Gingerbread and Egg Nog

Gingerbread.... Most of the immigrants to North America came from Europe... Gingerbread is traced to Europe back to the 11th century. Crusaders returning from the middle east brought back among other items a spice... ginger.. Soon after varieties of gingerbread appeared... The variations varied from sweet, dark, spicy, soft or crusty. The only common characteristic was ginger spice. The first gingerbread houses were made in Germany.. A story became very popular of Hansel and Gretel.....


Eggnog......Christmas is a time to eat, drink, and be merry, and ahhhh, yes, put on a couple extra pounds.....
A very popular drink is the eggnog... In the 17th century Europeans consumed a very strong ale of which the called "Nog". It was especially popular in Britain. The North American eggnog derived from these days. The German's had a favorite drink of " Beer Soup" which was a egg base ale. In France, they drank a drink called "Lait de Poule" a egg mixture of egg yolks, milk, sugar and spirits such as sherry, rum or brandy. In North America we took the name from German ale and changed it to what we call "Eggnog".......

ps.. The sweet little faux gingers are displayed on my dining table.....

" I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar every month" Harlan Miller

Thought of the day.......................
To be able to sit with loved ones, in a beautifully lit room with twinkling lights and know your blessings far outweight all the twinkling lights.... What a lovely thought as we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday......

Gift Giving

The tradition of gift giving for Christmas is rooted on the story of wise men, who gave costly gifts to the Baby Jesus without expectation of receiving anything in return. The idea of giving and receiving a gift can be a loving gesture from the heart not by a big fat wallet. There are many ways of giving of traditions and nourishment that have true meaning.
Remember, Christmas and Thanksgiving is truly a time for families to gather and enjoy holiday meals. These happenings alone can create much happiness. Christmas is a time for embellishments, gifts of the heart, twinkling lights, hot cocoa, mulled ciders and gingerbread...
Remember on Christmas it is the birth of baby Jesus that is the true celebration.... Also enjoying leaving nothing but crumbs on the plate of luscious cookies left out for Santa as you make your way to bed for those sugar plums to dance in your head....
I know we all celebrate in a different manner but remembering the season for how it should be really helps us think of it in a slightly different way... Passing these thoughts on to our families is the most precious gift we can give them.....
With the Thanksgiving holiday a week away this is a great time to make ready and truly enjoy the season the way it was originally meant to be......

Lovely Thoughts

What you will find on my blog during the next month will hopefully be inspiration to make this year the best Christmas ever.... I will lovingly be sharing Christmas in shades of soft pink cotton candy with the ornaments upstaging the tree... All the beauty I can find about the season..... I hope to see smiles through comments and thoughts for trims for the season.... The excitement of family and friends gathering to celebrate the true meaning for the season... I know there will be beautiful decorations for all to enjoy the homes of others, and to come share and relax.... and take refuge.... My very most wishes are for all of you to be filled with a peace and comfort and enjoy the process that we are entering into.......

Sure, I could have the want and desire for many more things I love but you know I can very honestly say I am satisfied I have everything I need .... With sincere words I have no need for anything else.... I have always wished for more means to help my children but now realize God feels it wouldn't really be helping them but maybe making it too easy... I have certainly learned that all things are not sugar coated like we love to view at the holidays and it takes too many years for some to find the ones that are... Most of the sugar dipping is right there to be had the whole time... At this time of the year one of our greatest joys is near..... Our homes all warm and toasty, dressed up in the holidays finest... heightening the anticipation of the special things to come....

Make a simple elegance to your wish list this year.... the hope of family and friends to MAKE a special time to sip mulled cider and look back and enjoy the memories... these are beautiful gifts all on their own.......

"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under the tree."

Roy L. Smith

Give-a-way

Oh my... you must make a trip over to http://brocantess.blogspot.com for a lovely give-a-way.... and enjoy this lovely blog....

The Ultimate Fruitcake Recipe

All this talk of dry fruitcake make me pine for days of yore when I would help Grandma make fruitcake.. The following recipe is meant to be fun and add a chuckle to your day.....

You will need the following... a cup of water, a cup of sugar, four eggs, two cups of dried fruit, a teaspoon of baking powder, a teaspoon of salt, a cup of brown sugar, lemon juice, nuts and a bottle of whiskey.
Directions.... Sample the whiskey to check for quality... Take one large bowl... Check the whiskey again...just to be sure it was the highest quality.... pour one level cup and drink.... Then Repeat... Turn on the electric mixer, beat one cup of butter in a fluffy bowl... Add one teaspoon sugar and beat again... Make sure the whiskey is still ok. Cry another tup. Turn off mixer... Break two leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in a cup of dried fruit... Mix on the turner.... If the dried fruit gets stuck in the beaters, pry it loose with a drewscriver... Sample the whiskey to check for tonsisticity... Next sift two cups salt, or something... Who cares... Check out the whiskey... Now sift the lemon juice and strain your nuts... Add one table.. Spoon of sugar or something... Whatever you can find...
Grease the oven... Turn the cake tin to 350 degrees. Don't forget to beat off the turner... Throw the bowl out the window... Check the whiskey again and go to bed.....

All kidding aside fruitcake has been apart of festive celebrations for years.... At one time fruitcake was considered semi-sacred, with laws in place in Europe until the end of the 18th Century that restricted it's making to celebrations such as Christmas, Easter and weddings....
I have never personally made a fruitcake as it is not my favorite of things... I don't drink and this was not tented to promote drinking... rather just for a chuckle as we sure can use one from time to time.......

Tinsel

Tinsel has been ever after a favored decoration on trees... I have heard different variations of the legend of tinsel but I love this one and wanted to share it with you.....
A very long time ago, a German mother busily cleaned her house on preparation for Christmas... She was a very poor widow... She had gone into the forest the day before and cut a small tree.. She had no decorations for it's boughs, but she still prepared a place of honor where the tree would stand.... Closer and closer she came to little spiders that feared they would be swept out into the frigid winter air... They begged the woman to save their lives. The woman took pity on them and bid them to go to the attic... where they would be safe and she would be assured their house would be clean. Christmas eve arrived and mother and children went to bed.... The spiders in the attic wanting only a glimpse of the tree, crept from the attic to take a peek. Expecting a lovely Christmas tree and seeing a barren fir... the spiders realized the poor woman has no gifts to give her children, except the little tree itself... The spiders thankful she had spared their lives began to work with purpose... Crawling and spinning from the top to the bottom on the little tree. An angel watching over-head on the blessed Christmas night watched as the spiders toiled... very impressed with their charity . she touched the tree in blessing... The silken webs immediately turned to a shimmering silver and gold.... What a beautiful sight to behold when the family awakened to view the tree in the morning....

Another reason for the season to be enjoyed with the joy in our hearts and a feeling of peace in our minds... Remember the reason for the season........

The Legend Of The Robin's Red Breast

A little brown bird shared Bethlehem's stable with the holy family. One night as the family slept the little bird noticed their fire was going out and she flew from the rafters and fanned the fire with her wings throughout the night in order to keep the baby Jesus warm... In the morning she was rewarded with a bright red breast as a symbol of love for the newborn King.......


"Greet each day with the belief that wonderful things are about to happen..."

Giveaway

A gorgeous hand-made rose pin from Meadow Street will be given away by Sandi @http://waysidetreasures-sandi.blogspot.com... You must stop by... you will be a winner just by stopping by and reading her lovely blog....

Season Of Romance

Ohhhhh... it has began... the sense of the change of the air and our weather begins it's change... We start to sense the feeling the holidays are just right around the corner... It is amazing how shoppes dress up before the arrival of Thanksgiving... Many home are decked out to enjoy the lovely parts of their labor... Yes the season has begun before Tom Turkey turns golden brown.... At this period of time I would like us all to stop and enjoy the moments and again re-in force what the season is all about... Passing this long to our family and friends... Filling your homes with the glow of twinkling lights and the excitement of being with others.

I believe the season sets us up for romance... if we allow ourselves the chance for this to be.... The chilly bights , the lack of longer hours of the daylight... warm oven aromas, flickering and crackling of the fireplace, twinkling little Christmas tree lights, shimmering mica vintage pieces of the past... all this spells romantic delight.....

I have been viewing lovely blogs, Christmas is appearing... I have already saw charming vintage teamed with lavishness, such as mirrors with glass cloches atop holding sparkling jewels and beautiful glass bowls.... In my eyes this is not the season to cut back on glamour, but engage in sparkly.. Now is the time to primp and preen, adding the best of our holiday touches....

*Glass bowls and beautiful jars are perfect vessels for adding holiday charm... filling them with personal collections, as beautiful glass balls, buttons, and jewels. I love to make sure my glitters.... If your like are more country naturals such as pine cones, berries, and rusty objects... they are always lovely and desired... Just be true to yourself and the theme of your home.... Whatever your likes, just remember, collections come to life with the magic of Christmas.......This is a perfect time of the morning to sit and dream knowing you are here to share the day with me........



"GOD CHOOSES OUR RELATIVES, BUT WE CHOOSE OUR FRIENDS AND TODAY I HAVE CHOSEN YOU"

Delight In It

Dear Friends... Many find the holiday to be very stressful and fall into a slump... Please do not allow yourself to let this happen. Be wise and do not go beyond your means or take on more than you feel comfortable with.

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed... Learn to have sincere gratitude for the real gift of family and friends. As the years end draws near have a heartfelt sincere attitude with friends and family by your side enjoying all the wonders the season has to offer... With these feelings in your mind and in your heart, heartwarming accounts will brighten your day and trigger memories from lovely Christmases past. Every person has to have a piece of a child left in them to enjoy Christmas... I believe thoughts of less presents and more time spent on Christmas legends and traditions may help us return to the perspective of special customs and less material things... We must remember the real reason for the season which is what brings is the true peace and tranquility to the heart and spirit..

Picture years past with less money, the Christmas tree being hauled in waiting the lovely embellishments even of they are of gingerbread, popcorn, and candy canes.... It's all about the generous doses of togetherness.... Make your mind and heart ready of the season with wonderful thoughts of a child that no matter how deep the snow becomes or how cold the temperatures, even with the lean times no one will miss the very special blessing of being together.... You will be teaching your children what is the true meaning and all will become enriched....

Again today I heard from someone... Christmas couldn't come at a worse time.... My heart sinks... I know the stresses but with the wisdom of time we need not to wonder about God's timing in our lives, especially around Christmas..... We seldom have to look beyond our closest circle of family and friends to see people whom are suffering through some hardship, crisis and grief... He seems to prefer to give us wisdom to get through them so we know how to help others... This is what God wants of us....

So... winter whispers... delight in it... and feasts... and glad tidings as we are in this magical time of the year.... STOP and ENJOY the magic... it can be catching!!!

My wishes for each and everyone visiting my blogger pages... that you rid of fear, distress, loneliness and pain, leaving only, love, for your holiday season.......

A Matter Of The Heart

The older you get with years passing by the more cherished things become.. when writing Christmas cards there are many I find I can only send in memories.... as they are no longer with us.... The joy of being able to give, if only in inspiration is so much better than receiving....

Just being able to sit by the Christmas tree and enjoy the glow and twinkle of the lights surrounded by lovely ornaments on a cold winter's night becomes a beloved delight...

In my thoughts I realize more and more every year.... Christmas is really a matter of the heart......

" There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child." Erma Bombeck

Ps. The pictures above are of my fireplace mantel......Enjoy life... be a child today.

The Dime

This sweet story made it's rounds in emails last year. You may not have read it and if you did I am sure you will enjoy it again....

Bobby was getting cold sitting in his back yard in the snow.. Bobby didn't wear boots... He didn't like them and didn't need them ... The thin sneakers he had worn a few holes in and they did a poor job of keeping his feet from getting cold. Bobby had been in his backyard for quite awhile already... And, try as he might, he could not come up with a idea for his mother's Christmas gift. He shook his head as he thought," This is useless, even if I come up with an idea for his mother's Christmas gift he didn't have any money to spend".

Ever since his father had passed away three years ago, the family had struggled... It wasn't because his mother didn't care, or try, there just never seemed to be enough. She worked nights at the hospital, but the very small wage that she was earning could only be stretched so far. What the family lacked in money however, they made up in love and family unity... Bobby had two older and a younger sister, whom ran the household in their mother's absence. All three sister's had already made beautiful gifts for their mother, and somehow it didn't seem fair. Here it was Christmas Eve and he had nothing.

Wiping tears from his eyes, Bobby kicked the snow and began to walk down the street to where the shops and stores where. It wasn't easy being six and without a father, especially when he needed a man to talk to. Bobby walked from shop to shop, looking into each and every decorated window. Everything seemed so out of reach... It had started to get dark and Bobby turned to walk home and suddenly his eyes caught a glimmer of the setting sun's rays reflecting off something on the curb. He reached own and discovered a shiny dime. Never before had he felt so rich as he did at that moment. As he held his new found treasure, a warmth spread through his entire body, and he walked into the first store he came to. His excitement turned quickly cold when the sale person told him there was nothing he could buy for a dime.... He saw a flower shop and went inside to wait in line...... When the shop owner ask if he could help him, Bobby presented his dime and ask if he could buy a single flower for his mother for a gift.... The shop owner looked at Bobby and his 10 cent offering. Then he put his hand on Bobby's shoulder and said to him "you just wait here and I'll see what I can do". Bobby began to feel alone and afraid. Suddenly the shop keeper came out and moved toward the counter... There before Bobby's eyes lay twelve long stem red roses with greens and little white flowers all tied with a big silver bow... Bobby's heart sank as the owner picked them up and placed them in a long white box. " That will be 10 cents young man" the shop owner said as he was reaching for his hand and the dime. Slowly Bobby moved his hand to give him the dime. Could this be true? Could this be true? No one would give him anything for his dime in the other store... Sensing the reluctance, the shop owner said " I just happen to have some roses on sale for 10 cents. Would you like them?" This time Bobby didn't hesitate, and when the man placed the long box into his hands, he knew it was true. Walking out the door the shop owner said, " MERRY CHRISTMAS, SON".... As he returned inside, the shop keepers wife walked out and said " who were you talking to and getting flowers ready for" ? Staring out the window and blinking tears away he replied" A strange thing happened this morning. While I was setting to open the shop , I thought I heard a voice telling me to set aside a dozen red roses, for a special gift. I wasn't sure at the time whether I had lost my mind or what, but I set them aside anyways." Then just a few minutes ago, a little boy came into the shop and wanted to buy a flower for his mother with one small dime... When I looked at him I saw myself years ago... I too, was a poor boy with nothing to buy my mother for Christmas gift and a bearded man, whom I never knew stopped me on the street and told me he wanted to give me 10 dollars. When I saw the little boy tonight I knew who that voice was, and I put together my very best roses". The shop owner and his wife hugged each other very tightly and as they stepped out into the bitter cold air somehow they didn't feel cold at all.

Ps... I had a legend in draft to share with you and I posted it this morning and it dropped it back to the day I placed it in draft... It is rather a sweet legend so if you would care to read it scroll back a few posts to " The legend of The Christmas Stockings"........Have a very blessed and peaceful day everyone....

Somehow this story warms my heart as I have been a child without a parent at Christmas and shared the same feelings and I have been that shop keeper and had small children come in with a coin..... more than you could realize.... and the gentle feelings when you know a child is in need... We should keep Christmas in our hearts all year long and share with another as much as we possibly can....

As the holiday season approaches, let us remember that HOPE was born at Christmas. His name was Jesus and that HOPE does live on...

Traditons and Little Christmas Tree

Holiday traditions have always remained very important in my eyes and in my heart. It meant time spent with grandparents and cousins, eating grandma's home-made cookies and once in a rare moon there may be a small gift or hand-made mittens or cap.... I came to value these special pleasure and never want to take any for granted. The small treasures and memories are created in my mind year after year....

I love this little story that I have seen comes with some Christmas ornaments....

On the day of Christ's birth all come and shared gift to bear... except one little Christmas tree who cried he had nothing to share.... Hearing his distress, an angel of God from above, sent twinkling lights to grace the tree and shine with all their love. Evergreens appeared on limbs once bear, the gift of ever-lasting life Jesus would declare... So remember when you see a Christmas tree so bright, that God's love shines for us in every twinkling light.....

History Of The Christmas Tree

Along time ago, evergreens were thought to have mystical power since thye continued to flourish during the winter while others died or went dormant...The evergreen also symbolized a renewal of life. In the 16th century in Alsace, a region in Western Germany, the decorating of the Christmas tree started. In 1747, the first American Christmas tree was seen in a Germn settlement of Bethlehelm, Pennsylvania... CHRISTBAWM... christmas tree is a symbol of Christ... The tree was decorated with cookies , gingerbread and candy... The Christmas tree went up Christmas eve and was taken down Jan.5... Ornaments and choices of frsh or artificial trees differe greatly today. Christmas trees become visible from October through January in many homes. In 1880 F.W. Woolworth traveled to Germany to choose ornaments to sell. Many of our ornaments we imported... Although we have many choices and styles of ornaments today the beautiful glass balls seem to still be of the favorites and desired choice. Once Christmas trees were accepted into Victorian homes, the popularity great immensely... Most ornaments on early Victorian trees were hand-made... Gingerbread, popcorn strings, nuts, paper ornaments, and bright ribbons.... not to mention tinsel and real leaded silver that became available later... In 1903 the first electric lights.... being a great improvement over dangerous lighted candles with a bucket of water sitting near by......

The Christmas Tree

Every family has different traditions... some travel many miles to cut a tree down themselves... even though one can be found right around the block. Then we have discussions about which tree to pick... Some like the Charlie Brown tree while others like the biggest fullest tree That can be found... Finally the salesperson settled the dispute and makes the decision. Then the tree stands for days undecorated as we ask dad to please put the lights on the tree.

This no longer happens in my family... I have down- sized to a lovely little artificial 5 ' slim snow tree... but so embellished with twinkling lights of pink and white with lovely shades of pink glass balls.... crystal prisms and etched mirror ornaments and hand-made cinnamon tags and lovely ribbons that the little tree feels at least 10' tall...... No it is not the Victorian tree of a few years ago but my little precious tree is so loved....

You may not think your family have many traditions, but if you think about you do things that may differ from others you may have more than you thought... My tradition starts with the decorating the last week of October......

Wondering What It Was Like In Past Years?

When Grandma and Grandpa were young, families lived together or lived closer than we do on a average today. This made the holidays so much a closer family tie...

The turkey was most likely shot by grandpa, or brought from a farm, not like today's everything being so commercial.... I am sure it would be a lovely treat for you and for your grandparents if you would ask them about their holidays spent as a child..... and their memories as a child....

There are so many folk lore's behind traditions of Christmas... In today's hustle and bustel society and the materialist thoughts of many of the holiday... the holiday seems to be loosing some of these thoughts and traditions... I love bringing them back and reading of them... How fun... It is so intriguing to learn of fears and thoughts of past history and different traditions of the other countries.... How can we possibly hope for world peace if we don't understand ..... In different beliefs and of course religious backgrounds, each tradition may hold different meaning allowing us to look at a different side of it. Whatever you have chosen to believe or learn the whole thought is to have a peaceful , blessed and wonderful time of the year.....

Candles

Ancient Romans lit candles to ward off evil and to convience the sun to shine again... Candles were often placed in windows during the season as a sign to those passing by that shelter and warmth cound be found within...In our day today we have loving and many many types and scents of candles to choose from... I love the burning of candles and the lovely scent and the flickering glow while burning.... My favorite scent of many years is simple vanilla and love the latte scents... I find myself not caring for the floral scents but love all the kitchen scents also.... Do you have a favorite????

Beloved Legend Of The Christmas Stocking

" The Stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St.Nicholas soon would be there"

The legend of the Christmas Stocking....... The custom was founded by a most influential figure in the shaping of today's Santa, St. Nicholas of Myrna, a forth century bishop who was know for his charity and wisdom.... According to legend, a poor Italian father was faced with selling on of his daughters into slavery in order to afford the dowries needed for others to marry... On night the daughters had washed out their stockings and hung them over the fireplace to dry... Having heard of the family misfortune, the good saint decided to pay them a visit... Late that night, in the darkness, riding his faithful steed he stopped by their house and saw the stockings through the window. He secretly tossed three bags filled with gold coins down the chimney... The coins from the bags fell into the stockings that were hanging by the fire... His kind-hearted gift made it possible for all the maiden's to marry... A variation of this story is he tossed the bags through window into the stockings to account for the homes without chimneys....

Through his life St. Nicholas tried to help others while inspiring them to do the same.. Legends of his unselfish giving spread all over the northern Europe.. Like so many other traditions in our country, the legends were introduced by immigrants whom brought their beliefs when they crossed the Atlantic... Remember Christmas stocking packed with love makes dreams come true and memories to last a lifetime.....

Thanksgiving In The United States

In 1621, after a hard and devastating first year in the New World the Pilgrims fall harvest was very successful and plentiful... There was corn, fruits, nuts and vegetables, among fish which was pecked in salt and also fire cured meats.... They fond enough food to be put away for winter's supply .....

The pilgrims had beaten the odds... they built homes in the wilderness and raised enough crops to keep them alive during the long coming winter.... Many times we have heard this story...

The custom of Thanksgiving has for year's and in 1770 a national day was suggested by Continental Congress..... In 1817 New York adopted the Thanksgiving Parade that we still have as a tradition to this day....

Keeping the tradition alive and to offer thanks of family friends and gatherings and holiday meals... even in difficult times, there is not a better time to express gratitude and share what we possibly can with others.....



Acorn Squash

2 acorn squash

2 carrots grated

1 can crushed pineapple..drained 8oz.

white raisins

1/4 teas. ginger

Cut squash in half and scoop out seeds... Place in baking dish { I always place foil around for easy clean up} combine ingredients and place in squash cavities... Bake hour and an half or till squash is tender... I always cover mine with foil....

In the past I have always just filled mine with brown sugar and butter and baked and thought I would share this recipe with you as you may have some squash harvested from you garden as I do to be prepared....

HOPE

AS THE HOLIDAY SEASON APPROACHES, LET US REMEMBER THAT HOPE WAS BORN AT CHRISTMAS.... HIS NAME IS JESUS.....

AND HOPE LIVES ON..........................

Thanksgiving and Christmas is a very, very special occasion.... and maybe more so in humbler households... I have personally experienced families with allot less, enjoying it more ... all proving to me that somethings are obtained far too easily by some and never completely appreciated.... Have you ever given a thought to not having means for the daily clean clothes or a simple bath ? I mean think about it real hard and long... these 2 things we expect everyday.... Can you imagine life without it? Think of the nourishment we place in our body every day....Do we realize what a blessing this is? I watch allot of HGTV... 60 to 75,000.00 redo's and wants when house hunting... but they aren't and don't do any cooking{ and joke about it}.... This just blows me away.... while others may be only making ends meet and yet they are so thankful for what they have....

As we travel into the holiday season, I hope everyone is opening their hearts and not their wallets to enjoy the season the way our maker would want us to...

In Victorian times, as in our day today, not all families enjoyed the brightness of a roaring fire with great preparation of goose, mashed potatoes, applesauce and pudding and pies and bread... It was not uncommon for the poor families without the proper cooking facilities to carry their holiday dinner to the bakers shops to be cooked... People emerged by the scores to travel to these shops.

In my eyes we all do, or my wish would be, we all could be able to enjoy our holidays..... If you like me, are fortunate to be in a warm home with family and friends and nourishment for all... please take a few minutes and reflect how truly blessed you are and those whom surround you are... It can be truly humbling......

The Yule Log

For years I always embellished a log with greens, berries, cones , and a bow and a note and would sit it beside my wood burner to have a Christmas Eve ritual... Although I have a gas fireplace now I thought it would be lovely to make one this year and Tom and I could take it outside and burn it and maybe toast a marshmallow or two... The yule log has been celebrated in many ways in different countries... When I had my floral shop I made many yule logs with fresh greens and berries and always a lovely note... " To be burnt on Christmas Eve, burning all evils due to personal faults, mistakes of others, and bad choices... This allowing us peaceful thoughts for a blessed New Year." Others loved the idea and many yule logs were sold in my shop.... as a wonderful tradition and a lovely decoration...

STEAL THIS IDEA..... Why not start a new-old tradition if you don't already enjoy this... and decorate a yule log for your home and family this year?????

You can make it the start of a lovely tradition even if you have never done it before... Sings carols and tell stories , offer food and beverages as you are burning your new ritual that has the offering of a clean slate and blessing thoughts of a New Year....

Embrace The Holidays

When children are young, family traditions seem to be more sentimental.... As kids and parents as well become older, families try to keep their lovely cherished memories alive.... It should become the responsibility of the children to create precious moments with their young families....If we allow excuses of being too busy become prevalent we soon loose our family traditions.... Teaching our children bonds although they can be somewhat different from the past becomes very important.
Remember, if you are given a chance help your mother bake cookies, rap presents, decorate, share all things that will become precious memories... Otherwise you are cheating yourself from little treasures of the heart... If mom and dad are aging bring them to your house so they can share in some of these things even if it is just to sample the cookies.... They will love you even more for it... I would love to be able to have my mother back to help with the baking and the wonderful conversation shared years ago but I do have the memories.... We must understand the importance of sharing these moments or they will truly vanish....
Throughout the coming posts I will be sharing some very lovely traditions and legends with you....
Combining holiday traditions can be both a joy and a challenge... Honoring traditions allows yourself to be flexible and offers chances for bonding experiences... Sometimes we can learn from disappointments and emphasize sacrifice and reinforce the true meaning of the holidays... I think in many families that are broken ties through divorce... this becomes a very important part of the holiday season... Most of all be understanding and loving so all gets to enjoy the traditions of the holidays even though some may be changing....
Finally remember our attitude toward the holidays will impact our family... If you don't respect that the seasons have become so commercial { as I do not myself } .... make your own traditions...

EMBRACE THE HOLIDAYS....... THERE IS NEVER ENOUGH REASONS TO CELEBRATE LIFE.........

Traditions

There are countless ways to celebrate cherished holiday traditions... How does your family celebrate that makes the upcoming next two months so special? What traditions are you teaching your family that they will carry with them? What little touches make the season extra special? Decorating of course always is the best way to set the mood... Mixing vintage, antique, and new makes a wonderful collection.... Bottle brush trees, feather trees, home-made stockings, and charming delicate ornaments and of course a wonderful old Santa or two... All these wonderful objects of the past and present makes beauty and ambiance to behold... Seems every piece has a story to tell, and brings back a memory... And let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas.... the nativity set...... Making the birth of Jesus and the magic of Christmas just go hand on hand like a happy marriage.... The sights of holiday always should bring joy to our hearts... Have you started to think of your decorating and how you will be making it very special? Have you ever used old beautiful sheet music to add to your vintage appeal? Old sheet music can be used as wrapping paper, makes wonderful place mats and guest cards... makes charming paper cones and scrolls for tree ornaments to blend your look together... Old sheet music or song books are easily found in antique shops... These pieces of the past can be equally as unique for Thanksgiving and Christmas... Cones resembling cornucopia's of sheet music filled with nuts make charming favors.... I recently purchased 2 song books for 75 cents each... If you are having a large gathering you could tape the pages from the back and make into place mats.... make small cones filled with nuts or candies....and a couple strips made into napkins rings with the addition of your favorite color ribbon you would care to decorate with and you have created a table setting for under 5.00...... Completing your decorating early allows more time to be enjoyed and also frees yourself up so you don't have to miss out enjoying the season due to letting the things on your list mount up... Tap into the season now, get a plan and enjoy the preparation........

Sensing The Season

As I sit and peer out the window the sun is up softly melting the frost that develops over the night time hours and the corn is waiting the time for the big iron horses to be able to get into the wet fields.... The farmers are alarmed in our area as mother nature has shown her bad side not allowing good harvest conditions.....
Sensing the season is coming upon us.... remember not to try to make the season so perfect for others that you miss out on the moments of enjoyment for ourselves.... Don't forget to stop, sip the cocoa and mulled cider and enjoy every second of the aroma and flavor.....
As the season become closer, our hearts seem to beat alittle faster... My thoughts for you are to indulge in small treats... Don't rush around, hunting for endless gifts that will create bills and tarnish the magic of the holidays.... Spend precious moments in front of the fireplace and the tree and home coziness that surrounded by the ones you love... This is the year to maybe take a stand and not be caught up in the thinking of others and teach your family the true spirit and joy that can come with the season....Forget the list, sore feet and worry of empty wallets... We all need to think of the season as a season of hope, joy, and love... It's about home... and what we truly have in our hearts....
Let the sensing of the season begin with the fragrances of fresh cut pine, cinnamon sticks and cloves simmering on the stove top, the lovely fragrance of of your favorite scent in a flickering candle and cookies and pumpkin pie baking in the oven....A roaring fire in your fireplace on a chilly evening or morning... the cracking adding the ambiance seems to have a special allure to it with soft carols or loved music in the background..... all creating the most wonderful place to be with a serene peace..... our home.....

Counting Our Blessings

Heading into the month of harvest completion and a time for Thanksgiving and spending time with family and friends is truly a time of generosity and sharing with others... The bonds of family and friends become very important as we travel through the next 2 months... Experiences enjoyed during the time adds enchantment to our being.. For many it is a opportunity to share with great pleasure those whom are less fortunate. Many churches encourage members to bring a gift of a non-perishable item that will be shared.... Seems like a small thing to do but it does make a difference in many lives... When I compare what I will be able to indulge in compared to others less fortunate through self faults or unfortunate situations it brings tears and draws you to you knees in thanksgiving for the blessings you have... Far too many times we go through our day without giving this a thought... Take a moment and reflect how really fortunate we are... and give thanks......

Pink

We are entering into the most magical time of the year... I am dreaming of a pink Christmas this year... I love the feel of all things soft and romantic..... I haven't used the expected reds and greens for many years, actually since my children were small. I love generous doses of pink with aged creme-latte look... a magical result.... My mission has started being creative on a very small scale with this years holiday decorating using inventive ways to garnish with ornaments, trimmings, s and anything with holiday sparkle... My picture above is a grungy cinnamon tag with a sweet vintage little girl on a sled, I made to use on my slim tree this year... We all have our personal gifts.... my wish for you is to tap into your gift and be inspired......

Little Pink Bottle Brush Trees

My sweet little pink bottle brush trees arrived from Janet at Shabby Fu Fu..... I love them......
Please wait till little box download is complete......

Make a Smilebox photobook

Treaure Hunt

Oh my gosh...... I started unpacking my holiday storage boxes that I had packed 2 weeks after my heart attack this past year..... I didn't exactly stand them on there heads but I did not organize anything nor did I mark any of the boxes.... I will be laying everything out and many will be re-packed until I decide if it is time to part with many ..... I just wasn't very strong when I did this packing and oh it does show.... Update.... I did have a doctor's appointment with my doctor from Toledo yesterday, and a couple tests and news was very good for me... He feels my heart is making a strong recovery......
When unpacking holiday treasures you realize how special some items are to you.... When you accumulate allot you resort to the art of layering at it's very best.... That is what I am trying to simplify this year.... Maybe the idea of trying to get all that Christmas packed away is still strong in my mind from last year's memory.... as I am sure it will not go away for a long period of time.... I just have a desire with little attention I can make my little home a peaceful oasis of tranquility, a place to relax and rejuvenate amongst a few holiday treasures... These small pleasures enhance my life... When you feel these are life enhancing I believe for many of us it becomes a work in progress as we can embellish, adorn, and beautify these things.... I personally do like the art of layering and do believe the more you do the more skilled you become at doing it.... There seems to be little sense to collecting if you don't know how to display them... I love homes ozzing with lace, rich fabrics, and fringe.... like Robin {Magnolia Pearl} and it certainly doesn't matter how distressed or warn something may be if you find beauty in it.... Just adapt objects to your own taste and this enhances your special place to relax and enjoy your life....
I am off to do laundry, clean house and eventually unpack and have a treaure hunt in mystery boxes later this afternoon..... In between a few breaks......

What Makes Memories

What makes memories?? Can they be a simple but wonderful as the sharing of conversation with the delight feeling the warmth drawn from a fire... The wonderful moments spent sharing nourishment with others... The excitement of receiving a lovely hand-written letter of gentle and kind words... The use of a linen or quilt belonging to a mother or grandmother... For all these can all be sweet memories... In today's society we tend to think it needs to be large and lavish... Small things are the very most important and sharing of home is still the best place in the world. If homes are the best place in the world to be, then making and launching the holiday season with romantic touches and unexpected objects can only make the allure much more wonderful. Treasures come in all sizes. I love when homes are filled with enchanting discoveries for anyone who visits... Especially exciting are objects that you want to hold onto forever as you will be truly surrounding yourself in things you love. I am about to embark on the beginning of unsealing storage boxes with holiday charm waiting to fill my home... I think I must set my sweet embellishments out and decide what will be used this season... Smaller doses of charm are on the menu this season...

I find much personal pleasure in a delightful mix of elements... setting visual mood and atmosphere. My only purchase this season were 2 small sets of pink bottle brush trees from Janet @ http://www.shabbyfufu.com/ of which I am waiting to receive... I am off to try to create some memories..... Ready to create some of your own?????

Today's Choices

In our world today the choices of how we live our life's are YOURS and are MINE.... It is really very simple... Like a on and off switch.... We have choices of light or darkness, joy or despair... We have choices to place ourselves in settings that nourish the soul and heart... and not to be swallowed up by all that surrounds us and adds temptation and pressures... Allowing ourselves good choices after we have laboriously achieved our daily task, we can go to sleep in peace knowing God is awake.....

" My People will dwell in peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places." Isaiah 32:18

May you and your families have the happy, healthy, lives with the desire and making of good choices........Enjoy a wonderful day.....

Color Inspiration

When we open our eyes each morning we perceive color and have a reaction that affects our moods, just as waking up to a sunlit day compared to a grey gloomy day. For some bright hues fill your rooms... For me, I much prefer whites, creams, tans, browns as I love surroundings to be calmer.... With the neutrals, I can add or take away punches of color with accessories. I love drinking in the vintage objects married in touches of creams, whites and maybe a touch of pink. Oh so very yummy... In your decorating touches it is always good to use your own instincts because you want your home to reflect what you love and want to surround yourself in.
I am most definitely not going to go with a red room because someone else loves it... and you shouldn't either..... When combining a bunch of objects it usually works because they are things you love.It is okay to love diversity... I really tend to do that. Use what is beautiful to you. The ideas are plentiful for your holiday decorating... My only suggestion would be to try to stay with the same color tones when mixing your objects.... Patterns adapt if they are in the same color... Last holiday I used browns, beige's and aged papers for my main holiday decorating.... This year will be different with whites, aged tans and pinks...as I have existing ornaments in these shades awaiting in storage boxes... It seems like unwrapping old friends you may have forgotten about as you pull out your storage boxes.... As I will be down sizing my decorating this year... many boxes will remain taped shut... I haven't decided yet to part with many... The romance of the holiday season still seems to center on the Christmas tree in many homes.. I have also down sized my trees over the years and will only have a 5' slim tree again this year... I always make sure it is decorated in the best of the best of things I love. This gives me pleasure to look at it throughout the holiday season.... Many memories of love and past traditions arise during this time, love ones who may no longer be with us... and the desire to make new memories for others to carry with them.. It is the way we embrace sentiments that makes it so very lovely... Each year as the season approaches we seem to dream of churches nested in snow, candlelight twinkling in windows, trees radiant with shimmering embellishments, the fragrance of baking coming from our kitchens, and the warmth of the flickering fireplace... Our hopes and dreams waiting as unexpected gifts everywhere... We only need to look carefully and enjoy,love and sharing... Just stop, look, smell, and feel as the holiday season starts to whisper to you........