Coming Up Roses

 

It is no secret that we are MSU alumni and fans. We met there, graduated from there and go to campus often to visit Melissa. We bleed green and white. Needless to say, Saturday night we were cheering on our Spartan football team in their win over Ohio State and the Big Ten Championship. It had been over 25 years since MSU earned a chance to play in the Rose Bowl and we were thrilled.

This awaited me in my inbox on Sunday morning and it was exciting to think about. Could there be a trip to sunny California in our future? There was a scramble to put names on lists for package tours and game tickets and only some of us may be going - we will have to see what happens, but either way, the football team that we watch every weekend, exceeded all expectations this season and will play in Pasadena on New Year's Day.

Happy Monday!

 

Posted with Blogsy

Red Velvet Cookies

 

 

Holiday baking time once again! I always like to try a new cookie recipe each year, in addition to my traditional favorites. When I saw this pin for Red Velvet cookies made with a cake mix, my curiosity was aroused. It seemed easy and quick, but would they taste good too?

The dough was made in minutes and smelled wonderful while baking. They kept their red velvet color after baking - perfect for Christmas and after tasting one from the first batch out of the oven, they tasted even better than they looked. The addition of the cocoa power gave them a rich chocolate flavor and I loved the cake like consistency.

To make them even better, I drizzled the tops with melted 3/4 cup white chocolate chips, a splash of vegetable oil and a splash of water to thin the chocolate. Use a spoon to drizzle over the cookies and let harden.

These will go in the freezer until Christmas and it makes me happy to know I have a batch ready for my cookie trays. Makes 2 dozen cookies.

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

{Linking with these friends}

Savvy Southern Style

Jennifer Rizzo

Stonegable

Between Naps on the Porch

Gooseberry Patch

Sunny Simple Life (From The Farm)

Rattlebridge Farm

This Gal Cooks

Mom's Test Kitchen

Semi Homemade Mom

Made From Pinterest

Kelly's Korner

Thistlewood Farm (Holiday Baking)

 

Posted with Blogsy

The Winter Porch

 

When putting together a Christmas display for my front porch, I like to keep in mind that winter needs bright colors that give a little cheer to the drab days. No snow for us yet, so the cheery red I have added is a welcoming touch. This black wrought iron table in the corner is the perfect spot to keep things high above the inevitable snow that will cover the porch. Some of these elements will stay throughout January.

This red birdhouse is one of my favorite finds - I just love its snow covered roof.

A basket full of pine cones, ornaments and greenery gives color, texture and natural beauty to the display.

 

The newest addition to the porch this year is this sweet little tree. I added the red burlap bow for a pop of color. I thought about adding some ornaments, but sometimes simple is best.

 

Happy Thursday - more decorating and a little shopping today - Christmas is coming fast!

 

{Linking with these friends}

 

Between Naps on the Porch

Savvy Southern Style

Jennifer Rizzo

Stonegable

Funky Junk Interiors

Cozy Little House

 

 

 

 

Posted with Blogsy