Christmas Morning Goodies!

There are a few things that I only eat at certain time of the year. {Like, Chicken and Dressing.  Here in the south we have dressing, not stuffing. And, it's made with cornbread. Oh my lordy it's good.}

Chicken and Dressing at Thanksgiving.

Cinnamon Role Casserole on Christmas morning.

I can't eat those things the rest of the year because I would pack on quite a bit of poundage.

It is ridiculously delicious.

And, here is the absolute best recipe that I have used. It's from the Dishy Decorator.

Cinnamon Role Casserole via The Dishy Decorator

Don't you just want to lick the screen?

Really, I could go on and on about this recipe, but you just have to try it.  It is easy to make and if you like cinnamon, pecans, butter, icing and syrup, it's got ya covered.

It is front and center on my Christmas Morning Menu.

It can't be all sweet and ooey gooey, though.  We will be having Crock Pot Sausage Breakfast Casserole to balance out the menu.

Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole

This one, from Six Sister's Stuff, is yumtastic.  I would not have thought to put the mozzarella cheese in {I usually just use cheddar}, but it makes it so cheesy wonderful.  

That is the extent of my Christmas Morning menu! Woohoo! 

Really what else do you need after a whirlwind of gift opening? Coffee, perhaps.

I will be making a few other items to have throughout the day, but we will not eat breakfast until around 9:30 or 10.  Munchies will fill in the rest of the day.  

I've created printable menu that you can download for free and fill in with your own choices.

Free Christmas Morning Printable

What do you serve to your hungry crowd on Christmas morning?

Tips & Tricks: Christmas Recipes

It's time for the Christmas Recipe version of Tips and Tricks!

I know you all are getting your delicious recipes ready and gathering your ingredients.  Maybe you're making a special treat for teachers or friends at work?

We would love for you to share your recipes here!

Here is a rundown of the parties for the rest of the year, as a reminder. Don't miss one!

Don't forget to follow all of our amazing co-hosts, and visit each other's links. It's a great way to discover new blogs and all sorts of great ideas!

Heather - Stringtown HomeFacebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Bloglovin'
Jessica - Prairie Girl to Southern BelleFacebook/Followgram/Pinterest/Bloglovin'
Jonell - Like Gramma's HouseFacebook/Pinterest/Bloglovin'
Kathleen & Samantha - Fearlessly Creative MammasFacebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Bloglovin'
Ursula - Kraft MintPinterest
Denise - Stl MotherhoodFacebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Followgram
Karissa - A Fresh Start on a BudgetFacebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Bloglovin'
Gina - Gina's Craft Corner
Christa - Controlling CrazinessFacebook/Pinterest
Leslie Monroe - Be Simply BetterFacebook/Twitter/Pinterest/LinkedIn
Amy - Trip Worth TakingFacebook/Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram/Bloglovin'
Wendy - A Daily Dose of Del SignoreFacebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Google+/Bloglovin'/Instagram
Krysta - Krysta Steen.comFacebook/Pinterest/Instagram/Twitter

Anything Goes Section:

More Christmas Printables!

I guess I'm in a printable kind of mood.  I love creating them, and it's such a great way to really personalize your home decor any time of year.

I created two printables that you can use together or individually, based on John 3:16 & 17.

Take a look:

I know these aren't considered traditionally "Christmas" verses, but I believe they are very fitting. 

Aren't we amazingly blessed to be so loved by our Creator?

Click on the images above to DOWNLOAD.

Christmas Card Printable

Merry Week and Half until Christmas Everyone!

Can you believe it? It really IS almost here!

And, if you are like me then, you haven't sent out your Christmas cards yet. Yes, I know. Not very Christmas-y of me, is it?

Since I am so behind, I though maybe a few of you might be, also.

Here is a copy of the card that I will be sending out:

If you would like your own, here is a copy without names for you to download for free.

Just click on the image to download.  

I left plenty of room at the bottom for the names of everyone in your family.

It will print out at 4x6.  If you print it on cardstock you can simply put the addresses on the back with a stamp and drop it in the mail. Easy peasy, and so cute!

Please leave a comment if you download the card and plan to use it! I would love to hear from you.

A Family Christmas Printable

Two weeks 'til the kids are out of school and I am off of work for Christmas!

I love this time of year and I am so looking forward to spending time with my family and friends.  That is the best part of the holiday season to me-making memories.

We have already been to one holiday party and will be going to more coming up in the next couple of weeks. Also, we have family traditions that we will be continuing this year.

Here is our list:

Every year we go out to dinner one night then drive around looking at lights, with a yummy peppermint and chocolate shake to keep us company. It's on the list.

Every year we take a trip to the Boardwalk in Shreveport, Louisiana, to have dinner at Joe's Crab Shack, do a little shopping, and enjoy the activities they have going on.  This year they have free Santa photos at Bass Pro Shop, the Boardwalk Blizzard, and live music. It's on the list.

We WILL watch The Christmas Story every year on Christmas Day. OF course, it's on the list.  

I want to make a point to just have some quiet down time with the boys, so we will definitely have a Family Game Night.  We do this pretty regularly, but with all the busy-ness of the holidays, I want to be certain to make it happen. It's on the list. 

Visiting grandparents, baking, and everything else that is oh so important, is on the list. 

We will check off each one as we go.  

My list may be different from yours, so I created a blank one for you to download and add your own activities. 

I hope you enjoy it, and have a wonderfully blessed Christmas!

Click the image to download!

Tips & Tricks Link Party: Handmade Gifts

It's that time, again, everyone! I love the theme for this week-Handmade Gifts.

In years past, for exchanging gifts with my family, we all made handmade gifts.  There have been some really great ones created by my family.

Here we are playing outdoor Jenga, that was made by my niece and nephew:

Handmade Outdoor Jenga

It could actually be a bit dangerous when it falls over! You better get ready to run!

So, share, with us, your handmade gifts from this year, or years past.  

The most pinned project from the Fall Kids Crafts party was this Tissue Paper Turkey from The REal Housewives of Riverton:

Tissue Paper Turkey 

Thanks for sharing with us, ladies!

Here we go, with this week's fun theme of Handmade Gifts!

Don't forget to follow all of our amazing co-hosts, and visit each other's links. It's a great way to discover new blogs and all sorts of great ideas!

Heather - Stringtown HomeFacebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Bloglovin'
Jessica - Prairie Girl to Southern BelleFacebook/Followgram/Pinterest/Bloglovin'
Jonell - Like Gramma's HouseFacebook/Pinterest/Bloglovin'
Kathleen & Samantha - Fearlessly Creative MammasFacebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Bloglovin'
Ursula - Kraft MintPinterest
Denise - Stl MotherhoodFacebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Followgram
Karissa - A Fresh Start on a BudgetFacebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Bloglovin'
Gina - Gina's Craft Corner
Christa - Controlling CrazinessFacebook/Pinterest
Leslie Monroe - Be Simply BetterFacebook/Twitter/Pinterest/LinkedIn
Amy - Trip Worth TakingFacebook/Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram/Bloglovin'
Wendy - A Daily Dose of Del SignoreFacebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Google+/Bloglovin'/Instagram
Krysta - Krysta Steen.comFacebook/Pinterest/Instagram/Twitter

Anything Goes:

Holiday Preparations: Recipes for Gifts and Parties

As I'm preparing for Christmas, I am gathering recipes all in one place so that they will be easy to locate when I need them.  Where am I gathering them? Pinterest, of course!

There are lots of recipes that I have used in years past and some new ones that I can't wait to try.

Follow this board to see what recipes I will be using for parties, gifts, and family gatherings:

Follow Amy @ Life Is A Trip Christmas: Recipes for Gifts, Parties, Christmas morning, and Snacks on Pinterest


Gift ideas for Teachers:

Chocolate Covered Pretzels with Sprinkles
Boozy Caramel Fudge
Tex-Mex Brownies
Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Mix

Combine one or more of these yummies and your gift to the teacher will get an A+!

I have made the Candy Cane Hot Chocolate and the Chocolate Covered Pretzels many times in the past few years and they are always a huge hit.

When you combine the words caramel and fudge, you know you've got something good happening!

For the Hostess with the Mostest:

Homemade Caramel Sauce
Carolina Mustard
Fresh Herb Mayonnaise
Spicy Cheddar Straws

Carolina Mustard is a delicious dipping sauce that goes well with sweet potato fries, spread on a burger, or paired with fresh veggies.

Any self respecting Southerner has a good recipe for Cheddar Straws.  This one has a little bit of heat.  Whip them up and present them in a cute jar with baker's twine and you'll be a star!

Party Starters:

Cherry Pecan Brie
Bacon Cheese Dip
Colby Pepper Jack Dip

Your party will be off to a great start and your friends will think you're a certified chef with any of these tasty treats.

Do you need a few more printable Christmas tags to add to your stash? Click on the image to download.

Created with PicMonkey Courtesy of Amy@TripWorthTaking

Add your own flair to these tags using some of the precious Christmas Fonts that I shared last month, and print out on cardstock. A perfect homemade gift to make someone feel special!

*The tags print at 8.5" x 11".

Enjoy!