christmas.

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for the first time ever, we had a white christmas!

it started snowing mid-day christmas day and didn't let up until the next day.

it was a soft, powdery, beautiful snow, the kind that makes good snow cream.

thankfully, it didn't hinder any travel plans and we were able to make it to and from our families.

i hope this snow is a sign of what the rest of the winter brings.

i. l.o.v.e. s.n.o.w.

cookies

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these cookies should be made in every household during Christmas.

they are delightful little wonders and are easy to make.

i whipped them up in a matter of 15 minutes and had them in the oven.

they are oatmeal crispies.

recipe taken from here.

make them.  i'm sure they will become a holiday favorite!

the winter sky

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sometimes winter sunsets can be just spectacular!

i see this quite often crossing over lake bowen.

on quiet, cold days the water looks like glass reflecting the horizon.

a perfect end to my days.



let the countdown begin

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less than a week away and santa will be here!

i'm excited!  how about you?

i still have a few more small gifts to buy but i'm pretty much ready.



the woman knows

that martha stewart sure knows a thing or two about cooking.

tomorrow at work we are having a goodie day where everyone brings their favorite treat.

and we graze alll day.

i'm known as the chef at work so everyone expects a bit more out of me than cheese cubes and crackers.

so this year i'm taking a chocolate poundcake with peanut butter glaze.

mmmm.....

it turned out so well!

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recipe can be found here.

i suggest you try this.

it's not too rich and the peanut butter drizzled on top adds just the right amount of umph.



bouchon

this past weekend was spent with a few of our good buddies.

we spent some time taking photos and munching on new food.

we had dinner at this fabulous french place on broadway in asheville, nc.

bouchon.

it was your traditional french menu.

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wonderful french bread and butter.

the atmosphere was very cozy, especially with the rain outside.

a nice glass of cote du rhone to top off the evening.

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their boeuf bourguignon was to die for. so rich and meaty.

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and the pommes frites with housemade mayonaise. unbelievable!
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i cannot wait to go back and sip wine and relax.

my wish list

i'm getting into the spirit of Christmas.

so here's my wishlist.

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picnic blanket

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lovely little bracelet

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simple garden markers

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whimsy bird nest

all above items from shoppterrain.com.

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these boots from frye.

love them!

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this cute photo album from anthropologie.

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mortar and pestle from sur la table.

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a white farmhouse with beautiful gardens.

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and last but not least...

plane tickets to ireland.

is that too much to ask for?

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homemade goodies

the craft bug bit me this past weekend.  i spent hours shopping around hobby lobby, husband in tow.

he was insanely bored.  poor guy.

but to me it was all worth it.

i bought miniature snowmen, snowy trees, a lovely fawn, fake snow, tiny tinsel ribbon, and a few glass domes and wooden bases.

i worked my magic and voila!

sweet christmas scenes!

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the supplies

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and the outcome!