Pumpkins and Reindeer

Christmas Trees!

2009-07-14T09:24:00.002-05:00

Decorating Christmas trees is one of my favorite things to do in the world. If I could get a job dreaming up themes and decorating trees with those themes, I'd be so happy. If you have such a job available and would like to hire me, I'm willing to relocate. LOL!

We have at least one tree in every room of our home each year, and most of them are some kind of theme. Sometimes it's a loose theme, maybe based on the room, but a theme, none the less.

In Jacob's room, we do a Coca-Cola theme. It's very simple, but that's all he'll allow me to do in there. He is 16, you know. He has a tiny little tabletop tree, about 3' high. It sits in a burlap bag, tied with a red velvet bow. It has a string of white lights on it..and empty Coke cans, tied on with red curling ribbon. Very simple, but really cute.

This tree was in our bathroom. It is decorated in all gold and pearls. The lights are even little pearls. I just use one string of lights on it, so that it's just a soft glow. The ribbon is from the craft section and the pearls are from our wedding reception. I used them on the tables along with oil lamps on each table.

This is a wall tree, hung over our bed in the master bedroom. The "bow" on the bottom is a piece of gold tulle, tied in a bow. The poinsettias are silk with gold centers and all the ornaments are simple gold glass balls. This is one of my favorite trees. I used to do this same theme on a 6' tree in our bedroom, but the addition of some furniture has made the space very limited, so now I use the wall tree.

This is a tree I decorated for fall. I saw a magazine picture of a fall themed tree used for Christmas...and made a fall themed tree for fall. But you could use it for Christmas if you wanted...the "crackers" are homemade and really cute. You'll see these again in another post.

This is my jingle bell tree. All of the decorations on it are jingle bells. The ribbon looped on it has the words to the song...you guessed it..."Jingle Bells" written on it.

We also have a snowman tree, which was in Benjie and Jonah's room last year. It has multicolored lights and all sorts of snowmen on it...6" stuffed ones to tiny little crystal ones. I also add snowballs (Styrofoam balls covered in clear glitter), icicles (glass and acrylic), and a beaded garland that looks like little mini snowballs. I thought I had uploaded a picture of it but I can't find it. I'll post it later if I do.

We also have a tree in the laundry room. Seriously. It's just a little bitty thing, about 2' tall, with a clothesline that has Santa's laundry hanging on it. Very cute. Last fall I made a "witch's clothesline" and put it in the laundry room for our Halloween party, the Boo!Bash! I cut out a witches dress, hat and boots from felt and used little mini clothes pins to hang them on a piece of rope. This year, I'm going to spray paint a mini tree black and hang the clothes line on it.

I also have a rooster tree in my kitchen. It sits on top of the fridge and has all kinds of rooster/chicken ornaments on it to match the kitchen decor. It's a favorite of mine, also.

Another favorite is my redbird tree. I use a white tree, red birds and berries and red and white checked bows. I will post pictures of it later, as well.

Basically, anything that interests you can become a theme for a Christmas tree. Try a birdhouse tree, using little wooden birdhouses from the Dollar Tree or a craft store. Paint and glitter them to your heart's content, then hang them on a tree. Fill in with little faux birds, birds nests and bare tree branches-either plain, painted or glittered!

How about a tea party tree? The dollar stores are just full of little mini tea sets, and they look precious tied to a tree branch with satin ribbon. You could also use crocheted doilies, teaspoons, or even little tea pots to add to the tree.

Don't be afraid to start small, using a little tree then moving up to bigger ones as your collection grows. My snowman collection was originally displayed on a 4' tree, now it's moved to an 8' one!

Use whatever you like to decorate a themed tree, but try to have at least one unifying factor-either by color or by item...all white trees are beautiful with different shaped ornaments, or have a hodge-podge of colors but all one type object-such as snowmen, Santas or even seashells!

Have fun this year with your trees...and if you have a unique idea for a themed tree, by all means leave me a message telling me about it!!

Remember, everything you do to prepare for Christmas in July is one less thing you must do in December!!

Merry, Merry!!

A Fun Christmas Party...a Ladies' Brunch

2009-07-13T12:18:00.002-05:00

One of the local churches here host a yearly Ladies' Christmas Brunch. I was lucky enough to be invited one year, and even got to decorate the table. The concept is simple and fun. Each lady who chooses to host a table is responsible for the entire table...guests, centerpieces, flatware, glassware, tableware and table cloth. Each hostess brings a potluck dish to share with the group. We had quiche, hashbrown casserole, fruit, a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit and cake squares to dunk, several other desserts, juice, milk and coffee. It was such a nice morning. There was special music and a guest speaker. Each table was unique and charming in it's own way.

Here's one I really liked...black, white and silver. It was a beautiful, elegant table...and even the chairs were dressed with a black chair cover, tied up with a huge bow. Beautiful.

This one was very pretty, also...the red and gold popped on the white tablecloth...notice the gold rims on the goblets...

This white on white offering was beautiful, also...and the red and green was just the right amount of seasonal color...

And here's our table. We used a deep green tablecloth, then put my Nikko Christmas dishes and the "crystal" stemmed glasses I bought at Dollar Tree. We tied the cloth napkins with a sheer white ribbon and tied on glittery snowflakes.

The centerpiece is a pedestaled cake plate with my Original Snow Village Wedding Chapel as the focal point. We placed a faux green wreath on the table and topped it with a red berry wreath. Then we used icy white beads to drape over the wreaths and spinkled in more glittery snowflakes. Just for some color and a sweet treat...Hershey's kisses wrapped in red, silver and green foil were sprinkled over the entire table.

This was not hosted at my church, but a friend who also attended this party and I have talked for the past two years about doing this at our church (her grandfather is the pastor at the church where it was held). I'm thinking this is our year!

How are your Christmas in July plans coming? Although I haven't done any crafts this year, I've made a lot of plans for food gifts and know what everyone is getting..for the most part. We just need to draw names on my side of the family so I'll know who's stockings we're filling!

Remember, everything you do to prepare for Christmas in July is one less thing you have to do in December!!

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

The Song of Mary

2009-07-12T20:55:00.002-05:00

Luke 1:46-56

And Mary said

My soul magnifies the Lord.
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;
For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy.
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever.

Fun Food Gifts

2009-07-08T12:21:00.001-05:00

If you haven't noticed, I like to give food gifts. It seems to me that almost everyone likes good food, and it's fun for me to give them things that they might not have on a regular basis. I've not had any complaints yet...

I made these a few years ago. They were soooo good, they make store bought caramels hang their heads in shame! Wrap each caramel in a little piece of wax paper and pile them into a painted clay flowerpot...just use some craft paint and a few stencils or rubber stamps to jazz up a terra cotta pot and saucer, pile in these caramels and wrap the whole thing in cellophane or tulle...tie a big foofie bow on top and VIOLA! A Fun Food Gift!

Ooey-Gooey Homemade Caramels

14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 c. margarine
3 c. brown sugar, packed
2 c. corn syrup
1/4 t. vanilla extract

Combine first 4 ingredients in a heavy saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat until mixture reaches the soft-ball stage or 234-243 degrees on a candy thermometer (I highly recommend investing in one of these..they are inexpensive and very, very handy to have!). Stir in vanilla and heat for 2-3 additional minutes. Pour mixture into a buttered jelly roll pan and let set. Cut into one-inch squares; wrap each in wax paper. Makes 4-5 dozen.

Biscotti is a traditional Italian cookie...known for it's crispness and yumminess! They are just right for dunking into a cup of coffee or tea...don't tell me you don't dunk. Seriously..if you don't dunk, don't tell me. I think it's wrong not to, and I don't want to think badly of you!

This is nice to give with a baking sheet and holiday pot holders, as suggested by Ellie Brandel of Clackamas, OR, who contributed this recipe to Gooseberry Patch for their Merry Christmas cookbook!

Christmas Biscotti Mix

3/4 c. dried cranberries or cherries
3/4 c. shelled green pistachios
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 t. cardamom
2 t. baking powder
*2/3 c. vanilla sugar

Layer all ingredients in a one-quart wide-mouth canning jar, packing down tightly after each addition. Secure lid and attach a gift tag with baking instructions.

Instructions:
Beat 1/3 cup butter in a large mixing bowl on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add 2 eggs and beat on medium until well combined. Stir in jar mix until well blended. Form dough into two 9"x12" loaves on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes; cool on sheet for one hour. Cut each loaf into slices 1/2 inch thick. Arrange slices on baking sheets and bake at 325 degrees for 8 minutes; turn each over and bake 8-10 minutes or until dry and crisp. Cool on a wire rack. Makes 2-3 dozen.

*Vanilla sugar is easy to make, and makes a great Fun Food Gift all on it's own. Just pour 4 cups sugar into a one-quart jar. Slice one vanilla bean in half lengthwise and add both halves to the sugar. Secure jar lid and allow to sit for 2-3 weeks. Makes 4 cups.

For giving vanilla sugar: Pour desired amount into a pretty crystal sugar bowl, picked up at a flea market or yard sale for a song; place the sugar bowl in the center of a square of tulle, pull the corners up and tie a bow with a satin ribbon. Pretty and elegant. For a more casual gift, or to include in a basket or bag with other Fun Food Gifts, pour the sugar into an old fashioned sugar shaker jar. Wal-Mart carries them for a couple of bucks. Fun!!

And, for a Really Fun Food Gift, how about

Rudolph's Popcorn Balls

12-14 quarts of popped popcorn
1/2 c. butter
16 oz. bag mini marshmallows
red food coloring

Place popcorn in a large roaster pan; set aside. Melt butter and marshmallows in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in red food coloring to desired shade. Pour mixture over popcorn, stir well. Coat hands with butter and shape mixture into softball sized balls. Wrap each in plastic wrap. Makes 4-5 dozen.

For giving, pile popcorn balls into a basket and give the whole batch to a family with a bunch of kids...make sure they have a good dental policy first!

You could use any color of food coloring for these, of course...can't you just see a big bowl of orange popcorn balls at a Halloween party? Or how about a basket of pastel colored ones on an Easter dessert buffet? Cute, yes?

Enjoy!
Remember, everything you do to prepare for Christmas in July is one less thing you have to do in December!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

A Basket for a Baker

2009-07-08T11:33:00.003-05:00

Making themed baskets has always been something that I've enjoyed doing. I used to belong to a social sorority where we had secret sisters, exchanging gifts from time to time. I almost always did a themed basket for holidays and birthdays, and before long it was no secret who the sister was when a basket was the gift. However, everyone seemed to really like them.

More recently, I've prepared "goodie baskets" for relatives for their Christmas gifts, several years in a row. One year I gave a gift card to the brother in law who'd received banana bread and soup mixes several times. I thought he'd be tired of the goodies and would like a gift card to Bass Pro Shop. I think he did, but he requested a goodie basket for the next year! What a compliment!!

So, here's a quick and easy little basket (or big basket) that you can put together for someone. Even if they don't normally bake, this mix is so easy that anyone can become a baker!

Make a big batch of this baking mix, package it any way you like...I personally like quart canning jars...because I can make it ahead and it stays fresh. But other ideas could be a plastic zipper bag full of mix tucked into a cloth bag that you can make from remnants, or a big stocking, or another kind of jar...whatever suits your fancy, nancy! Make it festive...tie a ribbon around the jar or add a handmade gift tag and label...anything to cute it up and make it personal.

Then, add the recipes for using the mix on pretty recipe cards. It's super easy to make these yourself...just go to Wal-Mart or the Dollar Store and purchase a pack of unlined index cards-any size you like. I usually get the 3x5 ones, but they come in a variety of sizes. Then find some fabric you like and that coordinates with your basket's color, and cut out a cute shape from the fabric..a star is always cute and easy to draw by hand...a mitten shape is really cute, too. You can find lots of inspiration on the Internet or in books and magazines...if you're artistic, draw your own and make it your trademark..so that when anyone sees the cute little hand drawn snowman (or whatever) on a gift, they know it's from you. You could also use pretty or fun stickers on the cards. Hand write the recipes-that's the important part, which makes it personal. Then, tuck the jars or bags into a container...

These are Sonic Drive in drink carriers that I covered last year and presented last Christmas...they are just painted with craft paint, then covered with scrapbook paper, cut to fit. Easy, peasy...

Or you could use a basket. Don't be afraid to look at the flea markets, thrift stores and yard sales for cool gift baskets. This big blue darling one, which is now off white and on the back porch holding back porch things, was only $4 at a flea market! It's a big one, but you can find smaller ones for good prices.

You can keep your Baker's Basket as simple as you want, with just the mixes and recipes, or you can add things like mixing bowls, baking sheets and utensils such as wire whisks and measuring cups...tea towels make a cute filler and are inexpensive...Dollar Tree has some darling ones for-oddly enough-a dollar. Make the basket as full or as simple as you choose.

Here's a great recipe for a generic baking mix, as well as some ways to use it. Recipes are from the 20th Anniversary edition of The Spirit of Christmas by Leisure Arts (which is a good ol' Arkansas company!). Enjoy!

Quick Baking Mix

10 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup baking powder

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons salt

2 cups shortening

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; stir with a wire whisk.

Cut shortening into dry ingredients with a pastry cutter until mixture is crumbly. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 6 weeks. Give mix with the following recipes.

Quick Mix Biscuits

2 cups Quick Mix Baking Mix

1/2 cup milk

Combine baking mix and milk, stirring with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened. Turn dough out onto a heavily floured surface, knead lightly 3-4 times.

Roll or pat dough to 1/2 inch thickness; cut out biscuits with a floured 2 inch biscuit cutter. Place biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet; bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Quick Mix Banana Nut Muffins

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 cup mashed ripe bananas

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups Quick Mix Baking Mix

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Beat cream cheese at high speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, beat well. Add banana and vanilla, beat well. Stir in Quick Baking Mix and pecans. Spoon batter into lightly greased muffin pans, filling 2/3 full. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-22 minutes, or until golden. Remove from pans immediately. Makes 20 muffins.

and finally...

Quick Mix Pancakes

3 cups Quick Baking Mix

1 1/2 cups milk

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Combine all ingredients, beat with a wire whisk until smooth. For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup batter onto a hot, lightly greased griddle. Cook pancakes until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look cooked; turn and cook other sides. Yield: 16 pancakes

Doesn't that sound good?

Coming up: other Fun Food Gifts!

Hang on...

2009-07-07T13:40:00.001-05:00

I'll have a post up soon...busy day...but I'll be back!!

Christmas 08

2009-07-06T11:57:00.004-05:00

I thought today I'd show you some of my decorations from last year...since my computer problems prevented me from showing them during the Tour of Homes...which, by the way, I'm planning on hosting again this December! Make plans to participate or at least check in....details will be coming a little closer to the actual date!

So, here's a little mini tour from last year...

This was on the kitchen counter, in the corner by the fridge. Don't you just adore that baker snowman? Isn't he the cutest thing? Lynn actually won him in a door prize drawing at a Christmas party one time..a long time ago. He's one of my favorites, and always has a place on the counter from Thanksgiving until spring.

Someone gave me this Santa face when I married..I had a Christmas shower and got lots of wonderful gifts...this one included. Isn't he sweet? His beard is glittered..

This cowboy snowman was in the boys' bedroom, which is decorated year round with cowboy stuff and was home to the snowman tree last Christmas. My BFF Melissa gave him to me for my birthday! Love him!!

This is a little vignette in the hallway, with a small part of my Santa collection on it. The clock was Lynn's dad's. The Mercury glass Santa on the left was from that Christmas wedding shower, and the old guy standing at the back is an antique...he's the one that is as old as me and came from the dollar store my first Christmas. The horse was a gift a couple of years ago from Lynn's sister Linda and her husband, Jimmy. He has Santa faces painted all over him. The photograph in the center is a picture of my three boys and Jacob's best friend, Tyler, with Santa. It was Jonah's first Christmas-he was 4 1/2 months old!

Here's a shot of some of the white pitchers I've started collecting, holding faux red berry stems. I'm a nut over red berries and white dishes, so this pairing seemed natural! Notice the Snow Village pieces on top of the cabinets...they are still there. Once I put them up there-it takes all day to get the village set up-I leave it for at least two Christmases. I thought about taking it down this summer, but decided to leave it for Christmas in July. I'll probably leave it until next spring...adding summer flowers, then fall leaves to make it seasonal.

I will have more pictures later to show you from last year. I was especially fond of how our bedroom and bathroom decorations turned out, and I want you to see them!

Coming this week:

*a post on a cute gift basket idea for someone who likes to bake

*a couple of craft ideas, as featured on Magical Holiday Home
*some yummy fun food gift ideas and recipes including Rudolph's Popcorn balls and homemade caramels, along with some side dish suggestions for our weekly special, building an entire menu course by course

*ideas for Christmas tree themes

*a theme party plan, including menu and decorating ideas

*and on Sunday we'll continue the marvelous Christmas story, as told by Dr. Luke!

Stay tuned...the best is yet to come!!

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Side note: Sorry the spacing is so crazy and the posting is so sporadic...for some reason I'm having some problems with those issues, but I'm working on it!!

Luke 1: 26-38

2009-07-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her "rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.

Then Mary said to the angel "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" And the angel answered and said to her "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now, indeed Elizabeth, your relative has also conceived a son in her old age and this now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible."

Then Mary said "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word". And the angel departed from her.

Merry, Merry!

Happy Birthday, America and an Unusual Christmas Party Idea!

2009-07-04T00:00:00.003-05:00

Edited to add: this post is being linked to Playing Dishes, for Printersdevil's Christmas in July tablescape party!!

Happy Fourth of July! Are you celebrating America's birthday today with family and friends? As you read this, we are at the lake, doing just that!

Today is a day traditionally thought of as a grill out kind of day...hot weather, fireworks, lots of folks gathering to celebrate...but you probably don't think of doing a grill out for Christmas...but really, why not? If you live in the south, like we do, late autumn-early winter weather is typically mild...chilly but not too cold..crisp and cool. Many of us have outdoor fireplaces or fire pits now, which would help keep the cold at bay. Why not have a gathering outside?

If you have a covered or screened porch you could easily have this gathering there. If not, the deck or patio will work just fine, or just as spot on the lawn, as long as you take the time to make it festive and cozy. Lots of little twinkle lights in trees just say holiday to me, and so do candles and other luminaries. Use white twinkle lights to line your porch roof, or to go on the rafters of your porch if they are exposed. It's just the right amount of light and gives everything a fairy like glow...very festive! A beautifully decorated Christmas tree would be really cute, too.

Be sure to have some inexpensive fleece throws or quilts lying around in case guests get chilly as the evening wears on. I buy these throws at dollar stores in the fall to use at our annual Halloween party, but they work just as well at Christmas!

Greet your guests with a smile and a warm drink...

How about some apple cider? There's lots of recipes available for this traditonal warmer, but my favorite is still to use a cup of brown sugar, a tablespoon of ground cinnamon or a half dozen cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and a few allspice berries added to a gallon of apple cider, and let it warm on the stove or in a slow cooker. You can garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks, if you choose.

If your guests prefer something cold to start off, how about a cup of Christmas punch in a jolly old Saint Nick cup, served from a matching punch bowl!

A simple but yummy and colorful punch is to mix together a jug of red Hawaiian punch, a can of pineapple juice, and a can of orange juice concentrate, thawed. Stir together in a punch bowl, then pour a bottle of ginger ale over it, add some orange slices, pineapple slices and marachino cherries and you've got an easy, pretty and delicious punch!

A good appetizer for this meal might be a warm cup of cream of tomato soup, with crackers and cheese and mini cheddar garlic biscuits. There are lots of recipes on line for tomato soups, and you could always jazz up a can of Campbells by preparing it with milk instead of water, sprinkling in some lemon pepper seasoning and adding a celery stick stirrer...sort of a take off on a Bloody Mary. Have some shredded cheese, croutons and oyster crackers available for those who want a little more volume in their soup!

Bisquick makes a packaged mix for cheddar garlic biscuits that is really good for a base for mini biscuits. I add a little more garlic and some shredded cheddar to mine, then pat the dough out into a large rectangle and cut out mini biscuits with a cookie or biscuit cutter, or a small drinking glass. Then I brush the tops with a little garlic butter (garlic powder sprinkled into melted butter) and bake for about 10-12 minutes on 400 degrees, or until the tops of the biscuits are brown.

The main course could be a grilled pork butt. I use these all the time in the summer for wonderful barbeque, but they are equally good just sliced and served. I rub the pork with a packaged barbeque seasoning rub-I like Emerill's brand pretty well, but my favorite is packaged by the Rendezvous barbeque joint in Memphis. It's available at Wal-Mart in the seasoning aisle. I'm sure other stores carry it too, that's just where I buy mine! Then I put the pork on a preheated grill on indirect heat and let it cook for about an hour and a half (depending on the size of the butt). I let it cool slightly then slice it very thinly and serve it with barbeque sauce.

A good side dish for this meal might be grilled root veggies. You could do skewers of potatoes, onion, carrots, sweet potatoes and whatever else strikes your fancy...just brush them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and lay on the grill...mmm...good stuff!!

Add a loaf of garlic French bread (wrapped in foil, it'll warm on the top rack of the grill while the meat and veggies cook), a bagged salad with your favorite dressing and you've got a great, unexpected meal for a Christmas get together!

Dessert can be equally simple...just buy a Mrs. Smith's apple cobbler, bake it in the oven while everything else is cooking and top it with ice cream and caramel sauce. Call it Caramel Apple Cobbler and your guests will think you're a genius!! Just be sure to hide the Mrs. Smith's box.

Dress your outdoor table as you would inside with a beautiful, festive table cloth and fabric napkins, your Christmas dishes or other pretty dishes and a lovely centerpiece...and be sure to pass around the coffee with dessert. If you'd like to serve a fancy coffee drink, there's a recipe at the bottom of this post.

This was my Christmas Eve table a couple of years ago...the kids sit at the bar...

And the adults sit here...

Both of these tablecloths are twin sized sheets! You can get lots of colors, they iron up nicely and wash in the washing machine...and they are cheap!! The fancy "crystal" goblets are from the Dollar Tree, and the centerpiece is just a crystal bowl filled with red and gold glass ornaments...cheap, easy but oh! so pretty and elegant!

A party, inside or out, doesn't have to be expensive or labor intensive! The most important part is making sure your guests are comfortable, well fed and feel welcome!!

Here's that coffee drink I promised you. This is from the 20th anniversay edition of "The Spirit of Christmas".

Fireside Coffee

2 cups half and half

2 squares (1 oz each) unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped

2 cups hot brewed coffee

3/4 cup bourbon (tastes good without the bourbon, too!)

1/2 to 1 cup sugar

2/3 cup whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped cream to serve

Microwave half and half in a 2 cup glass measuring cup on HIGH 1-2 minutes, or until steamy. Pour over the chocolate, let stand 1 minute and whisk until combined. Stir in coffee and next 4 ingredients; pour into cups and serve with a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Serve immediately.

Note: recipe can be multiplied as desired to serve more.

Remember-everything you do for Christmas in July is one less thing you have to do in December!

Merry, Merry!!

Come Home to Comfort!

2009-07-03T00:00:00.001-05:00

What does coming home to comfort mean to you? Especially at the holidays, it's important to have comfortable and comforting things to welcome us home. Is it a sweet little holiday vignette, representing the innocence and joy of childhood?

Or is it the anticipation of the arrival of Santa, with all his good tidings and joy?

Or, is it a little deeper than all that? If you have asked Jesus into your heart and are a Christian, then it has to be the joy of celebrating the birth of our precious Saviour, Jesus Christ. I have several nativity sets and love to scatter them around the house during the holidays. I even have one that stays up all year round, just to remind me that, although coming home to comfort is important on this Earth, the home that I'm going to in Eternity is more than comfortable..it's with Jesus!

I like to have a theme for my Christmas celebrations, and this year it is "Come Home to Comfort". I borrowed this from the cover of the July issue of Country Living magazine. Having a theme for a holiday may seem a little silly or over the top to you, but honestly, it makes me a little more focused and actually makes shopping easier-everything needs to fit into the theme! Some past themes I've used include "An old fashioned country Christmas" and one similar in spirit to this year's theme "Comfort and Joy".

Think about what Christmas is to you and consider using a theme for your decorations, menus and gifts. It makes the holidays cohesive and gives you a goal to work for!

Remember, everything you do to prepare for Christmas in July is one less thing you have to do in December!

Merry, Merry!

PS-I'm not sure why the middle picture is so blurry...it isn't in real life! Sorry about the quality!

Just so you know...

2009-07-02T13:20:00.000-05:00

I'm not a complete idiot..well, not yet anyway. When I created my posts, the comments under the pictures were centered and were supposed to be cut lines for the picture. However, they way they posted, it just looks like I randomly plunked a picture in the middle of my post, veered off the subject and wrote about the picture, then went back to my subject. That is NOT the way it's supposed to be...I'm working on correcting the rest of them, but in the meantime...just know that I'm not a complete idiot...yet!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Day 2! Yummy Drink Recipes!

2009-07-02T02:01:00.000-05:00

Today's offering is a few recipes that you can use to make some drink mixes, either to share as gifts with others, to serve at a gathering, or just to comfort yourself when you need a warm, yummy drink. And really, who doesn't occasionally need something warm and comforting, even during the dog days of summer. Did you know that drinking a warm drink on a hot day can actually make you feel cooler? Yep. It's true...something about making your body sweat more, which in turn cools you ...I don't know. I just know that I love me a warm yummy drink any time of the year!

My favorite centerpiece ever! And so very easy...just a
pedestal cake plate, a crystal bowl (given to me by a close
friend on my very first Mother's Day) and some gold and
red glass balls, all plunked down in a pair of weaths-a faux
evergreen and a red berry one. Easy, peasy!! But soo pretty!

So, here's a few drink recipes that you might enjoy!

Christmas Morning Cappuccino Mix

2/3 c. instant coffee granules
1 c. powdered sugar
1 c. powdered non-dairy creamer
1 c. chocolate drink mix
1/2 c. sugar
3/4 t. cinnamon
3/8 t. nutmeg
2 12 oz jars and lids

Blend coffee granules until fine. Place in a large bowl and add remaining ingredients. Stir until well mixed. Divide mixture between the 2 jars; secure lids and attach instructions. Makes 2 jars.

Instructions:
Mix 3 Tablespoons cappuccino mix with 3/4 cup hot water or milk. Makes one serving.

Note: I made this a few years ago for my Bunco friends as part of as small gift basket. It got rave reviews. I believe you could use any flavored non-dairy creamer you choose to change up the flavors some. This is nice paired with a mini loaf of quick bread or a small bag of muffins.

And here's another one!

Chocolate Coffee
1/2 c. instant coffee
1 1/2 c. powdered creamer
1/2 c. chocolate flavored powdered drink mix
1/4 c. sugar
dash of salt
1/2 t. nutmeg

Mix ingredients together in a blender. Add to cup of hot water according to taste.

And one more...

Mocha Nog
1 T. hot water
1 qt. dairy eggnog or 32 oz. can
1/2 c. chocolate flavored syrup
2 t. instant coffee
1/2 pt. whipping cream
ground nutmeg

In a large bowl, stir hot water and instant coffee together until dissolved. Stir in eggnog and chocolate syrup until well blended. Chill at least 2 hours. To blend flavors, just before serving whip the cream and fold into mixture. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Serves 6.

Now doesn't that make you feel better already?

I am planning on sharing ideas and recipes for an entire meal, one course at a time. Today's offering: Appetizers!

Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs

2 lbs. ground beef
3 eggs
1 1/2 oz. pkg. onion soup mix
1 c. bread crumbs
1 1/2 c. chili sauce
1 1/2 c. water
2 c. sauerkraut
2 c. cranberry sauce
1 c. brown sugar, packed

Mix together ground beef, eggs, soup mix and bread crumbs. Form mixture into one inch balls; arrange in an ungreased shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until cooked through; drain well. Combine remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl; pour over meatballs and continue to cook at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. Makes 5 dozen.

And you gotta have a good dip! Here's two you might enjoy!

Hot Reuben Dip

14 oz. can saurkraut, rinsed and drained
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 c. shredded Swiss cheese
1 c. corned beef, chopped
1 c. mayonnaise

Pat saurkraut with paper towels to absorb extra moisture. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Spread in an ungreased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve with sliced rye or baguette bread. Serves 15-20.

Cheesy Artichoke Dip

2 15 oz. cans artichoke hearts
1 c. mayonnaise
1 c. Parmesan cheese
2 t. garlic powder
8 oz. pkg, shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish: paprika

Drain artichoke hearts and squeeze between paper towels to remove excess moisture. Chop artichokes and blend with remaining ingredients. Spread mixture in a greased 9" round baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Sprinkle paprika over top. Serve with crackers or tortilla chips. Makes 10-12 servings

Note: All recipes are from Gooseberry Patch Merry Christmas and Old Fashioned Country Christmas cookbooks. Love those books!!

A shout out and a blog giveaway!

2009-07-01T08:10:00.000-05:00

My friend Printersdevil from Magical Holiday Home is sponsoring a giveaway on her sweet Christmas blog Christmas Memories in My Heart. Go see what she's got cooking for Christmas in July!!

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Why Christmas in July?

2009-07-01T02:00:00.000-05:00

According to Wikipedia, Christmas in July was started in the Southern hemisphere because they wanted to enjoy a winter Christmas theme, and July is the coldest month. In the Northern hemisphere it is to sort of a way to take a break from the heat, even if it's just mentally, and try to invoke some holiday spirit so often seen in December at Christmas time. Makes sense to me. After all that is part of why I personally started celebrating Christmas in July several years ago.

A few years ago I bought a booklet from Gooseberry Patch that is, appropriately enough, titled "Christmas in July". It suggests that folks could use the too hot to move days of July to prepare for Christmas, making homemade or handmade gifts and even throwing a party for others to craft Christmas gifts. I like that!

This is from our Christmas tree last year...

However, last year was the first time I really worked at. Did I get everything for the holidays done? No. Was I still trying to finish up in December? Yes, a few things. Did it help considerably to have completed a few projects and have an idea of what else needed to be done? Absolutely. Was it fun? OH, MY, YES!!

So, this year, I'm planning on at least getting a few little things out of the way in July. I'll be sharing some of the menus and recipes that I'm planning to use, as well as showing you some pictures from our previous holidays and also giving you a few crafty ideas. I hope you check in often!! And even if you choose not to participate yourself, I hope you'll join in the fun with the rest of the Christmas Crazies that make up the message board at Magical Holiday Home and see what's up! Ginger has some great things planned and already has a couple of crafts listed. Give it a try!

And, like I always say, everything you do today to get ready for Christmas is one less thing you have to do in December!

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Christmas in July is coming soon!!

2009-06-28T13:33:00.000-05:00

180 days and counting until the Big Day!! Yay!! I am already very excited about it. If you know me personally or have ever read anything I've written, you probably already know that. Obviously, anyone who even has a Christmas blog and is writing on it in June must be a little goofy about the holidays!

The picture above sort of represents this post...the beginning, before any of the pretty stuff is done. This is the start of the fun!!

I am hoping to do as I did last year and post something every day during Christmas in July. However, you know what happens-life-and it may not always be my top priorty to post on my blog. But, I promise you I'll do my best!

I have a rough schedule of how things will go on a weekly basis, but don't be surprised or offended if I veer from the schedule at any given time! Also, since I didn't post all of my pictures last year, I'll be showing some Christmas 08 pictures from time to time. There'll be recipes, craft ideas, gift ideas and links to some great sites as well. I am also planning on telling the Christmas story, the real Christmas, story on Sundays.

Ginger over at Magical Holiday Home will have some great tips and ideas. Check out the discussion of week one here. She has some gooooddd stuff coming up.

So, check in often and stay tuned! The fun begins Wednesday with a brief explaination of what Christmas in July is all about!

Until then...

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Waking up just in time!

2009-06-10T09:53:00.000-05:00

This was our main tree last year. I think it might have been my favorite one ever! It was a fresh 9' tall Spruce tree. We went to a tree farm and cut it. Good times!!

It's only 198 days until Christmas 2009! Will YOU be ready??

And, it's only about 20 days until-you guessed it-Christmas in July!!

Ginger over at Magical Holiday Home is already making plans for a month of holiday planning and fun! I participated in this last year and it was so much fun. I'll be working some this year so I might not be able to manage a daily post, but I'll do my best!!! I'm also planning to include some of my photos from last year, since my computer issues prevented me from participating in my own tour of homes last December!

So...hang with me and check back soon! I'm working on upcoming posts!

Merry, merry!

Cathy

Life Happened!

2008-12-31T11:42:00.000-06:00

I am so sorry about the lack of pictures, posts and participation over the past three weeks...my computer is down. Not the internet, which would be easy enough to fix, but the computer itself. So...until I can access my photos, no pictures of the decorated Hamlet! I'm using my mom's computer to post this, just in case anyone has wondered where I've been!!

Hopefully...I'll see you later!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Change of Plans...

2008-12-15T19:44:00.000-06:00

...due to a dead camera battery! I was waiting until today to finish up a few little things in the bedroom then take pictures, but I didn't account for a dead camera battery! So, I'm postponing today's tour until tomorrow, tomorrow's tour until Thursday...you get the picture.

But, please, do come back! I do have a decorated bedroom, just very few pictures of it!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

You could Even Say it Glows!

2008-12-15T18:13:00.000-06:00

Add Leann to your list of homes to visit and check out her collections! So pretty!

Two new additions!

2008-12-15T07:47:00.000-06:00

Here's a couple of late additions! Glad they could join us!

Deckr8ter has a pretty slideshow of her home.

And Minnieco has hers up on Photobucket, as well!

Enjoy!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Holiday Tour of Homes!

2008-12-15T02:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to our first Holiday Tour of Homes! Most participants are members at Magical Holiday Home and "meet" frequently on the message board. We decided this summer to do this tour and everyone has been feverishly working to get their homes and blogs ready, so let's not waste any more time and get right to it!

First off, let's visit Tricia's home and see what Possiblitlies she has in store for us!

Next, Jessica has invited us into her holiday dressed home for a little Christmas Whimsey!

Now on to some Memorable Holidays at Brittany's home.

And our fearless leader, Ginger, has some Rudolph Day Ramblings to share with us!

Now Lisa has invited us to visit her Little Corner of the World to see her treasures.

We have another Tricia who is Celebrating Seasons with us....

And for a sweet treat, Candy Cane News is full of sweet yumminess!

Next, my sweet friend Aggy, also known as Adrienne, shares her Love of Christmas!

Tiffani is expecting a Jolly Christmas in Bama and wants us to join her!

Leah knows that Love Grows Best at Christmas!

SnowAngel has some Holiday Memories to show us...

Dancing Elf's home a t 358 Red Oak Drive holds some pretty treasures...

And we have another Cathi, who is celebrating A Quilter's Christmas with us.

Jana is sharing her lovely home also...

Here's a new blog that looks wonderful already! Printersdevil has some pretty things ready to view!

Jinglemom is our final participant! Hmm...seems like I've forgotten someone...oh, yeah, Me!!

If you check the post below, you can see my humble offerings!

Thanks to everyone who has A. Participated, and B. Viewed!!

Come back all week...I'll be showing my decorations all week long!

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Welcome to the Magical Holiday Tour of Magical Holiday Homes!

2008-12-14T20:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Christmas at the Hamlet! We are not totally decorated, but we are almost done. I planned to do the front porch Sunday, but it was raining and I'm not that dedicated! But I'll get it done, and when I do, you'll be among the first to see it!

So, here's a brief tour of some of my decorations. Check back every day this week and you'll get the complete tour!

Let's start in the master bedroom. Our bedroom is decorated in creamy ivory and cranberry red, so Christmas decorations just look natural in there! I added some soft gold and silver. Here's the tree over the bed:

It has white lights, ivory poinsettias trimmed in gold glitter and the gold glass balls. That's a piece of tulle that I tied around the bottom in a sort of abstract bow....I love the colors with the red and white quilt, which you'll see more of tomorrow.

Both windows have these berry wreaths hanging in the center of them. I love the toile and checks together. My mom and I collaborated on these curtains this summer. I'm still wanting to add some fringe or beaded trim or something to jazz them up. Maybe after Christmas I'll get around to that.

Now, on to the kitchen! This is the wire planter that I showed you yesterday. It's sitting on the antique desk that matches my bedroom furniture. My mom and dad bought it for me brand spanking new when I was about...um....well, a long time ago. It's now antique. That's all you really need to know. I have plans of refinishing it in the same colors, but we haven't quite gotten to that yet.

And this is the south end of the house. I normally have black and white toile curtains up, but we had to move the denim couch into the kitchen to make room for the tree in the living room, so I took the toile down. I actually used to have this couch in the living room all the time and had slipcovers in toile, but they are buried way back in the storage building, and it truly wasn't that important to me to find them. So I just used this paper banner I made that says "Joyeux Noel" and lighted garland for a valance for the holidays! See the red "gems" hanging from the light?

This little vignette is in the corner of the kitchen, by the fridge. I love the simplicity of it.

By the way, those are jingle bells in the jar. I have the jingle bell tree in the kitchen, so be looking for that later in the week!
This is the top of the fridge, with a small collection of white pitchers and red berries. You can see the snow village behind the pitchers.

More kitchen later! Now let's move to the living/family room. It's the room you walk into when you open the front door. I love the cranberry red of the walls.

This is the opening into the hallway. I made this banner too. The pictures are favorites of ours at Christmas.

You'll see more of this clock later this week-it was Lynn's father's clock, and we have placed it in a spot that you can see from the living room.

And this is the mantle that I struggled with all week. I like the little bitty houses-I collected them many years ago from Dillard's and bought one per week for something like 6 weeks each year. I added some glitter to them this year.

You'll be seeing more of all of the house as the week progresses. Keep checking back, because I have a little give away planned at the end of the week!

And don't forget to check out all of the other houses on the tour, too, by clicking on the links in the post above this one.

Thanks for dropping by! Be sure to check back tomorrow!!

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Tree Trimming update and a little sneak peek!

2008-12-13T15:35:00.000-06:00

We got our tree yesterday! We picked the kids up as planned and headed out to the tree farm. We went to a tree farm where we know the owner...and it payed off big! Because this is his last year in business (he's retiring), he let me HAVE, free and for no charge, an additional tree to cut up and use for decorating. How SWEET is that?? Yay! Plus, he was very generous handing out free hot chocolate and candy canes!

So, here's the tree BEFORE:

And here it is AFTER:

The boys did a good job spreading out the red and gold...it really looks pretty in the corner of our living room. Totally worth all the moving of furniture and cleaning of floors it required!

And, here's a little sneak peek at the upcoming Holiday Tour of Homes.

This is a wire planter that I bought on the 70% off shelf at Hobby Lobby last spring...I spray painted it copper and it normally lives on the top of the corner china cabinet with faux eggs and feathers in it. All fall it had a small pumpkin in it...now it has glass bulbs and berries! The "runner" is a paper napkin that I unfolded (unfortunately I didn't get all the wrinkles out...can you iron paper?) and spread on the white French Provincial style desk that I use in the kitchen as a buffet.

And, since I've griped so much about it, I thought I'd go ahead and show you my mantle:

I'm loving it!

I will be showing my house all week long, starting Monday morning with the Holiday Home Tour! I'll do an overview of the entire house, then each day we'll focus on one room at a time. Tuesday, it'll be my favorite room! Can you guess what it is?

Hope to see you Monday!

Merry, Merry,

Cathy

Celebrating Christmas

2008-12-12T08:29:00.000-06:00

Have you ever seen the ezine Celebrating Christmas? It's a pretty good resource to have. I always download it (it's free) and then just print out whatever I decide I want to put in my Christmas notebook. Some years I've printed the whole thing, but recently I've just saved it to a flashdrive (bright red, of course) and keep it in the notebook. Then if I want to browse it or use it as a reference for something, it's right there.

Are you ready for the home tour Monday? I've very excited. If you need some inspiration or just want a jumpstart to home touring, check out Tracey's blog and scroll down to the past two days, then follow the links. So much glittery, blingy, Christmasy inspiration you may need two days to get through it. I can't believe how many talented folks there are out there.

Speaking of talented folks, wait until you see my friend Phyllis's house all done up for the holidays. It is nothing short of spectacular. I truly mean that. It is unbelievable, and she does it all herself. She hosted our Bunco Christmas gathering last night (where I scored some sweet prizes...) and she agreed to let me post some pictures of her home. I forgot my camera (duh!) so she loaned me hers, and even agreed to email the pics to me. So as soon as I get them, I'll post them. You honestly won't believe it. It makes my feeble attempts look like a kindergartner's attempts!

Are you still looking for some inspiration for Christmas breakfast or brunch? I got some yummy sounding recipes in my inbox today, so I'll share!! Hope you find something delicious to prepare for your own "Delightful Christmas Brunch"!

What's going on in your world today? We'll be doing that Christmas Tree cutting expedition today, and then tomorrow, it's Finish Up day...what ever is not decorated by tomorrow is not getting decorated! I have to get some photos made to post on the home tour Monday!!

Merry, Merry!!
Cathy

Getting there...

2008-12-09T08:59:00.000-06:00

This is a picture from last year...I used my vintage Santa and a mercury glass one we got for our Christmas wedding shower (yes, I had a Christmas themed wedding shower in September before our October 98 wedding!! How totally cool is that?), along with some books and snowflakes. I loved the way it looked....

This year? Not happening. The mantle is just not coming together as well as I would have hoped. In fact, none of the decorating is coming together. I'm struggling....but it's finally falling into place, piece by piece.

I'm almost done with the kitchen, and they boys' room just needs a snow flurry or two to finish it...their bathroom is done (except for the cleaning...will that stench ever go away? Maybe when the boys move out?? That's only 10 or 12 more years...), our room is about half done and the outside is almost done. No more details, but I promise it'll be ready by Monday, for the MHH Holiday Tour of Homes! If you want to participate, sign up here! Or, if you'd prefer, just leave me a message here on this post. Either way, check back Monday and take the tour of several beautiful homes!!

We are going Friday to get the tree. The plan is to pick the boys up from school and head to the Christmas tree farm...we'll cut our tree, stop by Starbucks for hot chocolate, then head home. Benjie already dug out the big tree stand, and has it ready and waiting, and I've been sorting ornaments and lights in preparation of the decorating party! It'll be a party of 5, with more hot chocolate, chili and cornbread, cookies, candy, and carols! Hopefully, I'll remember to get the camera out and take pictures!

What are you doing to get ready for Christmas? Leave me a message and tell me.

By the way, I'm working on a little give away for next week...we'll be touring my home all week, and I am planning a giveaway at the end of it! Stay tuned...

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Breakfast Sandwich

2008-12-05T21:28:00.000-06:00

This is a good recipe for anytime you want a quick and easy breakfast, but I think it's especially good on Christmas morning. This is one of those "methods" rather than recipes-once you get the basics down, you can switch it up any way you'd like.

Breakfast Sandwich
1 loaf French bread, sliced in half lengthwise (this sandwich is best if you buy the bread a couple of days ahead and freeze it, or use day-old French bread)
1 pound breakfast sausage, browned and drained
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
12 eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. dried mustard
1 small can chopped green chilies, drained
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterrey Jack or pepper jack)

Hollow out the center of the French bread. Layer the sausage, onion and bell pepper into the bottom of the bread shell. Add the salt, pepper and mustard to the eggs and mix well. Pour the eggs over the sausage mixture and sprinkle with the chopped green chilies. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chilies and top with the bread top. Wrap the sandwich tightly with foil, place in a 350 degree oven on a cookie sheet, and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until eggs are set and cheese is melted. Unwrap the sandwich and let it cool slightly, then cut into slices and serve.

You could substitute a smoked sausage (I like turkey) and cut it up and brown the slices, then sprinkle them over the bread and proceed as above. Ham and Swiss would be yummy, too. You could even crumble cooked bacon in it.

I usually serve this with fresh fruit and coffee. Add a flute of juice and you've got a party!

What are you up to today?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Yikes! 22 Days!

2008-12-03T20:17:00.001-06:00

I'm having the hardest time getting my decorating done this year. Most of my decorations are in the storage shed in the back yard, and it's a mess. I mean a mess. So I need lots of help to get all the boxes and totes out and into the house. I did go out there yesterday and pulled out a few boxes, sifted through them, took out what I wanted and put the boxes back.

I know exactly how I want the house to look, so I'm trying to only bring those things into the house. I put the Snow Village on top of the cabinets yesterday, but I neglected to bring in the extention cords and didn't buy any "snow", so it's pretty dark and bare up there.

I did get a tree up in the boys' bathroom (a tiny little one with white lights and red glass balls) and a tree up in our room (no details-you'll see it on the 15th, but I'm VERY HAPPY with it!), but that's about it. The kitchen is a total wreck and will be until I get finished.

Lynn and I are both off Friday afternoon, so he's agreed to help me get the stuff out of the shed, sort it and get it in the house. And get the outside done. I'm not sure he realizes that part yet...shhh...don't tell him!

I'm looking forward to the Virtual Holiday Home Tour on December 15. My Magical Holiday Home friends are planning to participate. If you want to also, just leave me a message on this post and give me your link and blog name...and a short description of your decorating style, if you'd like. I hope you join us.

I hope I'm ready!

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Downtown Christmas parade!

2008-12-01T02:00:00.000-06:00

Isn't that one of the three sweetest faces ever? That's Benjie at the Christmas parade last year. And he's not making a political statement with the election literature...he just liked the candy cane it was attached to!

The parade is tonight. The courthouse and downtown area will be lit around 6:10 or so on Channel 7's weather, then the parade will start. It's a fun night! We even let homework slide for that night (Side note-for the little boys. Their homework is not due until the end of the week. Jacob still has to do his, which is due the next day!)

We love going to our hometown parade. I may have told you about it before, but let me just reminisce a little.

We live in a small city, population under 30,000. Recently, the downtown area has been renovated, making it really pretty and quite picturesque. I would dearly love to see the downtown area become the hub of the city again, as it was when I was a child. Most retail businesses are not located in downtown any more, but spread out down the "main drag", which is Military Road, or on the interstate service roads. But, on the first Monday in December, downtown comes alive. Our courthouse is so gorgeous, very historic looking, and the county employees work very hard to get it decorated. A local family donated a whole bunch of animated life sized decorations. I just love them! It is so festive and so fun!

We always take a bag of popcorn and a couple of thermoses of hot chocolate and coffee to have during the parade. Then, we walk to the courthouse lawn and wait for Santa to appear, fresh from the fire truck at the end of the parade. He will visit with kids that night and several more nights during the holidays. There's always a choir singing, some music playing and free cookies and cocoa after the parade. Everyone is in such a good mood, and it's so pretty with all the lights. Our courthouse is on the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights. If you are in the area, stop by...it's worth the drive!

After we get home, we usually have a bowl of homemade soup, and then try to find something on tv that is Christmasy. No one wants the feeling to go away, it's so festive and jolly.

I can't wait until tonight!

What are you doing today that is fun and Christmasy?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Not even December and I'm already feeling behind..

2008-11-30T16:34:00.000-06:00

I'm a little behind on my posting, and I apologize for that. I've been busy...two Thanksgiving celebrations took more out of me than usual. Could age have anything to do with that? Shut up, Michael.

So much for my carefully laid decorating plans. If you remember, I'd planned to get all the decorations at least stacked in their bins on the back porch for easy access, and the Snow Village (Dept 56 Original Snow Village mostly, but with a few dollar store and other discount store pieces thrown in for good measure!) put up, but I didn't feel up to it today, so I'm resting, instead. This is one busy week coming up, and I don't need to start it feeling out of sorts, so...the decorating will wait until tomorrow!

Are you cutting back on your Christmas gifting or celebrating this year? We are. We have set a budget for the boys' stuff, with "big stuff" getting the bulk of the money and each one getting one "big" thing, a few small things, and a stuffed stocking. Lynn and I are debating on how much we'll spend on each other...I'm thinking that will stay close to what we normally spend, because we don't spend a whole lot on each other anyway. But we'll have stuffed stockings, because that's our favorite part!

With my family, we draw names and then fill that person's stocking (are we sensing a theme here?). We've set a dollar limit this year for the first time. And on Lynn's side, we've decided not to exchange gifts with his extended family (cousins, aunts and uncles) due to several of us having financial issues. And, we may just do small gifts or no gifts with his sisters-still debating that one. I don't want anyone to have to struggle so that they can give my children or Lynn and me a gift. And we're not exchanging with our best friends, Eddie and Melissa this year either. Melissa and I decided that we'll get together to eat and watch a Christmas movie and have good movie snacks together and call it Christmas! I'm going to see if she and I can work in a girls' day out shopping/lunch trip too! We never get to do that, so it would be a gift to me if we could!

I hope this post is not a downer in any way, because honestly, my intent is for this to be good news. It takes a whole lot of pressure off, and makes the real meaning of Christmas to be more obvious and hopefully, celebrated.

After all, He is the Reason for the Season!

Next post: Christmas parade details! Oh I love this stuff!!!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T02:00:00.000-06:00

Today I will be celebrating with my family. Tomorrow I will be cooking. Saturday I'll be celebrating with my other family. Sunday....I'll be decorating!!!

I hope you have a wonderful, healthy, happy Thanksgiving!

29 Days-a tiny sneak peek and a schedule, of sorts!

2008-11-26T15:23:00.000-06:00

Little sneak peek...this is the top of the tree in the master bedroom....this is from last year, but it's going to be very similar this year! For the whole tree, look at the post below! I plan to do the same basic tree, but I have a few little sparkily additions that I think will be so pretty!!

After tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day here in the United States, the holidays will be officially here! I have had a few questions about when I'm going to start putting up trees...when you have at least one in every room, it's necessary to start a little early. But I have an absolute rule about not decorating one tiny thing for Christmas until Thanksgiving is over. For us, that will be Saturday afternoon, after the Miller clan assembles, eats and then disassembles. I have a plan for getting it all done before the Virtual Holiday Home Tour on December 15! Here's a rough time table:

Sunday, November 30-pull out the Snow Village pieces and put them on top of the kitchen cabinets, arranged in their assigned areas-city, country or ski resort. Can't wait to get this done...it will stay there until I get tired of it..which may even be after NEXT Christmas! And, I'm asking the boys-all four of them-to bring the decorations from the storage building in the backyard and stack them on the back porch, so that when I get a chance to get into decorating mode, it's easy to get to!

Monday, December 1-our town's Christmas parade is this night...there will be a post on this later! I love it. Before work, my goal is to get the tree up and the lights on it in the boys' room. Then they can put the snowmen on it later this day or the next day.

Tuesday, December 2-finish the boys' room

Wednesday, December 3-decorate the boys' bathroom.

Thursday, December 4-through Friday, December 5-decorate the kitchen. This is going to be fun this year! I can't wait to show you pictures!

Saturday, December 6-decorate outside

That's the first week...we'll see how that goes, then re-evaluate and see what needs to be done next.

What's going on with you? Are you decorating yet? I'm excited to see everyone's pretty decorations!

Merry, Merry!!

Cathy

30 Day Countdown...and we're off!

2008-11-25T02:00:00.000-06:00

I am planning to post something on this blog every day for the next 30 days, right down to Christmas Day! Here's hoping I can keep the creativity flowing!

This is Thanksgiving week, so I'm still busy with all those preparations. Check out Scarecrow Soup for those autumny details!

Today I thought I'd just share a few little tidbits to start getting you in the holiday spirit. I stay in the holiday spirit most of the time, but since it's finally time for everyone else to catch up, I'll give you a few little ideas to start you off.

*If you don't have Christmas dishes, don't worry...you can make any table look festive and Christmasy with just a few inexpensive touches. The Internet is full of ideas, but one of my favorites is so easy and simple. Just use a solid color plate-I prefer all white, but use any color you'd like, then sprinkle Christmas confetti on the plate. Now top it with a clear glass plate-Wal-Mart sells these for about a dollar and a half, or sometimes you can find them at dollar stores or even Garden Ridge for a dollar. Use a solid color tablecloth and sprinkle the confetti and individually wrapped peppermints and Hershey's kisses across your table. Find a pretty glass or crystal bowl (a trifle bowl is really pretty for this) and fill it with glass ornaments to match your table colors and plop it into the center of your table! Viola! Instant holiday cheer and not much money or effort!

*Check the local dollar stores and flea markets for inexpensive stemware. I found some beautiful goblets that everyone thinks are expensive crystal at the Dollar Tree for $1 each. They really look pretty on the table.

*If you can't find cloth napkins that match your decor, make your own. Holiday fabric is usually available for a couple of dollars per yard, and you can get at least 4 from a yard. Use pinking shears and cut out 18" squares of fabric for a country Christmas look. If you like things a little more tailored and elegant, hem the edges. Napkin rings don't have to be expensive, either. Use satin ribbon (sold by the roll and comes in a huge variety of widths and colors) to tie around the napkins. You could add some jingle bells, or a small ornament or a name tag for a cute place card idea.

*Hang stockings on the backs of your dining room chairs. Easy, inexpensive and festive!

Check back regularly for more tips, ideas, pictures and recipes! And don't forget the virtual Holiday Tour of Homes on December 15! If you want to participate, just leave me a message!

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Spy Elves!

2008-11-22T09:42:00.001-06:00

Have you seen a SpyElf yet? What? You don't know what SpyElves are? Well, I'll tell you about them.

SpyElves are what keeps little children behaving around here, from the middle of October until Christmas Eve Eve (that would be December 23 for you mathematically challenged readers). Then they have to high tail it back to the North Pole to give the big man their final report before he packs up and heads south to deliver gifts.

SpyElves are not dressed in the typical costumes associated with elves, although they do possess those and may at times don them, but only when actually in the presence of Santa. No, they are usually dressed just like you or me...but they are a little smaller and a little quicker than most of us. There are two distinctive characteristics of SpyElves, though, that even their contemporary clothing can't hide-they wear pointy toe shoes and they have pointy ears. Sometimes their shoes are disguised as in cowboy boots or women's pointy toed high heels...and you'll rarely see a SpyElf with super short hair or a pony tail, unless it covers their ears.

SpyElves will often look just like people you actually know in real life, and you really don't know if the SpyElf has taken on your friend's looks or if your friend is actually a SpyElf. See how tricky that can be? An example of this is when Jacob was little. He and I lived with my Mom and Dad, and my brother Mark and his family lived next door. We were in the kitchen one afternoon, sometime just before Christmas and just a little before dark, and Jacob was not acting very nice. We saw someone peeking in the kitchen door window that we THOUGHT was my niece, Sarah (who, co-incidentally, had long hair and never, ever showed her ears...hmmm...). But then just seconds later, Sarah disappeared. Then, just seconds after THAT, the phone rang and it was Sarah-calling from her house. Very curious.

Another example is my cousin Susan. Jacob was convinced that he never, ever saw her except around the holidays, she often wore pointy toed cowboy boots and, try as he might, he never saw her ears. He would sneak up on her and try to move her hair so that he could see her ears, but she was always too quick for that. And, she's very small, as is Sarah...hmm...very curious indeed.

One year all the young children I knew did get letters from Santa on the weekend after Thanksgiving, and in the letter he mentioned that he had the reports for October and November from his southern region SpyElves...more evidence that they exist.

We have only seen one "person" this year that we believe might be a SpyElf, but that's the other tricky thing about them...we don't really know who they are or when they might me looking in the window...so good behavior at all times is a must for small children.

See how nicely that works out?

38 days!

2008-11-17T08:58:00.000-06:00

38 days until Christmas! Will YOU be ready?

I think I will. I'm not as far along as I'd hoped to be, but closer than I would be if I hadn't worked on Christmas in July.

Today, Debbie over at Ribbonwood Cottage has some organizing tips for the holidays. She is going to be offering them each day this week...check out her fabulous blog! She is one creative lady!

Here's a few tips of my own to offer:

*Start early. Even if you start right now, you are still starting earlier than most people. When I say that everything you do today to prepare for Christmas is one less thing that you have to do in December, I'm not kidding. I love to have everything done ahead that I possibly can, so that on December 1, all that's left is having FUN for the entire month of December!

*Start by getting organized. Really. OK, this is also what Debbie says to do, but it is so true. Over at Magical Holiday Home there are tons of threads on getting organized. This group of girls and guys are so creative and have so many fabulous ideas. And don't forget Cynthia Townley Ewer's site Organized Christmas is the mac daddy of organizing ideas. (Does anyone still say "mac daddy" or did I just date myself again? Sorry, Jake!)

*Make a list. Make several lists-gifts to buy, gifts to make, food, party plans-whatever. Check it twice, three times...and don't forget to check stuff off when you get it done! Very satisfying!

Very basic tips, but very valuable for getting it all done!

Remember, everything you do today to prepare for Christmas is one less thing you have to do in December, when you could be having lots of Christmas fun!!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Wrapping up Christmas

2008-11-11T08:18:00.001-06:00

I finally found the paper I've been looking for to wrap my Christmas gifts in this year. I know it's not really traditional, but it is some of my favorite colors...and see the quilt it's lying on? That's my inspiration piece for my decorating color scheme this Christmas. It was a birthday gift from my BFFAE (best friend forever and ever) Melissa. It lives on the back of the cream colored leather sofa we bought from Melissa and Eddie a few years ago! How's that for serendipity?

The lighter color paper is called "kraft paper" on the label, but it's not at all stiff like a lot of kraft paper is. And the green is actually a sage color. The gold ribbon is a satin ribbon, and I'll be adding in red and green satin ribbon to go with the straw colored raffia and the red raffia. I'll be sure to show you a picture of the finished product after I get something wrapped.

And the best part? I already had the raffia and the paper was only $2 or $3 each roll-it's the first time I've had to buy wrapping paper in a while!!

Remember, anything you do today to prepare for Christmas is that much less you have to do in December!

Will YOU be ready?

Merry, Merry,

Cathy

Christmas Goodies

2008-11-10T07:54:00.000-06:00

Do you like to make candy? Some of my favorite holiday memories are of Mom and Dad in the kitchen, making candy. Well, actually Mom was making it...Dad was most likely the "sampler" to ensure quality control!

Mom used to make all kinds of fudge-chocolate and buttermilk stand out in my memory. She also made what we called Bon-Bons, but I've discovered that they are actually called "Martha Washingtons" for some reason...they are little yummy balls of sugar and nuts, dipped into melted chocolate. Back then, you had to melt paraffin with the chocolate to make it harden correctly...now they make chocolate that does it by itself.

She also made huge amounts of peanut brittle and divinity. I didn't like the divinity but the brittle was good. I remember she couldn't make it when it was too humid or raining...

I have to admit that my candy making is not the caliber hers is...I just melt chocolate and mix in stuff or dip stuff in or whatever...but it's not too bad, if I do say so myself!

Here's a quick, easy and good peanut butter fudge that I make every year.

Peanut Butter Fudge
1 package white almond bark coating (comes in a big block)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup chopped peanuts

Melt the almond bark coating (follow package directions-I do it in the microwave), stir in the peanut butter and the peanuts and pour into a buttered 8x8 baking pan. Let it harden. Slice it up and eat it. That's it.

And...Peppermint Bark

1 package white almond bark coating
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract
crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Melt the almond bark coating, stir in the extract and crushed candy, spread out on a buttered (or spray it with non-stick cooking spray) waxed paper and let it harden. Break it into pieces.

You can make all kinds of barks using that coating. I like to make almond bark (substitute almond extract and sliced, toasted almonds for the peppermints in the above recipe) or pecan bark (use vanilla extract and finely chopped pecans).

I like to get the chocolate flavored bark and dip things in it..fruit, nuts, cookies, potato chips-yes, potato chips. The sweet/salty thing makes this so good.

I also have a fudge recipe that is easy and good, and I'll share it soon.

Remember, anything you do today to prepare for Christmas is one less thing you have to do in December!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

46 Days and Counting!

2008-11-09T06:28:00.000-06:00

I am starting to get a little excited about decorating for the holidays! I love my house all decked out for Christmas. Usually I do way too much and then I have it all to take down and put away, which depresses me greatly, so this year I am taking a new approach. I am scaling down. No, really, I am. Stop laughing.

Out of necessity (have I mentioned that big honking "bargain" tv Lynn couldn't turn down? Have I mentioned that it takes up a lot of room? 55 inches of viewing glory. Have I mentioned that it's where I normally put the Christmas tree? Have I mentioned that I'm a tad aggravated?)we will be moving furniture around to put up the main tree (see post below if you are wondering why I said "main tree"!). We will be moving the big denim sofa into the kitchen again. I know that sounds weird, but it used to live in there, as extra seating at the table, and we all loved it. So, it's going back. I have slipcovers for the back cushions that match the curtains in my kitchen, but they are waaaaayyyy at the back of the storage shed, so that ain't happenin this year. I'm going to leave the cushions that match the living room drapes on there, and just make some new valances for the kitchen to coordinate with the cushions. The living room colors and the kitchen colors blend well..so it should be ok. So now instead of using the black, white, red and silver I'd planned in the kitchen, it'll be a soft gold, red and sagey green. I have big ideas...and you can see them all right here on December 15 when we have the virtual Holiday Home Tour on Magical Holiday Home, hosted by yours truly on that date.

If you want to join the tour, just leave me a message with your link and I'll add you. Should be fun-the fall tour was small but pretty. I am hoping several join in this year!

Remember, anything you do today to get ready for Christmas is one less thing you have to do in December!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Peanut Butter Cup Bars and 47 Days!

2008-11-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Wow-is time flying for you as quickly as it is for me? Are you scared or excited or both?

Here's that recipe I promised. It's an oldie but a goodie. I make it in a 9x13 cake pan, in muffin cups or even in mini muffin cups for mini peanut butter cups. It really does taste a lot like Reece's Cups...

Peanut Butter Cup Bars
1 cup margarine
2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup peanut butter (either smooth or chunky-I use smooth because that's what we eat on sandwiches)
2 cups chocolate chips, melted

Melt margarine in saucepan. Add crumbs, confectioners' sugar and peanut butter. Mix well. Spread evenly in buttered 9x12 baking pan. Spread melted chocolate over top. Chill until firm. Cut into bars. Yield: 2 dozen.

These babies freeze like a dream, and to tell you the truth, I like to eat them while still slightly frozen. Or thawed...which ever way I can get them!! I think I'm going to make these for gifts this year, put them in the mini muffin cup papers and package them a dozen to a box. I am going to pick up candy boxes at Hobby Lobby and and tie it all up with a sparkly (of course) ribbon...who wants to be on MY gift list this year??

Whatever you do today to get ready for Christmas is that much less you have to do in December!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Decking the Halls-48 days left!

2008-11-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

We met Santa in Branson!

The picture is actually from last summer, but it's cute and I like it, so I'm posting it again! This Santa works at a place called "Kringles" in Branson, MO. If you haven't ever visited there, you really, really have to go. It is so wonderful!!
If you've ever been to my house during the holidays, you know that I am a deck-the-entire-house-not-just-the-halls kind of girl. I put a tree in every room, on both porches-front and back-and even several in some rooms. Our trees range from 2' to 9'. Last year we had 16 trees, including the ones outside. Not a typo. Uh, huh, 16. No, the house is about 1500 square feet, not big at all. In fact, quite small. But, at Christmas time, I think it looks a little like a Christmas cottage..and since it's not really a cottage at all but I'd like it to be, that's my little treat to myself!
Here's a few little ideas for decking your halls, living rooms and kitchens!
*Use lots, lots and lots of candles. Although you can go to the department stores and boutiques and spend a ton of money on some scented wax that is going to melt anyway, I suggest you go to the dollar store and get them. Or, go to Wal-Mart and get the ones in the Christmas department-they are really cheap and they smell good. Bring them home and put them everywhere...using caution when they are lit, of course. I know that you know not to leave a burning candle unattended and not to let ribbons or greenery or anything else really get close to the flame, but I'm obligated to tell you in writing not to do that. So don't do that. But do this: take a pretty ribbon and tie it around the candle. Or use a wide, wire-edged one and cut it to fit around the candle and doublestick tape the ends to the back of the candle. Gorgeous.
Or, if you're like me and like things a little sparkly for Christmas, thin down a little Elmer's glue with water and brush it on the candle. Then pour some glitter in a bowl and get a spoon and spoon the glitter over the candle, covering the entire thing. Shake off the excess glitter, let it dry a minute and VIOLA! a gorgeous glittered candle to nestle into some pine or other evergreens. Or place three of them on a pedastal cake plate, place some greenery pieces around it and you have a pretty, simple but elegant centerpiece.
*Use quart jars to make outdoor luminaries. I like them just plain, with some rock salt in the bottom, and a ribbon or raffia bow around the neck, and a little tea light nestled down into the icy looking salt. Very pretty and simple. They look great on front porch steps, if you have those.
*And, continuing the candle theme, how about floating candles in the bathtub during a party at your house? I do this often and it never fails to get enthusiastic responses from everyone! Just buy holiday shaped floating candles, run the tub about 2/3 full, light the candles and set them afloat! If you have one, you can even float a fresh wreath with the candles, or get some of those clear Christmas ball ornaments and float them to look like bubbles! Cute!!
I hope you are excited about the 48 days left until Christmas. 48, people!!

Tomorrow-a recipe!
Merry, Merry!
Cathy

49 Days of Christmas Fun!

2008-11-06T09:24:00.001-06:00

Only 49 days until Christmas. 49. Days. Until. Christmas. Hello...can you hear the beginnings of a little panic in my voice?

Not to worry...we still have 49 whole days to get ready! And if you've been getting ready for several months, it's not so bad!

My Christmas prep has slowed way down, what with the new job and all, but now it's time to get cracking. So, in a flurry of Christmas spirit, I've decided to do my very, very best to post everyday on this blog between now and Christmas. But don't get mad at me if I miss a day or two here and there! And, hopefully, I'll be posting useful things, like recipes, craft tips and ideas and of course, lots of pictures!

So, for today, here's a quick little craft that I found in a Susan Branch book called Autumn from the Heart of the Home. It's a "Cookie Man"!

First, measure all the dry ingredients for Ginger Crisps (recipe below). Combine sugars in one reclosable plastic bag and the rest of the dry ingredients in another. Set aside. With pinking shears, cut out a gingerbread shaped cookie man from 2 layers of heavy brown paper, like a paper sack. On one ("the front"), sew on buttons and draw on mouth with a red crayon. On the "back", write out the cookie recipe. Include baking instructions. On a sewing machine with red thread, sew the two sides together, leaving the head open. Place flattened bags of dry ingredients inside Cookie Man. Sew head closed. Punch a hole in his hand and tie on a cookie cutter. Sign and date the back.

I am going to try to make one of these today, while I'm home with a sick little one (it's Benjie, and really, I think he just needed a "mental health" day, because the upset stomach of early this morning appears to be MUCH BETTER, as he is lying on the loveseat, wrapped in our favorite quilt, the one we all fight over, and enjoying one of his favorite intellectual, educational tv programs, "Scooby Doo in Where's My Mummy?"). But since I don't sew I'm going to make it big enough to glue the edges, then use a red Sharpie marker to "stitch" around the edges. If I get it done-I do have a few other things I want to do, too-I'll take a photo and post it later.

Ginger Crisps:

1 cup softened butter

1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1/2 c. sugar

1/3 c. molasses

2/3 c. light corn syrup

4 1/2 c. sifted flour

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp. ginger

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugars until light. Add molasses and corn syrup and stir well. Add in the rest of ingredients and knead until smooth. Chill well. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to less than 1/8" thick. Cut with floured cutter. Bake on greased cookie sheet for 8 minutes. Cool and store in airtight container, or freeze them (they thaw in just moments, per: Susan Branch).

Don't those sound yummy? I imagine it would be ok to use any cookie recipe that you choose...a gingerbread mix would be good, and so would a sugar cookie mix.

Whatever you do today, have a good time doing it. Put on a little Christmas music, or pop "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" into the dvd player and have a blast!

Tomorrow-a few little decorating tips to make things merry!!

Merry, Merry!

Cathy!

August Rudolph Day

2008-08-26T21:50:00.000-05:00

No, I didn't forget Rudolph Day yesterday...I did work on some stuff! I just haven't quite finished it yet...but that's not totally my fault-Wal-Mart didn't have the silver ribbon I needed to finish it. I plan to check tomorrow and then I'll post a picture of my finished project.

I have been focusing on Halloween and fall crafts lately, but I do have some ideas for Christmas crafts and more gifts. I still need to finish the countdown clipboard, but I can't ever remember to pick up the little velcro pieces I need to complete it. Sigh.

Only 121 days until the big day! Whoo hoo!

Will YOU be ready??

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

August Rudolph Day

2008-08-24T16:17:00.000-05:00

This is a table setting at a ladies' brunch I went to last Christmas...isn't it pretty?

Tomorrow is Rudolph Day. I plan to finish a vintage paper banner that I'm working on, and maybe work on some recipes for various events.

I did buy a Christmas gift Friday, but I can't share details yet. I am afraid that the recipient will read this! It's a goodie, very cool. Can't wait to wrap it and put it under the Christmas tree.

I'll be back tomorrow to post some Rudy Day stuff...stay tuned!

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

2008-08-14T08:19:00.000-05:00

A Gem of a Website!

2008-08-13T08:51:00.000-05:00

Did you notice that the faces on my Santas are similar...look at the mugs and punchbowl in the last post, then look at the face of the antique Santa in the picture in the sidebar....must be the real Santa!!

While doing a search today for gift in a jar ideas (you know, those nifty little gifties that you put in gift baskets, stockings, whatever that are jars of homemade mixes-cookies, brownies, soups, whatever...I've done these in the past and they are well received..) I found this link that I think you might enjoy. Lots of good stuff there!

One of the things that I love on this site (and others) are the gifts in a mug...same principle, but in a single sized serving. With single people and college students suddenly on my gift list, it makes sense to make some of these. I'll be looking at this closely in the next few weeks...if you store them correctly, as in an airtight container, they should be fine to make in the middle of September or so...that's what I'm thinking now. I'll add this to my Holiday Grand Plan schedule.

I hope you get some ideas from this gem of a website! Check it out!!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

135 Days to go!

2008-08-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love the vintage look of this charming punchbowl and cups? I got it for Christmas a few years ago, and I think it is so cute. I love to put what I call Christmas Punch in it...I'll share the "recipe' later! This photo was from last Christmas Eve.

Only 135 days to go until Christmas! Wow-as any good early Christmas planner worth their salt knows, once you hit that 100 day mark, things really kick into high gear...

I can't wait! I love the fall and holiday season build up...almost more than the day itself...so much fun!

I am thinking about Christmas more and more every day, and with the start of the Holiday Grand Plan coming soon...I'm really getting excited!

Here's the "recipe" I promised...it's really more a method than a recipe...you can use any kind of sherbet you'd like, according to the color and flavor you desire!

1 quart sherbet (I like pineapple, but lime or raspberry would be very festive, too)
2 ltr. bottle of ginger ale

Put the sherbet in the punchbowl and pour the ginger ale over it, smooshing up the sherbet until it's all melty and blended with ginger ale...yummy!!!

Ok, that's not much of a recipe, but it's good! And so Christmasy!

Christmas Planning Center

2008-08-08T09:48:00.000-05:00

Our original fearless leader in the early holiday planning game, Cynthia Townly Ewer, affectionately known as CEO to her many readers over at Organized Christmas, has a good article on setting up a Christmas Planning Center. Read more here about her ideas!

I have my own version of a Christmas planning center. My base station is my kitchen table, which is where I'm sitting right now! I love, love, love my kitchen, and have worked really hard to decorate it in a style that suits us, as well as being functional. I'm still working on it...but I do love it! My kitchen is decorated in a loose French Country design, with golden yellow walls and my 28 year old chicken/rooster collection scattered all over the whole area. I was a rooster fan before roosters were cool!! LOL.

My kitchen table was a wedding gift from my (stay with me here-it's complicated) ex-but-still-dear-Sister-in-law's grandfather. He made it, stained it and even delivered it! He put legs on it, but when our family started growing they weren't functioning as well as we needed, so I bought an old table from a flea market and Lynn put the pedestal from it under our current table-viola! leg room! So now, it's my favorite work space in the house!

I can sit at the end of the table with my laptop and still have easy access to the bookshelf, the coffeepot and the laundry room, where my craft items are stored. I like the big double windows by the table, and the fact that I can look into the living room and see the fireplace. It's wonderful when the house is decorated for a holiday (any holiday, really) with a lighted garland of some sort on the mantle, and a fire in the fireplace. I usually put some spices-cinnamon and apple peels or cloves and orange peels are my favorites-in some water to simmer on the stove while I work. I used to be able to see the tv from there, but since Lynn bought his newest toy (55", people. It's a big*** tv!) it's in a place where I can't see it. But, due to the multi-room tv shift that the new one caused, I now have a small tv with a dvd player in the kitchen...perfect for watching "It's a Wonderful Life" or "The Santa Clause" movies....or just listening to Christmas cd's.

My current projects are in a lidded picnic basket, pretty enough to leave out but still have the "clutter" hidden. My Gooseberry Patch books and my Christmas notebook are easy to get to from my Center, and are in fact often stacked on the end of the table while I'm dreaming and scheming...I mean working!

I also can use it write cards, wrap gifts or just read Christmas books.

Consider creating one of these little organizing gems, if you don't already have a designated space!

Wrapping Up Christmas in July!

2008-07-31T07:34:00.000-05:00

Wow! This has been a fast month! I can't believe it's Day 31 of Christmas in July. I thought I'd finish up the month by showing you my Christmas notebook. It's a work in progress...I tweak it, declutter it and add to it on a regular basis. I made the divider pages myself...as if you can't tell that! I used construction paper, stickers and old holiday cards to make them. I uploaded these pictures in no particular order, but not on purpose! I'm too congested and thick headed today to think clearly, so I decided to leave them as they are and just explain each one!

This is the divider for the "Food Gifts" section. I have recipes, ideas and magazine clippings here. I even have a few pages from catalogs of food gifts that I think I could duplicate for much less than they are asking for them. An example is a "Snowman Pop" that is just a few marshmallows in a stick, dipped in white chocolate and give mini chocolate chip eyes and an icing smile! I can do that! And, they are charging $15 or so for 6...now I know I can make them cheaper than that, and what a cute stocking stuffer!

This is the Gift Idea section. Same theory as the food gift section. I love that card!

Decorating Ideas Section...

Rudolph Club section, with monthly dividers for projects and print outs from Organized Christmas!

Calendar section..for the Christmas Countdown and Houseworks Holiday Plan or

Holiday Grand Plan.

Craft section...

and the Family Tradition section. I like to put notes from what we've done each year in this section, along with notes on what we wanted to do and didn't get around to, so that we can try to plan that for the next year.

Each person's notebook is personal to them, and what works for me might not work for you. However, I do believe that having a notebook is very helpful in planning an organized holiday. Even the kids know not to bother Mom's Christmas Notebook!!

I hope that over the course of this month you've gotten some tips and ideas that you can use, or just inspiration to start your own holiday planning!

I'll be checking in here a few times each month for August and September, then along about the 100 day mark, I'll be here several times weekly to update! Thanks for reading my ramblings!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Day 30!

2008-07-30T07:47:00.000-05:00

It's almost over. Christmas in July has been a blast!

I didn't get to a lot of Christmas again yesterday, but I did work on the clipboard again! I had an inspiration and got the numbers done for the Christmas countdown clipboard. I'm hoping to finish it and the drink carrier today.

I made the boys pinky-promise me that they would help me clean their closet floor tomorrow...check out the Hamlet for details on why! It's in the Thank you section of the post! Necessity calls!

But, tomorrow it's supposed to rain, and I love a good rainy day for crafting and planning! If we work hard today, we can play tomorrow!!

So, today's agenda, Christmas wise:
*finish countdown clip board
*paint and embellish drink carrier
*work on notebook, if time allows

Tomorrow is the day I have scheduled to make Magic Reindeer Dust...I have a jar of red and green glitter reserved just for this project! And an empty pickle jar to store it in!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Day 29

2008-07-29T07:44:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was "supposed" to work on a clipboard, but you already know that I've been struggling with those, so I didn't! I worked on the laundry room, and if you read Holiday Hamlet you know that I've got big plans for this room. I did manage to get it cleared out and cleaned out, and even a bit organized. Painting will have to wait, but Lynn did say he'd help me, especially with the cabinets and shelves. He's really really picky about cabinets and any other wood work. Me, I'd just slap a layer of craft paint on it and be done, but not my professional perfectionist...er..painter husband! Details of that project will be on Hamlet. The reason I brought it up is because I managed to get a lot of Christmas stuff gathered up, sorted out and stashed in the storage building out back. I know that in 130 days or so I'll be saying "why did I do that? Now I just have to drag them back out" but it's worth it for a cleaner, less cluttered, more organized laundry room!!

So, that's what I did yesterday for Christmas in July. Not fun, but necessary. I feel good about it, because I did a little inventory of Christmas things along the way, and now have a clue what's what.

Today's Christmas agenda includes working on another drink carrier (I found one in the laundry room! Yay!!) and decluttering my Christmas notebook, as well as making a schedule for buying gifts and Christmas menu items. If I portion it out over several weeks, it's much easier to get done than if I just haphazardly pick things up. Obsessive? Probably, but it works for me. Well...mostly. LOL!

As July is winding down, obviously so is Christmas in July. I doubt that I'll post here daily after this week, at least until after Thanksgiving, any way, but I'll be popping in here and there, so keep an eye on it for tips, ideas and pictures. But, this week, we'll have a Big Finish to the month, so hang on!!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Day 28, 150 Days to go!

2008-07-28T09:02:00.001-05:00

Only 150 days until Christmas! Wow! I usually start to get really excited about now, but the truth of the matter is I've been excited all month. I feel like I've accomplished quite a lot...and that's good for me! I didn't set big goals, but tried to do just a little every day, and it's working like a charm. Again, I've fallen short on only one area, and that's the stocking stuffer buying. I either forget when I'm at the store or I've been in a hurry and couldn't look. Plus, I've been vehicle impaired for a month, so that didn't help much. Additionally, I didn't' really know who's stockings we're stuffing this year, because we haven't drawn names yet. Lots of coming and going, but no name drawing. Soon, though, because THERE IS ONLY 150 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

At Day 100, I really kick it into high gear, trying to get things done so that I can get done! LOL!!

I have a lot of unfun regular stuff to do today, like cleaning and laundry, so I'll have to check in later and tell you what I've done Christmas wise. Honestly, I don't even remember what's on the calender for today...but I will look, do it and report back either this evening or tomorrow!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Christmas in July party

2008-07-26T18:49:00.000-05:00

Today we hosted our monthly family breakfast with a Christmas in July party. It also doubled as Jonah's birthday party. We had 20 for a breakfast of hash brown casserole, breakfast casserole, fresh fruit, bacon, pancakes and biscuits. We also had coffee, tea, assorted juices and chocolate milk! It was fun.

Jonah had a big time at his birthday party...and got loaded....with cash! He thinks he's rich-he has $6o! Not bad for a 7 year old boy!

We had a good time and everyone sat around and talked all afternoon.

Tomorrow I think I'm going to take a break from Christmas in July, then back at it Monday for the last few days. My trip to Chicago is off, due to circumstances beyond my control, so I'll try to think of something fun to do on the 31st so I won't think too much about what I COULD be doing!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Happy Rudolph Day

2008-07-25T08:26:00.000-05:00

This is what my Christmas in July tree should look like, if I ever get to it!!

It's July 25! It's not only Rudolph Day, it's five short, fun, sweet, exciting months until Christmas!!! I can't wait!

Today is shopping day again. I'm working on Jonah's Christmas in July/Red Power Ranger birthday breakfast/party (what a combo) and getting the house ready.

I did manage to get another drink carrier painted...it's ended up being a really pretty, goldish yellow. The color on the bottle is called "King's Gold" ..it's a very country color, and I love anything country. Sorry I didn't get it finished in time to post a picture today, but if you hop over to Holiday Hamlet you'll see what I've been up to the last two days! I'm so happy with that progress and direction of that project!

Today during the Virtual Crop time (7-10 pm tonight!) that Ginger has going on I'll be working on favors for the party tomorrow...I'm thinking Christmas crackers...I have a TON of toilet paper rolls! I plan to do these for Christmas Eve breakfast with Lynn's sisters and families and then again for Christmas Eve dinner (see below for details on that!!). But, I have enough to do all of these, and some Thanksgiving ones, too...plus in 5 months, believe me, we'll have plenty more!! Check here for details on the crop!

And, don't forget the chat at My Merry Christmas today and tonight about Magic Elves. Be there or be square!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Day 24, or Rudolph Day Eve!

2008-07-24T08:23:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe that it's July 24 already. This has been such a fun month. I feel like I've accomplished lots more than I would have normally, if Ginger hadn't introduced the idea of Christmas in July all month long! It's so satisfying to know that I at least have a few things done for Christmas, and plans for the rest. As I've mentioned before, I'm a great planner, but doing is another issue entirely for me. This month, I've not only planned, I've done!! I still have a few loose ends...those clipboards, for one, but I'm getting there!

Speaking of those clipboards...they are just not looking like I wanted them to. I had a vision for both of them, but not the supplies I needed...and Wal-Mart has recently totally changed their scrapbooking department, so I can't find what I had in mind. They've added the Martha Stewart line, and it's got some wonderful stuff, just not what I had in mind. Right now, I've got the elements for a Christmas countdown, all except the numbers. I used stickers for the letters, and can't find any numbers to match. I guess I'll drag out my rubber stamps and just make number tags...probably no one else will care if they match or not, but you know that I do!!

The drink carriers, on the other hand, are going well. I have three made now, and the materials for the fourth one..it'll be yellow and red stripes and big polka dots, very country/vintage looking. I really like the papers for it..I think I'll paint it red...or yellow. LOL! I hope to have it done in time to post a picture tomorrow...if not, soon!

Yesterday I made those menu plans, today I'll be working on shopping lists for the non-perishable items for those meals.

Speaking of menus, I thought that since this is Rudolph Day Eve and Christmas Eve is only 5 sweet months away, I'd share a little of my thoughts for Christmas Eve dinner. I am absolutely goofy about Christmas Eve...it's the best part of the holiday, in my opinion!! Up until my grandmother died, we always went to her house for Christmas Eve. Some of my favorite holiday memories center around those gatherings...it all seemed so magical. I'd walk down to my grandparents' house early on Christmas Eve morning and the tree would look so pretty, but bare-just a few gifts underneath. We'd do whatever Mama Lody (my grandmother) needed done that a chubby little girl could do, then I'd go home. When we got back there later that evening (we were always the first ones there!) I'd immediately check the tree...it was just inside the front door in the living room. It would have a few more gifts than earlier, but still not as many as I knew were coming...then, after everyone got there-viola!! Piles and piles of gifts...something for everyone from everyone back in those days!! We had to wait until the adults finished eating before we opened gifts, and it seemed like it took FOREVER!! Finally my Dad would take matters into his own hands and start handing out gifts! It was so much fun and so exciting to see what we got!

The menu was almost always the same...turkey and dressing, ham, mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, black eyed peas, green beans, several other side dishes that varied from year to year, and lots and lots of desserts!!

After Mama Lody died, we started hosting Christmas Eve at our home. We don't have the crowd she had...that was our whole extended family, 30 or 40 people. We have a much quieter party. I love having our best friends join us most years, and my Mom and whoever else wants to drop by. I haven't really had a hard and fast traditional meal since I started hosting...one year we had London Broil and baked potatoes, one year chili and cheese dip! Here's what we're likely going to have this year:

Anti pasto tray
Spaghetti
Lasagna
Green salad
Herbed bread
Dessert buffet

Hot cider, eggnog and Christmas Eve Punch

I usually try to have a Christmas movie ready in the DVD player for the boys to watch while the adults finish eating. We exchange gifts after we eat, and my kids get to open one gift from us...which is always pajamas and slippers...or footie pjs for the little ones! They love those things..I'd smother to death if I had to wear them!

As our guests are leaving, we go out on the porch and sprinkle the Magic Reindeer Dust (oats and glitter) and then the boys happily go off to bed. Probably not to sleep, but to bed! We allow them to put a DVD in to go to sleep by...usually The Santa Clause!

I can't wait!!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Second Post of the day...

2008-07-23T19:40:00.000-05:00

It's a two post day!

I just wanted to report that I got the menus done! Yay! And the master bathroom is "done"! Yay! And the master bedroom is almost done! Yay!

Merry, Merry!

Day 23

2008-07-23T09:48:00.000-05:00

Man, this month is flying! I can't believe it's almost time for another Rudolph Day!!

Today is going to be rather laid back, as far as Christmas planning..I will make the December daily menus, but I need to wait on the DIBS until I get more sugar. So, I'm thinking I'll put together the ones I need for Jonah's birthday party/family breakfast on Saturday, then do the rest for Christmas on either Saturday or Sunday.

I picked up another drink carrier yesterday...this one will be red and yellow-my two favorite colors!!

I'm watching "The Holiday" on tv right now..very cute! It's set at Christmas time, but it's not really a "Christmas" movie. Very cute.

Ok, I'm off to make some menus.

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Day 22

2008-07-22T21:44:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I got a lot of clearing and decluttering done in the master bedroom, but not much Christmas prep...but that's ok. I did make another drink carrier, out of the black and white check and toile paper. I like it so much, I might keep it in my kitchen!

Today I'd planned to work on DIBS, but we ended up going to the library and some other errands, then when we got home, it started raining...and you know how I love a rainy day and new books! So, no DIBS.

Tomorrow-DIBS and menus for the entire month of December.

Day 20

2008-07-20T15:13:00.000-05:00

Today I worked on some ideas to add to my gift stash, using the Internet and some small GP booklets that I've collected over the years. Such good information in such a small little book!

Today I thought I'd share my plans for Black Friday this year...you know, the day after Thanksgiving here in the US, the day all the retailers hope we'll be out at the crack of dawn with our travel cups of coffee and sale flyers in hand, acting like maniacs trying to get the best deals in town. I'm not criticizing anyone-I've been there, done that, bought the t shirt and will likely do it again sometime! But there is a certain craziness to that day that just isn't much fun for me. So, this year, I plan to get in on the craziness in a more sane way...I'll be hosting a Black Friday Brunch for my customers to come by, shop my sale, and have a little breakfast on their way to the Next Big Sale.

I am a fashion director with Jewels by Park Lane, a home party plan line of fabulous designer jewelry. I'll be hosting the first annual Black Friday Park Lane Customer Appreciation Sale of my career! Here's a few little plans I thought I'd share with you. Details will be shared at a later date!

The menu is simple:
mini quiches (so good...actually a South Beach Diet recipe..little tiny crustless egg pies filled with fresh veggies, bits of bacon, ham and cheese. Yummy!)
fresh fruit cups (little totable cups of fruit)
ham and biscuits
muffins-blueberry, strawberry and banana nut is the plan
slices of coffeecake
a selection of juices, coffee and tea

I'll have my jewelry table set up in the living room and the food in the eat-in kitchen on the table and island. The house will still be decorated in it's fall finery, because we'll be hosting the Miller family Thanksgiving on Saturday (you're coming, right, Becki?)

I'll have some door prizes, bonus gifts for booking holiday parties with me and a fun drawing for a grand prize...to be named later!

I also will have some take home favors for everyone! Here's one I'm considering.

Shopper's Tired Tootsie Peppermint Foot Scrub
Ingredients:
Sea salt
Peppermint Essential Oil
Directions:
Mix 1/4 cup sea salt with 3 drops peppermint oil. Rub on feet, then soak in warm water.

Doesn't that sound lovely after a day of chasing bargains?

I'm planning on packaging this in little tiny jelly jars, with a cute little label on each and an instruction tag to go along with it. I might get really creative and add some food coloring to tint it...or I might just end up putting it in little snack sized ziplocks, depending on how my time/money/energy go! And, I use Epsom salts instead of sea salt when I can't find sea salt.

And, before I forget again..here's that Fabulous Five Minute Fudge recipe that I've promised so long!

Ingredients:
1 12 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate pieces ( 2 cups) (I use milk chocolate chips instead)
2/3 c. sweetened condensed milk (one half of a 14 oz. can)
1 tablespoon water
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, if desired (I use pecans or cashews...not a walnut fan)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper; set aside. In a medium microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate pieces, sweetened condensed milk, and water.

Microwave, uncovered, on 100% power (high) for 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 1 minute more, or until chocolate is meted and mixture is smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour mixture onto prepared cookie sheet and spread it into a 9x6 inch rectangle, or drop mixture by rounded teaspoons onto prepared cookie sheet.

Chill fudge about 30 minutes or until firm. Cut fudge into 1 1/2 inch squares. Makes 24 pieces.

This freezes like a dream. I've frozen a double batch in October, wrapped in a double layer of plastic wrap, then wrapped in foil, and it was very good at Christmas!

Cut it into squares and place them in candy papers (like mini cupcake liners, but made for candy. You can get them at Michael's and Hobby Lobby and probably lots of other places), then put them in a gold candy box (same sources), and wrap it all up with a foofy sheer gold ribbon. It looks fabulous and elegant, and tastes even better!

Hope you got some gems to use today!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Day 19

2008-07-19T15:27:00.000-05:00

Today is extremely hot again. I just spend two hours and $248.76 at the grocery store, and I'm honestly not in the Christmas spirit too much! But, that's not an acceptable attitude for Christmas in July, so I'm going to post a few little goodies for you, and maybe I'll get cheerier!

By the way...we postponed our family breakfast, due to the heat and the high cost of EVERYTHING. We are going to combine breakfast with Jonah's birthday party next weekend...a little breakfast, a little swimming, a little Christmas, a little birthday cake...sounds good to me! This way, everyone only has to drive here once...and with gasoline at $3.89 a gallon (and I know that's a lot less than some folks are paying), we have to conserve where we can!

Today's Christmas pearls are from another one of the Gooseberry Patch Christmas books, #8 this time. I'm so looking forward to picking up the new #10 as soon as I can find it in paperback!

*For a reminder that Santa's on his way, wire a length of sleigh bells to a fresh greenery wreath...a jolly jingle every time the door opens. (If you have little kids or if my kids visit your house, you might not want to do this one!)

*What's more cozy than gathering 'round the fireplace for hot cocoa and a chat? Stencil pine trees and stars on a large, galvanized tub. Fill the tub with wood and set by the fire to save trips out into the blustery evening. (I do this with a flat basket...decorative and functional! I also have a galvanized bucket that I keep pine cones and fire starters in, tied up with a red bow and some cinnamon sticks peeking out!)

*Write the lyrics to a favorite Christmas carol on a solid color mug using glass paint and then tuck in a package of Marshmallow Cocoa Mix...a simple, one of a kind gift!

Marshmallow Cocoa Mix
25 oz. package powdered milk
1 1/2 c. powdered non-dairy creamer
3 c. hot cocoa mix
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
2 c. mini marshmallows

Combine all ingredients; equally divide into four, one-quart jars. Attach gift tag with instructions to each jar. Makes 4 jars.

Instructions: Combine 1/2 cup mix with one cup boiling water. Makes one serving.

And here's a recipe that just screams Christmas!

Chocolate Covered Cherries

16 oz. package powdered sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 T. evaporated milk
2 t. vanilla extract
2 10 oz each jars maraschino cherries with or without stems, drained
12 oz. chocolate flavored candy coating
6 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips

Blend together sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Wrap each cherry in about 1 teaspoon sugar mixture. Arrange on waxed paper in a baking pan and chill overnight. Melt together the candy coating and chocolate chips in a double boiler. Stir until melted and blended. Use a candy dipper to dip cherries in chocolate, tapping off excess. Place on waxed paper to cool. Makes about 4 1/2 dozen.

And, finally, a great recipe for a mix in a jar gift, or for serving guests!

Creamy Potato Soup Mix

3 1/2 c. instant mashed potato flakes
3 c. powdered milk
1/4 c. chicken bouillon granules
.09 oz. pkg. vegetable soup mix
2 T. dried parsley
1 t. salt
1/2 t. black pepper

Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container until ready to give. Attach instructions. Makes about 6 3/4 cups soup mix.

Instructions:
Place one cup soup mix in 2 1/2 cups boiling water. Stir until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Makes one serving.

I like this with oyster crackers, but plain old saltines are good with it, too! Served with a grilled cheese sandwich, it's a hearty, filling lunch on a cold, wintery day!!

Well! I'm feeling cheerier already!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Day-can you believe it? 18!

2008-07-18T09:35:00.000-05:00

Half over. Already. Time is flying by. Check out the banner above this post if you don't believe me. That tells you exactly when Christmas will be here. And don't fool yourself, it will be here before you know it!

Although it may seem a little nutty, July really is a great time to get things done for Christmas. For one thing, and for me the main thing, is that it's easier on the budget to spread spending out over a few months rather than a few weeks, or in the case of my brothers and other men I know, a few days. Now that's nutty! Anywho...if you know what you want to get someone, you can be watching for sales, and sometimes you stumble upon a stellar Christmas gift that you hadn't even thought of. It can be purchased, wrapped and tagged and safely tucked away in your closet for giving at the Yuletide. How cool is that!

My goal this year is to be done with all my shopping for gifts by November 1. This has been my goal for several years now, and I've never actually accomplished that goal, but here's hoping that this is the year! I usually wait until fall to get the boys' big stuff, simply because they change their minds about a dozen times and I want the "latest updated list" when I start shopping. If I've done the bulk of my shopping early, when they throw a ringer in-like when the visit Santa at the mall a week before Christmas and tell him they really, really, really only want XXX or YYY, and this is the first you've heard of it-you still have a little jingle in your pocket to get it. Hopefully!

Also, by having menus made out for holiday meals and making a "non-perishables" shopping list, I can pick things up as I'm doing my regular shopping. I set aside a big laundry basket in the pantry for these things, with little sticky notes all over them saying things like "for Thanksgiving at Mom's" or "Christmas Eve dinner" or "Halloween chili makings" or things like that. I keep a running list of what I've purchased so that I know, the week before Halloween for example, I need to pick up the ground beef for the chili and the candy for the trick or treaters, but everything else is done, in the bag...well, basket. See how that works!

Another great reason to plan ahead is so that if you have an unexpected emergency just before Christmas, you are still ok. One year I had surgery on both feet, two weeks apart. By the way, I highly DON'T recommend that. Anyway I had shopped early and was prepared with gifts for everyone, and didn't have to brave the crowds with casts on both feet. Another year I had a baby on December 19, but we won't go into that! I was unprepared for lots of things that year! LOL! But, it taught me to be ready for those little unexpected happenings. (Yes, I knew that the baby, who turned out to be Jacob, was coming. I just thought he was coming AFTER Christmas....turned out he wanted to celebrate, too!)

So, hopefully, that explains a little of this Christmas craziness in the middle of July!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Day 17

2008-07-17T08:53:00.000-05:00

It's supposed to be 95 degrees today. I have no desire to step out of my house. I need to clean for our family breakfast on Saturday, and get some decorating done. So, that's my focus today. Not very exciting, but necessary.

Since no sane person wants to read about house cleaning, today I've decided to share more pearls of wisdom from my collection of Christmas books. This recipe comes from Gooseberry Patch Christmas book #2. I keep this made up, in a small jar in the spice cabinet. It is wonderful on French bread, but I've used it on biscuits to make them savory, then served them with spaghetti or lasagna. I also like to package it in those cute little 4 oz. jelly jars, put a spiffy little label on it and give it as a gift. If I have them, I use herbs from my garden, dried, for this mix. So, here goes:

Garden Herb Bread Blend

1/3 c. dried parsley flakes
1/3 c. dried minced onions (I use onion powder, due to the "is there anything weird in this" factor at my house)
2 1/2 T. dried basil
2 1/2 t. dried thyme leaves
2 1/2 t. dried oregano leaves
1 1/4 t. garlic powder

Blend herbs together in bowl. Package in airtight container or bag. Makes one cup or enough for 6 loaves of bread.

The recipe actually calls for putting the mix right into the bread dough, and I will share that recipe with you. However, I usually just brush melted butter or drizzle olive oil on my bread slices, then sprinkle with the mix. Bake in a 350 degree oven, serve with additional oil for dipping, if desired.

Bread Recipe:
3-4 t. Garden Bread Herb Blend
1 pkg. hot roll mix
4 T. margarine, divided
1 egg

Add Garden Herb blend to dry hot roll mix. Follow the instructions on hot roll mix box for mixing, kneading and resting. Shape dough into regular size or mini loaves or follow instructions on box for rolls. Allow dough to rise. Bake regular sized bread loaves in greased loaf pans for 35-40 minutes at 375 degrees. Bake mini loaves about 10 minutes less, 25-30 minutes. Brush tops with remaining 2T margarine.

Reading this recipe, it's not clear what you do with the egg or the first 2 T. margarine...I guess you need them for the bread recipe.

I might try this as a bread this weekend..it sounds really good.

Now, some ideas from GP#2, as I refer to the books in my notes!

*A fire in the fireplace says "welcome". Keep several dry logs nearby as well as a bucketful of cinnamon pine cones for a quick country fire. The heat from the fire will scent the entire room with cinnamon.

*Don't throw away those beautiful cards. Use them to create your own ornaments and package tie-ons. Cut off the back of the card and trim around the picture, if you wish. Punch a small hole at the top. Lightly coat with spray adhesive and dust with glitter for all-over sparkle, or use a glue stick to highlight certain areas. Sprinkle on the glitter, then shake the excess onto a newspaper. Thread a piece of raffia, twine or ribbon through the hole and you have a wonderful ornament or darling package tie-on!

*Make snow days extra special for the kids....tell stories, go sledding, make cocoa, sing Christmas carols, watch Christmas movies, wrap presents... (ok, this one is wishful thinking on my part...snow in Arkansas is an exception, rather than a rule. However, in the 10 Christmases we've been married, we've had at least 3 white Christmases. Not too bad!)

*Freshly baked coffee cake makes a welcome gift! Tuck it into a round basket lined with a cheery red fabric. Trim the edge of the basket with greenery, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves and sprigs of berries. Tie your gift card to the handle with several strands of raffia.

And, here's a yummy coffee cake to go in that festive basket!

Jean's Coffee Cake
Coffee Cake:
1/2 c. butter, softened
1 c. sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
2 c. all purpose flour
1 c. sour cream
2 c. fresh raspberries, or frozen, thawed and drained

Topping:
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1/4 c. butter, softened
1/4 c. all-purpose flour

For coffee cake, cream butter and sugar; add eggs, baking powder and baking soda. Alternately add flour and sour cream to mixture and fold in raspberries. Pour into a well-buttered Bundt pan. For topping, combine brown sugar and butter, mixing well. Add flour; mixture will be lumpy. Spread on coffee cake batter; bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

I think I'll make this for our breakfast Saturday, but I'm going to sub strawberries for raspberries. Try this and let me know if you like it!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry
Cathy

Day 16

2008-07-16T10:14:00.000-05:00

Glittering and painting is the order of the day today at the Hamlet. We plan to use these ornaments for the centerpiece for our family breakfast on Saturday, as well as on the year-round tree in the living room.

I need to get that tree decorated today...then tomorrow and Friday I'll clean the house...maybe. Maybe not. We'll see....

I got a new cookbook yesterday-except that it's new only in the sense that I just acquired it. I bought it off of Amazon for $1.89 with $3 shipping. It's an older book and it's used, but very gently! It's Susan Branch's Vineyard Seasons...More from the Heart of the Home. I have her autumn, Christmas and summer books from the Heart of the Home, so I needed this one to fill out the collection-right, Becki??

The ever lovely Ms. Branch is very talented with her writing and her art...her watercolors dot the book, and are as fun to look at as the recipes. Amazon has a large selection in the used section of her books...they are worth the price. She also has a cool web site...check it out!

She addresses each season in this book...not as much fall and winter as I'd like, but then I do have whole books she's written devoted to those subjects. So, from Susan Branch's Vineyard Seasons' book, here's a wonderful sounding recipe...light, but sweet and oh, so simple..

Nut Bread

325 degrees, makes 1 loaf

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/3 c. sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 c. milk

1/2 c. walnuts, chopped (I'll substitute pecans or almonds here...don't care for walnuts!)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together with a fork. Beat the egg, mix it with milk and pour into dry ingredients. Mix well, stir in nuts. Pour into buttered bread pan; bake 35 minutes til toothpick comes out dry. Serve with softened butter.

Doesn't that sound simple and yummy? Wouldn't that make a great bread to make in bulk for gifts...if you used the mini pans you could get 2 or 3 loaves out of it...oh, I know...I have a cool little mini bundt pan that would make great little individual gifts...I'm off to add this to my gift list!!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Can you believe it? Day 15 Already!!

2008-07-15T08:49:00.000-05:00

People, it's July 15th!! The middle of the month...five weeks until school starts (praise God!)...two weeks until my trip to Chicago...and only 163 days until Christmas! So exciting!

Today I had on my schedule to make an altered drink carrier and to make more salt dough ornaments tomorrow. I'm actually a bit ahead of that schedule...the salt doughs are made, just waiting paint and glitter. So I've decided that today I'll make a run to Sonic (when I go to the laundry mat to do some towels and underwear...washer is on the blink and won't be fixed until Friday) and get a drink carrier (or maybe two, if I'm lucky enough!) and get those done tonight or tomorrow. I have the paper cut, so it's just a matter of painting them and gluing on the paper.

Then tomorrow we'll paint and glitter, and I'll use those little masterpieces on the centerpiece for breakfast Saturday.

So, see, things ARE getting done...just on a slightly different schedule than originally planned. And, People, that is progress in this house!!

And a special thanks to my buddy Ginger for putting my little projects on the front page of MHH! Whoo hoo! I'm famous! LOL!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Post it Pad project

2008-07-14T12:02:00.000-05:00

These Post-It pad stands are the cutest little quickie project ever! If you can measure and cut paper, you can make it! I used the fabulous black and white toile and checked paper that I love so much, then snazzed it up a touch with a thin black satin ribbon. I put a bow on it, but decided I liked it better without it. I also tried it with a wider ribbon, but I really like the thinner ribbon better. You could use whichever one you like. This will be a great little stocking stuffer for almost anyone, and how perfect for teachers?? Pair this with a matching altered clipboard for a shopping list, and viola! Instant gift with a personal touch!! Make some today!!

And don't forget to cut a small rectangle of paper to slide down into the RSVP pen..they come in all colors, so you can color coordinate your entire project! Isn't this fun??

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Catching Up

2008-07-14T08:22:00.000-05:00

I didn't do as much over the weekend as I'd planned...life seems to get in the way of our best laid plans and ideas, doesn't it? I wanted to finish up those clipboards from last week, but didn't get around to it...we had so much "regular" stuff to get done this weekend. However, that's the beauty of doing Christmas projects in July...you have plenty of time to get back on track.

So far, the only thing I'm not really happy about is purchasing the stocking stuffers...I've had van problems and have to try to combine my trips to get the most out of a borrowed vehicle...and I've forgotten to add dollar store trips in every time. Hopefully that will be resolved soon...And, stocking stuffers are the topic of discussion this week on the boards at Magical Holiday Home! Check it out!

I need to pick up supplies for this week...actually, I think I'm going to veer slightly off track and focus on finishing up what I've started in previous weeks, and getting ready for our monthly family breakfast on Saturday. The theme is, of course, Christmas in July. I need to finish up the two clipboards I've started, and trim out those drink boxes. I have paper cut for three more, including the toile and checked paper I showed you earlier! Can't wait to make another Sonic run to get more drink boxes!! LOL!

I did get a post it note stand made...I'll show you a picture soon! Meanwhile, here's a link to the discussion on MHH. Click on the link in the first post and look at it...it's cute. Then I'll show you mine!!

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Day 11-Some down time!

2008-07-11T13:53:00.000-05:00

Day 11 already!! I'm so pleased with the progress I've made this month. I have several gifts prepared and ideas for a bunch more, as well as my lists and menus made. Plus, the boys have had a blast, too.

Today my "assignment" is to purchase 8 $1 stocking stuffers. I'll look for those when I go to the grocery store later on. I'm sort of out of sorts today-headache, stuffy nose, etc. I am taking some down time this afternoon. Tomorrow is soon enough to make another craft!

Speaking of tomorrow, one of my projects (probably the only one I'll have time to do) is to get my laundry room cleared, cleaned and organized so that I can store all these holiday treasures I've created!

What are you doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Day 10

2008-07-10T07:01:00.001-05:00

See this fabric? They are two of my favorite fabrics in my entire house. The cream and red toile is my window treatment in our bedroom. For my on-going angst about it, check out the Hamlet. The black and white check is part of what I often use on my kitchen table...I have three different sized black and white checks that I use often. I love toile and checks together. As most of you know, I'm working on several paper projects that I would LOVE to use toile and checks on. But, have you ever tried to find scrapbook paper in toile and checks. I KNOW that there is some out there, but I haven't been too successful in finding it. So, I made my own!!

The photo below is photocopies of the fabric! I just took it over to Office Depot, paid eight cents per copy for black and white copies and VIOLA!! Check and toile papers! I did two different versions of the toile...and I plan to take the other sized checked pieces over there and copy them, too. And, later on, I'll be copying the red in color to wrap gifts. Is that cool, or what!

Look for these little gems on a clipboard, drink box or other craft, coming soon!!

Speaking of clipboards, I haven't forgotten them...I just haven't gotten them where I want them to be, so I haven't posted pictures of them, yet. But I will. Just as soon as they are done. I promise!!

And, I haven't forgotten my salt dough pictures...just not quite done with that yet, either. Look for it soon!!

What are you doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Cutie Pie Ornaments

2008-07-09T21:20:00.000-05:00

Remember, we made salt dough ornaments yesterday. So, today we painted and glittered them, of course! I now have glitter on everything in my kitchen, and what's not glittered is painted. And some things are both. But, the ornaments turned out very cute! Remember, each boy cut out, painted and glittered his own ornaments. These particular ornaments will be on their own trees in their room at Christmas.

These are Jonah's ornaments. I'm not really sure what the brown rabbit has to do with Christmas, but hey-it's his tree, he can have what he wants! Check out the fabulous silver glittered shirt on the cowboy! Can you say "urban cowboy"?

And these are Benjie's ornaments. You'll notice that B (as we call him) has a little of his mom in him...his ornaments are multi-toned glittery creations-no simple one color glitter for B! I especially like the glittered trains-who wouldn't want to ride on a glitter covered train?

Tomorrow, I'll show you my salt dough creations and another little project I'm working on...see the fabrics in the above pictures? It involves both of those!

What are you doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Drink Carriers!

2008-07-08T07:57:00.000-05:00

OK, here's an easy breezy idea for a gift basket. If you've ever been to a Sonic Drive-in and ordered more than two drinks, they probably asked you if you needed a drink carrier. Next time, say yes, even if you don't, and make some of these! They are very simple-if you can cut and paste, you can make these! I used scrapbook paper that I had, but you could totally do them in Christmas, fall, spring..whatever the occasion calls for! Mine have a real vintage feel, and you know how I love vintage things!

Here's a quick rundown on how to do them!

Choose your paper. I used two coordinating papers, but you could do each section different, or all the same, using only one paper. Using a pencil, open up your drink box as if you were putting drinks in it, then use a plain piece of paper to trace each section. I didn't worry with the inside...it won't show once the jars of goodies are added, but you could cover it if you wanted. I think the next ones I do I'm going to use a little craft paint and cover it first, then the "raw" edges won't make much difference. Then, using whatever kind of glue you want to use-white glue thinned with a little water and brushed on, glue stick (that's what I used) or even spray adhesive, if you are clever enough to get that stuff only on the paper-I end up spraying everything around me. Then just stick it on...I used a wide craft stick to "burnish" it and make it smooth.

I also made little gift tags to go with it, using purchased luggage type tags and gluing coordinating paper on them. These will be the "to" and "from" tags...I'll make miniatures of them to identify the contents of each item I put in the carriers.

I'm planning to use them as breakfast baskets, with jars of drink mixes, homemade apple butter, and candy and a cello wrapped loaf of quick bread. I'll put ribbon and raffia on everything, properly foofying it for giving purposes!

Well, what do you think? I have about 6 more of these to make. The uses are endless...put silverware in them for a picnic, put a jar of spaghetti sauce, a package of spaghetti, a jar of Parmesan cheese and a loaf of French bread in it for an Italian dinner gift basket. What would you do with it?

What are you doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Salt Dough Ornaments

2008-07-07T09:13:00.000-05:00

Two posts in one day! A first for this blog, I think...maybe not. Anyway...here's the promised recipe for salt dough ornaments. As I mentioned in the other post, rolling out dough is not big in list of fun things, but this is different...it's kind of fun because it really doesn't matter if it's not perfect-it's going to be a homemade Christmas ornament made by 7 and 8 year old boys...I just tell them the imperfections are part of the charm. So far, they buy it!

Salt Dough Cookie Ornaments
Ingredients:
4 cups flour
1 cup salt
1-1/2 cups hot water (from tap)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil (optional)

Mix the salt and flour together, then gradually add the water until the dough becomes elastic. (Some recipes call for 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil at this point.) If your mixture turns out too sticky, simply add more flour. If it turns out too crumbly, simply add more water. Knead the dough until it’s a good consistency for rolling, roll it out on a lightly floured board, drag out the cookie cutters and let the kids have fun!

After the ornaments are cut out, use a drinking straw to make a hole at the top for hanging the ornament, place them on a cookie sheet and bake at 200 degrees for as long as it takes to get the dough hard and light brown, usually about an hour or so. Let them cool, paint and glitter them to your heart's content, and call them Christmas ornaments!

For storage purposes, I would not store them in extreme conditions, such as in our storage building outside. They need to be wrapped in tissue and placed in an uncrushable storage box, such as those plastic lidded shoe boxes that Wal-Mart sells. Then keep them in the top of your closet or someplace else relatively warm/cool when you are not proudly displaying them.

I have to run now, but I'll be sharing more gift ideas, especially gift in a jar ideas, and I still have that Fabulous Five Minute Fudge recipe for you...

What are you doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

DIBS

2008-07-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you're a baker, then you know the importance of having all your ingredients at hand before you begin your project. I'm not much of a baker...rolling out dough is right up there with getting a tetnus shot, in my opinion. I can manage the slice and bakes, but truthfully, I like the new separate from the others and bake much better. What I like best is to have someone else, like my mom or Melissa, bake them and bring them to me. But, again, I digress (that seems to be an on-going problem with me!). I do like to make quick breads, usually starting in early October and going all through the winter. I like to include them in little gifty baskets-sometimes in breakfast or tea baskets, other times just by themselves. I am making plans to present them in unique ways this Christmas.

My friend ChristmasCreations over at MHH has hit upon an ingenious idea-the woman is GOOD at this kind of stuff! Her idea is to create what she calls DIBS-Dry Ingredient Bag Setups. It's just what it sounds like-bags of dry ingredients, measured and prepped and stored for adding fresh ingredients when you are ready. It's like homemade cake mixes, in quick bread variety. I am going to do these for banana bread, pumpkin bread and Cheery Cherry Christmas Bread. I plan to vacuum seal mine and put them in the freezer, properly labeled and ready to roll when I am! Isn't this an ingenius idea? It's one of those "why didn't I think of that" kind of things. Thanks, CC!!

Cheery Cherry Christmas Bread

1 cup sugar

1/2 c. margarine

2 eggs

1 teaspoon soda

3 tablespoons hot water

3 bananas, mashed

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 6 oz. package chocolate chips

1 6 oz. jar maraschino cherries, chopped

1 cup chopped nuts

Cream sugar, margarine and eggs in bowl until light and fluffy. Add mixture of soda and water; mix well. Stir in bananas, flour and salt; mix well. Add chocolate chips, cherries and nuts. Pour into two 5x9 inch greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until bread tests done. Yield: 24 servings

So good and so festive!

For some gifts, I'm going to wrap each loaf, whether big or mini, tightly in plastic wrap, then use cellophane to overwrap that and tie each end with curling ribbon, making it look like a big piece of candy! Others will be wrapped in plastic wrap then slipped into a cello bag and tied off with curling ribbon and raffia. I'm also making handmade tags to attach to the gift to identify the giver, receiver and contents.

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July?

Merry, Merry!

Cathy

Day 6!

2008-07-06T13:42:00.000-05:00

Today is officially day 6 of Christmas in July, and I actually feel like I've accomplished some things. I didn't get to shop for 8 stocking stuffers this weekend as I'd planned-we're having van trouble and I hated to borrow Mom's truck again or ask Lynn to tote me around in his truck-which I DO NOT drive...so I'll try to do that tomorrow or sometime this week.

On tap for this week are clipboards, drink carriers and salt dough ornaments. I'm going to make at least one clipboard as a countdown calender, and the other a hugs and kisses-minus the picture. I'll have to add it later, because I want to do a Christmas photo, and I can't talk Lynn and the kids into putting on sweaters and Santa hats in July for a photo. I can make the rest and leave the picture for last.

The salt dough ornaments are going to be gifts and for our trees. I'm planning on doing cowboys and cowboy hats for the little boys' cowboy themed room (and let them paint their own ornaments), and some heart shaped ones for our tree in our room, as well as some other trees. My theme this year is "The Heart of Christmas" and I want to use at least one or two hearts on each tree in the house. I also have a star cookie cutter, so I was thinking they would make good teacher and neighbor gifts...painted a bright color and glittered to high heaven!

Tomorrow I'll share the recipe for salt-dough ornaments and also some more gift ideas!!

What are you doing to get ready for Christmas in July??

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Days 4 & 5

2008-07-05T15:47:00.000-05:00

We had a fun filled fourth yesterday, starting with a gathering at my Mom's house with about 40 people, and ending with fireworks in the park! I think it was the best fireworks display our town has ever had..but I think I say that every year.

I completed two altered drink carriers, so I'm not too badly behind. We have plans to go to some friends' house in a little while to swim, have dinner and dessert, then swim some more. However, it's pouring buckets of rain right now, so we might not get to go. The boys are going to be terribly disappointed if we don't. Here's hoping!!

I'll try to post pictures soon of the drink carriers..they are pretty cute, if I do say so myself. They still need a little dressing up...some raw edges are showing where my pattern was not exactly accurate...I'm not sure how I'll cover that up yet.

When we get back from Eddie and Melissa's, I plan to paint two clipboards to get ready for tomorrow. I still haven't decided on what format I'm going to use on them...probably a Christmas countdown for at least one of them.

What are YOU doing to get ready for Christmas in July??

Merry, Merry
Cathy

PS To Becki: Rising prices is one of the main reasons I'm doing this as seriously this year as I am. I am scared of how much things will cost by December...it's bad enough right now. Good for you...let me know how things are going for you! C-

Day 3 and 4!

2008-07-03T12:11:00.000-05:00

I had some computer problems yesterday, so I didn't get to post what I'd planned. Rest assured, though, that I did some Christmas work...I started the grocery lists for all the parties and gatherings coming up this fall and holiday season. I didn't get it finished, but I started it!!

Today I'm planning to work on an altered clipboard for a gift. I'll pick up the supplies in a little while when I go to the grocery store, and make it tonight. I'm debating on whether to do it as a Christmas countdown or like the others I did with the boys' pictures on it. I'll let you know tomorrow what I decide.

In the meantime, here's some more gift ideas from the Celebrating-Christmas 2004 magazine. These are all for gift mixes in a jar...one of my favorite things to make for gifts!

*Muffin Mix
2 c. self-rising flour
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. chopped dried apple

Combine and store in an airtight container. Attach the following recipe to the jar:

Apple Muffins
Contents of jar
1 egg
3/4 c. milk
1/4 c. vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pour jar contents into medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.

*Rum Balls in a Jar
2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup finely chopped almonds
2 tbsp. cocoa powder
1 1/2 instant coffee crystals
1/2 tsp. cinnamon, optional

Layer ingredients into a one quart jar, tamping down layers to eliminate air gaps. Attach the following recipe to the jar:

Place contents of jar into a bowl. Add 4-5 tablespoons rum (I would think a few drops of rum extract would work, also) expresso and/or coffee. Form into small balls. Roll in powdered sugar. Place on a cookie sheet to dry. Store in airtight container.

*Spice Cake Mix
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 cup nuts, chopped

Combine and store in an airtight container. Attach the following recipe to the jar:

Pour jar contents into a mixing bowl. Add 2 eggs, 1/2 cup oil, 1/4 cup applesauce, and 1 tsp. vanilla and mix well. Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan and bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes.
(Note: I make a cake I call a "Harvest Cake" using this same recipe, with the addition of a can of pumpkin, a handful of raisins, a handful of dried cranberries and about a half cup or so of chopped nuts. Then I frost it with a cream cheese icing...yummy!!)

*Christmas Soup Mix
1/2 cup split peas
1/3 cup beef bouillion granules
1/4 cup pearl barley
1/2 cup lentils
1/4 cup dried minced onions
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning mix
1 cup raw long grain white rice

In a quart jar, layer the ingredients in the order listed. Seal the jar tightly.

Gift tag directions:
In a large soup pot, brown 1 pound of ground beef or 1 pound cubed chicken breast; drain. Add 3 quarts water, a 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes with their liquid and the soup mix. Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer about 1 hour.

Doesn't that soup sound good?? I love soup, eat it all year long-yes, even in the summer!

More goodies tomorrow, God and the computer willing!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Day 2 of the 31 Days of Rudolph

2008-07-01T07:10:00.000-05:00

I spent a little time yesterday working on my calendar for the holidays. Of course, it's hard to know what will pop up between now and then, but there are a few "written in stone" things that I can plan, and still be flexible enough for the pop-ups! Some things I am relatively certain that we'll be doing are:

*In September, we'll be hosting our monthly family breakfast on September 20 and I have Bunco here on September 11. We'll need menus for both of those events

*In October, we have breakfast on the 11th (moved from the 18th because of the NEXT BIG WEDDING on the 18th), our Halloween party, Boo!Bash2! on the 25th and then Halloween itself on the 31st. We always have friends over for dinner and trick or treating, so I'll need to plan that dinner. Additionally in October, we have our anniversary-#10!! on October 2 and my birthday is the 16th. We are planning a little anniversary trip the weekend of the 3rd, so we'll see how that goes.

*November brings breakfast on the 15th, Thanksgiving at my Mom's on the 27th (I'll be doing a few dishes for this), Holiday Open House for my business on Black Friday (November 28), and then Lynn's family Thanksgiving on the 29th. Then, it's on to:

*December, which, of course, is a busy, busy month! It starts in early December, the first in fact, with our local Christmas parade. This has become a big deal with our family, because that's when the big jolly elf in red velvet makes his first appearance around here. I'm not sure how much longer we'll have little believers in our house, so I want to make the most of this. The picture above is from last year's parade...you can see the excitement on Jacob's face! We usually have a soup supper that night, then I make popcorn and hot chocolate to tote with us to watch the parade. After, we hit the courthouse lawn for choirs singing, decoration looking and cookie munching! How fun!! December marches on with a brunch I'm planning at church (more on this later), family breakfast, Jacob's birthday, Mom's birthday, Christmas Eve at our house, Christmas day and New Year's Eve meals to be planned.

So, my chore today is to plan the menus for all the above!! But first, we're off to the movie for the $1 matinee, then I'll settle down and get this done! Well, that's the plan anyway!!

What are YOU doing in July to get ready for Christmas?

Merry, Merry!'

Cathy

And, we're off!

2008-06-30T09:39:00.000-05:00

Today is the start of Magical Holiday Home's Christmas in July, or what I'm calling 31 Days of Rudolph!! That means I have 31 days to prepare for Christmas. My list of plans are posted below, in case you missed it!

Today is calendar day. I'll spend some time working on plans for December-making notes of special dates, scheduling pictures, etc and also planning a few parties! I love to party!!

Additionally, this month I hope to be able to post every day, at least a short post. The boys are on board with this--well, the little ones are, anyway! I hope to post a few decorating and party tips and hints, some menu and recipe ideas and just spread general Christmas cheer! Don't forget to click on the blog ring links on the sidebar-you'll find a wealth of info on these Christmas crazies blogs! So nice to be in good company!! Also, Ginger has all kinds of cool things going on over at MHH! Check it out!!

Today's tips come from the 2004 edition of the ezine, Celebrating Christmas. If you haven't discovered this little gem, check it out!! It is chock full of tips, ideas and recipes and they even have an archive for earlier issues. I have downloaded each and printed them out for my files, and I always save it on a flash drive to have for reference on the computer.

Here's some ideas from an article entitled 101 Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas: (My notes are in parenthesis.

*While you are baking for your family, bake a few extra cakes to use as gifts. Round and square shaped cakes never go out of style, but if you're baking for kids, considering investing in some fun shaped pans. (My Mom made pound cakes for gifts one year, and presented them in stockings-how cute is that?)

*Quick breads are easy to make and are also popular Christmas gifts. (Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap them again in either plastic or cellophane and tie each end with a curling ribbon to make it look like a big candy piece-Festive!!)

*Fudge is another quick and easy thing to make. (I have a great fudge recipe that I'll post later. It's fun to make it and pour it into large cookie cutters-lay the cutter on a piece of waxed paper and pour the fudge into it. Let it cool, then wrap the candy filled cutter in plastic wrap and tie it all up with curling ribbon.)

*Decorate a diary or notebook with any form of art that you are good at-scrapbook, photos, whatever-and present as a journal. (Check out the printable journal prompts and create a journal jar to go with your gift at Organized Christmas. Just go to the printables menu on the sidebar, click and print! )

Maybe that will get the old creative juices flowing!! More to follow!

Merry, Merry!
Cathy

Rudolph Day Eve

2008-06-24T13:30:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is Rudolph Day! I can't wait to put on a Christmas movie and do a little work on my notebook. It needs to be decluttered and tidied up a bit.

I'm also planning on making a list of supplies I'll need for next week-first week of Christmas in July!! Whoo hoo...stay tuned...there's SOME FUN coming!

Merry, merry!
Cathy

Already, Some Changes!!

2008-06-16T09:04:00.000-05:00

Ginger posted a really cute craft over at MHH for the week of July 13...Post it Note stands. They are terribly cute...and look easy enough for even me to do! So, I'm thinking I'll add them in somewhere...I worked on the altered drink boxes yesterday...they are simply drink carriers from the Sonic, covered with scrapbook paper. I had one drink carrier (from an impromptu Sonic Blast and Milkshake run Saturday night!) and a package of 12x12 paper, so I used a piece of cardboard and made a pattern. Then, I just cut out the pattern pieces from the scrapbook paper, paperclipped them together and put them in gallon ziplock bags to make "kits" for the days I'm working on those. I guess those directions are kind of sketchy, but stay tuned...I have pictures that I'll post on the days that I'm working on them. I plan to use them to present homemade food items...quick bread loaves, jars of apple butter, drink mixes in jars...whatever I decide to give. I may use them for breakfast baskets for our siblings and friends. The only problem is that once the paper is glued on, you can't collapse the carton, so storage may be an issue. The way I'll get around that is that I won't glue the end pieces just yet, just the sides, then collapse them for storage, and glue the ends on when I get ready to prepare them for giving.

The paper I've used is vintage looking and kind of old fashioned, so I'm thinking when I present them I'll use raffia instead of ribbon to foofify them and make them oh, so pretty!

I am very excited about Christmas in July, in case you can't tell! I am hoping to create another list for mid-October through mid-November to finish up...Sarah (my niece) is planning a wedding for mid-October, so I'll be a little bit busy until then....she's a great deal like me, so I'm very scared!! LOL!!

Merry, merry!

Cathy

Christmas in July schedule-31 Days of Rudolph!

2008-06-15T10:58:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of Santa in early September!! Who knew that he works at Kringles in Branson, MO??!!

Here's my tentative schedule for Christmas in July. Things may change as the month progresses...we all know that "real life" tends to get in the way more often than not. Also, I may change things to go along with Ginger's plans over at MHH. I know she has some crafty things going on over there, but honestly right now my plan is work on some things that I'd already decided to do for gifts. However, I could change my mind...it's been known to happen! So, here's how it looks right now!!

June 30-Calender jumpstart day. I'll prepare a calendar and small notebook to use this month

July 1-Plan party menus

July 2-Make shopping list for above menus, with a section for non-perishables and a check off box for when they are purchased, as well as a note about where they are stored.

July 3-Make one altered clipboard

July 4-Celebrate the USA; make one altered drink box (details later)

July 5-Buy at least 8 stocking stuffers-limit $1.00 each

July 6-Make one altered drink carrier

July 7-Make one clipboard

July 8-Make and bake salt dough ornaments for our tree and for gifts-do this in the afternoon/evening, after it's cooled off a bit

July 9-With the boys' help, paint and glitter half the salt dough ornaments

July 10-Paint and glitter the other half of the ornaments

July 11-Buy 8 $1 each stocking stuffers

July 12-Make one altered clipboard

July 13-Make one altered drink carrier

July 14-Make one altered clipboard

July 15-Make one altered drink carrier

July 16-Make salt dough ornaments and bake (see details on July 8)

July 17-Paint and glitter ornaments

July 18-Buy at least 8 $1 stocking stuffers

July 19-Monthly themed family breakfast-theme-what else-Christmas in July!! I'm going to use my Christmas linens and dishes, and have a tiny decorated tree for the centerpiece

July 20-Make altered clipboard

July 21-Make altered drink carrier

July 22-DIBS-Dry Ingredients in Bags Setup-idea from the ever creative Christmas Creations over at MHH...we'll put together the dry ingredients for quick breads to bake for gifts and holiday snacking...I'm going to vacuum seal mine and put them in the freezer

July 23-Plan daily menus for December, with calender of events in mind

July 24-Make shopping lists for December menus, separated into non-perishables and last minute buys...the plan is to take this list to Sam's and start purchasing what I can as early as possible, continuing throughout the fall. Goal is to have all non-perishables purchased by mid-November

July 25-Celebrate Christmas in July by purchasing at least 8 $1.00 stocking stuffers and buying a new dress up outfit to take to Chicago! I'll try to make it one I could wear for a Christmas party, if possible

July 26-Jonah's birthday party at the lake!

July 27-Jonah's actual birthday...not sure what will happen this day!!

July 28-Make altered clipboard

July 29-Make altered drink carrier

July 30-Make Magic Reindeer Dust-vacuum seal or put in gallon ice cream bucket until time to package for individual giving

July 31-Leave for Jewels by Park Lane conference in Chicago!! Look for stocking stuffers/gifts at airports and in Chicago!!

Wow! If I get all of that done, I'll be in good shape!! Next time I'll list supply lists for my crafty projects!

Happy Christmas planning!!

Cathy

Christmas in July

2008-06-07T14:50:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned before, Ginger over at Magical Holiday Home is planning a month long Christmas in July event. The whole purpose, of course, is to spend some time getting ready for the real deal a mere 5 months later! I've been working on a few ideas for my own Christmas in July to go along with Ginger's fabulous plans. For each week she has a movie planned, a craft, a chat with specific topics, and several other things. I am going to try to use this time as 31 mini Rudolph Days and do at least one thing Christmas prep related each day. It may be a tiny thing, but I'm going to work hard at getting as much done as possible. Here's a tentative list of things I might work on..how's that for evasive!!

+Shopping-I want to get at least 31 stocking stuffers purchased this month...that's a trip to the dollar store per day!
+Make several drink mixes (see recipes below) and vacuum seal them for later.
+Purchase jars for presenting mixes
+Make homemade apple butter
+Make homemade jalapeno jelly
+Participate in Ginger's crafty plans
+Decide on menus and make shopping lists
+Watch Ginger's movie of the week
+Read Christmas novels
+Celebrate with Christmas breakfast

Not sure what else I'll do, but that's sort of the starting point!

Merry, Merry!!
Cathy

Goodies from Gooseberry Patch!

2008-06-06T09:05:00.000-05:00

Those of you who know me or read my blogs regularly know that I am a huge fan of Gooseberry Patch books. I love the whole shabang-their catalog, their booklets, their Christmas books-I understand #10 is now available! Whoo Hoo-and their cookbooks. Since I've been reading a Christmas themed novel and have gotten into the spirit, I thought I'd list a few little hints and ideas from their "Christmas Crafts" booklets. These little gems are very inexpensive-about $6.00 or so-and are just jam-packed with ideas, projects and fun!! If you haven't seen them, check out their website. Cute, cute stuff!

Here's some things I thought you might enjoy, in the heat of June!

Non-traditional gift wrap ideas:

*Tuck a packet of cocoa, a holiday mug, a spoon and a fragrant orange in a bright red stocking cap...a fun way to give a yummy gift!

*Tie big individual popcorn balls up in clear or blue plastic wrap...add a silver chiffon ribbon with long ribbon streamers...neat neighbor gifts!

*Wrap a box in shiny white paper-glue half a styrofoam ball on the box. Decorate ball with snowman button eyes and mouth...add a bright red ribbon bow-tie under his chin! (Isn't that just the CUTEST idea ever???)

*Spray paint or sponge green paint on an old clay pot-tuck in a raggedy piece of burlap and put a tiny evergreen in the pot...it's a natural!!

Winter Warmers to share:

*Hot Cocoa Mocha
3 c. hot cocoa mix
1/2 c. instant coffee
3/4 t. cinnamon
1/2 c. mini marshmallows
Quart sized canning jar with lid

Blend hot cocoa mix, instant coffee and spice together. Pour mix into jar, top with marshmallows. Tie on a copy of these directions:

Add 3 tablespoons mix to 2/3 cup boiling water. Stir and enjoy!!

Note: if you blend the cocoa, coffee and cinnamon in your blender it gets really fine and powdery and dissolves like a dream in hot water! But, obviously, you should do this before you add the marshmallows!!

Vanilla Cream Coffee
1 c. instant coffee powder
1 1/4 c. powdered coffee creamer
1 3/4 c. sugar
2 1/2 t. vanilla powder (cake decorating section of craft store)
Quart canning jar with lid

Blend all dry ingredients together. Pour mix into jar...tie on a copy of these serving instructions:

To enjoy a cup, simply add 2 tablespoons of mix to 1 cup boiling water.

There are some really cute canning jars out now...look for the ones with the red gingham checked lids-very cute, and all they need are a red bow and a sprig of holly to look jolly!!

Here's my favorite Gooseberry tip, ever. I've been making this for about 8 years now..and I always share with the kiddies in our lives...no one has ever told me they are too old for it! I make it in a gallon ice cream bucket in September or October and then when it's time to give, I just scoop it up into zipper bags, add a little hand-made tag and give it to a Christmas believer!! It works, too. We sprinkle this on the porch and yard every Christmas Eve just before bed, and Santa ALWAYS comes to our house!!

Magic Reindeer Dust

Oats (I get the cheap stuff)
Glitter (you can get edible glitter in the cake decorating section-safer for animals like birds and reindeer!!)

Mix together well, then attach a tag with individual gifts:

Magic Reindeer Dust
Come December 24th, as Santa flies here from the North
Here's what you do, it isn't hard...
Just sprinkle this stuff in your yard!
The sparkles draw old Santa near
and oats attract his 8 reindeer
Then just you wait-they're on their way
P.S.-Happy Holiday!!

More good stuff coming later!!

This picture is not from Gooseberry Patch, but from the Ladies' Christmas Brunch at my sister in law Kim's church last December. My friend Mandi and I are planning on organizing one of those at our church this year! This was our centerpiece on our table. It's the Original Snow Village Wedding Chapel that I received as a wedding gift. It's my favorite piece!

And, finally...Ginger, our Christmas guru over at Magical Holiday Home is planning a HUGE Christmas in July event--all month long!! Fly over there and check it out...so much fun!! I'll be here to give some details of what I have planned, as well! I'm just thinking of it as 31 Rudolph Days!! Yay!!!

Merry Christmas planning!
Cathy

Today is Rudolph Day!

2008-05-25T20:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Rudolph Day, everyone! I have been in a Christmas frame of mind today! After church I got a Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book (#9) out and went through it, looking for some ideas for gifts, food, gift wrap, etc. I found a few things I'm interested in...I plan to make a list of things to work on this summer, then see how far I get with making gifts. If I don't get a fair amount of things done by the time the kids go back to school, I'll just decide on things to purchase for everyone. I really would like to make this a handmade Christmas! I had planned to make some tea mix, but I forgot to get the supplies, so I'll do that another time.

What did you do for Rudolph Day today?

May Rudolph Day plans

2008-05-20T20:18:00.000-05:00

I have been in such a Christmas frame of mind the past few days! I listened to Christmas music on the net today while reading Christmas posts on Magical Holiday Home and the Merry Network, and I've even been mulling over a few ideas for decorating. Can you believe that it's almost June already. Where did the spring go?

For this coming Rudy Day, which is actually Memorial Day, I'm going to make some spiced tea mix, and firm up the remaining Rudy Day plans. I need to finalize which crafts I'm actually going to try to make, and get some lists of supplies made. We are having a combination birthday party for Benjie/Memorial Day get together Saturday night, so I should be free on Monday to do my Christmas stuff. At least that's the plan!

I'll be back in a week or so to let you know what I've actually done (or not done!)

Later!
Cathy

April Rudolph Day

2008-04-26T16:10:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's already come and gone! Good thing I did a little work last week-started my master gift list, and gave some thought to what I wanted to do for the remaining Rudolph Days. I've been really busy this weekend-I've actually been working, so it's ok-so here's my Rudolph Day update, one day late!

Our master gift list is as complete as it can be this time of year. I have listed the people I KNOW we'll be buying for, and listed the others with an asterisk by them. Why the asterisk, you may be wondering? Well, it's because we haven't drawn names yet on my side of the family to see who's doing who's stocking. There was some crazy talk last year of giving up gift giving except to the kids and just "getting together for a nice meal". Sure, as long as you count me as one of the kids. It's not the getting, it's the giving. I know, I know. I really do believe that. I really do. But when it comes to Christmas, I like being in the gift giving AND getting pool. It doesn't have to be big gifts-stocking stuffers have long been my favorites. I don't care if my gifts come from the dollar store or Tiffany's. I just like to shop for people and give them things. And I like to open presents. There, I said it. Anyway, that's why there's asterisks by the "McNeil names" on the list.

Then there's the issue of our kids. Who in the world knows what they will want in December...that's 8 whole months away-actually 8 months minus one day away. I'll fill in their stuff a little later in the summer, then get to shopping!

Lynn and I have set November 1 as our goal for completing our Christmas shopping. We set this goal every year, but this year I'm pretty determined to get there.

I will not be publishing my gift lists-two many of my relatives read my blog or at least claim they do.

And, I have a really tentative list of things to do on the remaining Rudolph Days. Here's a rough breakdown-as Ginger said on her blog, it's subject to change!!

May
*work on altered clipboards for gifts
*make one drink mix, vacuum seal and label for gift baskets
*buy 2 gifts (big birthday month, so any more than this would be pushing it!)

June
*make homemade apple butter
*buy 4 gifts
*work on cross stitch book marks
*decide on menus for December, make shopping lists
*decide on decorations-make list of supplies needed

July
*buy 3 gifts
*make sure we've drawn names and if not, plan to do so at Christmas in July breakfast
*plan and host Christmas in July for monthly family breakfast
*plan parties for December, make menus and shopping lists

August
*buy Chicago souvenirs for gifts while at convention
*buy stocking stuffers for boys

September
*figure out schedule for purchasing remaining gifts
*buy school supplies on sale for stocking stuffers

October
*finish shopping-major gifts and stocking stuffers
*finish up any last minute details

November
*schedule haircuts, etc for December
*tie up any loose ends

December
CELEBRATE!!

I'm sure this will be tweaked and re-tweaked, but that's it for now!!

2008-04-17T12:03:00.001-05:00

April Rudy Day Challenge

2008-04-06T16:39:00.001-05:00

Here's the challenge that Ginger has issued for April:

Get your Master Christmas list. Beside each person’s name on the list write at least two gift ideas. Search online for ideas!

I keep a running list on the computer. I am going to print it out and put it in my Christmas notebook so that I can write on it and make notes.

I also am going to make my list for homemade gifts and decorations. I've been meaning to do this since last Christmas...maybe April will be the month!

My Personal Rudy Day Challenge:

Make a list of all projects and supplies for the remaining 7 Rudolph Days in 2008, then make a time line and "assign" each project a start date, reality check date and completion date.

By the way, the picture one the header is from last Christmas...this was the tree in the kitchen. It was my favorite last year!

Rudolph Day

2008-04-04T20:29:00.000-05:00

This is my Rudolph Day blog! I'll be here at least twice a month to discuss my dreams and schemes for Rudolph Day. Rudy Day is the 25th of each month, and is intended to be a planning and action day to prep for Christmas.

I created this blog in response to a challenge from Ginger at Magical Holiday Home and a host of blogs and creative spots.

Stay tuned and check in frequently for updates, fun links and ideas and some pictures from our previous Christmases. I'll also have a link to MHH's blog network.