Sunday, December 20, 2015

Saturday, December 19, 2015

The happy Carolers

I wanted to share with you again, these fun carolers that are displayed in one of our department stores. I'm not sure who made them, but they bring a smile to my face every year when I see them.




Even though we have 84 degree weather, don't they look snug in their hats, sweaters and mufflers?



Do Carolers still visit homes in your neighborhoods?



Only six days until Christmas. Are you ready? 

Friday, December 18, 2015

The Peppermint Tree

Many years ago my friend and I made Peppermint Trees table decorations for a Christmas luncheon.  Over the years I've made the trees to give as gifts. They are great for co-workers, friends, teachers or for the person who has everything :-)

Start with these basics -



I've always used hairpins, but you can use straight pins too.  I like the hairpins best because you can just pull a candy off the tree and the pin stays in place. You don't have to worry about discarding a straight pin.

Start with the bottom layer


 You can make the candies as tight or loose as you prefer.  I like to leave a little space between rows.

The closer you get to the top, you will need to angle the pins into the styrofoam.  
Cut pieces of thin green ribbon and pull them into a knot (not too tight) 
 then insert another hairpin


 which goes right into the tree.

Put as many or as few ribbons into the tree as you like.  I loop ribbon into another hairpin and stick it into the top of the tree.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Sweet Roasted Nuts

Today I am sharing another goodie. These are great just to eat, but they also make nice little gifts as well.

My niece made these Sweet Roasted Nuts for us and of course we all loved them and wanted the recipe. Well, she basically said she did not have a recipe but told me how to make them.

The cast of characters

1 bag of pecan halves (or 1 1/2 cups)
1 bag of walnuts (or 1 1/2 cups)

Melt 1/2 stick of butter, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, a pinch of salt and a little vanilla in a sauce pan.

Coat the nuts in the mixture and then spread on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. You will know when they are done when you smell them!

Cool on wax paper before storing

I found these little canning jars at Target, and they are the perfect size for gift giving.

I hope you enjoy making these little morsels. You could make someone very happy :-)

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Sweet memories

As I look back on this past year I am amazed at the talent, creativity and beauty that is shared via blogging. The internet has surely made it a very small world.

And of course as we enter yet another year, there is time for reflection. Remembering the years that have past. I'd like to share with you about a very special lady. One who filled a hole in our lives.

She was my teacher, friend, and soul mate in treasure hunting for over 30 years. I used to tag along with her to yard sales, antique shops and all kinds of second hand stores. She loved paper weights, and she also loved vases. She had quite a collection of both. I have several of her paper weights displayed in my home.

But more importantly, she loved my children and was a huge part of their growing up years.

My own mom passed away many years ago, before my children were born. She stepped in as an auntie, but more like a grandmother. Her generous and loving spirit filled us with her unconditional love.
Every Christmas my children and I would descend on her house and decorate for the season. It was a tradition we held until she no longer was able to live by herself. Our memories of her prick my heart, missing her laughter and gracious hospitality.

Very rarely does someone come into your life that has left such a deep imprint on your heart. I am most thankful to have known and loved her.

 

Before the year is out, take time to tell someone you love them. For some people, it can be a very lonely time of year.


Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Cranberry Pineapple Salad

We love making this recipe during the holidays. It's a refreshing salad/dessert any time of the year.  But the festive Whole Berry Cranberries goes so well with the holidays.
Cranberry Pineapple Salad
1 can (20 oz) Crushed Pineapple
2 packages (3 oz ) OR 1 large package Raspberry Gelatin
1 can (16 oz) Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
1 medium apple, chopped
2/3 cup Chopped Nuts
Drain pineapple, reserve all liquid.Add enough cold water to measure 3 cups and pour into saucepan.
Bring to a boil, remove from heat.  
Add gelatin, stir for 2 minutes until completely dissolved.  Add Whole Berry Cranberry sauce, and stir until well blended.  
Pour into a large bowl and refrigerate at least 1 1/2 hours until slightly thickened.
Stir in remaining pineapple, apple and nuts, stirring gently until well blended.
Pour into mediums size cake pan (or festive bowl) and refrigerate 4 hours or until firm.
**I have also used Strawberry Jello as a substitute for the Raspberry, when in a pinch.  
Enjoy!

Monday, December 14, 2015

The last of them

Here we are just 11 days until Christmas and these are the last zippered pouches I will be making for gifts.

This first one is for a friend who loves to make jewelry. 

The next one is for a gal who is a beautician.  
I thought it would be unique to make the lining with scissor fabric.

And of course I added a pair of scissors for the zipper pull.

These have been so much fun to make. And they are my last entry for Bag It hosted by Elm Street Quilts.

How about you. Are you finished sewing Christmas gifts? Whatever you are working on, I hope your day is filled with Happy Quilting!