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 . . .
Whoo Hoo! I am beyond thrilled, with a great big smile on face! Thank you so much Vicki, I know I'm going to have a lot of fun with this.
Mostly though, thank you, and your girls, for all the pleasure that you all add to my days. This is my retreat into "home" when I need a place to be away from it all. You've seen me through some pretty sad days in the last few years, with grace and joy in the simple things.
xo
Posted by: Lena | December 23, 2011 at 02:16 PM
Hi Vicki!! You won't believe it, but I am the new owner of a wonderful vintage doll house as of this afternoon! I found it on craigslist - and it's fully furnished and has an amazing amount of fantabulous furnishings. I will be putting the furniture back in it tomorrow and will do a blog post.. so do check later tomorrow. Needless to say, I will be needing to buy a few miniatures from you!
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
*M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | December 23, 2011 at 07:14 PM
Merry Christmas to you & your family! Thank you so much for sharing through your blog.
Posted by: Debbie | December 24, 2011 at 06:30 AM
Congrats Lena (I just bought the scrapbook myself, thank you Vicki). A very merry Christmas Love Clarice
Posted by: StorybookWoods | December 25, 2011 at 10:40 AM
I just love that apron! I would have never thought to buy a lace collar at the fabric store to attach to an apron and I am so doing this next time I make an apron! Very vintage-y idea! I was thinking I could probably even go to the thrift store and look at some of the old lady-ish type of blouses and find some beautiful lace collars for an apron and the blouse would prob. only costs about $2. Oh, lots of inspiration! I think it's awesome that you kids make all of that candy for their Dad! So nice! and sweet! By the way, I'm loving the look of that vintage candy cook book!
Posted by: Bonnie@WhatAboutPie | December 27, 2011 at 08:56 AM