Look what I had waiting for me when I came home today:
I entered Brie’s Chobani giveaway, and I won! I think the yogurt gods are smiling down on me or something. Now, since Oikos is sending me to a yoga retreat (not to mention I love the product!), I am a pretty loyal customer of Stonyfield these days, but I’ve wanted to try the Chobani flavors, now that I can find them here in town. I love love love my Greek yogurt! Hello, protein and probiotics.
I usually get the plain versions to sweeten myself, but these flavors look yummy and they are convenient to take to work.
Yeah, I’m good in the yogurt department for while. Thanks so much, Brie and Chobani!
In other news, Mitch and I hosted our second-annual Christmas party this weekend. Because I’m a terrible historian (and I don’t know how many of my friends want to be on the Internet), I didn’t take any pictures. But for you, my friends, I did take some photos of the food. Unfortunately, my pics of our holiday decorations didn’t really come out. I think I’m buying myself a new camera (this one…opinions?) for Christmas and I’m taking a photography class in early January. So hopefully those two things will help my blogging. But I digress…
I did want to show you that my faith was represented, in case you were worried about that.
(The Happy Hanukkah sign, not the poinsettia.)
We had some cheese and crackers, and an organic Honey Crisp apple that I added at the last minute because the tray looked bare. I make all kinds of sacrifices for my guests. Plus, I just don’t think Honey Crisps are that amazing. I have finally, finally decided that.
We also had these, which look somewhat gross but trust me, are delicious:
Bacon-wrapped Medjool dates and potstickers a la Costco. Mitch boiled the potstickers and then crisped them in a pan sprayed with cooking spray. Great trick! And um…those dates were heavenly. Enough said.
Brownie bites, peppermint bark, and oatmeal-chocolate chip bites made by this company (really good!). I didn’t want to bake this year because no one ate the zillion cookies I made last year. I ended up taking most of these to work though because a party guest brought in homemade Christmas cookies that everyone ate. So basically, I can’t win 
Another reason I didn’t take any party photos was because I took this:
And once prepared, served it with this:
If you’ve never had hot chocolate with spiced rum, I recommend it. It’s surprisingly delicious.
All in all it was a nice night. We had about 20 people at our little condo, which is always festive and fun. I didn’t go to bed until after 2 AM which is really unlike me! But was all worth it. I woke up not feeling great but not feeling terrible either. Which equals a success in my book. I don’t drink much so it doesn’t take a lot for me to feel it the next day.
Do you throw parties/entertain? Do you enjoy it? I like entertaining and throwing parties, but that’s partly because Mitch is really good at it and does most of the work, so even when I’m doing the hosting, I’ve learned a lot from him on what to do.
Ahh one more day of work and then I am off until Jan. 4! I am so excited. If I don’t blog before Christmas, I hope everyone has a great holiday!!
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I put amaretto in my hot cocoa! Yum!
I like to throw parties. But no one shows up because they hate me apparently? Remember my birthday? Um, yeah. Embarassing.
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I hope you enjoy your holiday too!! I love to throw parties, but I don’t do it as much as I should.
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Aahhh, I want to try bacon wrapped dates SO badly!! I lovelovelove both, so obviously they’d be awesome together. I also need to try spiced rum in my hot chocolate now. I’ll add it to the very long list of alcohol I’m likely to consume while home
I never entertain. In fact, Chris and I make it our goal to convince OTHER people to throw parties. He just sweet-talked his best friend into throwing a New Years bash. Less clean-up required
Have a wonderful Christmas Hallie!!! Or, I suppose I should say “Happy Holidays”
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I did absolutely nothing for Hanukkah this year. Although I am going to visit my parents for Christmas. Go figure.
I don’t think Honeycrisp apples are that special either. I prefer Pink Lady or Gala. Oops, I wrote “gaga”.
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I’m so jealous of your break! It’s the one thing I miss about being in school
Nick and I have not thrown any parties, as our apartment is barely even big enough for the two of us! When we move, however, I can’t wait to throw some nice parties. Your party looks like it was well stocked, and way to include that Hanukah sign!
I can’t believe how many Greek yogurts you got from that giveaway!! That’s like two weeks worth, wow. I love Chaboni, and other Greek yogurts. Enjoy!
Oh, and so neat that you are taking a photography class. I’d love to do that, I NEED to do that!
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wow what a GREAT package!! christmas def DID come early!
have a great break!!
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Hot cocoa and peppermint schnapps….’nuff said.
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i like to entertain – i just wish i had more room for it in my house.
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I have that digital camera and it’s perfect for everyday use. It’s small so you can carry it around b/c you never know when you will need it!
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OMG! What a spread! Those medjool dates wrapped with bacon sound amazing. I love sweet and savory combos – yummy! And hot chocolate spiced with rum? Genius! I love your blog and can’t wait to learn more about you!
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