Happy Monday!! Was your weekend filled with holiday festivities like ours was? Sure feels like Christmas! I’m listening to Baby It’s Cold Outside as I write this, but ironically we had a really warm weekend! We barely needed coats.
Friday morning I took Mazen for a haircut. You never know how that’s going to go, but this was the first haircut he seemed to enjoy! What a dapper young fellow : )
Snip-its for the win!
For lunch we joined Karen at Keswick Hall and met our family friends Tracy and Clayton. They invited us to a special Christmas lunch. Check out my 2010 and 2011 recaps!
No snow on the ground this year! Just a cute little kiddo in his Christmas outfit : )
We were seated for a soup and salad course and then released to the buffet —
Apple + root vegetable
Greens + goat cheese
And then salmon, saffron rice and yummy veggies for the main course
Riiiight before soup dribbled down his new vest…
Of course we all loved the desserts too!! That apple crisp! That tiramisu!
I was stuffed and had the afternoon to digest before we headed to ACAC for the Friday Night Happy Hour! (That’s me in the third row with the gray top!)
Friday’s event was a Battle of the Classes – 6am vs. 10:20am vs. 6pm. It was a BLAST and I’m happy to say that 10:20 won!! Since we’re viewed as the “mom class” by some, we were super proud of our hard work : )
Afterwards we enjoyed wine from Veritas and hors d’oeuvres from Pomme To Go. I was actually still full from lunch, but I had a small plate of salad and a few bites. They were delish!
Saturday morning we made green smoothies and then showered up before headed out to the market.
I bought some Apple Pie Jam from my friend Becky – yum!
And stopped by to see Sweet Sandies!
This is Stephanie and she makes the most amazing ice cream. I recently put in a special order for a birthday cake flavor WITH FROSTING inside that was the best ice cream ever. She has an eggnog ice cream sandwich right now that is amazing! She’s also the mastermind behind my favorite toasted marshmallow treats.
Stephanie just launched a Kickstarter campaign to help her redo an ice cream truck and buy some much needed equipment to expand her business.
If you feel a calling to support small businesses, then please consider pledging a few bucks for the love of gourmet ice cream!
In honor of my enthusiasm for Sweet Sandies and the launch of the Kickstarter, Stephanie is giving away a set of four of her holiday pop-tarts to one of you!! Enter to win by Wednesday! USA only please.
After we left the market we went over to the gym where Santa was making a list and checking it twice!
Waiting in line….rather nervous. His first time! He is shy.
It has been so fun telling Mazen all about Santa. And what a confusing topic to explain! But I think he gets it, and all of his normal stranger anxiety melted away when he realized he might get James the train out of this lap sitting business.
I was quite shocked he sat on Santa’s lap willingly.
A little nervous at first…
But then he saw the camera and performed his usual CHEESE!
Then we told him to tell Santa what he wanted on Christmas morning
He whispered a really quiet “James”
And hopped down, yelled “THANK YOU!” and then …
Gave Santa a hug!! As someone who never wanted to sit on Santa’s lap, I was quite impressed by the whole experience : )
We did some more shopping at the market, went to KKs to say hi and then scurried to our mom group’s holiday party!
We had lots of amazing food –
Including this great pie that Collin Street Bakery sent me!! The owner, Will, is a blog friend and is offering free standard shipping for anyone who still needs a pie for Christmas! The Christmas deadline has passed, but perhaps your pie cravings are strong 🙂 Use the code 41KATH.
The Pecan Pie was awesome – very gooey and chocolatey inside! And I loved the practical keepsake tin.
We exchanged presents!
“Wait, let me finish this cookie before I open it!”
Mazen got a transportation magnet set and a firetruck from his Secret Santa – he loves both! I got some beautiful Erin McDermott earrings from Meg!
Saturday night the boys went out with Karen while I joined my friend Jessica to see our friend Alice star in Les Misérables at Live Arts! First we went to Alley Light for some bites and sips.
I had the sardines (for my weekly dose that I keep forgetting!) They tasted so fresh! Loved the tomatoey lemon olive tapenade underneath.
And a chickpea and chorizo dip that was amazing. Plus some juicy vino!
At Les Mis, Alice, who played Fantine, was brilliant!! I see her everyday being a mom, a workout buddy, and a friend but never had I see her sing and act like this! No photography allowed, but you should go see the show while you can!!
xoxo Happy Week!
Linda @ The Fitty says
Pumpkin pie would be my favourite flavour. 🙂 But I live in Canada and this contest is probably not open to us. What can I say, I’m kind of used to it. Looks like autumn where you are–I can’t imagine a Christmas without snow and I hope it blizzards here within the next 9 days before Christmas finally arrives. I’ve also been hearing “Baby It’s Cold Outside” on the radio a lot!
Melissa says
Gingerbread is my favorite flavor!
Shana says
I love all holiday flavors but I have a special spot in my heart for eggnog.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
Oh my goodness, Mazen is getting so big! His hair looks adorable 😉
clare @ fitting it all in says
omg mazen is so cute!!! what great pictures for you to have.
Nikki says
Anise
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
What a skinny santa! LOL You and Mazen look so much alike in that first picture!! Also, that apple root veggie soup sounds amazing. I’d love to find a recipe for something like that!
Amy says
Peppermint is my favorite holiday flavor!
Jen_A says
Gingerbread is probably my fave, though I really like all of those other flavors too (and chocolate-peppermint, and spiced orange, and mulled cider, and mulled wine, and…)
PS – the link to the Sweet Sandies FB page in the Rafflecopter isn’t linking to the right place – I got an FB error message when I clicked it. And then I went and found the Sweet Sandies page on my own by searching, but I thought you’d like to know!
KathEats says
Oh darn…thanks!
Jackie says
Pecan pie!!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
That is a cutest smile ever sitting on Santa’s knee!!! I need to consciously get my sardine does in too, thanks for hte reminder! 🙂
Kel says
A couple of years ago I started making eggnog ice cream -yum!
Sarah says
I went to highschool with Eric McDermott, I love that you mentioned her. Any chance you could link her website? www.erinmcdermott.com
Mazon is so cute getting his hair cut. I really need to take my LO before Christmas, I am just not sure he will sit still. I will try the lollypop trick and stash one in my purse.
Sarah says
*Mazen – sorry spelling typo
Devon says
Looks like you had a jam packed weekend! My favorite holiday flavor is pumpkin by far! It is so good.
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
How cute that he gave Santa a hug! Love it!
Rebekah says
Random question: where did your husband get his sunglasses? They look great and my husband is in need of a pair and I just can’t find a pair we both like!
KathEats says
The Lagunitas brewery! They were $5 🙂
Whitney W says
Peppermint!
rebecca says
i seriously love gingerbread everything!! i put ginger+cinnamon+salt on my roasted veggies all year round 🙂
Jess says
Every one of your posts makes me want to move to Charlottesville…looks like a blast!
Katrina says
Pumpkin all the way!!
Maria says
I have to pick just one favorite??? they are all wonderful !! Gingerbread! no Peppermint! no wait…i just can not pick only one!
Julie V. says
Looks like a lovely weekend!
KarenK says
Peppermint!
Jamie says
My favorite holiday flavor would be peppermint! Love it in tea, cocoa, cheesecake, icing, you name it!
Tonya says
Favorite flavor: eggnog
Look at Karen rockin’ those trendy joggers with those boots and that jacket! Shawty baaad! 🙂
Mazen’s skeptical smirk in that second Santa picture is hilarious!! I think he was onto that Santa poser.
Yes! a sweet sandies giveaway!! But I can’t picture this birthday-cake-with-frosting-inside -ice-cream you mentioned. Was it an ice cream cake?
KathEats says
Haha!
And just ice cream with big chunks!
Georgina Dench says
Mmm I would have to say gingerbread is my fave 🙂
courtney says
oh gingerbread yummmm…
seana says
Gingerbread! Nice pics!
Amy says
Eggnog, no question!
sam @ grapefruit & granola says
Maze is adorable! Glad you guys had a good experience with Santa!
Sally says
My grandmother belonged to Keswick Hall and I have so many fond memories of holiday meals there. It is so beautiful, and especially festive this time of year. Looks like you all had a lovely lunch!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
oh my gosh, Mazen is just one of the cutest kids I’ve ever seen – and he seems so happy and polite! I remember I always got my hair cut by the same guy that did my mom and grandmother’s hair, and several other older women of our family friends. I guess my mom just took me along with her at her appointments and I remember hanging out in the salon, sitting in the chairs with the dome dryer things.
Erika D says
Gingerbread is by far the best!
Anne says
Eggnog is my favorite flavor of the season!
keilah says
That’s a tough one…tie between pumpkin and pecan pie. Although I love the other 2 as well!
melissa says
gingerbread or snickerdoodle!
Megan says
Eggnog and peppermint mocha are my favorite holiday flavors!
Sarah says
Love pecan pie. This is the only time of the year I eat it though.
Allison says
A tie between gingerbread and pecan pie!
Amy says
Pumpkin is my favorite holiday flavor, but gingerbread is a close second!
Tiffany K says
Chocolate peppermint is my favorite!
Lindsay says
we were never a big pie family growing up … but i am making up for it with all the pecan pie now 🙂
courtney says
Love Pecan Pie flavored anything. Yum!
Christine says
I would have to say Pecan Pie is my favorite. When I was young I wouldn’t eat it thinking it looked gross, but then two years ago I finally did and I’ve been hooked ever since!
Rachel says
Egg nog is my favorite holiday flavor!
caitlin says
pumpkin!!
Katie says
Gingerbread!
Jordan K says
I’m totally predictable and love anything Pumpkin for the holidays!
Erica says
Eggnog is such a fantastic flavor!
Melissa says
I really love gingerbread this time of year!
Audrey says
What a great post! I love everything about it! PS: Where did Mazen get that Fair Isle sweater? Love it!
KathEats says
It was a gift!
Elise says
I don’t understand what you mean when you say the cake you ordered was the best ice cream ever? How can cake be the best ice cream ever?
KathEats says
It’s birthday cake flavor ice cream. I put flavor in the post to make it more clear 🙂
Rachel @ Lou Lou Belle says
Gingerbread and Pecan Pie! Oh just the thought makes my mouth water!! Can’t wait for family time next week!
jen says
sugar cookie!
Elly says
My favorite holiday flavor is gingerbread, I love any spiced cookie/cake/treat!
Bonnie says
The offer code for free shipping on the pecan pie doesn’t work.
KathEats says
Bonnie, I’m so sorry about that – it’s 41KATH
Anonymous says
Too bad but it seems to be too late to get free shipping.
Amy says
My favorite Christmas flavor is peppermint!
Mom says
Love the ice cream! I can’t believe someone in our family has willingly sat on Santa’s lap. And then said “thank you” and then told Grammy on Voxer that he’s “a nice man,” which he is, of course!
Christy @TheMuddyApron says
What a handsome boy and he did so well with Santa!
My favorite flavor is peppermint. Peppermint with chocolate especially. Yum!
C.
Katie says
Eggnog! Yum!
Lynn @ The Actor’s Diet says
I’ve still never sat on Santa’s Lap. I think I should do it before my hair turns grey…
I’m all about that Gingerbread during the holidays…
kate says
Definitely gingerbread!
Erin says
Eggnog is by far my favorite holiday flavor
PAMC says
I love gingerbread and cinnamon and eggnog..I love all the xmas flavors.
Barbara says
I love everything gingerbread!
Makenna says
I definitely love pecan pie!!
Emily says
Gingerbread is my favorite!
Jessica says
Peppermint!!
becca says
I love gingerbread!
Maggie says
I love anything peppermint flavored!
Alex @ get big, go to work says
I still love the concept of those Friday night ACAC fitness classes. What a neat and unique social event to get moving! It would be cool if my gym did something similar.
Chrystal J says
My favorite is pumpkin. Maybe pumpkin combined with gingerbread. 🙂
Kelsey @ Ramblings of Change says
Eggnog – hands down.
Ri says
Just a heads up- the free shipping code for Collin Street Bakery does not work.
KathEats says
So sorry – it’s 41KATH
Susie says
Pumpkin and gingerbread both sound great!
Kori says
Gingerbread! But it’s so hard to choose. My gosh, Mazen is adorable, & you & Matt look great!
Amy @ SouthernMiles says
That was a busy weekend but looked like so much fun! My favorite holiday flavor is gingerbread. I love the smell when it is baking!!
Lauren says
Peppermint is totally my fav holiday flavor! As for Sweet Sandies – gingerbread looks amazing.
Daniela C. says
Chocolate peppermint is my favorite!
Hannah says
Karen is looking sharp!
Emily @ Life on Food says
You have such a handsome little boy. And he does have that CHEESE down pat.
Alana says
I love all of these flavors, but my fave is probably pecan pie. I make a killer pecan, chocolate, coconut pie for the holidays. Gearing up to bake it next week!
Tisha says
I love pecan pie
Pam B says
Hiya Kath!!! I would have to pick either gingerbread or peppermint. Or maybe sugar cookie… Oh what can I say, I love them all, lol!!! Thanks for having the giveaway. Blessed be, hugs!!! Pam
pamspretties57 at gmail dot com
Jenny says
Peppermint is my favorite holiday flavor. 🙂
Bri says
I can’t believe he was so good with Santa! My 2-year-old wanted nothing to do with Santa this year! She wanted to watch him, but didn’t want to go near him lol!
My favorite holiday flavor is a toss up between pumpkin and ginger bread!
Maggie says
I have got to try sweet sandie’s!! might just have to donate to the kickstarter 🙂
Melissa Johnson says
Kath, I’m looking to buy a pie but the code doesn’t seem to be working– ?
KathEats says
So very, very sorry – it’s 41KATH!
Melissa Moore says
Got it!
KathEats says
Yay! Enjoy!
Eva says
pecan pie!
Kelly says
Peppermint anything is favorite here.
Allison says
My favorite holiday flavor this year is gingerbread, followed closely by peppermint.
jeanne says
Love gingerbread.
Lauren B says
I love love love gingerbread. With whipped cream!
Katherine M. says
Favourite holiday flavour is definitely cranberry! Oh my gosh, cannot get enough of all things cranberry!
Louise says
Pumpkin is my favorite holiday flavor!
Amy G. says
Mmm… my favorite holiday flavor is eggnog! I definitely plan to indulge in some in the coming weeks. 🙂
Holly Brown says
Eggnog all the way!
Annie B says
I love gingerbready things, but also have a huge love of dark chocolate + peppermint!
Bonnie says
My favorite holiday flavor is definitely gingerbread.
Katie says
My favorite holiday flavor is peppermint for sure! Candy canes for days!
Erin M. says
I love gingerbread! I wasn’t always into it too much but have been recently!
Alicia says
I’m a pumpkin girl 🙂
Angela B says
Gingerbread all the way!
emily says
Eggnog and Maple Pecan both sound ridiculously amazing.
Stacey says
Pumpkin is always my fave!
Megan says
Gingerbread!
Sydney says
Those pop tarts (and the ice cream) look amazing! Makes me wish I lived in Cville even more!
Lys says
What a stylish Grandma!
Michelle M. says
Hey Kath! First, I’m Will’s wife from the bakery! I nearly passed out when he told me he’s been talking to you! I highly recommend any of the bakery products, but the fudge pecan pie is certainly a high point! Their cheesecakes are awesome, too!!! It’s an honor to get to serve you our product! Second, I love chocolate and peppermint flavors! Merry Christmas to you and your family! Always such a huge fan!!
KathEats says
Hi Michelle! The pie was awesome 🙂
Sara says
You had me at pop-tarts!!! I would love pumpkin but man, they all sound so good!!
Sandra says
Cinnamon! I associate it with the holidays, but enjoy it year round.
Brooke Gregg says
Cranberry! Yum!
Dani says
Gingerbread!
Emily says
Pumpkin handsdown is the best holiday flavor!
Ann P-L says
I love pumpkin!
Shaleen says
Great post, Kath! Mazen is so adorable! And Karen looks fabulous in that outfit–she has such great style!
I love all holiday flavors, but have been especially into cranberry lately!
Nikos's Momma says
Gingerbread!! OMG your friend’s ice cream sounds delicious!
Sydney says
My favorite holiday flavor has to be pumpkin: ) but I really do love them all!
kristin says
I love pumpkin, eggnog, gingerbread – they are all so good
KL says
leaving a comment , i’m not sure, have not had gingerbread in a long time, loved it as a kid, but I will say. I love your blog and your family. You’re so pretty, your husband is handsome and your little boy is so cute…
Allison says
Gingerbread!
Liz says
My favorite holiday flavors tend to be more spice (pumpkin and gingerbread). I have favorite holiday foods though such as stuffing which I only get around this time of the year =)
Penny Snyder says
Pumpkin is my fav!! love it in my coffee!!
Deanna says
I remember being terrified of Santa so this was SO impressive if I do say so myself! What a champ!
Anonymous says
That pie looks amazing and I don’t even like pecan pie!
I’d have to say that eggnog is my favorite holiday flavor- I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties says
I love that series of pictures of Mazen with santa- so cute!! And my favorite holiday flavor would probably be pumpkin or peppermint (not that that was an option, haha)
Katie M says
I love pumpkin and peppermint flavors!
meg says
I’ve recently rediscovered gingerbread – gingerbread popcorn with a white chocolate drizzle to be exact!
Kelsey says
Gingerbread! I have great memories of my mom baking gingerbread cake and serving it warm with fresh whipped cream 🙂
paige c says
I love pumpkin and gingerbread flavors! I love holiday flavors 🙂
lc says
Hi Kath,
where are your great boots from?
~Lc
KathEats says
Lands End Outlet!
Katie m says
Thank you so much Kath and Stephanie!!! What an amazing gift!! I am so excited to taste them and especially being all the way from California! What a treat!!! Love your blog so much!!!! Merry Christmas to you both and your families !
KathEats says
: ) Yay!
Jennifer Kay says
Did anyone else notice how incredibly STYLISH Karen looked in her black leather jeacket and gray drawstring pants? (That was Karen, right??)
I think she should start an outfit of the day blog — she looked great!! (She usually dresses very nicely, but I think she looked especially stylish in that picture).