Christmas Crafts

I was planning to have hats knitted, mittens crocheted, and outfits sewed into seasonal gifts.

Unfortunately I'm almost out of time so now I'm thinking of making some homemade goodies this weekend and packaging them for goodie gifts.

How 'bout you? Have you completed all your projects for the holidays? This one sorta snuck up on me.

So I'll be cooking, baking and trying to finish up some projects quickly this weekend. And, then I'll post all about them next week.

But come back tomorrow to see my Holiday Tour of Homes.

The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug

We went to an afternoon showing of the new Hobbit movie.

It was action packed and the graphics of Smaug were great. I thought it was a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

My son wasn't so impressed. He didn't like the way the movie made Smaug look stupid and how the dwarfs were able to fool him so easily.  He said Smaug is a brilliant, ancient, dragon and they made him look foolish.

So, Jake was disappointed in the movie. But I enjoyed it.

So there you go - two opposing viewpoints from the same family.

If you go see it, let me know what you think.

Homemade Flannel Shirt

I always have trouble finding the colors, fabric and designs I want to wear...call me picky. Really it comes from when I was a kid and Mom and Dad couldn't afford to buy my Barbie dolls clothes. I had to start making them myself...either that or my dolls would have been naked and hanging around with Ken like that...I couldn't bear to hear what my brothers would have called Barbie...so I made clothes for them myself (without any patterns). I had to learn to crochet and sew from left over fabrics and yarn that Grandma didn't want to use.

I guess that's why I still do it today.

I wanted a flannel shirt for the holidays but all the ones I could find were cowboy'ish - not the look I was going for. So I walked up and down the aisles at the fabric store, just touching the bolts and feeling for that one special material. And when I found it - it wasn't on sale - but I only needed a little piece - if I made a tank top. So, that's what I did.

I just pulled out an old tank top and used it for my pattern.

There was only one problem - I forgot that flannel doesn't stretch. So after I sewed the tank top together, I realized I had to pull out my handy-dandy seam ripper and tear the seams out and insert some stretchy fabric.

It wasn't hard to do. All I had to do was cut two evenly sized pieces (to be the same on either side) and then I pinned them in place and started sewing.

I even had a little left over material to make a head band...yeah, I'm dorky like that.

So this holiday outfit cost me about $7.00 - not bad for an evening out.

Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?

It was my turn to bring a dessert to book club and my family had just recently seen Frozen...so with the help of a little pinspiration, this is what I came up with.

First I made some chocolate cupcakes and then I cut off the tops - you know muffin tops don't look so good when you're trying to decorate.

Then I frosted the cakes with a white whipped frosting using a tip and a pastry bag.

Then I started building my snowman's face using marshmallows, red chocolate chips (that looked more orange to me - and I thought made a perfect carrot nose)

I used sprinkles for the eyes (I tried chocolate chips - but they were too big - see the face in back with the too large eyes.)

To get them to stick inside the marshmallow, I used a bamboo shish-kabob skewer to pierce the location first.

Then I set them on top of the cupcakes.

And I added green button sprinkles and a chocolate chip for a hat. The arms were black licorice.

They were super simple to make and my husband really liked the ones that looked like they were melting.

So Frosty-the-Snowman Cupcakes.

Think Outside the Box

It's that time of year, when we search for boxes to stash gifts inside and we want them to look pretty or different so we wrap them in bows and tie ribbons around them but we can also simply make the boxes pretty to begin with. This is how I did it.

I bought a book that has all sorts of special boxes and instructions inside.

Then I press out the pre-designed box and start to put it together.

I made a few of them tonight.

So when you're wrapping your presents, don't simply think of wrapping paper and ribbons or bows. Think outside the box... :D

EZ-Smeazy Holiday Drinks

Sparkling Christmas Punch - thanks to Pottery Barn

Bottle sparkling apple cider
Equal parts champagne and cranberry juice
frozen raspberries

Hot Toddy

6 oz hot water 1 1/2 oz whiskey or bourbon
1 tsp of cloves
1/2 tsp. of honey
1 cinnamon stick for stirring

It's Dangerous Out There Take This With You

So what do you give the guy who has everything? How bought a hand made mug?

All it takes is a personalized design and some glass etching paste.

A nice heavy mug can be bought inexpensively and then it can be turned into a very personal gift.

Adding Link's Sword from the Legend of Zelda, is the perfect way to personalize a mug for a gamer.

Setting a Simple Holiday Table

We were celebrating the holidays and I wanted the table to look pretty but I didn't want to spend a lot of money. Here's how I did it.

I took 3 yards of fabric that I bought on sale and simply spread it out over the table as the tablecloth. Then I took gold chargers and put pretty Christmas plates on top. I used cupcakes I'd made the night before for the centerpiece.

It was so simple and I think it looked pretty.

Homemade Christmas Leg Warmers

I am always cold and here's a way to Shoo (or shoe) away the cold. Wearing leg warmers can help fight the chill.

Here's how I made them.

I took wine bottle Christmas bags.

And cut off the bottoms. Then simple sew the raw edge to finish it.

And Wah-LAH! Super simple and festive Christmas inspired leg warmers.

Okay so my kids think I'm a dork...I'm not arguing.

Simple Holiday Appetizers - that are YUMMY

If you'd like to make a fresh baked apple pie and serve it warm - right out of the oven - as your guests walk in the door--it's going to take some time but here's how to have the same effect without all that work.

Grab a pretty holiday plate, put a bowl in the middle and fill it with Apple Pie Dip and surround the bowl with Cinnamon Pita Chips.

The simplest way to make the Apple Pie Dip is to take a can of apple pie filling and warm it in the microwave - you can add some water (one tablespoon at a time) to thin the mixture (and chop the apple chunks before serving).

You can buy the Cinnamon Pita Chips at the store.

So simple, tasty and oh so festive. And, if you have a little more time, you can make the Apple Pie Dip and pita chips from scratch.

Apple Pie Dip (Thanks to Pottery Barn)


2 Large apples, peeled, cored and diced small
Juice from half a lemon
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 1 teaspoon water

In a small saucepan, combine all dip ingredients minus the cornstarch/water paste.  Heat on medium low until the mixture is boiling and juices are bursting from the apples. (Just a few minutes) Remove from heat and stir in the cornstarch paste.

Return to heat, then cook on medium low for a few more minutes until boiling again and the sauce is somewhat thickened. Transfer to heat-proof serving bowl and set aside to make the chips. (Serve warm, cold or at room temperature, however, store int he fridge if not serving right away.)

Christmas Cupcakes

I

I love to bake and I love the holidays so what could be better than some Christmas inspired cupcakes?

Here's how I made them.

I started with some pretty cupcake papers.

Then I filled them with cake batter. And I created some frosting with coconut, marshmallows and food coloring. You can make it yourself with a pound of powdered sugar and one cube of butter for butter cream frosting (if you want cream cheese frosting, simply substitute cream cheese for the butter) and mix them up together until smooth. Add your food coloring and wha-lah, you're ready. I add in shredded coconut or marshmallows to create the texture I want.

Then I frosted some ice cream cones and stuck them on top of my frosted cupcakes.

For the Santa Hat, I used a marshmallow for the fur.

I decorated my trees with candies to make them look like ornaments.

It was fun and they were also great to use for tabletop decorations.

DIY Christmas Candy Canister

I love almonds. So, I have empty cans sitting around to be recycled and I thought, "what a waste." And I thought I could use those canisters to give Christmas Candy gifts as presents but they didn't look very pretty.

But I have left over scraps of fabric sitting around the house and some Elmer's glue...WAH-LAH! Inspiration.

So, I took the canister and cut out the fabric to fit and glued it in place.

Now, I simply need to fill the Christmas Canisters with some home-made candy...but that's all for another post ;D

On-line Critique Groups

For all my writer friends...

Are you in a critique group?

I know some people have trouble putting together a group, meeting, or just getting away from work, home, and kids. So....here's an idea:

what about an on-line group?

If you are interested, and want to check it out, here's a link to CPSeek which is critique partners seek - check it out. You might like it.

DIY Christmas Scarf

I've been pulling this out at lunch to whittle away the time while I'm munching and Pinning... Finally finished it today - December 3rd - so I've got a good 22 days to wear this little wrap.

And maybe you've seen my posts, while I've been criss-crossing my knitting needles. This is a simple project that I should have been able to make in an hour or . . . three but there's a reason it took so long, it was in-between bites and chews.

How 'bout you...do you have any projects you've been trying to get done in time for the holidays?

PitchWars

It's that time of year again. Yes, the holidays are here and so is PitchWars.

PitchWars, if you haven't heard, is a wonderful writer's contest where unagented authors get linked up with professional mentors to help them polish their manuscripts and get them ready for submission.

This is a wonderful way to work with other writers and create a community of like-minded people, who can share, celebrate and enjoy one anothers' progress.

And a huge THANK YOU needs to go out to Brenda Drake and all the mentors who are putting their time, energy and efforts into helping other writers work their way toward publication.

FROZEN - THE MOVIE

FROZEN

            It was a holiday weekend and one of our family traditions is to go to the movies over the holidays but it can be difficult to find a movie that everyone can agree on. Lucky for us, we all hold a soft spot in our hearts for Disney movies… especially animated films.

            So, we loaded up the car and headed off to the theater to watch FROZEN.

            This was a really-really good film. And one where the commercials and trailers didn't do it justice. One of the reasons is that the “Love Story” wasn’t your typical “girl loves prince” story. This was a love story that focused on family, which made me love it even more.

It also had a female lead role, Elsa, who was a strong character who chose to risk everything not to hurt other people, especially her little sister.

And, of course, the Scandinavian theme was a soft spot for me.

Plus the music was fun!

So, all in all, I would recommend this film==it is a holiday MUST SEE!

Give Thanks

The Holiday weekend is upon us. It's time to pull out the aprons, grab out the roasting pans, cookie sheets and pie pans. I'm excited to have everyone home for the holiday. There is nothing more important to me than spending time with my family.

I'll be baking and maybe blogging about the process along the way. But I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Holiday with their family and friends. I hope you all have some great time feasting with your loved ones.

And remember to give thanks...

Holiday Hands

The holidays are upon us and I'm starting to get the house ready...oh yeah, and my hands. I'm practicing on my nails. These blue nails help the white snowflakes really pop.

But I'll be doing other decorations and trying out other designs.

How 'bout you? Do you do any special designs for the holidays.

Catching Fire

I read this book a few years ago but it is still fresh in my mind and heart, which made seeing the movie a fun experience even though the story is so dark and sadly depressing.

There are moments of hope, such as when the tributes sacrifice themselves for Katniss and Peeta. They are hoping to be a part of something bigger than the Hunger Games. The Tributes are trying to start a revolution. And they do. Together they work to change more than their own paths, they are changing the world.

It's a very sad movie in a lot of ways but also it brings out the strength in love, hope and helping others.

I highly recommend this movie.

If you see it, let me know what you think.

OFF TO THE SCBWI FALL RETREAT

I'm off to see the wizard(s) and wizardesses of words and writing at Silver Falls and hopefully learn a thing or two. Plus this will be a great time away from the city to spend time reading and writing and talking with other like-minded folk.

If you want to read more about it, click over here.

Nothing Says the Holidays

Like Egg Nog. Yep, you heard me. When I was young, Mom used to make homemade Egg Nog and I still remember sipping it warm off the oven. I'd make my own, cold version-sans alcohol, after New Year's rolled around because Mom only made it from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Hot Buttered Rum was a celebration drink.

And last night, after dinner, we all started talking about Nogs of different varieties. Some people like the thin, low-fat version, while others like the super rich and thick heavy cream variety.

I myself prefer the homemade version and it made me think back to when Mom made those mugs of Hot Buttered Rum.

One thing was obvious from all of our talk, we all had differing opinions. So, my son ran up to the store and bought a couple different types.

Now, we don't usually sit around downing rum and Egg Nog, but 'tis the season. So we did a few taste tests.

And guess which one came out the winner:

Yep, the Classic because it had more "spice" than the other version, which seemed a little watered (or 'milked') down.

But then I wanted to add the "Hot-Buttered" equation to the party.

So I took a cube of butter and one cup of brown sugar and warmed them on the oven. Then I took the Classic variety of Egg Nog and warmed it on the stove.

Here's how I doctored up that store-bought Nog:

I took Two Tablespoons of my hot buttered rum batter and put it in the bottom of a mug, then I poured a generous helping of the classic nog liquid over the top and stirred in a jigger of rum (a little less in my cup). Then we toasted the holidays.

So, if you want Hot Buttered Rum for Thanksgiving but don't want to go to all the work to make it completely from scratch, this is the way to do it.

RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS:

One half-gallon of classic Nog
1 cube of butter
1 cup of brown sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

Start with your store-bought "classic" Egg Nog and warm it slowly on the stove, stirring constantly.
Warm one cube of butter and one cup of brown sugar on the stove (until just before it turns to caramel) to make your Hot Buttered Rum Batter.

Take two tablespoons of your "batter", put it in a mug and pour the warmed classic egg nog over the top, then add your portion of rum  to the drink for a warm, comforting, celebration drink.

CHEERS!

Halloween Might be Over but this is one Creepy House

It sits on a beautiful corner in a beautiful city but no one walks on this side of the street, there is even moss growing on the walkways, as if people see it then turn away and cross the street, unwilling to stroll down the same side of the sidewalk.

Apparently it's a house with a haunted history . . . full of memories because no one passes by this house, at least not that I saw. There were trills of laughter and footfalls around me, always on the other side of the street.

Obviously this house has a story to tell because when people are too afraid to walk on the same side of the street, it makes me wonder...what happened in there?

Obviously it was a grand home at one time in history...so why has it been abandoned? The shutters are closed up, protecting the home for prying eyes...except for the turret. . . as if someone could be sitting up in that room, looking outside and watching...

I see the hidden beauty, masked behind years of neglect and I want to pull out a paintbrush and give it a fresh coat of paint, to spruce the place up a bit...

But then I see that "ONE WAY" sign stabbed into the grass out front...it seems to be pointing away from this house and away from this side of the street, like a warning.

I know when I was a child, this boarded up house, would cry out to me...calling me to want to sneak inside and explore the hidden rooms to discover its secrets.

But today, it was a little creepy...even crossing over to take a few photos. As if, I was invading this Grande Ole' Dame's privacy.

Beautiful...in an eerie sort of way.

DIY Floor Refinishing - Sanding the Old - In With the New

So, as you can see, the project isn't finished but...it is getting there. And if you didn't see the floors before my hubby began this process - let me give you a peek.

This floor is 123 years old. So it's OLD fir flooring that has seen its share of wear and tear. But before my hubby could strip the layers of paint away, he had to do a few minor repairs--there were a few weak boards he wanted to replace.

You can see him here, reaching down into a hole to make a patch in the floor, and of course he had to use old flooring so it would match.  (A note to gardening friends - do you see him on his knees - yes, he's using a favorite gardening tool of mine - a Knee Pad, so there is more than one way to use this tool).

Anyway, then he had to strip off the first layer of paint with a machine he rented from The Home Depot for $60 for the day.

(You can see his patch job there - it won't show up so much after he strips the paint away from the other boards). But then he started the job, going slowly over the floor and being careful not to take too much off. He was concerned about gouging the wood but this old fir is super strong and you can see it was much improved after the first pass.

Of course he had to go over the floor a second time.

And then he actually got down on his hands and knees (using my gardening tool again) to get the last stubborn bits of paint up off those boards.

It was an all-day project and it was definitely a dirty job - he wore a dust mask to keep from breathing in the tiny particles floating in the air.

And you can see all the dirt left behind from the sander.

We're going to put a clear Varathane over the floor to protect the wood from scratches and wear but that's a project for another day.