Merry Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve is here!
Only 1 day left until Christmas!

I should hope we're all ready by now ;)

Today, we head down to Lethbridge.
Although we no longer act out the Nativity (old memory here), we'll go see the live Nativity Pageant.
I guess we're lucky it's not too cold this year!
I don't know for sure, but I think we're sticking with tradition this year and ordering Chinese Food! YAY!
I'm pretty sure it was 2 Christmases ago that I had it last!

Other than that, I believe we'll just be relaxing and spending time together!

What's on your Christmas agenda?

My pick for number 12 is pretty well tradition now.

On the twelfth day of Christmas a Trudy gave to you, time with friends and family, eleven hours of relaxing, ten cozy jammies, nine hot bevies, eight festive goodies, endless heaps of snow, six Christmas songs, fiiive strriiiiiiinnnnggs of liiiiiggggghhhts, four candy canes, three snuggly blankies, two fuzzy kittens, and a small fiber optic treeeeee. 

I don't know about you, but my favorite thing about Christmas...has always been the time I get to spend with loved ones! I cherish the memories I have from past Christmases and I look forward to the time I get to spend with everyone each year!

And that wraps up this year's 12 Days of Christmas (Trudy style)!

And my Christmas song today is THE Christmas Song.
I've always loved Celine's version.



But Nat King Cole is definitely a classic as well!

So, as always, thanks for all of your love and support to my family, friends, and readers.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas! Safe travels!

Love you too!

xo Trudy, Scott, George, and Bruce! 

(You try taking pictures with 2 crazy cats and trying to get them to look...gong show...)

PS. Here's Day 11 if you missed it. The Cookie Monster!

Christmas (Eve)^2 + Cookie Palooza

Okay okay, maybe not cookie palooza...but today has been a long day.

I had all my cookie doughs made and ready for baking, and today...was baking day.

I'll lay them all out for you...

Chewy Brown Sugar Cookies

These are pretty soft, simple and delicious!

Whipped Shortbread Cookies
(Can't find the recipe I used...but they're really simple)

You can really taste how unhealthily scrumptious they are.

Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

These were a pain in the buttocks. But they are pretty tasty.
Personally, I'd recommend leaving the almond extract out...not a big fan...

Chocolate Turtle Cookies

These are very...indulgent I suppose. The caramel was a pain.
But they're definitely yummy.

Peppermint Rice Krispies

Just followed the basic recipe for Rice Krispie Squares but added peppermint extract in. 

Originally I was going to try something I saw on Pinterest and add  drizzled white and semi-sweet chocolate and crushed candy canes on top.

However, by the time I had finished baking and topping all these cookies...I was done and decided these could be kept simple. 

Originally I was also going to do a couple other things as well...but I was spent. I'm sick and tired, and I think I've got enough goodies. 

All 3 cookies recipes I shared links for are by Sally. 

I've mentioned her before. She creates delicious things. 

2 days to go until Christmas!

On the eleventh day of Christmas a Trudy gave to you, eleven hours of relaxing, ten cozy jammies, nine hot bevies, eight festive goodies, endless heaps of snow, six Christmas songs, fiiive strriiiiiiinnnnggs of liiiiiggggghhhts, four candy canes, three snuggly blankies, two fuzzy kittens, and a small fiber optic treeeeee.

Or even more than eleven hours! After my day of baking, I feel as though I need a long time to recharge my batteries (especially since they're depleted from my sickly state).

Getting to relax is most DEFINITELY one of my favorite parts of Christmas!

Don't you agree??

And onto the Chrtistmas song of the day!
One of my favorites for sure!
(I say that about practically every song, I know...)

(NOTE: They kind of ramble on a bit at the beginning, you may have to link over to YouTube to watch)



You didn't think I'd  leave Bowie out, did you? ;)

Enjoy your Christmas Eve Eve.
Talk to you tomorrow. ^^

Love you too.

xo T

PS. Here's Day 10 if you missed it. 

Merry Christmas Baby + Kittens?

Although the weekend is coming to a close, all things Christmas-y are in full force!
Only 3 measly day until Christmas.
Before anything else, Happy Anniversary to my Mom and Dad today! 48 years!
Love you guys! :)

What did you get up to this weekend??
Scott and I ran a few errands (and I made some cookie dough - festive goodies will be coming) and other than that, we've been keeping things pretty tame by cozying up at home.

When we did go out yesterday, it was madness! Utter madness!
And we were only by the minor strip mall near our house as opposed to the big malls.
I can't even imagine what they were like....

Unfortunately, I feel as though I'm coming down with a cold of sorts. What a fantastic Christmas present.
Yesterday when we were out, we went into Petland to get a couple toys for the kittens.
It was a danger zone...
There were quite a few animals on the ready for adoption...
Ya.
I saw the cutest...smallest little kitten who needed a home...
I wanted it so badly!
Would that make me a crazy cat lady?
I know, I know.
Anyways...kitten remained at the store.
Hopefully she finds a good home.
It makes me sad to think about it...let's move on~

12 Days of Christmas.

On the tenth day of Christmas a Trudy gave to you, ten cozy jammies, nine hot bevies, eight festive goodies, endless heaps of snow, six Christmas songs, fiiive strriiiiiiinnnnggs of liiiiiggggghhhts, four candy canes, three snuggly blankies, two fuzzy kittens, and a small fiber optic treeeeee.

Is there anything better to cozy up in than jammies??
I think not.

I could live in them!

Usually I like to wear shorts because I'm also wearing my moccasins and am also under a snuggly blanky...
HOWEVER, I do have one pair of cozy Christmas pj bottoms...

Aren't they cute?? :3
I've had them for a few years...so they've gotten quite a bit of wear!

Do you have a favorite cozy pair of jammies?
Or do you find something else more cozy??
Birthday suits? 

Song of the day! This is always a classic in my books!
Merry Christmas Baby!



I also found one by CeeLo Green and Rod Stewart. Interesting.

I'm going to daydream of baby kittens.

Love you too.

xo T

PS. Here's Day 9 if you missed it.

Hettie Memories and Yummy Things

Happy Saturday to you! Also, Happy First Day of Winter (supposedly....).

A week ago, we had a Hettie come stay with us...and just yesterday I dropped her off at the airport.
It was sad to bid her adieu...but we had a fun week!

I realized we didn't take ANY selfies and there are only a couple pictures in total!
Oh well.
Here's some highlights!

...hot yoga. Hettie had never been, so she decided to take a risk and check it out! She at least somewhat enjoyed it and commented that it was kind of challenging and obviously very hot! We got nice and sweaty!

...we got to work out together. Before she moved, we were work out buddies! It was nice to be reunited and get some good workouts in!

...shopping. We spent a LOT of time at the mall. We're both kind of slow shoppers and apparently we're also quite bad influences on each other....
It was fun regardless ;)

...finding ginormous Toblerone!

I think the picture speaks for itself ;)
No I didn't get one...yet.

...a couple stops at OJs (Original Joe's). For chicken fingers and fries of course. So good!
Though the last time, the fries were definitely under cooked! Even after a second try! Yuck!
No one likes a limp fry. We thought our line of fries looked pretty ridiculous.

...we walked, quite a bit! 

My feet felt so sore!

...we watched a few Christmas-y movies. 

Love Actually, Four Christmases, and The Holiday. 

...we had lots of laughs, good times, and made new memories! 

Miss you!

Enjoy your Christmas...and even more important, the fondue party ;)

Only 4 days left until Christmas now!

I'm hoping you're all ready by now!

On with the 12 Days of Christmas!

On the ninth day of Christmas a Trudy gave to you, nine hot bevies, eight festive goodies, endless heaps of snow, six Christmas songs, fiiive strriiiiiiinnnnggs of liiiiiggggghhhts, four candy canes, three snuggly blankies, two fuzzy kittens, and a small fiber optic treeeeee.

Yes, I'm pretty sure I talk about these hot and festive bevies every year! They're just so tasty! And they're only here once a year...I'm just doing my duty!

I don't have nine different pictures or even nine different bevies for you...but I'll share a few I've been enjoying!

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (Starbucks)

It was my first. Delicious...and sweet!!!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Starbucks)

Always tasty, and not too sweet. 

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate (Tim's)

A classic. Also quite sweet! I'd stick with a small...

(Recall me saying I've been enjoying candy cane flavored things) ;)

Have you been enjoying some festive hot bevies?

What's your favorite?

For the song of the day, I had Beach Boys on the mind! 

Very catchy song!

(Sorry if it's not working to play over blogger...link over to YouTube to hear!)

ORRRRR would you prefer this song??

Oh, and yes...cookie dough making has begun.

Love you too.

xo T

PS. Here's Day 8 if you missed it!

Still loving this song...

TGIF!
We're now diving into the weekend with only 5(!) days left until Christmas!

Today, I was listening to the radio (Lite 95.9 "Calgary's Official Christmas Station") when an interesting they shared an interesting statistic.

Are you ready all ready for Christmas (Canadians)??
69% said they still had at least 1 or more gifts to get.
22% said they haven't even started.
(So I guess approx 9% said yes?)

WHAT THE HECK?!?!

That is definitely procrastination. You go have fun with that...because you're dumb.
Sorry I'm not sorry...

Me?
Please...I've been ready for pretty well a month with a few minor additions!

So which category do you fall under??
Yes, I'll judge. But it's okay! :)

Early this morning, I had to take Hettie to the airport. It was sad to say goodbye, but we had a fun week :)
I'll give more details from the week hopefully tomorrow!

For now, I'll continue with the regular 12 Days of Christmas (Trudy style)!

On the eighth day of Christmas a Trudy gave to you, eight festive goodies, endless heaps of snow, six Christmas songs, fiiive strriiiiiiinnnnggs of liiiiiggggghhhts, four candy canes, three snuggly blankies, two fuzzy kittens, and a small fiber optic treeeeee.

Yesterday, I asked what you're craving now that Christmas is almost here.

What I'm craving is festive goodies! Both baking them and eating them (of course)!

(picture from last year)

Have you done any baking yet?

Or are you a baker? 

I'm no baker by any means...but I do love holiday baking! Everything is so tasty!

Plus, I think it's kind of fun!

Last year, I made a LOT of things. It took lots of time...but they all seemed pretty tasty.

Here's a few examples of what I made last year.

This year, I won't really be doing any repeats from last year...but we'll see.

I'll probably be making some version of Christmas White Trash again.

It's just yummy...and very easy...

ANYWAYS. I haven't even STARTED yet. So I need to get on it...ASAP!

I think that's where I'll be tomorrow ;)

Annnnddd onto the song of the day!

I know I mentioned this song last year and I STILL love it. 

It's pretty.

Sarah McLachlan's cover sounds very nice as well!

Who does it better?
Or do you think they pretty well sound the same?

I'm done for today.
Poutine calls ;)

Love you too.

xo T

PS. Here's Day 7 if you missed it!

PPS. All winners have been accounted for! Now I can quit bugging you :D

All I Want For Christmas Is YOU...and snow...

We're down to the final countdown here people!
(By the way, this song has been stuck in my head lately... -.-)

Have you been to the malls lately? 
GONG SHOW!!
At least they are here anyways...

Are you shopping for others or yourself?
This is a circle of trust here...never fear ;)

As I said yesterday, I'm not sure if it will be an extremely white Christmas around here this year...but it was sure white out yesterday! And slow moving with all the resulting traffic...
Blech.

Although the sun is out today, the snow is sure sticking around for all to see!

On the seventh day of Christmas a Trudy gave to you, endless heaps of snow, six Christmas songs, five striiinnnngs of liiiiiggghhhhhts, four candy canes, three snuggly blankies, two fuzzy kittens, and a small fiber optic treeeeee. 

What are you craving about Christmas time now that there's only 6 days left??

I'll tell you something I'm looking forward to tomorrow ;)

So my song choice for the day is one of my favorites! Especially Mariah Carey's version. I just love it!
Though the alternate version I found is quite enjoyable as well.
Check them out!




ORRRR, have you heard this alternate version by NOTA??

Do you have a favorite version??

PS. If you missed it, here's Day 6. Go listen to all the Christmas songs!

PPS. I've heard from all winners EXCEPT Amber for the Giveaway. If I don't hear from you by the end of Sunday...I may need to redraw on your items!

A Christmas Classic! + #1 in UK?

Holy smokeroodles!

There is only 1 measly week left until Christmas!
Are you ready yet??

I'm pretty well ready! Let's get this show on the road!

So, as I've said, only 7 days left until Christmas! Today we're sitting at Day 6!

On the sixth day of Christmas a Trudy gave to you, six Christmas songs, five striiiinnnggs of liiiiiigghtts, four candy canes, three snuggly blankies, two fuzzy kittens, and a small fiber optic treeeeee.

A picture won't be done for this one...rather, I shall share 6 Christmas songs with you!

1. Winter Wonderland

2. Sleigh Ride

3. Let it Snow!

4. Here Comes Santa Claus

5. Baby It's Cold Outside

6. Merry Christmas Everybody (This is the #1 Chritsmas song in the UK {by Slade}, have you heard it??)

Which one do you like best??

And finally we'll have the song of the day!
I'm not sure if we will have a very white Christmas, but today was sure white!!
Bing Crosby is pretty well the King of Christmas songs, and this one is a classic.



Or would you prefer Michael Buble's version??
Who sings it better?

What are some "classic" Christmas songs that you can think of??

Love you too.

xo T

PS. Here's Day 5 if you missed it!

PPS. Really? Why haven't you contacted me if you're a winner yet? Shall I redraw? Hmmm?

Winter Songs and Lights!

Good (Tues)day to you!

I want some comments from the winners of the Giveaway to acknowledge you've seen it and we'll make plans to get it to you! Get on it! I've giving you things...your duty is to contact me!

Moving on...

...to the 12 Days of Christmas!

On the fifth day of Christmas a Trudy gave to you, 5 strings of liiiiigggggghhhts, four candy canes, three snuggly blankies, two fuzzy kittens, and a small fibre optic treeeeee.

They make me happy :D

What's you favorite Christmas decoration??

I LOVE Christmas trees in general...but my favorite decoration, because they're so versatile and pretty and happy, are Christmas lights!

Love them!

Can I leave them up forever and always?

Or will that make them less special?


I'll think about it...

In the meantime, here's Bruce! Silly kitty...always up to no good...

The song of the day, isn't quite Christmas-y...it's more just 'Winter-y" (as it says in the title), but I really like it regardless. 

So this is my song of the day - enjoy!

Love you too.

xo T

PS. Here's Day 4 if you missed it. 

This song is ridiculous...

Do you know where my inspiration came from for the Trudy 12 Days of Christmas??

Being in Canada, you've likely heard a kind of ridiculous version of the 12 Days of Christmas.

Do you know what I'm taking about?




Yup, you've got it.

I find this song fairly silly...but I also think it's pretty funny and don't mind hearing it a few times over the Christmas season!

What do you think of it?? 

9 days until Christmas!

On the fourth day of Christmas a Trudy gave to you, four candy canes, three snuggly blankies, two fuzzy kittens, and a small fibre optic tree. 


Lately, I've been LOVING candy canes and candy cane flavoured/infused things. Candy cane hot chocolates, candy cane cookies, candy cane chill blizzards, candy cane everything!

What's your favorite Christmas flavor?
I also love cinnamon-y things :)

Love you too.

xo T 


PS. Here's Day 3!

PPS. Did you see the winners from the giveaway? Were you picked??

The only thing better than a fire?

Day 3! With only 10 days left until Christmas!
Fireplaces are the best...especially real ones.

(though I like ours regardless)


Although a good second option (or even complementary option) is today's pick...

On the third day of Christmas a Trudy gave to you, three snuggly blankets, two fuzzy kittens, and a small fibre optic tree. 

Don't you love snuggling up under fluffy, cozy blankies??

ESPECIALLY on a cold, snowy day. So cozy!

What do you like to do on a chilly day?

Keeping on theme with yesterday (kind of), today's Christmas song is also animal related...

Snoopy!!

I love Snoopy :).





Only one song today! (I don't think anyone else really sings this one).

We'll keep it short and sweet!

Love you too.

xo T

PS. Here's Day 2. 

PPS. The Giveaway is ended! I've done the draws and I'll be posting the winners later today. Keep your eyes peeled!

Two Fuzzy Kittens and Two Hippopotamuses

Remember my mentioning I would give you a kitten filled post soon?
Well that day has come...hooray!
Continuing on with the 12 Days of Christmas (Trudy style)...
(you had to know they'd be in here somewhere) ;3

On the second day of Christmas a Trudy gave to you, two fuzzy kittens and a small fiber optic tree. 

You better get ready...you're about to be kittened...

AW~! They look so sweet!

:D! Doesn't this almost make you want one?? Almost...
It almost makes me want another one.
Okay, I do want another one. But Scott said no.
Cuties!

George is generally kind of lazy...but it's fun when he's in a playful mood!

Bruce, however, is the fireball. Always crawling into things and getting up to no good. 

I had gone shopping and put my Lush bag on the bed...immediately he had crawled in and was all cozied up for a rest. (Though it doesn't exactly look that way with his crazy huge pupils!)

Unfortunately the little guy is no longer so little...and the bag split. He didn't mind one bit.

Goof.

Here's him being a weirdo again. That little tunnel/nest/thing usually goes on top of the kitty tree, but sometimes he likes to wreak havoc. Apparently he got sleepy part way through...

I'd say this is Bruce's opinion on Christmas-y things...

(Ok, really...it's his opinion on everything...)

To keep on theme (sort of), this is the Christmas song selection for today.

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas!

This is the standard version that I think we've all heard, by Gayla Peevey (recorded at only 10 years old)...

I didn't really think there were other versions, but I found one by the 3 Stooges!
Weird...

Who sings it better??

Love you too.

xo T

PS. Here's some pictures of Christmas-y things in our house and also Christmas-y kittens!

PPS. Here's yesterday's post. The 12 Days of Christmas kickoff.

PPPS. One day left for the giveaway! Time for entering ends at midnight tonight (Saturday night). I'll be doing the draws sometime on Sunday! LAST DAY!

12 Days of Christmas Kickoff!

I know, I know...I haven't been doing my usual blogging every day in December, but I've been trying to at least get the couple weeks before Christmas in.
To help motivate me and keep things nice and Christmas-y (and potentially providing a little amusement) I'll be doing my regular 12 days of Christmas!
{2011} {2012}
Crazy that there's only 12 days left until Christmas... *.*

As you may or may not remember, my 12 days of Christmas are pretty random. They're just things I have on my mind, things I'm looking forward to this Christmas or just simply things I like!

But here goes!
On the first day of Christmas a Trudy gave to you, a small fiber optic tree.

(the first person to spot Bruce and leave a comment gets a BONUS entry into the giveaway!)

One day, Scott and I will get a big tree, but for now...this little guy is nice :)
Except for when Bruce is trying to knock it over...but that's Bruce's fault, not the little tree's!

Along with the 12 days of Christmas, I'll also be posting a Christmas song each day. Not necessarily my favorites...but lets be honest, I basically love most Christmas music regardless ;)

Perhaps we can make a competition of it!
Who sings it better?
Today's song...Last Christmas.

Here we have Wham's version... (a classic)



And I can't embed it, but here's Cascada's more modern pop take...

What do you think??

Love you too.

xo T

PS. Have you seen our graham cracker houses yet??

PPS. Only 2 days left for the Giveaway!

Christmas-y?

I've chosen to make it feel a liiittle bit more Christmas-y at our house.
I don't really have many Christmas decorations, but I got out a couple for now ;)

To be honest, this is the main one. It's so easy...but I like how it looks :D
But I'll have to watch Bruce so he doesn't nibble away on them...

Another little thing would be my 'NOEL' letters...

These were made by Scott's sister Paige for us last Christmas!

And I'm going to be honest...that's all I've done so far x)

And I don't have much more to go!

But the two things that have definitely added to the Christmas feel...

1. Christmas music of course :D! It's time to start! I want to be thoroughly sick of Christmas music by the time Christmas rolls around!

2. Kittens jingling where ever they go (except at night...that's just horrible)

I started Bruce out in this one... look at his sweet little fat head!

I then had to switch him to the smaller bell, because you could NOT even see it 'moungst all of George's fur!

George looks so regal! ;)

OH! I almost forgot...
I also have a Christmas pillow ;)
annnnd of course I've got the Christmas scented hand soaps out :D

So this is how I've been making things a little more Christmas-y around here lately. 
Have you done anything yet??

Do share ;)

Love you too.

xo T

PS. Thanks for the kind words on my haircut :3

PPS. I've got everything sorted for the GIVEAWAY! Still coming soon :D!