CoCo Designs: December 2013

December 25, 2013

25 Days of Christmas CoCo Style - Day 25: Merry Christmas!

Well, we made it through another year of 25 Days of Christmas CoCo Style! Hopefully you enjoyed yourself and picked up one or two great ideas.

I know that Thanksgiving is the official holiday to give thanks, but Christmas has always been the day I am reminded of just how lucky I am. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.

1, 2, 3

Have a fabulous 2014 and see you next year!

Merry Christmas!

December 24, 2013

25 Days of Christmas CoCo Style - Day 24: Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go. The girls and I are packed up and ready to hit the open road for our family festivities. Since today is Christmas Eve, I thought I would keep it cozy and warm for today's post. And it doesn't get much cozier than a warm fireplace.

Remember, it's Christmas Eve. Watch a movie, drink some cocoa and relax.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Merry Christmas!

December 23, 2013

25 Days of Christmas CoCo Style - Day 23: Welcome to Peacock Lane

I finally took the plunge and made a trip to Peacock Lane on Sunday night. I knew there would be crowds, but WOW. I'm pretty sure half of Portland was there.

For those of you who don't know about Peacock Lane, it is a four-block street that has been decorating their homes since the 1920's. Peacock Lane is a big attraction for the holiday season. If you are going to head over before Christmas, I would highly suggest comfortable shoes, cash for hot chocolate and apple cider and patience. Lots of patience if you get stuck behind someone who finds it necessary to take a photo of every single house on the walk.

Merry Christmas!

December 22, 2013

25 Days of Christmas CoCo Style - Day 22: Stuff Your Face

It's a little known fact that all holiday food is calorie free. From Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, I live by this little nugget of info. Of course, somehow I gain weight overnight on 12/31. Weird. If you're looking for some last minute recipe inspiration, you came to the right place.

This ham recipe is so simple and so delicious. Only five ingredients. That's my kind of recipe. If you can get past the raw prep of a ham (for an animal lover, this is not an easy task), the rest of it is a piece of cake. And I can guarantee you will get compliments from everyone.

Who doesn't love a dish of potatoes, cheese and butter? These au gratin potatoes have all of the ingredients of happiness in one dish. Word of advice, cut the potato slices thin or you will be waiting forever for it to fully cook.

Aww... Cake. So yummy and delicious that I had to include two different recipes for dessert. The first is an apple cake that I will be making for a family holiday dinner tonight. I am super excited to see how this turns out. The recipe calls for Macintosh apples and surprisingly, they aren't the easiest to find. I finally had to ask for help and was walked to a small little shelf on the outskirts of the produce section.

Second is this rum cake. I made a double batch this year for gifts. Instead of doing a bundt cake, I purchased small disposable heart cake pans and then wrapped them in celophane. Of course, I had to save one for myself. I added a little Marionberry preserves and it was delish.

Merry Christmas!

December 21, 2013

25 Days of Christmas CoCo Style - Day 21: SALE

I love me a good deal. The bigger percentage off, the happier I am. It used to be that you had to rush out the morning after Christmas and hit the stores for a ridiculous deal on decorations and cards. I got in many a cart pushing match with white-hairs trying to get the last 50% off cinnamon candle. Now, not only can you do your shopping online, but the sales start BEFORE Christmas. Music to my ears.