Hey Reader

This week, I thought I'd give you a little peek into the holiday chaos of a food blogger:) Just in case you've ever wondered...plus, lots of hot tips that I have to share this week--cause, friend we're in the throws of holiday chaos right now!

It’s a lot of family time. I’m baking (like the one time of year I go all in).

I’m always slightly glittery from spending too much time at Hobby Lobby. And I’m eating Chex mix by the handful at all hours of the day. It's a problem.

Food is my love language, and this is the one month where I go all in—feeding my people, gifting the sweet stuff, and pulling a few tricks from the freezer to survive the chaos.

Here’s what I’ve been up to this week (and what you might want to steal for your own sanity):

🎄No-Bake Gifts = My Holiday MVP

I only bake once a year—and when I do, I bake a lot. But for gifts? I try and keep it easy.

This week we made our annual Christmas Cornflake Wreaths with the kids (so sticky, still so fun), and I pulled together a little roundup of my favorite no-bake treats for gifting, snacking, and bribing Santa with.

It’s short, simple, and a lifesaver if you’re trying to pull something together at the last minute with tired kids and no time to clean the kitchen again.

🍸 Cranberry-Infused Vodka + Ginger Beer = Instant Holiday Gift Basket

I’ve been making cranberry vodka every December since I saw the idea from The Redheaded Baker years ago—and after a few tweaks, it’s officially part of my seasonal rotation.

This year I’m pairing it in little gift baskets with a few bottles of Fever Tree Ginger Beer (thank you Costco 12-pack sale). The combo?
​A Christmas Mule. Refreshing, festive, and very sippable.

Hot tip: Get your vodka at Costco too. Big bottle. Small price.

And, the color???? Gahhh. It's beautiful!👇👇(check it out at the bottom!)

​Texas Toast Sloppy Joes​

I hadn’t made these in forever, and when I finally did this week—wow, forgot how good they are.

I doubled the recipe (feeding two boys and a grown man over here), and I still had enough left to freeze for dinner next week.

Now, when I'm exhausted from all the holiday-ing, all I have to do is pop some veggies in the air fryer and bake the rest of the Texas toast. Yay, me!

Want to know my favorite trick? I stretch the meat with a handful of frozen butternut squash or sweet potato. Adds bulk, sneaks in veggies, and everyone still eats it.

Also… it’s perfect when my mother-in-law is in town. It feels impressive without being a ton of work, and she’s always happy.

📢Grab It While You Can

This is your friendly nudge to grab any of the fun holiday themed baked goods you may want....now!

Like, Aldi's holiday brioche trees. Pop ‘em in your freezer now. Pull them out the night before you need them....like Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Zero stress. Still fresh.

Aaaand, that's it! That’s what life looks like over here right now—flour on the floor, Chex mix in every bowl, and a fridge full of love.

❤️❤️If no one’s told you lately: you don’t have to do it all. Pick a few things, do them with love, and let the rest go. That’s where the real magic is.

(And, also why Christmas Mules🍻 are a thing:)

Talk Soon,

Brett

P.S. Don’t forget to download your No-Bake Treat Roundup right here! And go start that vodka. You’ll thank yourself on New Year’s Eve.

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I hope you enjoy getting these emails as much as I enjoy sending them! I put my ❤️into each one & try and stack it full of info that'll be useful, helpful or just keep you going🤗

WHAT I❤️THIS WEEK

Christmas Mule.....you'll hear zero complaints from your friends about this gift bag combo!

IN MY CART🛒🛒🛒🛒

Frozen baked goods save just about every holiday morning in recent memory. Trust me!

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pssst! Come stop by IG & say hey!