shoes just four years ago. When did I become a grown up!?

Favorite Things:
Monograms. Anything monogrammed. Shirts, shorts, croakies, cups, blankets, necklaces, rings. Anything and everything can be monogrammed. And that's the way I like it! When I was a debutante, my mom bought me monogrammed stationary and since then, I've gone through two boxes. I love my intitials on the cream cards, I literally can never have enough of them. I one of those old fashioned people who still loves to send cards. Check this post in the next day and I'll have information about the store Mom ordered these from.



Thanks to Chloe, I officially have an all-time favorite cookie. I've never been able to narrow it down to a favorite until she brought some to one of the tailgates this fall. Salted Carmel Chocolate Chip Cookies. Check out my Recipe Tab so you can make some and taste the magic!
  
Christmas Crafts:
I made this to add to all of Mom's Christmas decor around the house. I came home one day before exams and Christmas had exploded around the house! I love it! I was inspired, picked up a brush and now this is hanging near the fire place! If you want one, or want to get one for a friend, I'll be glad to make you one and personalize them for a small fee :) Just send me an email at knthomasunc@gmail.com or comment on this post!

That's it for the 1st day of Christmas! At the end of each post I'll also have a Bible verse that you can carry with you throughout the day and to help you remember the true meaning of Christmas! I know I need a little reminder ever now and again!

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" -John 16:33

Candy, Candy Canes, Candy Corns and Syrup: A Semester Wrap Up

FINALLY. Home for Christmas Break. Obviously this past semester has been a whirlwind because I didn't get blog quite as much as I would've liked...or at all for that matter. So here's a quick recap...hitting the high points of the semester:

• A day-trip to Charleston with Josh a few weeks before the semester began
• I spoke Spanish to a family in the Children's Hospital as we (UNC-DM) served them free meals
• Going to Aaron and Kristen Vernon's wedding with Molly and Rachel, followed by a sleepover and unsuccessful trip to Cookout (Molly would love to tell you about that one)
• Erin's 21st Birthday!!!! AHHH.
• Charleston for Labor Day weekend with Bracey to help with a wedding!
• A great trip to the State Fair with some of my favorite people in this world
• Another wonderful weekend in Black Mountain with the greatest TCTW family ever
• My roommates and I dressing up as hipster Disney Princesses (and Josh being Fedora) for Halloween
• One wild Dancer Recruitment Week, registering 1,645 dancers for the 2013 UNC Dance Marathon
• The Tar Heels pulling through my Senior year to beat State! 
• Liz spending Thanksgiving with me and my family!
• Weeks full of 3:00am stays in the business school to finish consulting projects
• Placing Second in both of our consulting case competitions! Boom. 
• Everything about Snapchat. It's amazing.
• And finishing up exams with a great new Starbucks app on my phone. Seriously its wonderful. 

That is only a few of the many things that happened this semester and I'm sure my last semester will be filled with even more memories. While I'm home on break I'm going to blog as much as I can! Tomorrow I'm going to start a 12 Days of Christmas series and share things that are going on in the Thomas house while we're all under one roof. I'm also going to add recipes to the recipe tab of my blog...starting with Salted Carmel Chocolate Chip Cookies! And obviously I'll have tons of free time to craft and add more things to share! Cheers to a wonderful, fun, exciting and relaxing Christmas break!

Bye, Buddy! I hope you find your dad! -Elf (one of my favorite Christmas movies)