PCD (Post Christmas Depression???)

Oh my god, I can't believe Christmas has already passed! It seems like just two weeks ago I was complaining that I wanted to put my decorations out, but it was too early to, and now I'm already putting them away. :( My Christmas this year was great! On Christmas Eve, I went to service with my family & then we went out for Mexican food at one of our favorite local restaurants. We then went home, put on our matching pajamas we get each year, and just spent the rest of the night together! Christmas morning though we woke up at 7, opened presents, made Swedish pancakes, and relaxed until we went over to my Mom's. When we were at my Mom's we did what we do every year, and it was just a nice, relaxing day with my family. 

For presents, I got everything I wanted and more. I got a new polaroid, which means I can annoy people more and take even more pictures than I already do (yayy), clothes, accessories, and some beauty products! I absolutely love everything. A couple of my favorite presents were my white slip on vans, my army jacket, and my black high-waisted jeans from Urban! I love everything I got, and I am so blessed that I am able to receive these things I want when not everyone around the world can get what they hope for.

Today, to close the Christmas festivities my family and I went to the Grove to do some day-after-Christmas shopping, and go to lunch. We went to a delicious Greek restaurant there called Ulysses, if you go to the Grove you should try it! We then walked around and shopped a little at Topshop and Nordstroms, then took some pictures by the giant Christmas tree they have! It was the perfect ending to the perfect holiday season! Although I am sad Christmas is over, I am excited to finish this year by doing some fun things with my friends, and begin 2015 with a fresh start and make it a great year! I hope everyone had great holiday season and I promise I will post more. Until next time! 

XX,

Hannah

Holiday Favorites

Hey guys! I have had such a writers block for the past week or so, so that's why I haven't posted.  I also felt like no one was reading this so I was like why should I continue? But eh, I don't care about the readers I do it to make me happy. So with continuing on posting I've had to figure out what I've wanted to post about, and for this post since it is finally December, I decided to post about my holiday favorites! One of my favorites (and probably most student's favorite) is the break that we get from school! It is so nice that we have a couple weeks off to relax, and spend time with our families. Other than no school though, I love so much about this time of year. For Christmas favorites, I think my favorite are the decorations! Since I just love them so much, this year I decided to put some decorations up in my room. I added some red lights around my mirror, a red blanket across my bed, and a Christmas tree too! I love having decorations in my room, it spreads the Christmas spirit throughout my whole house. :) I also love 25 Days of Christmas! During this time of year all I really watch are Christmas related shows, so having a channel that constantly plays them is great! I think my all time favorite movie has to be The Polar Express, I will probably watch it 5 times throughout all of December! I also love the food! I mean who doesn't? The cookies, the hot chocolate, the breads, the candy....the list could go on forever. Making gingerbread houses and miserably failing at it is also one of my favorites. One of my favorite traditions though, is baking cookies with my mom. Every year my mom has a cookie exchange party, and each year I help her bake. One of my favorite cookies of hers are her peanut butter blossoms. They are a peanut butter cookie, rolled in sugar, with a chocolate kiss inside! They are seriously heaven on Earth. I will put the recipe below, you should try them out! :)

Ingredients:

48 HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup REESE'S Creamy Peanut Butter

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt
 Additional granulated sugar(optional)


Directions: 

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.

2. Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture.

3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie; cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. Makes about 48 cookies. Enjoy!

Even though the presents, the food, and the time off from school is nice, the holidays are also a time of giving back. I usually feed the homeless people at my church when I have time, but this time is for doing more than that. There are all sorts of charities out there doing things for people in need, such as Toys for Tots or Midnight Mission, please give back if you can. :) I hope everyone is having a great week, and I will update soon! 

xx,

Hannah