Courtney tries to make Santa Hat Brownies

As seen on my pinterest. (here) I found this adorable recipe that I thought would be perfect for my departments holiday potluck.

Courtney Tries to make a Top 10

As a lover of coffee, I thought I'd make a top 10 of my coffee must haves. 

1. Keurig Coffee Maker: I have the special edition with 3 brewing sizes. 

http://bit.ly/czNb2X (tip: use one of the 20% off coupons) $149.99

2. My K-Cup  Reusable Coffee Filter http://bit.ly/cDYIwy $17.99

I saw on the Bloomingdale's site for $14.99

3. Copco Travel Coffee Mug: I picked this one because they donated to Susan G. Komen foundation :) http://bit.ly/cqil3y $4.99

4. K-Cup Storage Drawer: I like this one because I can put my brewer on top of it, space saving!

http://bit.ly/uArliR $24.99 (again, use a BB&B coupon)

Another alternative with more storage: http://bit.ly/rvY10u

5. Splenda: the big bag! I keep this next to my coffee maker for my sweetening needs.

http://bit.ly/sil21v $17.95

6. Copco Cold Beverage To Go Cup: perfect for iced coffee. http://bit.ly/9GrUrN $7.99

7. Bag-in Gourmet Coffee Dispenser: keeps your coffee fresh & has a handy scoop. 

http://amzn.to/sgSYFe $9.64

I got mine from Old Time Pottery for $4.99 but couldn't find it on their website.

8. Dunkin Donuts Mint Mocha Coffee: my favorite holiday brew &  because of #2, I can brew it in my Kreuig :) http://amzn.to/w2xE2y I got mine at Target & can't remember how much I paid but I have a hard time believing it was $15 but if I did, it was worth it!

9. Peppermint Mocha Creamer:  http://bit.ly/tgOtYl Most grocery stores are running specials on these. I'm not brand specific with this, International Delight was available when I went shopping last but Coffee Mate is good also.

10. Alumni Mug: A tribute to my Alma Mater. It was purchased at Universitees on campus, but they do not have them listed on their website. 

Courtney Tries to Make a Holiday Wreath

I love the holiday season but didn't really like any of the wreaths I saw at the store so I thought I would make one myself. 

I bought all my ornaments at Big Lots & Old Time Pottery. They were both having great sales so I didn't have to feel bad about ruining these. Truthfully, I wish I had purchased one more of the tubes of ornaments  and a second color in the mini ornaments but I made it work!

I actually ended up using a wreath hanger and put the ribbon over top of it. If you do this, make sure you put it on the wreath before you hot glue the ornaments in that area, otherwise you'll have trouble getting it on after they are glued in place.

The final product! I'm pleased with how it turned out :)

Don't be afraid to use other Christmas embellishments. My favorite parts are those little additions:  poinsettia, leaves/pine branches with drum & present and little birdie.