{weekend notes}

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…..because it’s a short week!!!  Yessss.

Can you believe it’s Christmas week?  Yeah, me either.  I was thinking yesterday, I’m not the slightest bit stressed this holiday season??  I budgeted and purchased early, which helped a lot.  I just feel very calm and relaxed…this hasn’t happened in years.  I’m going to embrace it, friends!

F R I D A Y

(most of the Yaya’s)

Friday night was Yaya Christmas.  Our Yoyo’s (men) were included.  It was a fun time.  Flip cup yaya’s vs. yoyo’s was a frickin blast.  I forgot how fun the game is.

I have no words.  Every time I look at this photo, I can’t help but laugh.  There is a lot going on, that’s for sure.

Cant wait to see what kind of shenanigans are in my future with these girls for 2016!!  All I know, is it’s going to be a damn good time.  Cant you tell?? 🙂

Thanks Nikki + Kris for hosting such a great night.

S A T U R D A Y

….was a slow day.  Due to Friday nights festivities.  Slow days are actually really nice.  I enjoyed it to the fullest.

Bailey’s cookies from the Strange Family cookie decorating party.  I’m not sure what Lindsey puts in her sugar cookies, but they are the best.  You cant just have one…it’s like cookie crack.  haha.  It’s Sunday, and I think there is like half of one left….yikes.

(not the best pic of me, but fuck it)

I registered to become a bone marrow donor.  #teamchris

I’m so proud of our community for the love an support  I saw at the bone marrow drive.  Hundreds of people.  You could hardly move.  Makes your heart happy to see family + friends + strangers unite in time of need.

S U N D A Y

This was completely accurate!!

Remember my instagram photo Sunday of this lovely dish of amazingness?  Well, here is the recipe below.  Make it and share it with someone.  They will instantly fall in love with you forever 🙂

Cinnamon Roll French Toast

The worst, best idea ever.  It’s so amazing.  The calorie count, not so much.  It’s like really bad.  Let’s just say it’s a once a year Holiday thing??

Here what you will need:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 (12.4 oz.) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
• 6 eggs
• 1/2  cup heavy whipping cream (I used milk)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup maple syrup

Garnish with:

Icing from cinnamon rolls

powdered sugar

maple syrup

Directions:

Place butter in 9×13 inch baking dish.  Stick in oven and preheat to 375 degrees.  Once butter is melted remove dish. Allow oven to continue preheating.  Separate both cans of dough into 16 rolls.  Cut each roll into 4 pieces and place into butter dish.  In medium bowl, beat eggs.  Add milk (or cream), cinnamon and vanilla.  Pour over cinnamon roll pieces.  Sprinkle with walnuts and drizzle with 1 cup syrup.

Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes until golden brown.  Allow to cool for 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, microwave icing at 50% power for 15 seconds.

Drizzle icing over the top of French toast bake and sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Serve with additional maple syrup.

So so so good!!

I didn’t even look at the nutritional information.  Sometimes it’s better left unknown.

This would be perfect for Christmas morning.  I bet even Santa would dig a scoop of this French toast too.

 

Sunday afternoon I attended Sara + Kelly’s 2nd Annual Ornament Exchange.  Yummy food + lots of bubbles (my favorite) + girlfriends.

After stealing back my ornament (from the ultimate ornament stealer, Greta) I ended up with this beauty.  It just seemed fitting, don’t you think?

Another tradition I look forward to every year is the The Fab 40’s Christmas Lights.  The Fab 40’s are located in East Sacramento.  The name refers to the gorgeous historic homes that line 40th – 48th streets.  These homeowners go all out, not only decorating their homes, but the whole neighborhood and street with a dazzling light displays.  Lights are strung from tree to tree and across the streets from J Street to Folsom Boulevard.  It’s the best display in the area.  Bailey, my Mom and I bundled up and admired the lite up homes and festive décor by foot, down 40th Street, my personal favorite, in the rain.  It was worth it.  I highly recommend filling up you cup with something bubbly or warm and taking the Christmas-y stroll.

We always count the peace signs.  Which we counted 11 this year.

 

Then we finish our night with the second part of Fab 40’s tradition, Rick’s Dessert Diner.

Check out the two scoop hot fudge sundae.  Mocha Almond Fudge Ice cream, TONS of hot fudge and too much whipped cream.  Holy cow.

Thank god we shared.

And the grand finale….The California State Capitol.  Breathtaking.

(the drunk guy in the right front corner wouldn’t get out of the damn way.  I think he was puking while doing a plié)

Once again, we did a lot Nothing + Chill.  I’m becoming a fan of these weekends!!

Here’s to a speedy short week and a weekend full of holiday cheer!!

xoxo stacyb