Apparently I have lost my mind to title a blog post that. I also have lost my mind from making the insane decision to finally replace all the batteries in M’s toys that previously had died. It’s been a long time coming. I should have just done that for her for Christmas. It’s like they are all brand new. And loud. Very, very loud.

Back to the title of the post. I like balls – Mama Pea’s sugar cookie dough balls and my favorite Oreo balls. I have a holiday party and cookie exchange to attend tonight. I could not decide which treat to make. I really wanted to try Mama Pea’s balls and I always look for a reason to make Oreo balls. What to do? Make both!

I made the Oreo balls with the holiday red creme cookies, which tinted my hands red for awhile, and topped the truffles with a sprinkle of candy cane. How beautiful and festive!

Since I already had the candy cane look going on and I despise sprinkles, I opted for the snickerdoodle version of Mama Pea’s dough balls.

Plus, who doesn’t like cinnamon and sugar? You might reply - “Who doesn’t like sprinkles?” Well, I don’t, you smart alec.

I also had to make an appetizer to share with the group. For a holiday party a couple years ago I made these spinach phyllo roll-ups and everyone loved them. Why mess with something that obviously works?   Although, I did go daring and used goat cheese instead of the feta. Heck, why not? They are insanely delicious. And insanely not super duper health food.

Spinach Phyllo Roll-Ups from Kraft Recipes (site has video demonstration)

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 pkg.  (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
• 1 cup feta cheese goat cheese
• 1 tub  (8 oz.) Garden Vegetable 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese
• 4 green onions, finely chopped (oops! forgot these at the store)
• 15 sheets  frozen phyllo (14x9 inch), thawed
• 1/3 cup butter, melted I used butter flavored cooking spray on the Phyllo sheets – its easier and quicker

1. Mix first 5 ingredients together and set aside.

2. Roll out phyllo sheets flat and place between damp towels or plastic wrap.

3. Lay out 1 phyllo sheet on your working area. Spray with butter spray. Add 2 more sheets for a total of 3 layers, with butter spray between each layer.

4. Spread 1/5 of spinach mixture along the short side of the phyllo. Fold in edges and roll up to make a log. Spray log with butter and make cuts in top at 1 inch intervals. Repeat process until achieve 5 logs.

5. Bake in 375 oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cut each log into 6 slices on the 1 inch marks made before baking. Serve!

Note: You can also freeze some of the rolls in plastic wrap or storage bags and bake them (after thawing) up to 3 months later.

Like I mentioned, these aren’t the healthiest things out there, but honestly I don’t care. When it comes to making things for parties, I usually opt for the tried and true recipes and classic favorites. I do like making healthier recipes and sharing them with friends/family, but rarely do so for special occasions. Plus, I enjoy the recipes as well and its fine by me to have them every once in awhile.

• What types of things do you like to make and bring to group parties, the office, other social gatherings?
• Is there a food you don’t like that people don’t quite understand? My hatred for sprinkles is more a texture thing. They get added to things where they just ruin the texture!

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??

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!

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.

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?