Monday, November 30, 2009

Recycled Christmas Cracker


I just wanted to share with you this little recycled Christmas Cracker decoration I made..... I purchased a Jeanne d' Arc Living Magazine from Tracey @ http://frenchlarkspur.blogspot.com and the book is just wonderful... I have had it a couple days and every time I sit down I have to have it in my hands.... Tracey wrapped the book in a beautiful tissue and braid with a aged french book page and it was so lovely I had to re- purpose the lovely materials used to mail the book out to me.... The book had a couple places where it had pictures and mentioned Christmas Crackers and how to make them so I have a little decoration and a very lovely book... Oh ladies..... this book is awesome......

The Legend Of The Christmas Cat

There was no snow that night in Bethlehem... Instead the small cat watched a star-spangled sky from her perch in the window of a stable... She liked the stable, for it was a warm safe place to raise her furry babies, and the innkeeper sometimes left scraps out for her to nibble. Tabby wasn't particularly distinctive, and most humans didn't look at her twice. after all, her short grey, black fur was quite common. But Tabby's striped coat hid a heart bigger than cat's twice her size.
This night, though, Tabby was out of sorts, for she has not been able to hunt and "catch" dinner. Traveler's had poured into town for days, so noisy they disturbed decent cat folks rest. Why, they invaded Tabby's quiet stable, a place she had shared before with only other furry creatures. Tabby hadn't minded the human couple, they were more calm than most. She'd left that morning for er rounds, but when she returned the stable was packed with people. From her perch on the window. Tabby watched the last of the strangers leave. She slipped from the window, and paddled inside and froze. Meewwww, meewwwww, cried a tiny voice... A kitten Gabby's ears turned this way and that to find the sound of the kitten's voice, It came from the manger intent on the mewling that arose from within. Tabby was drawn by this kittenish sound...though she knew her own babies were grown to cat-hood. She tip-toed forward very slowly and passed by a woolly burro, a warm cow and other animals... The woman looked up and saw the striped cat. "Oh little cat", she murmured..."my baby cannot sleep, and nothing calms him this night", she sighed and turned back to the manger. " How grateful I would be if you could bring him some sweet dreams".
As Tabby watched, each stable animal step forward and tried to soothe the woman's baby, but the kittiesh sounds continued, and finally Tabby could contain herself no longer.
Quickly she washed herself, paws, face, and behind the ears, to the very tip of her tail {so not to offend the child's mother} and then she shyly stepped forward.. She leaped gracefully into the manger and stared at the face of the most beautiful baby { human or kitten} she had ever seen. He cooed and smiled, waving his tiny hands at Tabby and she very carefully drew her claws and settled down beside him. Forgotten was her empty tummy, she could only hear her heart calling out to this sweet human kitten.... Then Tabby began to purr. This wondrous cat-song filled the stable with over-whelming emotion. The animals listened in awe, and the child's mother smiled as her baby quietly went to sleep.. The child's mother placed her hand on Tabby's forehead.. "Blessings upon you, Tabby Cat, for this sweet gift given to my child", she said. And where she'd touched Tabby's brow, there appeared a "M" the sign of Madonna's benediction.
From that day forward, all proper Tabby cats are honored with a "M" on their brow for the great service preformed the first Christmas night. And Christmas nights often find Tabby cat staring into the night, purring as they recall a very special ancestor once sang to sleep.


REMEMBER THAT THE LOVING HOLIDAY SPIRIT IN YOUR HOME DEPENDS MORE ON THE WORDS YOU SPEAK THAN ON THE GIFTS YOU GIVE......author unknown

Sunday, November 29, 2009

The Legend Of The Silver Pinecones

There once was a very poor family with very little food or wood to keep them warm... The mother decided to go into the woods and gather pine cones to sell for food and some to keep them warm... She picked up the first cone and heard a voice say " why are you taking my pine cones?" It was a elf, the woman then explained he whole story.... With a smile the elf told her to go to the next forest, there she would find a better bunch of pine cones... Off she went and when she had reached the forest she was very tired... She sat her basket on the ground and pine cones began falling into it... She gathered them up and returned home and when she sat them down , every pine cone turned into silver coins. So to this day always keep a silver pine cone on your hearth for legend has it, a silver pine cone will bring good fortune your way...

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Christmas Jam and Candy Canes

CHRISTMAS JAM
Don't boil yourself in the Christmas Jam of unwise spending and special cram... Preserve your fruit with the spiritual things and the lasting joy of the holiday season..... author unknown
CANDY CANES
Over three hundred years ago, candy makers made straight hard candy. White tasty sticks sticks of candy. Over the years this candy evolved into what we know as candy canes, Legend has it that the shape of the cane was changes to represent the letter "J" which stands for Jesus. The red and the white stripes said to represent the blood and purity of the sinless nature of Jesus.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Gift Suggestions and The Elf

Christmas Gift Suggestions......................

To your enemy, forgiveness
To an opponent, tolerance
To a friend, your heart
To a customer,service
To all, charity
To every child, a good example
To yourself, respect
By Oren Arnold

Oh I enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving with our family..... rich in food and conversation and sharing as it should be....As many of you are off to the busiest day of the year shopping I believe I will just enjoy my shopping suggestions above..........I want to share a cute little lore with you.....

Christmas Lore .... The Elf On The Shelf...................

Even true fans of Christmas may not have heard of the elf on the shelf.... which is a new Christmas Tradition.... It all started with a mom who wanted to share her love of Christmas with her children... She placed a toy elf on the shelf of her living room. The elf was to watch the children... and report their behavior to Santa... Every day or so the elf would be sitting in a different place after this RETURN from the North Pole to report to Santa.... So many people loved this charming activity it has entered into a Christmas lore.

As soon as I find a sweet vintage elf , he will be sitting to watch the grand kids... Children would love to name their elf... a fun way to treat yourself to this Christmas lore.....
ps. Great for teachers as elf on the shelf can be a great creative tool....Enjoy...



Wednesday, November 25, 2009

My Butler


This is CLYDE, he's my butler... Can you believe he put his *Butler Off Duty sign for tomorrow.... Gee's at least Erma { my dishwasher } is working as I write this post...... " HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY "

The Legend Of The Five Kernels

The first winter the Pilgrims spent in their new home was very ,very, cold. Food was short in supply. Some days they had enough food for each person to have five kernels of corn for the day. But spring came. They planted food. All the pilgrims did not die. From then on, when a time of Thanksgiving came around, the pilgrims put 5 kernels of corn on each plate and used them to remind them of their blessings....

The first kernel reminds us of the autumn beauty that surrounds us.

The second kernel reminds is of our love for each other.

The third kernel reminds is of God's love and care for us

The fourth kernel reminds us of our friends

The fifth kernel reminds us we are free people

As we all take a day away from our everyday routine to share in the harvest with family and friends please remember to give Thanks for all we have...... Wishing all a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving........
As many of you, I am off to do some light housework and laundry and start the preparations for the Thanksgiving meal as my children and Tom's children, combined our children will be all coming tomorrow ready to share a meal with us..........

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Legends and Ornaments


Legend Of The Bird's Nest.......
Wanting to share with you my bird's nest that sits in the branches of my tree this year and the legend behind it if you haven't heard of it as I have for years... According to a old German legend if you find a bird's nest you harvest for Christmas you will have a entire year of health and happiness.... I hope you will tuck a small bird's nest on one of your branches of your tree this year with all the best wishes of the legend.......




Legend Of The Christmas Nail.........
It is go be hung on a sturdy branch... A branch near the trunk... A branch that will hold a spike without being noticed by well wishers dropping by to adore and admire your lovely tinseled and embellished tree , twinkling with sweet lights...... The nail is known only to the home that hangs it there... Understood only by the heart that knows it's significance... It is hung with the thought...... The Christmas tree foreshadows the Christ tree which only he could decorate for us by offering us salvation through his crucifixion.....
This legend is new to me this year after researching...... I loved the thought and meaning behind it and placed a spike on a tag with the meaning to remind me all the true reasons for the seasons.........
"Never worry about the size of your Christmas Tree.... In the eyes of a child , they are all 30 feet tall" Larry Wilde

Monday, November 23, 2009

Gratitude

Ideas for a family tradition with family and children of all ages... These ideas request family to take time a reflect on what the season is all about.... A idea is to make a gratitude chain... Cut paper in strips with fancy scissors used for scrapping and scrapping paper if desired..... Cut the strips like you would for making old fashion paper chain.... Ask your family members to take a couple minutes and write at least 3 things they feel very blessed with and are so fortunate to have...... Have them use their signature.... Staple or glue or both the paper notes of Thanksgiving together... This may be hung on a tree or placed in a garland or wreath.... This makes a lovely family event.... and allows everyone to take time to be thankful..... As we enter into this week of thanksgiving......

Another way to take time with gratitude slips is to decorate a lovely smaller box... Have sweet cut slips of paper cut and let everyone write as above what they are thankful for... Then placing the notes in the box for keeping your family in your thoughts and prayers along with their thoughts and blessings throughout the year...

"Open your presents at Christmas time but be thankful year around for the gifts you receive..... Lorinda Ruth Lowen

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Favorites

Your favorite recipes and dishes are some of the greatest traditions you bring to the holiday....... Just like the Christmas stocking and other traditions, Christmas cookies plays a very special role in the holiday celebration. Many of us remember the joys of visiting grandparents at the thanksgiving and holiday season and running straight to the cookie jar for the cookies that had been so lovingly baked and attending gatherings where tables are filled with tummy warming treats. This is all traditions pasted to us by our ancestors. I do believe the sweets are enjoyed my most... Baking is considered old-fashion but it still is a family treasure for most.

Great Grandma's Old Fashion Sugar Cookies...
2 2/3 cup flour
3 tsp. baking powder
dash of salt
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter
2 eggs
1/4 cup sweet milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift flour and baking powder and salt.. In another bowl cream butter and sugar.. whisk eggs and add to butter and sugar mixture... Add milk and vanilla.... Sift in dry ingredients slowly while mixing.... Combine till dough is formed... Flour area where dough will be rolled out... Roll dough till about 1/4" thick. Cut into shapes. Lay shapes unto very lightly buttered cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees till a golden brown.. About 7 to 8 min. Decorate... If not wanting to ice you can sprinkle with sugars before baking.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Plan A Lovely Evening Or Two


I am off this morning to go to the Festival Of The Trees Christmas Tea with two of my friends Pat and Kay...... then this afternoon it's the Ohio State and Michigan game and Tom and I leave about 3:30 to go to Indiana for him to stand up for his grandson's confirmation.... and then out to eat... Quite a fun day and a different change of pace from my everyday life....
If you don't, take the time and plan a evening or two with loved ones.... Please do as there is nothing can be lovelier than a evening spent with a travel cup of hot chocolate and a drive to your favorite locations and take in all the twinkling lights displayed at homes .... Sometimes I have to come to a complete stop and truly window peer into a lovely decorated home in lovely neighborhoods... I love the Victorian homes all dressed for the holidays.... I can't think of a more peaceful and lovely way to spend a evening... Many times I would love to walk up to a home, knock, and say "may I come in?" My blogging friends invite me in .... how divine.........
"FAMILIES ARE LIKE FUDGE..... MOSTLY SWEET WITH A FEW NUTS"
Author unknown

Friday, November 20, 2009

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......

Thursday, November 19, 2009

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......

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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





Tuesday, November 17, 2009

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.......

Monday, November 16, 2009

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........

Sunday, November 15, 2009

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..."

Saturday, November 14, 2009

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"








Friday, November 13, 2009

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.......