Ella's 1st Birthday

We had a blast celebrating our Ella's 1st birthday. Here are a few snipits of what turning 1 looks like in our house...

And of course, in true Ella style, opening her gifts in nothing but a tutu...

Happy Birthday Eya!xxoo

Merry Christmas

Taking a few days off...

via
...to really enjoy Christmas and all of its magic (and hopefully just a little snow) with my family. I hope you all have a happy, happy Christmas with the ones you love.

French Toast Casserole

Need a yummy dish for Christmas morning? I love this recipe because it's super easy and not to mention, wicked delicious. Hope you enjoy it as much as my family does. French Toast Casserole (12 servings)

Ingredients:
1 loaf whole wheat bread cut into 1 inch cubes (10 cups)
8 eggs
3 cups milk
4 tsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
Topping:
2 Tbsp butter (cubed)
2 Tbsp sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Maple syrup

-Place bread cubes in a greased 13x9x2 baking dish
-In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla and salt. Pour over bread. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
-Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Dot with butter.
-Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the top.
-Cover and bake for 45-50 minutes at 350*F or until knife inserted near middle comes out clean.
-Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with syrup.

The best part about this recipe is that you can prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven while you open presents Christmas morning. That way, you're not missing out on all the excitement.
Uh Oh...belly's a-grumbling...

Love You To Infinity

If you're reading this right now, get off your tush and run on down to Grace. Today only, they are having the most fabulous deal. 50% off all infinity scarves!!! I just got myself one and I'm thinking of going back and getting a couple more (gonna have to be sneaky, the hubby is looking at me suspiciously).


If not for yourself, I'm sure there's someone on your Christmas list who would love a warm, comfy, stylish scarf. Who wouldn't?!?

Happy Shopping!

Simply Christmas

Joining in on The Nester's Christmas Home Tour for the first time!

Decorating for Christmas is my absolute favorite. I love everything about it; the sparkly colors, the family traditions, the delicious smells of the season...the list goes on. This year I decided to take the "less is more" approach, and really take the time to create a Christmas house that is inviting and cozy yet not cluttered and overly done-up.
So, pull up a chair, get comfy and come on in...

The living room

The kitchen

The family room

A little bit of Christmas found everywhere...

From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas!