Saturday, December 21, 2013

Christmas and the Project-Oriented Husband

I could write a book called The Project-Oriented Husband.  It would include topics like how to deal with (and even embrace) items that suddenly enter the household unannounced: sausage-making attachments for the Kitchen-Aid, large beer making supplies, high-tech music mixing equipment... okay, we don't have any music mixing equipment, but we certainly have plenty of other supplies for various projects.  That chapter would be called "Space Invaders."  

My book would also include a chapter on Christmas.  Here is what you might find in a project-oriented person's living room around Christmastime:


That thing on the left is not a present.  You might think it is because it's shaped like a box and it's sitting under the tree, but you'd be wrong.  It's actually a big cardboard box with a rectangular hole cut in the top.  Inside are special electrical carving tools (or something) and pieces of wood.  For some kind of project.  I don't even know what it is, and you know what?  I don't care.  Because as long as my husband is happily carving away, I'm happy too. 

In all honesty, I have waaaaay more project supplies than Karl, and I do love it when he's excited about a new project.  I think that's the best side of him.  So I'll happily give up some under-the-tree space for whatever he's working on.  And once I get this book deal, we'll be able to buy a second house, specifically for our project equipment.  

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Cookie Swap!

Tonight I'm going to a cookie swap with my book club!  Cookie swaps are perfect because they give me a chance to make a couple of well-loved recipes and get most of the cookies out of the house before I really do some damage. 
 
Here's what's in my Tupperware for tonight:
 
 
(I use Andes mints for the last ingredient listed)


 
These are hands-down my favorite holiday cookies.  They're super delicious and they have a great consistency.  Plus they're super easy to make, and once the candy is cool, they can be stacked on top of one another.  I usually make these to give to our neighbors in little Christmas bags. 



 

 
I just discovered this recipe; it was in an insert in the most recent Martha Stewart magazine.  I chose this recipe because: 
 
a. it's made with almond paste, and I love all things almond
and
b.  they looked really fast and easy to make (and they are!)
 
I used homemade raspberry jam for my cookies, but I think they'd be great with other flavors, too.  They have a nice, not-too-sweet almond taste; the only drawback is that they can't be stacked.  That's why God created cookie plates, though, right?  I made these cookies for my co-workers, and they got such rave reviews that I decided to whip up another batch for the cookie swap.  

Monday, December 9, 2013

The Best Christmas Present Ever

As you probably know, I adore the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.  Of course I was overjoyed to find out that Samantha Finglass, daughter of DCC Director Kelli Finglass, is posting a video blog every day in December!  Vlogmas 2013, y'all.  This is truly the gift that keeps on giving.  Her videos are mostly hair and make-up oriented.  Watching the video of the day is my little treat during lunchtime at work every day.  You can watch Samantha's videos through her blog, or you can see them on YouTube.