Goodness, I think it's about time we catch up!
The past few weeks have been filled with holiday festivities. I can't believe there are only three days until Christmas!
I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes...
And boy, do I ever!...That is, as long as they're not numb. A few nights ago, my friend Elaina and I braved the frigid temps and ventured down to the White House Ellipse to see the National Tree.
After just 10 minutes outside, I definitely did not feel it in my fingers or in my toes!
But when you're mesmerized by a big glowing cone tree, who cares about such things?
We made sure to wave to Barack, Mrs. O and the girls as well.
Afterwards, it was time to begin Christmas partying!
Of course, I brought along my mistletoe...
Flattering pic, no? I may or may not have been singing a Christmas carol...solo ;-)
Thank goodness Elaina decided to join me!
(Note: Jen would like you to know that her outfit was an attempt at a "tacky Christmas" look.)
The mistletoe, unfortunately, did not work it's magic that night (I didn't cash in on any kisses), but I did enjoy a few holiday sweet eats.
Since I knew I'd be attending several parties this weekend, I decided to make two large batches of portable crowd pleasing treats: Peppermint Bark and Chocolate Toffee Crunch.
Peppermint Bark
I enjoyed several pieces of both, as well as a slice of a delicious mushroom tart made by my friend Alexandra.
The next night, I headed to my brother's caroling party. (He's in the Santa hat).
While I was there, I enjoyed a piece of this very luscious tiramisu, made by my brother's Italian housemate, Sofia.
It was simply ah. maaze. ing. Tiramisu isn't a dessert that I typically drool over, but eating this definitely changed my mind.
The gluten didn't bother my tummy either! :-)
It was a very late night filled with singing and general holiday merriment, which was all good until the next morning, when my alarm began blaring at 7:00 am. It's a miracle that I made it to the gym! My workout lasted just 20 minutes, but it felt good to get my blood flowing before sitting on planes for the rest of the day.
Oh how I wish there were direct flights from Washington DC to Boise!
Eight hours (and three Delta peanut packets later--love them!), I was home.
Check out what was waiting for me on the kitchen counter when I walked in the door...
My blogger gift exchange package!
It felt like Christmas morning!
Katie from Healthy Heddleston was more than generous with her gift! As you can see, the package contained a number of fun goodies: fuzzy holiday socks (which I LOVE!), a snowman ornament, red and green nail polish (so festive!), and a bunch of yummy food items.
Thanks, so much Katie! (And a huge thanks to Tina, as well, for organizing the gift exchange).
I immediately tore open an EnviroKidz Organic Crispy Rice Peanut Choco Drizzle Bar.
This mini bar was delicious. If a Reece's peanut butter cup and a rice crispy treat had a baby this would be it! I have a feeling these will soon become afternoon snack staples. :)
Okay, I'm off to do some late nightbaking! But before I go, I'd like to share my dinner tonight.
A lightened version of Chile Rellenos Cheese Bake. I'm a casserole girl at heart. :-)
Recipe to come in the next post!
Love you all!
