Today was the perfect day.  Two words:  Bead Therapy!  I hit the big Gem show with my friend Lori, and 4 hours later we were going strong.  It is wonderful to go with someone who is not only patient (I can be indecisive), and knowledgeable.  Every time I turned around, Lori was engaged in conversation with someone new discussing everything from bead design ideas to how to oxidize silver.  People are drawn to her…..me too. 🙂  A fantastic break from they every day.  When I came home, my husband said I should do that more often (ah, he didn’t see the damage yet though!).

What a busy week it has been…. with Christmas traditions and activities in full swing.  I’ve enjoyed reading your holiday stories too as I begin to emerge from hiding.  I’ve been avoiding my computer, while working on a deadline that I was able to meet, just in the nick of time.  Meanwhile, my kids have been busy decorating Gingerbread cookies with their Aunt, and Gingerbread houses with old friends…..  Then there was our Christmas card photo shoot…thank goodness for self-timers! If you look closely at our family shot, you’ll see why this one was re-shot (how do you get 4 boys to look at the camera at the same time?).  The cards will be going out -again- just in the nick of time.  Does anyone else feel like they could use an additional week before Christmas?  This is my favorite holiday and it is approaching so fast.  I wish I could slow down time so I can savor Christmas just a bit longer….

One last picture….I’m going to add these to our list of Christmas traditions.  There is always room for a new one!  Have you ever heard of Guittard chocolate?  These are slice of heaven.  And way too easy to eat right out of the bag. 🙂  I picked up a package of their mint chocolate chips recently and tried the Polka Dot Cookies….YUMMY.  Just like eating a brownie in the shape of a cookie, with creamy mint mixed in.  Try them if you can find the chips at Safeway,World Market, or your local grocery store!

Polka Dot Cookies
recipe from Guittard

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups Guittard Green Mint Chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In top of double boiler over low heat, melt the semi-sweet chips and butter, stirring constantly until smooth. Set aside to cool. In small bowl combine flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. In large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light. Blend in melted chocolate then dry ingredients. Stir in green mint chips and chill for 10-15 minutes or until stiff. Drop by well-rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes; cookies will be soft  in the  centers but will firm up as they cool. Yeilds approximately 4 dozen cookies.

What are your holiday traditions?  What are you baking this season?  🙂