Holiday Traditions

Each family has their own holiday traditions that make this time of year special.  As  newlyweds, the husband and I are blending our traditions while making new ones that we enjoy.

This holiday season, we will make cookies.  We will watch "Its a Beautiful Life" and every other Jimmy Stewart movie. Probably more than once.  We will load up into the car and drive around town looking at Christmas lights.  We will enjoy a mug or three of Milk Punch, a Hulbert Family tradition, even if we will be with the Lybeck side for the holidays this year.  Time always flies, how do you make sure to fit in all of your holiday traditions?

We are fortunate to have some neighbors who really take the outdoor lights Christmas Displays to a whole new level.  Each year we have to stop by the Senske lawn display, find the craziest display in our neighborhood and end the night by finding the above WSU house and singing along to the fight song as it play through the car radio. Go Cougs!  All while cozy in our car, seat warmers on high, PJs on with our very matchy matchy Ugg slippers.  Perfection.

There are also those family traditions that the hubs and I have decided to nix from the list.  Gone are the days of driving to see every family member in the area (my family tradition).  Gone are the matching jammies, sweaters, or socks for the whole family to wear on Christmas Eve (also my side... we will see if this one reappears when we expand our family).  Speaking of, those elf on the shelf ideas floating around pinterest sure have me looking forward the distant future when we add that to our tradition list.  I dont think the hubs would appriciate that crazy lil elf.

And on the topic of little elves, I think Louie our little pup would be pretty cute dressed like one =]

I'm off to go deck the halls!

After an Apple Cup loss...

Monday morning back at work after a nice little Thanksgiving break can be rough, but the Monday after an Apple Cup loss during Thanksgiving weekend takes the cake.

Every office has that one Huskie Fan.  You know the one.  Wears that ugly purple and yellow.  Usually very obnoxious and doesnt know anything about either university. Did they even go to U of W?  No, most likely not.  The Huskie I work with made cookies to rub in their win.

Victory would have been sweet but as both teams are bowl eligible it will be exciting to see how the PAC 12 teams do in the bowls.  I for one am hoping the Cougs and Heart of Dallas Bowl bound!  Nothing would be better than packing up those cowboy boots and visiting the great state of Texas for a little Post Season Cougar Football Action! #GOCOUGS

Wine to Pair with Turkey

What wines will you be serving this Turkey Day?  

Thanksgiving Day takes planning, preparation and perfect execution.  T-Minus 2 days.  Grocery lists are made, the bird is thawing and you have made your plan of attack.  But have you thought about the wine?!?!

With any other family dinner, my go to wine is usually a big red blend.  Turkey dinner, on the other hand, calls for something with a little more elegance.  Some fill the void with Pinot Noir.  In fact, we have been known to spend thanksgiving in Oregon wine country during their large thanksgiving event.  If your family pushes you over the edge this year, think of this event for 2014.  Pinot Noir goes great with turkey, there is no denying that.  But sometimes, one just needs to take a step outside the box.  Because Pinot Noir is the new Merlot, right?  And nobody wants to bring the ex-popular wine to a dinner party.

If this has you stressing out, it is ok, just open a bottle of Washington Wine and relax.  Or if you are lucky enough to live in wine country, go tasting.  Nothing is better than enjoying a glass of wine while putting together your turkey day wine plan of attack.

Thanksgiving in my household, begins with a cheese plate.  This calls for an Ancient Lakes White Riesling to pair.  I love the crisp mineral characteristics and it also pairs well with turkey if you have guests that prefer white wine.  As for reds, I will be bringing a Grenache from the Wahluke Slope AVA in Washington.  Grenache, pictured above, has nice light spice with subtle tannins.  Perfect with turkey.  

Good Luck!  and Cheers!

If all else fails- it is just wine- Drink It!

Recipe: Chocolate Oreo Truffles

Ok, lets be honest. We probably all have seen these chocolate truffle recipes on Pinterest.  I would also bet many of you have pinned it.  I am here to tell you: Make Them! They are the perfect winter dessert.  Bite sized and ready to be decorated and displayed!

What you need:

-1 package oreos

-1 package cream cheese

-1 package chocolate (White or dark- Your choice!)

How to:

Crumble Oreos.  Mix with cream cheese.  Roll mixture into balls.  Melt chocolate over boiler pan.  Dip balls into chocolate and let dry on some wax paper.  Top with chocolate, or sprinkles, or candy cane if you are ready for Christmas! Voila! It really is that easy!

I for one will be making these to bring for thanksgiving.  Have any go to dessert recipes?  Another bonus to these truffles- They go great with Cabernet!

Go, Fight Win! Go Cougs!

I for one am SO EXCITED to be heading to Pullman this weekend to watch the Washington State University Cougars take on University of Utah!

Must win for bowl eligibility.

Big game for recruit visits

Pullman in November... There is no snow in the forecast but temps in the 30s 

CHEERS & GO COUGS!

::Thankful Thursday::

November.  A month to count ones blessings, big and small.

Today I am thankful for my family, the one I was born into and the one who has welcomed me these past few years. 

Right after I became a Lybeck!

I am thankful for my loving husband who is my support and partner in crime.

I am thankful for my health and for the joy I have found in Hot Yoga these past few weeks.

I am thankful Louie joined our lives this year, he puts a smile on my face and gives me a great reason to get out of bed and enjoy a walk before work.

Lastly, I am thankful to have a career I enjoy! Nothing better than finishing a day of work with a glass of wine your hard work has created.  Satisfaction at its finest.

What are you Thankful for?

A Wine Country Bridal Shower

   

My Mother In Law and I had the pleasure of hosting a lovely bridal shower for my beautiful new cousin Kierstin.

The Beautiful Bride

The afternoon was spent noshing on desserts, spoiling the bride to be and catching up with friend and family I had not seen since... well, my wedding!   

We made all the treats from pinterest, of course.  Oreo and cheesecake truffles, raspberry shortcakes, and the amazing trout cookies made by a local woman here in the Tri Cities!  With the couples passion for fishing (Bo is a guide), the trout were the perfect Country Chic touch!

Kierstin, Grandma Arlene and Myself

Do you have any go to shower recipes?