Brookside Cottage

So...... what does a Mom do when Christmas is fast approaching, and she has like a bazillion and one things to do around here to get ready?????

Well, of course! She goes away to visit the eldest son for a few days!!!

What a fun weekend we had! Seems they were having a Dickin's Holiday Faire in his town on Friday night.....and, oh man, was it fun! The downtown area blocked off, and lots of street vendors and yummy foods, like chili & pizza!! And then there was the little shop that had all Christmas ornies for half~price!! And, of course those two words are my weakness.......

So much fun..... I can't wait to go again next year! Now, I would be showing you pics of the whole thing, but I left the camera in the car~ duh~

Oh well, you will have to settle for the above picture of son's pretty tree~ don't you just love Christmas trees? Isn't it wonderful how everyone decorates theirs with a different style? I honestly don't think I have ever seen an ugly tree, and I don't think I could ever tire of seeing them...... And, of course this would be where I would insert pics of my lovely Christmas tree.... but, ahem..... I don't think you would much appreciate a picture of a box, which is where my tree happens to still be right now...... ahem.....

Anywho...... it was a great time, and a nice break.......even if I do have so much to do here......

And, of course no trip to Son's is complete, without a trip to my favorite shop.....

the Cancer Society Thrift Store of course!!

I just always find the most delightful things there........ and, I am doing my part to "recycle" aren't I? And, helping such a good cause at the same time....

And, I have never come out empty handed......and this time was no exception! A new~to~me fleece sweater...... ball of crochet thread...... a few Christmas ornaments~which will look lovely on my tree (if it ever comes OUT of the box!)

And, books~~~ woohoo~ Books!!! At least one is a secret......ooooh, you'll just have to stayed tuned to hear more about it!! And, one on Angels........ and....... this delightful book~

Wow! what a neat book!! For just $3, thank you very much! It is filled with recipes to make from boxed cake mixes, 478 pages of over 150 Cakes!! And, oh so,yummy looking, I can't wait to try them all!! Don't worry...... I'll share with ya!! Well, not the cakes......but, some of the recipes!

Like this one......... which just happens to be the perfect one to take to a friends house when they have invited you for dinner, and of course, Momma always taught you that it isn't polite to go to dinner without taking something...... so, this was not only so easy to whip up, but it was delicious as well~ "try it........ you'll like it"!!!

From "easy~peasy" beginning........

To....... "tummy~yummy" end..........

And, here is the recipe:

*BLONDIES*

SERVES: 20

PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES

BAKING TIME: 20 TO 25 MINUTES

1 Pkg (18.25 ounces) plain yellow cake mix

2 large eggs

8 Tblsp. (1 stick) butter, melted

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2. Place cake mix, eggs, and melted butter in mixing bowl, and mix on low speed untill ingredients are moiistened, about 1 minute. Stop mixer, scrape down sides of bowl with rubber spatula. Add the choc chips and mix on low another 30 seconds, just to incorporate. Mixture will be very thick.

3. Scrape batter into UNGREASED 9"X13" pan with spatula. Using spatula or your fingertips, press the batter out evenly over the bottom of the pan so that it reaches all the sides.

4. Pop in oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few crumbs attached.

5. Remove from oven and place on wire rack to cool for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

6. Go into garage and find your tree~in~a~box.....