December Cara Box Swap Reveal!

This was my first time participating in the Cara Box Swap.. and let me just tell you, I was really excited! 

I sent mine to Brooke, so be sure to head over there and see what she got! :)

My package from Ashley arrived on Christmas Eve! I may or may not have run in the house right away to rip it open... Sorry, I was excited :p I've really connected with Ashley and I am so glad I signed up for the Cara Box for December! She's the best :)

Let's start with what I opened first.. her super sweet note, that actually did make me tear up a little bit.. 

And this.. this was definitely so much fun to open! If you've been on my blog for 5 seconds you probably noticed my love for whales! My social media icons on the top left are even whales.. they even spout water if you mouse over them.. But anyway, back on topic, I loved these cards! They were so perfect! And that wrapping paper? So cute! and let me tell you, I'm totally jealous of Ashley's wrapping skills.. I definitely cannot wrap like that! You go girl :)

She even got "crafty" for me! Didn't they turn out great?! Perfect for the empty space in my cubicle! :)

A girl can never have too much nail polish right?!
Ashley also got me a note pad to remember her by because she likes to make lists..
well let's just say I am the same way! So it was perfect :)

She even sent me a note explaining everything! 

Seriously Ashley, everything was awesome! Thank you so much :) You are so sweet and I'm super happy to have been able to connect with you through this :)

I will definitely be signing up for January's Cara Box exchange, you should too! Just click on the button for more info :) Happy Thursday! 

Dad's Clam Chowder

Since today is officially the "first day of Winter" I thought I'd share one of my FAVORITE things to eat! It's my first "food" recipe, all of my others have been desserts. Let's just say, I like baking better than cooking.. My dad says it's the OCD coming out in me :p

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you'll know I don't eat seafood. At all. This is the one exception to that! I love clam chowder. But are you ready for the "I'm so picky" part? My dad's clam chowder is the only one I like.. I've tried it at restaurants, but none of them even come close to Dad's! Maybe it's because of his secret ingredient.. and today, he's given me permission to share it! The secret? Sugar! Yep :) 

Ingredients: 

- 1 cup onion, chopped

- 1 cup celery, chopped

- 2 cup potatos, chopped

- 2 (6 oz) minced clams

- 3/4 cup flour

- 3/4 cup butter

- 1 quart Half and Half

- 1 Tablespoon Sugar

- Salt and Pepper to taste

For the onion, celery, and potatoes, you can cut them up however small you'd like.. 

It's all just about how you'd like to eat them ;) 

Directions: 

(pictures below!)

Veggie Mix

1. Peel the potatoes

2. Chop the potatoes, onion, and celery

3. Pour veggies into a large saucepan

4. Open cans of clams and pour the juices over the vegetables

5. Fill saucepan with enough water to just cover the veggies

6. Place on high and let it come to a boil.

7. Turn down to medium-high and leave it there for about 15-20 minutes, without a lid

Chowder "Paste"

1. In a separate pot, melt butter on high (We used a dutch oven, but a pot would work too!)

2. Pour flour into melted butter and combine 

3. Quickly pour in the half and half, and combine

      It will thicken as you stir it.. continue to stir it slowly until it's about the thickness of pancake batter.

      Be careful not stop stirring for very long, or it will start to stick to the bottom

      If it seems too thick, that's how it should be, it will get thinner once you add the veggies with the water! 

4. Once it's reached the right thickness, remove from heat

To Finish the Chowder: 

1. Pour veggie mix into the chowder paste

2. Add clams, and mix them in

3. Add sugar and mix well

4. Add salt and pepper to taste

It is soooo good, I love it :) And yes, I will be eating leftovers of this tonight! :)

I hope everyone has a very very Merry Christmas!

(text only)

Items needed:

- 1 cup onion, chopped

- 1 cup celery, chopped

- 2 cup potatos, chopped

- 3/4 cup flour

- 3/4 cup butter

- 1 quart Half and Half

- 1 Tablespoon Sugar

- Salt and Pepper to taste

Veggie Mix:

1. Peel the potatoes 2. Chop the potatoes, onion, and celery 3. Pour veggies into a large saucepan 4. Open cans of clams and pour the juices over the vegetables 5. Fill saucepan with enough water to just cover the veggies 6. Place on high and let it come to a boil. 7. Turn down to medium-high and leave it there for about 15-20 minutes, without a lid

Chowder "Paste":

1. In a separate pot, melt butter on high (We used a dutch oven, but a pot would work too!) 2. Pour flour into melted butter and combine  3. Quickly pour in the half and half, and combine  4. Once it's reached the right thickness, remove from heat

Complete: 

1. Pour veggie mix into the chowder paste 2. Add clams, and mix them in 3. Add sugar and mix well 4. Add salt and pepper to taste