via RSS
via email
In case you’re looking for something to do, we took a free field trip down to Balboa Island
to let the Littles get swept away in the magic of Christmas Lights…
definitely a FAVORITE activity!
Annnnnd the count down is here….Christmas is less than a week away….
With the busy week I know we will be having, I’m sure yours will be somewhat the same, so I’ve planned a few relatively low maintenance, but fun, meals for the week.
Monday – Make your own pizzas:
- I totally cheat and use Bridgford Bread loaves. I love to make my own pizza dough, but this is such an easy way and you ALWAYS have it when you need it. Bridgford Bread loaves are sold in the freezer section at most grocery stores. You can use it to make bread, pizzas, cinnamon rolls, etc. And if you forget to set a frozen loaf out to defrost in the morning, then defrost in a couple minutes in the microwave and you’re good to go!
- As far as toppings – totally up to you! You can go more CPK with BBQ Chicken, BLT, or Thai Chicken…or you can use more of the traditional toppings. We just did this for my husband’s birthday last Sunday. Classico Marinara Sauce, Classico Alfredo Sauce, Italian Sausage, Bacon, Ham, Pineapple, Sliced Peppers, Sliced Mushrooms, Diced Tomatoes, Italian Seasoning, Shredded Mozzarella, Grated Parmesan, Red Pepper Flakes…
- I cut each loaf into thirds, rolled it out and placed it on a piece of parchment paper, just scatter the paper with cornmeal to help the pizza come off easily once it’s baked. I had each person write their name with a sharpie on the paper, and put 2 to a baking sheet in the oven. I very easily did 4 pizzas at a time and just switched the baking sheets from the top and middle rack 1/2 way through baking. I do not follow the directions on the package. I just roll out, top and bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes. Make sure your over is preheated and that you use cornmeal between the pizza and your pan, stone or parchment paper.
We ended up having extra pizza dough, so after the guests left I quickly melted butter and spread on each dough circle, scattered sugar and cinnamon, rolled, sliced and placed in a buttered baking dish (probably took me 15 minutes). I covered i all with a tea towel and baked them off in the morning! What could be better than warm cinnamon rolls on a cold morning??
Tuesday – Mac & Cheese and a Salad using leftovers from the Pizza:
The day after the party, I had leftovers to use up. I made our favorite Mac & Cheese, and added the leftover cheeses, and meats from the pizza party – HEAVEN!!! Then I made a salad with the left over veggies – perfect use for everything and we felt like we had a whole new meal!
Wednesday – Leftovers:
You’re going to be finishing up the last minute wrapping….leftovers for sure! Or order Chinese!
Thursday – Christmas Eve!
I’m sure you all have your own traditions – but here is a thought. If you dont feel like making something, do you have a great Mexican restaurant for takeout? If you live in Orange County my 2 FAVORITES would be El Toro Bravo on 19th Street in Costa Mesa – I’m a carne asada or carnitas fan, or El Toro Meat/Carniceria Market in Santa Ana – 1340 West 1st Street, Santa Ana CA 92703, 714.836.1393 – their carnitas are AMAZING!
Thankfuly for me, my in-laws will be making our dinner this year…but if they weren’t, I’d be having this for sure!!
Friday – Christmas!!!
I’ll let you all take care of your own fun traditions. I for one will be enjoying dinner with my parents – Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding. I MIGHT let my husband and girls come too…but I do have some super yummy Christmas morning breakfast dishes that I will be making at our place for the whole fam damily. Stay tuned this week…
Now onto the bling-bling winner of the Amy Anderson giveaway…
Ohhhh, what’s in here????
Is it Christmas already??
(THANKGOODNESS, no!)
Oh, fun! It’s name drawing time again!
Let me mix this up a bit…
Got one! I’m going to give it to Dada this time…
Congratulations “Canadian Mom”!!
Please email me at shanna@myfavoriteeverything.com
Everyone have a fabulous holiday weekend…last one before Christmas!
See you back here on Monday!
The kids looked like they were in awe of the light show! What a great idea! We have something like that here, but you actually stay in your car and it’s at a big stadium, you drive through the entire property as they have holiday light displays. I haven’t been in years, but with the cold weather it’s perfect to be in your car and check out the lights! Glad you all had fun! :)
Theta Mom´s last blog ..The Ultra Dental Water Jet Review and Giveaway
[Reply]
I love your blog! The color scheme is perfection too – so light and airy.
And, those Christmas lights are so, so, so magical. I’m entirely of jealous of your children. I want to see lights like that.
Cassandra´s last blog ..Wedding Fact Friday
[Reply]
I always forget about Balboa Island. I think it’s because I have a big ole’ SUV and it’s a pain to park. We have plans tonight, but I might have to take Caden to see the lights there Sunday night. My parents go there all the time and walk around.
Awesome pictures! Happy Saturday!!!!
Angry Julie´s last blog ..The Best of Angry Julie 2009
[Reply]
Oh and P.S. I love your BOB stroller. My friend is newly pregnant and she told me that a Bob is her only must-have! I’m on my second one. Caden is 45 lbs., and it’s still soooo easy to push.
Angry Julie´s last blog ..The Best of Angry Julie 2009
[Reply]
OMG – I’m so excited that I won. I never win anything. Thank you so much Shanna but especially a big hug to Addie for picking my name.
xoxo Em
[Reply]