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Tonight was my friend Linda's 41st annual cookie party. She's been hosting them every year since I was one. My mom has attended since the beginning. As a teen I remember waiting up for her to get home from the party to see (and taste!) what cookies everyone else made. I've been attending the party since college. It's a holiday tradition that I really enjoy.

The party consists of mostly the same familiar faces from year to year. We describe our cookie to the group, do a little craft project, play a gift exchange game with wrapped holiday ornaments we bring, and of course, taste the 12 varieties of cookies that were made by participants. This year we tasted first and voted on favorites.

When I decided to make Oreo balls, I didn't now how ridiculously easy they are to make. I just knew they were tasty. Basically, you pulverize Oreos (I used the food processor), mix with cream cheese, and form into balls. Then dip in melted chocolate. Voila! There's a little more to the technique. I used the recipe from Preppy Kitchen. I opted for semi-sweet chocolate for the dipping. and sprinkled a little Oreo dust on the outside. My daughter helped and I think she could make these solo. She has big plans to experiment with some variations with this type of cookie.

This year's cookies were a great variety and very tasty! Here's a glimpse of the rest of the cookies.

Last year my husband did the baking for me.

What are your favorite events for the holidays?

I'm participating in the 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge with Cheryl of muppin.com.

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Today, I thought I'd take an opportunity to share some of my favorite Etsy sellers. Maybe you have some last minute gift shopping to do. Maybe you want to buy yourself something nice. Maybe you just like to look at pretty things. Here are some of my favorite Etsy shops that I think you'll enjoy!

Beth S Macre - Whimsical Art and Clay designed to make you Smile

Clever Notions Designs - Bags, books, and more

Downstairs Designs - Practical indulgences for you and your home

Grecny Art - Comic book art, home decor and accessories.

Hammerly Ceramics - Handmade colorful mugs, rough texture planters and more

Just Add Sunshine Inc - Just Add Sunshine

LZ Pencils - LZ Pencils

Made by CBK - Ocean Inspired Folk Art Decor

Nutmeg Designs - Mosaic & Stained Glass: House Numbers, Words, Pendants

Pink Robyn Designs - Hand-Lettered Art

Rock Baby Scissors - Handmade Items for Life

Rosanna Diggs - Modern Embroidery Originals, Kits, Patterns, & Cards

Texturize Your Eyes - Woven textile art and mixed media

 

I'm participating in the 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge with Cheryl of muppin.com.

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I've lived in San Jose my whole life, with the exception of four years of college in San Diego. As such, there are some local holiday traditions that are very nostalgic for me.

While we have a Jewish household, I grew up celebrating Christmas. We celebrate Christmas with my side of the family and friends. This weekend while my sister and her kids were in town we visited Christmas in the Park. I grew up enjoying the animatronic holiday displays and seeing the hundreds of decorated trees. The Christmas trees are decorated by a wide variety of community groups: scouts, school groups, volunteer organizations, local businesses, etc. Throughout the years I've helped decorate numerous trees and enjoyed seeing the handmade ornaments and interesting themes that groups have come up with.

My kids really enjoyed seeing the Broadway San Jose tree, with Playbill images from the shows they have seen (Fiddler on the Roof and Blue Man Group).

I didn't get to see all the trees (we were walking through the park with four kids), but my favorite was the sub sandwich tree by Aedis Architects. Such a creative idea!

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

I'm participating in the 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge with Cheryl of muppin.com.