It's been a whirlwind, but I am SO CLOSE to being totally, completely, absolutely finished with all 2019 Christmas Prep...
And that's a special feeling all by itself, isn't it?
Blog Linkage - Go to www.thenester.com and find the post entitled, "A Cozy Minimalist Christmas Home." At the bottom of the post, you will see several other blogs listed. Click on them one by one to see their Christmas Home Tour. So much fun.
My Favorite Things RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE - The following are few and varied, but I'm going to share before I forget.
1. The pimento cheese at Klingler's Deli in Vestavia. As you may remember, I consider myself a connoisseur of all things pimento and cheese, and our friends at Klingler's do an excellent job!
2. This book...
I love reading it out loud even when I'm alone. It is so beautifully written.
3. Mercury glass of any kind, shape or form...
But mainly for use with candles.
Sheet Pan Parmesan Crusted Salmon with Broccoli
You will need the following for the Broccoli:
1 1/4 pounds broccoli crowns (stems cut off)
2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
You will need the following for the Salmon:
4 skinless salmon filets
1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice (zest lemon first)
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup slightly packed, finely grated parmesan
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray foil with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place broccoli in a mound in center of baking sheet. Pour olive oil over broccoli along with garlic and toss to evenly coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste and spread near edges of baking sheet, leaving enough space in center to fit salmon filets.
4. Season bottom of salmon with salt and pepper and place salmon in center of baking sheet, leaving about 3/4" between filets so they can cook evenly.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice and garlic. Brush about 1/2 tablespoon over each filet. Season top with salt and pepper.
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together parmesan, bread crumbs, parsley, lemon zest and thyme. Drizzle 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil into bowl and stir with a fork until evenly moistened. Spread parmesan mixture evenly over tops of salmon filets.
7. Bake in preheated oven until salmon filets have cooked through (about 12 to 15 minutes). For a more golden crust, you can broil during the last 1 to 2 minutes of baking, if needed.
NOTE - If you like your broccoli more browned and roasted, let it roast for 5 minutes, then remove from oven and spread to edges before adding salmon to sheet pan. If you like it crisp-tender and slightly roasted, then no pre-roasting is needed.
RANDOMNESS #1 - A Christmas Gift Idea - I wanted to do something special for Roxie for Christmas this year. I remember how fun it was decorating for my first Christmases when I moved out of my parents' house, and even though Roxie has decorated with her roommates these past few years, it won't be very long before she'll be deciding how to decorate her own home and deciding upon her "Christmas style."
I thought it would be fun to give her a few things to get her started when the time comes.
I wrapped the following items in separate boxes and slipped them in with her Christmas Day gifts. (We traditionally exchange with our all of our kids and grandkids on Christmas Eve unless something happens with work schedules and then we rearrange.) Christmas morning is just me, Mike and Roxie. We exchange a few "held-back" gifts before heading to Hayden and Hartselle to see what Santa brought the smallest Faulkners.
The first gift I wrapped was a handmade jingle bell made by a real blacksmith who worked at the Christmas Tree Farm we visit every year. He makes beautiful, unique pieces, so I knew I wanted a authentic jingle bell from him. The note on the first gift said, "Jingle bells signal the arrival of family and friends at your home to celebrate the holidays with you. They make a cheerful, happy sound and fill you with anticipation for the coming season."
The second gift I wrapped was a very simple snowflake ornament. The note on the second gift said, "No matter where you live, a snowflake ornament in your home at Christmas symbolizes the hope of a white Christmas."
Is it probable?
Nope.
But is it impossible?
The answer to that question is also "NOPE!"
I wanted the third gift to have the word "JOY" somewhere on it, and I found a little cup and matching saucer. I think it is important to purposefully try to experience something joyful each and every day of the holiday season. The note attached to the third gift said, "Joy doesn't have to be big and bright and shiny. It can be in something as simple as sitting down to your morning Bible Study with a cold cup of milk and a warm pastry."
The fourth gift was one of my favorite angel ornaments from my Angel Christmas Tree in the living room. The angel is such an important part of the Christmas story. It was the angel's job to tell people about Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. And even more importantly the angel told us to "FEAR NOT." A very good reminder to me NOT to be fearful about sharing the wonderful news about Jesus during the holiday season OR any other day of the year.
And finally, I wrapped a copy of my favorite Christmas book, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson, with a note that read, "If you are too busy to read anything else this holiday season (not counting the Biblical story of Jesus' birth), read this book (or at least Chapter 7). It's a perfect reminder of what Christmas really, truly means."
So the above is her "starter set," and whatever theme she chooses over the years, hopefully she'll still be able to use these five gifts.
RANDOMNESS #2 - RT's First Official Performance - This young man performed several Christmas songs with his peers a couple of weeks ago and did an amazing job. As his Nana, I am not bias even a little bit! He was AWESOME!
I don't think this little jig was part of the original concert, but it definitely added a little pizzazz!
RANDOMNESS #3 - Palisades Christmas - My side of the family got together for our annual Christmas party at Palisades Park in Oneonta a couple of weekends ago.
We always have soups, chili, cornbread, sandwiches and desserts, and on cold December nights, that is the perfect meal.
We had 31 in attendance...
And I think a good time was had by most everyone...
At least that was the goal.
Eden was precious and totally kissable even without mistletoe.
Carly Beth was stylin' in black velvet bell-bottoms.
Maggie and Zac.
I brought 18 foam stockings and 160 Christmas stickers for decorating...
And Judith and Sawyer used all but one stocking and ten of the stickers.
Thankfully, Carly Beth was more interested in the color sheets.
Next year, I'll bring triple the art supplies.
Pop and Toppy had a good time rocking beside the fireplace.
If there had been a contest for most festive sweaters, Katie and Zach would have totally won.
Monica, Tyler and Abbie.
Carly, Levi, Monica, Tyler, Abbie and Peyton.
Sawyer all bundled up for the Annual Walk...
Along with Judith...
And Eden.
The Palisades is known for it's light display. Cars slowly meander through the Park and enjoy the spectacle, but if you rent a cabin and have an event, it's much more fun to bundle everyone up and walk.
All of the Waco Women were together again!
Beverly, Amy, ME, Aunt Connie and her friend, Gay.
Brandy and Adam.
Monica and Alex.
Brad and Stephanie.
Josh, Judith, Courtney and Eden.
I feel the need to tell you Judith's hair was perfectly coiffed for the entire party, but after the Walk, she changed into pajamas and the Rudolph barrettes and braids disappeared.
Mike and Roxie.
Beverly and Tommy.
Austin, Melia and RT weren't able to be with us because Austin came down with a bug earlier in the day. Totally missed them all, but thankful they felt much better the next day.
RANDOMNESS #4 - Christmas at McWane - Roxie and I took RT to McWane for a couple of hours one afternoon last week to experience all of the Christmas things they offer.
While he enjoyed the McWane Train, the Ice Slide and The Magic of Model Trains Exhibit, I think it would be safe to say he liked zip-lining best of all.
I personally think he's ready for the "real thang!"
I hope you and yours have a lovely Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hopefully, we'll all be able to find JOY in these two days.
Sincerely,
The Enchanting Belinda
My teenage daughter just yelled, "We're going to be late" while I was trying to find my other shoe... and I think that means the circle of life is now complete.
"The divorce rate among my socks is astonishing."
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