Home Tour Tuesday - Holiday Decorations

I have to say, I am kind of glad I have been participating in alot of these great linky parties lately. With the craziness of the Holiday season, it makes blogging a little easier. With that said, it is time for Home Tour Tuesday - Holiday Decorations and a Holiday recipe.





We are a little behind this year on the decorating front. I don't know why, but we just are. So I don't have too much to show you. I also decided to scale back a bit this year because of Anthony. He is into everything and I just figured that I would make my life easier and not put out all of the breakable items. So, here we go....

This is the outside. The hubby is in charge of the outside and I do the inside. We actually have really cute twinkling star lights hanging from the roof, but they had already gone off (they are on a timer so I don't forget to shut them at night) when I went out to take the picture.

Note, we ran out of lights for the tall shrub to the right of the door. Hubs is going to get another set tonight : )

This is my living room window...

This is the entry way. We usually hang our stockings here on the railing since we do not have a fireplace or mantel. I didn't get to that yet though...LOL! I used fake garland this year and then I wrapped lights around it.

I try to make it feel festive by adding snowflakes and bows to things...

Note - the replica wedding dress in my curio..I just love this. I was my favorite gift at my bridal shower :)

Yes, the candle holders are missing candles. It is on my to do list!

I decided to place the plush things on the living room table so that my lovely children did not break anything.

Now, you are wondering where the heck is my Christmas tree?? Well, it is not up yet. We get a real tree and don't like to put it up too far ahead of Christmas. The hubs thinks it will catch fire...LOL! When we do put it up, I will be sure to post a picture.

On to the Holiday recipe. Of course when we think of Christmas we think of cookies. Well, every year I do a cookie exchange with my girlfriends. It is alot of fun to get together, have a drink, eat and just enjoy the season. So, I am going to share my 'Monster Cookie' recipe. I usually make this cookie for the exhchange. But I might switch things up a bit this year and so something different. But these cookies are just so yummy!

Ingredients
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (12-ounc) jar creamy peanut butter
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup raisins, optional
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)


Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and
butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, if using, baking soda, and oatmeal.


Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.


Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. When cool, store in large resealable plastic bags.

Serves: 3 dozen