Friday Fa La La

Another Christmas Favorite, Callie? 

Are you freakin' serious?

O, yes... Serious as a heart attack.

A few weeks ago, I signed up for an annual blogger ornament swap and let's me just clarify, in case there was any confusion, I was partnered up with the best partner ever! Sorry friends... She's my new favorite! Her name is Rebekah and she blogs over at Life With The Edwards. (Go!! Read!!) 

Girlfriend sent me the sweetest package in the mail and even included chocolate. Seriously.. how did she know the way to my heart? In my little package of Christmas goodness was a sweet card, a Christmas card, 2 precious ornaments and chocolates (including Reese's trees (squeal) and caramel filled chocolate (double squeal)) all wrapped up in precious Christmas tissue paper. It only took me .5 seconds to get my ornaments hung on the tree and the first bite of chocolate in my mouth... after a photography session, of course. Pictures come before anything.. Duh! 

A deer ornament for a Mississippi gal? Perfection. 

And she sent a little snow down here too? Perfection. 

Seriously, how cute is their Christmas card? 

I am so excited to have a new blog to read and a new friend to make in this great blog world. 

S.P.D. Snickerdoodle Style..

So, I finally get to play along with Saw it. Pinned it. Did it. in the best way. 

What's the best way you ask? 

Food. 

Duh!

I have been having this itch to make some Christmas cookies. I'm not real sure why. So last night Kendol and I had "Our Christmas" where we take time to have a little date night and swap our gifts before the crazy traveling begins. He always cooks (of course!), so I thought to myself, "perfect time to whip up a desert.. it's the least I can do." So I asked Kendol what type of Christmas cookies he'd prefer and he said Snickerdoodle. Well I have never even had one much less made them. So I scour Pinterest (of course) for a good recipe. And VIOLA! The Christmas cookies are made.. not in Christmas shapes like I had planned (teachers daughter much??), but made none the less.

Snickerdoodles
Ingredients
3 cups all- purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1/2 cup ligh brown sugar
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tsp ground cinammon

• Heat oven to 375
• Whisk together flour, baking soda, cream or tartar and salt
• With electric mixer, beat butter, brown sugar and sugar until fluffy (2-3 mins) then beat in the eggs and vanilla. (medium speed)
• Reduce speed and slowly add in flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
• In a bowl mix cinnamon and remaining 1/4 cup of sugar.
• Form the dough into balls. Roll the balls in the sugar mixture and place on baking sheet.
• Bake 12-14 minutes.

The whole "form dough into balls" jazz did not work for me (of course) bc the dough was much too moist. So I simply scooped globs with a spoon and sprinkled the cinnamon  and sugar on top of each cookie and patted it in. 

I, not knowing prior what a Snickerdoodle tastes like, think they turned out pretty dang good and everyone in my office seems to be enjoying them! 

Another Favorite?

Another one of my very favorite things about Christmas (already told you of my love for the decor and the angel tree) is Christmas Cards. I am seriously like a kid in a candy store when the first one comes in the mail each year. Or when we have a day where we get 5 or 6 at one time. O my goodness. Those are the best days. My heart just melts every time I open one. The pictures are precious. The families are all together and look happy. The messages expressed through the cards are sincere. You catch a glimpse of those that you may not get to see often. Everything about them brings a smile to my face. 

And so today, I want to share ours. It's nothing special but it's us. We are not the posing kind so ours is just a collection of some of our favorite photos from throughout the year... With Christmas Lights!! Because Christmas lights make me happy, happy, happy.

Another year in this beautiful life with my best friend.

He fills my life with good things.

Psalm 103:5

"The Good Life" it truly is!

Silence for Sandy Hook

 

Over the Weekend

The weekend was filled with lots of Christmas joy. We started off with a little Christmas party thrown by some great friends. The party was held a precious Bed & Breakfast right outside of town. It's funny how you never know these things exist and you live 5 minutes away. The house was gorgeous. The yard was beautiful. The food and drinks were abundant. And the fellowship was fun. We quickly discovered a game room on the third floor and that's where the party seemed to stay. We all attempted to play pool, but most of us have lost our Pool Shark ways with old age (ha!).... Ok, Ok.. some of us never were Pool Sharks...

These were the only three pictures I captured with my real camera. I have got to quit taking everything with the ole' I Phone. The pictures are terrible... terrible.. One day I will learn.

Anywho, on Saturday we headed to the delta so Kendol could get in some hunting, of course. You know what they say... "While the boys are away, the girls shall play shop. The little sister and I marked a few people off of her list then had a little wrapping party. Followed by a little double date night over steaks and Christmas movies. We watched a Hallmark special "Annie Claus is Coming to Town" followed by mine and Kendol's first viewing of "Elf." 

Sunday the bottom fell out. Literally. It rained ALL night and ALL day. Therefore the hunting was put on hold and it was on to bigger and better things, Angel Tree Shopping. We headed back home and met Kendol's parents to start shopping... And with the rain came a drop in temperature that I wasn't prepared for. Next thing you know, I am in the Madison Wal-Mart in yoga pants and Kendol's camouflage fleece looking at Scooters and Fishing Poles. O, the looks I received...

Does anyone else enjoy Angel Tree shopping as much as me? It really is one of my very favorite parts about Christmas. I just wish I could see the looks on the children's faces on Christmas day. It really is such a special, special way to give back. 

We ended the night at Kendol's parents celebrating his brother's birthday and having an hour long, hysterical debate over what the menus will be at their two Christmas functions. 

And now, here we are back to Monday.
The last Monday at my current job.
 Only one week til Christmas.
Where in the world has December gone?

Prayers

Source: rebekahblocher.blogspot.com via Callie on Pinterest

I am not a mother and cannot imagine how I would feel if I were. As a non-mother the hurt is bad enough. I just want to send out prayers and hugs to all of those involved in this horrible tragedy. There's not much I can do, but I can pray, pray, pray. For peace. For comfort. For understanding. I have no words. 

And the Winners Are!!!!

JAMIE AND SHAYNA !!!!

Yipppeee!!

I will email both of you with details. 

(used random.org)

Pinterest: Simply Southern

I guess you could say I am still a little inspired by weekend in the country.
When I started looking through Pinterest, all that caught my eye were southern things.
And I can't say that I minded it one bit.

Source: fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com via Callie on Pinterest

Source: meandjilly.blogspot.com via Callie on Pinterest

Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Callie on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Callie on Pinterest

Source: michaelradfordphotography.com via Callie on Pinterest

Source: jongenandmeisje.tumblr.com via Diane on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Callie on Pinterest

And don't you forget to sign up for my GIVE-AWAY!!!

Southern Living... and A Little Something Extra!

Over the weekend, we slept a lot. 

The end.

Kidding, Kidding. 

There was lots of great food. 

A little Christmas shopping.

Some father/daughter bonding time in the deer stand.

And a full weekend spent staring at this beauty!

And here goes a first... 

my very first outfit of the day post... 

or OOTD as lots of you call it.

Kidding, Kidding.

Again.

I really do plan to do my first one soon.

Speaking of firsts..

IT'S GIVE-AWAY TIME!!!

Just in time for Christmas, I am giving away $25 in Stella & Dot credit to 2 of you lucky ladies. Simply follow my blog via GFC and/or like my Facebook page. Comment separately and let me know you did :) The winner will be announced Thursday, so that you can use your credit in time to receive your goodies before Christmas!!

Fa La La La La La La La Laaaaaa!

You know something's been wrong with me when I've had my Christmas decorations up for a while and haven't shared all of the goodness with y'all! With all of the holiday festivities, end of the year work load and stresses of starting a new job at the beginning of the year, things have been crazy around these parts. My Christmas Spirit is in full swing though (duh). So, here's how my halls are decked!

All presents are wrapped and Christmas Tree smellin' candles are burning at Casa de Collins. I am pretty much done shopping, so all that's left to do is kick back with a big ole' glass of wine and a Christmas movie and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. First up on the list are Christmas Vacation, Home Alone and Prancer, obviously.

Currently..

So, I am joining in on the fun with Sweet Katie  because there are all sorts of things that I am currently doing/loving.

Currently I am: Counting Down to lots of things. 15 Days until our annual high school friends Christmas Party. 16 Days until Family Christmas Functions begin. 18 Days until Christmas Eve. And 27 Days until I start my new JOB!!! Yep, new J-O-B. I still cannot believe it.

Currently I am: Obsessed with buying gifts and wrapping my life away. There is nothing in this world that I love more than endless coordinating gifts with giant bows under the tree. I think I wrap as little as possible in each box just so there are more to look at.

Currently I am: Debating a similar outfit to this for my work Christmas party tonight. Longer Black Sweater (with some shimmer to it), Leggings, Sassy Heals, with a Chunky Pearl Necklace. Yay or Nay??
And debating possibly having a my first
Outfit post to compare? Which means
I could finally participate in Saw it. Pinned it.
Did it. (A day late..)

Via

Currently I am: Gravitating Towards (still) this color when brainstorming ideas for our future home. Never too early to start planning, right? Why do I love it so much?

Source: Uploaded by user via Heather on Pinterest

Currently I am: Disliking the Season Finale of Sons of Anarchy. How am I supposed to wait a year to find out all of the answers. I literally didn't sleep last night bc I was playing all of the scenarios in my head. Gemma, girllll, you done, done it now!

Source: aajnews.in via Nola on Pinterest

Currently I am: Loving Nashville and Elementary. These two are definitely my newest favorite shows for the year. What are yours??

Source: Uploaded by user via Callie on Pinterest

Currently I am: Clinging to this.

Currently I am: 

Bored with my blog design. 

Any suggestions that won't break the ole' bank account?

Champagne Taste, Beer Budget

Ever heard of the phrase, "Champage Taste on a Beer Budget." I hear it all the time, but can't quite grasp it. Mainly bc my favorite champagne cost $4 a bottle (Andre, Duh!)... So unless we are comparing it to a 30 pack of Keystone for $11 (College What, What!), I'd say my beer is the more expensive of the tastes..

Errr... Does that make me a redneck?

Anywho, I guess they are referring to rich folks champagne.. and in that case.. that's exactly what I have, Champagne taste. And I am not ashamed to admit it. I always run into this problem when the Holidays come around. If it's not expensive then 90% of the time I have already purchased it for myself. Therefore I leave nothing on my Christmas list. 

So here are a few things from each list of mine! 

What are some dream items on your champagne budget?? 

And your must have items on you beer budget??

CHAMPAGNE BUDGET

Champagne Taste by calliecollins featuring metal sunglasses

IPad ~ Hunter Rain Boots ~ Tory Burch Handbag ~ Tory Burch Camel Flats ~ Ray Bans

BEER BUDGET
a little easier on the ole pocketbook

Beer Budget by calliecollins featuring urban decay eyeshadow

Tech Gloves: Treehouse in Fondren Locally

Naked Eyeshadow Palettes: Ulta Locally

Yellow Scarf (Any scarves): Turkoyz in Highland Village

Aztec Toms

Clinique Quickliner: Really Black

e.l.f. Mineral Infused Mascara

Chanel: Allure Perfume (Dillards)

There are also a few local goodies on my list!! I have started to collect some new dinner plates and bowls for our new (future) home bc all of mine are already chipped... BOO!! I, of course, went with the new McCarty "Nutmeg with an Edge" Dinner Plates and "Large Old Fashion" Bowls.

Source: Uploaded by user via S. on Pinterest

And another local goody is this print of the restaurant where Kendol and I went on our first date by J. Mark Reed Photography. It is a very old restaurant here in Jackson and the original location (in terrible, terrible part of town) is finally shutting down and moving to a new, safer location. I already have a menu framed, but I would love to have this as a keepsake.

Ok.. Ok.. Maybe my Beer Budget Friendly Christmas List isn't lacking after all :)

Here Comes Santa Claus

It's never officially Christmas Season to me until I see Santa Claus at the end of my hometown Christmas Parade. This year marked the 77th Annual Roy Martin Delta Band Festival Parade and Fireworks and it was a bitter sweet one for all of us. It was my little sister's last time to dance in the parade with her dance studio, Expressions. And after 20+ years, it was the last time for my parents to have a daughter in the parade. I'm not sure if I love the small town traditions or if I am just obsessed marching bands and their dancers, but it's seriously the best. It's no secret that I've always wanted to be one of those dancers in the leotard and knee high boots scrubbing the ground then Hitch Kicking behind my head... Either way, it's my absolute favorite day of the year.

My Grandmother and Aunt set out our chairs as soon as they get up that morning and we have an entire day of family time. My sister and I take off work and head home for some shopping then it's time to wait for the parade to start while listening to the sounds of Mississippi Favorite's "Will and Linda". After the parade, it's back to the Grandmothers for some snacks and then back to the porch to listen to "Will and Linda" until the fireworks get going!

Although she is only 2, this was Hayes' third parade and she absolutely loves it. She did not move a muscle the entire time.. Even when drum sticks were beating two feet from her face or motorcycles were revving up just as close. And she loved the fireworks! She exclaimed "Gosh, that was pretty" with every boom that went off. Cutest thing ever.

Sweet Daddy ~ Sweet Hayes ~ Mississippi Valley State Marching Band ~
Santa Claus ~ Sweet Eleanor (blonde) in her last parade.

 Speaking of my Sweet Daddy,  I would like to wish him the Happiest of all Birthdays on this fine 3rd day of December.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!