That's How the Cookie Crumbles

Giving is usually more fun than receiving (when you're an adult. Forget it as a kid.) Generosity is especially fun with a festive cocktail as you bake.I love how my snowmen turned out.

I was really in the baking mood before Christmas, so I did a cookie giveaway through my twitter account.

I overnighted boxes of cookies to the winners and one of them gave me the most amazing gift in return - photos of the guys eating them up. Our channel playing over your shoulder. Nice touch.

Here's the winner - firefighter Chad Panke below!

He's holding the box with my silly scribbles - an attempt at making brown paper more festive. The guys look fun! Aren't most firefighters?!

Love the play by play of opening the box!

Nice action shot guys. So glad you enjoyed them & happy new year to everyone!

Cooking with Julie & Julia

Watching the film Julie & Julia inspired me to make Chicken Cacciatore. I know it's not French, but it's easy. My mother has the best recipe, but I couldn't find hers, so I googled & found Giada's.

It's a relaxing and aromatic recipe, so it's fun to make. I chopped the bell pepper & onion while letting the chicken brown.

It's cooked in a little olive oil after dredging the breasts in salt, pepper & flour.

While the ingredients simmered, I snapped a few extra pics.Below is one of my favorite Christmas presents. It's an interesting looking but brilliant contraption. You simply place it over a wine bottle and push down the silver button until it stops. It pulls out the cork. Push up the button and the cork lands in your hand.

The finished product. I drowned the chicken in the sauce & fresh basil. I promise it's under there and it was delicious!

Great article on the film here.

Underwater Unicorn 4 Christmas

Have you seen Elf? Only the most adorable Christmas movie. Above is Mr. Narwhal (the underwater unicorn) saying goodbye to Buddy when he leaves to meet his dad. Cute overload.

So... here's my talented little bro Matt singing a song about narwhals with his girlfriend Mellissa. They mashed up the narwhals song with Don't Know Much sung by Aaron Neville & Linda Ronstadt. Watch:

Here's the original:

Merry Christmas.

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party!

Merry Christmas all! Wishing you love, peace, wealth, health, happiness & _______.

Go ahead & fill in the blank. I'm feeling generous.

Merry Christmas!

Happy holidays...

Deck the Halls

Banners and garland, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

A mantel isn't even necessary. String it anywhere you like!

thanks flickr!

Looklet Lust

Do you like the look I built above? I created it at www.looklet.com and it's helping me practice my mix & match skills - essential for making the most of one's wardrobe.

You begin with a model in her underwear and build her look just like you would a paper doll. I like to choosing her face first, because I can see how the clothing would work with my skin tone. My olive skin does not do well with earth tones.

Check out the looks below that were created by expert users of the site:

I built these... not loving the first look. See how she looks a bit washed out...

This look below is a bit conservative, but I would wear it and I'm dying for the tights with spots!