Traditions

Last year Liz and I started an annual tradition. Christmas cookie bake off! Our second year was filled with fun and a lot of lessons learned, triumphs and disappointments. We learned from some of our mistakes last year, and made some new mistakes this year to keep with us for cookie bake off 2010.

This year we took on 7 recipes. Feeling good about our finished products last year, and confident that we could overcome our mistakes from last year, here is what we made:
Snowball cookies, apricots dipped in chocolate (a favourite from last year), Sugar cookies, cinnamon shortbread cookies, almond and honey brittle (that didn't work our disappointment for this year),chocolate covered pretzels, and truffles.

And now presenting the fruits or our labour.......

Christmas Hand Made

I've been so busy making gifts that I haven't had time to share them with you. Here is a set of place mats I made with that burlap I bought a while back. And a scarf for one of the kidletts.



More to come.... I'm cutting it pretty close with the gifts, but I'm hoping to get a lot done this weekend.

Art Pottery

My collection of art pottery, started when I was a teen unknowingly, when I bought a W. German vase at a garage sale. I was taken by the texture and shape, but had no idea what I was buying. Ever since, I have developed a taste for art pottery from the 50's 60's and 70's. When I learned what it was that I was so drawn to, I am always on the look out for great pottery pieces, and if I find a W. German piece, it's a good day.

This brings me to my latest thrift score. Today I won, in a silent auction at our local Salvation Army, a large pottery lamp. The lady at the store says it's Canadian pottery, but I have my doubts. Regardless I am delighted and smitten by my new light, and have already found a home for it. I'm excited to show you all, so here it is....


A gem! It also helped me get rid of some unnecessary objects that I have no room for anymore since I had to clear a spot for the new piece. If anyone knows or has a hunch about who would have made this lamp let me know...

If anyone is interested in W. German pottery, I came across this site today. Also found this book, which I need! I don't know much about the pottery I have, except that most of it is W. German, hoping this book will teach me a thing or two.

An Ode To: Do Make Say Think

I had never seen Do Make Say Think before Saturday. I have been a fan for a few years now, but am now an even BIGGER fan. Their live performance was beyond great. I can't wait to see them again.

Wonderful People

We all meet wonderful people in our lives, and I am happy to say, I know two of the most wonderful people. My parents!! Today I spent the day with them, and I always miss them when they go. Even if my dad hassles me about having too many things :) I am a lucky girl to have them.

Mix It Up

Raise your hand if you used to make mix tapes? (My hand is raised, so I'm only typing with one finger...)

My first mix tapes happened around 1992 and 1993 when I listened to Casey Kasem on the AM dial! Sitting in front of my boom box waiting with my fingers on the record/play button. I used to love mix tapes, although I never had the opportunity to make one for a boyfriend since I was a bit shy.... But I did exchange with my dear friend Liz. I used to look forward to getting her tapes and also making tapes for her. I cherish them to this day.

Today I have come across a couple of mix tape inspirations, which has given me the idea to make mix tape stocking stuffers! Very excited about this endeavour!!

Check out these great mix tape sources:

http://www.cassettefrommyex.com/
http://bleubirdvintage.typepad.com/blog/2009/12/mixed-tape-vol-6.html

Family

When I married Clayton, I was fortunate enough to become a part of his wonderful family. For this, I am so grateful. Yesterday we celebrated early Christmas with everyone, and one of the best parts was watching the kids excitement.

Kid In A Candy Store

Some vintage candy wrappings I found at the thrift store last week.