With holiday orders done, it was time to take a little time to get in the holiday spirit with some baking. I love to cook and experiment in the kitchen so I thought that I would share the recipes that I found for some yummy holiday treats. Keep in mind that I never follow the recipe exactly ... I always have to add my own little touch ... so have fun and be creative in the kitchen.

+ Ribbon Cookies (A family favorite)
+ Shortbread (I added the chocolate kisses because I had some leftover from another recipe.)
+ Lemon Cookies
+ Gingerbread (I cheated and used the Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough)
+ Platinum Blondies
+ Chocolate Thumbprints
+ Magic Cookie Bars (Go for it with these. You can really experiment and throw in all of your favorite goodies.)
+ Chocolate-Peanut Butter Balls (Matt's favorite this year.)

Enjoy the cookies and happy holidays.

Well with my holidays orders almost finished, I had a little time to goof off and design our Christmas cards (shown above).

Well I know that it probably seems that it has been pretty quiet here at ScoutDog Studios but actually I have been painting like a crazy lady. (See the latest addition above ... Samson). Once I get through these holiday orders there are going to be a lot of new things happening.

- I am planning on focusing much of my time next year in creating a complete line of greeting cards, etc., and expanding the ScoutDog character line. Hopefully I will be attending the National Stationary Show in New York in May ... what an adventure!
- I am working on plans to have my murals printed in wallpaper format so that they are easier to install and travel. (See some designs here).
- I am working on some illustrations for a couple of great children's books ... keep your fingers crossed. This is quite a challenging experience.

I'm so excited to really get started on all of this stuff so it is quite a challenge for me to stay focused on the orders that I have to get done for the holidays ... as well as enjoy the holidays with Matt, ScoutDog and IzzyCat. But after 30 years I think that I have learned a little patience (ok, ok ... everyone who knows me is laughing right now ... especially Matt and my parents and little sis) ... but at least I can admit it now. ;)

Happy Holidays.

Well the day has come ... I'm 30. I didn't think it would bother me and I really didn't think about it until this week. But so far today is going great ... Matt surprised me with a Chai Latte from Starbucks.

Matt gave me my presents last night:
+ A Remote Control Car: I have asked for every Christmas and birthday and never got one ... it is very cool and ScoutDog and IzzyCat enjoy playing with it too.
+ Hello Kitty Bath Set: Just so happy ... i have always loved Hello Kitty ... in kindergarten I had a Hello Kitty school bus pencil kit.
+ SimCity 4: I can now control my entire world and build and destroy my own city ... watch out.
+ Jewelry Box: I have been using an old white box for years ... I saw this one a year ago and Matt remembered.

But the best gift of all is that I get to spend the rest of my life with this great guy. I can't believe how lucky I am. I am married to my best friend ... I get to work and live my passion ... my family is healthy and happy ... and I have the best dog and cat in the world.

Tonight we are starting the party at the Rio with margaritas ... my fav ... then on to the 1st Annual Jen's 30th Birthday Bowling Tournament. Watch out everyone ... I'll post the results tomorrow. (I know ... I know ... that incorrect use of "1st Annual" is probably driving all of those editors out there crazy ... but it is a little joke between Matt and I ... both journalism majors.)

Well I'm going to do a little work on paintings this morning and then am planning on taking the afternoon off ... we'll see how it goes.