Candy Cane Hearts

Here we are again, a few short days shy of another Christmas. Every year I think just about all of us comment on how fast the year flies by and how quickly Christmas comes each year. It really is true though isn't it?

I can remember being in college and aching to get out into the working world and to not have constant homework and papers to write. My mother would always say time would go by very quickly once I got out of college. I remember thinking she was crazy, but once again, Mom is right!

Are you familiar with Saucy? She is always posting wonderful baking ideas. This was the second year that I spotted her candy cane hearts and I knew I had to make some. These are super super easy and make such a nice gift all on their own or as an add on. I'm giving these out with cookie tins and homemade hot cocoa kits. I gave a few out to co-workers this morning and they were a big hit!

Simply take some miniature candy canes, pose them in hearts atop of some parchment paper, melt some white chocolate (or milk or dark chocolate), spoon a bit into the center (I used a baby spoon and found that was just the right amount) and then use a skewer or toothpick to manipulate the chocolate all around the center, top with some sprinkles and let set and there you have it! I packaged these in Christmas themed cello bags, punched some holes in the top and tied with satin ribbon. They make a very festive presentation!

I'll be finishing up Christmas preparations the rest of this week and will be enjoying a week off afterwards. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Holidays!

My Christmas Mantle

Each Christmas (and truthfully each season) the fireplace mantle proves a challenge to me. I can never seem to get it quite the way I envision it. This year was no different and at the end of the Christmas decorating blitz we were faced with a somewhat empty mantle. The candlesticks, small nativity, and owl were perched in their full glory but there was a lot of empty space. I set the concern aside (as part of my "I'm not going to stress over the little things this holiday season" mantra) and went on with my days. As I was going through some favorite blogs during nap time yesterday I came across this post. It is a treasure trove of links to free Christmas/holiday printables. I selected two of my favorites, printed them off and popped them into some frames that I already had and viola....a much more festive and put together Christmas mantle in under 5 minutes and for free. The best part (other than being free) is that hubby really likes this too. He and I differ greatly on home decor.

Another score for us, this past weekend we selected our Christmas tree and strung up the lights and ornaments without any kind of argument! This is the first time in seven years. Perhaps I should keep my mantra going all year long...

A Sweet Painting and a Fond Farewell

I recently received a wonderful gift from Holly. She is such a talented artist. She made this beautiful watercolor with Chelsea's name. In a full circle moment, I had some vintage wallpaper I had purchased from Holly a while back and thought it would make the perfect mat for her darling painting. I got the frame on sale and spray painted it with some paint I had on hand.


It is now hanging in Chelsea's room and she loves to look at it. I do too!

Photo by Sue

On a more somber note, I want to take a moment to pay tribute to Kipper. He was the best friend of one of our own, Ms. Susie Q of Rabbit Run Cottage. Kipper crossed the Rainbow Bridge earlier this week. Sue's Kipper posts always brought a smile to my face. There are some great ones here, here and here.