Cookie Crumbles

Today I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies from a mix, and while they're pretty tasty, they are nothing--NOTHING--like homemade. I had it in my head that I was going to make homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (my husband's favorite) or molasses crinkles (a personal autumnal favorite of mine). But at the store I started thinking about how busy I am and how any time it would require to make and bake those cookies would take precious time away from something else, and I bought a mix. Don't get me wrong, they're pretty good, but it just isn't the same.

As far as cookies goes, I'm very particular. I hardly like any pre-packaged store-bought cookies, Pepperidge Farm being the main exception, and even bakery cookies just don't hit the spot. I'm wary too of other people's cookies--I don't really understand this except to say that I've been burned before. So I'm left with my own cookies and my mom's. And since I don't see my mom all that often, it's up to me. And today I went with the storebought...

finished in a jiff, and managed to watch half of Dancing With the Stars and that new program Samatha Who? LOVED the dancing, particularly the Paso Dobles--even my sons were wowed. And the new show has potential. All in all, maybe it was a good decision.

And just look at this cover! I love it, and I have a soft spot for Christmas stories--I want it, I want it! I'm forever impressed with Eloisa James, but she's one of those authors whose books make me work for it. She has so many characters I often get lost and confused, but I'm nonetheless VERY impressed with how well she manages them all and how truly unique her stories are. I've heard her speak, and she's also impressive in person.