Where we went: Noodles

My new found love for ramen continues as I discover the myriad of toppings and textures that can be combined in one extra large bowl of hot broth and noodles. One rainy night after a trip to Ikea Blake and I found this little ramen place in Costa Mesa called Yamadaya.

Yamadaya is a small, informal restaurant, perfect for impromptu rainy day date nights, a weekend lunch, take out, or really any reason you can come up with to eat delicious noodles and broth.

Monday Menu- Getting back on track.

Happy Monday! We are home from visiting family and friends but we brought lots of treats with us. If your kitchen is still full of cookies, candy and other temptations that you usually don't keep around I feel your pain.

Friday Five

Hope everyone had a joyful holiday! We spent lots of time with family and friends but mostly we ate. Eating was the theme of December and I think running will be the theme for January who's with me?

On Friday I talk about five things I've Pinned though out the week. This week I've been thinking about 2015 (shocker) along with all the usual DIY, outfits, recipes etc.

Where we went: Home Depot & Lowe's

A few weeks ago I posted this picture. I am happy to report that our big project is finally complete.

Monday Menu- Christmas

It's the week of Christmas! Like many of you I will be spending much of this week eating with family. Most of our meals will be pot luck style so I'll be sharing some of the items I'm making along with some recipes from our regular menu.

Are you making any special recipes with family this week? Do you have any holiday traditions you can't wait for or could live without?

My family always makes Christmas candy. The recipes have been around forever and they are amazing. We always have fudge, English toffee, and peanut brittle. One of my aunts has my great grandmother's pizzelle iron and I will eat more than my fair share over the next week. The anise flavor and smell reminds me of my childhood with great grandma and the light, crunchy texture of the cookies is a perfect complement to a hot cup of coffee.

Friday Five

I hope you all took my advice yesterday and enjoyed this holiday season with things that make you happy. For me that's good smells, holiday sounds and of course coffee. So whatever makes you slow down, smile and look at the blessings around you I hope you find them today as we move into the weekend before Christmas. 

On Fridays I discuss five things I've Pinned throughout the week. Mostly, I pin recipes, DIY projects, outfit ideas and home decor. inspiration. 

Thursday Threads- Holiday staples

So it's one week until Christmas guys! Can you believe it? Are you ready? If you answered no to those questions than you are in good company. If you follow me on Instagram (@carissacrane) you know that we just bought and decorated our tree this week. If my blogging is any indication, I am bad with deadlines, timing, etc.

But I am determined to not let stress get the better of me over the next few days you should stay stress free with me. Just light that holiday candle, put on your favorite holiday Pandora station and drink more coffee!

Currently:
Candle- snowy pine
Music- Charlie Brown Christmas Medley
Coffee- Trader Joe's Costa Rican with Hazelnut lactose free creamer

Monday Menu on Tuesday, naturally.

I'm back! Some what. My apologies again for the long and unexplained silence. As I navigate the world of being a new blogger and the holiday season I am thankful to those of you who still stop by and wait patiently for me to figure this thing out.

A big thank you to my friend Jeff for commenting! As I get this blog going the more feedback the better. It helps to know what you think of me so far and what else, if anything, you would like to hear from me.