*Recipe* Eggnog Shots

More eggnog recipes you say?  Well maybe they will never end!  I have been making these shots for years now but have never shared.  Whenever I do make them, they are a massive hit, and are even requested for get togethers.  If you like eggnog at all, give these a try.  Since they are made with vanilla pudding I find that the eggnog taste is muted a bit, but the booze is not.  Enjoy, and be careful, these will hit you when you least expect it!

Ingredients (makes 12-14 large shots)

• 3/4 cup cold eggnog 
• 1 box vanilla instant pudding
• 1/2 cup cream based liqueur (I used Rum Chata)
• 1/4 cup spiced run
• 1 (8oz tub) Cool Whip, thawed
• sprinkle of nutmeg for each shot

Directions

• Using an electric mixer, combine cold Eggnog with instant pudding mix and slowly add both alcohols until fully mixed with no lumps. (About 2 minutes)

• Fold (do not over mix) Cool Whip in until everything is smooth and mixed together.  

• sprinkle each shot with a pinch of nutmeg. 
• Refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.  (Freezing will have a soft serve texture, fridge a pudding texture).

*note*  I used solo cup shot glasses but you could make these look really fancy and Christmasy! 

*Recipe* Eggnog Truffles

Is there anything that says Christmas more than Rum and Eggnog?  At least at my Christmas!  I wanted something different to make for our Christmas party this weekend and to send to work with Josh and these sounded perfect.  I'm not going to lie, Ive never made any sort of truffles before, and I didn't know that they are slightly time consuming and annoying to make.  I actually only put the candy coating on about 1/4 of them and you know what?  They are just as good and less rich and I didn't want to throw them through the window anymore! They really are delicious, and a great addition to your dessert platter so give them a try!

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup eggnog
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tsp rum flavoring
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup marshmallow cream
• 3 cups white chocolate chips
• 2 - 16 oz pkgs vanilla candy coating
• 1 Tbsp nutmeg for garnish

Directions

• In a large pot, bring sugar, eggnog and butter to a boil for two minutes (rolling boil). remove from heat and mix in run flavoring and 1 tsp Nutmeg.

• Pour mixture into mixing bowl (or use an immersion blender).  Add in marshmallow cream and white chocolate morsels.  Blend until completely melted and mixed.  Pour into baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in fridge for 1-2 hours.

• When set, remove by lifting out parchment paper and lay on cutting board.  Cut into bite sized pieces and roll into balls.  when all are rolled, place back in freezer on cookie sheet for about 1 hour.  

• Melt vanilla candy coating according to package directions in  glass bowl.  Using a toothpick, dip each truffle into melted chocolate, tapping off excess.  Set onto parchment lined cookie sheet.

• Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg.  Allow to set for about half an hour in the fridge and enjoy! 

Fab Friday Faves 11.24.17

Hey everyone!  I hope everyone in the US had a very happy Thanksgiving yesterday, I know that I ate way too much and still feel full.  I did the whole shebang and we had our friend Terry over to enjoy it with us.  In Josh's line of work, everyone that travels are usually hundreds of miles from their family and, save for a few of us couples, most of the guys are alone, so we like to have group holidays as often as possible.  Josh has to work today and tomorrow so I'm headed out for some Black Friday shopping (where we live it is mostly just for the ghetto entertainment value) and Shop Small Saturday tomorrow.  Have an awesome rest of the weekend with your family and friends, and Canada, stay warm!

When I was in Florida last week I went to Dogtoberfest in Dunedin.  This was a huge event with 50 dog rescues and some really cool events for both people and dogs.  One of the premier events was the Running of the Wieners, which is exactly why is sounds like, a whole bunch of wiener dogs racing.  It was pretty much the cutest thing ever, and I met some amazing rescue dogs.  they adopted out over 150 dogs that day too.  Btw, the top left photo is a skunk! 

While I was at the house I of course had to go check out the sunset one evening.  When I got to my favorite sunset spot there was not only a gorgeous rainbow, but a really pretty double rainbow.  

The National Harbor Christmas Tree (in DC) is up and lit, so josh and I went in for a delicious dinner to Rosa Mexicano and checked out the tree.  

Obviously, yesterday was Thanksgiving and I made the whole big meal.  Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green Bean Casserole, peas, cranberry sauce, crescent rolls and pumpkin pie.  It turned out really well and the guys wouldn't stop raving!

 La Croix came out with a Key Lime sparkling water, and we all know I love Key Lime.  It is so good!


Today I'm linking up with:

/ Style Elixir / A Little Bit of Everything / Bright On A Budget / Sincerely, Paula / Simply Sweet Home / 

Fab Friday Faves 11.10.17

Greeting friends and happy Friday from sunny Florida!  I spent a couple days with my friends Lindsey and Dave at their timeshare just outside of Disney World and of course a day at the Magic Kingdom with them and the kids.  It was so much fun!  On the weekend, Josh and I went for a couple drives to check out some of our favorite areas of Maryland and Virginia and now I am at our house in Florida, and headed out to a couple different holiday markets and events today and this weekend.  Everyone have an awesome weekend and come back soon to check out my full Disney blog!




On wednesday, I spent 8am to 10pm at Disney World with my friends Dave and Lindsey and their three kids.  We had such a great day checking out the Magic Kingdom, going on rides, eating food (especially my Dole whip Float) and meeting Disney characters of course.  Stay tuned for a full blog on this awesome day!

On Sunday, Josh and I went for a drive to Fredricksburg, VA, a adorable historic town near Shenandoah.  We walked around and checked out some antique stores had a delicious brunch and just enjoyed the foliage.



On Saturday I was craving good Bar-B-Que so we drove about an hour away in Hollywood, MD and went to one of my favorite places ever, Mission BBQ.  I pretty much ate all the meats and enjoyed every bite.  This place is delicious!

When I got to the house here in Florida, my Plumeria were blooming!  These are my favorite tropical flowers and we have a huge tree in our backyard.  I either missed them last year or they didn't bloom and I was so happy to see them this year.

I got a facial from my girl Francesca at Natural Balance in Palm Harbor.  It was all Eminence products, which I love and my skin looks and feels amazing!

Today I'm linking up with:

/ Style Elixir / A Little Bit of Everything / Sincerely, Paula / Simply Sweet Home / Bright On A Budget / Carolina Charm / 

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Fab Friday Faves 11.3.17

Good morning all!  I hope everyone had a fun Halloween, and just an awesome week in general while enjoying all that halloween candy.   On Saturday, we took a quick drive out to Colonial beach to check out some foliage and have lunch, and explore that area little more.  It has been a very quiet week in general for me, with quite a storm on Sunday into Monday, and really only Halloween to break up the week. Today, Nicole and I are going to Subway for National Sandwich Day, they do buy one get one subs.  It is my yearly trip to Subway haha.  I'm not sure what Josh and I are up to this weekend but hopefully we can find some thing to enjoy the gorgeous weather all weekend!  Everyone else enjoy it to, and see you next week! 

Smudge dressed up as a pirate for Halloween, and Nicole and Jackson came down to get a picture with her and my pumpkins.  We had fun trying to get pictures of both (never work with babies and animals, right?) and had a nice little visit.  I also tried out my Target "Cheers, Witches" wine glass.  

I won two contests this week.  One for some Snackwells cookies, which I got in the mail yesterday, and for some Rescue Sleep Vitamins, which I am super excited to try!

Old Navy's graphic tee game is on point lately!  I got this super cute "Queen of Naps, Weekends, Prosecco & Brunch one, a couple weeks ago, and this cute Halloween "This is my costume" cat one for Halloween.  And with recent sales, I got them for $7 each!

We got this Hamilton Beach Party Popper as our choice from Josh's company, for his 10 year anniversary present.  I love popcorn, and have been complaining for years that my $5 popper we found at a discount store, needed to be upgraded, so I am really happy with this!  It makes an insane amount of popcorn and it is perfectly popped!

I received this Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse in my last FabFitFun box, and I really didn't think much of it at first, but I love it!  It is one step, doesn't wear my hair down and gets it clean and is PH balanced so it won't wreck my blonde.  I will definitely consider being more once this bottle runs out.


Today I'm linking up with:

/ Smidge of This / Simply Sweet Home / Bright On A Budget / Style Elixir / Sincerely, Paula / A Little Bit of Everything / 



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*Recipe* Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

 I'd never really heard of a "Whoopie Pie" until I first went to Maine to visit Josh's family.  I suppose I had them growing up, or a version of them, but I'm pretty sure that Grandma called them "Homemade  Oreos."  Regardless, since first having one in Maine, where they are pretty much their own food group, we have come across them every now and them in various places.  Our local Amish market here sells a few different kinds of them... regular chocolate, chocolate chip, and in the fall, Pumpkin.  After Josh's Aunt posted a recipe on Facebook for the pumpkin version, I decided to give making them, a shot.  I knew they would go over famously with Josh, and the Mainers that he works with, and they did!  These are a great, comforting fall recipe, and surprisingly simple!



Ingredients

For Cookies

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/2 tsp cloves
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup canned pumpkin

For Filling

• 3 cups powdered confectioners (icing) sugar
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp vanilla
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

For Cookies

• Preheat oven to 350F and grease 2 cookie sheets or cover with Parchment paper
• In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves.  Set aside.
• Using a mixer, combine brown sugar and oil.  mix until smooth.  Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each egg.  Add vanilla and pumpkin until combined.  
• Gradually mix in flour mixture, and continue mixing for about 1 minute.  
• Drop by heaping tablespoons on prepared baking sheets. 
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, until they spring back when poked.  Allow to cool for a minute on the pan and then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.  

For Filling 

• In a bowl, combine with a mixer, the powdered sugar and butter on slow speed (or you will have a mess). Increase slowly until it is combined but crumbly.  
• Our in the Hal and Half and vanilla and beat on high until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. 
• Place half the cookies upside down, top with a generous amount of filling and put a second cookie on top.  

Makes about 16 cookies.  Store with wax paper between layer as they are very moist and will stick together. 

Fab Friday Faves 10.27.17

Happy Friday everyone and a very Happy Birthday to the world's greatest Stepdad, Jim! Last week was really quiet, and I could not come up with five favorites, so here we are this week.  Josh and I enjoyed a gorgeous, very un-fall like weekend, by going to the last day of the Maryland Renaissance festival and to the U.S Oyster Shucking competition and Maryland Oyster Festival.  This week I spent most of my time out and about enjoying the real fall weather and getting into the Fall and Halloween Spirit.  Everyone have a great Halloween weekend and stay safe!



Josh and I attended the second last day of the Maryland renaissance Festival.  The Festival runs two months, every year and is pretty amazing.  The whole huge festival area is done up as a Renaissance town and is permanently there.  There was tons of food and drink, plays, live music, street performers, shops with all kinds of items to purchase, falconry, a jousting show, a petting zoo and many other things to keep everyone entertained.  There were some amazing costumes, so the next one we go to we are definitely dressing up!



On Wednesday I went for a drive to check out some of my favorite places for fall foliage.  On my way to Chapel Point, I noticed a sign that I didn't remember so I pulled in and it was a brand new county park!  They were actually just getting some final work done on it while I was there but I went on a walk to check out some off the trails.  There is an eagle nest observation area, a butterfly garden and about 3 miles of trails that go along the river and through the woods.  There is an open house with a guided walk tomorrow if anyone seeing this is interested!



On Sunday we went to Leonardtown, to the St. Mary's County Fairgrounds to the Maryland Oyster Festival and U'S Oyster Shucking Competition.  We tried some delicious oysters and checked out a ton of local craft vendors.  they also had live music and tons to do for the whole family.



My October Expack arrived last week and I think it was the best one yet.  I got Ketchup chips (it's no secret they are my favorite), Cheezies, Some Tim Hortons coffee, butter tarts and a Crunchie Bar.  Yum!



I got some new boots from Kohls the other day.  I have been looking for some wine/burgundy boots for quite a while, and these ones were super comfy and the perfect color.  Not to mention, thanks to a sale, a Kohl's 20% off coupon and Nicole letting me use her $5 Kohl's Cash they were about 60% off!


Today I'm linking up with:

/ Bright On A Budget / Smidge of This / Simply Sweet Home /  Style Elixir / Sincerely, Paula / A Little Bit of Everything /

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Fab Friday Faves 10.13.17

Happy Friday Y'all!  And Happy Friday the 13th??  Is that a thing?  I know it's silly, but I still get a little freaked out on this day.  Josh has been gone this week to Pittsburgh for training, so Smudge and I have been hanging out having girl time, and I've hung out with Jules and Nicole and Jackson to get some human interaction.  I'm planning on going out to Purse State Park this morning to look for some shark teeth, hopefully I don't run into the Goatman.  The leaves have finally started to turn here, and Wednesday the temperature dropped below 80, thank goodness.  Bring on Fall!  Have a great weekend everyone!

I got this months FabFitFun box a few days ago and it is so amazing!  This is one box that I totally recommend if you can swing it.  Click here to sign up and get a discount!

Another, more low key box that I got was the #sendjoy box.  This was a group of 100 girl that made up cute little fall boxes to send to another random woman to make them smile.  I am in love with mine.

I went out for two Mexican lunches this week, one at Rosa Mexicano in National Harbor with Jules and to Cafe Rio here in Waldorf with Nicole and Jackson.  Both meals were delicious!  Rosa Mexicano is probably my favorite Mexican restaurant, plus their Sangria is delish.

Somehow I forgot to include this in last weeks 5, but I got my DNA results back from Ancestry.com! As you can see, I am quite a mix, and I was a little surprised by the results.  If you want to get a DNA test check out Ancestry.com.

On Saturday Josh and I went to downtown La Plata to Rocktoberfest.  There were a ton of really awesome bands and great food.  We had no idea that it would be so awesome, I totally recommend checking it out next year.

Today I'm linking up with:

/ Smidge of This / Bright On A Budget / Style Elixir / Sincerely, Paula / A Little Bit of Everything / Simply Sweet Home / 

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