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 {November 12, 2012}

1. I am still not over the fall leaves. When I went home this weekend, every tree I saw was magnificent. My mom and I pulled over to take these pictures. #noshame

2. As previously mentioned, I went home this weekend (again). It was my sorority's parent's weekend, but since my dad wasn't up to go, I brought parent's weekend back home. The 3 pictures above are just a few of the reasons I love my dad: he's adorable and he clips coupons. What a guy. Love him and admire his strength.

3. Another special event that drew me home this weekend was my sweet mama's birthday! She is my inspiration and the strongest, most faith-filled woman I've ever met. I want to be just like her when I grow up (but for real). Her cake came from Edible Art in Charlotte, and it was superb. I strongly dislike chocolate cake, but LOVED this chocolate cake. It wasn't too rich or too sweet, and the decorating was phenomenal. Cheers to your birthday, mommy!

4. As part of my mama's birthday celebration, she and I headed to the Panther's game. The weather was phenomenal, the game itself was dismal. It's becoming harder to watch them each week...

5. My mom and I also went a weeeeeee bit crazy shopping on Friday. Why is it that I load up right before the holidays?! Silly, silly me. The bracelet above is from Bella Cora Boutique, who came to my sorority house for a trunk show. They had so many amazing items at great prices. The boots are from DSW. I have never owned a pair of black boots and I am in LOVE with these. New apparel excites me a little too much.

6. Being home means eating Brixx Pizza and sausage & peppers in the crockpot. I love it.

7. I am obsessed with my dog. She is absolutely the cutest thing ever. Enjoyed her snugglez this weekend.

8. SO excited for Christmas break so I can dive into this book. I have been wanting to read it for SO long, and I came home and this was sitting (wrapped) on the counter. Leave it to my mom to give me a gift on the weekend of her birthday.

Next time I'm home, it'll be Thanksgiving. Time to start planning what I am going to contribute to the spread! Feel free to give me some ideas :)