Huntin Deer and Christmas Cheer

Three days before Christmas and I am finished with my shopping list. Actually, I finished on Sunday! I admit, I went to the mall this past weekend and joined the crazies in their last-minute gift adventures, but I am done. Insert sigh of relief. All I have to do now is sit back and relax and await the arrival of Christmas...
I take that back. On Christmas Eve, I have a very big job in our family. A majority of my family gathers (weather permitting) at my parent's house for Christmas Eve pizza. We have been baking them for as long as I can remember. As a curious child, I always involved myself in the pizza-making process some how. I would sit on the counter in flour, play with dough, eat the pepperonis. As I grew up, I took on more important tasks, such as topping the pizza, watching the oven, and still eating bits of topping before it could make it to the raw dough. Now, with the help of a few others, I am the pizza nazzi. Pizza making takes skill. Each year, I get a little better and it's perfected one year at a time. I still use the original hand-written receipe Papa Bob (grandpa) passed down to my mom and me and he still supervises our efforts. Although I am sworn to secrecy, I have a couple secrets to share: dough is made about 4 hours before bake time and the sauce is made the night before. It has to set and settle so all the flavors can shine through. That's all. I might wind up missing if anymore slips out. All homemade. All delicious. All exactly how we like it. I look forward to blessing my family with another great homemade pizza dinner on Friday night.

I have already watched Christmas Vacation for the past 4 nights as I fall asleep and I can't wait until the 24 hours of Christmas Story. Those bunny pajamas and piggy troff, get me everytime! Love laughter.

On other notes...Blake has been enjoying his break from school and hunting...a lot it seems. I'm okay with it because he brings me the game for future dinners. I have yet to cook game, with the exception of dove nuggets for Ashley's wedding shower back in August, but I am looking forward to it. Dove and deer currently occupy a space in my freezer and I'm sure duck will make it's way in too. If you have any good receipes I should try, please share. Otherwise, I will be exploring the internet for them, and hope they are actually good!
In all the years Blake and I have been together, I have never been hunting with him. It's a guy thing, right? Well that might all change soon. We are trying to find a time, before duck season ends, where I can join him and the dogs and "pound some ducks" as he would say. I have used a shotgun once in my life at a skeet shoot where, I might add, I shot about 4 out of 50. If I shoot one duck, I will be a happy hunter. Blake will start back up in January for his last semester. What a great feeling to be graduating!

And for New Years, Blake and I will be going to Dallas for New Year's Eve/New Year's and spending some quality time with my best friend in the whole wide world, Kasey! I couldn't be more excited, especially since I haven't ever gone anywhere for NYE. YEAH!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May His love surround you always and especially during this special time of year.

holiday gift guide à la lindsay (part two)

As promised, this list is for those searching for the more traditional holiday gifts. Want something a little different? Go here. The list below is complete with items or categories that I typically pick out for my loved ones and friends. Hopefully, you'll find something here you need to check off another recipient on your holiday gift list. It's coming faster than you think, so get your shopping and shipping done early. Like, NOW!

For any young lady in your life, beauty gift sets are always a fail-safe, much appreciated option. The younger crowd will drool over the MAC holiday collections.  If you haven't already purchased this from your local MAC store, you might be out of luck. I know here in Tulsa, they sell out super fast! This year, the collection (sold at Dillard's) features a Juicy Couture like plaid and crest with vibrant colors for the eyes, lips, face and nails. Priced from $22.50 to $38.00, these sets are sure to please. Need something a little more sophisticated? Or don't want to choose a color for someones eyes? Check out Sephora. They offer a plethora of gift sets that are pefect for any young lady on your list.

Does a man in your life enjoy a nightcap every night now and then? Something straight, neat, and delicious. Why not pair your regular gift (his favorite liquor) with cool glass to sip from. They are designed by Normann Copenhagen and cost $42.00 for a pair. Is he more of a beer drinker? How about a six pack (or two) with this unique bottle opener. It's magnetic so you won't be dropping the bottle caps on the floor. It's only $20.00! 

The meals were cooked and devoured. The presents opened and scattered about the house. Santa has come and gone. The holidays are over. At least until we ring in the new year. After all the holiday festivities are over, I bet your mom, sister, aunt, whoever does a bulk of the holiday "work", would enjoy a pair of these slippers from Gap for only $19.99 (on sale)! They are adorable to keep her in style and comfy to keep her, well, comfortable. Let her put her feet up in style, even if she does doze off with her mouth open. You could also get her a cozy sweater or a scarf to bundle with, but I couldn't find just one that I liked. This post would be too long if I posted all the ones I fell in love with.

The avid gym-goer in your life is constantly told to check their heart rate. At least, I am. Especially in my regular spin classes. Instead of using the old fashioned finger-to-neck or -wrist method, wrap up this little heart rate monitor from Amazon.com. This easy to use monitor and strap will be the perfect gift to keep your gym-goer loved one in shape while mainting their heart rate. A little pricey ($167.12 on sale from $239.95), but the reviews for this monitor are fantastic. "Best bang for da buck", one says. Or if they have a heart rate monitor, what do their shoes look like? Time for a new pair? Have they taken up a new hobby, or exercise class? Maybe they would enjoy a yoga mat, spin shoes or weights to have a home for those times when the gym is just too far. 

The kindle is a perfect gift for the bookworm. It stores many books, magazines, newspapers and they are all accessible with the slide of a button. I, personally, own one and I'm still in love with it. It's perfect on the couch, before night-night time, on the road, and even at the gym. The newest 6-inch version is available at Amazon.com for $139 with wi-fi or $189 for 3G and wi-fi.

With only a couple weeks left until Christmas, I'd check your list (twice) and make sure you have everyone covered. Don't forget to stash away a couple extras for yourself or just in case! What are your great Christmas gift ideas this season? And what are your plans for New Years Eve?