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I think we can all agree that baking and cooking is one of the best parts of the Christmas season. It’s definitely one of mine. My mom and I always make a ton of goodies to give to our friends at home, and we even mail some to our friends in other states.
This year was no different. We now have tupperware containers full of Christmas goodies covering our dining room table. It’s so hard to not eat everything; I have to tell myself that we can eat the rest after we’ve shared with friends. Or maybe we’ll just make more… maybe.
Here’s what we made this year!

Pretzel HugsSuper easy to make, and really tasty addictive.

Peanut Butter Balls

A family favorite and “must make” every year. Like homemade Reese’s Cups, except with a little crunch!

Truffles

These might be my favorite. So rich, so chocolatey, so delicious.

Palmier Cookies

New this year! I saw these on Food Network a couple weeks ago and Anne Burrell made them look really easy. Naturally, I tried them, and they were awesome. They might be a new addition to the Christmas treats. Find the recipe here.

What are your favorite holiday treats to bake? Do you make the same things every year, or do you try new things?

Hello lovelies! I’m back on the “My Favorite Things” link-up action today. But before I get into that, today is my last day of class before I have a few days off to for Thanksgiving. This will be a much needed break and I’m so excited to relax and take it slow, and celebrate Thanksgiving with my family.

Today’s link-up theme is stocking stuffers! Stocking stuffers are fun, thoughtful little gifts but miniature in size. I love shopping for small gifts because there are so many options that will make anyone smile. Here are my recommendations for some awesome stocking stuffers for your friends and family (and maybe even yourself).

Writing/Office Items: I’m weird and have a strange affinity for fancy pens. Maybe it’s a writer/blogger thing, but nothing makes me happier than a fresh pack of nice pens. Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, because there are definitely things that make me happier, but you get the idea. Helene in Between posted an awesome list of gift ideas for your favorite blogger, and it’s spot on.

Books: Stocking-sized books are great ideas, and they’re easy to find. From little comic and humor books, to pocket-sized field guides, to collections of inspirational quotes, to Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris, there’s a book option for everyone on your shopping list.

Sunglasses straps: These are great for everyone. I never used “croakies” (as they’re sometimes called) until recently because I thought they were a bit tacky. But then I got a free pair at Foxfield last year, and I was converted pretty quickly. They’re so convenient! You can find these in so many different colors, styles, and patterns, and can even get them monogrammed if you know where to look (like Etsy).

Mini perfumes: Any kind of beauty accessory makes a great stocking stuffer for your beauty-savvy friends. Rollerball perfumes are great because they fit nicely in purses or clutch-style wallets. Nail polish will add a pop of color to any stocking collection, and every girl needs a good tube of lipgloss for the occasional night out.

Ties & bow ties: For the men in your lives, nothing adds a classy touch like a nice tie or bow tie. Again, these are easy to find, as they’re available at almost any department store, and come in a wide variety of colors, patterns and material. How about a new tie for his first day at a new job or for a special dinner party? Why not! I keep wanting to get my dad a VT tie…maybe one year.

What are your favorite stocking stuffers?

What I’m Baking This Holiday Season

My Favorite Things: Stocking Stuffers {Link-Up}

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