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...

Amy | Libby | Hannah

Karli | Sierra & Faith | Tiffany | DeNae

Bailey | Erica | Penny | Sydney 

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

{aka, super speedy payday}

but you can also win a darling 5x7 print:

via

AND as if that's not already enough... there's more.

Size 6-12 month Hello Moccs.

Best giveaway ever?

I think so.

It might just be your best Christmas yet.

Get entered in this awesome giveaway now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

Currently...

A little look in between the lines...

Anticipating...
My trip to London and Paris with my best friends! I cannot wait to see their faces and explore these cities, I am so ready.

This is from Rob and my trip to Paris last Christmas. It will be so great to go back again and have a little better grasp on the city. But London I have never been to, and I am most excited to visit her!!

Learning...
To be patient. We are in a season of uncertainty right now, not knowing what the future will hold. {aren't we all?!} But God is teaching me to be patient and enjoy the now.

Enjoying...
My workouts. Since, I do not have a job here in Poland, I have to be intentional about being productive each day. And a morning workout is the perfect way for me to start my day and to do so. I never thought I would say I enjoy working out?? But, I continue to learn my days are much better when I get a little healthy "me time" in.

Liking...
My husband's beard. Ha! I won't say loving it because it is a little untamed right now. But goodness, this man of mine can grow a dang good beard! And look real good doing it ;)

Wondering...
What the future will hold?? As I said, we are in a season of waiting right now. We have no idea what next year will hold- continue to live overseas, move back to the states?? We have no idea! Dare I say, it is exciting.

Listening to...
Polish boys being obnoxious. I am writing this on a Sunday morning at 11 am and these guys have just returned home from their night out. They are sitting in their car, singing a Polish tune at the top of their lungs and it is pretty hilarious. They sure know how to party hard...

Watching...
Criminal Minds. If you like criminal shows, something a little intense...this one is so good. There are 10 seasons so it has been out for a while but somehow I am just now stumbling upon it!

Wearing...
My pajamas! Usually my mornings consist of workout clothes while at the gym and then once I arrive home, I hop into my lounge wear. Since we are just hanging around the house most days, we go straight for comfort! I think these from my Christmas wish list might have to be added ASAP...

Reading...
Unbroken. I just started, so I will keep you updated.

Smelling...
The eggs I just burnt...

Wishing...
For a White Chirstmas! Don't think it will happen but one can hope!

Wanting...
An eye-fi sim card for my camera. Basically, a sim card that works off of wifi to upload pictures from your camera to your phone, computer, etc. How cool is that?!

Thanking...
God, for a wonderful year spent with my husband and all those we love. It was such a sweet year and I pray that next year is even sweeter.

Just a few of the ones that we love oh so much.

Waiting...
For Christmas! This will be our third Christmas celebrating together, just us. But the past two years, we have been traveling on Christmas Eve and Day. This year, Roberto does not have enough time off, so instead of traveling we are enjoying our Christmas at home just the two of us. We are both sad we cannot travel but also excited for this special time together! A time to make sweet, sweet memories.

Celebrating...
Jesus' birth! So grateful Our Savior came into the world as a little babe. There is so much to celebrate and be thankful for!

What are you currently up to??

Linking up with Annie, Natalie and Joey