Secret Santa and a Recipe

I know. I have been missing for a couple of weeks, but rest assured, all is well. Remember that feature I told you about? I had several orders that had to be taken care of before Christmas on top of my regular orders I received. But, I am back! Now it's time to play catch up.

Today is a mini catch up. Remember the Secret Santa exchange on Kori's blog? I got my presents yesterday! Hooray! All the way from British Columbia. I received a Nora Roberts' book. Yippee! I don't know how my fabulous Santa knew I liked Nora Roberts. The plus side to this is I haven't bought myself a new non jewelry book since K was born. I'm always buying her one instead. I'm a person who treats books like chocolate. I gobble them right up. I also got some lovely smelling soy candles, and they're sparkly! And a bar of natural soap. Thank you so much to Michelle. I really appreciate and love everything.

By now, you know I don't cook, but every once and a while, I get the urge to make something. It's usually some kind of snack. What can I say?! My mouth is full of sweet tooths or is it teeth? Anyway. I've been having this urge to try something. Now I'm sure I'm not the first one to make these, but I bet this is one of the easiest recipes. I'm all about that easy button when I have a 9yr old hovering. Here is my really quick and easy recipe for.......

Peppermint and Chocolate Candy Cookies


(See how pretty they look?)

1.Buy a bag of chocolate chip cookie mix. The one where you just have to add butter and water. Follow directions to mix.

2.Take one candy cane or more depending on how much peppermint you want. Smash them up. This is the fun part, but make sure it's in little pieces.

3.Mix the mushed up candy cane pieces into the chocolate chip cookie mix.

4.Spoon onto the baking sheet and follow directions for baking.

Wa la! Yummy pretty cookies! My kid when I told her my idea was like Ewww, but she loves them now.

Come back tomorrow for my decoration catch up! I want someone to see it as I've been running like a mad woman trying to get a little decorated for Christmas cause I would've been sad without some decorations.

Bloggy Goodness for the Upcoming Holidays

Is it really Monday again? And so we begin again the constant circle of days and events. It is rather chilly here this morning even for October. I refuse to turn on the heat though. Maybe next month.

On to my bloggy goodness for the holidays. Did you say it's a little early for Christmas? Technically, I think there is right around 65 days until Christmas. It's the holiday you know is coming yet always sneeks up on you. So, I have two bloggy holiday events to tell you about in case you may want to participate.

In fact, you may have seen the buttons on my sidebar. (You know. The one you're supposed to be checking everyday :) They are both holiday related swaps and sponsored by two different blogs.

The first is the Ornament Exchange sponsored by Pampering Beki. I love this one. I think it's such an interesting idea. The swap is with Ornaments. You can either buy one or handmake one. Doesn't matter, and they don't have to be two expensive either-$10. I love ornaments so this is perfect for me. It reminds me of when I was a kid. My mom would get me a new ornament every year. So, head on over and sign up to join. It's really easy because there is a Mr. Linky. Hurry though, because signups end October 25th.

My second bloggy goodness to tell you about is Kori's Secret Santa Shindig. I actually found this one the day of the blogathon. It's been awhile since I've done a gift swap, and I really do love them. Seriously, who doesn't love to get a gift?! This is fun because it can be anything. She will send you a list of likes and dislikes even allergies and you can go from there. I think this one will be fun for me because it will definitely be a surprise. I can't peek. Plus, it will probably be the only present I get I will like. Am I really that hard to shop for?! Signups don't end until next week so you have a little bit of time. Just when you head over there make sure you let her know I(aimee/jewelstreet) sent you.

These swaps are a great way to meet your blogging buddies and make new ones. I know a lot of you out there are some crafty individuals so you could make something for presents. Don't lie. I've seen the craftiness. Click on each of the pics if you want a quick straight to the swap. Well, I'm off for today. Lots of new things to make and a house to clean. Oh, Monday... Why must you come every week?!