California Winter

It’s supposed to be winter, but it feels like spring! The nights do get chilly, but the days are still sunny and warm. And we hardly got any rain yet!



Bermuda Buttercups in my yard are blooming already! They usually start to bloom at the end of February.



The roses are still blooming! I love to bring them in and photograph them on my doilies.





And I recently found a new little treasure in my front yard! I didn't really notice it before. It has beautiful blossoms and green with red leaves. Could anyone help me to identify this plant?



I'm linking to:
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home,
Potpourri Friday @ 2805.

Chocolate Chip Cookies for a Cookie Exchange Party

Tomorrow, my husband has a cookie exchange party at work. I planned to make either Scandinavian chess cookies or Linzer Torte cookies, but didn’t have much time for elaborate baking. Instead, I baked these easy to make yet tasty chocolate chip cookies. I use this recipe quite often; it was printed on a flour bag.

I am excited to see what kind of home-made cookies my husband will bring back tomorrow.



1 cup packed brown sugar
¾ cup white sugar
1 cup margarine
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ tsp salt
¾ tsp soda
1 (12 oz) package chocolate chips
½ cup chopped nuts

Cream sugars and margarine. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Add flour, salt, and baking soda. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes.

I'm linking this recipe to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum.