get get get it poppin

My relationship with holidays is like this: I have a serious obsession leading up to it, am on cloud nine the day of the holiday, but then following it, I am totally, completely done with it. Once New Year's Eve is over, I'm ready for spring. Out with the pine scented candles, in with the blossoms and beaches.
But the great thing about Thanksgiving > Christmas > NYE, is that they can all blur together in one beautiful season, during which time we can just love holiday living for two full months.
So, although Thanksgiving is long over, I thought I'd share these pie pops my parents and I (sort of not really that much) made.
The vision was my mom's - she saw the recipe on the Today show and immediately bought all of the tools to make them. Check it out below for the steps (full tutorial) - they were a big hit - and you should definitely make them for a party sometime between now and New Year's. But definitely not after - unless you make them spring themed, of course.
L to R: Soak sticks over night (if you use bamboo version), then pat dry.
Roll pie crust thin - 1/8 inch, then cut out small pie crust shapes.
Lay first crust on a wax paper covered pan.
Add dallop of filling to each one - then lay the pop stick in the middle of the pie.
Cover pie with the other crust side.
Use extra lollipop stick to crimp sides.
Dust top of each one with egg so they don't crack while baking.
Bake at 350 until golden brown.
And enjoy :)

PS: Don't let the speed of this tutorial fool you - they're a little time consuming once you get into it. But well worth it!

bandit living

It hit me last week that every year on Thanksgiving I always focus on being thankful for my family and friends and health and blessings...
 
and that's wonderful - don't get me wrong.
 
But I forgot that the reason we have the holiday to begin with is to be thankful for America. And it was the perfect moment for this revelation, because I've spent the last two weeks running all over this country - and she sure is beautiful.
 
The last few weeks, via instagram :)
 
 
isn't this country a beaut? I think so!  

home again home again

Oh how I love going home. The smells - the people - the love. It's such a wonderful feeling.

This break was no different. It was so happy, with so much to be thankful for.

The trip to Indiana was full of the same traditions we're accustomed to, as well as an announcement from my cousin, Chris, that he and his wife are expecting a baby just a few days after Court (!) is. Yaay! Those babies are going to be great friends.

My dad, Duke and I helped my mama in her classroom Wednesday after I got in town, then went out to lunch.

Wednesday afternoon my parents bought a last minute ticket for Sam to come home on the redeye, which was amazing news!
 
Wednesday night, I convinced Duke and my mom to go to yoga with me. Then Thursday, we picked Sam up bright an early, just in time for Thanksgiving.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my cousins, lots of happy time with my family, got to see Katie Z. :) and all in all, just had a great break.
 
the cousins who were able to come to thanksgiving :)
 
happy entrance to our neighborhood decorated for Christmas - whoop!
 
muff and dave cracking up so hard she almost spit out her wine
 
getting my mom's classroom all decorated for the season!
 
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and a happy, happy Thanksgiving, too!