The 6th Day: Holiday Dates.

Holiday Dates.

Oh the holidays. There is so much fuss over shopping and presents (it's a little out of control these days, isn't it?) that sometimes we can miss out on the most important part: spending quality time with our loved ones. I know I am susceptible to this. I get all frazzled and hung up on finding THE PERFECT GIFT for all the zillions of people on my list. That I forget. To just enjoy those sweet people.

How to combat the crazy? One thing that Stevie & I try to do every year is go on one really special Christmas date. In years past, we've gone to listen to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, gone to see the Rockettes, gone to see a broadway show, gone out to a pizazz-y dinner, depending on where we lived at the time - we've just tried to do something snazzy and memorable. And these dates are memorable. I remember walking home from our date last year - the snow was so beautiful in New York that we decided to walk (instead of take the subway or a cab) 28 blocks home. I still remember it. It was dreamy, everything laced with a bit of frosty sparkle, following along the edge of the park the whole way. These moments are the true "markers" of the Christmas season, for me.

This year, we did things a little differently. We decided to have a "day of fun" and go out to brunch alone and then have Everett along for the rest of the day. Thankfully, our dear friend Lena watched the babe while we enjoyed a baby-free brunch at Sun in My Belly and then we three walked through the Paris on Ponce market and got all kinds of inspiration for our (somewhere in the future??) home. It was really a sweet day. We tired out a LOT easier than we normally do, and ended up back home way earlier than we planned, snuggled in our pjs. Must be all the lack of sleep we're experiencing this year :) Oh, Everett.

Pumpkin Latte. I'll take two please.

How rad is that wall? We couldn't resist playing in the color.

Hi.

Yeah, I tried on the vintage hats. Don't judge me.

He found the chair of his dreams.

Somebody got sleepy.

More?!

I'll admit, enjoying a baby-free brunch only made me want to do it again. So Stevie and I are attempting to squeeze in one last Christmas date before the holiday is at our doorstep... I've heard The Optimist in Atlanta is a good spot. Any other suggestions from you hip in-the-know-it-alls?

What's on your list for some holiday fun time with your love? A date? A night in? A day on the town? Most of all, I hope you're taking the chance to enjoy the memories. You only get this Christmas once!

The 7th Day: Holiday Lights at The Atlanta Botanical Garden!

^ Doesn't that look fake?? It isn't! ^

Holiday Lights at The Atlanta Botanical Garden!

You know what makes the holidays special? Family. You know what makes the holidays even more special? Doing holiday-ish things with your family. You know what makes those holiday-ish things with your family even more special? Hot hot beverages.

So happy.

Enter the Spencer family annual walk through the Holiday Lights at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens (I say annual because it's something we aspire to doing annually :) We had SO MUCH FUN. We laughed a lot. Gazed in wonderment. Perhaps belted out a few memorable Frozen tunes at peak moments of bliss. Perhaps confused other light-onlookers as to whether or not we were some kind of odd flash mob/circus act hired (rather curiously) by the Botanical Gardens to create a flurry of shenanigans for the people to join in on. Like those children who went screaming towards the Olaf -like Snowman show (because we might have done it first...) Like the DJ who was so excited by our slam dancing to his mad skills that he turned up his scratching (so LOUD) and we had one of those "me and the DJ!!!!"-moments. Until my baby woke up. And woke me up from my dream of being Jennifer Lopez in a club. Having a moment with the DJ. I threw him the deuces. And then motioned towards my little wailing baby with my swaddle cloths, as if to say, "THIS ISN'T A COME HITHER DANCE WITH SCARVES. These are swaddle clothes. I have to rescue him from the misery of your loud tuneage. Yep, that's spit up. Oh wait, there's a bit here in my hair, too."

I don't know what your family is like, but I bet they are insane in their own way, too. Isn't every family? Some are better at putting on a proper face, but all families, no matter how composed (publicly or otherwise) are pretty insane. We gladly accept this fact and probably revel in our familial personality archetypes a bit too much. But it's fun. Joking with my family. Is something I missed these past few years while we lived away. Thankfully, my husband has joined right in on the fun and is getting excessively good at his zingers. My dad has been teased, put in his place, and proud of Stevie all in one fell swoop of a joke. Which is how you reach son-status (in his book). This evening was one for those kinds of books. We just enjoyed each other so much and it made me incredibly thankful for my crazy sweet kin.

Something about those lights. Makes you feel that magic inside.

Is it just me, or does this totally look like Olaf's parts? You know, when he comes apart?

I just felt like it was Olaf and all his friends.

Aren't these the most tubular photos you've ever seen? SHE'S LIT UP. But not like that.

Isn't my sister the prettiest. If you're in the market for the perfect woman, I'll be conducting several rounds of interviews on her behalf. Contact me directly. K thanks.

These two.

That's the Christmas magic. Right there. Don't miss it.

Sometimes they're a little too bro-tastic for my liking.

The famous lady with all the hair.

My baby was with us. But he slept like a baby. It's uncanny - why won't he do this at home?!

I'm gonna need to marry this guy all over again. HE'S SO BEAUTIFUL IT HURTS.

It's a Marvel.

If you're in the Atlanta area, wandering through this light show is one of the raddest things you can do with your family at Christmas. Hands down, my favorite addition to the "annual" Spencer family Christmas traditions. Happy 7th day!!!

The 8th Day: Holiday Gift Guide for Little Ones

Holiday Gift Guides: Little Ones by oykristen // 1. Miu Color Aroma Diffuser // 2. Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers // 3. Uncle Goose Wood Embossed Spanish/English Blocks // 4. Jellycat Stuffed Animal & Book Set // 5. Skip Hop Alphabet Play Mat // 6. Freshly Picked Moccasins // 7. Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set // 8. Winnie the Pooh Classic Library Set // 9. Boogin' Head Pacifier Clip // 10. Skip Hop Safari Xylophone  // 11. VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube //

Holiday Gift Guide for Little Ones.

Oh baby. I have tried to be really good this year and not purchase too much for my little one. But I spend every single day with him, so I am constantly reminded of all the different things he "needs" as he is developing. This was a really fun gift guide to put together, because I would love all of this for my own little one! Happy shopping for your under 1-year-old!

1. Miu Color Aroma Diffuser

We fondly refer to this as the "moo moo" in our house. This was an excellent gift recommendation from my big sister. A little tip for all you mamas with sleep-challenged little ones - diffusing certain essential oils is supposed to help them sleep! We've been using this in our baby's room for a few weeks now and have started to notice a dramatic difference (I've mostly been using a little lavender.) This particular model is great because it can double as a fun color-changing nightlight when the kiddos get a little bit older. Big sister says.

2. Gumdrop Newborn Pacifiers

Can you say stocking stuffer? Everett doesn't really suck on these. He chews them. But they are his paci of choice!

3. Uncle Goose Wood Embossed Spanish/English Blocks

Pretty much the most gorgeous wooden block set I've ever laid eyes on. There is a very small window of time when parents actually get to pick out their childrens' toys and clothes - and I am going to capitalize on that right now!

4. Jellycat Stuffed Animal & Book Set

These are the sweetest stuffed animals, and I love the interactive story that comes with them! Everett has the puppy and is hoping to add the fox to his collection soon :)

5. Skip Hop Alphabet Play Mat

This mat is the perfect place to spread out all those toys and let those little ones learn to roll over and crawl!

6. Freshly Picked Moccasins

I die. These are the most gorgeous baby shoes everrrrrrr. Santa might have splurged on these this year. Might.

7. Infantino Textured Multi Ball Set

Because my husband says that boys need balls.

8. Winnie the Pooh Classic Library Set

I think childhood reading is one of the most important things in the world. Who doesn't remember the classic tales hailing from the Hundred Acre Wood? Ah, the good ol days. This particular collection is a bit advanced for babies, but it would make a really special gift.

9. Boogin' Head Pacifier Clip

These little contraptions make such an enormous difference. We need lots of them. Stocking stuffer!

10. Skip HopSafari Xylophone

Isn't this a fun one? Great for those little musicians in the making!

11. VTech Busy Learners Activity Cube

Let's keep those busy brains busy! 

Anything I missed? What else is on your gift guide/wish list for your little one? Oh happy day!

The 9th Day: Maple Glazed Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies.

‘Tis the season for warm treats! I created this recipe especially for the awesome folks at The Epicurious Community Table and Reynolds to Make Meal Magic, and I am thrilled to share it with you today! Pumpkin adds a delicious twist to the good old-fashioned oatmeal cookie. Who says that pumpkin is only for Thanksgiving? I so disagree. Drizzled with maple glaze, this delightful indulgence will give you a hankering to cozy up with a book by the fire while Michael Buble croons from your docked iPhone :) Effortlessly prepare large batches of these treats in less time by using the cookie baking sheets. Then simply enjoy serving the most popular treat at this year’s holiday gathering!

Ingredients:

- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

- 2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats

- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup butter, softened

- 3/4 cup granulated sugar

- 3/4 cup brown sugar

- 1 15-ounce can pumpkin

- 1 egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla

Glaze:

- 2 cups powdered sugar

- 3 tablespoons milk

- 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Prep:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Line cookie sheet with Reynolds® Cookie Baking Sheets Nonstick Parchment Paper.

3. Combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl; set aside.

4. Beat the butter and sugars in a stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

5. Add the egg and vanilla, return the mixer to medium speed, and beat until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Stop the mixer and scrape down the paddle and the sides of the bowl.

6. Add half of the reserved flour mixture and beat on low speed until just incorporated.

7. Add half of the pumpkin and beat until just incorporated. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture and pumpkin until combined.

8. Drop 2-inch dough rounds on cookie baking sheet, staggering them 2 inches apart.

Method:

1. Bake cookies for 12 minutes.

2. Rotate the pans from top to bottom and front to back.

3. Bake the cookies for another 5 minutes.

4. Remove cookies from the oven. Using oven mitts, simply slide cookie baking sheet onto wire rack and let cool completely.

For the Glaze:

1. Combine ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until evenly combined.

2. Dip spoon in glaze and drizzle over the cookies in a zigzag pattern. Let the cookies sit on the cookie baking sheet at room temperature until the glaze has set, about 20 minutes.

REYNOLDS KITCHEN TIP: You can cook large batches by preparing one set of cookies on the cookie baking sheet while another batch bakes. Then simply slide the cookie baking sheet with the baked cookies onto a cooling rack and you can immediately put another batch of cookie dough in the oven. It saves time and – BONUS – makes clean up a breeze.

Get to it!

I hope you enjoy making these for your loved ones during the holiday!

First published on Epicurious and Parade here with paid sponsorship by Reynolds Consumer Products. Used with permission of Tidal Labs.

Thanks for supporting this sponsor and allowing me to create fresh and unique content like this for Oy!