Weekend Review

We spent some time this weekend kicking off holiday baking. It was lovely - the kids and I baking and singing along while The Husband played Christmas songs. We drank eggnog (nom!) and watched Frosty the Snowman.

 

 

Baking didn't go so well though. Some frustration. Some mistakes. Rock hard brownies. Oh well, there's always next weekend. 

We haven't gotten our tree yet, this weekend I think. And no snow, really. It's odd to not have snow yet. We've had a dusting once or twice and that's it. I don't even like snow and I'm itching to get a good storm. It just doesn't feel like Christmas without it.

Still working away at Christmas gifts. We picked up a kitchen set for Colin at a thrift store (this is a whole 'nother post, one I've been wanting to get at for a while and even have saved as a draft - thrift stores and gifting and things but . . .) we got a 5 piece solid wood set for 16 dollars. It's gorgeous. I couldn't believe the price on it. It needs just a little cleaning, maybe some sanding in a spot or two and I might paint just a bit. It's in really good condition over all though.

I remember I got Evan a kitchen, he wanted one so bad when he was a toddler. I was so, so broke back then but I found him one, pink and blue for Christmas one year and he loved it. I really like that they make gender neutral ones now. Colin is 6 so starting to get a little on the older side for the play set, he'll outgrow it in a year or two, but the price and condition were too good to pass it up. He'll love it for now, and we have plenty of friends to pass it on to when the time comes.

So I've been working on felt food. So far I have felt cut out for doughnuts and oranges and strawberries. Ravioli and lollipops. I also plan on doing pancakes, butter pats, cupcakes and pies. I cut out all the pieces yesterday and sat down to sew some before work.

My sewing machine was being highly uncooperative. After about 45 minutes I had sewn half a doughnut. Really, it should have taken about 10 seconds. I don't know if the problem is my machine or me. But I was doing all sorts of grumbling and cursing. So I stopped. I'll just handsew them over the next few days. These gifts are supposed to be made with love. Not with frustration and cursing.


 Still have 3 robes, one pair of pajama pants (no, two), and a dollhouse to make too. I can't believe it's the 7th already!

Mint Chocolate Covered (Anythings)

We haven't made these yet this year, but I'm getting ready to. It's so simple you can't even really call it a recipe, really. Still, I didn't discover this until last year and we made bunches and bunches of all sorts of chocolate covered goodies, so I thought I'd share the method here.

You can use andes mints, or they also sell little peppermint chocolate bits for baking. You could also probably just use chocolate and add a few drops of peppermint oil.

Last year our favorite was mint chocolate covered Ritz. Tastes just like Girl Scout Thin Mints!

This is a terrible, terrible picture from last year, but it's all I have on file right now. New ones to come!

1 bag mint chocolate bits or morsels

crackers or pretzels or chips (or almost anything!)

I'm pretty sure I added a teaspoon of shortening to this too

Melt chocolate and shortening over double boiler (I just do the two pot method)

Dip crackers or pretzels in melted chocolate

Lay on waxed paper on a cookie sheet.

Freeze about 20 minutes to firm

Ta-Da! Yummy, easy chocolaty goodness!

I tried it with white chocolate last year too, but didn't get good results at all. I have white chocolate baking squares though and am going to try it again this year.

mmmmmm chocolate . . .

Handmade Holidays

I hate rushing Christmas. I complain when stores pull out the displays earlier and earlier every year. Decorations before Thanksgiving?! No.Thank.You.

For the last few years, I've said I was going mostly handmade for Christmas. Then I don't. Because, well, I'm famous for my procrastination. But also, when you refuse to think of Christmas until a month before - time has a way of flying away. I've done a few handmade things. Lap quilts. Kitchen themed baskets. A small wall hanging. But this year, I want to do more. I'm sick of plastic. I'm sick of consumerism (though I admit, every year I get caught up in the rush and sales and excitement).

The Husband and I have already talked about it (I know! Before Thanksgiving!!) We are determined to make more this year. Now, really, I should have started right around January 1st of last year. But November 1st will have to do.

I'll be logging my inspirations over at my tumblr: A Ribbon at a Time and I hope to be posting my completions here on a semi-regular basis. I hope you'll follow along and also share your holiday journeys.

All Hallows Eve - Weekend Scenes

What a busy, exhausting, fabulous weekend!

 

 

 

 

Hope your weekend was a good one!