NYE 2015 Stuff and Things

Oh, the last day of the year.  Where did the time go?

So last year, I chose two words for 2015. Persevere and Abide.  I never really followed up on the initial post where I proclaimed this, but I did think about the words.  Persevere, for instance, is what I say to kids who give me helpless shrugs.  Don't tell me you "can't". Persevere.  It's really just an educational way of saying Deal with it. I think, if it's said in the right context, it can also mean Bye Felicia. In the nicest way possible.

So anyway, I did persevere this past year.  I dealt with deployment, NTC, and all the complications that go along with life in general pretty well.  I think I can shelve perseverance for 2016. It's just kind of part of me now. In reality, it's been part of me since 2009 when this whole army thing began.

Moving on to Abide. This is kind of a different story. I'm not good at it, so it makes sense that I chose to work on it in 2015, but I don't think I actually worked on it that much.

The definitions for abide that I feel apply to me:

And you'll notice that a synonym for abide is none other than persevere, so maybe I did work on abiding. After all, it says nothing about patience in the definition of abide and patience was what I was attempting to work on. However, do I believe that I really accepted things as they are? No. I try to put my earthly hands into the cog of the machine as much as possible, in an attempt to control.  So abiding is something I might table for a future year.  Definitely not 2016.

So, words for 2016...any ideas?  I can't really come up with one and I don't even know that I want to, but Gretchen says it's a good idea to hold your focus...sometimes I don't know that I WANT a focus because too many focuses (let's face it, this is what happens) lead to too much much stuff happening and that equals stress and burn out.

Maybe balance. Or retreat. Because lately I've been thinking about going back to the roots of what makes me happy, not constantly trying to become someone I'm not. Or maybe amend or ameliorate.  That's what I'll do...pick a super obscure word like ameliorate.  I might have to think about this for a week...

Did you pick a word for 2016? Did you follow through on any words for 2015?

The Worst Books of 2015

Yesterday was the best books. Today is the the worst. Because I like looking at non-recommendations as much as I enjoy good recommendations. Fact: Sometimes I'll scroll through Goodreads reviews just looking for the 1-star ones.  They're always the most interesting.

My most-disliked books of 2015....

This screenshot from Audible has several books I dislike in it. Can't believe these are the "most wished for".

(Since I'm not going to rewrite reviews, I just took a screenshot of what I've already written.)

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. 

Yes, Please by Amy Poehler.

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer.

There were a few others I didn't finish, but these are the ones I was either: 1. Really looking forward to and they disappointed me or 2. Came highly recommended and disappointed me.

What was the worst book you struggled through this year?

Best Books of 2015

So, as I'm writing my blog posts for the week last night, I realize that there's only 3 days left in the year, counting today!

  If YOU have been wanting to try Rodan+Fields as a Preferred Customer OR if you'd just like to place an order, now is the time. A new year is the perfect time for brand-new skin and a fresh start!

Along the same lines, if you've thought about going into business for yourself in 2016, Rodan+Fields has the freedom you're looking for.
I will answer any questions you have in a more-than-honest way :)

So, for the next person who places an order, I have a free Lip Microdermabrasion with your name on it. It's perfect if you're a lip product lover.
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Onto books...

The Best of 2015....in 2015, I read over 70 books.  That was up from last year's goal. in 2014, I set a goal of 36 and read 52. This year, my goal had been 70. It's possible, obviously, for me to readreadread when I want to or when I have time to, but it stresses me out. I don't know why. It's probably my upholder tendency and the idea of "tightening" that does it. Therefore, for 2016, I'm not setting a number.  

Wait, that might be worse than not having an achieveable goal at all; I might try to beat my record and stress myself out even more.
I'm not sure how to go about this when I'm trying to find balance...thoughts?  Do you set reading goals? 

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These were my favorites and you can read more in this post.

The Sea of Tranquility-Quite possibly the most beautifully written book that I've come across.

One Plus One-My favorite Jojo Moyes book. Flawed characters and a great story.

Better Than Before-Self-help in figuring out why you do what you do.

The Girl on the Train-I really liked it. Nice and suspenseful. I recommend the audiobook...it was really well done.

Coming Clean-A fantastic memoir about growing up in a hoarder household. I still shudder at some of the details. 

The Storyteller-Terrific historical fiction. So many layers, even for a Picoult.

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What was the best book you read in 2015?

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Linking up with Jana and Steph!

Christmas Break part 1

It's really weird for me to say that perhaps we don't have a whole lot of Christmas traditions in our household.  Growing up, all I had were traditions and I miss that a lot.  However, I can make my case here by saying that no two Christmases have ever been the same in the 7 years Scott and I have been together.  This year and last year were probably the most similar.

The first year we were dating, we celebrated with my family and then his family in Pennsylvania. In 2009, he was in Afghanistan and I was in Alaska. In 2010, we were both in Alaska. In 2011, I was in Pennsylvania and he was in Afghanistan. In 2012, we both went to Pennsylvania. In 2013, we were stationed in Missouri and drove home to Pennsylvania.  Last year, we stayed here and used the time off to work on the house and just relax. This year, since Scott just took command two weeks ago, we opted not to leave. Just more time to work on the house and relax, which is kind of nice.

So that's why we don't have giant over-arching Christmas traditions that define us. And that's okay.  Because I have very unique memories of each year.  Which is how I can remember them all so well, in case you were wondering.  Also, I have a really good memory.

I have been trying to take a lot of pictures though, just to document what we've been up to.

Lots of walks and laying in the snow to cool off.

My map from last Christmas is finally framed and on the wall. 

These cookies.  You should make them. 

Some woe-is-me pouting when left behind from a hunting trip.

I do make this artichoke dip almost every Christmas.  Maybe that's a tradition. 

I helped Scott frame the basement for dry-wall.  

Our tree is our tradition. We've had it since 2010 when our then-neighbors gave it to us because they were moving. It's a pain to set up and string the lights on, but I don't think I'll ever get rid of it. 

These dogs love to open presents. 

I made a breakfast casserole. 

I suppose this is upside down, but the point is that I asked for socks...so I got socks.  Some of these are Scott's (for now).

Um, do everyone's dogs get this many toys? 

Grouting the backsplash (on Christmas day)

Notice that there is no paper-grading in the mix. Next week is going to be painful if I don't tackle this pile of stuff. 

Apricot Squares

Recipe challenge, recipe #52.

I'm making these cookies today.  They are a family cookie and were often made for Christmas at my grandma's house. The first time I attempted them I was 18 and they did not come out right. They were kind of crumbly.  Still tasted good though.  The next two times I made them, they were perfect. I'm hoping to have the same success today.

I mentioned making apricot cookies to my mom and she said to send her some. So I will if these turn out okay.  The downfall of having just Scott and I here is that any cookies stare at us until we eat them.  This is why I only made two kinds this year, instead of the 4 or 5 I usually do.  However, I mentioned to him that I was thinking of making cookies to mail to Pennsylvania (this is completely normal in our military lifestyle) and he asked what kind.  I said apricot squares thinking he'd need an explanation because the last time I made them was four years ago.  His response involved an expletive and a yes, pleasepleasemakethose.  Which means he remembers them I'm assuming.

So with this light, flaky crust and sweet filling, you might like them too.  I personally love apricot, but if you don't, you can use any jam or preserve you do love.

Let me know if you try them!

Apricot Squares.

Christmas Eve Stuff and Things

+I'm on a major purge this week. I'm just looking at stuff around me (stuff and things, if you will) and thinking That needs to go. I need to not be looking at that anymore.  I'm not even trying to be nice about it anymore. No one needs closets full of stuff they might/may/possibly need in 6 years. Every day, if I can throw away 10 random pieces of paper, it's a good day.  Scott is a saver, if you were wondering why a person such as myself has more than a few random pieces of paper lying around.

+Yesterday, I made sugar cookies and molasses snickerdoodles.  I also didn't leave the house.  Which means I'll be braving Safeway today.

+Someone gave me a bag of cherry cordial Hershey's Kisses last week.  I was eating one at school, just popping it in my mouth, when a very observant student came up to talk to me.  He paused as I made a face and said, "...yeah, that filling sneaks up on you doesn't it?" and he shuddered and said, "I'm still not sure how I feel about that flavor."  I nodded in agreement.

+We had pictures taken this week at Red Rock Canyon and they turned out well.  I should inundate you with all thirty-some (because I'm a blogger and I CAN) when I get them all.

That's a headband around my neck. Sometimes I'm not in the mood for a scarf but I worry that my ears will get cold because it's so windy here. I'll often put a headband around my neck just in case. So the headband stayed around my neck and I didn't even really think about it until after pictures were already being taken.  At least it matches. 

+If you're linking up today, thank you!  And to everyone who reads, have a very Merry Christmas!  I'm so grateful for all of you.

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Cheesesteak Calzone

Recipe challenge, recipe #51.

I've had this window open on my browser for days. I hate typing up recipes, almost as much as I hate writing them down.  It's so tedious. However, in the spirit of sharing...here's the next to last recipe for this year.

This is perfect New Year's food.

Or football food.

Or a late lunch on a Sunday and, hey, then you don't have to make dinner kind of food. I've discovered if I make lunch at 2pm, I don't have to make dinner.

I wanted to make it months ago and just got around to it recently.

Cheesesteak Calzone
serves 4-6, depending on how big your pizza crust is...the Pillsbury one isn't very big

1 pizza crust (either in the form of a ball of dough or from a Pillsbury can)
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (or several mini sweet peppers, thinly sliced)
1/2 an onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sliced portobello mushrooms
1/2 pound of thinly sliced steak
Slices of Swiss cheese
Mozzarella cheese (sliced, shredded, etc)

In a large pan, with a bit of oil, cook the steak until it's browned (about 10 minutes). Take it out and then put in the onions, peppers, and mushrooms and cook them about 15 minutes, until softened or golden-brown.
Lay out your pizza dough on a pizza stone or cookie sheet and roll it to the size you'd prefer.  If you get the Pillsbury one (and it's delicious), the work is already done for you.
Onto one side of the dough only, layer on the steak, vegetables, and top with slices of Swiss cheese.  I used about 6 and then I sprinkled shredded mozzarella and a bit of a cheddar blend over the top.
Fold over the other side and press with a fork to seal.  Poke a few holes in the top.
Bake at 375 degrees until the whole calzone is golden-brown, about 15-20 minutes.
Serve slices with warmed marinara sauce.


*This picture is not my best effort.  The sun was going down and I just took the picture on the cookie sheet.  I photograph food for blog purposes, yes. But I don't think I could ever really get excited about food photography. 

Confesiones

+Scott told me he wanted to buy a new Keurig so he could take the old one into his new office. I initially refused because the old Keurig had been with us for 4 years, through 3 states, 3 houses, and 3 deployments. It's like my friend.

+If America's Next Top Model was on Netflix, I would be in major trouble.  I've seen seasons 1-10 more than once.

+I just bought another planner. I love NEW planners more than I love planners themselves.  So I keep it well under $20 when I buy a new one (so many lovely options out there that aren't EC, PP, or EL and thereby don't cost $50), and that way I can get a new one in July and a new one in January.  Which I realize defeats the purpose of a planner. But maybe I'll like this one enough to keep on with it.

+Sometimes I feel awful for Jett.  Scott won't take him snowgoose hunting because he realized that Jett looks like a fox from the air and the snowgeese won't land. Scout has a little goose-colored disguise that he wears, but Scott said all the disguises in the world won't hide a red fox from a flock of snowgeese. So Scott won't take him and then I told Scott he was just being racist toward our ginger dog and poor little Jett can't help it.

If you are offended by pictures of dead birds, don't ever come to my house. They hang from the porch to "cure" all week after a hunt. I feel bad for the UPS guy. 

+Sometimes I think that we, as bloggers, should disclose when we *don't* use affiliate links. Like, put "No affiliate links" at the top of a post, so I don't have to hesitate before I click.  I often hover before I click. Isn't that awful? Especially with all those holiday gift guides.

+In the last two weeks I've watched more than I can count of those Christmas movies on the Hallmark Channel.  They are so bad. But so addictive.

Any confessions to share?

Crispy Gnocchi and Veggies

Recipe challenge, recipe #50.

I didn't plan on adding this one in as I rounded the homestretch of this recipe challenge.  But I made it for dinner last night and it was so easy and tasty that I thought you might like to know about it.
The picture is evidence that I made dinner around 6pm when it was dark out and not conducive to food-blogging, but gnocchi is gnocchi I suppose.

Along with pearl couscous, I usually try to have a package of gnocchi in the pantry because it makes for a quick dinner.  I stretch it with whatever veggies I have on hand, and sometimes top it with pesto or marinara.  This time, I kept it simple with grape tomatoes and sautéed zucchini and garlic.

I used my cast iron skillet (which I love) because it could go in the oven.

In the skillet, I heated some olive oil and put in a diced zucchini.  I added about 20 grape tomatoes, halved, and a clove of thinly sliced garlic (I slice my garlic instead of mincing it to give it a sweeter flavor) once the zucchini was crispy.

In a separate pot, I boiled some water and cooked the gnocchi for 2-3 minutes until it floated to the top.  I strained the water and then added the gnocchi to the cast iron skillet to let it brown up a bit.  I added another tablespoon of olive oil because gnocchi will stick.

After a few minutes, I tossed it all together really well and then added about 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella to the top.  Then I put it in the oven to broil for a few minutes.

And that's it.  Dinner.

Stuff and Things 12/17

+Homeland thoughts? Why must there be 56 minutes of nothingness and then 4 minutes of exciting twists at the end?

+The Leftovers thoughts?  It's so weird but is so well done.

+I stopped watching The Affair in October.  That's what was on t.v. when Scout had his accident.  I don't think I can watch it now.  (This sounds ridiculous, right?)  Plus, I hate Allison so much. And Noah is no prize so I'm not sure where it was going with the second half of season two and I don't really care. After you watch an episode of Homeland, you can't really follow it with an episode of The Affair. It's too trivial.

+Tomorrow is Pajama Day at school.  I wrote out my thoughts on pajama day a few years back.  I think I'm going to be the only one not in pajamas.

+I will say, in my defense, that I have a tough class this year and they are hard to manage even
when I wear teacher-clothes. I don't even wear jeans on Fridays because it's like as soon as they see me in jeans, they assume they can do whatever they want.  There is no WAY I'm wearing pajamas or lounge clothes or slippers.  Most days I feel like I'm playing Survivor and my goal is to outwit and outlast them. I will win, ultimately, of course. It's just a long road to victory.

+A friend started using Redefine recently and is concerned about the cost. Cost was my #1 concern when I started using Rodan+Fields.

Comparisons like this always make me do a double-take. 

Unblemish is $2.57 a day

Soothe is $2.40 a day

Reverse is $2.69 a day.

+I came across this article on a Facebook page I follow and I couldn't agree more: I don't want a 6-pack.  I will tell you that the closer I've been to a 6-pack in my life, the worse I've felt about myself. I can't remember if I've talked about it here, but trying to earn and keep ripped abs is a lonely path and I'm glad I'm not on it anymore. 

On that cheery note...

I took today off of work for an army function. It involves me picking up 15 dozen donuts plus gallons of coffee first thing this morning.  

Wish me luck.

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White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels (Last minute gift idea!)

Recipe challenge, recipe #49.

Um, hardly a recipe. But I made a bunch to share at work this week so...

Almond bark (white or chocolate, really)
Peppermint extract
Pretzels
Sprinkles

In a 4-quart crockpot, melt the almond bark on low. It takes about 30-45 minutes.  Whisk it really well with a fork. For some reason, almond bark gets thinner when you stir it more.

Add in the peppermint extract and stir once more.

Add in the pretzels. I put about 3/4 of a large tiny twists bag into the crockpot. I used a wide spatula to cover them in the white chocolate. Folding, tossing, etc. Just don't crush them.

Once the pretzels are mostly covered, spread them onto a cookie sheet or wax paper, close to a single layer.  Top with sprinkles immediately.  Let cool for a few hours.

The almond bark hardens into bark (obviously) and I just peeled it off the paper so it turned into more of a pretzel bark than chocolate covered pretzels.

One of my coworkers eats gluten-free, so I also made a batch of this Rocky Road Candy. Holy cow. It did not all make it to work with me.

On just being yourself

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I've read Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin twice now.  The second time, I took notes.  I always assumed that I was a Questioner when it came to which of the Four Tendencies my personality falls under.  I don't need external accountability (Obligers). I'm not a Rebel. I don't feel a constant sense of duty to follow arbitrary rules, like an Upholder.  Questioners need evidence in order to feel that something is worth their time. They need purpose. They don't feel the need to participate in things just because.  That's me. The reason I really assumed I was a Questioner was because I'm extremely skeptical by nature.  I never blindly follow or participate.  In fact, when Scott asks me about something or asks me to go somewhere, my first response is always no. I hate that about myself. I've changed over the last year or so to nodding in agreement and asking, "Do you think that's a good idea?", "Do you want to?", or "Why?".  This can be anything from going out to dinner with friends of his on a whim or staining the floor in the basement or building a new shed in the yard, etc.  You get the idea.

Then I realized that the reason I never blindly participate is because I'm afraid of my schedule falling apart. I don't want to participate in something I haven't put into my schedule in advance. That's classic Upholder behavior.

So, when I listened to Happier podcast episode about Upholders, I thought Crap, I'm an Upholder.  I didn't want to be, but I am.

Like an Upholder would do, I made a list of evidence:
I make lists just to cross things out and prove productivity. I hate wasted time. I set timers for things, especially at school.  I'm constantly pushing myself into internal expectations that no one could keep up with. And I drive myself nuts because the internal expectations I set for myself are at a higher bar than anything an outside party could request of me.

Scott had previously listened to one of those podcasts about the Four Tendencies with me and I came home, after I listened to the Upholder podcast, and said, "I'm an Upholder".  And he said, "I thought you might be."

Well.

I should add that Scott's comings and goings when it comes to the army throw my schedule off and it always takes me a week or so to get my bearings.  So I am definitely an Upholder.

I also realized this is kind of that license I need to just be me.  I like to go to bed early.  I like to meal-plan.  I like to stick to my own schedule.  I do not like it when things get off track or I am forced to be flexible.  I can do it (especially at school), but I don't prefer it.  But it was nice to say, "Hey Scott, this is why I act the way I do....don't blame me...Gretchen says you can't change your tendency."

I'm the one who puts an enormous amount of pressure on myself to complete and control all the things I have control over completing.  I totally didn't used to be this way. After lots of self-reflection, I've realized that because our life has been so unpredictable with the military, I cling to something, anything, I can control. And that's the little stuff.  Which is why I tend to get so bent out of shape when my plans are suddenly changed.

I try to accomplish stuff each weekend, to prove that it's not just idle time.  I have an enormous problem with sitting down to read a book or watch a show without multitasking, because it seems like a waste of potential getting-things-done time.

A potential problem with Upholders is that they tend to "tighten" the control they have when they realize they have the control.  For example, I read 52 books in 2014. I HAD TO READ MORE THAN THAT IN 2015. I read x number of books in June? I'll have to beat it in July. It's that push to be better. Better, literally, than before.

It happens at work too.  I have 3 weeks of lesson plans ready to go? I better make sure I have a fourth week ready. In fact, let's plan til the end of January. Just to feel prepared.  That's my inner dialogue.

Anyway.

So what am I going to do about this? I can't change who I am, but I can adjust some things.  I'm working on a post about that for the new year.

Take the quiz!  What tendency are you? Are you surprised?

Maybe this will be our Christmas card picture

                 Scott made me hold one of these dead snow geese "still" while he measured it. 

I made him take a picture.

I sent out regular Christmas cards this year.
Maybe because I've wasted entire hours of my life trying to get things looking the way I've wanted on sites like Shutterfly or Minted in Christmases past.  Maybe because Wal-Mart's website NEVER works when I try to make Christmas cards on it. Neither does Target's.

A big part of it is that I usually put together our Christmas cards over Thanksgiving break.  Scott wasn't actually scheduled to return from the training he was at until the first week of December. It was great to have him home a week and a half early but, in my mind, I'd already written off Christmas cards because I assumed he wouldn't be here for a picture.

I thought about doing New Year's cards.  I like the idea of sending something out in January, avoiding the mad rush of Christmas cards. And then I thought of the cards I had bought years ago, at Target, in the after-Christmas sale. They were so pretty and I never sent them because I was all, "Must make personalized Christmas card" for the last few years.

So this year, I sent them. Just like in the olden days.

I mean, I could've put me and the dead snow geese on some cardstock.
I thought it'd be a better use of time to just post it here.

While I do love Christmas, gift-giving, cookie-baking, decorating, reflecting on past Christmases, etc...I have trouble with the keeping up with the Jones aspect of the holiday. I mentioned that last year.

Peppermint Fudge

Recipe challenge, recipe #48.

It may be considered a cop-out of sorts to share recipes I've already posted, but this was years ago. Like, really, years.  And this deserves an entire blog unto itself, so two posts is the least I can do for this peppermint crack fudge.

I'm making a giant batch this weekend so I can gift it in cute little holiday bags. If you're not into cookies (though you should be), I recommend this fudge. You can add Candy Cane Oreos to the top too.  I did that one year. I don't buy Candy Cane Oreos anymore though because Target is the only place you can find them and I always eat them long before they can be crushed up and put onto the top of fudge.  If you're interested, I have a Peppermint Oreo Ice Cream Cake in the archives too.  I'm full of good ideas.

StitchFix Failed Me (S&T 12/10)

"I'd rather take a $20 hit on this Fix than buy something I don't love. It was just all an absolute miss. The paper thin, short dress for a December Fix is the most off-the-mark piece; I live in Colorado. I'm disappointed. Usually I can find at least one piece I love."

That was the feedback I gave to Stitchfix last week.  This is what happened back in January 2014 and that's why I stopped doing Stitchfix.  They started sending me stuff I didn't like.  It probably doesn't help that I've had a different stylist for the last four Fixes.

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Onto the things they sent me...I opened this box at 6pm, and mailed it back at 7am. That's why there's no actual pictures. I didn't like the stuff enough to even take pictures.  You can google the names if you want to see them in other peoples' reviews (I did).

+They sent me the Gilli Antoinette Printed Swing Skirt.  I liked the pattern (would've made a great cardigan), but it was flimsy and wasn't loose enough to tuck a shirt in at the top. It was $58 and kind of a weird knee-length. Meh.  No.

+They sent me the 41Hawthorn Sugar Dot Print Dress in black and white and it was priced at $74. I'm pretty sure I could find this at Rue21 for $16.99 and it was tissue-thin and kind of short.  The picture makes it look long...it wasn't. It's December in Colorado. Maybe if I lived in Florida.  Plus, I have a lot of black and white when it comes to dresses and I didn't pay more than $30 for any of those and they aren't made of tissue paper.

+They sent me Kut From The Kloth Ronnie Printed Slim Straight Leg Pant.  These were black with a burgundy hexagonal geometric pattern on them (think of the pattern on those Old Navy pixie pants) and were like super thick leggings, really.  I could see myself wearing them.  They fit well enough. But they had that pattern, which is a novelty, but I couldn't find anything in my closet to wear them with really. If they'd been a neutral, they would've been more practical. I can't pay $78 (!!!) for a pair of pants, even if the material was great, if I couldn't find anything to wear them with immediately.  I mean, I could put that $78 toward a purse a love, instead of pants I kind of like.

+Speaking of purses...they went from a bag I actually kind of adored (minus the huge size) last month to the worst possible purse in the world for Kristin.

This sketch makes it look nicer than it was. It reminded me of a leather-bound library book or something.

I hate everything about this. These kinds of straps give me a headache.  Especially when I see people carrying them over one shoulder. I like cross-body bags, but I already have two and I don't need/want another and why-does-Stitchfix-just-take-stabs-in-the-dark? They have my Pinterest page in my profile for goodness sakes. I don't update it super often but you can tell they don't even look at it. Because if they had, they'd have sent a blanket scarf by now because I've also requested one and...nothing.

+And then there was a blue flowy shirt that was boxy (per usual) and wasn't long enough to wear with leggings so I'm not sure what the point was. I didn't even try it on. I think it was also $58.

On the up side, this stylist must not send a $48 cardigan to everyone. If she had, I might've kept it because it would've proven to be the most useful item in the box.

Do you think I should try for one more month?

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Roasted Dill Potatoes

Recipe challenge, week recipe forty-seven.

I don't like mashed potatoes. I never have really. I like instant potatoes, but rarely see the need to eat them. I don't like them that much.

I asked Scott what he wanted me to do with this bag of redskin potatoes that I had and I said, "I could mash them" and he said he doesn't like mashed potatoes all that much.  That's fate.

So, for Thanksgiving, I made roasted potatoes. I love roasted potatoes and make them at least once a week.  I honestly make a meal out of them...sprinkled with ranch seasoning, or sweet potatoes with garlic salt, etc.

For these, I used fresh dill and, after roasting the potato cubes in salt, pepper, and olive oil, I tossed them with the dill.  They were very flavorful and tasted even better the next day.

I liked them so much that I made them again a few days later.  Had to get my $4 worth out of that container of dill.  I basically ate these 4 days in a row and I don't regret it.  This would be a perfect side dish for any holiday meal.

Roasted Dill Potatoes

2 pounds rinsed/cleaned redskin potatoes (or yukon gold...those are my favorite)
2 T. olive oil
Sea salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 T. chopped fresh dill


Pre-heat the oven to 475 degrees.  I use the "roast" setting, if you have that on your oven.

Cut the potatoes into about 1cm cubes.  The smaller you cut them, the more quickly they will roast.

Toss the potatoes onto a large cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle with a teaspoon or so of sea salt (less if using table salt) and a few grinds of the pepper mill.

Roast for 20-30 minutes.  Check at 20 minutes and stir them around if you'd like.  Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.

They're done when golden-brown and a little crispy.  Toss with fresh dill and serve immediately.

November Books

#67 It Was Me All Along by Andie Mitchell A-
I read this in about 36 hours. I really enjoyed it. It was a memoir by someone my age, growing up in the 90s, and struggling with weight. She'd ultimately become a food blogger, and I have seen her blog before.  It's nice to make that connection, though 29/30 is young to write a memoir. I can see why you'd want to tell your whole story though. It's something I've often gone back and forth on because everyone has a story.
Anyway, the beginning struck me as a bit prosey, and I'm not a prosey writer myself so I had trouble getting into the first chapter.  Then it was easy reading. I, personally, could definitely tell that it was written by a blogger. One of the reviews said it was like one big long blog post. Perhaps, but there's nothing wrong with that.
I never thought I'd be that person, but I really am noticing my preference for non-fiction in 2015.


#68 The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion C+ 
So I'm not the smartest because I picked up The Rosie Effect at the library and then realized it was, indeed, the sequel. So then I went home and downloaded The Rosie Project onto my iPad from my other library and read it.
The Rosie Project was okay. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. I liked Don's character.  There was some forced reading done in order to get it finished before my ebook loan was up.
I didn't love it enough to read the sequel, ironically enough.  Oh well.  Would make a cute movie.


#69 Life After Life by Kate Atkinson A
This was recommended by this blogger way long ago and it's been on my to-read list for the better part of 2 years.  I could never find it. I decided to just get it from Audible this month because a nice engrossing fiction story is always good for commuting.
It started off slowly for me, but Atkinson has a way with crafting her words, chapters, and storylines.  I really enjoyed it. I mean, it was a REALLY good story and I was always eager to see what would happen next.  If you like historical fiction, this is a good one.  It reminded me a a choose-your-own-adventure story because it kept starting over and ending and ending in a different place.  Very descriptive writing (but not prosey) and I really do recommend it if you like WWI/WWII history. Kind of remind me of parts of Downton.

#70 The Lake House by Kate Morton B-
This kept popping up as a recommendation on Audible and was just released this fall, so I tried it.
This book moved along slowly.  Very slowly.  There were over 10 different plot lines happening at once and, while I normally enjoy stories told from multiple POVs, it wasn't the time-period jumping or the narrator-jumping that bothered me.  THERE WAS TOO MUCH GOING ON.  I didn't care about Sadie. I didn't care about her past. I didn't care about Constance. I didn't care about her past. I didn't even care about Alice that much. I rather liked Eleanor.  The Anthony/Howard WWI storyline was as predictable as predictable gets. I JUST WANTED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THEO.  The ending was one big eyeroll for me.

#71 The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans A-
A student gave me a Richard Paul Evans book for Christmas years ago and I loved it.  I didn't want to like it but I did.  His books are just...good.  And I love a good Christmas read.  I read this one in an hour and enjoyed it very much.  If you're looking for a Christmasy book to spend an evening with, go for it. 

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Linking up with Jana and Steph!

Do you have a good Christmasy book to recommend?  
Though it will count as part of December's books, I just finished reading The House Without a Christmas Tree by Gail Rock.  I got it out of the book order last month and it's a super quick read, perfect for a 4th or 5th grader.  Written in 1974, it takes place in 1946 and it's just a nice little Christmas story.  I'm reading it to my class now and, while it wasn't initially something I thought they'd love, if I don't expose them to different types of books, WHO WILL?  I edit a few of the swear words out but they'll never know...unless they decide to read it themselves.  I love Christmas books.

Christmas Cookie Round-Up

Cookies are my favorite thing about Christmas.  Well, you know what I mean.  

They're in the top three.

Peppermint Fudge

Sugar Cookie Fudge

Oreo Peppermint Creams

Mint Oreo Truffles

Chocolate Peppermint Cake Pops

Cranberry Eggnog Cake Pops

Peanut Butter/Chocolate No-Bake Cookies

White Chocolate Mocha Cookies

Eggnog Snickerdoodles

Soft Sugar Cookies (perfect for decorating!) + Icing Tutorial

Hershey's Kiss Cookies

My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

Peppermint Brownies

Apricot Squares

Also worth mentioning...some holiday staples around here:

Beer Bread

Peppermint Hot Fudge (perfect to give away as a gift in mason jars)

Cookie Butter Pumpkin Bread

Eggnog Bread (Scott won't let me make this anymore. That's how good it is. Only make it to give away. You will eat it all otherwise.)

What's your favorite Christmas cookie?

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake

Recipe challenge, week recipe forty-six.

When I presented the idea for a Cookie Dough Ice Cream cake, I already had a vision of what it would look like.  Scott said something about adding peanut butter and I was like That doesn't match my vision.  But it was his birthday and all, so whatever.

This cake is a compromise.

I put peanut butter chips in the chocolate chip cookie base and I put them in the egg-free cookie dough topping.  I was going to go for hot fudge AND peanut butter drizzle on the top but neither Target or the commissary had the Reeses' topping, and there was no way I was going to Wal-Mart the day before Thanksgiving.  Wal-Mart on any day of the year is terrifying, let alone that one.

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Cake
makes a 13x9 pan

Chocolate chip cookies (enough to cover the bottom of the pan)
1.5 quarts (one big container) of cookie dough ice cream (or make your own!)
1 recipe of eggless cookie dough, frozen and chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 container Cool Whip
Hot fudge

In a 13x9 pan, line the bottom with chocolate chip cookies to form a crust.  I used ones that were still a bit warm from the oven so they smushed together nicely to cover the bottom.
Take your softened cookie dough ice cream and spread it over the "crust".  Put the pan in the freezer for half an hour to harden.  Drizzle about 1/4 cup of warm hot fudge over the ice cream layer and re-freeze for 15 minutes or so.  Spread softened Cool Whip on as the next layer.  Re-freeze for half an hour. Drizzle about a 1/2 cup of warm hot fudge over the top of the Cool Whip layer.  Decorate the top with pieces of eggless cookie dough.  Refreeze for at least half an hour before serving.
This can be made days in advance, and let it sit out on the counter to soften for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving.