Merry Happy Eating

Its the day before Christmas Eve and what better way to kick off the next couple of days than Christmas cookies?! Maybe a trunk show and Christmas cookies? Well, that's how I've spent mine and its been fabulous! The trunk show was a success and I have only have 1/2 of my inventory left. Wahoo! When people weren't in the house perusing some baubles, mom and I were up in the kitchen doing some intense baking. We made our traditional spritz, fudge, and chocolate covered pretzels. Tomorrow we'll make some chex mix but for now the house smells fantastic and we are going to be rolling to bed with full sweet tummys. Bliss!

The last little bit of dough left

The Latest

I made it to Florida and we have already been quite the busy bees. My flight got in at 5 and we have already been to 5 stores, not within a mall or same shopping center. Also, we got setup for the trunk show my mom is hosting for me tomorrow morning and it looks goooood. Dad was out working in the yard, even though it was dark (and of course tending to the animals.) Take a look below at some grooming that needed to take place between the cats and dogs. Baths came next! That's whats been going on here. I'll let you know what happens tomorrow in the adventures of Florida! It's great to be home!!!

Hubs and I had planned to have our traditional Christmas this past Sunday. It took about 3 weeks to find a dinner spot that could take us since they were all booked - but alas, we found one! Well, on Saturday hubs found out that he would have a conference call right at the time as our reservations. So we instead cooked some steaks, asparagus, and roasted potatoes. Sometimes the non-plans turn out to be better than the plans! After the yummy dinner, we opened a few gifts from my in-laws! They're just lovely!!! Check them out!

Our first NYC tree!

Today I leave for my parent's house down in Florida and I couldn't be more excited! Mom is also having a trunk show tomorrow for SMD. I'll be back to report on that. I hope yall are getting ready and excited for Christmas!

Christmas Countdown

So I feel as though I should apologize for yesterday's post - I was informed from the family that I am WAY behind. That dog had even been on David Letterman a few months ago. Oops!

On a different - I am so excited that Christmas is literally right around the corner and I love that it also feels like Christmas! The weather, the festivities, and all the TV Christmas movies. Need I say more? I watched Family Stone this week, which I actually like even though I know it didn't get good reviews. What I love even more is their house. It seems like the perfect Christmas/winter house to me! (Besides the one I grew up in) But it looks completely lived-in and the type of house that would have tons of great memories. I've always loved older houses that have stories behind them and especially ones that look this cozy covered in snow!

Have a great cozy weekend!

I think I could grow old in this house

Marley and Me's house isn't too shabby either

Dancing Merengue Dog

I am definitely a dog lover. We don't have one yet but that is only because I can't justify having a big dog in a small apartment. I found this hilariously awesome YouTube video of a dancing fog. I know most of you have probably seen this video since I am always months behind on YouTube. Don't worry, you don't even have to like dogs to enjoy this little guy.

Wish List

Well its about time for those wish lists. I've seen some pretty great stuff this season but I really don't need too much. However, there are a few things that are on my wish list.

What are on yours?

Short but Sweet Weekend

Yesterday was a blur. I was out running all over the place trying to get everything done before the bitter cold crazy winter weather that comes today. (Although it was snowing last night) I can't believe that I only took one pic this past weekend. And that one lonely pic was on my phone. Not even a real camera. I guess that means that we were having too much fun to worry about cameras! Friday night Sis, Bro-in-law, Hubs and I went to dinner at a very neighborhoody place with mostly locals. It still seems weird that we're locals. I wonder when that feeling will fade. We then went to see The Tourists. Now I'm no movie critic but I would give this one a thumbs down. Sis and Bro-in-law fell asleep in the row behind us and Hubs literally went home after the 1st 20 minutes of the movie. However, I can't completely blame Hubs' leaving on the movie - he has been working like a mad man the past month in a half. I mean serious hours. He didn't get home until 4AM on Thursday/Friday morning. So I guess Johnny and Angelina, yall are off the hook. The next day we ventured over to Park Slope, Brooklyn. It was great weather to go in and out of all the lovely little independent shops and of course try out some yummy restaurants. Hubs and I contemplated what it would be like to live on the other quaint side of the river. And we decided it might just be nice! While Sis and B-i-L went to see the Rockettes, Hubs and I had the 1st night to ourselves (without any pending work) in well over a month and watched Its a Wonderful Life...and Hubs fell asleep. Our weekend was cut short since the crazy weather came and cancelled all flights after 9AM. So we said goodbye to Sis and B-i-L. It was a great but super short weekend! I hope yall had a wonderful weather filled weekend as well!

Essex House

Last night my sister came into town for work and stayed at the Essex House! The Essex House is one of those places that I have always wondered about since you see the cool, kind-of retro sign from all parts of Central Park (not to mention in the movies.) So when she told me she was staying there I jumped on the chance to go check it all out and see what the fuss is about. It's definitely a nice hotel with a great location and view (although you have to pay extra for the view) but I'm not sure it's worth the $500-$600 a night. However, they did have a pretty incredible gingerbread house in the lobby! If you've always wondered what it is like on the inside check out the pics...

Traditional Movies

I'm such a sucker for the Christmas movies and movies that are old are even better! Since Dec 1st, Hubs and I have been checking the channels and setting our DVR so we can watch them again and again...although Hubs has been working his booty off and has only gotten to watch Elf. This is probably due to the fact that I've already watched it 3 times - so by default he had to have been around at least one of those times, right?

See I'm quite a sentimental person, therefore I love this time of year because it reminds me of all the traditions our family had growing up. (Hubs has already talked to me about how we will have to have our own traditions instead of just having the Spencer traditions. Which is great with me because the more traditions, the better!) But some of the Spencer traditions involved watching movies. You know, that classics. Its a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas were some that we always watched. Hubs says their family watched Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Last night as we were both working while Home Alone, Lost in New York was on in the background. Hubs claims that he likes that one better than the original but I think it's just because we now live in New York. Although, they do make living in the city look pretty awesome - I would love to be picked up in a limo with a hot pizza waiting for me in the mornings to go to a store of my choice. Um, yes please! Anytime! However, just without the Wet Bandits chasing after me. Thank goodness for the crazy bird lady!

So far, Hubby and I have the tradition of watching Elf as soon as Thanksgiving has arrived (maybe before if you count this year) and then many times more throughout the month of December. Its almost pathetic how much I love this movie! Almost.

Now that I've rambled... what are your favorites? Any movie traditions?

One of my favorite parts in the movie. I give Hubby a good laugh when I sing "Buffalo Bill won't you come out tonight..."

How can you not love this one? Look how happy they are...at least at the end.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Beware of the Wet Bandits

Great set!

Where are You Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas songs

"And why is the carpet all wet, Todd?' "I don't knooow Margo"

Kiddos

Yesterday was one of those days where it was nice to be in the apartment and not have anything pressing to get done. It snowed a bit yesterday (which seemed like the norm across the East Coast) and so I was able to do some internet searching. I found some pretty cute Christmas gifts for the little ones. Take a look...

Bla Bla Dolls

$36-$46 each

Bla Bla Backpacks

$42

Alphabet Animal Flash Cards

$14.95

Melissa & Doug Trucks

$15.55

Carseat Cover

$45

War Eagle

War... Eagle, fly down the field.
Ever to conquer, never to yield.
War... Eagle, fearless and true.
Fight on, you orange and blue.
Go! Go! Go!
On to victory, strike up the band.
Give 'em hell, give 'em hell;
Stand up and yell, Hey! War...Eagle win for Auburn,

Power of Dixie Land!

If anyone wants to share some tickets to the National Championship game please let me know. :)

I believe in Auburn and love it!

Warning: Christmas

If you need a lift this morning then maybe you need some Christmas in your day. I have more than enough Christmas pictures for you to go around! My parents came in town for the weekend and we started it off with a bang! We went to dinner at Odeon and then followed it up with those famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. Afterwards, we all walked around Rockefeller admiring the tree and of course taking LOTS of pics. Hubs' office is in 45 Rock so we walked around there as well until he had to go back to the office. It was a great way to begin the Christmas season!

If you don't want to see lots of Christmas trees then no need to look further... :)

Legs Legs Legs

Sorry Hubs, I know you're going to kill me but I think its funny...this is Hubby's office building.

Stocking Stuffers are the Best

Yesterday was The Holiday Collection series and today is the Stocking Stuffer series! I mentioned that I would be doing this last week so I won't explain any further. Just check out the website for the Stocking Stuffers and fill those stockings!!

Holiday 2010 Launch

Finally! The last collection of 2010. These are made to be gifts on their own since they are pieces that stand out from the pack. They're all made from antique brooches, pendants or chain. And are all here in time for Christmas shopping!! Past these on to your friends, husbands, boyfriends, moms, daughters, and anyone else you know! (Repost on Facebook by copying the address link.) I hope you all like this collection as much I do!

Thankful Thankful

How was your Thanksgiving?? Ours was great and I have so much to be thankful for this year. So much went on the past 4 days that I think I'm going to have more pictures than words. However we had a great time with family, saw Sis-in-law's newly married house, shopped, ate, watched football, hung out with friends, and went to some Nashville institutions!

Our Thanksgiving setup

Hiding through one eye

She made everyone a personal name tag

He obviously hates the camera :)

More Please

Father-in-law checking out the Nutcrackers - he collects them

Inside the Opryland hotel watching the dancing water

The kids were screaming out of excitment

WE stopped to have a drink at one of the many restaurants inside the hotel - this place is as big as Disney World

Back in NYC getting our Christmas tree (on the street where we carried it back)

They just lean them up against the fence so its a bit hard to tell if they are full, holey, etc...

BUT we got one!!!!!!

Tomorrow will be quite a big SMD day!