Snow Day!

This is my first official post, and I have to say I am more than a little excited about it!  The second winter storm of the season is still spilling snow on our front yards, and Kate and I are blessed to be the lucky recepients of a snow day!  Yes, even 26 year-olds get excited about the prospect of a snow day or two.  We decided it would be best to weather the storm at Kate's parents house...and why not, they have all the ingredients that are essential to endure a winter storm indoors: Fireplace, check.  Movie channels, check.  Big couch and comfy blankets, check.  Pantry full of goodies, check.  Cute little puppies, check.  There is even a 5-star chef willing and waiting to prepare anything your heart desires (I recommend the chili).  Yes this is the place.  Relaxing by a warm fire, sipping wine, and watching the snow fill the trees; it's the best vacation you never planned.

The best part about today, though, is watching someone else experience their first snow day.  She's seen snow before, but today was her first chance to experience the joy of careless frolicking in winter's best little treat.   That's the thing about snow, it brings out the inner child in all of us.  So you can imagine the joy felt by a puppy who just experienced her first birthday!  Let me introduce you to my friend Maggie. 

We hope you, too, are staying safe and enjoying the many blessings God provides.  Best Love, bv

Oreo and Nutter Butter Truffles

Bryan is president of the GBA (Graduate Business Association) and I promised to make a treat for every meeting to help encourage attendance. I cannot resist homemade treats and hope this can be my little way to support the GBA. The trick is that I have to make enough for 60 people and Bryan has to be able to carry them to class along with everything else. Last week I made Oreo and Nutter Butter Truffles (I think "truffles" sound fancier than "balls"). I have had these multiple times at different events, but never actually made them myself. Turns out they are super easy! Here is the recipe that I stole from one of my favorite baking blogs: Bakerella http://www.bakerella.com/grocery-item-goes-gourmet-part-2/


Nutter Butter Balls

1 pkg. Nutter Butter cookies (broken… use cookie with the cream center)

1 8oz. package cream cheese (softened)

chocolate bark

1. Finely crush all but 5 cookies in a food processor or place them in a ziploc bag and crush into a fine consistency.

2. Combine with cream cheese. Use the back of a large spoon to help mash the two together.

3. Roll the mixture into 1″ balls and place on wax paper covered cookie sheet.

4. Melt chocolate as directed on the package and then dip balls into chocolate, tap off extra and set aside on wax paper covered cookie sheet to dry.

5. Once dry, refrigerate and enjoy!

Makes about 30 balls.

(You do the same thing with the Oreo, but I used white chocolate bark.)

These were easy to make, easy to transport, and very yummy!

Honeymoon!

We finally had the opportunity to go on our honeymoon! We went to Cabo San Lucas January 2-9. We stayed at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach and loved every minute of it! The weather was perfect with sunny skies and an average of 80 degrees everyday. We went whale watching and spent wonderful time in the spa. Most of the time was spent reading by the pool drinking tropical drinks and eating way too much food.  Our room was right on the beach, so we walked out the patio every evening to watch the most beautiful sunsets.  It was truly a fabulous week and the best part was spending time together without any distractions. I am ready to go back!