Unexpected hiatus....

Well...looks like I took a little break there, huh?!? lol. Truth is we have been super busy. Last Friday night we had our FriendsChristmas Dinner. It was good but we must have been bad entertainers because mostly everyone left by 10. haha. Truthfully, Fridays are like Tuesdays to me and I went right to sleep. lol.

Then, between Christmas Eve and Christmas plus the day after Christmas shopping we really haven't had any down time. And, if we did most of it was in the home theater watching movies and drankin. 

And, while it seems like the easiest time to blog, during my time off, it's actually more challenging for me because I like to relax during that time. Like literally sit here in my pjs with my blanket drowning myself in horrible reruns and Lifetime movies. Like I'm doing right now......

So...I can't make any promises about whether or not next week will be better. But I'll try. :)

And here's a little montage from our Christmas Eve Celebration!!

Thirsty Thursday - Christmas Edition!!

I'm so excited for this!! It's Thirsty Thursday and we're doing a Christmas version!! I can't wait to see what you all have linked up because my Christmas Party is tomorrow!! Just a reminder this linkup is a little different from normal. We have changed it to include anything that would be used to entertaining. You can link up a drank, a tablescape, some apps, etc.

I'm going to linkup a few dranks since that was the original reason for me starting this linkup in the first place, but check out the post from yesterday for some other ideas for a Christmas Party of your own!! 

One of my favorite dranks for Christmas is sooo delish. Especially this brand. It's warm and cozy and perfect for a night spent with the people you love and Christmas lights!!!

Boordy Vineyards Spiced Wassail

If you've never heard of wassail it's a spiced wine that you drink warm. In order to heat it up the easy way you can fill a crockpot with water and just put it on high. Then, place your wine bottles in the water. That should warm it to the right temp for sipping!! 

My aunt is actually the one who came up with the next drank. It's a holiday favorite with a twist!!

Fire Noggin

On Thanksgiving my brother brought Fireball and Angry Orchard to make some Angry Balls. My aunt, who always likes to partake in some wine or whiskey spiked eggnog decided to pour some of the Fireball into her eggnog. Apparently the result was AMAZEBALLS!! I don't care for eggnog but I wanted to share if for those who do!!

Now it's your turn!! Scroll down and link up your Christmas party ideas!!

1. Follow Hopelessly Ever After via GFC or Bloglovin'.
2. Grab a button from below and put it in your post.
3. Write about your favorite alcoholic beverage, tablescape, appetizer, entrée, decorations....anything for a partaaayy!!
4. Come back here and link up!!!
5. Get some new recipes or drink ideas for your Christmas Party and make a new friend!! 6. Send a tweet with #ThirstyThursday and include @leggs532 so I can see it!!

Don't forget, the next linkup is the last Thursday in January!!

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Christmas is in the Air - Food Edition

First off, before I forget....don't forget tomorrow is the first Thirsty Thursday linkup since we gave it a break about a month ago!! Tomorrow is the Christmas Edition. Remember Thirsty Thursday is a little different now. You post can be anything related to entertaining at all!! It doesn't have to be dranks, although you know I'm always ready to find a new one of those. lol. You can link up a tablescape, some appetizers (if you do the Christmas is in the Air linkup you could just link that up with Thirsty Thursday, too!!), decorations, music, etc. The possibilities are endless!! Can't wait to see what you have in store!!

Chelsee and Christine have been doing this Christmas is in the Air linkup. Today is the "Food Edition" where you can link up recipes or ideas for others. I love this idea because we are having out Christmas Party on Friday and I'm always looking for new things to try. I'm also super excited because this year my husband and I are hosting Christmas Eve!!

Christmas Eve is HUGE with his family. Even moreso than Christmas Day. Which actually works out perfectly because my family usually has a big Christmas Day. Christmas Ever consists of a day full of appetizers, dranks, dinner, cards, movies, and more dranks. I'm super excited this year!!

Which brings me to my part of the Christmas Eve menu!! Let's start with the appetizers.

I found this Spinach and Red Pepper Dip recipe through Martinis and Bikinis blog during the Taste of Tuesday linkup with Ashley and Jess. I can't wait to try it!!

I think we decided we're doing a ton of dips this year and Mike's parents always want me to make my famous buffalo chicken dip. OK, so it's not really mine. I found the recipe on the Red Hot website years ago, but it's so delish and so easy!! I use real chicken and just shred it, though. Oh!! And I serve mine with Fritos scoops.....sooooooooooo good.

Of course, we're doing some cheese and crackers and I think Mike's mom is going to bring some shrimp.....mmmmmmmm, shrimp........maybe we'll make some meatballs. It should be a wonderful, fattening day!!

Then, for dinner, the MIL and I are going to try our hand at a Lobster Mac and Cheese. I found this recipe from good ole' Ina at The Food network and it looks pretty each and delish so I think it's the one we will try. The MIL is super awesome in the kitchen so I'm sure there will be some additions. I'll be sure to try to post the recipe after Christmas.

I also am making my all-time favorite CornPudding. I had never heard of this until i met Mike. Now it's a staple at both of our family dinners. This is Paula Deen's recipe and it's exactly how I make it. MMMmmmmm so good!!

Ok I think I'm going to have to stop. I'm starving now and I can't wait until Christmas Eve!! Can't wait to see all of your recipes!!

Don't forget about Thirsty Thursday tomorrow!!

Linking up for Christmas is in the Air!!

Taste of Tuesday - Stuffed Dates

No, no, no....not like "blind date" dates. No one is dying here. I mean like "date" the fruit. I know, you're thinking to yourself...blech...but, these dates are reaaaaaalllly good!! I promise. 

This is something that my mom and I would make every year for Christmas. It was usually my job, which is ok with me because I LERV peanut butter. So, needless to say, the same amount of peanut butter that went into these dates, probably went into my mouth. :)

And, these are a great little pop of sweetness. You can't eat too many, because the peanut butter sticks to the roof of your mouth so it helps with portion control, too!! Unlike those dangerous oatmeal or candy cane cookies. MMmmmmm. I could eat those for dinner. 

Anyway, here's the recipe. Super easy. There aren't any exact measurements because it depends on your preference, so.....just make them!!

Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

INGREDIENTS:

1 pkg pitted dates

creamy peanut butter

1 cupish sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Super easy. These dates should almost be split down one side. If it's not split the entire way just run your finger down the split to open them up. I open them all first, it makes the process a little less sticky. 

Then, just take a knife and fill each with your desired amount of peanut butter. After filling, roll stuffed dates in some sugar. 

DONE!!

So super easy. I made them last night and it took me less than a half hour from beginning to end. 

Option #2: My mom also fills some of hers with walnuts. I don't particularly like nuts twss but if I did I would definitely do both. A little peanut butter and then a walnut. I'm sure the possibilities of what you can put in these are endless. 

And trust me guys, they aren't bad. I promise!!

Oh!! And don't forget Thirsty Thursday is back this week! Come on and link up!! Here are the deets!! And here is the $175 giveaway link, too!!

Linking up for Taste of Tuesday!!

A $175 Cash Giveaway!!!!

Who couldn't use a little extra cash during this part of the year?!?! Enter below!!

Kalyn // Morgan // Kelly

Jen // Kari

Lynsey // Natalie // Allie

Alisha // Kristin // Bailey

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Oh and if you're new here, check out the post from yesterday!! I'd love to have you come link up with us next week for Thirsty Thursday!!

It's Thursday and I have an announcement!!!

It's Thursday and it's coming back!! Thirsty Thursday that is!! Next week will be the first week back. And...like I said it's going to be a little different this time around. Starting off we're only going to do it once a month. The last Thursday of every month is when we are going to celebrate!!! (except this month because I wanted to get some ideas out for Christmas!!) Then, if things pick up a little more we will add on another week and so on.

It's also going to be a little different because this time I'm not requiring it to be a drank. It can be a drank, an appetizer, an entree, a playlist, all of that!!...anything that has to do with entertaining. It's so hard to find a new drink every week so I figured we could add in a lot more. Plus I love new ideas for entertaining and I can always use something I don't have to search Pinterest for!!

I also want to start a theme. So, the week before Thirsty Thursday I'll announce the theme for the next week. If that gets to be too much, though, I'm changing it. lol. Just a heads up. (sorry I'm lazier these days.)

So......next week's theme....of course....is Christmas!!! Show me a table setting, a drank, a food, your favorite Chistmas songs....you name it!! Just make it something I might be able to use at my Christmas party!!

I'm also still looking for cohosts!! If you're interested in cohosting let me know! hopelessly_ever_after@yahoo.com

I wanted to change the button for next week. It will typically stay the same, but a special occasion calls for a special button!

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Cant wait to see what you have for me!!!

Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal...

So I've said this before, but Christmas isn't exactly my favorite holiday. There really isn't one reason why, just seems like a lot of stress for 2 days. I, personally, like the family time more than the presents. Of course, getting new things is awesome and all, but the food and mostly the dranks are really my favorite part of Christmas.

But today, I'd like to talk about holiday movies. Chelsee and Christine are doing an awesome linkup called Christmas is in the Air. Last week we shared our Holiday Gift Guide, and there is a different topic for the next 2 weeks, too. Check out their blogs to get the deets.

I wouldn't say I had a favorite holiday movie, but we have a few that are on repeat throughout the entire Christmas season. They're all your old favorites. Well...kinda.

The first one stays on a loop from the moment it comes on Christmas Eve night through the entire marathon ending Christmas night. I can recite the entire thing in my sleep.

A CHRISTMAS STORY

GIFSoup

Now, this is more a Mike thing that one that I actually like. Truthfully, I usually dread when it comes on because I know it's the only thing I'm going to be watching for the next 24 hours. When I said i can recite it in my sleep I'm not lying. I dream it, and usually find myself involved in A Christmas Story in my dreams. 

Home Alone...

allllll of them..

Who can go through the Christmas season without watching these?? I mean truthfully it's unAmerican. Pretty sure I've seen them so much I feel like Kevin is a part of my family. I wish i could have the balls to take on 2 robbers all by my lonesome. Get it Kev!!

And finally...my favorite of all time.

The Polar Express

Growing up, we used to read The Polar Express before bed every single Christmas Eve. We would read through it once and then listen to the guy talking on the tape. It was so cool and a tradition I hope to continue with my children. Last year, Mike got The Polar Express in 3D for me. I can't wait to watch it in the theater this year!!!

Now it's your turn!! Go link up for Christmas is in the Air!!

I need a drinkity drank....

So, if you've been following along on my new blog Fittin It In, you now I've been trying so hard to be healthy. Mike and I premake most of our lunches and I'm trying to find things to make for dinner that taste delicious but are good for you. 

But........with that eating healthy and living a healthy-ish lifestyle, comes less beer. BBBOOOOOOO!! Like for real. I came home every. single. night. before and got myself a beer or a glass of wine. Last week I only drank on Thursday and Saturday night. And even then it was in huge HUGE moderation.

I know this sounds super crazy....but I'm so not used to it!! Truth is I've been telling myself for about a year that I need to cut back. I know it's one of the reasons I've gained a lot of weight over the past few years and honestly there were a few times I felt like it was getting out of control. Not that I would get drunk every night or even come close for that matter but I craved it AT. ALL. TIMES. so.....I guess this is a blessing. Or something....

On another note....heading to the liquor store to get me some vodka. Hey, if I'm going to be stuck at home on this snow day, I might as well make the best of it. Peace.

Oh...and all my drankers out there, you're going to want to tune in on Thursday for an announcement. Note the day....hint, hint. It's back beetches!!

Happies and Crappies!!

It's Friday...sooooooo time for HAPPIES AND CRAPPIES!!

HAPPIES

1. I've gotten so much motivation from my followers at the new blog Fittin It In. If you don't follow, please go check it out! I need all the help I can get to get this dang (dang?) body back in check. But I'm so thankful for all of you guys because you hold me accountable!!

2. Only two more weeks until Christmas break!! And I've finally started to get myself into the Christmas spirit. You might not know this but Christmas is far from my favorite holiday. Of course I love getting together for dinner and decorating, and everyone loves presents...but for some reason, as an adult I have never really gotten excited for Christmas. I'm really trying this year. Maybe it just takes some time to get back into that Christmas spirit like you were as a kid.

(Google+ just made my lights twinkle! Amazeballs!!)

3. Mike and I are staying in this weekend. Well, at least that's the plan. Don't get my wrong, I love going to new places and finding little bars and what not, but sometimes a relaxing weekend to get ish done around the house is needed. And we need it get ish done. lol. Plus, we really need to save some money and that means we can just have people over to hang out!!

4. I got to break out the Santa socks last night!! Not like I couldn't have done it before but I felt the need last night.

CRAPPIES

1. This whole eating healthy thing is so hard. I just want a huge plate of cheesy fries!!

BUT THAT'S IT!! It's been a pretty good week so far so I'm good!!

My Stocking Wish List!!

Chelsee and Christine are doing a linkup over the next month and it's all Christmas related!!! And...today's is perfect timing because the theme is WISH LIST!! I have been wanting to tell my mom...errrr I mean Santa...what to get me for my stocking this year but it's so hard without her seeing a picture. I have my Pinterest board for my actual Christmas list but these things are so little and silly I didn't want anyone to get mixed up with the things I REALLY want. lol. So I figured I would put it on here!!! Selfish?? Nope. Resourceful!!

So, bear with me on the specifics, they're for my mom. HI MOMMY!!!

So here it is....

my Stocking Stuffer Wish List!!

1. Socks!! - Everyone can always use some new socks. And I love the fuzzy kind, too!! My problem is that every time I wear my boots, it puts holes in the big toe of my socks. Don't know why. My toenails are cut. Maybe it's just my big big toe. lol.

2. Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara (waterproof, color: very black) - I love, love, love this. And, it's appropriate that I'm talking about it on Chelsee's linkup because she's the one who introduced it to me. I love it because it doesn't clump. And I have long eyelashes, so that's usually a problem.

3. NYC Pencil Eyeliner (waterproof, color: black) - Yup, cheap arsh NYC eyeliner. It's my fav. It's one of the only ones that I can use the right way. I used to have the crayon one but then it was always too thin. I love this one. Try it!! You won't be disappointed!!

4. Excedrine Migraine - This is the only thing that kills my migraines. Literally nothing else works. So, I love to keep it on hand.

5. Rimmel London Natural Bronzer (color: Sun Bronze) - Another cheap makup. Can you tell I don't really care about makeup. I have never, and (unless I win a $165 gift card to Ulta or Sephora) never will but any expensive makeup. Why? because I don't know how to use it right. haha. I'm a makeup loser. I've pretty much been doing the same thing for the last 10 years. And last time I had someone do my makeup I hated it!!

6. Amazon Kindle Gift Card - I mean who couldn't use one of these? With Book Club and all the other awesome books out there I want to read I'd love this!! 

7. Black Statement Necklace - This one is from Target and I love!!! It's the one thing I actually did put on the Christmas List board because I love it and I want it. I have a few other statement necklaces but no black one.

8. Bed Head Extreme Straight Shampoo and Conditioner - OK, so I'll confess. This can be kinda expensive and maybe doesn't need to be under Stocking Stuffers. But, really, I can use any shampoo and conditioner. Make it the moisture kind or straight kind, though.

9. Boot Slippers - I love boot slippers. I prefer the kind with the rubber bottom because I wear them outside, but I guess I can wear my old ones if need be. But I definitely need a new pair. My old ones are horrid!!

So there it is!! My Christmas Wish List. Head on over and check out the linkup!! Next week is holiday movies!!

Weekend Shenanigans!! (and a Giveaway)

First off, don't forget about the $165 giveaway to either Sephora or Ulta going on at Southern Beauty Guide's blog. It's such an amazing giveaway and we all could always use some awesome new face paint!!

Now on to the Weekend Shenanigans!!! It seems like my weekend was pretty eventful but it certainly didn't feel that way. I guess we did get a lot in!!

1. This weekend was my nephews birthday party. You can see Uncle Mike gets into the spirit. He's the favorite. Drives me nuts!!

2. This is how Logan reacts every time he gets attention. He hates it. Not sure where he gets it from. We're all pretty much attention hogs. But he cried the entire time we sang "Happy Birthday". 

3. I finally got to meet this little man. He was so good and just wanted to sit and watch everything that was going on. The party hat was just as big as he was. 

4. Later that night I went out with the besties. It was funny seeing B again because we had just gone to VA to see her last weekend. lol. Hey I'll take all the time I can get. She deploys again in February and I won't see her until October!!

5. I also ran into this long lost love. Jay and I went to school together from the 3rd grade all the way through high school. I haven't gotten to hang out with him in years and it was so cool bringing back memories and funnies throughout the years.

6. Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!!

7. Mike and I wanted the tallest tree we could get with our 9 ft ceilings. We finally found the perfect tree that both of us agreed on. So excited to decorate!!

8. Here is me doing the honors. Nice view, huh??

Linking up with Sami for Weekend Shenanigans!!

And for...