Potted Christmas Tree

I don't have one, but I want one. Our Christmas tree this year is a bit of a wreck, so I'm not even going to bother posting about it...it's uninspired, rather bare, and a bit ragged. Undoubtedly, any Christmas tree is a wonderful, soul-soothing site to behold, but this year's tree has got me to thinking about what kind of tree I really want. (All images from Martha Stewart.com)

I'm not ready to give up the traditional tree for the holidays, but I've become enamored with the idea of a living, potted Christmas tree. I'm sure it's been all the rage, but I just didn't know about them until now.

Imagine a small tree or two spaced throughout your house, decorated with love, and smelling up the place with an evergreen, perfect scent of Christmas. Imagine with me after the season is over, planting your Christmas tree(s) in the old backyard instead of throwing it out with the wrapping paper and other holiday waste. It's kind of ludicrous to think that every year we discard such a symbol of the season with the rest of the trash.

What I need is a backyard though. For now, this city slicker will have to settle for a rosemary plant to scratch my living Christmas tree itch. Anyway, aren't they pretty?

Baked Oatmeal

I say there's nothing like an easy, delicious solution to feeding breakfast to a large group, especially around the holidays when you want to soak up every moment you can with your loved ones rather than slaving in the kitchen. Who's with me?!

Here's a tasty option for the next couple weeks when breakfasting with extended family or if you want some yummy leftovers ready-to-go for a morning meal. It's cheap too...Baked Oatmeal!!! All you need to do is combine the ingredients, plop them in a casserole dish, and bake. Little kitchen helpers will also enjoy mixing.

Combine the following:
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 TBSP brown sugar
3 eggs
4 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
3/4 TBSP baking powder
1 TBSP salt
1 1/2 cup milk
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes in a greased dish, uncovered. Serve with juice, honey, yogurt, or fresh fruit. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Blanket for Baby O

In my lack of consistent blogging I realize that I have yet to really discuss the up-and-coming arrival of Sawyer's first Ondrey cousin! My brother Jakob and his wife Jessica are expecting a bundle of joy around the first week of January and we're all so excited to meet the little guy!

Like I said, these days things between me and my sewing machine have been cold at best. However, I had to make something for the sweet child, so I put together this little blanket with two different fabrics on either side and some binding in a third. A nice simple boy blanket for a boy who is sure to be a class act!

Can't wait to meet you, Baby O!