Merry Christmas Eve EVE!! (Yes, it’s such a thing…at least to me it is).
It’s been a productive day over here already, thanks to an early wakeup time. Being the raging party animal that I am these days (haha), I was falling asleep on the couch last night by about 9pm (while watching The Santa Clause 2 on ABC Family). Finally, around 10:30, I moved it on into bed and called it a night, which had me up nice and early by about 7am this morning.
I knew that I needed to make a trip to the grocery store, and figured I might as well go sooner than later to beat the crowds. So I grabbed a Clif Z Bar and headed out the door.
Grocery shopping at 7:30am on a Sunday is a wonderful, amazing thing, my friends. I think I had to deal with about three people the whole time, and I was in and out of there in no time flat. Gotta love that!
While I was there, I couldn’t help but notice the wonderful aromas coming from the bakery, so I wound up grabbing myself a bran muffin (still warm) out of the bakery case. Once I got home and unpacked, I enjoyed a breakfast that looked similar to this…
Only make that a full muffin and take away the Chobani.
Errr, okay so really, I guess it didn’t look much like this? Oh well…I didn’t take a photo and I needed a visual, so you guys get the idea.
After breakfast was finished, I got to prepping a batch of Christmasy brownies to bring over to my in-law’s house for dinner tonight.
These babies will be getting topped with a generous layer of my cream cheese frosting once they’re cooled. Yummmm.
While I was at the store this morning, I also made sure to get all of the ingredients that I’ll need in order to make THESE…
Because our Christmas day is always so busy, Jay and I decided that we’ll be celebrating our own little Christmas morning on Christmas Eve…complete with homemade cinnamon rolls. I. Can. Not. Wait.
I promise…I really do eat more than just junk these days. It just may not look like it right now.
I’m wondering if they’d be alright if I make them later today but don’t bake them until tomorrow…what do you guys think? Will it work? Or do I make and bake them today and just reheat and frost them tomorrow? Hmmm…
Healthy Cookbook Giveaway
Do you guys remember back at the beginning of the month, when I was offering to give away (2) copies of Kim’s healthy cookbook…
Well, I still have yet to hear from the winners, so I’m offering up the opportunity one more time today! I’m going to choose (2) winners (US residents only) who comment on this post, and I will be announcing them later today.
Feel free to leave any sort of happy, positive comment, and you’ll be entered to win!
*Edited to add: I can’t believe I keep forgetting to share this with you guys!…
From now until December 31st, Reebok is currently offering $20 off a purchase of a $100 or more. Just enter the code RBK20 at checkout.
kayla says
merry christmas!! your desserts look wonderful!
Leah says
Those brownies look DELICIOUS!!
Jean says
The cinnamon buns look AMAZE!!!! Merry Christmas to you!!
Beth @ Lessons Life Teaches Me says
Merry Christmas Eve Eve!! Yes I agree it is a real day and a day that should be celebrated! Enjoy the time with your family.
Stephanie Wilson says
ooohhh….I can almost smell the cinnamon buns from here! Nothing beats a warm cinnamon bun during the holidays!!
Becca says
I want those cinnamon rolls!,
Coco says
Oh awesome! I LOVE FOOTBALL, so this would be amazing to have!
Ashley says
I love that you celebrate Christmas Eve eve. I do the same thing! Those cinnamon rolls look delicious. Happy holidays!
Sara G. says
Merry Christmas Eve Eve! I love this day too :)
Amy says
Thanks for opening up the giveaway again! Merry Christmas Eve Eve!!! :)
Allison says
Even though I don’t really know you, I think you have such a wonderful life and am so excited for you to have your lil baby! Congratulations :)
Courtney says
Thank you! :)
Erin says
I love Christmas, all the extra family time is great!!
Erin says
Will be celebrating Christmas Eve Eve with football and friends so this looks right up my alley! Enjoy your holiday!
Lisa says
I would love the cookbook! :-)
Jess P says
Merry Christmas Eve, Eve! Last one without a precious baby tooth :) congrats!
Courtney says
I know!! I was thinking about that earlier and got all emotional, haha. Darn hormones. ;)
Michelle says
That cookbook would be an awesome addition to my collection! I think it would be fine to get the cinnamon buns ready today and then cook them tomorrow. Merry Christmas!
Erin says
Merry Christmas Eve Eve! I’d love to win the cookbook. Have a great day!
Amanda says
Merry Christmas Eve Eve!!
Amanda L says
The brownies look great! Today’s my baking day and I’m so excited!
Lisa says
Those cinnamin rolls look amazing! Merry Christmas!
Julissa says
Happy Holidays!! :)
monique says
The Cinnamon buns looks so good!! Merry Christmas
Alex @ Healthy Life Happy Wife says
Those cinnamon rolls look so good!! Yum!
Maggie says
Hope your holidays are filled with family and friends :)
Nikki says
Wishing I could jump through the computer to eat both the brownies AND cinnamon buns!
Sarah says
Those cinnamon rolls look HEAVENLY! Oh my goodness I would kill for one of those right now!
Also, that is by far my favorite kind of zbar :)
Jessica says
Those cinnamon rolls look DELISH!! My husband is going to love me ;) Thanks!
Missy says
Yum brownies!
Allison says
Merry Christmas Eve Eve to you as well :)!
Tracey says
Those brownies and cinnamon rolls are something that I MUST definitely try!
Amanda says
All your sweets look amazing! Happy Holidays!!
taylor roberts says
I would love that cookbook!!! we have people over every football game and we are always cooking for our halftime meal!!!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
I was really tired this morning and not feeling a workout. However, I had a gym date with a buddy so I had to go and, as always, I’m glad I did!
Courtney says
Good for you! I had intentions of getting a walk in but, err, I just felt too wiped. Haha…hopefully in a few more weeks I’ll be back to my normal self!
Emily says
We make cinnamon rolls Christmas Eve too :)
Manon @ Des Moines Good Eats says
I NEED those cinnamon rolls in my face :)
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I love shopping that early in the morning! I was going to do that myself today, but I haven’t gotten my butt off the computer! So needless to say, I may skip it and go tomorrow!! Happy Christmas Eve Eve!
carol says
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! Enjoy!
Olivia @ Liv Lives Life says
Those brownies look amazing!! Have fun celebrating Christmas!
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper says
I used to pass by the grocery store after my 8am class every week and loved stopping in after that. No one was there!
Melissa says
I’m so thankful for my family and my dog, Oliver!
Kelly says
send me a cinnamon bun? :)
Jamie H. says
YUM, the brownies look delicious!!
Katy says
UGH I wish I had that book right now! My husband and I have people coming over to waatch the Patriots game at 1 and we are currently racking our brains for some good tailgating grub!
emily jo says
havent had homemade moist-y cinn rolls! that def made my mouth water!
Natalie @ Free Range Human says
Early morning grocery shopping is definitely where it’s at! I make cinnamon rolls all the time, and I almost always make them ahead of time. They’ll be just fine to make today, and then pop them in the oven tomorrow. Merry Christmas!
Courtney says
Oh, good to know! So do you just leave them in the fridge overnight then?
Natalie @ Free Range Human says
Yep, just cover them with some plastic wrap or foil. Also, let them sit out on the counter for twenty or thirty minutes before you pop them in the oven!
michelle kim says
Happy Christmas Eve Eve :D
And all those desserts look heavenly!
Angela @ Health's Angel says
Ohhhh those cinnamon rolls look incredible. I wish that was my family’s tradition on Christmas morning. Instead, they do eggs with ham and cheese. Not my style at all… I’m alllll about the sweet, usually. :)
Courtney says
Sounds to me like it’s time to make a special little “addition” to your Christmas morning tradition! ;)
Khushboo says
I hope your back to loving coffee by tomorrow- it’s the perfect accompaniment for those cinnamon rolls!
Courtney says
Haha, I tried it this morning…was NOT feelin’ it at all :(
If not, I’m goin’ the hot chocolate route!
Luvena Cervantes says
It’s gonna be a WONDERFUL SUNDAY!!! Christmas is almost here!!!!! Those cinnamon rolls are making me drool right know lol!!
Merry EARLY Christmas :0).
Rachel says
Congratulations on baby tooth – so excited for you! Merry Christmas Eve eve – and crossing fingers to win the cookbook!
kristen@livinlifeinlouie says
I was watching the Santa Clause 2 last night as well! (I didn’t make it through to the end either haha)
Kathryn Welch says
Merry Christmas!! You’re baby news is so exciting! And I love your blog.
Mary says
Merry Christmas Eve Eve! and if I don’t win the cookbook could I at least have the a cinnamon bun? They look awesome!!
tara says
Even though I have to work on Christmas, I’m so happy that my parents are driving 8 hours to see me! Merry Christmas!
Courtney says
Awww, that’s so sweet!! :)
Stephanie @ Steph's Miles says
Christmas Eve EVE is a real thing to me too. Enjoy your holiday celebrations! Hope I get a chance to win the cookbook!
Krista says
Love those cliff bars! Those brownies look amazing! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I am pretty certain that “junk food” doesn’t count as junk food during the week of Christmas, so you’re good! ;)
Merry Christmas Eve EVE!!
Courtney says
I like how you think, Hannah ;)
Corinna says
Oh my gosh, the brownies and cinnamon rolls look phenomenal – you are making me so hungry!
Karleen says
Omg! I want to eat all your baked goods!! Oh and the recipe book looks mighty fine too:)
Katie says
Merry Christmas Eve Eve! I believe it’s a real thing too :)
How do you make the Christmas Brownies??
Would love to win the Cookbook!
Courtney says
I just did a regular box of brownies then added a bag of holiday chips! Easy peasy :)
Taylor @ MamaTayLeMay says
I was watching Santa Clause 2 also! Then we watched the third one, I had never seen them before and now I am a huge fan – your desserts look delicious! I think it would be ok to bake them ahead, then reheat and then frost. Might be easiest! Happy Holidays!
rachel says
Merry Christmas! Thanks for the opportunity to win one of the cookbooks! Looks awesome!
Claire says
I have to say I have grown very attached to your blog! I love how consistent you are, and I appreciate a new post every day!
Anna Leeson says
what are the green and red candies in the brownies? just M&M’S or are they chips? looks delicious!
Courtney says
Holiday chips! Totally forgot I had bought them about a month ago, so I figured I better use them up soon :)
Kristin says
Merry Christmas Eve Eve! Enjoy your holiday with your family!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
Love your idea of celebrating Christmas morning on Christmas Eve morning with just Jay! I wish I had thought of that, but I’m afraid I’m out of time to get any yummy breakfast ingredients… ah well.
Melissa says
I bet the cinnamon rolls would be fine in the fridge!
My family always does cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning – just the kind in the can, but they still taste amazing….have a great Christmas Eve Eve!
Kaitlyn says
Merry Christmas Eve Eve (totally a thing)! And congrats on the littlest sweet tooth! P.S. cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning? Always a good idea.
Karen @ Runner Girl Eats says
Yum, brownies with cream cheese frosting?! A match made in heaven :)
Danica @ It's Progression says
Christmas Eve Eve = definitely a day!
It’s hard when we’re traveling, but I’m hoping to make cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning too! Yum!!
catherine says
I love sprinkling cinnamon and nutmeg on top of cinnamon rolls.
Leslie says
I am making cinnamon rolls for our family gathering tomorrow but don’t want to get up at 5am to start the dough making process, so I’m making them tonight and putting them straight in the fridge once they are arranged in the pan.
Tomorrow morning I’m just setting an alarm to pull them out at 5:30 to warm up and rise up before I bake them. They say to allow 4 hours total, 2 for defrosting and 2 for rising…SO much better fresh and warm :)
Merry Christmas!
Crystal says
Merry Christmas! Cinnamon rolls are on our menu too. I love how much icing yours had!
Mary Burns says
Merry Christmas!
Michelle@Peachy Palate says
My mum went grocery shopping this morning at 8am…the shops are open 24 hours just for Christmas week and it was mayhem even at that hour! Those cinnamon rolls look amazing, good call on the two Christmas mornings :) Happy Christmas!!!!
Debbie (accidently delish) says
Oh my gosh Courtney you are killing me with those cinnamon rolls. Come make some for me Christmas morning too please! :)
As for the cook books, I am obsessed with cook books! I think I ask for them every Christmas because I seriously have lost my creative mojo but love to cook new things!! This would be great!
Have a wonderful Christmas!!
Gracie says
Those brownies and cinnamon buns look amazing! Enjoy the holidays!
Emily says
Merry Christmas! Enjoy those cinnamon rolls and desserts! They look amazing!!
Ashley S. says
I would love the chance to win a cookbook! :)
Amy@macncheesenpeas says
Have a wonderful Christmas Courtney!
Kristen says
I would love a new cookbook!
Merry Christmas! Even though you’re excited to be a family of four (can’t forget Cody!) I hope you treasure your last Christmas as just the two (/3) of you!
Lindsay says
We don’t do cinnamon rolls on Christmas but we do pull apart cake which is equal parts cinnamon and sugar – amazing!! Merry Christmas!
alisha m says
this Christmas is already the best ever because I just became an auntie for the first time :D! merry Christmas to all and loove your cheery blog!
Ashley b says
Merry Christmas ! The brownies look great
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
Yum…the brownies look delish and I’d love to win the shoes!
Beth says
I used to love Christmas Eve Eve when I was growing up. It meant there was so much to look forward to! Those brownies look YUM!!
Meg says
Those brownies look SO good… and now I want to make brownies!!!
Meghan says
Merry Christmas! I’d love to enter.
Shannon says
That’s so ironic- I just baked brownies an hour ago, and I check your blog and you made brownies too!
I woke up today knowing that it is Christmas Eve Eve. I celebrate it quietly- my family would probably think I’m nuts.
Have a merry Christmas!
Danielle @ itsaharleyyylife says
Merry Christmas!
Lauren M. says
Those cinnamon rolls look amazing! We have a tradition that includes homemade cinnamon Chistmas bread that tastes just like a cinnamon roll. Can’t wait to indulge in those babies Christmas morning!
melissa A says
The cinnamon rolls look great! Enjoy! :-)
Erin says
Merry Christmas Eve eve! I hope yours is wonderful!
Noelle says
Those brownies look good! Is it homemade cream cheese frosting? I never really frost my brownies but it sounds delicious! Merry Christmas!
Wendy Bair says
Hey Courtney:
Just wanted to put my name in for the cookbook. I love trying out new recipes and this book sounds perfect. My boyfriend and I love football and good eats to enjoy while watching the game!! Although your picture of treats you are always coming up look soooo gooood!!!
Ashlee @ A Step in the Right Direction says
Those brownies look yummy!
Tori L says
Merry Christmas Eve Eve! Have a wonderful holiday!
Julia says
I love grocery shopping early I’m the morning too, I hate when it’s so crowded and people are ramming you with their carts. Anyways, those brownies look awesome!
Antonia says
Looking forward to Christmas Eve tomorrow and Christmas Day on Tuesday! And man, does that dessert look good!
kolya says
happy, happy day since the sun was out and no wind…yesterday was brutal!
Julia says
I’m making homemade cinnamon rolls too for Christmas morning and was wondering the same thing! I think what I’ll do is make them the night before and keep them in the fridge, then in the morning let them sit out a bit before I bake them! I’ve never made them before, so hopefully they taste good :)
Merry Christmas!
Rachel says
Those cinnamon rolls look delicious! I very rarely have cinnamon rolls, but every once in a while I have intense cravings for them… like now. :)
*Andrea* says
merry christmas eve EVE! i too celebrate this very important day in the holiday countdown :)
Kim Fairbro says
You are quite the baker! yumm!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
Okay, your early shopping experience sounds divine! I think I’m going to give it a try soon. Stress during shopping is so not worth it to me. Those brownies look amaaaazing! Hope you have a happy Christmas :)
Maddie says
I love hearing everyone’s Christmas (or Christmas eve) traditions! Those cinnamon rolls look amazing. Have a merry Christmas!
Heidi says
Those brownies look amazing….even without the frosting!!
alana says
meeeee for the cookbook please :)
Rochelle says
Happy Christmas eve eve! Your brownies make me drool; they look amazing!!!
Christine says
Merry Christmas Courtney, Jay, Baby Tooth and Cody!!! Love your blog….
Meghan @ After the Ivy League says
Christmas Eve Eve is definitely a thing, I agree! I can’t believe the grocery stores were open that early! Crazy. I went shopping with my mom to help (she hosts Christmas Eve) and the grocery store was absolutely packed! Tis the season :)
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Not sure if I missed the giveaway yet but I may as well try anyway, huh? :)
Kari F says
Merry Christmas! My cat has a Santa hat, but I love the Santa suit!
April V says
Those brownies look awesome!! …& would love to be in the raffle to win!! :)
Emily h says
Those cinnamon rolls look amazing!! Merry Christmas!
Olivia says
Merry Christmas and congrats on the baby!! SO exciting :)
sara @ fitcupcaker says
Wow those cinnamon rolls look awesome! I am working today so I left cinnamon rolls for the boys! Delicious! And that cookbook would be awesome to have!