Holiday Bucket List - Cocktails with Friends

I learned early on that every party deserves a signature cocktail. And who better to learn the ropes than from Sandra Lee! It's always cocktail time at Aunt Sandy's. I've used her cocktail recipes for years. However, I've been dabbling in dessert versions of cocktails over the years so I decided to take a crack on creating my own holiday cocktail to serve the girls when toasting them this season.

I got to work yesterday at my mom's house, she has all the booze, and came up with two versions of what I'm calling the Peppermint Stick! And man was it tasty! Here is what you'll need!

I am using a milk chocolate liqueur and a white chocolate liqueur. I've also got peppermint Schnapps, smashed up candy canes, and candy canes for garnish. The marshmallows are for a follow up cocktail..... I love making drinks in Mason Jars, but you can also get super festive and make them in fun holiday glasses. I have a shot glass and small spoon for mixing.

Fill your glass half way with ice. Pour in a shot of the milk chocolate liqueur, the peppermint Schnapps, and stir until mixed. Top with crushed peppermint and garnish with a broken off piece of a candy cane for a instant stirrer!

Do the exact same thing with the white chocolate liqueur and use a mini candy cane for garnish. It can also be used for a stirrer when the cocktail needs to be mixed! My mom preferred the white chocolate version and I preferred milk chocolate!

I love the idea of having all of my mixes in cute little pitchers versus having all the bottles out. It's less cluttered and makes it a little fancier. If you were going to have a Self Serve bar, write out the direction on a tiny chalk board so your guests know the amounts to add to their glass. Obviously, they can add more or less depending on taste. 

If you want to make a non-alcoholic version, use chocolate milk and peppermint simple syrup. You can still add the crushed peppermint candies and a candy cane for garnish. Perfect for the kiddos!

XO,

Andrea

My Holiday and Winter Bucket List

We are well into December, and for many, the countdown to Christmas has begun. This is the time of year where you see several different versions of bucket lists floating around so I decided to put together one of my own. This is a list of 20 things I love to do during this time of year and I thought I would share them all with you!

If I'm being completely honest, some of these things have already been checked off the list. November brought the KC metro snow, and when you don't see the white stuff all that often, most children can't help but drag you out in it! We've already been sledding and built the cutest snowman I have ever seen! Full disclosure, my dad and McKinley built this guy, but my mom and I provided all the details. He's adorned with olives for eyes, a carrot nose, radishes for buttons, a flannel strip of cloth for his scarf, and twigs for arms. McKinley drew on a smile. Darling, right?!?

We've also been ice skating at Crown Center and taken in all the sites and sounds of Union Station. It was a busy weekend after Thanksgiving, but this time of year in Kansas City is truly magical!

This photo is bittersweet as this could be the last year he can ride this holiday train. He will more than likely be too big next year.  

Do you have a Bucket List you're using this season? How many items have you already checked off? If you use this one, let us know how you like it and what all you've done. I will be sharing recipes along the way for cocktails, the homemade marshmallows, and some fun past experiences we've had while taking advantage of the holiday spirit around town!

XO,

Andrea

Holiday Bucket List - Final Post

Today is the first day of the new year and it brings with it the conclusion of our Holiday Bucket List. There were 30 items on the list and we were able to accomplish 26. I don't think that's too shabby. Some we were simply unable to do, like go sledding, and we aren't the type of family to do the matching pajama bit. Home Alone has never been one of my favorite holiday movies, and if McKinley could barely make it through Elf, I'm thinking this one would have been a no go as well. Finally, kissing under the mistletoe didn't take place because we never found any! 

Over the past week or so, we've been able to check off the final items. We spent the Friday and Saturday before Christmas on the road looking at Christmas lights. Yes, it took us two nights because apparently our city really gets into the spirit of outdoor decor. So much so, we found an entire cul de sac that set their display to music. It was really cool! We found one amazing house while just driving home one night and made a mental note to go back. Then, based on a friends request, we found the second most decorated house of all time. Insane is what truly comes to mind!

We played board games on that Sunday. We were officially four days into Winter Break and boredom had already set in! We started with Candy Land then moved to Chutes and Ladders. We tried playing Sorry, but in between me leaving the game to get cookies out of the oven, and McKinley turning over the cards for everyone, we lost track of who's turn it really was and everyone got frustrated. We will try it again another time.

Christmas Eve brought a little snow, and freezing temps, but when you don't see the white stuff around these parts, you get bundled up and head out. McKinley couldn't wait to wear his new snowsuit and boots and get those snow plows out in the driveway. And, even though the snow was nothing but dust, we built our version of a snowman. 

I have made a New Year Resolution, but it's not like what you would think. I'm not going to try and lose weight, give up sugar or carbs, or other unrealistic goals. Instead, I'm going to try and take more time for me. Go out with friends when they ask. Read when I have a few minutes whether it be that book club book I need to start or those magazines that are piling up in a corner. Try to do something different around the city when it comes to date nights, instead of just a typical dinner and movie. And, take a few risks and stop worrying what others are going to think or not think. It's my life. I'm going to live like I'm supposed to! You should too.

With as frigid as it's been this past week, we've really taken advantage of our fireplace. We don't love that it's on our kitchen because you can't really enjoy it, but if you're like McKinley, you pull up a comfy chair or bring your toys in the kitchen and just take it all in. And, we curled up together and he read a new book that Santa brought him for Christmas. "Biscuit Goes to the Library" was super entertaining! And he did an amazing job reading it.

Here is the final list! I had so much fun spending time with Joel and McKinley and trying new things or just relishing in the things we do year after year. I am definitely going to try this again next year! 

Happy New Year to you! I hope you have a wonderful year full of happiness and joy!

XO,

Andrea

Holiday Bucket List - Week Three

Can you believe it's the Friday before Christmas? I'm pretty sure someone moved the date, because I truly think I have another week to prepare. Alas, it's three days away and I still have a little more to do than I anticipated I would. But I'm not going to stress. Or at least try to not stress. I want to live in the moment and just go with it. Better written than done, right?

We got a lot accomplished on our Holiday Bucket List this past week. Still some things to do, but we also need snow for some, and I'm okay if those never get checked off the list! I personally can't stand snow. Give me sun and sand any day. Anyway, here's what we did this week.

Last Friday night, Joel and I took a winter walk through Powell Gardens and took in their Festival of Lights display. This was the first year for the event and we really enjoyed it and our time together. We sipped hot cocoa spiked with peppermint schnapps while walking arm in arm along the brightly lit path. (Who can hold hands with uber thick gloves!) The display is open through January 7th, so try to head out one night if possible!

On Saturday, we spent the day giving back. I purchased 20 stocking caps and gloves for men, women, and children for the winter, but missed out on the coat drive that was taking place at a local unity church. Joel reached out to the City Mission and spoke to a really helpful gentleman who said he would make sure the donations would be sent to their community center when their food truck came by later in the day. We dropped those off in his care and we hope several individuals have a little extra warmth this winter.

In addition to a donation, we donated to two different Salvation Army buckets. Our first was at Union Station when taking the Holiday Express tour. There was a sweet group of volunteer hand bell ringers playing carols and McKinley wanted to donate to them. And, they took his request of Frosty the Snowman. Then, as we were preparing to leave Crown Center for the evening, McKinley overheard another group singing carols and he wanted to donate to their bucket as well. Anything small is big to someone else. If you can find even a dollar, which is what McKinley had leftover, will help.

I blogged about our time on the Holiday Express and what a magical evening it really was. I believe this will be our new holiday tradition! It was so much fun. And, while waiting in line (which was up to two hours in length), there was gentleman in front of us with this two kids. They were hungry for a snack, but he didn't want to get out and lose his place. He instructed them to stay right there while he ran to get snacks, but Joel stopped him. He told that we would hold his place in line and to take his children with him. He would feel better about it. The man asked if he was sure and Joel insisted. It may not appear like a huge gesture, but I truly believe this is a random act of kindness. Not everyone would be so generous!

Sunday night McKinley finally wrote his letter to Santa. It took a few days of requesting it, but he did it and it was perfect! Hope you get everything you want, sweet boy!

Yesterday was our first official first day of Winter Break and we took full advantage. I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast and stayed in our pajamas all day. Okay, McKinley did, but I eventually had to put on sweats to leave the house. But not before we made cookies, our annual tradition, and heading to Meme and Granddaddy's to decorate them. This was my first real attempt at using royal icing and I think they turned our fairly well. I still need a lot of practice! We attempted to watch Elf, but half way through, McKinley asked if he had to continue watching it. We moved on to Disney...

Last night, I took advantage of some alone time and wrapped a few gifts. Thankful for pretty bags and pre-made boxes. But, I did use some wrapping paper as well and always with pretty ribbon!

Later tonight we are knocking out seeing Christmas Lights. I can't wait!

XO,

Andrea

Holiday Bucket List - Week Two

Can you believe we are a little more than a week away from Christmas? It's flying by and I still have so much to do. I want to get cookies baked and decorated, decorate the gingerbread village I purchased a couple of weeks ago, wrap a few gifts, bake a view gifts, spend some time with friends, and get ready for the big man in red! It's a lot! 

But, the holiday bucket list is coming along nicely. I have a few things planned throughout next week to prep for the weekend. Lots of things to check off the list. And, I'm thinking the list doesn't have to end on December 25th. The holidays run through NYE, so let's shoot for accomplishing the list by the first of the year. And, maybe it will snow by then to check some of the winter things off the list. 

We haven't decorated a true gingerbread house, but McKinley hosted his first holiday cookie decorating party last weekend and the kids decorated graham cracker houses. It was so much fun and I loved watching the kids get creative. Like I said, I have a gingerbread village for us to decorate next week and we can officially check that off the list!

McKinley creates a holiday craft every year and then gives it as gifts to family. This year is the snowman clothespin. Isn't it darling? Great aunts and his great grandmother are getting one and I hope they love them! I do!

The holiday cards have been sent! My dad is our annual family photographer and he did an awesome job again this year. Happy 2017! Another holiday candle is lit! I love the smell of pine and this one is amazing

Last weekend my hubby put up the antique aluminum tree complete with vintage Shiny Bright ornaments. Isn't she a beauty?

I checked off watching Polar Express because that movies runs all year long. My son can't get enough of the movie. I'm sure we will watch it again soon. And I've lived under a blanket in the evenings watching Hallmark Channel's Christmas movies. Old and new favorites have been recorded on the DVR so I can go back and watch at anytime. Loving Sleigh Bells Ring, The Mistletoe Promise, Christmasland, With Love, Christmas, and I'm looking forward to the premier of Christmas Next Door this weekend. 

Where are you on your list? What things are you checking off? What do you have planned for the week? Share with us! I would love to hear about all your holiday fun.

Happy Friday!

XO,

Andrea

Holiday Bucket List - Week One

It's been a week since I posted the Holiday Bucket List and I'm checking in to see how your progress is coming. Ours isn't all that far along, but it's early, right?

We put up our tree the week of Thanksgiving. It seems to go up earlier every year. It used to be an iron clad rule of mine that the tree, or anything holiday related, didn't go up until after Thanksgiving. However, over the last couple of years, I feel like it brings so much joy to our family that it's just needed! Isn't that what this time of year is all about? Comfort and Joy! But, I don't put up just one tree. I put up several. Our main tree is in the living room, a pre-lit red tree is in the kitchen, McKinley's holiday tree is in his room, and I'm debating on if I'm going to put up the Barbie tree or the antique aluminum tree in our den. I'm leaning toward the latter. 

 

I've had Christmas scented candles going for some time now, but my favorite is the Yankee Candle "Holiday Wish". I can't really pin point the scent. It's basically Christmas in jar!

McKinley's annual visit with Santa took place last weekend and it was magically as usual. Jordan Photography has the best Santa's, our favorite is Santa Jerry, and their photos turn out perfectly every time! We've been using them for years. If you're in the KC area, you need to use them! 

This weekend is going to be full of holiday cheer. McKinley is hosting his first Holiday Cookie Decorating party on Sunday and I'm so looking forward to the fun afternoon. His friends are decorating gingerbread houses (I'm making them out of graham crackers), while sipping on hot chocolate and snacking on actual gingerbread cookies. I'm going to try and squeeze in a light viewing at Deanne Rose Farmstead tonight, but saving our family lighting viewing for the weekend of Christmas. And, McKinley informed me this morning that Granddaddy is putting up their tree today and we're helping him decorate it this weekend. See what I mean about a weekend of holiday cheer!

What has been checked off your list?

XO,

Andrea

Hello December

I met with my fellow room mom's regarding the class holiday party and we all commented that we couldn't believe today was the first of December! Where has the year gone? I ask this question every year. They truly do fly by. And as a result, I try to savor as much of this time as I can.

The holidays are upon us, which I love, and I am all about making memories, carrying on traditions, and starting new ones as well. This year, we are planning a fun holiday cookie decorating party for McKinley and nine of his friends. I can't wait to witness this joy! We are planning to see A Charlie Brown Christmas at the Coterie. We have our visit with Santa Claus on Sunday! And so many other things planned throughout the month. 

And because it's the first, I thought what better time to talk about bucket lists than now! I found this sweet, fun list online today and I had to share! And, I'm hoping to check all of them off our holiday bucket list! Some we have already completed and some we have never done before! I can't wait to truly get started!! 

Do you plan to play along? If so, let's discuss along the way the ones we've tackled and how the experience was. I'm off to get our Christmas craft supplies now! I have a super cute one planned for McKinley. Pinterest, I adore you and loath you all at the same time. 

Happy December and have a wonderful weekend!

XO,

Andrea