European Christmas Markets

All the baking is done and table is set for tomorrow.  Flipping around facebook while I wait for everything to cool off and just came across this Buzzfeed list of 39 European Christmas Markets. 

 

All the Germany markets = bucket list!

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

I started to write that I had a nice quiet weekend with my little boys and then realized that was a total lie.  They were out of their minds screaming and tackling each other every waking moment.  Boys will be boys, I guess. :)

As a special treat yesterday we made this recipe for mint chocolate chip ice cream -- my big boy's favorite.  I left out the green food coloring and put in dark chocolate chips and it was awesome.  The recipe is a keeper.

Looking forward to flying through the day today.  Meeting a friend later for drinks and tomorrow have the day off so I can attend my middle guy's Thanksgiving concert happening smack in the middle of the afternoon (I guess they don't think anyone works?!). 

Quick workday on Wed and then lots of baking and prep for the big day Thursday.  Wednesday evening I also have to get my big boy dressed up like an Indian to deliver baked goods to some home-bound elderly.  This is apparently a second grade tradition at his school.  Super cute, but hoping we can fly through it so I am not up until 2 in the morning with Thanksgiving prep!

Eight Ways to Get Ahead for the Holidays

Read up!

The Night Before Christmas Box

Check this out -- a night before christmas box -- new PJs, hot chocolate, a christmas movie/book. 
I might have to make my own version and give it to the kids the day after Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday season.  So fun!

Freebies on your Birthday

Here is a fun list of freebies you can get when it is your birthday.

Gloomy day today, but I am in a super good mood (just dawned on me as I write this that I overuse the word super because the baby keeps saying things like "it's super cold out" ;)).  I have a fun weekend planned with two batches of girlfriends -- Friday out with 2 of my high school buds and Sat out with some friends to do drinks/paint nite.  Counting down the minutes!

Disney

Had a great time on a mini vacation to Disney.

Checking out Magic Kingdom's castle from afar

Back to the grind this week!   I had a productive train ride in this morning organizing all the recipes I am going to make for Thanksgiving since I am hosting.  My brother is in charge of apps, my mom is bringing stuffing and fresh cranberry sauce.  I think this year I am going to grill the turkey and also plan to make:

• zucchini casserole
• marshmallow sweet potatoes
• mashed potatoes
• pumpkin cornbread
• green bean casserole
• orange ginger glazed carrots
• parmesan asparagus

For dessert I am making pumpkin cheesecake, cranberry apple pie and pumpkin chocolate chip bars.  I have in my head that I will also make cranberry ice cream, but I am worried I won't have time to do that -- so we'll see.

Started my Christmas shopping and hope to be done before the month is out.  Planning to get Christmas photos for our holiday card done this weekend since their Christmas outfits arrived.
Busy but fun stuff. :)

Weekend Recap

Halloween was SUPER FUN!  The kids had a blast -- we started at 3:30 and got home well after 7.

Ran around yesterday taking down the Halloween decorations, hit up a Halloween party in the afternoon and then went out to Long Island for the wedding of my former intern.

About to kick off the day now with piano, football and capped off with plans to go out to dinner with my family for my husband's and brother's birthday celebration.    

Somewhere in here I also need to do a school project with my big boy and do ten tons of laundry. Shoot me.

Happy Sunday all!