My mom posted this cute DIY handprint Christmas ornament on her Facebook page and I thought it seemed like a really fun activity to do with the kids. So last weekend, we set out to try this DIY baking soda clay to create handprint ornaments the kids could hang on our tree. I used this recipe…
Finding cool gifts for my husband is usually my biggest Christmas shopping challenge. I tend to give him sweaters or other clothes, which is just so boring. To find some inspiration, I searched all over to find unique gifts for men under $50. The list I developed has a wide range of options including things…
During the holidays, I always search for Italian-inspired recipes to try, as a way to connect to my heritage. Last year, it was Italian wedding cookies and Florentine lace cookies. This year, it’s homemade chocolate peppermint biscotti.I’ve never made biscotti before, and honestly, I was intimidated. It seems like it must be difficult to make,…
Merry Christmas! Tomorrow, we’re planning a low-key day with our little family. Our kids are still so young to really ‘get’ Christmas, but Rocco is starting to catch on. He recently found our Santa hat, and likes to wear that around the house, chanting ‘Santa hat, Santa hat’. He’s also really into Christmas lights. On…
I’m always looking for new ways to connect with my Italian heritage—most of the time, that involves trying a new recipe. I first heard of Florentine lace cookies, while watching America’s Test Kitchen. I wasn’t sure I had the patience to make these because they seemed complicated—in reality, they are super easy to make, if you…
My Christmas wish list almost wrote itself this year. I’ve been eyeing most of these items for awhile now. One of my favorite things about being a blogger is discovering brands and sharing what I love with my readers. It makes me feel like all my internet window shopping serves a purpose. Of all the things I’ve loved this year, here…
I love holiday parties because they gave me an excuse to wear a glittery, shimmery, ultra feminine dress. I hardly ever suggest buying clothes that aren’t versatile, but holiday party dresses do not apply. This is the one time of year where I think it’s totally OK to buy a dress you might only wear once or…
Whatever you call them, snowballs, Russian tea cakes, Italian wedding cookies, or even Italian Wedding Christmas cookies, these powdery nutty cookies are a mainstay on most Christmas cookie platters. Despite their popularity, I had never made them before. My mom didn’t make these at Christmas, and I only had them a few times when we…
For me, the day after Thanksgiving isn’t just about scoring deals at the mall, it’s about getting out the Christmas decorations. I tend to put up the tree first because it just makes me happy. There’s just something about staring at the white lights and back-lit ornaments that gives me pure joy. So much joy in…
Christmas is Almost Here, In Case you Forgot. I’m sort of in shock about how quickly Christmas snuck up on me this year. Just in case you aren’t already overloaded with all things Christmas, I compiled some last minute Christmas tips, ideas, and website links to help make your holiday extra special. During the holidays, I…
I love chocolate in almost anything, but not that many Christmas cookies are chocolate-based. I’m always on the hunt for a Christmas cookie recipe I haven’t tried, so I was excited to find these Chocolate Snowcap cookies that combine chocolate and a wintry look. This recipe is very versatile and the final product has a…
If money were no object, what gift would you want to receive for Christmas? With that question in mind, I compiled 10 outrageously expensive Christmas gifts. Many of the items I found left me puzzled or laughing, but I wouldn’t mind owning a few of these. It’s hard for me to fathom receiving such an…
Ginger is one of those flavors that immediately conjure images of Christmas Trees and sitting by the fireplace. I’m definitely a proponent of homemade cookies, but I have been known to buy a tube of that gingerbread cookie dough at the store, roll them in sugar, and make quick and easy ginger snaps. This year,…
I love the idea of DIY Christmas gifts, which I previously mentioned in a DIY Christmas ornaments post. Homemade gifts have the allure of being personal and are more thoughtful than a store-bought gift. There is just something sentimental and intimate about a homemade gift. Below are nine unique and creative DIY Christmas gift ideas….
A quintessential Christmas cookie is the peanut butter kiss cookie. This year, I wanted to try something new, so when I found this crinkle recipe, I thought it might make a good base for chocolate peppermint kiss cookies.Mint and chocolate pair perfectly for the holidays, so I scoured other mint cookie recipes to figure out how…