Christmas Gifts And Cookies

I have been thinking lately that I need to get a list together of all the ingredients I need to make Christmas cookies this year.  Last year, December kind of snuck up on me, and I never made a single cookie.  I was sad about it, too, because the kids and I usually get together with my mom and sister to have a "cookie day", where we each make our favorite cookies, and then we share them.  I also like making tubs of cookies to give out as gifts to friends who I don't buy real gifts for.

I am stressing buying gifts again this year, because there never seems to be enough money.  Now that I am repaying the loan my boss gave me to fix my car, I bring in $100 less every month. My kids are older now, and they want electronics, which are expensive.  I need to check out Geek Magazine for some ideas.  I keep telling them to make me lists, but they forget.  I really want to be able to get the girls laptops (Ryan already has one) but I may need more than Apple promo codes to be able to afford them.  I might have to wait until February and get them when I get my tax refund.  I'm hoping they will give me some ideas for cheaper gifts, that way I can use a Target promo code and do a little shopping online.

For now, though, I am going to go through my cookie recipes, and decide which ones we are going to make this year.  I don't want December sneaking up on me again.

Cookies And Coupon Codes

 There are less than two weeks until Christmas, and I haven't baked a single cookie.  Now, if you know me at all, you know that by this time every year, not only are my cookies baked, they are iced and packed up for gift giving.  Do any of you remember last year when I gave a homeless guy we saw on the streets an entire container of cookies meant for a friend of mine?  I have never felt as good as I did that day, and my kids were so touched when the man teared up at our thoughtfulness. 

This year, I have so much going on in my life that I just haven't found the time to catch up on science and technology news, let alone bake cookies.  Having the kids go with their dad every other weekend has limited the time I have with them, and baking cookies by myself just doesn't seem like much fun.  They are with me this coming weekend, so we might find a few hours to spend in the kitchen. 

I am almost looking forward to Christmas being over this year.  I have been so stressed worrying about getting the kids gifts.  I plan on taking a vacation sometime early next year, without my kids.  I have a special friend, and I would love to get away, even if it is just for a weekend trip somewhere.  I have been looking online for Expedia coupons and Travelocity coupons, hoping I can find a good deal on something pretty close to home.  It's almost impossible for me to get time off of work, since I am the only one who can do my job, so a weekend trip is probably all I can do. I live close to the beach and the mountains, so I am sure I will find something perfect.

Until then, though, I will try to make time for baking.  I enjoy baking with my kids, and I refuse to let this Christmas go by without baking Santa some treats.

Check Out My New Pots

 

 Aren't they pretty?  I had mentioned months ago that I wanted new stainless pots, and my mom remembered.  I was thrilled when I opened them on Christmas.  The set has three different sized pots, as well as a small skillet.  (the non-stick frying pan in the picture is one of the ones I reviewed from CSNstores) The pots came with glass lids and three stainless utensils.  I love them!  The only issue I have is that I have no where to store them.  My cabinet where I have been keeping my pots and pans doesn't have a shelf, so everything is piled on top of each other, and I want to keep this set looking nice.  I think I am going to look for some type of shelving unit to go in my kitchen hallway to put them on.  Maybe something like this:

I already have a smaller version of this sitting on my counter.  It holds all my spices and olive oils.  I just hope the bigger shelves are affordable.

This Is How I Spent My Day

Baking!  Those pretty looking packages all wrapped up in the back are banana breads.  I used this muffin recipe and they came out great. 

In the big red tub we have chocolate chips cookies (this recipe) and oatmeal chocolate chips cookies (they were a bagged cookie mix, and they came out yummy).  In the green tub is almond spritz cookies (this recipe) and in the little red tub are chocolate peanut butter oatmeal no bake cookies.  I'll post that recipe when I find a moment to breathe!  I love baking for Christmas, but it always seems like I don't have time for anything else.  All these cookies will end up in gift tubs, as well as the ones I still have to make tomorrow.