I believe



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May your day be merry and bright.....

Mele Kalikimaka

Getting crafty

I was lucky enough to be able to take a couple of days of vacation right before the Christmas weekend.  This gave me an opportunity to do something I hadn't had the time to yet - get my craft on.  Not that I did anything huge mind you but it was fun and something I hadn't tried before.  It gave me time just to slow down and take a couple of moments to do something I enjoyed.
So.......I made some body scrub. I think this is where I got the idea - Bake at 350 .   I used a slight different version and I think this is pretty much how I did mine.  

1 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 cup White Sugar
1/3 cup almond oil
cinnamon
nutmeg
Scoop in container with a tight fitting lid - I got mine at the Container store but there are a tons of options you could use here.

Also, when I made pickles this summer I made extras in pint jars knowing I would include them in holiday gifts.  Recipe and process found here from a post back in July.  I had some labels made as well a while back to put on anything that came from my kitchen.   They fit perfectly on the tops of the pickle jars.

I found some great little baskets at Joann's this week and put the whole thing together with some ribbon and mini ornaments I had on hand in my gift wrap stuff.

Here's some pictures of the finished projects (safe to post now that all baskets have been delivered)

I also painted part of the living room yesterday.   I LOVE the color.  Will post some pictures when its all complete.   One thing I am not good at is the part up by the ceiling.  I am lucky enough to have a husband that will come in and help me with such things. 
Today is Christmas Eve and the sun is shining with a pretty blue sky.  I think we will go have a nice lunch - perhaps at Sinju and catch a movie.   We will be on our own tonight but that is fine being that G is still recovering and I don't want any set backs.   I might just make some fondue for us for dinner and crack open a bottle of bubbly.  T&R are arriving tomorrow for Christmas dinner of Prime Rib, Asparagus, and maybe these.   For dessert we will do a variety of baked goods with some peppermint ice cream.  I've already got the table set.......

.....but more on that later.

Merry,merry!

Wednesday Wisdom

Do you love it?!   Or is it just me and my weird sense of humor.  Something tells me these as well as others are going to get funnier the closer we get to this weekend.   If you want more they can be found at Naughty Betty

Merry merry everyone!

In the spirit

The countdown is on!   I have my shopping done! 

Went to Salem yesterday and saw T&R decorations.  Very pretty and classic.  Angels, and gold, with a Hawaiian and Asian flare.   Should of taken some pictures but I didn't but trust me its pretty.  She had made Snowball cookies for G - can I just say delish as well as some Liquor Balls.   Some would call them Rum Balls but the difference with these is that half of them have Pendleton and Courvoisier in them.   Don't want to eat those babies and drive.  But hey don't confuses this as a complaint.   She says they will mellow with time as most things do. 

This year Christmas seems to be coming like a freight train.  I don't know if its because we have to work right up until Christmas Eve.  Maybe it's because I have no idea what we are doing with half of our family.   Or maybe its just because time seems to be flying by just in general lately.  I am waking up in the night worrying about what is left to be done.  This is silly because really whatever is left isn't all that big of deal.   All presents are bought.  All presents are wrapped.  Isn't that the main thing?  The only thing left is the crafty gifts I want to do for my friends.   And I still have time.....kinda.  Oh and it would be great if I could get the kitchen and family room painted by Saturday.  Ha!

Here are some shots of holiday spirit at the Preston's

Santa Tree

If you know me you know I used to collect Santa's.  I say used to because I still have them but considered the collection to be closed - after all there is only so much room in your house for so many Santas.  I heard someone say on the TV "if you house looks like Santa might live there you might want to dial it back" and I fear that in some cases I need to "dial it back".    Cheers to Coca-Cola for making him into image they have.  If you didnt' know the role Coca-Cola played in the Santa we celebrate today you can learn more here. 

Here is a taste of my love for Santa.....my Santa tree

And some of my favorites on the tree

Merry, merry everyone.

Oh - in other news.  Christmas shopping done!  And most are wrapped and under the tree!   Hopefully I will get some baking done later this week but I might paint the family room instead.

Aloha Friday

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I hope that you have all your holiday shopping done as well as your holiday baking.   If not I know what you will be doing this weekend.   I have neither done so you know what I'll be doing this weekend.  Only 8 more shopping and baking days! 

Tis the season to loose your mind......fa la la la la la la la


Merry merry

Fa la la la

Just thought I would share with you a couple of my new holiday favorites

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And my other favorite

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I promise neither will disappoint.  Also I have Dean and Frank - after all what are the holidays without a little rat pack.

Merry merry!

Vegan eats

No I haven't turned vegan.   Me with no cheese?   Please....

However my dear friend is a vegetarian and I was at an event recently and recieved gift cards to a new restaurant at Bridgeport called Native Foods so I decided to go and take her.   Have to say it was pretty yummy!   And the thing is you don't feel all bleh after you eat healthy like that.   Forgot to snap some pics but I would definelty reccomend the Saigon Rolls!   Yum!   Also, the cupcakes (you know I'm a sucker for a good cupcake) where delish as well.   The frosting was made with rice milk.   The trainer was there and stopped by our table to chat and it sounds like its just a great place to work.   She lives in San Diego but travels around.  Ah to be young and travel (I remember those days). 

Oh and another highlight of the evening.......Santa sighting.   Can I just say that Bridgeport has THE BEST Santa.   Real beard and all.   He was leaving his little house (probably to go check on the reindeer) and I said - "Hi Santa!"  to which he responded "Merry Christmas!"   Can you stand it?!   Made my whole night!

Merry, merry!

Not sure

So I've decided to start a blog......not sure why just seems the thing to do.

For now it is a work in progress so there will be many changes over the next week of so.

For now here are two things I am thankful for - my sweet husband and the furry one.