Friday, December 31, 2010

A Year in Review

I have never been one for big New Year Celebratory parties.

Growing up my parents would buy treats that we wouldn't normally have during the year (mozza sticks and what not), we would cook them up and watch a few movies together on New Year's Eve.
I think that mind set has just stuck with me over the years and I can honestly say I have no desire to ring in my New Year with anyone other then family.

I decided to look over the pictures I'd taken over the past year today and remember all that has happened. And because your so lucky, I'm going to share some of my favourites with you!

January
Who doesn't love a little chocolate?

February
So Crazy to see how little he was! He only had 2 teeth!
Learning how to properly polish his boots... a very important thing that every 2 year old should know!

March
I'm becoming a sucker for photos like these.

April
Probably one of my favourite pics ever taken with the boys was on Easter Sunday before church... everyone was so happy that day, depsite Eli looking extremely unimpressed by the whole event!

May
Eli turned 1!

June
Making Music

The discovery of "the funny face".

July
We went back to Ontario for our first visit since moving to Newfoundland! 21 long months of waiting for this trip!

August
August was full of laughs!

September
Zac's crib was taken down and he moved into a big boy bed!


October
My Parents came for a visit,

Zac went skating for the first time (yes I know without a helmet! just remember, it's our first time skating with a 2 year old, we're learning too!)

And I took what is probably my favourite pic of Eli so far!

November
Zac turned 3!

And lastly, December
Well, December was just a crazy time full of too many sweets and too many colds!

How are you planning on spending your evening?

With all my heart I wish you only fond memories of 2010, and happy times in 2011.
Happy New Year!
xo
Lisa

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Cold Products!

Did you know that Vicks Vaporub now makes one for babies??
And have you ever tried one of these handy little do-hickies? (I no longer have the "official" name for them, but if you're interested, just leave a comment and I can find out for you!)
They're battery powered little fans that you put a "vapour stick" into and it turns you babies room into a wonderfully menthol smelling paradise! I'm considering getting one for my room...

And have you ever heard of "Fever-Bugz"?
They're these nifty little stickers you literally stick to your kids forehead and they show you your child's temp! No thermometers or fighting necessary! Personally I haven't used them but a friend of mine loves them.

Did I seriously just post an entry dedicated to kid's cold/flu products?

You bet I did!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Cleaning

This year it was a little difficult for me to get into the spirit of Christmas towards the end.
Hubby had to work both Christmas eve and Christmas day nights, which left me, sick, alone and playing Santa by my lonesome and ever so Scroogy.

Last night I did a mid-night run to the hospital (our "after hours clinic") to have a Dr look at me. He confirmed that I have an ear infection in both ears, plus a sinus infection. When he listened to my breathing and looked in my throat all he said was "hmmm" and "yep", so I have no idea what that means. I'm on stuff now though, to make me feel better, which is all I wanted!

Because I'm starting to get some energy back, we decided to take our decorations down today which normally leaves me feeling a little deflated. This year though it doesn't really feel like Christmas actually came. The only remaining proof is all the new loot (which I am not at all complaining about!). I wasn't sad to put anything away except the stockings my mother made us. I think I could have them up all year round! I love them so much!
The body of the stocking is quilted and she's hand embroidered our names along the top of each. She's been making them the past couple of years and with two new grandbabies on the way this year (not from me) she's going to have her hands busy again. It's proven to be quite the labour of love on her part, but what could be a better family heirloom?

Monday, December 27, 2010

A Memorable Few Days

I hope your last few days have been magical and full of wonderful memories.
Ours has been full of snotty noses, sore throats, a few fevers, lots of wonderful gifts and two sleepy boys. Everyone was starting to feel better and I thought we were finally kicking this darn bug to the curb, but Zac woke up this morning sick to his stomach again and he has spent most of the morning throwing up in our bed and all over the living room.

I'm thinking the next few days will be spent trying to make everyone well and
cleaning this mess of a house...

Friday, December 24, 2010

Chewy Gingersnap Cookies

I have a confession to make...
I'm a bit of a cookie snob.
I only like the chewy ones...
I'm really not a fan of hard, crunchy cookies. I mean REALLY not a fan...
Sorry if you are! It's just not my thing.

I do love gingersnap cookies though and have been on a search for years to find a yummy, quality recipe for chewy gingersnap cookies, that still scream comfort and holidays and remind me of my grandmother without the shattering of my teeth in order to enjoy them.

I am in love with this recipe!
It makes a bunch, but they freeze really well.

Chewy Gingersnap Cookies
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ginger

1 cup butter or margarine
2 eggs
2 cups brown sugar
3/4 cup molasses

Combine the first 6 ingredients (the dry ingredients) in a large bowl and set aside.

Cream butter, brown sugar and molasses until blended and then add the eggs, one at a time until completely combined. Gradually add the flour/dry mixture into the sugar/molasses mixture and mix until combined. Drop onto a greased (or parchment paper covered) cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.

I had some left over vanilla icing laying around the house that accidentally made it's way on top of some of these and let me just say,
HEAVEN!
I would even make the extra effort in the future to have vanilla icing on hand when I make these.
Seriously. So. Good.

I can't believe it, but I think I managed to share my entire baking list for the holidays!
I honestly made everything I shared this past month at least once and we've finished it all already...
that might account for the 10 pound weight gain I am facing at the moment!

I hope you all have a wonderfully, magical Christmas Day with your families and loved ones!
xo
Lisa

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Cookies 'n' Cream Fudge

I forgot to take a picture of MY fudge, and now that it's all gone, I took a picture of the recipe card...
It's yummy stuff!

Cookies & Cream Fudge
3 cups sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine
2/3 cup evaporated milk
2 cups white chocolate chips
1 jar (7oz) marshmallow creme
1/2 cup finely crushed oreo cookies
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup crumbled oreo cookies
Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper.
Bring sugar, butter and evaporated milk to a rolling boil in a sauce pan stirring constantly. Keep stirring it while it boils for 3 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Stir in white chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, crushed cookies and vanilla. Pour into the pan and sprinkle the crumbled cookies on top. Gently swirl cookies into the fudge base using a knife, without touching the bottom of the pan.
Put in the fridge until it's firm, cut and then eat!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Skor Cookies

My mother-in-law makes these cookies and my hubby loves them so I couldn't not bake them for the holidays.

Skor Cookies
1/2 cup yellow crisco
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2-1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 pkg toffee bits

Blend crisco and sugars together. Add eggs and vanilla. Add flour and baking soda and beat until combined. Fold in toffee bits.
Bake at 350 on a greased cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes.

I think Santa will enjoy these!

Musical Tuesday? Meghan Smith, Silver Bells

I didn't forget about my weekly music video for you! I'm just a day late...
Have no fear!!

I love Meghan Smith. I've shared some of her music before and when I heard her singing Silver Bells it made me smile. It's just so bouncy, fun and Christmas-y!!



A wave of sickness is making it's way through our home at the moment. Hubby has managed to avoid it so far, but Eli and I are in full battle mode with it, stuffy noses, sore throats, coughing...
I'm just hoping we can all be happy and healthy come Saturday morning!!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Crafting Plans

I thought I'd share some projects I'm working on now or have plans to work on shorty.

I am IN LOVE with this little hat ornament and am trying really hard to find the time to whip up a few before Christmas...

The above photo and instructions on how to do this can be found here!

When Zac was in the hospital I made a few of these and I just have some finishing touches to do before I can hang them on the tree...

Photobucket

Instructions for the above beauty (as well as the original photo) can be found here.

I had also really hoped to do a variation on this ornament...

I'm also in mad love with these ornaments I just found out about...

Photobucket
Although I'm thinking I might be pushing the time limits if I try to fit them in before Christmas at this point...
Instructions and original pic found here.

And then to top everything off, Rachel just posted a tutorial for her dress up felt board project, and I have a huge hankering to make one!!
Dress Up Felt Board

Her original pic and instructions can be found here!

Ah, so many things I want to do and only a week left before Christmas!
I'm thinking I may keep making the ornaments even after Christmas and just pack them away all ready to go for next year...

Christmas is less then a week away now!
Are you ready?

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Taffy Tarts

These are SO good.
There's nothing left to say...
(except to apologize for how sloppy they look in the picture!)

Taffy Tarts
Tart Shell:
1/2 cup butter
1,2 cup margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
Mix all ingredients and roll into small balls, drop into mini tartshells and push a dent into the center using the base of the handle of a wooden spoon.
Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.

Filling:
5 McIntosh toffee bars
1/2 cup whipping cream.
Melt everything together and then spoon into the cooked tart shells.

Oh.My.Goodness!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

An Early Christmas Gift

What's that you say? An early Christmas gift?

You shouldn't have! Really...



"AHHH-PEEEE-IZE!!!!!"

He was very proud of himself, and thought this was hilarious fun!
This went on most of the afternoon...

Friday, December 17, 2010

DIY Rutt

I feel as though I've been falling behind in my crafting lately.
Trouble is, it seems my crafting green thumb has gone a little closer to black these days.

Take for example this here, ornament wreath...
I've been seeing them all over and quite enjoy how they look... trouble is mine didn't turn out so round looking...
I like to think it's because it's proven impossible to find a wreath form in my little town so I had to do a make shift one involving a wire coat hanger and some newspaper...
During the making of this it also became very apparent that I didn't have enough ornaments either, so I used everything I had in the hopes that it wouldn't silly...

In the end, I still think it looks silly...

It will still go up though... because I'm that kind of person! It's festive and shiny... I'll find some ribbon maybe and see if I can't make it look a bit fuller... and round...

I have a few ornaments I still want to try and make before Christmas Day but Eli keeps pulling everything we have hung on the tree (including the lights) off... so whether I make them this year or wait until next, is still a little up in the air...

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Embrace the Camera: Christmas Party

Zachary surprised us this year with a very high level of enthusiasm regarding Santa Clause.

Given that Zac's only 3 we haven't really played up the idea of Santa so it came as a huge surprise when he started asking when Santa was coming.
It's been so much fun to experience the magic of Santa, for the first time, from a parental view point this year!

Hubby's, work, kids Christmas party was this past Sunday and they had Santa come in to give each of the kids a gift.

Never before, have I seen Zachary so in awe of anything the way he was when Santa walked in the room!
And I love so much, that the only thing he could think to do with himself was give me a BIG hug!

When his name was called to receive his gift we had the roughest time getting him to actually look at the camera, he just wanted to stair...
(Santa has such good taste in wrapping paper, don't you think??)

Once all the gift giving was done, Santa stuck around to sing some last songs with the kids, and Zac was all over the opportunity to sit with him again. He climbed up on a chair beside him and just hung out, laughing a gut felt laugh every time Santa said anything!
Really, it was the cutest thing I think I've seen in my life so far (I know I'm a bit bias... but still!)

This is the only picture we were able to snap of the two boys with Santa, that someone is actually looking at the camera. I'm not too disappointed though, we've still got the memories!
And hey! I was even in a few of the pictures!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Butterscotch Blondies and Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies

More Christmas Baking!!!

This was my first attempt at "Blondies"!
They are yummy!
Go here to find the recipe for Butterscotch Blondies.

I also made these cookies but included a bag of mint chocolate chips.
...I couldn't stop eating them...

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Recycled Wrapping Paper

A few years ago my Grandmother gave me a "Christmas Bible" book. It's mainly full of recipes and gifting ideas. One of the chapters is dedicated to wrapping gifts and has a homemade wrapping paper idea that I thought had so many possibilities. In the book it suggests buying a roll of plain coloured or white wrapping paper to complete the project, but I thought I'd just use up some extra, left over, wrapping paper we had around the house.

I know lots of people that save their used wrapping paper to reuse or are bothered by the fact that wrapping paper isn't often recyclable. So I thought I'd share this idea in the hopes that some might be able to revamp their used paper!

The things you'll need (to make a snowflake design):
Old or blank wrapping paper (I used the back side of left over birthday wrapping paper)
Cut out paper snowflakes and/or wooden, plastic or other hard snow flakes that you don't mind getting paint all over (refer here to see a video I found last week on how to cut round snowflakes)
Spray paint

Lay your wrapping paper flat (and pattern side down if reusing paper) in a well ventilated area, I used the garage floor.
If it's all wrinkly from previously being used, you can just iron it (on a low setting) flat!

Place your snowflake cut outs randomly over the paper.

Then simply spray paint everything! If you're looking for an even colouring then you'll have to go over it a few times, but I think it looks really nice when it's done just however it falls, lighter in some areas, darker in others...
If you only cut enough snow flakes to do one patch of the paper, give the paint some time to set, but then just carefully lift the snowflakes off, place in the area that still needs to be covered and go at it again with the can of spray paint.

Let it dry completely and then use as usual!
I think it looks wonderful!!!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Peppermint Meltaways

This is a new recipe for me this year and I can not get enough!
I love all things mint though so it's not much of a surprise.
The next time I make them I'm planning to make the icing chocolate. Something about a delish mint cookie with chocolate icing makes me want to do a happy dance!
Peppermint Meltaways
Cookie:
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1-1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
Cream butter and icing sugar until "light and fluffy". Beat in the extract.
Combine flour and cornstarch and gradually add to the creamed butter/sugar mixture. Be sure to mix well.
Shape into 1 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes until they spring back when lightly pushed on the top, or the bottoms are browned. Let cool on wire racks.

Frosting:
2 tbsp butter, softened
1-1/2 cups icing sugar
2 tbsp milk
1/4 tsp peppermint extract

Beat everything together until fluffy!

MMMMMM!!!!!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Quilting Economics

I saw this and LOVED it!
I had to share!

quiltingeconomics

I think I'm going to print it off Flickr and hang it on the wall in my craft room!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Paper Snow Flakes

I've been wanting to make up some paper snow flakes but could not remember how to fold them in order to have a round one in the end.
I found this video and thought I'd share, just cuz!

How to Make Paper Snowflakes -- powered by eHow.com

Hope you make a few!
PS - did you know that you can iron paper? It's true! After I made a bunch of these I wanted them to lie flat so I ironed them and it worked like a charm!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Embrace the Camera

I recently "discovered" The Anderson Crew blog, and it's become a new daily read for me.
I love the idea behind embrace the camera and am totally jumping on board with it!!


I'm really in very few pictures with the boys as I'm slightly camera shy, but I do agree with Emily, it's so important to include myself in some pictures, more for the boys then for myself. My first day of sharing I've decided to show a few. They're all from the same sitting, we had so much fun and there was a lot of giggling involved!
I can't help but smile when I see them!