Apple Pie and New Years Eve

Yeah!! Its New Years Eve. I love it. I have always been a fan of this eve. When I was younger it was always filled with parties and get togethers, staying up until after midnight. Now I am content to wait out the New Year with my Family and Closest Friends. Hope the New Year brings you happiness and possibilities you never imagined. Happy New Years Eve....

New Years Resolutions

I have never been a big fan of New Year Resolutions. Putting that much pressure on yourself is just a setup for disaster. I try to live my life as good as possible. Try not to judge, try to be kind and understanding. I do have my catty moments sure, but I like to think that I put others first. I will say that this year, I am going to focus on myself more. Be more active, eat better than I do already and get outside more even though I am really an Indoor girl. I hope it sets a good example for the two beautiful little girls I am blessed to be raising. Having said that, I am going to make a small list... one that I know I will be able to keep....

~Do more crafting~

~more scrapbooking~

~play with my kids more~

~Watch less TV and listen to the radio more~

~Be more active~ 

~Spend less money by being more creative~

~Eat better... healthier~

~Get rid of clutter!!!!~

Enjoy the rest of your year... there is only 2 days left of 2010!

Have a great day

Soft and Sweet Cath Kidston Images

This time of year, I love to completely remove all heavy decorations and simplify the whole home. It makes me feel calm and  ready for a new year, a new start. Enjoy some soft images of organization and comfort from a favorite designer...

Sweet Snowy Morning

Good morning. I am still half asleep, but my children are wide awake. I wanted to post my fun new candle. Its battery powered. So weird not having to worry about a flame. It really adds a pretty soft glow and smells like vanilla. Wild. I think I still really like the real thing better, but this is a nice change. Hope everyone has a great morning. Oh and be sure to check out my new adsence addition to my blog. There are some great recipes there. :)

Ahhhhh......

Hello. Hope everyone is having a great week after. I am very happy to say, all my Christmas Decor is carefully packed away for next year. I have stripped my windows of all coverings, and am preparing to scrub all walls, windows, window blinds, bathrooms and floors. Just wanted to post a quick hello and show you my take on a bowl full of snowballs. Have a great day.

Merry Day After

Hope everyone had a great holiday. We decided to brave the day after insanity that is shopping. I am exhausted... Have a great rest of your Sunday...

Merry Christmas!

From our home to yours,

~Have a Very Very Merry Christmas~

~December 24th, 2010~

Our stockings are hung, our baking is done, the table is set and the children are anxious. We are waiting and hoping and wishing for fun presents and for spending magical moments with family. We hope your holiday is magical as well. And for those who could not be with us, we miss you and hope to spend the next holiday with you. xoxoxo

Reindeer Chow

We made this fun Reindeer Food at school on the last day and had a great time sprinkling it. Now we just have to wait for them to eat it....

Waiting for Santa

What a great artist!

My Daughter did a great job drawing a picture for Santa and getting ready. Since we dont have a fireplace chimney, we have this super adorable Santa Key for Santa to come in the front door. No reindeer inside though.

Last Minute Details

Merry Christmas Eve... Some yummy no-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cookies...

Goodies from friends...Stockings are hung...

Some Presents and a fun Christmas Hat that plays music...

Red and White

I really wanted to decorate with more red and white this year. But due to lack of funds, it didnt happen. I am anxious to look for these colors at the after Christmas Sales, but until then, enjoy some pretty red white and aqua (another favorite color) images. Happy Thursday before Christmas!!!

Greengate Ornaments

I am totally loving these sweet ornaments from Greengate. I added these to my "love but cant get" list... its getting really long.

Holiday Baking....

Sugar Cookies waiting to be frosted...

Great Christmas Tins for giving treats...

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip... Yum!

My daughter very diligently reminded me that we need cookies for Santa, so I baked and baked yesterday. Now we are ready... As long as Daddy doesnt eat them all. Have a great day!

Peppermint Bark... YUM

I have been getting some baking done today and have wanted to make Peppermint bark for a while now. I finally got to it and I have to say it was easy and lots of fun...

First melt 2 bags of chocolate chips in microwave until smooth... (2 minutes for me)...

Pour onto a baking sheet coated with wax paper... smooth out. Place in refrigerator for about 30 minutes to harden...

smash up some peppermint candy... (great for taking out any frustration)... I use a wooden spoon, but you could probably use a rolling pin...

Take chilled chocolate out of fridge, top with melted white chocolate chips (prepare the same way as the brown chocolate chips, 2 bags as well) , smooth out...

Sprinkle with peppermint pieces... place back into fridge to chill, about another 30 minutes... until hard...

Remove from fridge and break into pieces... I just used my hands to break, but you could probably use a hammer or other tool...

Display in a pretty jar with ribbon.... so festive!

(Since this is not tempered chocolate, its is a good idea to store in the refrigerator.)

YUMMY!

Christmas Lights

Last year after Christmas, I found these super cute Snowflake lights. I thought they would look great floating in the trees. So magical with all the fresh snow.

Winter Solstice

Yesterday it snowed, and snowed and then snowed some more. I couldnt be happier. For some reason, this year, we have avoided any snow pack on the ground. Until Yesterday. Unfortunatly its melting fairly fast because of rain (rediculous this time of year) and wind. Its really warm wind. But the trees were beautiful yesterday. Happy 1st day of Winter.

Sweet Gifts

From my good friend... some wonderful yummy coffee, polka dot cups (LOVE), a tin caddy and some very exciting incense from Norway.... I am so pampered!

My friend told me that this is very popular incense in Norway. Everyone uses it for Christmas time. I cant wait to use it too.

I am sorry for the bad photo here, but this super cute tin caddy has a great Santa embelishment on it. Not to mention... Tilda Ribbon!!!!

These wonderful Joy Letters were from last year, but they didnt get posted yet. I love hanging words around the house. Some that you will find in our home are Joy, Noel, Snow, and Let it Snow... FUN!