I am SO ready for 2013! 2012 hasn't been awful, but 2011 and 2012 definitely had more bumps in the road than I ever could have predicted. They weren't exactly as I envisioned they would be... but, then, what year has been? Our Christmas vacation was wonderful. We got some much needed time with my side of the family. I always know when...

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This is the best thing I made this season. Seriously. Clark ate so many he made himself sick. And I definitely couldn't resist "taste testing" a few before handing them out to friends. So, if you're on a diet, or a chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-fiend... I wouldn't suggest making these... because you may end up eating them all. Ingredients: - 2.5 C flour - 1 tsp...

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I needed something to give to the grandparents this year without breaking the bank. Let's face it, if you have a big family you can't ALWAYS buy everyone something. That's not the reason for the season, and homemade gifts tend to have way more meaning. So, to spoil the surprise, we made handprint ornaments with Michael's hand. This isn't the best one (pictured...

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Hello again, Newfangled Housewife Readers! I'm Diana and I guest-posted on Emily's blog back in November to show you some budget-friendly nursery art. Today I am here to offer a giveaway from my etsy shop; but first, I want to share a fun Christmas idea I found recently around the web and on pinterest. Source: kristendukephotography.com via Diana on Pinterest   This Christmas...

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While I've made classic sugar cookies just about every year since I can remember, I thought I'd take on a new challenge this year. I was trying to figure out what to send my vegan bestie... and then I thought, why not try to make my favorite vegan-friendly? These are easy to make, but the dough is a tad bit tricky to handle...

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Perhaps you have a holiday party or two to attend this season, Newfangled readers? I love helping plan outfits, and Emily asked me to virtually lend a hand for an "in-between" holiday look. Something to help you make it from Thanksgiving to Christmas with ease. So let's build a fab ensemble meant for sipping and mingling the night away, shall we? Just not...

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I wasn't a big fan of gingerbread until Clark and I got married. It was never a tradition in my parents' home, and therefore I never developed a taste. Clark, however, loves everything that involves molasses and ginger, so I slowly but surely developed a taste for it over the years. These are Michael approved, as well! Ingredients: - 1/3 C unpacked brown...

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I've always been pretty awful at picking things out for Clark's stocking. Granted, Clark's super hard to shop for. One year I was so desperate I wrapped up a dozen pairs of socks in a box. I just didn't know what to get him! I love stockings. Christmas morning it's the first thing we always did with the family, and it was just...

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Mint and chocolate are two of my favorite things. Just so you know, my site will definitely be featuring more than one minty dessert. I made these for the first time last year and revisited the recipe before deciding to share. I wanted to make it positively perfect. To me, these are the ideal dessert. Enough to satisfy a chocolate craving, minty goodness,...

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This giveaway is a bit special. First off, it's from my best friend from kindergarten. Yes, you read that correctly. Regardless of how many times I have moved over my lifetime, she and I have stayed in touch. Over the past couple of years we have grown to be amazingly close again, thanks to some fabulous visits. (Summer 2012) I'll let Serena handle...

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I have a confession. Sometimes the Christmas season stresses me out. It's no one's fault but my own. I constantly put pressure on myself to do so much during the month of December. I want to watch all the best seasonal movies, make amazing goodies for friends and family, get the best presents for my closest friends and family, plan amazing things for...

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Nothing like a muffin that has coffee in it already. I'm not saying skip your morning cup (or two, or three)... but these muffins will help give you just a tiny kick if you need it! Not to mention, they're delicious! Ingredients: - 2/3 C milk (I used skim) - 5 tbsp butter, melted - 3 tbsp instant coffee granules - 2 tsp...

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Congratulations Rachel Z., winner of the Atkinson Drive giveaway! You have received a free item [worth up to $10] from Sam's amazing etsy shop. Please contact her through her Facebook page so she can give you the information for your fabulous prize! For the rest of you, don't forget to use the HOUSEWIFECHRISTMAS code to get 10% off your purchase in Sam's shop...

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