Cranberry Christmas Cocktail

Enjoy some bubbly this holiday season!

Ingredients:

1 ounce sweetened cranberry juice
1 lime wedge
Champagne or sparkling wine
Ice
Frozen cranberries (for garnish; optional)

Directions:

1. In a chilled glass, add cranberry juice and squeeze of lime.
2. Top off the glass with champagne.
3. Add ice.
4. Garnish with 3 or 4 frozen cranberries (optional)

'Tis the Season!

Thanksgiving Recap + Monday Madness Link Up

Happy Monday, everyone! I've finally had time to put together some photos and a recap of my Thanksgiving!

For those of you new to the blog, I'm from Eastern Pennsylvania, but now live in Western Michigan with my husband. We usually try to spend one holiday with each family. This year we drove 10+ hours each way to be with my family in Pennsylvania. I couldn't wait!

We pushed off the Wednesday before Thanksgiving after dropping Scout off at his baby sitter's. This is the hardest part of traveling to Pennsylvania... leaving little Scout behind! I may have a mini meltdown every time.

Nick and I always stop at my alma matar duing our trip. So 6 hours in we stopped in Clarion, Pennsylvania and ate at the Pizza Pub! This has kind of become a tradition.

We arrived safely at my parents house on Wednesday evening and immedately went over to my brother's house on Thanksgiving morning. I couldn't wait to visit with my nieces!

3-year-old Emma. She showed me every toy she owns.

Ella and my dad! Her name is Ella Jaye for him (Jay).

Me and 3-week-old Ella!

After spending the morning at my brother's house, Nick and I headed back up to my parents for Thanksgiving dinner with my them, my sister, my grandma, and my step-brother and his family.

My niece Halie and Nick

Halie playing games with my sister Courtney

Graham and Halie helping Courtney with the rolls

This is one of my favorite pictures. My sister and I encouraged Halie to put her hands all over the canned cranberry. Then we just sat there and laughed. Naughty aunts.

Nick and the kids

Dessert time! Courtney, my sister-in-law Megan, and Grammy

Sweetest little boy ever. Nick and I did Christmas with the kids while we were in town.

Here are Graham and Halie in their Christmas presents!

I got to sleep in on Friday and my sister and I snuck out to a matinee. We saw Mocking Jay Part I. It was pretty dark, but pretty good! Nick and I got in some good quality time with my parents on Friday night.

I headed down to my brother's house on Saturday for more quality time with my nieces! On my way I stopped at my favorite local jewlery store to get my rings cleaned. They shine like new! I have been contemplating a 10 year anniversary band so I tried one on to see if liked the concept.

I love it! It's a platinum channel set eternity band with .25 carats of diamonds. I played around with the placement and found it looks best in between my wedding band and engagement ring. I want this one for my 10th and the exact same one to place on the outside for my 20th! Nick is really against it right now, but I have time to convince him. ;)

I also went to Pott's that day. It's this awesome family owned hot dog shop. I love going there because nothing changes. They have the same menu and serve the dogs the same way since I can remember!

Once down at my brother's I spent time with my sister-in-law Amber and Ella and Emma. The girls had their pictures done with Santa that morning and Emma was roaming around in what Amber and I affectionatley called her "Santa Suit."

Emma opening her Christmas present.

Emma giving her dog Willow  check up. Future vet right there!

   

On Saturday night we headed out to see my BFF, Sara Jane. I love this chick! We've known each other since we were 12.



Me and Sara with her 20 month old son Isaac.

Sunday, our last day in Pennsylvania, was pretty low key. We went to church with my parents and they treated us to lunch. We always do a "sisters dinner" when I'm home. It's time for my sister, my two sisters-in-law, and me to go out and bond. I love these!

We had such a great trip! Spending time with my family really rejuvinated me. We made it back safely to Michigan to pick up Scout last Monday.  

Don't forget to link up today. No rules. Link up any post you want and make new friends!

Friday Five: Christmas for a Cause

I don't think this post needs a huge, long introduction. We all know that the holidays are not only a time to connect with family and eat a bunch of yummy food, but also a time to give back. Here are five low or no cost ways to serve this holiday season.

//1// Donate your time to a local charity.

I got involved in Gilda's Club very shortly after moving to Michigan. Around the holidays I volunteer to go to local bookstores and wrap purchased items to get donations for Gilda's Club. There are so many other opportunities through the year - cooking and providing meals, raking leaves, helping with the children's area, spring cleaning at the club, and community events. Pick a charity that is close to your heart or volunteer at a soup kitchen or women's shelter.

//2// Volunteer to baby sit.

Volunteer to baby sit for a new or stressed out mom. Pick someone in your neighborhood or baby sit your nieces and nephews. Give the parents a night out or just go entertain the kids while Mom jumps in the shower and runs some errands.

//3// Create blessing bags.

Put together blessing bags for those in homeless or women's shelters. Use a quart or gallon sized bag and add as much or as little as you want. Fill your bags with hygiene products such as toothpaste, combs, deodorant, toothbrushes, bars of soap, etc. You can also add some non perishable snacks and a travel sized New Testament.

// 4 // Light 'Em Up

Join or start a Light 'Em Up Group. The purpose of Light ‘Em Up is for adults and kids to experience generosity so they will see Christmas is always about giving, not getting. Light ‘Em up shows children of every age that they can be used to impact others.

//5// Help your neighbors.

If you are already out raking your own leaves or shoveling your driveway, do your neighbors too. It will only take a little extra time and they will be appreciative they didn't have go out in the cold. You never know when you may need them for a favor!

Happy Friday!