Gluten-Free Christmas Sugar Cookies

This isn't about perfect cookies or perfect pictures of cookies. It's about tradition, one I am thankful for each year. My Mom and I have always dedicated a day to making Christmas cookies together, some of each Family recipe she grew up with and then passed on to me. On December 25th, you know we will always be serving toffee bars, peanut butter nerds (a Family special), pistachio cake and homemade, frosted sugar cookies. 

Some years ago, we invited one of my best girlfriends to help us with the baking and after making a mess in the kitchen all day,  we took a drive around town to look at Christmas lights and hit each of our favorite drive-thru spots (Portillo's, Taco Bell and White Castle, respectively). We had so much fun that year and since then, have made it an annual experience that the 3 of us look forward to. Sometimes, we try new recipes (see melted snowmen), but we ALWAYS snack while we bake and certainly don't feel shy about passing around the Prosecco bottle, either.

For the past few years, we have relied on this sugar cookie recipe - We all agreed it was the best we had tried yet and the only reason we switched this year was to make them gluten-free, specifically so my nephew (Lisa's son) could indulge in them too. 

For the cookies, you will need:

• 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs

For the icing, you will need:

• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Does anyone else get just as excited about the little snacks and apps you can munch on while you wait on the oven/cooling time? This orange fig spread is one of my new favorites...it's perfect on crackers or tiny toasts, especially with a swipe of hummus or slice of cheese...Sweet & savory never fails!

I'm happy to report, they turned out just as (if not more) delicious than our usual batch, they were easy to make and sadly, our decorating skills have NOT improved...so if you thought these were the "Instagram worthy" kind of cookies, I am sorry to disappoint. We had fun making them and when it comes to Christmas, isn't everything wonderful just the way it is?

What are your Family baking traditions?

Any favorite recipes to share?

5 Personal Gifts

Being that Christmas is my favorite time of year, I tend to get a bit wrapped up (pun intended) in the season and that applies to everything, even gifts for Family and friends. I spend a lot of time thinking about personal items that apply to each person based on their interests what's going on in their lives, their current hobbies, etc. My husband says I put a lot of my pressure on myself to find the "perfect gift," but I enjoy the process and to me, it's a way to let everyone know how important they are and how we much we appreciate having them in our lives.
Here are a few of my favorite gifts we gave this year...great ideas for any future occasion! 
1. Handwriting Gift
As I mentioned earlier, we lost my Grandmother in June and as time goes on, it continues to sink in that we won't see her name on the caller ID or tell a funny story about something she did last week. Every "first" without her is difficult, especially for her kids (my Dad and Aunt) so I wanted to do anything I could to make this Christmas extra special for them. Grandma was a big fan of hand-written notes…after all, it’s really all she ever knew and it always made us happy to get “real” mail. 
With the help of my cousin, I was able to secure a birthday card from Grandma to my Aunt with a very sentimental message, signed in her famous signature which was perfect for my plan: I had always seen how you can memorialize someone’s handwriting on different items (necklace, bracelet, key chain, etc.) so with the help of Jody from Fabric Modern on Etsy, I was able to take one of the best parts of Grandma’s card and have it embroidered on a cozy pillow. It turned out even better than I imagined, just as if she had written it herself and I think this will be a great reminder of Mom for my Aunt, something she can look at on a daily basis and remember how much she was loved by her.

2. Home Ornament

Lisa and my brother are looking to sell their house next year which is actually the house my Dad & Aunt grew up in, so it has been an important place to all of us for many reasons. For most of my childhood, it was Grandma’s house where we ate Easter Dinner and had rolling chair races in the garage. Once she moved to a smaller living space, it was really special that we got to keep it in the Family by having my brother start his own there. 

While it’s time for them to take the next step, we will all miss the memories of the house so my very sweet cousin ALSO worked with another talented Etsy owner to create personalized ornaments which are exact replicas of the house. Down to the mailbox and the detailed landscaping, she got everything exactly right. This is great for someone who has everything and it also makes the PERFECT moving gift. 

(I have blocked out the address...just for creepers sake!)

3. Library Honor 

Another way I chose to honor Grandma this year was through the gift of reading - She was the biggest bookworm I knew, devouring books like candy, sometimes making it through more than one a day. She read more than anyone I know, some new, but mostly her old time favorites that brought her back to the best time in her life. She also worked at a library for 10 years so I could think of nothing more important to her...With that in mind, I worked with our local library to make her an "honor book recipient," which is a way to remember a loved one by sponsoring a select item in their collection. I chose 2 of her favorites: Little Women and Gone with the Wind, which now each have a bookplate inside with her beautiful name. 

4. Photo Canvas
I think photo gifts are always a great choice because it’s something that people can keep forever as opposed to a one-time use item like a gift card (though those are always appreciated as well!) We recently had a family portrait session done (by Loren Weddings, check them out…so wonderful to work with) and while my parents have a lot of photos of the whole family around the house, there aren’t many of the two of them so I figured it was time to change that. I worked with EasyCanvas Prints who does a beautiful job and always has great deals! 

5. Shop Local
This year, I did a lot of shopping our local downtown area which is filled with small boutiques and Mom&Pop shops owned by hard working entrepreneurs. I could spend hours in these stores (which I pretty much did) looking at unique items such as hand-carved signs, rare accessories, delicate jewelry and charming tea's. Not only do these stores carry items you won't find anywhere else but you can feel the sense of community while you're browsing. 
Don't get me wrong, I'm a BIG fan of Amazon Prime and it's magical shipping ways but on the other hand, it was really nice to spend some time hand-selecting gifts for my Family and friends. And P.S. they wrapped my gifts and everything which I MAY have taken credit for ;)

What was the most memorable gift you gave/received this year?

DIY Vanilla Body Scrub

Using this recipe, I made my own sugar body scrubs for the ladies who join us on Christmas morning. In addition to all the gifts I enjoy shopping for, it makes me happy to create something from scratch because it's personal and a little more meaningful because it comes from the heart. 

These are perfect for exfoliating! All you need is a palmful... just rub in a circular motion, rinse off and moisturize as usual. Use 1-2 times a week for soft glowing skin.

The scrubs were SUPER easy to make and assemble...

(all purchased from Hobby Lobby)

The mixture smells amazing (good enough to eat!) and the cinnamon sticks added a special touch. I think the ladies enjoyed them so I'd like to to try these lip scrubs next -- the vanilla cranberry looks amazing! 

Did you DIY any Christmas gifts?

Merry Christmas (Eve)

Today we are busy putting the finishing touches on wrapping (still need tags? print free ones here!), baking (last minute? here's an easy cookie recipe), and of course, decking the halls. 

Our regular blogging will resume Friday, December 26th.

Have a very Merry Christmas with family & friends! Xo 

Tiny Prints, Large Meaning...

“Why do we need to send a Christmas card? 
You post all our pictures on Facebook, anyway.” – My husband 

This is in the same category as the time he suggested we send Evites in place of real wedding invitations. To me, there’s something so special about sharing our first “family photo” because I am so proud of my husband (AND our 4-legged, furry “son”). I also look forward to all the cards we will receive in return - Snail mail is a lost art but there’s still something to be said about rushing to the mailbox with the possibility of what’s inside. When we start to resort to solely sharing our personal holiday greetings via a dot com address, I’ll consider myself a mean one, Mr. Grinch. 

I have always loved the Tiny Prints selection of designs and was very impressed with their impeccable service during our wedding planning process so I didn't think twice about using them for our card this year (especially when I saw all of the foil-stamped cards...so shiny!)

Here are the top 5 designs I felt best complimented our photo...number 5 is the winner!

What do you think of our chosen design? I thought the rustic design complete with pine tree needles matched our photo perfectly.

How do you feel about the Christmas Card tradition? Worth sticking to?

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Have a wonderful Holiday with family and friends! 

We'll be back on Thursday :)

Because Kaitlyn Christmas Shopped (Bonus Rock&Swap!)

I generally do most of my Christas shopping online, but there are still a few items I like to see and touch in person so I joined the masses at the mall over the weekend. A week before Christmas, you can either choose to be in the spirit despite the 10 layers you have on and the long line that awaits you or be that person who lays on your horn because someone took that great spot you were waiting for (to that guy, the walk will probably do you some good). 

Yes, the holidays have their fair share of challenges, but it really is a memorable time that just requires some patience and kindness. As for our beautiful snow covered landscape, it is a true winter wonderland -- It just wouldn't feel like the holiday season with green grass so for now, I will continue to happily deck the halls in my snow boots. 

But come January 1st, the summer countdown begins. Winter was only meant for Christmas ;)

Sweater: Piperlime (swap w/Lisa) (buy here!)  // Jeans: J Brand (similar) // Scarf: JC Penney // Boots: Target

Bag: ℅ Just Fab // Hat: Old (similar) // Glasses: Coach

Because Kaitlyn Loves Holiday Traditions

Before anything else, I am a product of my environment and that is most true during the holidays. I was raised in a family where togetherness comes first and traditions stand strong so it's no wonder I look forward to the same things each year during this time. 

Without any reasonable explanation available, my Mom and I are huge fans of the Home Alone movies...It's something we've watched since I was little so I think the nostalgia and comfort of it just makes us happy. 3 years ago, we started the tradition of visiting the house where it was shot each year at Christmas time.

We make a day of it, packing (my Mom's AMAZING) toffee bars for the car, movie soundtrack in the background and doing some shopping along the way...

Sweater: Old Navy // Leggings: JC Penney (similar, similar) // Boots: c/o Just Fab // Scarf: Target (similar)

Gloves: Forever 21 (similar) // Hat: Old (similar)

The north shore of Chicago is absolutely beautiful and where I want to live (should I ever grace the cover of Forbes). I mean...this horse & carriage just came out of nowhere while we were driving around town. Combined with the dusting of snow, could it be any more idyllic?

We met another family in front of the house who had driven in from IOWA to see it! Guess we're not the only ones with a soft spot for the McAllisters...

This year, we made a stop at the Chriskindlmarket afterwards...Picked up a few ornaments, drank spiced German wine (which I will not be buying at Binny's) and enjoyed being together. Not everyone loves the Holiday like we do, so it's nice to be able to share in our craziness together :)

What are your favorite Holiday traditions?

-K

Kaitlyn's Holiday Gift Guide

Entertainer: Gold Appetizer Plates // Host: Colorfield Wine Tote 

Tech Lover: Macro Lens Band //Creative: Stationary Subscription Service

Man: Mr. Beer Kit // Tween:  Just Dance for Kinect

Kids: A Furby (they're back!) // Dog Lover: Bark Box

And last but not least...my favorite.

Fashionista: Kate Spade Shoes

These are an item on my wishlist and I can't stop staring at them -- there's really no practical reason to own or wear them but that's the best part about them, right? Life is better with glitter ;)

-K

Peaked My Pinterest: "Mistletoes"

As someone who spends a crazy amount of time on Pinterest, I wanted to implement one of the creative projects I had pinned this Holiday season. I saw DIY mani/pedi kits and I thought it would be a cute idea to do for the girls in my family that I spend Christmas Day with. Here are the materials I used (all purchased from Hobby Lobby):

Outside:

Mason Jar

Mistletoe labels for the top (created with Adobe Illustrator and a good friend)

Chalkboard tags with each girl’s name

Rhinestones for dotting the “i’s” (who doesn’t love a hint of sparkle?)

Inside:

1 festive nail polish (picked specially for each lovely lady)

Cotton balls for polish removal

A four sided file

Toe separators

Here are the finished products:

I had all four girls open them at once and they all thought it was a super cute idea! I was really excited about all the gifts I gave this year, but it's even more special when they are so personal. 

How often do you actually try things you pin? Can you recommend any good DIY's?

#Kaitlyn