Homemade Christmas Cupcakes for the Fur Babies

This year I decided that I couldn't leave out our favorite fur babies this Christmas season! I whipped up some delicious treats for Haddock to give to his cousins and friends! I delivered them for him to all my coworkers for their babies, some friends and my sister's pups. Haddock and I did walk over and he delivered them to his favorite friend that he plays with underneath the fence each day, our neighboring dog.

 

Banana, Honey, Peanut Butter and Oat Dog Cupcakes
Makes 20 mini cupcakes 

Ingredients
1 egg
2 tbsp honey
1 ripe banana, mushed
1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup wheat flour
1/3 cup rolled oats
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup water

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a mini muffin pan with liners or grease very well. (I used liners)

Put the egg, honey and mashed banana into a bowl and stir to combine. Add the peanut butter and beat together to form a smooth paste. Add the flour, oats and baking powder and stir to form a dough-like consistency. Add the water and mix until well combined.

Let this mixture sit for 15 minutes. Stir a few times, then spoon it into a the paper cases, fillling each about two-thirds full.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown or an inserted skewer comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Store in an airtight container for 23 days at room temperature, or freeze so that the cupcakes can be enjoyed at another time. 

Haddock loves these mini cupcakes! I think its an extra treat to him because they are soft not like a traditional hard bone or treat. I think all of his friends have enjoyed theirs as well. If you make these I hope your fur babies enjoy their Christmas treats as well!

 
   

The Man Christmas List

What is everyone getting the men in their life this year? Seriously, Kyle is so hard to shop for and I'm guessing you may have some hard to shop for men in your life too. So today I'm sharing a gift guide I have pulled together with a combination of some of Kyle's wish list items, some things that he has received before and loves and a few ideas given to me. 

 

Woolrich Flannel // Titlest Pro V1 Golf Balls // Camo/Plain Yeti // Amazon FireTVStick // Carhartt 2 In 1 Fleece Headwear // Saxx Boxers // Desktop Drum Set // Boss Wireless Headphones // Dehydrator // Gillette Fusion Star Wars Shaving Set // Cologne // Omaha Steaks // Sports or Concert Tickets // BBQ Set // Fishing Supplies // No Mans Land Beef Jerky (Kyle's FAVORITE) // Slippers // Carhartt Clothing // Adidas Ultra Boost Tennis Shoes // Bullet Bottle Opener // Plush Luxury Pillow // Happy Camper Mugs // WeatherTech Floor Mats

 

I hope this gift guide is helpful to y'all and makes shopping for the men in your life a little easier this season. I'm hoping to knock out a big chunk of my Christmas shopping this weekend, wish me luck!

 
 

Overcoming Offenses

This past Sunday at Life.Church we started a new sermon series, Ghosts of Christmas Past. Last week's sermon topic was overcoming offenses. I'll be the first to say I am very easily offended. I'm just a very sensitive woman and let a lot get to me that I shouldn't. This sermon really spoke to me so I wanted to share in case any of my readers are so also easily offended and this could be for you as well.

Ghosts of Christmas Past: Overcoming Offenses

For many, the most wonderful time of the year isn't so wonderful. A painful past or our own insecurities can overshadow the joy we're supposed to be feeling. What if this year could look different? It's time to let God heal the Ghosts of Christmas Past. 

Your life is too short and your calling is too great to live offended. "A person's wisdom yields patience, it is to one's glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11

Whenever anyone has offended you, try to raise your soul so high that the offense can not be reached. I love this verse so much that I have it now saved in multiple places as a reminder throughout my day. 

With God's help you can get over being easily offended. "Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others' faults because of your love." Ephesians 4:2

With God's help you can get over big offenses as well. "Make allowance for each others' faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Colossians 3:13

We cannot enjoy the grace of God without extending grace to those who hurt us. If I would've heard this quote alone and none of the rest of the sermon I still would've walked away loving the sermon. This statement is so very true.

If you are interested in watching the rest of the series in the next few weeks you can view them here at Life.Church.

My Christmas List

We are down to 18 days until Christmas y'all! I've had lots of family ask for my Christmas list so I thought I would share it with you guys while I make it easier for them this shopping season.

1- A Wireless Memory Card
Oh gosh, this would be life changer! This card will sync your camera to your phone with the use of wifi making it easier to share pictures and blog! Found here on Amazon.

2- Crimson Throw Blanket
I would love a crimson throw blanket that I could have 'SOONERS' embroidered onto in cream. I'm always wishing I had a cute blanket to bring to the OU games in the fall to stay warm with. This particular throw is found here at Target. 

3-My Burberry
What woman doesn't love perfume?! My Burberry can be found many places but I have found it here on Groupon the cheapest.
 
4-Patagona Better Sweater Pullover

This pullover caught my eye a long time ago and it's been on my love list ever since then. Found here on Amazon but found only in stalk in the birch white at Metro Shoe Warehouse. (Size Medium)

5-Gravy Boat
I would love a clear or white gravy boat. This one in particular is found at Target but I'm not picky. I would just love to be able to add this piece to my serving ware. 

6-Spice Ball

I love making soups and other dishes with bay leaves and other whole spices but hate fishing them out afterwards. This ball makes is super easy to just pull when you are done! Found here at Amazon but also at many other stores.  

7- KitchenAid Mixer 6QT Bowl Lids

How handy would these be?! Found here cheapest at Bed Bath & Beyond plus the 20% off coupon!

8- Pioneer Woman Teal Butter with Salt & Pepper Shakers 

I'm completely obsessed with most of the Pioneer Woman's collection but I really love this set. Found here at Wal-Mart. (Ship to store for free!)

9- Pioneer Woman Teal Adeline Serving Bowl

This serving bowl is so perfect, I love it! Also found here at Wal-Mart.

10- Small Whisk

I need a small whisk for small jobs in the kitchen. I love this wooden and gold one found at Target.

11- Pastry Blender

This would make pie crust making a lot easier. This particular one is found here at Bed Bath & Beyond using 20% off coupon!

12- Deer Faux Fur Socks

I included these in my getting cozy season post but they are so adorable I wanted to add them to my Christmas list. Found here at Target. 

13- Mesh Back Atleisure Hoodie

I love wearing things like this hoodie to and from the gym. Easy to throw on, warm enough but not too warm after a workout. Found here at Target (Size Medium).

14- Workout Black and Gray leggings

Really I am not picky and I love cute workout clothes but I do love these legging found also at Target, surprise surprise! (Size Medium)

15- Dallas Cowboys Long Sleeved Tee

I need a long sleeved Dallas shirt and I love the simplicity of this one. I want a tee-shirt and in navy. This one is found on Amazon. 

16- The Magnolia Story

If you know me you know I LOVE Chip and Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper. I can't wait to have my hands on this book and would love for Santa to bring it! Found at many stores but here on Amazon for cheaper.

 

I hope this is helpful for my family! I feel like I am pretty to easy to shop for but when people ask I want to make their life easier while shopping. I in NO way need anything, these are all of course just wish list items. 

Whats on your Christmas list this year?

 

Christmas Tree Farm 2016

 

The Sunday after Thanksgiving Kyle and I headed to a local Christmas Tree farm that we have gotten our Christmas tree from every year. The farm is such a fun tradition for us, there is just something magical about cutting down your own tree. My wish is for someday to be able to go out in the wild and cut down our tree, not on a an actual farm. Until that year, I love this little farm we frequent! 

It was a chilly Sunday afternoon with a brisk north wind but that didn't stop of us from strolling through the rows of trees in search of the one two perfect trees. Yes, we got two Christmas trees this year and I love them so much. We got a small tree to put in our foyer and I just adore it. I told Kyle that I love the little one so much that maybe next year we just need a baby tree and not a big one as well. 

Hot chocolate in hand we loaded the trees into the back of the truck and off we went to start decking the halls! Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree...

         

Weekending: Big 12 Champs, Christmas Gala and Tree Decorating!

Ah man, Monday. Raise your hand if you have the Monday blues because I sure do. However, only 9 more workdays for me until after the first of the year so the blues aren't too thick! This weekend was fast but good. Friday Kyle and I went to a local pub for dinner and then to look at Christmas lights for a little bit afterwards, low key and perfect since we had an early morning on Saturday. 

 

 

We headed to Norman bright and early Saturday for the big Bedlam game. If you aren't from Oklahoma our state is divided between two big college teams, really three, but two for the rivalry. Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State. We of course are big Sooner fans and the game this year was at OU. The weather was less than favorable so we dressed in many many layers and thank goodness Kyle has two really good fishing rain suits that we wore. I'm so glad Kyle talked me into wearing the suit despite it being big and making me look like a firefighter, it kept me very warm and dry. It rained the entire game and neither one of us had a drop of water on our clothes afterwards when we took the suits off. AND the Sooners won!!!! This is OU's 84th bedlam win and our 10th Big 12 Championship title! BOOMER SOONER!!! We're headed to the Sugar Bowl on January 2nd, get ready Auburn!

After the game we grabbed dinner at one of our favorite taco shops and did a little Christmas shopping and then headed back home. 

 

 He did such a good job helping me with the tree!

Mom and I at the beginning of the Gala, she looked so pretty!

 

 Little stinking cutie! 

 All of us having fun at the Gala!

 My mom and mother in law twinning! So I got them both this sweater a few Christmases ago. When we got to the church I told my mom, wouldn't be funny if Leslie was wearing her's too. Sure enough!

 My sister in law with my niece and her mother in law.

 My mom and I after the gala. I LOVE my dress, even though it looks a little frumpy here.

H&M Black Ruffle Dress

Yesterday after church and lunch we finished decorating our tree and I cleaned the house before attending a women's Christmas gala that evening. Me, my mom, mother and sister in law, sister in law and her mom, Kyle's aunt and my sister in law's mother in law (whew!) all went to my mother in law's church's women's Christmas Gala. It was a lot of fun to be with everyone at such a festive event. 

 

Haddock was like Mom, no it is too cold. I'm not getting outta bed!

 

We wrapped up the weekend with a little DVR catching up by our lit beautiful trees. PS, who else is obsessed with This Is Us?!! So good, right?!

   

Friday Favorite {Just ONE Cause It's THAT Good!}

Attention! Attention! Sale Alert!! Tomorrow, Saturday, Bath & Body Works is having their candle day! This means all three wick candles that are normally $22.50 each are going to be $8.95! If you haven't had any of their candles before you must snag yourself one tomorrow! I'll be honest, I am a complete candle snob and somewhat of a candle hoarder. Wood Wick candles are my number one fave but B&BW are very close behind! They also make wonderful Christmas gifts! PLUS you can get a $10 off $30 coupon here. I think the sale will be online and in stores but I'm not completely positive. 

Share the news with your friends, this sale you don't want to miss! Which scents are your favorite? Mine are Flannel which sells out almost immediately every fall and Mahogany Teakwood, so good!

Have a great weekend y'all! It's Oklahoma's big college football rivalry tomorrow, Bedlam so Kyle and I will be headed to Norman for the game. BOOMER SOONER!

     

Cinnamon Butter- Perfect for Gift Giving!

I've been making Jessica's, at Garvin&CO, cinnamon butter recipe for the past couple of years and it is always so delicious! Every year I make up a big match to give to friends and family and it is always a yummy hit! The recipe makes enough to fill four small mason jars, just enough to keep one and give three away. It is perfect for warm bread of any type. Tonight I will be making my first batch to kick off December!

 

 

Cinnamon Butter

Ingredients
4 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 cup of honey
1 cup of powdered sugar
4 tsp cinnamon

Directions
Combine ingredients and mix on high until whipped texture is achieved!
 

Enjoy, happy December y'all! 

       

Haddock Meets Santa!

Santa Claus was in town last Sunday specially to visit all the dogs and of course Haddock just had to be first in line! Ok ok really I could not wait for him to meet the big guy! We dressed him in his favorite Christmas pajamas and off to the mall we went. Haddock loved Santa and ensured that he was on the nice list this year!

After finding out he was for sure nice this year he gave Santa a few kisses and told him he'd see him Christmas Eve by the fireplace and off we went!

   

Thanksgiving 2016

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving spending our time with family all day. We started out the morning at home with cinnamon rolls, mimosas and the Macy's Day parade, of course. Then we headed to Kyle's parent's house for an early lunch with his family. After lunch, looking through all the ads in the paper and playing with our nephews outside we headed onto to our next spot.
 

I quickly whipped up my last dish, roasted vegetables, and then we headed to my older sister's house to do it all over with my family. After too much delicious food and one too many desserts Kyle and I made a pit stop by Target on the way home that evening.

Target, that was my only store to shop this Black Friday. I went three days in a row and once twice in one day. I can't help it y'all but it was so worth it! Wait, I did order a blanket for Haddock from Kohl's and did in store pickup. It was fan-tastic! I shopped cuddled on the couch at midnight on BF and went the  next day at noon and waited in line three minutes and was done.

My final Thanksgiving menu that I contributed was: 2 pumpkin better than sex cakes, 1 pecan pie, 12 mini pumpkin pies, 1 pecan pie cheesecake and roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash cranberry pecan salad. If you missed my pecan pie cheesecake recipe, you can find it here. Trust me, you want to make this for Christmas.  

Oh and of course Haddock celebrated Thanksgiving with us too! How was everyone's thanksgiving?

Best Cyber Monday Sales

Below I’ve rounded up some of the best Cyber Monday sales that I think are too good to pass up!

American Eagle – 40% off sitewide  + 50% off all sweaters, shoes and cozy accessories.

Anthropologie – 20% off full priced items with code STACKED.

ASOS – 30% off online and in-store with code THANKFUL30.

Banana Republic – 50% off everything online.

BaubleBar – 25% off 1 item with code SAVE25, 35% off 2 items or more with code SAVE35.

Express – 50% off everything online +free shipping.

Francesca’s – 30% off site wide + 40% off boots.

French Connection – 40% off everything in-store & online + free shipping.

Gap – 50% off in-store and online with code CYBMON.

Goodnight Macaroon - 40% off

H&M – 20% off your order of $30+ with code 5144, 25% off your order of $50+ with code 0275, 30% off your order of $100+ with code 8284.

J. Crew – 40% off everything in-store and online + free shipping with code MONDAY.

J. Crew Factory - 60% off everything in-store and online + free shipping with code HAPPYSALE 

Kate Spade – 30% off sitewide + in-store with code WIRED.

Kendra Scott – 20% off sitewide with code SALE20.

Loft – 50% off everything in-store + online + free shipping with code CYBERMONDAY.

Macy’s – extra 20% off + free shipping on orders $25 and up with code CYBER.

Madewell - 25% off with code CYBERMONDAY

ModCloth – 30% off sitewide with code CYBER16.

Nordstrom – extra 20% off select sale items + 40% off designer sale event. 

Nordstrom Rack – up to 75% off clearance + free shipping.

Old Navy – 50% off sitewide.

Shopbop – 15% off orders of $200+, 20% off orders of $500+, 25% off orders of $800+.

Steve Madden – 35% off + 30% off clearance.

Topshop – up to 50% off in-store and online.

Tory Burch – 30% off any $250+ purchase w/ code THANKS.

Don’t forget that today’s the last day to shop all of these amazing deals!  Most of them end at midnight! Are y'all taking advantage of the sales today?

     

Thankful For...

As Thanksgiving is upon us I've been reflecting on what I am truly thankful for this year {As I bake my heart out in the kitchen today!} I'll do my very best not to seem cheesy but lets be real some of those cliche things are true. Here are some of the things I'm counting my blessings for this holiday season.

1. Kyle and Haddock

2. Our Home

3. Our families

4. Each and every one of my friends

5. We are healthy

6. My job that helps provide for my family

----Ok I think I got all the cliche thoughts out----

7. My desire to be fit and workout (most of the time)

8. Life Church

9. My love for cooking and for my mom that instilled that love into me.
10. Country music
11. Heated seat warmers in my car since it finally started cooling down enough in Oklahoma.
12. Nordstrom and Target's free shipping!
13. Oh and Amazon prime...hello Christmas shopping!
14. Zella Live In Leggings...try them, you'll never wear another pair of leggings ever. The BEST!
15. Pumpkins, seriously how cute are those little babies?! I'm so sad to have to get rid of them from the porch. And aside from being so 'basic' but everything pumpkin flavored. I will definitely be pushing all pumpkin recipes as far as I can this season.  

Hope you all are enjoying your Thanksgiving planning & daydreaming about all of the delicious food that is on the horizon! Happy Thanksgiving Eve!