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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Take a Peek

BooMamaChristmasTour

BooMama is currently hosting a Tour of Christmas Homes on her blog. In an effort to write about all things Christmas in the days leading up to the holiday, I thought it would be fun to participate. So, without further ado, I share with you the decorations currently making our home merry and bright.

My husband and I were married only four short days befor Christmas. Our wedding day incorporated many elements of the holiday. Pictured here are the Nutcracker and Christmas ball ornaments that we gave away as favors.


The latest addition to the decorations bringing Christmas cheer to our house...Elf on a Shelf. He was a gift from my beloved friend Keri, at Forever Folding Laundry, for my kids' birthday this year. Although Giancarlo is troubled that the he does not have a name (something that we will need to remedy), the Elf is fabulous and his ability to create peace and harmony in my home because "Santa is watching" brings me immense joy.


Growing up, my grandmother had a number of Santa's like this adorning her home during the holiday. I loved them. They are sentimental for many reasons. When Geoff proposed, he bought me a Santa and placed my engagement ring in the box he inserted into Santa's sack of toys.


Here is the scene that greets you when you pull up to our drive-way. Geoff bought this "lawn adornment" last year. Shockingly, it was the only blow up item at the Home Depot that wasn't sold out during the days leading up to Christmas. Giancarlo loves it.

When looking at this photo, keep in mind that we live in a very urban area in the Bay Area. Maybe Geoff's motivation for the purchase was the fact that we both grew up in a small, rural town. I'm not sure. However, what I do know is that nothing really says "Merry Christmas" like Santa waving hello...from his tractor.













My Mom never ceases to amaze me. Just when I think I have my holiday preparations in order, she'll totally put my efforts to shame. Last year, she made Giancarlo the Advent calendar pictured here. Not only are there mini-cards for him to open for the entire month, but most days there is also a gift.

The Christmas Holiday Tour guidelines also stipulate that we should include some sort of recipe. After all, what kind of host would I be if I didn't have a refreshment to offer my guests? To that end, I give you the best Eggnog recipe in the world. If you have never had homemade eggnog, make this Christmas a banner year and try this. You won't regret it!

Best Eggnog Recipe in the World

6 eggs, separated
3/4 cup sugar
1 pint heavy cream, chilled
1 pint whole milk, chilled
Whipping cream to use as topping

Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites.

Beat the egg whites until stiff, but not dry. Gradually add the sugar, beating continuously.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until thick and lemon-colored. Fold into the egg white mixture.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream and fold into the egg mixture. Mix in the whole milk until the desired consistency is obtained. Top with whipped cream.

-Francesca

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26 comments:

amanda said...

there are tons of blow up tractors in our area...but we live in wisconsin. so it's normal here. weird. but normal.

Chris said...

I've never seen the blowup tractor. I must find one. My wife will be thrilled.

Lori said...

First of all, LOVE the tractor!

I never thought to make my own egg nog... I think we'll make this to go with Santa's cookies this year :) Thank you!!

Debbie said...

I love that Santa! I have a few but none as great as him.

Ami said...

We were married on 12-20 and gave out ornaments as favors, also. We bought glass ball ornaments on clearance the year before, right after Christmas and then had them all hand-painted with various designs. (snowmen, pine cones, different flowers, etc.) I love hanging them every year, and seeing them on other people's trees when we visit during the holidays! Thanks for sharing!

B said...

I love the Santa in the tractor.

forever folding laundry said...

I am cracking up at Santa in the John Deere. What a homage to the old hometown, eh? The egg nog sounds so good. Since I don't think I've done quite enough damage this year I think I'll make it for Christmas Eve!

Jill @ Sneaky Momma said...

I love Santa on the tractor. He would fit in well over here.
I love how your husband hid your ring in Santa's sack. Totally unique...and unexpected, I'm sure!

Tulip Row said...

Wow! The Santa on the Tractor is hilarious, and wonderful! That would make me giggle everytime I cam home. Also, your mom is awesome! I can not believe she made that, with all the little cards inside. Impressive!
PS I have not seen the movie to the DV code, but maybe I will check it out, I heard it was not so close to the book.

wendy said...

I am going to have to join in the spirit one of these years. Derek & I have always had fake trees. Not even the fake kind but a little cardboard cutout. Its sort of sad really. But we always go and get hit with the big holiday stick at my folk's house.
{i love how geoff proposed - so lovely!}

Kimmy said...

What wonderful decorations!! This is the best time!! :o)

Oh, and an update: Christmas cards are FINALLY in the mail!!! WOO HOO!! How about you?!

Carol said...

Looks like everything's ready for Santa to load that tractor with toys and goodies!

Merry Christmas from She Lives!

Lara Neves said...

I love the elf! He is adorable.

And thanks for the egg nog recipe...I will have to show it to my husband.

Erin said...

This time of year is an extra special time for you, with your anniversary and all! How exciting for you. And I've never even seen a homemade egg nog recipe before. It looks great!

Helene said...

I love the tractor!!! Sounds like you have lots of happy memories of Christmas past!!! So that's the Elf on the Shelf (I think you mentioned him on my blog)? I'll have to look into getting one. I never know when "Santa" will be at the grocery store again so maybe the Elf will keep the kids in check!!

Kim @ Forever Wherever said...

Your home looks great and ya gotta love the tractor! We live near the beaches so I haven't seen any of those yet. Very cool! Merry Christmas!

Lesley said...

thank you for the egg nog....recipe...I needed that....and love the santa on the riding lawnmower....that is really cute....

WILLOW TREE said...

I Love your wedding ornaments! And the advent calendar your mom made? Wow; is she on Etsy?

Blessings, Carolynn

Anonymous said...

I love your decorations! My husband and I were married 3 days after Christmas, and for part of my bridal shower people brought ornaments. So I have many with wonderful memories of friends.

I want to try that egg nog recipe. How stiffly do you beat the cream? It sounds really yummy.

Thanks for dropping by my blog. I feel a little funny, because I'm right in the middle of this Christmas fluff, which I like, but is not generally representative of my blog's content. Any way, thanks for commenting, too.

Minxy Mimi said...

HAHAHAHA
Love the blow up tractor! My kids would love it! Lets hope your neighbors have a sense of humor... because its cute, and fun and carefree!
Thanks for stopping by my blog!

LisAway said...

My husband is a huge fan of eggnog, but they don't have it in Poland. I am definitely going to surprise him with some before Christmas! Thanks for the recipe!
So it doesn't need any seasoning? I thought there was some cloves or cinnamon or something in it? (and we just celebrated our anniversary on the 20th!)

Laura said...

Awesome tour, thanks!

Laura said...

Oh yeah, and the ring in Santa's bag? Very sweet!

The Stiletto Mom said...

Cute decorations and I love Elf on a Shelf!! We've been doing that for years!

Tia said...

Your house looks beautiful! You are a festive bunch!

Unknown said...

We love John Deere around here! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'll be back!