Pep Talk
Merry Christmas Eve, blog friends! 
I’m so excited that Christmas is just about here! What are your plans for Christmas Eve?
So, I have to start off this morning’s post with a little apology. I’ve been slacking on my blogger responsibilities for some time now, specifically skipping meals (well, eating them, but not posting about them) and I want to change that.
Last night, I had a talk with Kath via gchat, who basically gave me a blogging pep talk. Sometimes you need a friend to give it to you straight and it’s exactly what I needed. Our chat definitely gave me some new-found blogging enthusiasm, so, from now on, my dear readers, you will see a lot more from Carrots ‘N’ Cake! 
Christmas at the In-Laws
When Mal and I visit our hometown, we always stay with his parents. They live in a 4-bedroom house on a huge plot of land with lots of trees, horses, and a barn with a hay loft. There’s even a tractor parked next to it.
We affectionally call my in-law’s home “Funny Farm.” It’s the place where all of our friends hang out when they are home for the holidays, and growing up, Mal and his sister always had something fun happening here. Mal says it was a great place to grown up.
Murphy likes Funny Farm, too. There’s a lot of space to run around and, oh, so many new smells!
Mal’s step-mom goes all out with the holiday decorating. I love it! I want my home to look as festive as this some day!
Breakfast
After sleeping in a little, Mal, Murphy, and I took a ride in the new car to Starbucks.
Murph was psyched to ride in Dad’s new car for the very first time.
Good thing the interior is “fawn” colored. Murph’s fur blends right in! (Pugs shed a lot!!!)
We we returned home, Mal cooked us breakfast while I got a head start on this post.
He made us the most delicious sweet-savory egg sandwiches.
On a toasted cinnamon raisin English muffin, Mal added Chipotle Cheddar Cheese and a fried egg.
Omg. It was out of this world! 
I’m spending the next hour or so making some overdue improvements to my blog and perhaps doing some book writing. (I already added a Wedding page to CNC.)
I’ll also be sipping my grande soy misto. I <3 Starbucks.
Errands and Christmas Eve things on the agenda for today.
See ya later!
Tags: Chipotle Cheddar Cheese, Christmas Eve, Funny Farm, Rogue Creamery, Starbucks
Lindsey @ Eat, Read, Run — December 24, 2009 @ 10:26 am
Have a wonderful holiday Tina! That house is gorgeous. P.S. – I gave you a “Beautiful Blogger” Award on my post yesterday. The award has been making the rounds for a while, so you may have already gotten it, but I wanted to send it your way for inspiring me to start my blog! Happy Holiday!
Jenn — December 24, 2009 @ 10:26 am
That’s a GORGEOUS country house!
Food Makes Fun Fuel — December 24, 2009 @ 10:26 am
Your inlaws have such a beautiful house!
Sometimes a peptalk is all we need
Danielle (Coffee Run) — December 24, 2009 @ 10:27 am
Wow- your inlaws’ house is gorgeous. Don’t feel bad about “slacking,” I think blogging shouldn’t be stressful & people will keep reading even if you’re not picturing every single thing
Anddddd now I need starbucks
Christy — December 24, 2009 @ 10:29 am
Wow your in-law’s house is beautiful! The decorations are amazing!
Kristine — December 24, 2009 @ 10:32 am
yay for a new found blogging love! Can’t wait to read more!
K — December 24, 2009 @ 10:33 am
What a stunning house! Glad Kath was able to give you a pep talk but don’t feel like you’re slacking – I still love your blog! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve
Kristen @ Change of Pace — December 24, 2009 @ 10:33 am
Those decorations are beautiful! I wish I was that creative. It’s hard to post a lot during the holidays… Especially when you are so busy. I’m looking forward to seeing more from you though in 2010!
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) — December 24, 2009 @ 10:41 am
That house is gorgeous and I got into the holiday spirit just from looking at those pictures! I bet the real deal is even more amazing. It’s the kind of house you see in holiday movies like “The Family Stone” and “Meet the Parents.” Minus the hilarious dysfunction, and plus one adorable pug.
ellen eats beets — December 24, 2009 @ 10:43 am
I love the savory sweet breakfast combo. Have a lovely day with family!!
candice — December 24, 2009 @ 10:44 am
Your muffin sandwich looks awesome—so much better than my lame plain + shredded mixed cheese + leftover salmon.
My plan for Christmas Eve is to hang out with my cousin. … Yup.
Jenny — December 24, 2009 @ 10:49 am
I definitely have needed to get more on track with blogging lately, and I can understand needed a pep-talk, especially when we are so busy this time of year!
Mal’s house looks like so much fun, and breakfast sounds delicious! Have a great day
Good Taste. Healthy Me — December 24, 2009 @ 10:54 am
Wow their house is gorgeous!
You and Mal are just too cute. I love that he cooks you breakfast!
Cait (Cait's Plate) — December 24, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Haha I love your little family
It’s so cute to see Murphy on his first Christmas!! Have a great Christmas Eve!
My family and I are gearing up for all our baking!
Kailey — December 24, 2009 @ 11:00 am
merry christmas ever
enjoy time with your family
suzanne — December 24, 2009 @ 11:00 am
What a wonderful place to celebrate christmas! I was laughing when i saw Mal as i thought only my daughter wears a scarf inside
Have a great Christmas!!
Susan — December 24, 2009 @ 11:10 am
Yay for more CNC! and Mals’ family’s house is beautiful.
Jennifer — December 24, 2009 @ 11:14 am
What a picture perfect setting you are in! Looks like the set of a Christmas movie!
Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy some downtime, you’ve more than earned it!
Michelle — December 24, 2009 @ 11:15 am
Blogging fatigue maxes out sometimes when life gets really hectic, but we all know you’re human and that you need a break too!! Make sure you enjoy the bloggin process and if it takes up too much time, just the pictures or just a couple sentences would be appreciated so we know you’re still alive and kickin’!!!
That being said, it is fun to see and read about your food Tina! Happy Merry Early Christmas!!!
Lisa — December 24, 2009 @ 11:21 am
What beautiful pictures! This looks like a fairytale Christmas!! Have a wonderful time!
Kelly — December 24, 2009 @ 11:33 am
Better to skip meals on the blog than skip eating them
You are probably just getting a little burned out writing- that’s okay! The house you are staying at is gorgeous, I love the silver balls hanging from the mantle! Hope you have a great Christmas Eve.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is — December 24, 2009 @ 11:34 am
Their house in gorgeous!
Madeline @ Greens and Jeans — December 24, 2009 @ 11:38 am
Love the bells on the mantle! They really go all out and it looks beautiful!
maria — December 24, 2009 @ 11:38 am
Love the silver balls, how festive! Have a fun time with family!
BethT — December 24, 2009 @ 11:49 am
Murphy is quite dashing in his camo harness!
Estela @ Weekly Bite — December 24, 2009 @ 11:51 am
What a beautiful house!
Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) — December 24, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
You inspired my breakfast thing morning….I think I’ll have an english muffin with a fried egg and pepper jack cheese!
lindsey — December 24, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
those muffins look delicious! i miss cheese so much sometimes
have a merry christmas! that house looks so festive!
♥ lindsey
Erin — December 24, 2009 @ 12:49 pm
All of the decorations look beautiful — I love how homey Christmas makes life.
Natalie M. — December 24, 2009 @ 12:51 pm
Hi Tina!
(omg Boston is insane!!)
I haven’t had the opportunity to read your blog since the healthy living summit took place in August. I started graduate school and life has been quite hectic which means no time for my blogs
I hope to catch up with your posts over break. I just wanted to stop by to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season!
MelissaNibbles — December 24, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
I’m glad you’ve got your excitement for the blog back. I’ve been a fan for a long time and you motivated me to start my own. My blog has already brought so many changes and new friends to my life. I just wanted to thank you because I never would’ve started my blog if I hadn’t come across yours. Thanks for all the great things blogging has brought to my life
Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather — December 24, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
OMG I wish my house looked that Christmassy too! It’s so pretty. I’m excited to check our your wedding page.
Tonight hubby and I will finish getting presents wrapped/clean the house and I’ll finish up the baking. This is the first Christmas eve where it’s just the two of us. Usually we get together with family but it’s going to be pretty low key until tomorrow.
Merry Christmas!
Nurit - 1 family. friendly. food. — December 24, 2009 @ 1:18 pm
What a beautiful house. It feels like a happy place.
Merry Christmas to you!
Lacey — December 24, 2009 @ 1:25 pm
Hi Tina!!!! just wanted to let you know i love your blog
i think you are doing a wonderful job and even before the renewed inspiration you were doing a terrific job. don’t beat yourself up!! i am glad to hear tho that you are looking forward more to a renewed energy for CNC. i’m a bostonite and have been a faithful follower ever since i found you:) just wanted to pass that along you are certainly appreciated and you are very REAL, i think, much more than other “big name” blogs. and gosh i love pugs. i dog-sit for one out here in watertown and i just got his christmas card 
it’s on our fridge and can’t help but SMILE every time i look at it.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! xoxo
Carbzilla — December 24, 2009 @ 1:33 pm
OMGoodness – Murph’s anticipatory car face is toooooo cute. Hilarious!
We’ve only had our dog is our newer car once, and I swear her fur wove its way into the seats! Good to know pugs shed a lot – I will file that away in my “things I should know about different breeds” file. Last week I learned Huskies like to run away a lot.
Your blog should be fun – sorry you’re feeling the pressure.
Wishing you all the best in 2010!
Kath — December 24, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
Such gorgeous decor! Love the silver balls.
Xoxo
Kelly B. — December 24, 2009 @ 1:57 pm
What a FABULOUS house…wow! It just looks like Christmas!
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — December 24, 2009 @ 2:11 pm
i love all the x-mas stuff….we don’t have a tree at my parents’ and my inlaws are jewish so i’m living vicariously through blogs.
Jamie — December 24, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
Wow your egg sandwich looks SO good! And I love the festive house and decorations. Can’t wait to be seeing more of your meals.. I recently also said the same thing on my blog- that I want to try to move closer to showing pics of 100% of my eats. Merry xmas!
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) — December 24, 2009 @ 3:07 pm
I hear ya – sometimes you need to readjust how you look at blogging… it can be overwhelming. But it is really such a cool thing! Glad you are feeling refreshed =)
Merry Christmas Eve!
Karla — December 24, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
What a lovely place!
Merry Christmas!
Allie — December 24, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
funny farm is beautiful! great name too. chipotle cheddar cheese? where did you find that?
Jenna — December 24, 2009 @ 4:39 pm
glad you got to talk to kath!
have a great christmas eve
jenna
Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) — December 24, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
I feel like its a crazy time of year and if there is any time to slack, it’s now. I love the doors on his parents house. SO gorgeous. And funny farm is an amazing movie. Take a break if you need it, and everyone loves your blog so no worries!
Lauren — December 24, 2009 @ 6:19 pm
Murphy’s rocking his camo harness, I see. What a stylish little guy!
I had a fried egg and cheese sandwich this morning, too–love them!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) — December 24, 2009 @ 9:18 pm
Tina, you are super busy- it’s understandable for you to be getting a little worn out.. your blog is still wonderful, don’t worry at all. Have a wonderful Christmas!!
Cynthia (It All Changes) — December 24, 2009 @ 9:34 pm
That house looks so festive. It would truly make me even more in the Christmas mood just to be there
Carolyn — December 24, 2009 @ 11:35 pm
I want snow!!
Stephanie — December 25, 2009 @ 12:03 am
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple months now, but I just can’t hold it in any longer.. Murphy is just SO cute! To be honest, I think some pugs’ noses can be too squishy (it’s sad when they can’t breathe right!).. but Murphy just seems like the perfect balance of wrinkles and not too squishy nose. And I love the cute little tilt of his head he often does.. I am looking forward to buying a house so we can get two more dogs
Allison (Balance in Bites) — December 28, 2009 @ 9:15 pm
Also, keep in mind that there’s no rule saying you MUST PHOTOGRAPH AND POST EVERY MORSEL THAT YOU EAT. =P I think that’s a pretty high expectation….. I personally know that I really don’t care if you miss posting a meal here or there. A blog should be more than “these are the meals and snacks I ate today” =) (which yours is!) So I guess I’m saying, feel free to cut yourself a bit of slack =)
Sarah — December 29, 2009 @ 2:20 am
Grande Soy Mistos are a staple in my life!
Dotsie — January 4, 2010 @ 4:48 pm
Murphy is just so adorable, I wish I could hug him through my computer screen!
Rachel — January 13, 2010 @ 11:12 pm
I love the Rogue Creamery!
authentic jordan sneakers — August 27, 2010 @ 5:21 am
That house looks so festive.