Christmas Fun!

Well the last week has been filled with family, food, and fun! On Sunday we went to Indianapolis where both my mom's sister and my dad's parents live.  It is always very convenient on holidays because we are able to see both sides of the family.  On Sunday I was able to see both sets of grandparents, lots of aunts and uncles  and several cousins! 

top: my sister Kelly and her boyfriend Tyler & my brother Ryan and his girlfriend Jenny

bottom left: my aunt Sandy, grandma, & mom

bottom right: my cousin Adam, grandpa, and me

all of the kids with my other grandparents 

On Christmas Eve we went to 5:00 mass as a family at our church.  We then came home and ate a delicious meal and played our family's favorite card game- Euchre! Afterwards we lit a fire, roasted s'mores, and watched Family Man! :) 

mom, dad, and me before heading to church!

and the fun begins...

Christmas Morning! Santa was very good to all of us :) 

Scott was also able to join us on Christmas Day. He is the best present of them all :) 

We had a lovely Christmas and now have New Orleans to look forward to for the University of Louisville bowl game! Scott and the team left today and I will be leaving Saturday with Scott's family! GO CARDS! 

DIY Jewelry Board

I had seen several DIY Jewelry Boards on Pinterest and decided that Christmas would be a wonderful time to try to make one of these creative little things...

The supplies you will need for this project include the following:

- empty frame (found one at Hobby Lobby for $29.99 but used a 40% off coupon so it was cheaper)

- roll of cork board (can be found at any craft store or Hobby Lobby)

- poster board the same size as your frame (or foam board)

- spray adhesive 

- fabric (make sure it is 1 in. longer on all sides than the frame you use)

- stapler 

- push pins

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Pick out a frame that you like -- the one I used is a 16 x 20 frame and is a perfect size (Hobby Lobby has a great selection to choose from)

2. Buy all other supplies

3. Cut your poster board (or foam board) the same size as your frame

4. Cut your cork board the same size as your frame

5. Spray poster board with adhesive and immediately place cork board on top of it

6. Let dry for 5-10 minutes

7. Stretch fabric over the board and staple it on the back

8. Place fabric covered board inside frame (should fit perfectly if cut correctly)

9. Place push pins on board and hang your jewelry! And TA-DA you have a wonderful way to display necklaces, bracelets, and earrings! :) 

Here is my first attempt at making a jewelry board. I made it for a Christmas present, but will definitely be making my own after the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over. Will be sure to post those pics, too! :) 

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Now that I am home for break I have MUCH more time on my hands than I did this past semester at school. Since I do have more time, I decided to try out some Pinterest recipes and make dinner for my family.  Last night I made "Chicken Spaghetti" and it was absolutely delicious.  

To make this recipe you will need to following ingredients:

- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- 2 cups chopped, grilled chicken or 1 large can of chicken
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained)

- 8 ounces sour cream

- sprinkling of Parmesan or Mexican-blend cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil pasta as package directs and drain. Mix all other ingredients (except cheese), add to cooked pasta, and put in a 9 x 13 pan.  Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with your choice of cheese and return to oven to melt. 

[Serves 8 people]

For the holidays you can't beat home sweet home

Finals are finally over and I could not be more excited to be HOME! Christmas is my favorite time of year - especially now that I am in college since I get a month off from school and have plenty of time to relax and enjoy my friends and family :) There is truly nothing better.

I have enjoyed sleeping in and have been busy finishing up my Christmas shopping. Last night my mother, sister and I had dinner together and then started to wrap some presents by the tree while enjoying a glass of wine. I have loved catching up with my amazing high school friends and of course spending time with Scott now that I am home. On Saturday we will celebrate my older brother and sister's birthdays by going out to dinner! I couldn't be happier during this wonderful time of year.

Get crafty

So lately I have become obsessed with painting on canvases. It is so easy to do and very inexpensive. Here are two that i made for myself that are currently in my room. One is my monogrammed initials that I have over my bed and another is one of my favorite sayings that I have standing on my dresser. I LOVE to paint quotes and if you have a font or design to model after it is super easy!

Since I will be home for four weeks for break I am sure I will be painting several things (they make for great Christmas gifts) so I will be sure to post them on here, as well! 

For more pictures of my room go to my DIY page