Temperatures in the high 60's and low 70's hardly feels like a Winter Wonderland, but this California girl is NOT complainin'! Last weekend we kicked off the holiday season with a short trip to
Penland's Christmas Tree Farm! This might have been the greatest Christmas Tree scouting we've ever had... warm, sunny day, no rush, no lines, and no crooked trees! That's right, this year's trees all across the farm were the straightest trees I've ever seen! Of course that made my hubby happy! Less stress when putting the darn thing up! Once we got the tree home, it was up and lit in no time! Then it sat there for a week. I just couldn't find the energy to put the ornaments on, so I debated, and waited, and contemplated. As pretty as it was, simple, and lit, with a 'lil burlap ribbon wrapped around it's beautiful branches, she finally received her ornaments today! Here's how it looks...
In addition to decorating the tree, (over a week's time) and finishing up my first graduate class, we've been busy havin' a little fun! Last night we went to our first "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party at our friends', Stephanie and Ben. Not only was the idea fun and hysterical, but I had no idea that this is actually a big thing, and there's an entire online community devoted to ugly Christmas sweaters! Who knew? Of course, I had to go out shopping because one has never owned such a sweater, but I wanted to be festive... and there was a prize for the ugliest sweater! I went straight to Hamricks, no messing around here. The stock of ugly Christmas sweaters, shirts, and sweatshirts was unlimited for ladies, but no such luck for Kevin. Not to worry, I found him a silly snowman hat (children's size) to help him look festive!
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| Dressed and ready for the party |
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| Who's in the holiday spirit now? |
I also made a great, easy, and HEALTHY appetizer to take to the party, I found the recipe on Pinterest, but it's a Martha Stewart recipe,
here. Not only do I love tomatoes and avocado, but it was a festive looking appetizer as well with the green avocados, and bright red grape tomatoes. I used white and whole wheat baguettes, but I think it would be great on a hearty cracker as well. I forgot to take a picture of it nicely arranged on my Christmas plate, so you'll really have to click the link above to see Martha's picture!
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you and yours are enjoying the festivities of whichever holiday you celebrate!
