O Christmas Tree (and Bah-Hum-Bug!)

I didn't have my camera with me, so I took this with my phone. I set up this sad, pathetic little tree last night because my parents visited us today.

I think this year I'm going to buy a new Christmas tree (on sale, after Christmas). In 2010, I think I might try to decorate the house like an adult... instead of like a college kid with a snoopy tree.

Also, I just wrapped all of those presents last night... and went shopping for the first time yesterday. The spirit of gift giving has left me. It's such a hassle... come on, we're all adults, and times are tough. What's the point of fighting the crowds to buy a $50 gift card to Bass Pro when you know you're just going to get a $50 gift certificate from Walmart in return? No one wants presents these days, but it's rude to give cash... so we get each other gift certificates. Wh-wh-why? And, if you do buy gifts, you struggle to find something that someone will like, so you get them something like bath salts, candles, or hand lotion... who really needs more hand lotion???

If you ask me, we should save Christmas gift-giving for children because holidays should be magical for them. For thirty-somethings and older, it's kind of an annoyance. Does this make me a Grinch? (I know the reason for the season, so let's not go there. I'm simply talking about the unneeded, unwanted stresses of gift-giving, people...)

Free Silver Dollar City Tix, Dinner, and Overnight Stay at Lake Condo!

So excited to put this little prize package together... Joe Daues got the ball rolling with Lisa Rau, of Silver Dollar City... and we all finalized the details this morning.

On KSPR News at 4, we're going to give away four Silver Dollar City tickets, dinner, and an overnight stay at The Village, a lakeside condominium. THAT'S AT LEAST A $400 VALUE! And what a great treat for the holidays. Have you ever been to SDC this time of year?

I think it would be a great treat for your family or a wonderful gift for the holidays! It's so easy to have a chance at winning...

JUST SIGN UP TO BE A FACEBOOK FAN OF KSPR NEWS. I'll draw your name THIS THURSDAY on KSPR News at 4!

To read more, click here.

Christmas Parade 2009: Fun and Dreary at the Same Time

We did not color coordinate, though it looks like it.

From left to right: Me, Emily Rittman, Joanna Small, Christine Daues, and baby Jude Daues

We had a lot of fun at today's Christmas parade, but seriously, the weather was terrible! Not only was it cold... it was rainy. Let's blame the weather folks.

Meteorologists Craig Carnesi and Kevin Lighty

And my dang KSPR umbrella broke before we even got started! (Insert joke here.)

What the ??

We all had a good time passing out candy, though we all came to the conclusion that next year, we need less Tootsie Rolls and more Hershey's Kisses. Hey, it's been a tough year, but you know it's bad when a kid says, "No thank you" to your Tootsie Roll!

Towards the end of the parade... I had forgotten to take pictures during the midst of throwing out candy!

After that, a good portion of the gang went to the mall to ring bells for the Salvation Army. I saw dollar bills go in the red kettle on my shift! Awesome!

It was cold, wet, and absolutely dreadful outside, but overall, a good day! It was nice to see so many people with their cute kids and puppies... aw, the holidays are here!

SEE MORE ON FACEBOOK!

Update: Kevin Lighty made a short video of the parade-- other than my dorky, "HEEEEYY" in the beginning, and my annoying gum-chomping, it's kinda cute...

Long Live Ugly Sweater Parties

You know the holidays are here when you bust out the ole Christmas sweaters...

Who says ugly sweater parties aren't fabulous?

Tonight we went to Cliff and Katie's housewarming/ugly Christmas sweater party. Their house was awesome, the food was great, and the company was fantastic.

I think our sweaters were also top notch.

Thank goodness for Vintage Vice!

Owners Shawn and Juli picked out our outfits... far better than what I had selected... Unfortunately, you don't really get to see the full effect because I had sparkly hairpins holding back my bangs, and they didn't make it in the pic. Nonetheless, I'm glad we got one pic together from the night!

More on FACEBOOK...

Thank you, Leigh and Bryan.

I wanted to take pictures of some of our gifts this year (Jim let me open my present early--it's a new camera!) We want to Thank our peeps!

Some Lovin' from My Oven

This year I've decided to bake bread for the holidays...it's been an interesting experience since I usually do not like to bake. I had this grand plan to send out bread to all the people I know...but I got lazy. And tired. So, I made some bread for my co-workers instead. Feel free to look at the bread and feel like I made it for you!

But to go along with my JUST TRY IT! recipes, here's how you can make a wonderful loaf of banana or pumpkin bread for yourself.

PUMPKIN:
3 1/4 cup flour

2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon nutmeg

2 cup packed pumpkin (1 can)

1 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 t salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

3 cup sugar

2/3 water

4 eggs

Bake at 350 degrees for about 40-45 minutes, depending on the size of your loaves. I do mini-loaves, so it doesn't take that long. Also, make sure to grease your pans... I use PAM instead of butter. Add walnuts to your liking...I do about a handful.

BANANA:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas

Same instructions as above.

**If you freeze the bread, I wrapped it in a paper towel to absorb any moisture. Then one layer of saran wrap, then one layer of heavy duty foil...then put it in a freezer bag.**