Reflection on 2010

I want to take a moment to reflect on 2010 and the memories that have made it one crazy, tearful, yet amazing year!

In 2010, My husband and I celebrated 2 years of marriage.
In 2010, I turned 28. Not very exciting but a memory none the less.
In 2010, I found out I was blessed with the most amazing gift from God, a little girl. This wasn't on my planner or really even a thought for the near future. BUT... It has been the best thing to happen this year! I love just watching her and I live for the moments when she smiles when she sees my face. Ella is all awesomness! (I'm tearing up a little now)
In 2010, my relationship with my sister changed. This is something I haven't really dealt with I guess for selfish reasons - so much going on in my life. She is on the wrong path and no road sign can lead her in the right direction. I'm not the type to sit back and watch a train wreck just happen. I have to voice my opinion even though at times it does not come off in the form of sparkles, rainbows and butterflies. I'm okay with not being the "cool" sister if one piece of my advice gets heard. Although, on the other hand I hate this. I love her so much and just want to laugh and cut up like we used to. I hate it even more that she is not a big part of Ella's life. This is definitely something that has come as a big surprise to me. I figured a baby might change things. I feel like things will get better though, I know she is a very strong willed person and will eventually figure her life out.
In 2010 I got a new car. Needed something bigger to carry the little one around in:)
In 2010 I lost my job. This was probably right up there with the most shocking of the year. There isn't much to say about this besides I do regret not saying goodbye to all of my co-workers.  I had built relationships with the people I had worked with and it was sad to go. I just had to move on and I wish them much success.
In 2010 I started making more crafts and expressing my creative side in ways I had never been able to before.
In 2010 I started Pookie Posh, my official  Etsy store for my cute handmade items:)
In 2010 I starting designing baby shower invites and learned Adobe CS4 - Im not a school trained designer however I know my way around the programs now.
In 2010 I got to stay home with Ella longer than expected:)
In 2010 my Dad was in a very bad motorcycle accident. He broke almost every bone in his body. He was wearing a helmet so he was lucky not to have endured any head injuries. He is very lucky to be alive today. Life can be gone in an instant and when something bad like this happens it makes you stop and count your blessings. I would not have been able to visit my dad on a regular basis if I had not lost my job. Family is priority above all things. I hate that this has happened to my dad but can see the positive effects that it has had on my family. Everyone around my dad has been there since day one. He has not spent a day or a night alone. The amazing support my family has showed makes me very proud.
In 2010 I got a new job!!! Different than what I have been doing in the past but all around a better position and organization for me. I am very proud and excited for the new challenges!
In 2010 a handful of my close friends became pregnant or had a baby. It is definitely the year for girls!!! I am very excited about the memories our little ones will make together.
In 2010 we survived the great Nashville flood.
In 2010 I was able to help out others effected by the floods
In 2010 my mom became a grandmother, she now calls herself YaYa :)
In 2010 my mother in law became a grandmother, she now calls herself Oma:)
In 2010 my dad became a grandfather, he calls himself Papaw.
In 2010 my father in law became a grandfather, he calls himself Papa Steve.

Gosh, Im sure Im missing some of the highs and lows of 2010 but all around it was a great year.  I had a lot of self reflection this year and learned a lot about my self. God dealt me a rough hand at times but I always stayed in the game. I am very lucky to have an amazing husband, healthy daughter, supportive family and wonderful in-laws. Life has been good in 2010 and I know 2011 will be even better!!!!

Merry Christmas Yall

Christmas Games and Get Togethers

We are having friends over for a little holiday cheer this Friday. We wanted to do a little get together to celebrate the season and each other. We are planning a potluck dinner where everyone brings a side or dessert and we are providing the main course.
I was thinking of playing a game or activity that would bring out the competitive side in our guests (everyone loves a challenge, right?), but I didn't want it to be something everyone would be like, "oh great a game."
Does anyone have any suggestions on a good adult group game?
I would love to hear your suggestions!

All the best,
ChitChatChic
Jesse

If you knew you were dying, what would you do?

Most of you already know Elizabeth Edwards recently lost her long time battle with cancer. I keep thinking about her three children and how their lives will ultimately be changed forever. I am certain before her passing she talked to her children about living without her. Before she died she began writing a letter on life, death, marriage, the future and how to's (to name a few). I think this was a beautiful thing to leave to her children not only as a keep sake but as a constant reminder of the person she wanted them to be.

What would you say to your loved ones, family and friends if you knew tomorrow would be your last. Would you go crazy, would you spend all of your savings, oh the possibilities. I love the idea of a letter, something to express everything you are thinking at a time when your honesty and truth will flow.

I would love to hear what you would do to commemorate your life for the future.


Happy Friday,
All the best,
ChitChatChic
Jesse

Spay Away

A Spray Painting Tent is a must have for anyone with an eye for trashy treasures. I recently came across this amazing contraption on the Crafty Nest website. I was reading and thinking "...I need this, oh I need this." What a great idea, huh!

I have a garage, but this is close quarters for spray painting activities and I hate it when I take my latest find outside and get it on the grass or driveway.

So, my next questions is, does anyone have one of these plastic wardrobes they are not using?

All the best,
ChitChatChic
Jesse

Sugary and Sweet give me something good to eat!

Have you ever heard of a day to celebrate sugar and calories?  The National Cookie Day is December 4th!
Bake away with no regrets and make sure to share some of your homemade goodness with neighbors, friends and family. This is the perfect opportunity to have friends over for milk and cookies and swap recipes.
This is making me want a cookie right now:)

I want to share my favorite cookie recipe I found online.

And here I present to you, David Lebovitz's recipe, the winningest cookie in the world (or at least my kitchen):


Step One ingredients:

•2 1/2 cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
•3/4 teaspoon baking soda

•1/8 teaspoon salt

•1 cup (8 ounces/225 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature

•1 cup (215 g) packed light brown sugar

•3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar

•1 teaspoon vanilla extract

•2 large eggs, at room temperature

•2 cups (about 225 g) nuts, toasted and chopped

•14 ounces (400 g) bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

•Sea salt for sprinkling on top (what??)


Step Two Secrets Revealed

The key secret in making amazing chocolate chip cookies seems to be in how long you let the dough sit before baking.
Leaving the dough in the fridge for 24-36 hours allows the ingredients to fully soak up the liquid, and result in a firmer dough which bakes to a better consistency.
Another hint is to rotate the cookie sheet mid-way through baking. This allows your cookies to bake evenly, regardless of where the hottest part of your oven is.
Step Threee The Prep


First you want to toast you some nuts.
In a pre-heated 350oF (180C) oven bake:

•2 cups (about 225 g) nuts (I prefer pecans in this recipe)

for 10 mintues on an ungreased cookie sheet. Let cool. If you don't it will cause your chocolate pieces to get melty in the batter.
While those are baking, chop up:

•14 ounces (400 g) bittersweet chocolate

Step Four The Procedure
The primary step in most cookie recipes is to sift together the dry ingredients. So do that. In a bowl, sift or whisk (easier!) together:
* 2 1/2 cups (350 g) all-purpose flour

* 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

* 1/8 teaspoon salt
In a separate bowl (preferably with an electric mixer) beat together:

* 1 cup (8 ounces/225 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature

* 1 cup (215 g) packed light brown sugar

* 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
One at a time, add:
* 2 eggs --beating thoroughly after each addition until each is incorporated.
Slowly stir in flour mixture until fully incorporated.


Step Five The Hard Part


Don't eat the cookie dough!
Divide the dough into quarters. Roll each dough into a log about 9in (23cm) long and wrap in plastic.

Stick em in the fridge for the next 24 hours, and try to forget you knew anything about them.

Step Seven The Baking
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
Slice the logs into disks 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick and place the disks 3 inches (8 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheets. If the nuts or chips crumble out, push them back in.

Sprinkle the cookie slices with a small amount of sea salt.
Bake the cookies for 10 minutes, rotating the sheet midway through. If you prefer a chewier cookie, scale back the time a bit

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet until firm enough to transfer to a wire rack.
You are done . Enjoy!!!!

Happy National Cookie Day:)

New Giveaway at Pookie Posh

Enter to Win a free Christmas Hairbow at Pookie Posh!!!!

Yay for Christmas:)