Bonfire.

Recently we celebrated my college roommate and dear friend's 23rd birthday!  I couldn't go down to Charlotte for her night on the town, but for her actually birthday she had a quiet bonfire at home with her family and friends.  Of course every bonfire must also come with smores, so we spent the night roasting marshmallows and telling silly stories about the 23 years of Jessi.  It was so nice to keep warm by the fire and laugh with old friends, while Abbey, the golden retriever, held my hand all night.  I'm so glad she had a great birthday with a cozy way to start off the year!

Christmas at Our House

I hope everyone's Christmas was happy and joyful!   Einstein and I wanted to share a bit of our family Christmas with you and yours!  It's our tradition on Christmas Eve to have shrimp, cheese and sausage  for dinner.  We also have a bit of seasonal wine and just spend time watching movies as a family at home. Of course this time of year there's only one place you'll find Einstein: behind the Christmas tree, I mean it's not every day you get to have a bit of nature indoors!  

Christmas morning we sleep in and open our presents together, telling stories of how we came across them or explain how something works.  All the puppies got new bones and even Einstein got a new toy and fresh treats!  We spent the rest of the day watching a Christmas story and taking extensive naps, which is a holiday treat indeed!  So all in all, we thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas break at home for the holiday and with lots of love from Einstein, we now wish you a Happy New Year!

Cranberries and Turkey

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving filled with family, fun, and a bit of relaxation!  In the spirit of the festivities, here's a bit of my Thanksgiving celebrations!  There's only three of us, so we enjoy spending the weekend together, watching movies, telling stories and playing with our animals.  My Dad's favorite part of the feast is always the cranberry sauce, and with the holiday season just beginning here's a recipe to share, from my family to all of yours!

Mom's Cranberry Sauce

1 cup Apple Juice

1 1/2 cups Sugar

1 package (12oz) Frozen Cranberries

2 Granny Smith Apples (cored and coarsely chopped)

1/2 cup Golden Raisins

2 tbs. Crystallized Ginger, chopped

1/2 tsp. Allspice

In saucepan over medium-high heat, bring apple juice and sugar to a boil.  Add cranberries; reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until berries pop.  Stir in remaining ingredients; cook 5 minutes or until apples are tender.  Chill and Enjoy!