more holiday cheer

Posted: November 27, 2010 at 3:19 pm

Now that the tree is decorated and things are more organized in our house again, I wanted to continue the holiday spirit today. I want to do nothing but enjoy this holiday weekend and fill it with as many of my favorite small traditions as possible. After all, every weekend after this until Christmas is already filled with other fun events – multiple parties, a special family night, and perhaps M’s first ride on the Macy’s Pink Pig around the big tree in downtown Atlanta.

I started our mini-traditions last night by watching Elf with Peter.

The movie may only be 7 years old and not quite a classic, but it has quickly become my favorite. ‘Twas the perfect way to end a day of tree decorating and toy organizing.

This morning, I once again awoke not feeling the greatest. In my opinion, that just shows how smart our bodies truly are and that we should listen. My midwife explicitly told to take it easier these last 8 weeks of pregnancy, so if I feel weak or tired at all I skip my planned workout and thrive on my regular activity. Daily activity counts plenty for me right now. If I’m feeling good, I’ll work out. If not, I won’t. That simple to care for me and baby B.

Besides, shopping counts as a workout, right? 😉 I thought so. I hit up HomeGoods and Kohls for a couple of things for gifts. I adore Home Goods! They had so many adorable holiday displays out and great gift variety for many people I’m buying for this year. I have a feeling I will be going back when I know who I will be buying for in the blogger gift exchange. Have you signed up yet??

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Then I headed to Target to pick up a few gifts for M and the ingredients for how I planned to spend some of my afternoon. Fudge making!

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Every year for the holidays I make a special mocha fudge. It’s one of the things I make really well. This year, I plan to donate some to a bake sale Tina plans to host next week and I wanted to switch it up a bit. Instead of just mocha fudge, I wanted to see how peppermint mocha fudge would taste. It’s as fabulous as it sounds…and looks.

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I hope you all are having just as enjoyable a Saturday! My night will only continue to get better with a special date night with Peter. See you all tomorrow afternoon. 🙂

  • Do you have any special holiday treats you always look forward to making?
  • What is your favorite holiday movie?

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47 Comments to “more holiday cheer”
  1. emily says:

    I love ELF! My favorite movie is the Home Alone I and II movies! they are the best!

    i usually bake alot of goodies this time of year such as homemade cookies, gingerbread, seasoned oyster crackers, cheese straws, white chocolate pretzels, and cheeseballs for gifts to give to family and friends! they make wonderful gifts!
    my family and friends look forward to their goodies bags every year! lol!

  2. You’re Peppermint Mocha Fudge looks AMAZING! will you post the recipe or send it to me?!?

    Each year my mother in law makes a TON of cookies. The most popular is her thin mint =o)

    This year was my first attempt at a chrismas cookie. Chocolate cookies with sanding sugar and a candy cane hershey’s kiss on the top.

  3. Dorry says:

    I love baking a decorating sugar cookies a little but closer to Christmas…but up until then, I’m planning to experiment with many baking projects – cookies, breads, bars, etc. I’m baking some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for Tina’s bake sale tomorrow. 🙂

    I love Home Alone. Can’t get enough.

  4. If fudge can be beautiful, yours is!! 🙂 Elf is definitely one of my favorite Christmas movies…I consider it a classic even if it is new-ish 😉

  5. I just made peppermint brownies for one of the families I nanny for and it was a hit! I enjoy making fudge as well but I am not a mocha fan because of the coffee/expresso 🙁

    I pretty much like all holiday movies.. even all the ones on lifetime 🙂

  6. Heather says:

    i LOVE LOVE LOVE elf! definitely a holiday favorite/tradition over here 🙂

  7. Mmmmm that fudge looks great. I am a sucker for anything peppermint around the holidays. 🙂

    I am so excited for the blogger gift exchange!!! 🙂

  8. feener says:

    pecan bars……

  9. OH MY! I am loving the fudge idea–please tell me you have a recipe somewhere??

    Elf is a solid Xmas movie but Natl Lampoons Xmas will always have my heart.

  10. sarah says:

    I adore Elf! That fudge looks delicious and fantastic 🙂 Have fun with Harry Potter!

  11. Camille says:

    I would say Elf was an instant classic 🙂
    It is in my top 3 favorite Christmas movies right behind A Christmas Story and It’s A Wonderful Life 🙂

  12. That peppermint mocha fudge looks so so good! Have a blast on your date tonight, I am so glad you have had such a good Saturday!

  13. Karen says:

    That fudge looks amazing!! Have fun on your date night tonight!

    Favorite holiday movie – How the Grinch Stole Christmas!!

    • Tina says:

      Which one though? Old or new? I like them both, but always look forward to the classic one. I’m actually bummed we don’t have ABC Family so I miss out on all the classics that come on during their 25 Days of Christmas.

  14. Lori Lynn says:

    I’ve never heard of a Home Goods, but it looks like a cute store. My favorite movie is White Christmas. I have to watch it every year– so I’ll probably watch here pretty soon!

  15. Sorry you weren’t feeling the best this morning. You’ve been doing so much lately! My sister and I make cookies to give out. It’s just a fun day we spend together baking and gabbing.

  16. chelsey says:

    I love making sugar cookies & decorating them! While I don’t enjoy eating them (they’re just not my thing) I love the whole process. So much fun!

  17. Your fudge looks soooo good! My boyfriend made me pumpkin fudge last year and it was maybe the best thing I have ever eaten. I think my favorite Christmas movie is the Muppet’s Christmas Carol! I’m pretty sure I have all the songs memorized.

  18. Ela says:

    Fudge looks delicious. So good to see you in good spirits like this. I don’t have many traditions around Christmas but always look forward to the family warmth and closeness.

    love
    Ela

  19. Lindsey says:

    That fudge looks so good! I have never tried to make fudge but I might need to attempt to make it soon. I think this post has inspired me. Thanks!
    Lindsey

  20. Chrissi says:

    i have yet to try making fudge because i fear the failure….your goodies look so yumm-o! maybe this year will be THE year to try 🙂

    • Tina says:

      If I can make fudge, anyone can make fudge. LOL

      It is pretty simple. It’s just a matter of keeping a very close eye on how long it cooks and also stirring constantly. At least for mine.

  21. Glad you’re taking care of yourself 🙂 I love making Christmas cookies- it’s become a tradition and something that I do with my Mom every year. This year I want to try making some puddings from scratch! And eggnog.

  22. Julie says:

    We curled up to Elf last night, too! The kids love to say cotton-headed ninnymoggins!
    and we re-wound and re-watched the belching scene about 10 times and it still didn’t get old 🙂

    Son of a Nutcracker!

  23. ashleigh says:

    That fudge looks delicious! Maybe I’ll bid on it!

    Elf is my one of my favorite movies ever! I am watching it right now. I usually watch it 100x a season. I also love Home Alone!

  24. Hey Tina, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! My favorite holiday movie is White Christmas. I can’t wait to watch it! I love baking anything and everything for the holidays, but fudge definitely says Christmas.

  25. Astrid says:

    My favorite holiday movie is Muppet Christmas Carol. I am still 5 years old. For holiday treats, I always look forward to making a gingerbread houses, sugar cookies, and homemade oreos. I cannot wait to find out who I have for the gift exchange, by the way!

  26. Elf is such a classic!! Never gets old 🙂 I’d say my favorite holiday movie is Bad Santa! haha
    That fudge looks amazing and so festive!

  27. I want that fudge!!! Not the recipe, because candy and I don’t get along. Unfortunate really as I have a great recipe (proven by friends) for peanut butter fudge. All I ever get is separated globs. 🙁

    Do you have any special holiday treats you always look forward to making?
    -I look forward to carrot cake and sugar cookies. I have already converted my granny’s recipe for the first, and am currently working on my great-grandma’s recipe for the latter. I am also looking for a good gingerbread recipe that is a cross between cake & cookie, as I have a molded pan for boys & girls.

    What is your favorite holiday movie?
    -My mother has a thing for Christmas movies. She owns almost every one ever made. I would probably say mine is a tie between White Christmas and The Preacher’s Wife. My son would probably say “Jack Frost,” i.e. The Santa Clause 3.

  28. katie says:

    i LOVEEEEEE the holiday cheer! LOVE elf- DEF my fav christmas movie ever 🙂
    I always look forward to delicious dark chocolate pepper mint bark! so good!
    fav holiday movie- ELF 🙂 and i like the national lampoon christmas vacation!

  29. Melie says:

    That fudge looks amazing! I always look forward to melomakarona, a traditional seasonal treat http://greekfood.about.com/od/cookiescakes/r/melomakarona1.htm. The best part is that it’s become a tradition for me and my youngest sister to make it for the family christmas dinner. It’s delicious. Maybe I could make it for your christmas exchange? 🙂

    My favorite christmas movie is gone with the wind. I know it’s not really a christmas movie, but for one reason or another it is always shown on TV during the christmas holiday. And I love that movie, so I’ll get any chance to watch it again…

    • Tina says:

      I’m sure whoever you get would love that special treat. 🙂

      And would you believe that I have never seen Gone With the Wind all the way through? I want to though!

      • Melie says:

        I just realized I had not officially joined the gift exchange. I have now! 🙂 And do watch gone with the wind. I know it’s the longest movie ever created but it’s amazing!

  30. That fudge looks delicious! There’s NOTHING like some good homemade fudge – and the flavor sounds to die for!

  31. This makes me want to watch Elf and decorate for Christmas!! Elf is one of my favorites too, but A Christmas Story and the original How the Grinch Stole Christmas have my heart. We still watch A Christmas Story while opening presents every year!!

  32. We watch Elf every year also and today is the day! I’m so psyched! I hope you feel better. 🙂

  33. Katie H says:

    Ohhhh that peppermint mocha fudge looks awesome!

    I love A Christmas Story and have it on all day on Christmas 🙂

  34. Yum! Your fudge looks delish! What is your secret recipe?

  35. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!! 🙂

  36. laura says:

    LOVE Elf!
    another great christmas movie i watch every year is ‘ Christmas vacation’. Classic.
    First batch of gingerbread cookies are soon to be made!

  37. Jess says:

    I love, love, love this time of year! I love all the time spent with family above all else – and especially love what has become a tradition for our family. We host Christmas Eve at our place every year (this will be our fifth year hosting!) and it’s SUCH a fun day spent with family, eating, drinking, laughing and making so many memories. It makes me happy just thinking about it! PS. I also love Elf and I also hope you had an awesome date night with Peter!!

  38. Brooke says:

    i love elf 🙂 bought it at target – it was one of their black friday specials this year.

  39. No way. We totally watched “Elf” too! And Christmas Vacation is our favorite holiday movie. That and the Muppets Christmas from my childhood.

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