No Caffeine = Massive Headaches

Another major December event: I have officially given up caffeine. This means that somehow my life will go on without the following items:

Picture from Lemon Toast

I am actually not a coffee drinker - I know, ironic since I am Brazilian - my drug of choice from Starbucks is a Vanilla, Soy, No Water, Chai. OMG! It is so good. But, no more!

Picture from Zetson

I believe the above picture needs no explanation. Oh so sad.

Now, if you've ever been addicted to this drug like I currently am, you know that by living without the pictured items above I am agreeing to live with a massive, pounding, horrible, blinding, I could keep going, but you get the point, HEADACHE!

I've been clean for 4 full days. The headache is becoming bearable. Somehow, life will go on.

:o)

Cookie Exchange and Christmas Decorations

December was such an exciting month, I can't believe it is almost over. I have tons of things to share, thus why you are about to read a very long post.

First order of business: Let me tell you about this little shindig I had a few weeks ago. I read an awesome blog entry on one of my favorite blogs ever, Design*Sponge about a Cookie Exchange. (If you'd like to read about my inspiration, please click here. Note that this entry was written by one of Design*Sponge's guest bloggers, Ashley English, from Small Measures - also, a great blog - a fellow North Carolinian.)

Back to the point, after I read this entry, I could not stop thinking about this great party idea. Americans are so smart, a whole party revolving around the idea of eating cookies - I love it! So, since I want to blend in as much as possible, I wasted no time in sending my little E-vite to every woman I know who lives within a 30 mile radius.

The party was a success!

17 wonderful ladies brought 4 dozens each of "to-die-for" homemade cookies:

1. Reindeer Delights
2. Peanut Butter Black & Whites
3. Pecan Fingers
4. Coconut Macaroons - MY FAVORITE!!!
5. Reeses Cup Cookies
6. Gingerbread Cookies - Won for Most Creative!
7. Italian Wedding Cookies - My 2nd Favorite!
8. Raisin Drop Cookies - Won Best All Around! Way to go Grace!
9. Sugar Cookies with Butter Cream Frosting
10. Oatmeal Cookies with Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chips & Pecans
11. Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies - Won for the Best Story of Why You Made These Particular Cookies
12. Graham Cracker Treats
13. Glazed Butter Cookies - My Cookies. I got this recipe from another blog I follow, Lottie + Doof, it was part of their 12 Days of Christmas cookie recipes. 
14. Inside Out Chocolate Cookies
15. Ginger Snaps
16. Creme de Mint Squares
17. Christmas Biscotti

If you are ever looking for a new kind of party to throw, this is such a great an easy party to host, and at the end of it, you end up with tons of cookies to enjoy.

Here are the details:

• On the E-vite I explained the rules: 4 dozens each, has to be homemade, and please bring a container to take cookies home.
• I had plenty of non-sugary snacks for guests to munch on: a platter with a large variety of cheeses, nuts, dried fruits, spreads, crackers and bread. 
• To drink we had coffee, hot tea, chocolate milk, and Mulled Cranberry Wine. 
• After guests mingled and ate plenty of goodies, we went around and shared why we chose to make the cookies we brought. Then we tried a little bit from every cookie so that we could vote for the Best Cookie. I'm very competitive, so there was no way I was going to have a bake off without prizes.
• After all winners were awarded (Christmas ornaments, to stay with the Christmas theme) everyone went around the table and collected 3-4 cookies from each platter.

It was so fun! Oh, and of course, it helped a lot that I finished decorating the house for Christmas about 30 minutes before the first guest arrived ;o)

A few shots of the fireplace and mantel.





The fat Christmas tree we picked out - I love fat trees!





Our pup sleeping by tree, isn't she adorable? And a detail shot from the tree.


In the kitchen I decorated the window ledge above the sink and the chandelier.

Soon I will post about the rest of my crazy, fun December. Stay tuned!

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!
See you in 2010!

:o)

Asheville - My Heaven in NC!

Asheville, NC holds a very dear place in my heart. There are so many things that make this city an amazing place: amazing restaurants, awesome art, great people, Windy Gap, drum circles, amazing local breweries, breath taking mountains, and as you can see, I could go on for pages.

I just wanted to take the time to share with the few of you who read the crazy things I sporadically post on this blog,  a few pictures I've taken this Fall and Winter while I visited Asheville.

The Blue Ridge Parkway in September:

Windy Gap, a Young Life camp in Weaverville, right outside of Asheville. This is where I met my hubby, 6 and 1/2 years ago. These were taken last week.

Our Save the Date for our wedding, was taken at the bench above.

Every time I go to Asheville, I have to eat at Doc Chey's. In my opinion, best noodle restaurant ever!

Here are a few links for you to check out, if you'd like to know more about these places:

• The Blue Ridge Parkway
• Windy Gap - Young Life
• Doc Chey's