Life Lately
Back to School
After a month of teaching virtually due to the high COVID rates and record-setting hospitalizations in our area, our school board voted to send us back to school for the 7 days before winter break. 😒 We are now the only large district in the metro to be back in school 100% face-to-face. It has substantially increased my anxiety, but back to school I went.

Winter Has Arrived
Winter in Iowa arrived literally overnight. It started snowing late last Friday night, and by Saturday morning, this was our new view:


Yes, it’s pretty. But I’m just not a snow lover. Or a winter lover in general. Give me warm-barefoot-cocktails-on-the-deck-sunshiney weather anyday.
This pretty much sums up how I feel about winter:
My Son Had Knee Surgery
The surgery went well, but I whipped him up a batch of holiday nuts to snack on while he’s recovering, because mamas always feel better when they can do something, right? Even if it’s just a box of warm, fresh-out-of-the oven roasted nuts. 💕❤️

In Case You Missed It…
Kolaches
It was a busy week around here, with back-to-school, plus working on holiday things. My mother-in-law came over to teach us how to make Kolaches.
Hot Cocoa Bombs
I made some Hot Cocoa Bombs, which was so much fun! They make the absolute most delicious cup of hot chocolate I have ever had– so rich and decadent. Plus, if you have kids, they will love making these and watching them melt open and release their contents when warm milk is poured over! This would be a great project for when they’re home for the holiday break.
Stocking Stuffers
It’s not too late! If you still need some stocking stuffers, here are some ideas I’ve compiled. Hurry, you can do it!

The Weekly Features!

Real Cedar & Orange Topiaries | The Ponds Farmhouse

These cedar and orange topiaries are so beautiful. Just the other day I was thinking about making some dried oranges to decorate an “all natural” tree. Then I saw this one from Rachel at The Ponds Farm! Now I’m even more inspired!
Homemade Clotted Cream | Glutarama

You guys, have you watched The Great British Baking Show on Netflix? It’s my newest obsession! I have to fall asleep at night watching television or I can’t close all the tabs in my mind and end up laying there thinking about waaaaay too many things. The Great British Baking Show is the perfect light and casual viewing. My sweet husband obliged for awhile and watched the first couple of seasons with me before kindly saying, “Feel free to watch on your own when I’m at work at night without worrying about waiting on me”, which I interpreted as meaning he was over it. 🤣
But, we have enjoyed learning all the very British terms and dishes, and “Clotted Cream” was one of them! So when Rebecca shared this recipe, I knew right away I’d need to try it! And then, she went on to mention serving it on “mince pies, Christmas Pudding or Sticky Toffee Puddings”… all things I’ve watched them bake on the show.
Thanks for the inspiration, Rebecca! I am so trying this!
PS. It’s gluten and dairy free, so you’re in luck if you have dietary restrictions!
Christmas Cozy in the Kitchen | A Day of Small Things

I love the combination of greenery and vintage kitchen tools above the cabinets in Amy’s kitchen. Her whole kitchen is so warm and festive!
Festive Christmas Table | Living on Cloud Nine

I’ve been working on my Christmas table setting, and Andrea offers such pretty inspiration. I bought some buffalo plaid chargers and am using white plates similar to hers, but those napkins really caught my eye. And the little white houses are perfection!
Can you believe there is only one more Sunday left this year? Next week’s Sundays on Silverado Link Party will be the last of 2020.

All features have been pinned to the Sundays on Silverado Pinterest Board!
Haha great post Niky! And great links too – thanks for the invite and Merry Christmas!
Wow, that is crazy that you guys had to go back to school for the last week. The snow looks beautiful but I will take our 65 and sunny. LOL.
Thanks for hosting and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I would love a little 65 and sunny, too! And I am guarding my words carefully on this public blog from saying what I think about our district sending us back to school for 7 days before break, when all the other comparable districts surrounding us did not. 😡
Happy Holidays, Patrick!
Thanks for hosting. Merry Christmas.
Your winter memes pretty much sum up how I feel about winter too! We have close to 2 feet on the ground and while I like how it looks I completely dread leaving the house for any reason.
Merry Christmas Niky, I hope you enjoy your vacation, and your snow is beautiful! And those hot cocoa bombs, wow!
I’m also posting my Kitchen done up for Christmas. My fav place, the heart of the home.
Thank you for hosting.
Merry Xmas and many blessings !
Fabby
Your winter expectation vs reality made me lol! My boyfriend is from Iowa and I’m from Missouri, but we moved to Phoenix, AZ last year and we don’t have to worry about snow anymore. We miss the expectation sometimes but then we remember reality. 😉 It’s going to be 70 degrees here today!
Thank you for hosting all year! Merry Christmas!
Wishing you and yours a beautiful Christmas!
Thanks so much for hosting each week! I know how much time it takes so it is greatly appreciated!!!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Your house looks like something from a movie with a blanket of snow on it!! Where I live, it rarely snows, but I always hope it does!! I love all of the winter memes, they made me laugh out loud!! Have a wonderful, wonderful day! Thanks so much for hosting this week!!
Working from home + that beautiful view makes the winter a bit more bearable 🙂
Have a Merry Christmas!
RR
Thank you so much for the wonderful honor, it was a wonderful surprise to see my kitchen featured!
Amy
Beautiful features – thanks for hosting! Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!
Shelley
Christmas blessings to the House on Silverado!