Hello friends, have you had a good week? It seemed to whiz by, didn't it? Whoosh. And here we are on the threshold of the BIG day. We have been zipping around the house getting everything ready for Christmas. Mostly just checking off all the little details that add up to running a smooth ship.
Right now, the girls are busy in the kitchen whipping up some goodies for their dad. As I've blogged before, he has a sweet tooth. He's one of those rare and lucky people who can eat whatever he wants and never gains an ounce. So we indulge him.
However. He is very particular about what sweets he will eat. So every year, the girls go all out and buy only the very best organic ingredients just to please him. They make assorted chocolates, truffles, nut clusters, bon bons, and peanut butter cups. These are lovingly and carefully packed into cello candy bags with cute handwritten labels, then hidden inside empty ice cream containers in the freezer until they are ready to spring their surprise. The candies usually last until spring and are very much enjoyed and appreciated throughout the gray winter months. A side benefit is, Pops always shares his candy with us!
Today, the sun is shining! Just look how bright my kitchen is. Very strange for this time of year. But I'll take winter sunshine over freezing rain anytime. Ginger, my youngest daughter, is modeling an apron I made. I forgot all about it until she pulled it out and slipped it on.
I'm surprised she has grown to fit into my apron. "Oh, this is perfect for candy making", I tell her. "The dark color will surely hide any chocolate splatters, right?" (She giggles.)
It's made from this pattern, with the addition of a purchased lace collar and with button tabs instead of ties at the sides. We love big pockets.
But back to the subject of candy. This darling book just arrived. The timing could not have been better! After I reviewed the Christmas Cookie Book, a blog reader (thanks deb h), mentioned The Holiday Candy Book by the same author. Wasting no time, I found a used copy on-line and snapped it up for a song. It's a little time worn but that just adds to the charm. How cute is this cover? I love it. The end papers are just as sweet too. (No pun intended.)
The very first chapter in the book is titled: Candy is Fun. Golly, what's not to love here? To paraphrase; "There is no holiday that is not enhanced by candy and if it isn't a holiday, candy will make it one." This is definitely the case at our house.
Before I slip away with my new book, I want to thank everyone who took the time to stop by and enter the My Memories Give-Away. My finished photo albums arrived yesterday and I couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out. Even better than I expected! So. Without further ado, I believe it's time to announce a winner. Are you ready? OK. Reaching into the bonnet, we have a name. The My Memories digital scrap-booking software goes to Lena! Congratulations Sweetie! (I'll be sending you an email with a coupon code to download the software ASAP.) I know you are going to LOVE it.
And to everyone else, thank you for stopping in here and sharing your thoughts and stories when I know you must have lots to do. I enjoy hearing from you all out there and sincerely hope your holidays are merry & bright and full of good cheer where ever you are.
Now it's time for me to get back to the cookie baking and merry making. I'll be back soon with more fun and games. Until then . . .
