A Post: Happy New Year, Bookworms!

I'm welcoming the new year with open arms and a happy heart. While 2012 was pretty great, I'm looking forward to some exciting changes that 2013 is sure to bring. I didn't complete as many books as I wanted, but realize that I really lost steam towards the end with all the stuff I crammed in. And I can live with that. I'll just have to try harder. I'm starting 2013 off right and should be finishing up Sarah Water's Fingersmith in the next couple of days and already know it's going to be one of my favorites.

I won't say that 2012 was exceptional in the reading department. I was proud of myself for finishing as many classics as I did, three down, 47 to go, which is a ton considering I wasn't really reading them at all the year before. So. That's something.

The holidays were a real riot. I had a relaxing Christmas celebration with my immediate family, and attended a 20s-themed NYE party with my closest friends. It was AWESOME. Dressing up is the best. Here are some snapshots (excuse all the instagram shots):

I made this sweatshirt for my Nana in '93 with two of my brothers (little James wasn't around yet) and it's awesome. Let's talk about how puffy paint and bedazzlers should be brought back from the depths. And that iron-on? We were way too cool for our own good.

I got my inspiration from season three of Downton Abbey (I'm looking at you, Lady Edith) and had so much fun! We sipped on champagne and had a big group hug when the clock struck 12.

I did some baking. Lots, actually. If you love chocolate and caramel, make these cookies now. They will change your life (sort of). Salted caramel stuffed chocolate crinkle cookies. The best. 

So to the announcements:

There are some! And I can't even contain my excitement. Many opportunities presented themselves shortly before the new year and I just knew that it meant good things were ahead. First, I'll be reviewing books (both fiction and nonfiction) over at SadieMagazine.com beginning at the end of the month. The site is amazing. It's really for the women of today, featuring interviews with some incredible lady-entrepreneurs, musicians and the like. Offering advice on everyday living, fashion and today's buzz, it's a great source of relevant content that's fun and intelligent. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I'll be linking over to my reviews so you can take a peek!

I'm also joining the TLC tours and will be updating the blog with my first review of Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes on January 24th. Very excited to join everyone else who is already participating and share some great books.

There are other things that I must keep to myself for the time being, but believe me, are so wonderfully wonderful. 

So, what's up with you? What are you anticipating for the new year? What did you complete in 2012 that you'll never forget?

Happy New Year, everyone! 

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A Post: Deliver the Christmas Cheer

I can't believe it's already mid-December! It seems like Thanksgiving just ended and I was just starting to decorate the apartment, begin the wrapping and light the pine scented candles. It actually felt too early. Like I was betraying Thanksgiving in some way. However, I guess I'm glad I got a start on it all because it's less than a week away! I got the shopping done early, and actually only had to call about two gifts that were missing, and fight over one parking space to replace one of those aforementioned gifts. So. I'm officially done with the gift getting and have a few packages to wrap up before I can sit back and relax.

Our apartment's generally clear surfaces are currently covered by boxes wrapped in festive paper and bags full of surprises. I love to choose little things for my loved ones that I know will bring the biggest smile. I keep mental notes of all the things they've mentioned throughout the year so they get the perfect little something. However, purchased items aren't always the meaning of success, so I decided to throw in some homemade gifts to lighten the load and spread the love. Sorry for all the Instagram/camera filtered photos... I was too lazy to get out the dslr.

Here's a couple I'd like to share that are simple enough to finish just in time for the big day.




S'mores Kits

I initially found this gem on Pinterest during Halloween. When I saw Christmas tree shaped Peeps at the grocery story, I figured I'd give it a go. S'mores just happen to be one of my most favorite desserts, and these festive little trees make it the cutest treat.

What you'll need: (Note: I'm a craft hoarder, ask J.. he'll confirm, so I had all of this stuff around the house. I'm saying this so you don't feel like a weirdo if you don't.)

1 box Christmas tree shaped Peeps (they also have gingerbread men and snowmen)
1 bag Hershey's mini bars
1 box of graham crackers (if you're feeling up to it you can make your own, I like this recipe.)
Sandwich bags
Treat bags
Ribbon, Yarn or Twine

I use sandwich bags to keep the contents fresh so that the recipient can choose to eat them right away or save for later. If you have a vacuum sealer, you're way cooler than me, and should definitely use that. Place two graham crackers, two Peeps and two hershey bars next to one another (you can also play around with the placement) in the sandwich bag and seal. Place within a festive treat bag, or sheet of tissue paper, or piece of burlap, and make a neat bow with the decorative ribbon, yarn or twine. I also bought mini snowflakes, used a hole punch, and threaded the ribbon through to make gift tags, but you can do whatever you want to add a little extra flair. Finish by smiling innocently while handing over to children already full of SUGAR.

I gave these to all the kids in my extended family and they loved them. Their parents can pop them in the microwave for a quick dessert, or they can snack on the items individually. It might not be the most HEALTHY holiday treat on your list, but it's definitely tasty! It's also really quick and easy. So... you're welcome & enjoy!


Chocolate Chunk Blondies (recipe featured and adapted from Shutterbean.com)

If you haven't tried a recipe from Tracy's blog, you need to do something about that ASAP because they are the best. Like Joy the Baker (they actually have a podcast together), she features delicious goodies that are sometimes healthy, and a lot of times not, with good ingredients and awesome photo steps to match. To say I'm in love with her blog is an understatement. When I saw her recipe for these blondies, I knew I had to make them for my Dad's family Christmas party. Total success. Seriously, I didn't even get to bring any left overs home, which is rare considering the amount of desserts often present.

(I briefly considered using butterscotch with chocolate chips, which you can totally do, but decided against it. Next time, I say!)

What you'll need:

• 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed I used half dark and half light, but it's whatever
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts I'm weird about nuts in my desserts so I didn't add these
• 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips 
• Small bag of decorative M&Ms of your choice I chose the green and red colored, dark chocolate.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour an 8 x 12 x 2 inch baking pan.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. With the mixer on low, add the vanilla, then the eggs, one at a time, and mix well, scraping down the bowl. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda and salt and with the mixer still on low, slowly add flour mixture to the butter mixture. Fold in chocolate chips with a rubber spatula.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. I chose to add festive M&Ms to the top of the blondies to make a little design. Lightly press them into the very top of the dough in whatever design you choose or sprinkle them over (again lightly pressing in). Bake for 30 minutes (or what seems like forever in my ridiculous oven).

The finished product: 

Hope everyone is having a happy holiday! Remember to reach out to all those that love and let them know how much you care. :)

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Sometimes You Receive Nice Little Surprises

Sadly, it's back to the grind after a wonderful, wintry holiday.  Although citizens of the Northeast United States are cursing Father Winter (and I don't blame them), those of us down South were quite overjoyed to receive snow on Christmas morning.  I stayed with my youngest brother, in his new home, up in the North Georgia mountains, and watched it fall steadily the entire weekend.

Now let me take you back-- don't worry, not so far back; actually, just a post ago, you know, the post where I ever so politely whined about the lack of literary goodies that would grace the bottom of my tree.

From this blog post alone, I managed to snag 2 books on my most wished for list! 

My second to youngest brother, A, handed me a bright blue bag containing two lovely new books:

1. The Cookbook Collector by Allegra Goodman

2. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Then, the day after Christmas, my Grandmother made another visit and gave me another bag, composed of kitchen goodies to indulge my baking habit, and two books, one of which she found after reading my Top Ten Tuesday list:

1. Dewey: The Small-Town Library cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron

2. In the Woods by Tana French

And I thought I wasn't going to receive a single book for Christmas! Did I mention my sweetheart, J, gave me a gift certificate to a local indepedent book store too? My reading habit certainly appreciates all the love.

Presents aside, the weekend was surely a special holiday celebration.

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Top Ten Books I'd Love To See Under My Tree

With the holidays just around the corner you're sure to get a few presents under the tree.  However, as I've gotten older, I've noticed less packages (oh! how I miss the beautiful wrapping and delicate ribbons) and more cards with little tabs for cards or money. Often times, a card and cash are just safe gifts- you really can't go wrong.  That being said, it's likely that I won't receive a single book in my gift haul. (Although, my Grandmother did give me a splendid cookbook when we had Christmas this past weekend.)
That's ok, though- I love to buy my own books.  I'm picky when it comes to the condition; not to mention, I believe if you're shopping for me, you should at least be able to check my updates on goodreads!

Nonetheless, here are 10 titles that I'd love to receive from the big guy in red:

1. Dreams Of My Russian Summers: A Novel by Andrei Makine

My Dearest Russia- one day I will venture to your beautiful borders.  Until then, I'll read about it. 

2. Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris

I love his short stories.  Now I want to see the novel. 

3. The Cloudspotter's Guide: The Science, History and Culture of Clouds by Gavin Pretor- Pinney

I love clouds.  I love watching the clouds.  I love taking picture of clouds and making sense of the shapes they make while drifting past.  I heard it's based on a real life cloud lovers society-- and I think that's just  neat. 

4. Faithful Place by Tana French

I'm not usually into suspense and thrillers, but I've heard great things. Plus, it's based in Ireland. I love Ireland.

5. The Four Fingers of Death by Rick Moody

 I featured this title on my most anticipated reads of 2010.  Didn't get it, still want it.

6. The Cookbook Collector by Allegra Goodman

 It was recently listed on the Millions website as one of the top reads of the year.  I need it.

7. The Possessed: Adventure with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them by Elif Bautman

Really?  You already know why I NEED this one.

8. The Diaries of Sofia Tolstoy by Sofia Tolstoy

Yep, again.  Plus, I have this thing for Tolstoy.  We shouldn't speak if you only have ill things to say.  Really.

9. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

I haven't seen a bad reveiw yet.  I usually trust those reviews.  It's a win/win.

10. Dewey's Nine Lives: The Legacy of the Small Town Library Cat Who Inspired Millions by Vicki Myron

When I made the decision to move in with my darling, J, I also adopted two beautiful babies: Stevie and Shirley (they're cats FYI).  My love for cats has grown from nothing to may-we never-be-parted. Ever.  I want this book that lifts the load, and reminds you that cats are cuddly and affectionate and everything humans are not.  The end. 

If I don't find these under the tree, no biggie; I'm about to start a whole new year of Thrify Book Finds!  Happy Holidays, bookworms! :)  Many thanks to The Broke and The Bookish for another great Top Ten Tuesday!

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DIY: Holiday Gift Swap Craft Project

As I've said again and again, I really wanted to start to incorporate some of my other interests into this blog, namely: crafting and baking.  And I'm really hoping that bookworms following me enjoy the non-literary content, and might share their own adventures in creativity.

By the way, this post isn't completely non-bookish information; I started this particular project for the Book Swap Holiday Party with the informal reading group I host in Atlanta.

Last night, five of us met at my wonderful friend C's home and brought yummy treats, sipped on some wine and exchanged used books.  Since we had no idea who we'd be swapping with until we arrived and drew names out of a hat; I decided to create pretty, little name cards to add some spice! So, if you happen to be hosting a gift swap/ white elephant party and want a crafty idea-- here you go:

(Let me note that my craft table does look like the scattered mess that appears in the background of these photos.  Also, I'm trying really hard to use things around the house that I already have and should be using.


Step One.


Index Cards. Yep. I found an entire stack while emptying a storage box of old college work.  I didn't want to throw them away, and some weren't packaged any longer, so I thought they'd be perfect for this project. Scrap paper, cardboard and old bags can be substituted here.

Step Two.

Fold index cards in half.  Choose your favorite marker/pen (or rubbers stamps) to scribble party members' names into the inside of the card.

Step Three.

Decorate the inside of the card with a little something extra if you're feeling really creative.  I chose to use rubber stamps and an embossing gun (two of my most favorite friends).  

Step Four.

Use a hole punching device (preferably a pair that creates two parallel incisions) to create a place to seal the card, half-an-inch or less, close to the bottom.  

Step Five.

With thin ribbon laced through the openings tie a decorative bow to seal the card.

Step 6.  

Once you've finished your cards, find something to place them in that will make the project more unique and fun. I used a basket and some spare fabric I had lying around.  Flower pots, glass jars and ceramic jugs are all great ideas, too!  

Done!

All-in-all the process was super easy, and lots of fun!  Sure, the party would have been great without the  flair, but it was nice doing something a little extra!  

Oh, and did I mention that I baked some peppermint cupcakes, also? Yum!

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Another Lazy Sunday Edition

And so Christmas crafting begins.

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