Wordless Wednesday

:: for next year: kid-friendly snowman ornament keepsakes ::

Though many of our Christmastime traditions were amended or tabled this year, we did manage to find time for something new and fun at the very last minute: snowman ornaments.

If you have some extra glass balls on hand (or snag a bunch at the post-Christmas sales), check out Meg's simple step-by-step photos and make some of your own with a few of your favorite kiddos.  This simple project makes for a wonderful afternoon ... and a sweet collection of ornamental keepsakes to treasure.

Here's a peek at ours, most of which have now gone on to new homes for next year's trees:

Did you make any new kid-friendly keepsakes this year?  I'd love to hear about them!

::: BELIEVE :::

BELIEVE.  It's a powerful word, isn't it?  Full of commitment, hope, promise, and a dedication to that which can't be proven but can only be felt with the heart.  To believe is to make a decision, to boldly make a leap of faith, and to hang on to that commitment ... no matter what occurs.

We often speak of believing this time of year.  For many of us, it's a sweet mixture of religious conviction and the long-treasured memories of Santa's magic.  As we age, we realize that this magic actually exists within all of us ... if we only take the time to share it with others.  A simple gesture, a kind word, a warm meal, or a quick e-mail can work wonders.

Needless to say, belief and magic have become incredibly important to me this fall.  

I was diagnosed with breast cancer last month.  Five years before being considered eligible for my first mammogram.  And with no family history or risk factors to speak of.  It was, as you can imagine, shocking and devastating news.  And though my prognosis is fairly excellent, the road to wellness promises to be a long one filled with difficult choices and short-term sacrifices to ensure long-term well-being and peace of mind.

It's not the path I would have chosen if I'd been given the choice.  But I believe in the very best outcome and I know that better days will come.  I am fortunate that what I have can be fixed and I am grateful to know that this journey will not be taken in vain.  There is still so much goodness in our sweet little world and I am reminded daily that magic and kindness are everywhere.  If love, support, and prayers were currency, I'd be the wealthiest person on earth.  It's heartening to know that we are so richly blessed when and where it matters most.

I've thought long and hard about sharing this news with you all.  This space will remain what it has always been for me -- a homey, light, and welcoming mix of the things that bring me joy.  It's a refuge, a creative outlet, and, most importantly, a sweet, simple, and happy place.  Which means I won't be regaling you all with details or diatribes. I won't be sharing a whole lot about the process, actually.  I'll be living with it daily ... and I will need this oasis and any bits of magic that occur along the way.

My outlook is steadfastly positive and I wake up believing.  Every. Single. Day.  I'm not done crying, worrying, or railing ... but I am committed to enjoying all of the goodness that life has to offer.  Especially now.   

If you're inclined to pray, please keep us close in your prayers.  If you prefer positive thoughts then I will gladly welcome those as well.  I've always believed that when good people come together in support of a common goal anything is possible.   

Thanks so much ... and Merry Christmas to one and all!

Homemade Holidays Recipe Swap

Welcome to the Homemade Holidays edition of our weekly recipe swap!

If you'd like to participate, please write up your post and link up (to that post only) by 11 p.m. EST Sunday evening.  All I ask is that you also link back to me within your post so that your readers can join in the holiday-themed recipe swapping fun too.  Feel free to spread the word and snag the Homemade Holidays button above.

  

The concept is this:  If you and your family love it, then share it. Everyday favorites are always welcome, but so are many other must-make holiday season options.
  

::: Here are some suggestions to get you started :::

• Everyday Favorites -- muffins, lunch box snacks, soups, dinners ...
• Holiday Favorites -- Thanksgiving side dishes, Christmas Dinner must-haves ...
• Holiday Baking Favorites -- Thanksgiving pies, Christmas Cookies, breads ...
• Food Gift Favorites -- mini loaves, snack mixes, gifts-in-a-jar ideas ...
• Crafting Recipe Favorites -- cinnamon dough, room sprays, soaps, gingerbread ...

••••••••••••••••••••

 

 

When you're in the mood for a little breakfast (or an afternoon) treat this season, these tasty scones will most definitely hit the spot.  They were a huge hit here last weekend and I hope you'll enjoy them too.  Perhaps with a mug of hot cocoa, Friendship Tea, or Chai Tea.  'Tis the season after all ...

 

Cinnamon Chip Scones 

(from Taste of Home)

 

  

3 1/4 cups flour

1/3 cup plus 2 T sugar, divided 

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup cold butter, cubed

1 cup buttermilk (or add 1 tsp. vinegar to skim)

1 package (10 ounces) cinnamon baking chips (found in baking aisle)

2 T butter, melted

 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk just until moistened. Fold in chips.

Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead gently 10-12 times or until dough is no longer sticky. Divide in half; gently pat or roll each portion into a 7-in. circle. Brush with butter and sprinkle with remaining sugar.

Cut each circle into six to eight wedges. Separate wedges and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 425° for 10-13 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve warm.

 

 

Have a wonderful weekend ... and happy merrymaking!