Goodbye 2013!

So here we are in the final hours of 2013, and I'm looking forward to 2014. This year has NOT been an easy one for me. It has probably been the worst actually. It got off to a rough start and then Pants had his accident and post concussion syndrome. That was a scary time and he was out of work for a couple months. When I thought things were looking up, I lost my Toby cat. I've lost close friends, and my grandmother passed away. It has been hard, but there have also been good things. My GirlBaby turned one! My silly Goose turned 6! Pants threw me an amazing surprise party on my birthday. We had an unforgettable trip to Disney. I met my newest niece for the first time, and while tested by the struggles of the year, Pants and I came out on top. Our relationship is going strong and is better than ever. I'm proud of my little family. That being said.....this girl is ready for 2014.

We've had a lot of eye openers this year, so for 2014 I'm not making resolutions. I'm going to say I love you a lot. I want to laugh a lot. I want to play with my girls, see them learn. I'm giving second chances assuming they are deserved. I am going to be happy and take care of my family and do what I do! I'm hoping to get readers for the blog and I'm adding new items to etsy and doing a couple giveaways. Yay...C'mon 2014!!!!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas...(printable!)

It's hard to believe that it's almost Christmas once again! I've gotten just about all of my shopping done, I have a couple small things to make, and a few gifts to wrap and I'm done! I'm enjoying the Christmas music, the baking and relaxing in the evenings by the tree and the fireplace.....it's good stuff.

That being said, I've been thinking a lot about this year. It's been a hard one. Possibly the hardest...I think it's making me appreciate Christmas and the season even more this year. I've decided to savor it. Do what makes me happy. I'm baking, and singing and decorating and wrapping gifts, I'm reading this amazing Night Before Christmas book to the girls each night, soaking up all the Christmas shows, and enjoying crafts....and one of the things I did in my down time was play around with making some chalkboard printables. I have more to add, but get this one here.

Chocolate Chunk Brownie Cookies

I have been all about cookies lately, and these cookies...oh these cookies... For somebody who occasionally likes a cookie...these were hard to resist! They are made with brownie mix..and chocolate chunks...and oh my! For a soft chocolate chip cookie, try this recipe.

Try them.... Like today... So good!



Here goes:


Ingredients:



1 package (18 To 21 Oz. Box) Fudge Brownie Mix
1-¼ cup All-purpose Flour
¼ cups Packed Brown Sugar
2 whole Eggs
½ cups Butter, Melted And Cooled
2 Tablespoons Water, Or More As Needed
1 cup Dark Chocolate Chunks**


*I used semi sweet because I was sharing these and some people just don't understand my love of dark chocolate!*

1. Whisk together brownie mix, flour, and sugar.
2.Using a heavy spoon, stir in the eggs one at a time, followed by butter and 2 tablespoons water. If the batter appears like there is too much flour, add 1 more tablespoon of water. Batter will be very thick.
3. Fold in chocolate chunks
4. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
6. Grease a cookie sheet.
7. Drop heaping tablespoons of dough on the cookie sheet. You want pretty thick cookies here to get the brownie feel, about 3 inches apart. Press down slightly. Don’t flatten completely. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
8. Remove from oven, allow to cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

One word...amazing!