Monday, December 20, 2010

Christmas Blogfest!!


Yep, I'm a sucker for fun, spirited, holiday-themed blogfests! I found this one (hosted by Melissa and Jen) on Jen Daiker's lovely blog.

The only problem is I'm supposed to be listing my... well, I'll just paste the rules for you:


1.Blog Post to be posted on December 20th (whatever time you desire)
2.Show pictures of your decorations, holiday lights & Christmas tree!
3.Share your favorite treat (Recipe included, chance for others to steal the yumminess!)
4.Share your favorite drink (Recipe included, chance for others to steal the alcohol – or non)
5.Last but not least… visit others!!! Take part in their holiday cheer!
(Linky list)


Guess what! No Christmas tree!! I know, the horror! But I can explain. We live in an apartment without a yard and I have two boys under 4 years old. This means that if I put anything breakable down low, it will be broken. As such, we've been putting off the Christmas tree ceremony. We were going to do it last night, but postponed it again till tonight. Anyway, enough of the craziness that is raising boys in a two-bedroom cubicle of an apartment. I'll show you what we have done for Christmas:

Decorations: 

Gingerbread HOUSE!

Isn't this the most adorable gingerbread house and tree you've ever seen? And hey, I think that tree counts as our Christmas tree, right? Right? For now. I love the look on the 3yo's face. Good thing he has that handy toothbrush!

Favorite Treat (plus recipe):

Chocolaty Goodness is a great gift for the families you carol to on Christmas Eve. 

I'm gonna have to go with Chocolaty Goodness, a recipe my dad made up that is straight up raw cocoa powder, butter, honey, and wheat, with a few spices thrown in for good measure. 

I can't in good conscience post the recipe without linking to his marvelous health blog. Check out Coach G at Garner Healthy Living. And now for the recipe!
Chocolaty Goodness

2 c. cocoa powder
1 c. coconut oil (or ½ c. butter)
1 c. honey
2 c. wheat flour
A pinch of Redman’s salt*
A pinch of cinnamon
A pinch of cayenne or chili powder
*Redman's Real Salt is just a special salt that still includes all the minerals. It can be hard to find, so don't worry about it if you're only going to make this recipe once.

Mix it all together and spread out in a pan or on a plate. Chill in refrigerator. Because of the butter or coconut oil, the mixture will harden, so if you want to cut it into squares, do it while it's still soft but not sticky.

Another note: if you're sensitive to whole wheat, take this in small doses, especially at first. I've been snacking on wheat berries since I was a kid (yay, food storage!) so it doesn't phase me. Chocolaty goodness is my guilty pleasure every Christmas.

Favorite Drink (plus recipe):


There's really no competition for this one: EGGNOG!!



Some people make their own, but we drink it so fast, buying it is really the only option. But here's a recipe from allrecipes.com.

And now I am off to visit others!

Don't forget to sign up for the New Year's Revisions Blog Party! Resolutions never looked so good (to agents).

32 comments:

  1. I love how your kid is eating your decorations. :)

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  2. What a sweet gingerbread house! That reminds me of fond memories of making houses with my daughters. :) Yep, I don't blame you for not doing a tree! Merry Christmas!

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  3. Your kids are adorable! I always mean to do a gingerbread house and never get around to it. This year I went out and bought a kit so at some point it will get done! Have a great Christmas!

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  4. What an awesome house and the look on your child's face is precious!

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  5. I haven't made a gingerbread house in ages. Merry Christmas!

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  6. Child with the house is precious!

    Merry Christmas!

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  7. Chocolatey Goodness sounds wonderful! You guys did an awesome job on that gingerbread house. Have a very merry Christmas!!!

    PS) I love your blog's look! Orange is my favorite color. :) :)

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  8. What a cutie! When my kids make a gingerbread house, most of the decorations go into their mouths, too. LOL. Thanks for the pics. Adorable.

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  9. The toothbrush cracked me up!

    Happy Holidays.

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  10. Your kids are so cute. I've got to go and make some chocolatey goodness. Thanks. Have a wonderful holiday!

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  11. Aww. That gingerbread house looks yummy. I don't know why, but it looks like he may launch the toothbrush into the roof for easier munching. Or that could be me projecting my cookie love through the interwebs. LOL.

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  12. Oh my goodness, your little caroler is TOO CUTE. I'm glad I found you through the blogfest -- just signed up for the New Year's party :) Have a Merry Christmas, dear!

    ~ Bess

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  13. Awesome gingerbread house!!!

    Merry Christmas Katrina!

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  14. Chocolaty goodness! Can't pass that up! Your gingerbread house and tree are lovely. To pretty to eat!!! And I could just hug your little boy. :) Have a wonderful Christmas.

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  15. Truly your boys and your gingerbread house look gorgeous! Have a glorious famiy christmas! Enjoy!

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  16. YYYUUUMMMM!!! That sounds good! But eggnog-bleh.

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  17. Absolutely - the best gingerbread house I've ever seen!! And what a great helper your son is! ;) Merry Christmas to you and your family! ;)

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  18. I love that gingerbread house! How awesome! And chocolaty goodness...oh yummo!

    Wishing you a very merry Christmas,
    Lyn
    W.I.P. It: A Writer's Journey

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  19. Stopping by for the blogfest...

    The gingerbread house looks like so much fun. We keep meaning to do one every year and then we forget. Maybe this week... Thanks for the reminder!

    Happy Holidays!

    -Shannon

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  20. That's what I'm talking about! Real holiday spirit! Thanks for the recipe.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! :)

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  21. That gingerbread house is too cute! Merry Christmas!

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  22. The gingerbread house looks really yummy and I love eggnog too.
    Nancy
    N. R. Williams, fantasy author

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  23. Aw, what adorable pictures! And I love that gingerbread house!

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  24. That gingerbread house looks yummy! Not sure it would stay in one piece at my house. We'd all be taking pieces off of it to nibble on, lol.

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  25. Great pictures - that gingerbread house is awesome!!!!

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  26. I love the gingerbread house (and the 3 year old in front of it - how adorable!)! I haven't made one of those since I was in high school. How fun! And that totally counts as your Christmas tree! Have a Merry Christmas!

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  27. The gingerbread house is great! I miss making those with the kids. Tell your dad thanks for the recipe!

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  28. My kids loved making gingerbread houses at Christmas time! Lots of fun!!! Merry Christmas!


    Be Jolly by Golly!

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  29. Hot chocolate, eggnog and gingerbread houses you have so many lovely things to help you celebrate Christmas. Than you for sharing.

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  30. I do love the irony of your little one eyeing the gingerbread house with such awe while clutching a toothbrush. Too precious!

    Merry Christmas, Katrina!

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  31. I LOVE the snow suit!! Your children are adorable. Happy Holidays to you!

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  32. The gingerbread house is freaking awesome. I don't have one this year.

    Thank you so much for participating in our blog fest!

    Merry Christmas!

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