on new traditions...

Tradition are such a fun part of this time of year. I love to think about all the different ways people celebrate the Holidays. It's so cool that our society (for the most part) accepts each others family traditions. For us, we ended up splitting the all American Christmas tradition with my own Hungarian family tradition to create something that is special and unique to us. I love it!

Growing up we celebrated Christmas on the twenty-fourth. For my family the Christmas tree was never put up until Christmas day since Jesus was the one that gifted us with a beautiful tree. It was always such an amazing feeling walking out from my room to our glorious tall bright tree in the living room with all our wrapped gifts underneath. I still remember those feelings!

Right now we still celebrate on the twenty-fourth but usually put our Christmas tree up along with everyone else. As a kid I always sort of envied all my friends that were able to help decorate and enjoy their tree all the way up until Christmas so I wanted to bring that into our tradition. I'm happy we did so because hanging ornaments with Sebastian is one of my favorite things!

I love to adapt and add new tradition every year. Big or small they just make this time of year even more cheery when you have neat things to look forward to. This year I decided to try baking homemade cinnamon rolls. I've always told myself that I want to make homemade cinnamon rolls more often but I never do so I made it my mission to bake fresh buns on Christmas morning and establish a new tradition to carry on every year!

These cinnamon rolls aren't just any cinnamon rolls, they are Cappie's Cinnamon Rolls from Sandra Claus…A South Pole Santa Adventure! Cappie herself made these gems for Sandra and all her friend (including elves!). They are the most gooey cinnamon rolls you'll ever eat and the cream cheese glaze is to die for.

Best part is the author of The Search for South Pole Santa series is gifting all of us with both books on Amazon TOMORROW! So, don't forget to skip on over to here & here and download both books to enjoy on Christmas Day. Thanks JingleBelle Jackson. If you would like to get your hands on this recipe well, buy book two the recipe is right inside at the end of the book!

What are some of our family traditions? Any new ones this year??

xoxo.

on a Christmas adventure...

Tis the season! Christmas time is one of the best times of the year. Just last year my favorite lady came out with her first Christmas adventure book called The Search for South Pole Santa. Now again, we had the pleasure of enjoying the second installment. Sandra Claus by JingleBelle Jackson is a continuation of the many adventures of Sandra who is now the South Pole Santa. She is figuring out just what it means to be Santa along with finding out how it's a lot more work than it ever looked. There are many new relationships created in this book and best of all you get to know more about what the South Pole might end up looking like! 

I loved this read and loved how it kicked of the Holiday season for me and made feelings of Christmas bubble inside of me. I'm a huge believer in Christmas and all the magic it comes with and this is not only a fun book with whimsical plot twists but it also teaches us to be your own person, be kind to others and yourself and to always look on the bright side of things. 

With all that being said I truly wholeheartedly deem these wonderfully merry books to be great for all ages. Children will be thrilled by the magical world that JingleBelle Jackson creates as well as all the secrets and mysteries that follow. And heck, so will all of us adults!! I know, I was flipping pages like nobodies business. This second book is by far the best and it's thicker than the first, which was something I was without a doubt overjoyed about!! 

I've made it my mission to share these books everyone I meet. I think that every household should have them on their book case or under the Christmas tree as gifts this year! Julee Cunningham, who is the brilliant mind behind this unique story is one of my beloved friends. A women who constantly inspires me to follow my heart and do what I love. She is always living what she preaches and it's an amazing feel to know a soul such as hers. Please bring some Christmas magic into your home this Holiday season and purchase these books! She's a wonderful PNW author we all should be proud to have. 



Before I go, I wanted to let you all in on a little secret of mine. Grammarly is this neat new tool that I've been using around here. I use Grammarly's grammar check because it silently corrects my grammar and makes me feel better about myself! If you know what I'm saying. For all of you who have a blog or write you must check it out. It's so great!
Oh Oh Oh!

on Seattle in photos...

Well, I'm back in Philadelphia after a nice week in Seattle. It was hard to come back, no offense to Philadelphia but Seattle will always be my home. It just feels right. The week was a busy one and I already shared the first half of it and I wanted to show off some photos I took of the second half. 

After my fun day with my girls, I spend the rest of the afternoon with my family. In the evening I had a little surprise for Bobby since it was his birthday. We heading downtown to the Hard Rock Cafe were we met some friends. Bobby knew I was taking him out but didn't know details. I was conspiring against him for a month and even got in contact with one of his friends, Matt who lives in Seattle. I was able to get him to come out and hang with us. We had some good food, great drinks and much needed conversation with some of my favorite people. It was a really great night. Not to forget that my guy got a little bit spoiled :)  

Sunday we had a fabulous BBQ at Julee's house with a really great bunch of people. I headed to Julee's early spend some time helping Julee and Glen prep for the day while Sebastian and my little sister Michelle kept each other company. Bobby went out with his friend Matt who took him up flying in his small plane. They even flew close to Julee's house! Julee and Glen live in such a nice house with such a beautiful view so it's always a treat to be there. I got to see a lot my favorite people and just have a relaxing day. Not to forget that my dad and step-mom come along which make me feel all warm and fuzzy. 

Even though our trip has over it's nice to know that in about six months we are heading back for good to start our next adventure. I think it was a much needed trip out to get excited for everything this is going to come our way once we move out to Seattle. Big hug and kiss to Julee and Glen who make this trip happen! 

xoxo.

on a girls date...

Leave it to my girls to take me out for a crazy eventful and fun filled day. I swear they always know how to show me a good time. Saturday morning Julee, Tanya and Brie picked me up from my dad's and we headed to downtown to spend the morning learning how to make delicious pizza at Serious Pie. So much fun people! First of all the place was totally charming. I about died when stepping foot into this pizza shop. It was fun to learn about how the chiefs go about making their unique pizza. The cool thing about Serious Pie pizza is not just all the neat toppings they put on their pies but also how they make their dough and how they bake them. Their pies are oval, never round and are baked in a 600° stone-incased apple wood oven. The pizza comes out with crispy blistered crust with a fluffy texture. I recommend that everyone go enjoy this very light and fun class. Plus, you get to eat what you make and enjoy it with a glass a wine. Can't beat that man! Here are some photos of the day. 

 After having some serious pizza we went on foot to take a ride on the new Big Wheel on pier 60. What a view! I snapped a few photos. 

 xoxo.

on south pole hot chocolate...

One of my great mentors and someone who is very dear to my heart asked me to help create some recipes to go along with her book The Search for South Pole Santa that was just released this past October. Of course I was on it in no matter of time since I fancy projects, especially if I get to spend more time in my kitchen!

Okay. Now go on over to JingleBelle Jackson's website where you can find the recipe to some really delicious South Pole Sensational Hot Chocolate! And there's a secret ingredient unlike any other.  Go, shoo, go!

Oh Oh Oh! 

on a book is born...

Boy did my time in Seattle go quick! These things usually do so I don't even know why I'm complaining. It was quite a treat and I really needed it. Now, if you didn't already know the whole reason I flew out to Seattle was to celebrate that lovely lady's (above) new book! Julee has been writing a whimsical Christmas themed children's book for some time now and after a crazy nine months of grueling hard work she finally got 'er done! I am so extremely proud of Julee, more than she could possible understand.  So, I was out in Seattle for her. To celebrate this tremendous achievement.

Another thing you have to know about Julee is that she throws a great party. DETAILS. This women loves details. Not just the big ones but the small ones too! I am so in love with that. The celebration was last Friday and unfortunately her book wasn't present but she sure made it fun and exciting. Julee posted some really neat and for me thrilling facts about her book all around the house, even in the bathroom! Plus her home was totally decked out in Christmas already. So much fun.

 Great food and lots of people and when I mean lots I really do mean a packed house!! Golly. I am so happy with all the wonderful people that are supporting and believing in everything that Julee has done since we all know she deserves every bit of it!

The Search for South Pole Santa by JingleBelle Jackson is NOW available to buy on Amazon. Get your copy now! I've ordered mine and should be here soon. Christmas is just around the corner and this book will be what your child will cherish after finding it sticking out of their stocking on Christmas morning. Christmas is such a magical time of year especially for our children and I seriously can't wait until Sebastian is old enough to read so I can pass this book along to him.

Also please visit Julee's website with all things book related! When you visit, click on the "books" tab and read the first chapter. I seriously had to remember to breath again as I started reading this little expert.

Please like Author JingleBelle Jackson on Facebook and share this link on your Facebook.

Let's make this book into a MOVIE :)

xoxo.  

on some notables...

Today, I write from my bed on this fine Sunday evening. Today I woke up to the crisp chill air in the house, snuggled with my boys and didn't roll out of bed until literally Sebastian pushed my off the bed with a long & ear-piercing Mooooooommmm. I am thrilled that Fall is finally here! It's getting chilly in the mornings and nights. Hoodies, layers and scarfs are slowing creeping back upon us. And most of all I just can't wait until leaves turn colors. Fall is most defiantly my absolute favorite season. 

Tomorrow, Bobby and I will be celebrating our five year anniversary! Eeekk! Now that we are married I just didn't have the heart to totally abandon this tradition of celebrating September 19th 2006 when I flew all the way from Seattle to Philadelphia to meet what now is the man I married. It's still so crazy to think about. Most people might think it's silly but both Bobby and I will probably always do something special on that day for the rest of our lives. This year we are doing something that we've never done before and going out on a "day date". Since Sebastian has preschool tomorrow, we figured it would be fun to do something during the day instead of the usual going out in the evening. The day will consist of a mini photoshoot, a museum, romantic walks, many restaurants, window shopping and maybe a carriage ride (I've always wanted to do one with just us). We are going to hit up downtown and bounce around to several different cafes and restaurants to try out an assortment of goodies. I am super duper excited for all this food, especially since starting Tuesday I'm starting a new weight loss diet. Hold me. 


Lately I've been consumed with neighbor drama. We recently acquired a new neighbor who lives below us and to put it lightly she has become a pain in my tush. She is a single mother of a five year old kid and has been complaining and giving us a hard time ever since she moved. We walk too loud. We get up too early for her on the weekend ends and our walking wakes her up. Wah wah wah. In the end I think my landlord will evict her because she finds her as annoying as I do. I did however have a long pointless talked with her earlier this week and I'm proud to say that her ridiculous post-it notes (that are stuck on my front door with stupid complaints) have ceased. This is my first ever bad experience with a neighbor in an apartment. It sucks to say the least but hoping for the best! 


We are now owners of a nice luxurious tent from REI! We are attending the annual Kamptober Fest camping trip with Aunt Cheryl yet again this year. Starting early and gearing up for everything since we only have about a month. It will be loads of fun and a wee bit chilly since we are going towards the end of October. None the less, having adventures during the day and sitting by the fire at night is my kind of thing. I grew up camping and miss it terribly. Oh and don't forget the s'mores! 


Here's something I've failed to mention to all you peaches out there! Julee the owner of My Happy Life By The Bay, as I still squirm in my seat, gifted me with a trip to NYC to join many other women at the August 2012 BlogHer Conference! Queue the applause :) Best part of it all is Julee her self is flying down from Seattle to NYC to attend with me. Annnnd the even greatest part is she is bringing my bestie with her--TANYA! Ahhhhhh. Already counting down the days to see my two favorite ladies in the world. 


I've got a fun filled day ahead of me! I promise I'll share our day of adventures with you all. In the mean time enjoy these long bright sunny days because before you know it we will all be waking up in the dark. 

♥A.

on my bridal shower...

We're finally back to my dad's house after such a beautiful time and now that the big day is over I can share little glimpses of the past few days... 

Julee hosted a lovely little shower last Thursday with a group of gals that mean the most to me here in Seattle. They are the gang of girls that I worked with when I was younger at Great Harvest, the group that became a family to me. 

Julee & Tanya really out did themselves. Julee's house was decorated with lots of purple colored things. So much fun!

The main feature of the night was the purple mashed potatoes! Ha. I was cracking up when I laid eyes on this. SO perfect. And so hard to find. The girls told me that they had the hardest time finding it anywhere and after calling around finally found some down by Pike Place. Tanya scooting on down and picked up a bundle.

They were a hit and especially with the huge variety of cool toppings. I think I just about put all them on my mashed :) 

Julee tried a new recipe that she picked up from good 'ol Paula Deen. Yummy purple coleslaw. It was delcious. My favorite part of it was that it wasn't mayo based but instead the base was pepper jelly. How fun is that?!

All the girls got us some great gifts. Some gift cards to Amazon and Lisa got us a great sign to hang up at home reading "Happily Ever After". I cannot wait to display that lovie at home.

Bobby's mom & sisters got us a box full of engraved Champagne flutes for toasting and for all the guest to take home for mementos. 

Julee got me the coolest gift by far. Just so totally me! A GLEE paper weight :) You can tell by my face how excited I was after unwrapping this gem. Speaking of Glee...Season finale on Tuesday. Get ready Julee & Glen!

Once again thank you to Julee & Glen and all the girls for getting together and creating more lovely memories for me to remember for the rest of my days to come. 

♥A.