welcome to elaney!

Hi Friends,

I’ve thought long and hard about this (probably much longer and harder than what is appropriate for a made-for-fun blog).  And I’ve decided, with regret, that in the words of Ross and Rachel, we need to go “On a Break.”  I’ve been writing elaney for 3 years (longer than I’ve ever had a job)!  I hope it will not be a very long sabbatical, but I am ready to re-vamp the look, the content, and the positioning (but not too much – it will always be a place that your inner 16 year old feels at home).  Please become a fan on facebook, and we will let you know when we are back!

elaney was just meant to be silly blog for my friends from college, but it has truly been one of my most fun endeavors.  I thank you so so so much for reading it.

xx,

Laney

emum’s prayers came to be!!  It was a white Christmas.  Can you believe it?  The first in Columbus, GA since 1882. 

“I’ve prayed for this my entire life.” – emum.

We write silly Christmas poems with glee!!  Check out elaney and ebrothers’ from Christmas Eve.  With gifts of Alabama snuggies for the Bama fans in the house.

‘Twas the night before Glendale,
and all through the state,
not a Bama fan was stirring,
just mourning in hate.
 
The Bama fans were nestled
All snuggied by the TV,
Nothing to watch
Except for Jeop-ar-dy.

Then all of a sudden, so lively and quick,
They heard on the screen,
the voice of Coach Nick.
More rapid than War eagles, his coarsers they came,
and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
 
“Now Ingram! Now Julio!  Now Hightower and Trent”
off to Glendale they thought that they went.
To the top of the rankings, to the top of them all,
how could they know, oh how far they would fall.

It was just in a twinkling, a change of events,
a pass was dropped by running back Trent.
Saban was screaming, his clipboard was bent,
because they all knew to Orlando they went.
 
So Saban was sprung from the game in the end,
and Bama fans everywhere thought of what could have been.
But low and behold in 2010, we are from Auburn
and all we do is WIN!

It’s time to plan Christmas Eve!!  Christmas Eve at the Woolfolk house is getting increasingly more interesting as we all get older – yet keep the nuclear family alive.  That said, we (three adult children and their parents) still read Christmas books the night before Christmas (okay, so elaney tries to read one and no one really pays attention, but you get the idea).  We also think that Christmas childrens’ books are a great gift for the little ones in your lives (like Baby Josephine, Baby Cora, and my sweet little goddaughter Baby Polly).  We love Eloise at Christmas time!  What’s your favorite?

You’re out of cash money!  But, you still. can’t. stop. shopping!  Well, no worries…check out restaurant.com where they have $50 gift certificates for good restaurants for $25.  Then use the promo code “Holiday” for another 80% off!  That’s right…non elaney reading edad just got a $50 gift certificate to one of his ATL favs Taverna Fiorentina for $5!!  Booze is not included, so try to strategically get the price so that it just covers apps, entrees, and desserts!

We decorate the tree!  Many of you requested tips for decorating, and this year we decided to go with a lime green motif.  As you know, we have a penchant for the creams, golds, and browns, but with color-loving emum’s encouragement, we decided to go with red, lime green, silver, and gold, and we love the look.  Check out how we used these lime green snowflakes from Target on our little tree and bits and pieces in the kitchen table arrangement (ornaments from Restoration Hardware).

We learn to make Christmas food health conscious-friendly!! Check out this low-fat egg nog from Food Network.

• 2 cups nonfat milk
• 2 large strips orange and/or lemon zest
• 1 vanilla bean
• 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• White rum or bourbon (optional)
• Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish

Combine 1 1/2 cups milk and the citrus zest in a medium saucepan. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds; add the seeds and pod to the saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs, egg yolk, sugar and cornstarch in a medium bowl until light yellow.

Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly, then pour back into the pan. Place over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon in a figure-eight motion until the eggnog begins to thicken, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the remaining 1/2 cup milk to stop the cooking. Transfer the eggnog to a large bowl and place over a larger bowl of ice to cool, then chill until ready to serve.

Remove the zest and vanilla pod. Spike the eggnog with liquor, if desired, and garnish with nutmeg.

Per serving (1/2 cup): Calories 90; Fat 2 g (Saturated 1 g); Cholesterol 96 mg; Sodium 59 mg; Carbohydrate 13 g; Fiber 0 g; Protein 5 g