a bit of cleaning

We are home.  We went to the mountains for the weekend to have our family Christmas.  And fun was had by all!!  We did some sledding, played on the ice, took daily hikes and watched lots of Doctor Who.  Totally a fun time.!!!

Today I started putting a bit of the decorations away.  The villages are tucked away for another year.  The granddaughters Christmas tree is undecorated and ready to be boxed for the year (those girls had six strings of beads on that little 4 foot tree - what a hoot).  The large nativity set is put away. The nativity water balls are still out, some of the baubles are still out, and the big tree, but for the most part I am beginning the tucking away process. 

It is still the Christmas season so I don't want to put it all away but I want the quieter decorations not the bling...  So as I'm tucking away I'm running the dust cloth and the sweeper.  It's looking fresh and still a bit festive. 

I pray your new year, 2014, is blessed and happy, fresh and festive!
a little bird

Happy Christmas - Happy Boxing Day

Did you have a wonderful Christmas?  I hope you did.  DH and I went to Christmas eve candlelight service and then yesterday we enjoyed a lovely quiet day.  I baked rolls and made two batches of English toffee.  We watched BBC programs on youtube, rested, talked and simply had a lovely day.

We went to our #1 son's for a fantastic dinner in the evening.   We are having our family Christmas this weekend.  All the presents are wrapped and the food is purchased so our weekend will be busy and fun filled but I have to say yesterday was truly a great way to spend the day. 

I'm thinking of the shops today.  Thinking I should make a run just to see what's on sale etc... 
Hope your Christmas was grand.

a little bird

Christmas is the gift

O Holy Night

A Kids View of the Christmas Story

Merry Christmas!  May you be richly blessed and highly favored.
a little bird

Peppermint Bark

Peppermint Bark for $27.00 a pound, a bit high for me.

Here is a recipe that you can make at home for MUCH less!

Peppermint Bark:

6 ounces (170 grams) semi sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
6 ounces (170 grams) white chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/3 - 1/2 cup (50 - 80 grams) crushed candy canes

Peppermint Bark: Line the bottom and sides of baking pan with aluminum foil, smoothing out any wrinkles.

Melt 6 ounces semi sweet chocolate and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Immediately pour the melted chocolate into the prepared pan and tilt the pan so the chocolate makes an even layer. Place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.

Then, melt 6 ounces white chocolate and remaining 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. Immediately pour the melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate and tilt the pan so the chocolate is in an even layer. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the white chocolate. Place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.

Remove the Peppermint Bark from the pan by lifting the edges of the aluminum foil. Peel back the foil and break the bark into small irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Makes about 25 pieces. Preparation time 45 minutes.

You can make this for under $5.00 at home.  A much better price than $27.00 and it will taste wonderful!   The above recipe is from Joyofbaking.com

I added crushed peppermint to my white chocolate (almond bark)  and then sprinkled more on top.
This is an A+ recipe!

A Troopers Christmas Eve

Table Scape - think out of the box

This is my mother's china pattern.  Forever Spring - but how do I make forever spring Christmas??

Think out of the box.  Christmas doesn't have to be just red and green so here it is green and pink. 

 

Green Charger

Forever Spring dinner plate

Dark pink salad plate

vintage napkin with pink roses

pink fruit compote

 

Most of these items were gifts I bought the pink salad plates years back, the crystal bowl for the center piece, and the cordial glasses.  Other than that all of these pieces were gifts.



 

 

quite an eclectic mix

 

This little plate green with pink roses belonged to my husbands grandmother, there are five.  So if I was sitting the table for more than five I would need to do some mix and match but that is half the fun!!! 

 

These were found at TJ Maxx

 

Pink Christmas balls and pearls and the table is set.

 

Do you like to set a pretty table?  I have to admit I do.  I like dishes.  Ask my DH he will tell you its true.  I am always on the lookout for a pretty dish. 

(And of course old sewing machines but that's another story...)

 

I hope you are having a blessed and beautiful season as you prepare for Christmas.

a little bird



Go Paperless...

This is too cute not to share. :-)

Outdoor Safety

My dear husband teaches hunters safety archery. This is a video that is show and full of great outdoor information!