a year {in review}

Welp, folks, it's that time of year. We bring out the sparkly dresses and even sparklier* drinks to toast a year well lived and to get pumped up for the year to come. Sarah and I spent time looking back over our posts and were overwhelmed with exceedingly good memories from 2012's adventures. While pulling together pictures for our collage, we were reminded of the end-of-year slideshows on yearbook day. We knew we had to add a *playlist*. Don't worry, we left out Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" {and yeah, when did that song go from sentimental power ballad to 3 legged dog sympathy fest???}.

Vitamin C said it best: 'As we go on we remember all the times we had together.' Grateful for our friends, near and far, who participated in this exceedingly good year.

K.I.T. Never change. See ya next year!
The Lunchbox Buddies

ad{ven}t

Take time, in the busyness of this season, for quiet reflection—

For the light of God’s love is discernible everywhere.  

We will let ourselves be surprised by wonder,

And set aside time to offer quiet thanks.

The good news of Advent is this:

Christ is coming. Christ is always coming.

We will welcome Christ into our hearts.

We will let ourselves be guided by his ministry.

We will go forth from this place in hope.

Depart in peace, and take with you the certain knowledge

That God is always coming into the world. 

We will seek God, not in a long ago stable or ancient manger,

But in the people we meet and the depths of our own hearts.

May the blessing of Christmas make you a blessing to others;

May the peace of the season pervade all that you do.

We will welcome the challenge of discipleship.

We will offer ourselves as God’s ministers.

We will go forth in hope, peace, joy, and love.

Selected liturgies from Advent Candle Liturgies.

*ringing* in the holidays!!

Tonight was an incredible blessing for Sarah and I as we brought together several of our dear friends to craft, snack, and fellowship with. In the spirit of the holiday season, we made special snacks and created holiday ornaments, but we mostly basked in the goodness of simply spending time with one another. The hustle and bustle of the season can run us ragged and distract us to the point that we neglect to love those around us and the One who gave us those people. Sarah and I are so thankful to Bethany, Betsy, Emily, and Magan for following the Lunchbox Buddies throughout the year and for supporting us on our creative ventures!

In the pictures below you'll see us with our esteemed guests, some of our ring/ornament goodies, and the schwag bags that we sent home with our friends! Hosting an event like this, regardless of how big or small, is only as special as the thought and care you put into it. So if you are thinking about throwing a soirée of your own, plan little surprises for your guests and pay attention to the details... but most of all HAVE FUN!!

wake up and smell the hot cocoa

Along with being around family, holidays also bring an increased amount of....comfort food!  Everyone has their favorite holiday treats.  Check out this LINK for Allison's fool-proof crowd pleaser:  a holiday spin on puppy chow.  And it just so happens to pair perfectly with one of my favorite holiday beverages.  Forget peppermint or eggnog flavor infusions...just give me chocolate!!  

For those who have spent any amount of time around my family during the winter months, you've probably savored Abuelita's Hot Chocolate from one of the hundreds of my mom's mug collection cups.  For any who have not had the pleasure, there is a three-step approach to a successful cup of hot cocoa.

1. Picking out the mug:  seriously almost as important as what goes inside!  If sharing with friends, be sure to have some fun holiday selections.  
2. Picking a quality base product to start with:  Abuelita's Authentic Mexican Drinking Chocolate Rounds are our absolute favorite.  They have a great flavor and melt easily in milk.  My mom likes to use evaporated milk and some floating cinnamon sticks for an extra kick.  I, on the other hand, like to take that one step further and use sweetened condensed milk to melt the rounds and then add evaporated milk?!  Whaaaatttttt...
3. Picking out toppings:  I mean, honestly, it's like, who answers, "No, thanks" to the barista when asked, "Would you like whipped cream with that?"  Really.  So whether its homemade marshmallows or real whipped cream, toppings seal the deal.

As we move further into December and holiday favorites make their annual appearance, I wish you happy snacking*