It's Looking Like Christmas

Christmas is in full swing at our house!  We've had so much fun being able to decorate our house for its first Christmas.  Christmas shopping has been happening pretty much 24/7 (don't know what I'd do without online shopping!) and I only have a few people left... pretty considering we're buying for 18 family members!  Buying presents for others and wrapping them is my favorite thing during Christmas so I am loving every minute of it:)  I'm hoping to get some Christmas cookies in the oven this weekend and finish up my wrapping.  Is your home all decorated for Christmas? How much shopping do have still have left?

{tree all decorated}

{house all aglow}

{some presents wrapped}

{festive nails}

{stockings hung}

{presents starting to go under the tree}

{wreath at the office}

Pecan Pie

I apologize for my blogging absence last week - we were busy getting all Christmasy up in here with parties, shopping, decorating, and more shopping.  I can't believe Christmas is in just a little over two weeks!!  In case you're beginning to plan your holiday menu or are baking for friends/neighbors/parties, here is a recipe for a holiday classic:  pecan pie. Earlier this fall I made german chocolate pecan pie bars and chocolate pecan pie granola, but it is time for the real deal folks.  

Pecan Pie

basic pie dough, rolled out and fitted into a 9-inch pie plate

4 eggs

1 cup light corn syrup

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp salt

3 cups pecan halves

Heat oven to 375 degrees with rack set in lowest position.  Using kitchen shears or a paring knife, trim dough to a 1-inch overhang.  With floured fingers, fold overhang under itself to form a rim; pinch between thumb and forefinger to form a uniform edge around rim of pie plate.  Crimp with fingertips. Transfer dough-lined pie plate to refrigerator.

Make filling: in a large bowl, whisk eggs, corn syrup, sugars, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth; mix in pecans. Pour mixture into chilled pie crust; place pie plate on a rimmed baking sheet.  Bake until filling jiggles slightly in the center when gently shaken, 50-60 minutes.

Cool pie completely in plate, 5-6 hours.  Serve with whipped cream, if desired.

source: recipe from Martha Stewart

P.S. Chocolate Pecan Pie that sounds amazing!  Caleb wanted traditional pecan pie, but I have my eye on this recipe for next time:)

Christmas Giveaway!

UPDATE:  Random.org picked a winner aaaand..... it's #12!  Lauren you are the winner :)  Thanks for playing everyone!  

This little Christmas giveaway is to help you get a start on your gift wrapping this holiday season.  I like to knock out a bunch of gift wrapping all in one day, so stocking up on the supplies beforehand is key to getting it all done!  One winner will win these gift wrapping supplies:

-one (1) spool of white rafia

-thirty (30) gift tags

-three (3) rolls of washi tape

-three (3) holiday gift bags

-one (1) roll of gift wrap tape

-one (1) package of tissue paper in four colors

Here's how to win:

1) Leave a comment on this post letting me know how much of your holiday shopping you've gotten done.

2) If you're a follower (instagram, pinterest, twitter, GFC), you can leave a second comment letting me know so.

3) Giveaway will run through Saturday (12/8).  Winner will be announced next Sunday (12/9).  

4) Giveaway is sponsored by yours truly & is open to U.S. mailing addresses only.