{Christmas 2014}

I can't believe Christmas is over...it went by way too quickly! Roberto and I had a great few days here. It was very relaxing and very wonderful.

On Christmas Eve we got out once in the morning to get a few groceries and then we came back home and hopped right back in to our pajamas. We spent the rest of the day taking long naps, watching Christmas movies, making dinner and decorating cookies. It was glorious.

We ended the night with hot chocolate, White Christmas and a few card games. A pretty perfect Christmas Eve in our book.

 Rob reading the story of Christ's birth. In this moment...I was so overcome with gratefulness. So I had to get a picture:)

Please, don't mind our half lit tree. We tried...

Spending Christmas in our own apartment, just the two of us, was such a sweet thing. Holidays in the future will most likely be spent with family, kids one day, lots of events, lots "to do". So spending a Christmas with just Roberto in the comfort of our own home, with no specific agenda, was pretty darn special.

We slept in Christmas morning, then I got breakfast started and we opened stockings. We had not planned on gifts this year, but when we decided not to travel, we knew we had to do a little something...so stocking stuffers it was! This was such a fun time, lots of thoughtful goodies and Santa even brought oranges! {A tradition from when I was little.}

Robert had Christmas Eve and Day off, so we had all the time in the world together and lots of free time to fill. After a delicious brunch, we relaxed most of the day and then got ready that night to go to the movies! We saw The Hobbit and it was really good. I am a big fan of seeing movies on Christmas and I think now Roberto is too...whoo! It really was such a wonderful and special day together!

The next day it snowed...almost a white Christmas! We decided we had to take advantage of it, so after Rob got home from practice we went out and played in the snow. It was wonderful.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Now Rob is at an away game and I am watching a lot of Criminal Minds, seriously can not get enough of it.

I hope each of you had a very Merry Christmas! Happy Monday, friends!

Linking up with B Loved Boston ,Carly and Ashley.

Christmas Candy + A Polish Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

I am dropping in to share a delicious Christmas candy recipe. Then I will be taking the next few days off from my computer to soak in this wonderful time of year!

I have so many sweet Christmas memories from growing up. One of which involves Christmas candy. My granny makes the most delicious candy each year...think lots of chocolate and lots of yumminess. I have plenty of memories of eating this great stuff, but also of baking and making in the kitchen during Christmas with my mama...following in my Granny's footsteps. This is a tradition that I love (I mean who wouldn't?!) and one I will happily continue.

Being away from home, I will not be able to enjoy my Granny or my mama's candy this year. So I got to work in the kitchen and made one of my favorites (thanks to my aunt Julie's recipe!)...Peanut Butter Balls.

And now it officially feels like Christmas!
 

*This recipe makes a ton. I was only making enough for Roberto and I and some friends, so I halved this (and it was still a lot!). But if you are wanting to make enough to pass out or take to an event make the whole recipe!*

Ingredients

1 lb. powder sugar

18 oz peanut butter

1/4 lb. butter

3 lbs. Chocolate Almond Bark

Directions

Mix peanut butter, powder sugar and butter together. Roll peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls. If the balls do not feel firm enough place on baking sheet in fridge for 20 minutes to firm up, which makes dipping in chocolate easier. Either with a toothpick or spoon dip the balls into chocolate and place on wax paper or foil to dry. You can either dry at room temperature, which takes a bit longer, or in the fridge {I prefer fridge}. Once dry- ENJOY!

And now moving on! A little life update- Christmas style!

Last night we went to the team's Christmas dinner and had the best time. I at some point wanted to get the traditional Polish Christmas experience- and last night I got it! Here in Poland, they officially celebrate Christmas on the 24th. They do so by waiting for the appearance of the first star. Once it appears, well wishes are said and a meatless meal is served. {I know there are plenty more little details/traditions but this is the main gist I got from a friend last night!}

For last night's dinner, we received a traditional Polish Christmas meal of beet soup with dumplings, lots of fish "appetizers" {which are actually enjoyed after dinner} and a delicious fish entree.

We are so grateful for experiences like this. We definitely have to put ourselves out there and get out of our comfort zones at times- but it is such a lovely experince! And we are so appreciative to learn about and be welcomed into a new culture.

Merry Christmas, friends! I hope your days are filled with overflowing love, abounding joy and too many laughs. I am so grateful our Savior came into this world as a little baby, giving us the greatest gift we have ever known and showing us a love like no other. There is so much to be thankful for and so much to celebrate!

Have a beautiful Christmas!! And enjoy some Peanut Butter Balls!

Friday Fun / Brunch, Gifts and Giveaways

Happy Friday, friends! Let's jump right in...

O N E
Christmas is next week! Can you believe it?? Roberto and I are excited to enjoy our first Christmas at home (not traveling) just the two of us. We have plans to decorate sugar cookies, open stockings, read the Christmas story, enjoy a delicious brunch...do you have any other fun ideas or neat traditions for us to do Christmas Eve or Day?? We would love ideas!!

I think this will definitely be on our Brunch menu. I made this at one point earlier this year and it is ahhh-mazing.

T W O
Yesterday, I talked about wanting this eye-fi memory card for my camera. Well, we had some amazon $$$ saved up (thanks, dad!) so I went ahead and ordered that baby! I am pretty pumped. It allows you to transfer images from your camera straight to your phone. A social media dream, right?? I first saw it posted here...I'll let you know what I think! Also if you are still looking for a great gift for someone, this could be your answer!

T H R E E
This week I shared a super fun date Roberto and I had! It was aimed towards Christmas, was done in the comfort of our own home and was so fun and easy! We had a blast and I think you would too, check it out here. Included is this super fun Q&A...it led to some great conversation.

F O U R
When I make desserts, I usually half it since it is just Roberto and I. Trust me, if I made the full recipe it would get eaten...too much temptation! So making only half of the recipe means we won't indulge...as much. This chart is exactly what I need to help me during the process...

F I V E
Don't forget to enter this amazing giveaway going on right now...

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Bailey | Erica | Penny | Sydney 

Not only do you have the chance to win $170 via paypal,

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Thanks for stopping by friends! I hope your weekend is a good one...Christmas is almost here!

Linking up with Oh Hey Friday, Meet at the Barre, Five on Friday, Lauren and Jennie.

At Home Date Night {Christmas Edition}

Yesterday, Robert and I decided we needed an official date night. For us, without kids, every night could be considered date night BUT we decided to be very intentional about it and make it a special night. So we turned a boring old Monday into festive and fun...into a Christmas Date Night!

And it was a blast.

This date night is aimed to be festive, require minimal work and to have a focus on just being together. So what does this at home Christmas date consist of??

First, a meal of course! And what says winter comfort food best? Soup! Specifically, my Mama's Taco Soup.

Pop it in the crock pot before work or during lunch time and you have a super easy evening meal. To make it extra filling, pair with your favorite cornbread and you are set. Also, make sure to have festive Christmas music playing in the background as you enjoy your delicious dinner together!

During dinner, add an "activity". Something sweet and meaningful, something aimed towards the season like...

Take turns swapping answers with one another, some you may already know and some may teach you something new about your significant other. This is a fun and sentimental way to get more into the Christmas spirit...together! {Roberto and I had a ton of fun answering these questions, it led to some great conversation!}

After you have finished dinner, continue your Q&A while you enjoy dessert! And this has to be festive, like these super cute Reindeer Cupcakes.

Make the cupcakes and frosting earlier in the afternoon {or make it even easier with boxed cupcakes and pre-made frosting from the store}. Then after dinner all you have to do is enjoy each others company and decorate your cupcakes. It is something a little different than sugar cookies and a great way to be a kid again!

{Extra: After decorating, if you still have some energy and time, this is a great time to write a sweet note to one another. Write a sweet note to your love and stick it in their stocking- to be opened on Christmas morning!}

Once you are finished decorating/letter writing {leave the dishes in the sink for tomorrow- this is date night}, go cuddle up on the couch {maybe even by the light of the tree} and play one of your favorite Christmas movies {we decided on It's a Wonderful Life}. Cuddle, relax, enjoy your cupcake, movie and just being with one another!

{make sure to take a selfie, of course!}

This was one of our favorite date nights yet. Was it totally cheesy? Absolutely. But sometimes those are the best kind. It was so wonderful to put the phones away, to be intentional and to just be together enjoying this beautiful season. It was so fun!

Merry {almost} Christmas, everyone! Hope this can be a fun {and easy} date night for you!

Five on Friday / Anniversaries, Santa and Wicked!

O N E
The husband and I are coming up on a year and half of marriage...I think that deserves a little celebration! Like a burger and movie night celebration ;) It seems like just yesterday we said "I do" and started the greatest adventure of our lives. I sure do love my Robert Eugene, more than I can describe, and pray for many more half anniversaries to celebrate together!

T W O
Speaking of marriage, I came across this article on Facebook the other day and it is so, so good...5 ways you are unknowingly destroying your husband and killing your marriage. It is a very intense title but a really great article. If you are a married gal, it is totally worth the read!

T H R E E
On our weekend getaway to Krakow, Roberto and I met Santa! It made me excited for the one day when kids will be in tow (one day far from now!) and how much fun that will be. But for now it is pretty great getting to be a kid with my husband...I don't think we are quite grownups yet.

F O U R
Remember this post from last year? These Rollo Christmas Candies would make the perfect little gift to pass out this Christmas. Check out the full post and "recipe" here. It is hard to even call it a recipe because it is so easy (and so delicious)! I am thinking of doing something similar this year but maybe with my mama's peanut butter balls! I will not be making near as many as I did last year though, 360 rollos? Yeah, that was a lot of candy.

F I V E
As I have mentioned before, I am meeting two of my best friends in London after Christmas! I have never been before so naturally I  am SO excited. I can't wait to explore this city I have been dying to see and to do it with my best friends! This week we booked tickets to see Wicked (ahh!!) and to take the Warner Brother Harry Potter Tour- we each are huge Harry fans:)

So we are down and plan to do all things touristy. After our four nights in London we are then headed to Paris! Do you have any suggestions for London or Paris?? Where should we eat? What do we have to see? We need any and all suggestions!

Thanks for stopping by, friends! I hope each of you has a fun and relaxing weekend!!

Linking up with Oh Hey Friday, Meet at the Barre, Five on Friday, Lauren and Jennie.

A Weekend Trip / Krakow, Poland

Weekend trips are probably one of my favorite things. Sure it makes for quite a bit of travel time in only two days...but the ability to enjoy a new place and get away for a bit is so worth it!

This weekend Robert and I made the 4 hour journey to Krakow, Poland. We were so excited to travel during Christmas time to such a festive place. As soon as we arrived, we knew it was one incredible city. It was beautiful and bustling with Christmas cheer around every corner!

We arrived around lunchtime on Saturday and spent the day walking around the markets and freezing our tushes off. But there was so much to see and do, we didn't mind one bit!

 

This was one of those days, that I think I will always remember. I have talked about this before, but there are certain days where each moment is so sweet, that you can't help but to be completely filled with gratefulness. Moments that you think to yourself...I will remember this forever.

There were so many sweet times like this on Saturday. An afternoon spent in a beautiful church filled with the majestic sound of a foreign choir, a dinner filled with the sweetest conversation over spaghetti and wine and the laugh so hard your stomach hurts laughs while ice skating under the moonlight....these are times with my husband that I pray I never forget.

 Let me tell you, this hunk has got MOVES!

Sunday morning we left bright and early to make our way to a highly anticipated tour. This day, we visited Auschwitz Concentration camp. We made our way about an hour out of town and then, for next three hours, we toured, walked and were filled with an abundant amount of information. It was an intense, humbling heart breaking and an incredibly educational experience.

After out tour we were able explore back in Krakow and enjoy a light-hearted evening before we headed home.

 cinnamon-sugar warm and gooey goodness....so glad we were reunited.

Krakow, you are so beautiful and so festive. Thank you for the sweetest time!

 Linking up with B Loved Boston ,Carly, Bella and  Join the Gossip.