NYC for a Day

A couple of weeks ago, we went to NYC to visit some friends. I flew in from Los Angeles and Andrew picked me up at night in the pouring rain. Unfortunately, I had acquired a cold virus somewhere along my travels and was not feeling up to par. Still, we made the most of our brief visit to the city.

North Face twins

We meandered around Brooklyn, explored DUMBO, walked the Brooklyn bridge into Manhattan, ate delicious food, fought the crowds to gaze upon the tree at Rockefeller Center, and saw a Broadway show.

Most of these photos are from the bridge. I love that thing.

Andrew bought a hat that made it really easy to spot him in crowds. It was kind of like playing where's Waldo.

"The tree! Wait. Wrong tree."

Sorry for the blurry photos. There was very little (no) personal space to get a decent shot.

Checked that off our Bucket List and now I'm looking forward to another day trip to NYC in better health and warmer weather!

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Cinnamon Yum Yums | Recipe

Hello!

I hope you are enjoying your holiday season and preparing for Christmas! I love this season for the extra music and baking. In terms of music, if you're looking for some new Christmas music, our church is putting together an Advent Album. My hubby and I are in one of the church bands and have really enjoyed playing and singing with these folks! Find the free downloads here: http://terranovachurch.org/advent/

Along with plenty of singing, I've been doing a little baking recently. I'm still in the midst of interview season for Pediatric Residency, but I had a dream about these Cinnamon Yum Yums that my mom makes every year, so naturally I asked my sister to send (text) me the recipe.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

5T sugar

2 cups flour

1t vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Cream together sugar and butter
3. Add flour and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Form into balls, pressing slightly, placed on cookie sheet.
5. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes.
6. While still warm, roll in 1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

I can't believe I've never made these before. Talk about delicious and easy!

Enjoy this family recipe! Let me know how you like these cookies!

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Friday Photo #8

Well, it's the Friday before Christmas and I can't wait to be headed home to see family in just a couple of days! 

This Friday photo is from way back in 2004. Growing up, our family had the tradition of going up to the mountains to cut down our own Christmas tree.

Most years it rained, but occasionally we had to brave the snow to find our perfect noble fir.

I'm looking forward to seeing the tree this year! What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

Friday Photo #7

I'm back in Albany and it's freezing! It was awesome spending time with family on the west coast, but I'm glad to be home with the hubby.

In just a couple of short weeks, we get to go to Seattle for Christmas in the Northwest! (Bad song, great location.)

Not much describes Christmas in the Northwest better than rain. And a slight chill to the air, but not cold enough for snow. It's kind of awesome to go outside and not have your nose hairs freeze...

Where are you spending Christmas this year? Staying close to home or traveling to see family? Hope you're getting excited!

Friday Photo #6

I'm in Southern Cali this week, interviewing and spending time with family. It's been great! Today, I head to NYC for a weekend in The City with the hubby at Christmas time. I can't wait.

While we explore NYC and the famous Rockefeller Tree, I think back to the little tree lights we put on our favorite "purple plum tree" in Seattle. Complete with moss, lichen, and all things PNW (Pacific Northwest).

Any fun trees or plants you've put lights on?

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Apple Adventures | Part 3: The Pie

Well, this is the culmination of my Apple Adventure Trilogy (Part 1, Part 2). Obviously we're ending with the best part.

The Pie.

I have never made a pie completely from scratch. Usually, I buy the pre-made crust, which I love. This time, however, I had added the culinary endeavor to my Bucket List, so I was really left with no other option.

I was nervous. There was a lot on the line. First Homemade Pie Ever.

My husband knew what I was planning on doing and he thoroughly encouraged my creative efforts. The thing is, Andrew will eat just about anything, so I did have some confidence going into this.

I started by perusing Pinterest. I really should get the family recipes from my Great-Aunt Nancé because her pies at Thanksgiving are seriously the best. The Best. Anyway, onto my own pie adventure.

I ended up using this recipe for the crust, and it was super easy. It turned out AMAZING. Flakey, shortbready, and delicious.

I used this recipe for the filling. I "doctored" it up a bit - adding a little more cinnamon and nutmeg.

It turned out great! I'd say my first homemade pie completely from scratch was a success. And so would my hubby. Thankful for the great crust and filling recipe from Gimme Some Oven!

This pie would be a delicious addition to your holiday parties!

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