Tidbits {December 28, 2012}

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas. My family and I enjoyed a relaxing, wonderful day. We went to Mass on Christmas Eve and it was beautiful. On Christmas Day, we woke up and ate breakfast and opened our stockings. We volunteered at a local church serving Christmas lunch to the poor for a couple of hours after breakfast. When we got home, we opened presents and ate dinner. It was a twist on our traditional Christmas, but it really reminded me what Christmas is all about - GIVING! I'd love to make the volunteering an annual tradition.

I am so behind on my Tidbits - it's terrible! Finals + Christmas Baking = Distraction. So, here goes nothing (and everything). Feel free to check out my Instagram for more (I have an addiction).

Smile fries. Thanks for a happy end to finals ADPi.

I-85S can be really pretty.

These three pictures are just a few of the reasons why I LOVE being home - peanut butter M&M's, good coffee, my pup, and grilled cheese.

I did so much holiday baking it was absurd...and awesome. Check out my holiday recipes here, here, here, here, here, oh and here.

I love this, and how perfect around Christmas. John 3:16.

I'm obsessed with my puppy, Roxie. BFFs.

Thanks to Julie over at Table for Two, I am now the proud owner of this incredible Calphalon pans. #grateful (can you hashtag on blogs?)

My mom hosted a Wine Exchange Party. She rocks.

My best friend Nick and I had a Nothing But Noodles and SAS Cupcakes date. It was lovely.

My aunt, uncle and cousin delivered my family a BIG box of Cheryl's Cookies. I openly wept tears of joy.

This sunset is real. And amazing. My mom and I were mesmerized on our walk.

My kitchen accessory stockpile grew immensely over Christmas. This ADORABLE hot pad and oven mit were a gift from my best friend, Tara. She is leaving me to study abroad in Florence next semester. While I am utterly depressed, I can't wait to read about all of her adventures on her blog, Tara's Travels!

Babysitting over Christmas Break = baking and decorating Gingerbread men!

Riccio's Italian Restaurant is THE BEST Italian food in Charlotte. Mark.my.words. GO EAT THERE...NOW.

Captain Crunch. I'll never grow up. Sorry 'bout it.

Festive nails.

Ghost of Christmas past? I clearly love Santa.

I AM SO OBSESSED WITH THIS COOKBOOK IT'S INSANE. It's beautiful.

My favorite ornament - my mama's okra angel.

This text from my dad was so cute...but I am still confused at who this Catherine girl is. 20 years later and I'm left questioning my identity - is my name spelt with a K or a C?!

Someone explain to me how you learn to decorate cakes online. Please, people. Some things are better left OFF the Internet.

Foodie for life.

I hope you all have a Happy New Year! I'll be headed to New Orleans with my family! If you have any recommendations on places for us to visit/eat at, feel free to comment below :)

Tidbits {December 10, 2012}

Lots of food, lots of finals. It was a crazy week! I promise to be sane by Friday...

**Stay tuned this week for a new recipe! Yahoo!

Tidbits {December 3, 2012}

School is kicking my booty, but I still found some joy in all the madness...

1.Christmas time is upon us. I don't know if you understand how happy I am about this. Bring on the cookies and the Christmas Pandora station.

2. Finals grind. Time for the power of positive thinking.

3. Chef Vikki's incredible breakfasts: eggs to order and homemade banana bread. Fabulous to wake up to.

4. My friend Kenan told me how much she loved bread pudding, but the first time I had it, I wasn't a fan. My mind was changed this week. OBSESSED. Like ate 3 bowlfuls obsessed. Bring on the bread pudding and rum glaze. HEAVENINMYMOUTH.

5. Tara. My best friend since freshman year. I don't know where I'd be without her (and her hugs and perfect holiday texts filled with emoticons). She's headed off to Florence, Italia, next semester and I miss her already. Def remembering to cherish the ones I love during the holidays!

6. Some afternoons call for brownies coated in powdered sugar. Wednesday was one of those afternoons.

7. I'll never understand fruit cake. Saw this at the grocery and couldn't help but wonder who enjoys these! If you do, I'd love a taste review. I'm just...confused?

8. Rekindled my love for Words with Friends. Sorry for the beat down, Mama.

9. Friday called for a Chickfila date with Katy and Emily. My stomach thanked me.

10. Beautiful sunset.

11. Holiday cookies have arrived! (Yes, I am disappointed in myself for the store bought treats, but desperate times people!)

12. Fro-yo date with my freshman suitemate and dear, dear friend, Sophie was wonderful. The $8 I spent at Sweet Frog was well worth it. And yes, I was the girl who went back for seconds. Motioning for free refills, if you care to help me craft a petition.

13. A wonderful start to a crazy Saturday.

14. Oh, you don't have a group text going with your parents at age 20? That's so weird. Texts like these make it well worth it.

15. Oh, and in case the Christmas lights didn't get you in the spirit, Elf is def on TV like every night until Christmas. THANK GOD. This movie never ever gets old.

16. For the love of French bulldogs. This dog made my day.

17. In case you didn't believe me, I have gone to Jersey Mike's every week since I committed myself to doing so. My taste buds are happy.

18. Lastly, the Dog Effects App. It's free. Do it.

Here's to finding more things to be grateful for in this tough week ahead!