25 Days of Christmas

Yes, folks, whether you are ready or not, December has rolled around once again! Christmas Eve is only 25 short days away and I am going to be posting a photo everyday of how I am getting into the Christmas spirit this year.

I would also love to do some reader posts! If you are interested in having your photos featured please email me the picture with your first name, what your photo subject is, and where it was taken. Email me at: samanthajolene7@gmail.com

If you would like to make sure you don't miss any of the photos, sign up for the RSS feed!

Homemade Chili Recipe

So, after posting about all of those delicious looking soups I just had to make some for myself. What's better than a bowl full of piping hot chili on a chilly night??

Look at that steam....

Yummy Soups for Winter

Aren't soups just a cozy food for those chilly nights?

I have compiled a few that look especially good!



Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup



Cheddar and Ale Soup (or Beer Cheese) :)

Creative Advent Calendars

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it is time to start preparing for Christmas! YAY!!!!

One of the things we always did when I was a kid was put up an Advent calendar. Ours told the story of Mary, Joseph, and their journey to Bethlehem. I loved reading little bits of the story every day.

Since I am on my own, I would like to get into the Christmas spirit with a new advent calendar. Here are some ideas to inspire your own calendar!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Thanksgiving Recipes

The feast of Thanksgiving starts in TWO days! Who's excited?? (Pick me! I am!)

Nutrition Cheat Sheets

Next week starts the beginning of the holidays! (and the notorious weight gain that comes with it)

This year I am determined not to gain any excess weight!

I know, I know, easier said than done, right?

But I've worked hard to get where I am and I won't let a couple slices of pumpkin pie tip that scale back the other way!

Anyway, enough of my ramblings...

Here are some nutrition cheat sheets to get you through the holidays. 

They may not come in handy at the actual get-together's, but they should help you keep your normal days in check.

This first one is for those cravings you might get through the holidays:

"Treat" Cheat sheet

Eat these foods if you're looking for improvement in a specific area:

(couldn't find the source for this!)

Because sometimes reading in grams doesn't help you visualize just how much sugar it actually is...

Amount of Sugar

Reasons why you should eat certain foods together:

Food Combinations

And lastly, don't forget that water!!

Hopefully that reminds all of us to think about what we are putting in our bodies!

Hand Written Scarf

I once had an old scarf,

It was raggedy and used...

Actually, I just got sick of it so plain, but the poetic touch adds to the story.

Really, I just had a white scarf that I thought needed a little updating. So I choose a quote that I loved:

Happy Birthday Montana!

November 8th is the birthday of Montana. Exciting, right?

Well for those of you who would like to sport your Montana pride (and for those who want to join in our Montana fun), here are some fine pieces for you!

Montana Ring

Europe in the Fall

Big Ben

Walk Alone

14 Great Gifts for Your Man

Yes, Christmas is coming. With that comes the need for good present ideas!

I know sometimes it can be difficult to come up with amazing ideas, so I compiled a few that are bound to win over his affection :)


Practical:


Gorgeous leather wallet and iPhone holder.

Leather iPhone Pocket Wallet




Great Colors

AEO Tie

Baked Buffalo Cauliflower

A couple weeks ago I pinned this recipe:

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower

We really don't eat a lot of cauliflower, neither my husband or I really like it, but I thought I would give it a try.

And let me tell you: it was FANTASTIC! Still a little crunchy and super tasty!

Of course, it's not chicken and can't be expected to taste like it, but it is a great substitute!

So here's how to do it:

Mix a batter of 2 tsp. Frank's Red Hot, 1/3 c. flour (I used Bobs Red Mill 21192 All Purpose Baking Flour Gluten Free (Google Affiliate Ad)), and 1/3 c. water.

Jewelry Board

Lately, my jewelry holder has gotten out of control:

It has started overflowing here:

And here:

I decided something needed to be done. 

5 Cozy Pillows to Fall in Love With

One of the things I love for the home are some unique and plush pillows. I like to rearrange mine all the time by switching out the pillows in the living room with those in our bedroom.

Here are some pillows that work for living rooms, family rooms, reading nooks, etc.



Love that bright blue!

(http://www.etsy.com/listing/82498748/cushion-cover-geometric-design-white)



Maps are very in right now and this is the perfect way to try out the fad OR add one to an apartment or dorm!

(http://www.etsy.com/listing/85616276/vintage-map-europe-map-cushion-organic)



This makes me want to find a fabric pen and add my own text to the pillow!

http://www.thefancy.com/things/273728521/Lined-Paper-Pillow



Perfect for Christmas!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/87666236/all-is-calm-christmas-pillow-cover-ready



These birch tree pillows are so fun!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/111208710/silver-birch-charcoal-hand-printed