Gray Cardigan

Monday, December 20, 2010

Yummy Chocolate Pretzels

Don't these look yummy???

My good friend, Barb, came over on Sunday and we "went to town" melting and sprinkling these pretzels. Because we all just love sweet & salty!!!!

This is what you'll need -

I melt about 3-4 squares of the bark at 50% power in the microwave at 40 second intervals and stir in between until it is melted.

We worked as a team and Barb swirled the pretzels in the melted chocolate and then turned it around while I sprinkled it -

These pretzels are a nice size - just 3 1/2" long so very easy to dip in a bowl. I had a bag of the longer ones, but we were so tired out that we decided not to do them. You see I always like to do things up big - so I had 4 of those bags of pretzels. And, we did all of them and, therefore, needed a nap and couldn't do anymore!! Just look at all the pretty ones we "sprinkled" -

You think we were tired - you should have seen Lucy! She beat all of us and got to napping first -

I am linking to Tutorial Tuesday at Hope Studios. You can see them all here.

I am also linking to Life In Grace's Christmas Sweets Linky Party. Click here to see so many delicious recipes.

Easy Ham Roll-ups

These Ham Roll-ups are super easy to make. All you need is packaged ham slices, softened cream cheese (either in a block or a container), dill pickle slices, and green onions. These are what I like to put in my ham roll-ups. Maybe you have another version?

Blot the ham slices with paper towels (so they aren't too moist and the cream cheese goes on smoother) -

Same for the pickles - blot them -

Spread cream cheese on the ham slice -

Put the pickle at one end and then roll (you may want to slice the pickle in half length-wise) --

Same with the green onions -

All rolled up -

Slice -

Serve -

I made these recently for an appetizer just for my husband and myself. They keep well wrapped in the refrigerator for a couple days, too. Ham is a big "favorite" for Lucy and she can smell it a mile away!!! She was doing her best "begging" when I was making these -

I am linking to Sumo's Sweet Stuff Market Yourself Monday - just click here to view all the ideas.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Filling Empty Spaces On Your Christmas Tree Hint!!

Some of my trees look pretty full and others you think look full - until you take a photo and see tons of dreaded empty spaces. Now, some people like the empty spaces - my husband being one. But, in like most everything in my life, I want more & more & more!!!

Here is a hint that I discovered and thought others might like. You just need plain or coordinating ornaments (glass or shatterproof) and some pipe cleaners that match or coordinate with your tree.

Just cut your pipe cleaner in half. (You can find such neat colors in pipe cleaners now. Love the sparkly ones. I may have to stock up on different colors throughout the year so my supply will be ready next season!) It is good to work in odd numbers - 3 seems to work good with this. String 3 ornaments thru the pipe cleaner.

Now, give it a little twist or two to secure them.

Then, using the 2 strands of pipe cleaner - secure them to your tree to fill some empty spaces.

You can see a couple sets in this pic -

If you want, stock up on these ornaments at the after Christmas sales. I know that last year I found some at 50% off at Lowe's a week before Christmas!! If you use smaller ornaments - then just cut your pipe cleaner in thirds. If you were to use very large ornaments - then you might just need a full pipe cleaner. Here are some others on one of my other trees. This one has some on the lower right.

Here they are in the center of the pic -

If you squint you can see more in the upper left of this pic. Lucy wanted to make sure that I had her centered and looking good. These are good using shatterproof ornaments at the bottom of the tree if you have a pet or little one. But, Lucy just prefers to play (aka fight!!) with the tree skirt each day!!! She is giving me that look - the one that says "Who, me????"

I am linking to Tutorial Tuesday at Hope Studios. Check them out here. Lots of great ideas!!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Loving Christmas Decorating!!!!!

This is what I love most - Christmas decorating (and, of course, all that goes with the holiday!!!). This is the whole reason I wanted to start blogging. I saw Boo Mama's Christmas Party and spent the entire holidays perusing them all about 3 years ago. I knew that I wanted to be part of that. I finally began my blog and I thank The Nester for carrying on the tradition.

My front door - got to have animal print!!!

But, only the pizza delivery comes to the front door!!!! We use the side door and are greeted by jingle bells!

Now the tour begins. Just had to show more animal print. I mod podged the "Believe" paper mache sign using animal print tissue paper.

Hanging opposite this is an ornament wreath I made (like all the other bloggers!!) -

Of course, where would the Elves do their laundry but above my washer & dryer -

In the kitchen I also have my computer area. These are on the shelves above it -

Onto some cloches and family Christmas photos -

Another cloche with a glass nativity and some "Believe" wooden letters (again mod podge/scrapbook paper) -

I'm sure by now you want to have a little snack. Try some coffee & delicious Lemon Scones (baked by Daughter Cardigan!!) -

Now we start the first of my 13 trees! In the dining area are the Southwest Tree and the Mittens & Skates Tree -

Next, we enter the Studio (office/craft room) and the Beach Tree, Flamingo Tree, and Shabby Chic Tree -

In the Guest Bathroom I have a Bright Colors Tree and accessories -

This has turned out to be my favorite tree - Brown & Turquoise Tree. It is in the Master Bedroom and looks gorgeous with just the tree lights on. I think the colors really "pop" on the white tree. This tree is a "half" tree.