Winter Wonderland

Winter is here! The snow started Thursday night and has barely stopped since. I can't say I'm a huge fan of driving in the snow, but I will admit, it is beautiful. 

Merry Christmas?? I mean.... Happy Thanksgiving. Although this weather makes it a little confusing!

Sunday Snapshot: Valentine's Day Sweets

Over the last two years of living in China, I have received several care packages from sweet, thoughtful friends. One of the things I often request are cookie mixes. It is hard to find good flour and supplies over here and since I really don't bake often, I decided that even though I prefer "from scratch" cookies, mixes are just more practical. Therefore, I have received many!

This week I was in the mood to bake and decided that Valentine's Day was the perfect day to bake cookies. The frosting, however, IS from scratch. It turned out pretty well! I just wish I had food coloring so I could make it pink, but I don't. No candy hearts to put on top so mini M&M's had to do.

We have a couple families over here and so I was able to share my sweet treat with them. After all, I don't want these delicious goodies in my apartment because with my sweet tooth, we know what would happen.

Happy Valentine's Day from China!

Linking up with Ni Hao Ya'll

Beauty Around

I feel a little bit guilty even writing this post since I know all my NY friends have been freezing all winter! However, the rain and "cold" southern Chinese weather has moved in so doesn't that make you feel better? Even though the temperatures are not as cold as home, our apartments are not well insulated and we also do not have good heaters, only small space heaters (that really don't give off much heat. My room is currently 58 and tat is after having it on as high as it goes for the last 72 hours). 

We had an absolutely gorgeous January though. Like super duper the most gorgeous January I've ever experienced. Of course that's not too hard after growing up and living in western NY for 26 years. But anyways, it was lovely. Now we are in a bit of a "cold and rainy" spell but I guess we deserve that after being spoiled all "winter." 

One of the things I absolutely love about the area I live in is the scenery and landscaping (even in the cold and rain). This fountain is right outside my apartment. It has been off for several months but they recently have been turning it on in the afternoons. I just love it.

This is the little "river" I walk over each day when I go to the foster home. Not a bad view, right?

I will admit, I miss the clean green grass (or white snow) and hills I see from my side yard back home but this view isn't bad and I've gotten quite used to it. The little things I take for granted each day like the beauty around me.

Happy New Year (again)!

Happy New Year.... Take Two!