Vlogmas Day 18 | Sing Songs of Good Cheer, Thin Mints Are Here!

[@amyr4944]

It seemed like you guys did a lot of walking and carrying babies around in Chicago. That also counts as exercise. Be kind to yourselves my friends, that is still a workout. 💕

[@perfectlypriced4980]

I was gonna say didn’t y’all walk everywhere and the whole Navy Pier! ❤

[@Chexmics13]

I 100% agree

[@KendraAnn06]

THIS. ❤

[@laurenmichero9003]

Absolutely! Walking and lifting weights (including tiny humans) totally counts as a workout! 🏋️‍♀️

[@fungifungi501]

Deeply appreciated Julia Child/Schitt's Creek during slime making 😂

[@fourliltadpoles]

Oil removes oil so to get the peppermint oil off your fingers, use coconut oil. 😊

[@BeautyByBlancanieves]

You guys are literally the ONLY ones that are consistent with Vlogmas. THATS why you’re my fave and I watch ALL your videos! That and the way you can both laugh at yourselves. ❤ y’all!

[@BhappyD]

They’re my favorite as well. It’s not Christmas without their Vlogmas videos! They are such genuine and special people, so real and down to earth, even after being on this platform for so long! So many KZbinrs change and try to make themselves into something they aren’t and try to present an over the top lifestyle, but the Braun’s are just real and genuine and always have been. Their very first year of Vlogmas videos are still comparable to how they are today. My favorite is when both of them are sitting down at night delirious after a long day and they are just laughing and having fun with each other. Absolutely adore them, and so thankful they share their life with us. It brings so much happiness to my day! God bless! 😊🎄

[@mrsdls]

For your thin mints, I do a bag of the Ghirardelli’s dark chocolate wafers and about 1 1/2 capfuls of the peppermint extract. We make them every year! Thanks for sharing your recipe!

[@meganhoward468]

Oh my gosh…yall just reminded me that I love Jon McLaughlin and you are taking me back to my freshman year in college when Indiana came out. What a great artist. Loving Vlogmas by the way!

[@Heyheyrayeraye]

Finally!! Someone who appreciates Jon McLaughlin like I do! Beautiful Disaster is one of the most beautiful songs of all time!! ❤️

[@CindyGallardoo]

I first heard of John Mclaughlin on the Disney Hercules soundtrack. I love him!

[@sarahmy]

I've met Jon McLaughlin a few times and even got to hang out with him for an extended period of time when I was selling merch for him. He was super fun to hang out with, very nice and funny/witty. 🙂

[@kristiburis3924]

I live in Muskegon Michigan. Every time I watch one of your videos, and a commercial for Meijer comes on… It makes me chuckle. We have 2 in our area!!

[@jenniferm5592]

This was the most difficult tiny Tyler day! 😂

[@natgars]

Day 5 is the hardest for me, still haven’t figure it out!

[@Sk8rToon]

I can’t find it yet!

[@Sk8rToon]

Just found him. Only saw the head not the rest of the body

[@BhappyD]

@@natgars Let me know if you want help with day 5! It took me forever to find it as well!

[@natgars]

@@BhappyD yes please!

[@2012MarGutz]

Not sure you understand how HAPPY I get when the next episode of Vlogmas is up and ready !! Thank your for all that y’all do!! ❤❤

[@LinaCT25]

I'm a bit behind on Vlogmas, but I'm trying to catch up. Finally the classic thin mints! Life is good! ☃️

[@BevinBright]

It’s amazing the effort I put into my day to find the tiny Tyler. I can’t move on until I’ve found him.

[@mekennabrown4022]

Jon McLaughlin - wow! It’s been a minute since a listened to him. Always appreciated “We All Need Saving.” All the feels ❤

[@danielleonthedaily]

We love Jon McLaughlin too! He graduated from my alma mater, so I was lucky enough to have him sing in chapel haha BUT did you know he also has a great podcast called Dadville? It's Jon and Dave Barnes- so great.

[@shelbyjoneff]

I LOVE Jon McLaughlin! I’ve seen him twice and got to meet him and take a picture with him last time. Nicest guy and the most talented piano player!

[@elainabargas3347]

Picking up on that conversation at the end of the vlog, a few years ago I saw something online that said "anything worth doing is worth doing poorly" we get told so often that if something is worth doing then you have to do it perfectly. But sometimes it's just worth attempting or just doing as well as you can in the moment, even if you know that isn't your best. Sometimes that means even though you didn't work out every day you were in chicago, you did walk several miles a day and part of that was holding children!

[@ryenngaebler4286]

But you guys did so much walking in Chicago! That totally counts as exercise! 😀

[@virgiesexton5048]

😂 did anyone else notice the guy in the background when Jessica was showing the food plate? It was at time stamp 12:02 It looks like he was smiling for the camera 😂

[@nanner622]

I just went back and saw that! Dead 😂💀

[@pinkbutterflies1679]

😂

[@katwebbxo]

😂😂😂

[@kelly_kpb]

Came here just to say this! He was totally cheesing in the background!

[@smurfmonster]

On the topic of being a perfectionist and if you can’t work out exactly as planned then giving up a fitness trainer once gave me an analogy- if you drive your car and catch the wheel trim on the kerb and scratch it you don’t then go home and beat up the hood, doors, windows and roof with a crowbar and destroy the car, instead you say “damn i scratched the wheel” then you move on and keep looking after the car. The same can be said for exercise, miss a day/a week? No problem start again like it never happened and no more “damage” is done. 😊

[@carielynn6647]

We live about an hour from Jazz Kitchen! Going to tell my husband about it and make it a date night. Our anniversary is in January and we usually go to Indy to stay the weekend around devour Indy. Thanks for the awesome recommendation!!

[@laurenmichero9003]

I loved Beautiful Disaster and So Close from Enchanted.

[@anniesh1955]

I'm so glad you guys had a great time at the concert. I know this is a day late but, thank you for taking all of us to Chicago! It was such a great informative video. I had no idea of all the different places and people that lived there and history of all the buildings. I'm so happy that we got to see your girls too. Gigi was so happy with so many places you took her. You guys are doing such a wonderful job with both of them. Felicity is such a good baby to travel with. My daughter and I look forward to the vlogs everyday. We love you and your family.💖

[@paulinasamayoa9542]

OMG!!! I love him!!! Tyler is right to have him so high on his favorite musician list!!!

[@rebecca5379]

this is really random but if there’s a big lots near you go there for holiday sprinkles. it’s something I never would’ve thought but I saw them last year during halloween and they have such good sets for only a few dollars. I’ve gone there for halloween and christmas sprinkles the last 2 years when I couldn’t find them anywhere else.

[@tiffanyyoung661]

I first saw Jon when he opened up for Kelly Clarkson in 2007. I once sold merch for/with him and he was the nicest/funniest person ever so I think you would be safe to meet him 😃

[@kellic1207]

I always use Andes mints for my ‘thin mint cookies. Works great!

[@BhappyD]

Do the Andes mints harden/set well on the crackers? Do you just melt them normally or temper them?

[@kellic1207]

Yes, they harden well. I chop them into pieces and melt them in a bowl placed over a sauce pan with simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch the water). I keep the bowl on the simmering water (temp turned down to a very low simmer at this point), to keep melted chocolate from hardening while I dip the crackers. I added about a tsp of coconut oil (you can also use any veggie oil) to the melted chocolate….just because, but is not necessary.

[@BhappyD]

@@kellic1207 Thanks so much! I love Andes mints, so I can’t wait to try making these! Merry Christmas! 😊🎄

[@mikalafor01]

I was always curious what your wedding song was! So happy you guys saw him ❤

[@amandag1700]

Whew! Almost gave up on finding him but FOUND HIM!

[@robinnieto2703]

We put peanut butter between two ritz crackers and dip in the chocolate. So good that I only make them at Christmas because we’d be rolling into the new year ( literally 😂) if we ate them all year. If we have chelate left we dump peanuts in and quickly stir and drop spoonfuls on to the wax paper…..peanut clusters.

[@maggiekimmneedles4411]

The chocolate peanut crackers are a absolute staple in my family this time of the year. (I like them in the fridge, however we make them as sandwiches. I have never heard them called Tagalongs like the Girl Scout cookie, I will have to see what my family calls them. Love seeing others enjoy this recipe so good and so easy!! Love your videos!

[@annemariecronen9096]

Yes, same! We also sprinkle them with colored red or green sugar. The other version we do is Nutella in the middle dipped in white chocolate!

[@hayleyemma7953]

I do love your dinner videos! I'd love if Jessica would do another recipe video like the other ones on her channel, but have it a team video! Love to see what your go to easy meals are during the busy holiday period

[@alexishulcher4775]

OMG. Thank you for introducing me to Jon McLaughlin!! Amazing, will definitely have to see him if he ever has a show in my area.

[@lalasings1]

The Andy's mint is the perfect mix of the chocolate and mint with the Ritz cracker. Definitely give it a try at least next year.

[@kates8300]

I’ve been making the thin mints for years. I use the Wilton’s dark choc mint candy melts and they are perfect. There was a period of 2 years when I could not find them anywhere so I used extract and oil. Unfortunately, I couldn’t figure out how to make it work. It kept separating the chocolate. I use the Andes candies peppermint crumbles on top too. Sooo good!

[@natalieo9248]

I always liked Jon’s music. They used to play him on the Hollister playlists. I love “you are the one I love”, “beating my heart” and “industry” ❤

[@grayceemaldonado5040]

Tyler making the tongue noise: Jessica:"Do it again!" Tyler:"No!" I am laughing so hard haha.

[@itsmrsvelez]

LITERALLY CRACKING UP OVER IT!

[@shaynaleann1054]

I loathe slime lol! My 6yr old got it all in her hair (which is very thick curly and long) so it took forever to get it out. Had to use alot of cooking spray and still had to cut a little bit. Total nightmare! Baking soda is supposed to take the sticky out of it

[@ingriddynowski9630]

Damn! easy on the eyes was the understatement of vlogmas 2022! Jon could get it

[@rosebud7233]

Are y’all still going to do more Contant about kiwis? This seems like such a random question. 😂 I’m not actually super interested in the Keewee contact, but I’m dying to know what the video title related to kiwis was going to be. 🥝

[@MadisonGProductions]

For some random reason, I’ve been listening to So Close on repeat the last few days. Ironic that you guys are going to see him at the same time I randomly starting listening to an old song of his!!

[@morrisontracy]

Awww love Tyler’s man crush 😆 so sweet!

[@arianalarios8006]

It was in one of your Faves, Jess. You recommended John McLaughlin and I’ve listened to him ever since ❤

[@La_Nessaa]

Had a blues clues moment when Jessica was looking for the half caff “There! There!” 😂 I watch way too many toddler shows

[@nancymarie1120]

Wow.. thank you for introducing me to Jon Mclaughlins music.. amazing.

[@darlenebennett994]

My brother uses Andis mints in his puppy chow. So good!

[@shopadamsshoes]

Ummm thank you so much for introducing me to Jon McLaughlin!!!!! Wow. New favorite ❤️ thank you so much.🎉

[@julieheim8913]

Sorry to say I had never heard of Jon McLaughlin before! But now I see the beauty of his music!

[@katerobinson2553]

As someone who can cook the flavour out of food, thanks for the thin mint recipe. Husband surprised by my new baking talent…🤣🤦‍♀️👨‍🍳🥳

[@rachel81737]

Tyler, if you like Jon McLaughlin, check out Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz, and Ben Rector!

[@deseli120207]

Just melting Andes mints chocolate chip and dipping the Ritz is delicious too!

[@nctr3791]

I made the Thin Mints with Andes Mints last year, and they were a big hit. Might try your way this year, but we dont have Meijer for that exact brand of candy coating...

[@mirandafencl8506]

Yay you guys were in my neighborhood tonight! I live in Broad Ripple 😊

[@merrymeganberry]

I KNEW it was going to be Jon McLaughlin!!

[@FlowerPower-cf2fp]

Paulo Nutini? Awesome

[@Gloria0667]

“If Only I” and “Beautiful Disaster” are two of my favorite songs ever.

[@lipstickandlibraries]

omg I just looked up jon mclaughlin and played beautiful disaster and knew the chorus but don't know how/where I know it from! (and yall are right he is not bad on the eyes)

[@ayoangelc]

I def fell off the workout wagon with you guys 🤣 I’ve been so exhausted! Gonna try at least 2-3 cycling days this week

[@Eden_Rivers]

I'm so very jealous of your night out! My household has been sick off and on for months and now I have the flu. 😭😭 I feel like it's not safe to go anywhere. I'm dreaming of putting on clothes and leaving the house. 😂🎄

[@alexisknursing]

I love it there! My sister lives in broad ripple and there are so many amazing restaurants right there

[@Brezooka]

I wish I had a quarter of your guys zest for life. Also, the only time I can get red to work is to use the food coloring GEL. You guys make my morning better.

[@rachelstafford602]

Went to see Jon McLaughlin years ago for New Years Eve and Last good year was the band that opened for him, which now makes sense after your story.

[@livinglifebarefoot]

We do it with Andes Mints! It's really good!

[@sheenamyers6045]

Tiny Tyler was tricky today! ….but I still got it 😜

[@libby.43]

Our family has always used Andes for thin mints. I'd be curious to compare your method vs. ours... likely can't go wrong with either!

[@aylinc.5199]

Went through and found all the Tiny Tylers. Feeling pretty proud 😎

[@Rytoft]

So fun that Gigi is repeating everything that you say😊 my son was that way to ❤️

[@jaand14]

I have loved Jon McLaughlin since Enchanted. So Close....love it!!

[@yourideordie]

Don’t know why but this video made me want to go back and see the engagement video and omg am I glad I re watched because I never got to comment! First all of the Holiday vibes in that video..perfect timing to watch it but just like the first time I weeped when Tyler went to propose to Jess. I remember when the video came out I was like OMMMG!!!! And then to re watch the wedding video now.. 😭♥️ what a beautiful love and life you guys have blossomed into. To think of where you are today simply by your hard work and love for each other and God of course. So beautiful and wish I could’ve commented then but congratulations!!😂🎉 and I’m so happy you guys continue to post; your vlogs make many of us so happy.

[@angelalunsford8210]

At my Walgreens they have Andees chocolate mint bars!! Heavenly.

[@laurenriter8630]

My husbands KZbin is connected to our tv where I watch Jessica’s videos throughout the year so he’s seen her name and then asked who the heck I was watching (while watching vlogmas) and had to explain to him that they were kind of the same lol 😂 Jess and Taylor Wynn take over his workout videos and such lol and I love it. He knows the main girls 💕

[@meemsters]

The ✨little fellas✨ ..best thing literally ever, thank you Gigi🤍

[@pinkbutterflies1679]

Does Jon look a lot like Justin Hartley from This Is Us. My kids are older now but I really want to make slime. 😂 I have to try those cookies.

[@aliciam3381]

We do the thin mints every Christmas now thanks to you guys!

[@suekarasue]

I wonder what we win for finding all the tiny Tyler’s?! There’s nary a day that that isn’t the first thing I do.

[@laurenokeeffe4059]

Paolo Nutini’s song Diana is one of my faves 😄

[@jennifershank5622]

Have you ever made it with milk chocolate and it's gotta be Townhouse. I'd TOTALLY use Andes mints!!! Counting the drips of peppermint oil went from 1, 2....big drip and 6 lol 😆 I bet this would be really good over vanilla ice cream 😋

[@sarahhmatos]

Totally just printed out the thin mints recipe - I’ve been watching y’all make them for years on Vlogmas & they always look SO good. I love thin mints! Definitely going to make them this week! Thanks for sharing💕

[@spookybard]

I just added Jon McLaughlin to my Spotify because Tyler’s topic musician lists is exactly the same as mine, but I have never listened to Jon McLaughlin before. Can’t wait for the ride! Thanks!

[@larissahostetter2335]

I dunno, the slim looks like a red, like a muted red. Or like a coral red. It's a pretty color.

[@carlamengele1215]

Love Tyler gettin’ saucey at the end. Lol

[@wynter_skye7969]

In all fairness, you put in a lot of steps walking around Chicago. That's a workout in and of itself. 😎

[@lisseteramon9209]

I make the thin mints with ritz and andes 100% recommended 😊

[@jennifermayberry6200]

Can we take a moment to appreciate your wood floors?!!?😍

[@Joy_Aqis]

Pleaseeee i listen to So Close ALL THE TIME 🥺

[@Kim-zi7tt]

thank you for sharing the food menus @ the restaurants & for the gifty recipe of the thin mint cookies!

[@laurenmichero9003]

I hope they try the Andes mints because I think they would make amazing Thin Mint cookies. I haven’t tried them with Ritz but I have melted them over brownies and they’re some of the best brownies ever. They look cool too because you get the green color swirled on top. Maybe they’ll make another batch with the Andes someday 😊 Also you don’t have to worry about adding too much mint and the chocolate isn’t too dark (not a fan of dark chocolate).

[@sarahdockendorff8575]

For those making the thin mints- the peppermint extract seized my chocolate so if you use real chocolate use the oil.

[@tammyherrera7262]

If you get a chance to do vanilla wafers and Andes mints it’s so good and so easy to do❤

[@rmh0116]

Tyler-If you haven’t already give Matt Wertz and Dave Barnes a listen!!!

[@lindseygibbs5713]

I had to pause the video to add him to my Spotify! Thank you for the recommendation!

[@jessicabrockington7786]

Just a heads up, I recently made these by melting Andes Mint chips and they turned out perfect. So yummy and not too minty! Thank you for the recipe too!!

[@jessicabrockington7786]

That is too funny! I paused the video to make my comment (didn’t want to forget) and the next part is Tyler mentioning the mint chips! It really is easy and very good!

[@emilydavis7417]

Jess! What is the red lipstick you are wearing? It’s perfect!

[@kathynelson3408]

We're in CA. But my neighbor is from Minnesota and she makes everybody those crackers with peanut butter , omg can't wait for my treat bag 😋

[@juliascamp2175]

The Andes mints trick really works and it’s tasty! I have not tried your recipe though so I’m not sure which way is “easier”

[@juliascamp2175]

Jessica, can you link some of the dance workouts that you like to do? Thanks!

[@betsybabf748]

My husband is one of the youngest kids of a huge family with a huge age range. When I married at 18, I became a great aunt. At 22, I became a great-great aunt. They always used proper titles, so I would hear, "Give this to great great aunt Betsy." when I was in my 20s. It was weird....and made me feel ancient. Now in my 40s, I am a great-great-great aunt, and I still have young kids of my own.

[@jurajb9987]

Hi Jess&Tyler 😀 you could try to have a chocolate bowl in the hot water bath while doing cookie-dipping 😁 that way chocolate should stay melted. Anyway see you guys, bye 😉

[@copperlemons]

Very curious about these cookies with a gluten free option! Does Mama Murphy have any good gluten free ritz substitutes? 🧐