Snowflakes

THe other day, I told my husband and children that I feel like Charlie Brown every time I go to the post office. For some reason the Christmas card count is way down this year and it's somewhat sad, but that evening after coming home from work, I walked into the house to find snowflakes and cards strung up in the dining room. My children told my husband they wanted to make me happy and make snowflake cards, and now I believe we have a new way to string cards.

Directions:

Fold a piece of paper into a football (use four folds). Cut off the edges if desired and cut whatever shapes desired on the sides, open to reveal the snowflake. Tape onto a piece of thread and use thumb tacks to hang on the ceiling.

Fudge Recipe

The other day I wanted to make fudge, which is something I do every Christmas, but I did not have all the ingredients. However, I was able to create a recipe that is still good and a little chewy.

Ingredients:

4 squares unsweetened chocolate
2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
3/4 to 1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Line a 8X8 pan with wax paper or foil (if using foil spray with some nonstick baking spray). Stir the condensed milk, chocolate, and sugar over medium heat, until the chocolate is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Stir often. Mix in the vanilla extract and chopped walnuts. Pour into the prepared pan, let sit for 10 minutes, then place in the refrigerator until set (a few hours). Once it is ready, pick up the paper or foil and turn the fudge out onto a cutting board, cut into squares.

Black Friday

Unfortunately, Black Friday is among us. The only time of year when Americans go nuts over deals and door busters after giving thanks for all they have. Here are some tips on how to survive Black Friday and attempt to keep in mind that Christmas is more than stuff.

1. Make a list-make a list of items and stores where the items are located. Strategically plan on the best way to shop for the items in order to prevent fighting over the last one or missing out.
2. Be Respectful-if the item is not there or has been sold out, do not get out of shape. This is America, there is plenty of stuff out there to give or get. Just because the Black Friday deal is no longer available, that does not mean other deals will not come around.
3. Think of alternative items-in order to keep sane during this massive attack on retailers, make a list of options and be happy.
4. Take a Break-be sure to get an early breakfast with friends or family. For those on the go, simply grab a seasonal beverage or food item from a favorite restaurant and enjoy while shopping. Never shop on an empty tummy on Black Friday.
5. Remember, It's Christmas not Wantmas-Black Friday is another example of the commercialism of the holidays. Take time to remember what the season is really about and be sure to emphasize that to loved ones and others.

Most of all, try not to get caught up in the craziness of the shopping experience. Be safe and be sure to wish many people a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays.

With that said, I will be one of the many working that morning. Please remember, those working are just as stressed as those shopping. Just keep in mind, Christmas is not about things, it is about love, hope, and family.

Television Christmas Movies

Hallmark Channel has already begin their special countdown to the holiday season by showing their original movies every weekend. Soon, the ABC Family Channel will start its countdown to the countdown of 25 Days of Christmas. In case your wondering what new movies are showing on these channels, here's some info.

Last weekend, Hallmark featured two new original movies, Love at the Thanksgiving Parade and Christmas Song. Other movies include, A Princess For Christmas, The Wishing Tree  (both on this weekend), and A Dog Named Christmas. Of course, there are numerous favorites showing throughout the month, and the Hallmark channel is even showing Transiberian Orchestra's, Lost Christmas Eve.

As for ABC Family, their premieres begin with Christmas past favorites on Nov. 18th. Then on Monday, Christmas episodes of A Secret Life premiere. Come December and the Christmas movie list goes on and on! They even have ELF and Fred Claus on their list this year, and in November they will be showing Home Alone: The Holiday Heist, and a new movie, The Mistle-Tones.

So, pray for snow, enjoy some family time and try to rest while watching movies that will feel your heart with holiday cheer.

Countdown to Christmas

Countdown To Christmas

First, I want to start by sending prayers to all affected by Hurricane Sandy. This incident has proven tragic and startling for so many. I sincerely hope those who were affected will be helped, find some comfort and know that there are many who are helping and are willing to help.

There has been so much happening and now the Christmas season is about to get underway! This weekend, the Hallmark channel will be previewing upcoming Christmas specials and doing a rerun of Hallmark Christmas favorites. Starting November 9th, they will do a countdown.

As so many have noticed, Christmas commercials have begin to pop up. Some favorites have been the Home Shopping Network and the Target commercial for myself. Even so, try not to get into the commercialization of the season this year. Instead of trying to find the perfect gift, realize the perfect gifts that you already have and be thankful this season. Rather than trying to spend money on material things reiterate the importance of the season and the fact that it is a time to focus on blessings and also the chance to start a New Year with loved ones, friends, new found friends, and families.

Most of all, this Christmas, cherish those who add joy and reason to your life, and enjoy some time together listening to the loved carols of the season and watching some wonderful Christmas movies and just be filled with joy and hope.

Christmas Decorations and Candy

While walking through the stores this evening I noticed fruit cakes in the grocery store and isles of Christmas items in Wal-Mart. While in the grocery store I noticed the Halloween candy had been moved to one side and the Christmas candy is taking over! Wal-Mart had over five isles full of Christmas items and still stocking! Talk about a sign that Christmas is near.

ABC Family Countdown to Christmas

ABC Family has released their countdown to the countdown to Christmas. This countdown is possibly the most anticipated television event (next to the 24 Days of Christmas) to occur during the holiday season. Some of the shows and movies on the countdown include:

Savannah, GA

• Christmas Cupid
• Snowglobe
• Holiday in Handcuffs
• 12 Dates of Christmas
• Miracles on 34th Street
• Eloise at Christmas Time
• Home Alone
• Home Alone Heist (Premiere)
• Mickey's Christmas Carol
• Christmas List

These are some of the fun movies that wll be showing. The station will also be airing Christmas episodes of popular shows. It's going to be a very Merry Christmas, and what better way to get pumped for the season than by watching the countdown?

Christmas Memories

Christmas is so special to so many because of the memories. For our family, Christmas is usually a year around thing. We love watching holiday movies all year. Which means we are full of the Christmas spirit.

One of my favorite memories is really year or years long. Since my oldest son was 2, we started watching Christmas movies before bed almost every night. My oldest son always sat on my lap and fell asleep. As boring as it may seem, it was really special.

One of the best moments was when he began to sing the song in "The Polar Express," about Christmas coming to town. He would sing his heart out and it was one of the most heart warming things. My second son started singing "Where are You Christmas" around 3, and now my youngest loves Christmas music.

Another fun memory that is still going is, listening to my three boys sing and shout "Little Drummer Boy." The boys love this song and story. Today, my youngest started singing "Up On The House Top." Perhaps, what makes it special, is the fact that they are so full of joy when they sing these songs.

By keeping Christmas around all year, our family gets to experience the joy of listening to children sing and dream. No matter how bad a day has been, once the kids sing a heart warming Christmas tune, all the trouble melts away.

By writing this, I just want to say, some Christmas traditions and memories are seasonal, but many can be year long. Here's to Christmas, and looking forward to a season that brings so much hope and joy to so many.

Favorite Christmas Songs

Here is my top ten favorite Christmas Songs, which are subject to change. Even so, many still remain, along with my favorite singers.

10. Straight No Chaser, "12 Days of Christmas"
9. Andrea Bocelli and Mary J. Blige "What Child Is This"
8. Josh Grobin "Little Drummer Boy"
7. Linda Eder "Do You Hear What I Hear?"
6. David Foster "Carol Of The Bells"
5. Sarah Brightman "Child In A Manger"
4. Andrea Bocelli "God Bless Us Everyone"
3. Bing Crosby "White Christmas"
2. Transiberian Orchestra "Christmas Canon"
1. Il Divo "O Holy Night"

All of these are personal favorites. What are some of yours?

Days Till Christmas

It's 99 days till Christmas, and Christmas items are popping up in stores. Belks has several displays and sales on Christmas items (probably trying to get rid of some leftovers for some new items). Big Lots has an isle of Christmas lights, decorations, and knick knacks. Hallmark has their ornaments and some other items. Yankee Candles has several Christmas scents in store, and online Christmas items are starting to pop up on sites such as Lillian Vernon, Partylite, and of course, Walmart, Target, K-Mart, and more.

With only 99 days to go, getting a head start on the Christmas gifts is important. This is a great time to take advantage of layaway, and it is also a good time to look for discounted items from last year that stores might be trying to get rid of. Most of all, it's just a good idea to get the gifts outta the way so the season can be more enjoyed.

Pecan Pie Recipes For The Holidays

There are many Pecan pie recipes, but the best tend to be the easiest. For years, my family has down a traditional Southern Pecan Pie, which is exactly like Paula Deen's Bourbon Pecan Pie without the bourbon.

Alton Brown introduced a Pecan Pie recipe on the 2011, Thanksgiving special, Alton's Countdown to Thanksgiving. The recipe is almost the same as the recipe on the Karo syrup bottle, but instead of using corn syrup, he uses golden syrup. This is the type of syrup many in England use, and he explains the benefits in the show.

Of course, the no fail, always there for ya recipe is definitely on Karo's dark corn syrup. It's basic, no fuss, and great.

Pecan Pie Recipe Variations

Of course, variations can be made on the recipe. Such as, using caramel instead of corn syrup, or adding a variety of nuts. Here are a few that are great for any holiday meal. Simply follow the directions on the Karo syrup bottle, and add these into the mix.

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries and 1/4 cup dried pomegranate
• Only use 3/4 cup pecans and make the rest 3/4 cup walnuts
• Use 1 cup Macadamia nuts and only 1/2 cup chopped pecans, and light corn syrup instead of dark.
• Use caramel instead of corn syrup
• Add 2 finely chopped Macintosh apples and 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• Use 1 cups pecans, 3/4 cup syrup, 2 finely chopped Macintosh apples and 1 finely chopped pear. Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and squeeze half the juice of an orange into the mix.
• Add some nutmeg, cinnamon, and use 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup white sugar instead of all white sugar.

These are simple variations using one easy recipe. The pecan pie recipes are all great, and it one of the best pies to have for the holidays.

Christmas Lists

Who has started their Christmas list yet? Better still, who has finished their list and shopping for gifts? Christmas is 4 months away! A few weeks ago, the Rockettes were on Good Afternoon America to kick off the 85th Christmas show, and later on went out to dance for audiences, getting everyone excited for the Christmas season. Soon, Starbucks will start brewing its beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte and Christmas layaways will begin in all the stores. The excitement of the holidays is almost here, here's to getting prepared!

Christmas Movies

Christmas is the best time to curl up on the couch under the glow of the tree lights while enjoying a flick of the season. Here are some favorite Christmas movies to enjoy all year long.

A Christmas Story

24 hours of A Christmas Story has become a TBS tradition! This classic has become one of America's most beloved Christmas film of all times. The story of Ralphie and his Red Ryder is classic. Favorite scenes include the Leg Lamp, the Christmas Tree and tire incident, meeting Santa, and Christmas Day. This is a great film (although, for families with young kids, be ready to mute one word in the movie). It embraces the fact that all of us have some fond Christmas memories. Not only memories of Christmas Day, but also those leading up to the excitement. It is a great film to watch and may become a family tradition.

Polar Express

The world fell in love with the story of a boy taking a journey to the North Pole to receive a bell with the message, Believe. This is such a wonderful movie that really shows the magic of the Christmas season. It is full of Christmas songs, Chistmas dreams, and is a true movie that shares the magic of Christmas.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Whether it's the cartoon or Jim Carrey's take on the Grinch, this is a must read and must see during Christmas. The story of Cindy Lou Who's wish to bring the spirit of Christmas to the Grinch is heart warming. The Grinch has become a Christmas must for many families, and the extended version is shown throughout December on ABC Family. It is a great family movie that holds kids attention, is funny, and super Christmasy.


National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

This became a Christmas classic after it premiered in the 1980s. This is the hilarious comedy about the Griswold's crazy Christmas with the in-laws. In some ways, it imitates how many families truly feel during the holidays, CRAZY! The stress of creating the perfect Christmas and trying to make family members seen once or twice a year feel welcomed can be extremely bothersome during the holiday season, and for anyone who knows how frustrating it can be, this is a great movie to watch and have a laugh with year around. Of course, in the end, Christmas is really about being with the "ones you love," not about materials.

ELF

ELF is fun for everyone. Will Ferrell was awesome as an elf in search of his father while experiencing life outside the North Pole. Kids will get a kick out of many parts of the movie, and everyone will enjoy the Christmas music. For anyone lacking Christmas cheer, watch this movie and "sing loud for all to hear."

Home Alone and Home Alone 2

Okay, these movies have also become a must watch during the Christmas season. The story of Kevin McCalister's stay at home Christmas and Christmas in New York is one of the best Christmas movies ever. Kids definitely enjoy this story and it never seems to get old.


Other movies that are a must see during the season include:
Christmas with the Kranks
The Santa Claus
The Santa Claus 2
Holiday Inn
White Christmas
Christmas Cartoon Classics
The Muppets Christmas Carol
The Christmas Carol (George C. Scott, PAtrick Stewart, or Jim Carrey ones)
Holidays in Handcuffs (not really family)
SnowGlobe
Mickey's Christmas Carol
Prancer
The Nativity Story
Babes in Toyland (Annette Funicello)
Fred Claus
Arthur Christmas
Garfield Christmas Cartoon

Charlie Brown Christmas and It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown

To end on, Charlie Brown and the Peanut gang is the ultimate family Christmas cartoon to watch when wishing for some light hearted Christmas cheer. The Peanut gang never gets old, and who doesn't love Snoopy, or listening to the gang sing "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," or Sally say "Hockey Stick," or just listen to the classic, "Christmastime is Here." If this and other dvd's don't get one into the spirit of the season, then maybe you're Scrooged.

Anyhow, take some time, no matter what time of year, to rekindle the magic and spirit of Christmas by enjoying a great movie.

The Christmas Alphabet

A
Angels
Advent
Alleluia
Angels From the Realms of Glory
Angels We Have Heard on High
Ave Maria
Away in a Manger
A Christmas Story
A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Child This Day Is Born
A Chistmas To Remember
Arthur Christmas

B
Bells
Blitzen
Bethlehem
Bows
Baby Jesus
Born Today is Christ Divine
Blue Christmas
Birthday of a King
Buche De Noel
"Buddy" (ELF)
Believe

C

Candy Cane
Christmas Tree
Carol of the Bells
Christmas Cards
Carols
Christmas Eve
Charity
Christmas With the Kranks
Christ
Christmas Eve Service
Cranberry Sauce
Christmas Pudding
Christollen
Chipmunk Song
Child in the Manger
Coventry Carol
Cupid
Comet
Clause
Christmas Angel
Christmas at Home
Chestnut
Christmas Cupid
Christmas in Killarney
Christmas Time is Here
Christmas Candles
Christmas Caper
Christmas Cookies
Christmas Coffee
Christmas Blend
Christmastime is Here
Cranberry Bars
Cranberry Scones

D

Deck the Halls!
Decorations
DasherFater
December
Dancer
Donkeys
Doves
Drummers Drumming
Do You Hear What I Hear
Ding Dong Merrily on High
Donner

E

Eggnog
Everlasting Life
Evergreen
Elves
ELF
Eve
Emmanuel, God With Us
Everlasting Father
Ernest Saves Christmas
Eggnog Bread Pudding

F

Frosty the Snowman
Frost
Father Christmas
Feliz Navidad
Figgy Pudding
First Noel
French Hens
Frankencense
Fruitcake
Fred
Fanny
Fireplace
Fir Tree
Five golden rings
Four Calling Birds
Fa La La La La
Fred Clause
For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Fear Not
G

Gloria
Glory to God
"Glory to God in the Highest"
God has given us a son
Grinch
God Bless Us Everyone
Gold
Garland
Ghost of Christmas Past
Ghost of Christmas Present
Ghost of Christmas Future
Giving
Gifts
Gingerbread
Gingerbread House
Gingerbread Man
Glad Tidings
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Good Christian Men Rejoice
Goodwill Towards Men
Goose
Gift Tags
Green
Gentle Mary Laid Her Child
Gesu Bambino
Go Tell It On The Mountain
Glad Christmas Bells
Good King Wencesles
Grown Up Christmas List
Gift of the Magi
H

Hark!
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Holly Jolly Christmas
Holly and the Ivy
Holly
Hot Chocolate
Hot Apple Cider
Hot Totty
Holiday
Ho Ho Ho
Happy Holidays!
He Is Born the Divine Christ Child
Holy Night
Here We Come a Wassailing
Home For the Holidays
Here Comes Santa Claus
Home Alone
Holiday Inn
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Holidays In Handcuff
Holiday Cookies
Hallelujah!

I

Ice
Ice Skating
Icecicles
Ivy
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
I Saw Three Ships
If You Just Believe
I'll Be Home For Christmas
I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
In The Bleak Mid Winter
Its Begining To Look Alot Like Christmas!
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
It's A Wonderful Lie
Incense
Inviting
I Wonder as I Wander

J

Jolly
Joy
Joyful
Joyous
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
Joy To The World
Jesus
Jesus Is The Reason For The Season
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desire
Jingle
Jingle Bell
Jingle Bell Rock
Joyeux Noel

K

Kris Kringle
King
Kings
Kindness
Kissing Under The Mistletoe

L

Love
Lights
Little Drummer Boy
Little Donkey
Lists
Last Christmas
Love Has Come
Leftovers
Ladies Dancing
Lords A Leaping
Logs on the Fire
Lo How A Rose Er Blooming
Little Saint Nick
Lullay, Lullay
Love Came Down At Christmas
Let It Snow
Leroy
Love and Hope
Lighting Candles
Lively

M

Merry Christmas!
Merry
Mary
Miracle
Miracle on 34th Street
My Christmas Wish
Mele Kilikimaka
Mince Pie
Merry Christmas Baby
Merry Christmas Everyone
Merry Christmas to All, and to all a goodnight!
May your days be merry and bright
May All your Christmas's Be White
Mistletoe
Mrs. Claus
Mr. Claus
Manger
Mary Did You Know
Mashed Potatoes
Myrrh
Maids A Milking
Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas
Mickey's Twice Upon A Christmas
Magi

N

Noel!
New Year
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Naughty
Nice
North Pole
Northern Star
Nativity
Nuttin' For Christmas
Nutcrackers
Nine Ladies Dancing

O

O Holy Night
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
O Come All Ye Faithful
Ornaments
Opening Presents
Once In Royal Davids City
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Once Upon A Christmas
One Small Child
One Starry Night
O Christmas Tree
O Tannenbaum
O Daughter of Zion

P

Polar Express
Polar Bear
Please Come Home For Christmas
Peace
Packages
Presents
Pipers Piping
Pine Tree
Pine
Petite Papa Noel
Prancer
Poinsetta
Past Three O'clock
Pat A Pan
Peace On Earth
Partridge in a Pear Tree
Prep and Landing
Peppermint
Peppermint Patties
Peppermint Mocha
Peppermint Coffee
Peppermint Cookies
Prince of Peace
Pannettone

Q

Quiet Night
Quality Time
"Quiet as a Mouse"
Quite Merry
Quick

R

Rudolph
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Reindeer
Rosy Cheeks
Reindeer Boogie
Rockin Around the Christmas Tree
Run Run Rudolph
Red
Ring Christmas Bells
Roasting
Roast
Ribbon
Rise
Rejoice

S

Snow
Snowman
Silent Night
Still, Still, Still
Santa Claus
St. Nick
Saint
Star of Wonder
Star of Light
Star with Royal Beauty Bright
Son of God
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Santa Baby
Silver
Silver Bells
Silver and Gold
Snoopys Christmas
Sleigh
Sleigh Ride
Sleigh Bells
Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Sugar Plums
Step Into Christmas
Star of the East
"Suddenly, there was with the angel, a multitude of the Heavenly Host"
Scrooge
Scrooged
Season
Shopping
Snowglobe
Snow Globes
Stable
Snow Flakes
Stuffing
Swans a Swimming
Seven Swans a Swimming
Shepherds
Stockings
Stocking Stuffers
Stuffing
Sans Day Carol

T

The First Noel
The Christmas Carol
The Nutcracker
The Christmas Song
Tinsel
The First Snow of Christmas
Twelve Dates of Christmas
Twelve Days of Christmas
The Gift
The Greatest Gift
The Reason for the Season
Turtle Doves
Two Turtle Doves
Twenty fifth
Twenty Fourth
Tiny Tim
Turkey
Trimmings
Tree
Traditions
Tree Skirt
Tree Trimming Party
Tree Lighting
The Friendly Beasts
The Holly and the Ivy
The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy
This Christmas
Twinkle
Theres No Place Like HomeFor The Holidays
The Night Before Christmas
The Christmas Mouse
The Berenstain Bears Christmas
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
The Christmas Wish
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
"That was Tinsel!"
Ten Lords a Leaping
The Bells of St Paul
Tree Shops
Tree Shopping
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas

U

Up on the Housetop
Unwrapping
Unto Us A Child Is Born
Under the Tree
Under the Mistletoe

W

Wrapping gifts
Wonderful
Wonderful Counselor
Wishes
Wonderful Life
White Christmas
White Lights
Wise Men
Winter Wonderland
Winter
Winter Slostice
Wreath
Wrapping paper
Warm Fire
Wassail, Wassail
Wexford Carol
What Child is This?
What Should I Give Him?
We Three Kings
What are you oing New Year's Eve?
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
While Sheperd's Watch Their Flock By Night
Where Are You Christmas
Wonderful Chrismastime

X

Xmas
X-celerating!
X-citing!
X-tra Special tie of year

Y

Yuletide
Yule Log
Yule
You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch
You Make It Feel Like Christms
"You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!"

Z

Zion
Zabaglione
Zither

Yankee Candles Autumn Preview

Okay, I know this is an everything Christmas blog, but I have to mention how excited I was to see the autumn fragrances at Yankee candles over the weekend (FYI: there are still Christmas fragrances in the back of the store, in the smaller jars, some are on sale). The candles weren't the only thing on display, there are a number of candle holders, air freshners, and shades to turn a room into an autumn paradise.

Some of the basics were present, but there are some new ones that really stuck out and would make a great gift for anyone on the holiday list. The Pumpkin Buttercream, Apple Cider, Pomegranate cider, Candy Corn, and Kitchen Spices. By far, the Kitchen Spices made me want to go home and cook an autumn dessert. Of course, for those who may not burn candles too often but like the smells, the air freshners work great in the house or the car. In fact, if one wants to make a closet or bathroom smell autumn fresh, use the plug-in air freshner or tie the car air freshner on a towel or closet rack (I like to use mine in my laundry room).

Also, if any one knows of a group doing a Yankee Candle Fundraiser, go ahead and take advantage of ordering some gift wrapping paper, cards, ornaments, flowers, and more. There is a lot to choose from.

And for those who enjoy Halloween, definitely check out the Halloween Collection (and splurge on the "Trick or Treat" fragrance, which does make one want to get some treats). A favorite thing to do is use pumpkin scented candles in my carved pumpkins. When grown ups walk up to the door, they ask what I've done to make the pumpkins smell so good. In fact, put some cinnamon scented candles in there and it will smell like cinnamon pumpkin (yum!).

Oh, and by the way, Halloween is only 97 days away, and Christmas is only 139 days away!

Holiday Soups

It may be a while before the holidays, but these soups are great for anyone craving some Thanksgiving or Christmas flavor. These two soups are pretty basic, and all the ingredients are available year around: Pumpkin-Cranberry Soup and Turkey Stuffing Soup. Of course, for those who are seeking something with more holiday flavor with some meat, try this:

Middle Son, age 1 at the Grove Park Inn, 2008. What a Christmas Memory.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of beef chunks
• 1 package of bacon, cooked and broken into pieces
• 2 apples (Braeburn, Macintosh, Gala, or Fuji would work), chopped
• 1 red onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro, parsley, and thyme
• 1 stick of butter
• 1 1/2-2 cans beef stock
• 1 cup apple cider (optional, and it can be used in the place of beef stock-just use 4 cups instead of 1) 
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons seasoned salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder (less if desired)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Directions:

1. Melt 1/2 stick of butter in a pan over medium high heat, and cook the beef chunks until no longer pink and pretty much cooked through (about 8-10 minutes, until browned). Drain and mix together with the bacon and cilantro, parsley, and thyme.
2. Melt the remaining butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the onion and apples. Cook until softened, 3-5 minutes. Then add in the meat, bacon, and herb mix, and stir together with the brown sugar, garlic powder, seasoned salt, paprika, and nutmeg.
3. Pour in the beef stock and apple cider and stir. Bring to a rolling boil over medium to medium high heat, then add the cinnamon stick and turn to low. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes.

This is a great recipe, and if nothing else, the smell will remind one of the holidays. It can be added to or taken from, and is great during the colder months. Even so, for those craving some holiday food, it's good anytime of year.

Edible Christmas Gifts

Here is the first of many simple ideas for a Christmas gift.
Instead of giving a gift from a store, look for food items that are fun to make as well as delicious to eat. One personal favorite is the shortbread cookies my husband's aunt made this past year. The best part, it's simple!

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks butter at room temperature
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup red and green sprinkles

Mix all ingredients together in a mixer on low to medium speed until blended. Spray or butter a baking dish and pour in the cookie batter. Bake for 1 hour on 300 or 325, until a butter knife comes out clean from the middle. Wait a few minutes, then cut into squares and place in tins as gifts, or serve to family.

Following the same directions, use only 3/4 cup granulated sugar, then add 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoon cinnamon, and all the other ingredients and prepare as directed above.

These cookies go great along side a morning cup of holiday coffee or tea, and makes for a perfect Christmas gift.

Gingerbread Houses At Grove Park

Winner Table 2011

Every year, after a National Gingerbread House competition, the historic resort of Grove Park Inn opens its doors for the public to see the hundreds of creative houses. These houses are made purely from gingerbread and edible items, ranging from Nativity Scenes and Churches to Harry Potter's Hogwarts and Snoopy and the Peanut gang.

Competitors start prepping as early as Spring or even making plans right after the competition for this event. This year, on August 11, 2012, the Inn is hosting a demonstration on how to make gingerbread houses, how the houses are scored, designs and more, as a kick off to the anticipated competition.

The big event and kick off to Christmas happens Thanksgiving weekend. Thanksgiving weekend also includes lots of good food, focus on family, as well as football and Macy parade watching. After Thanksgiving, the judging will begin and the National Gingerbread House winners will be announce, and their creations will be taken to New York to be shown on Good Morning America. Not to mention, the Inn will hold its annual tree lighting ceremony.

Nickelodeon!

Snoopy, Woodstock, and Charlie Brown

A Rocking Horse

This is from the Kids Category

Checking out one of many views

Cinderella's Carriage

Playing around

This was a grand prize winner

the back of Rudolph :)

So, try to make a trip out to the beautiful and grand resort to see these amazing creations from children to adults. All ages are represented and offer a unique take on the traditional gingerbread home.

Hallmark Channel "Christmas in July" Weekend

Alright all those Christmas fanatics around the world, it's here, Hallmark Channel's Christmas in July. The Hallmark Channel will be showing Christmas movies all weekend, starting Saturday July 14th @6AM. This is also the weekend to go pick up a new keepsake ornament from Hallmark stores.

Gingerbread Houses at Grove Park Inn

So, if it's Christmas one craves, take some time to enjoy looking for a new ornament or watching some Christmas movies this weekend. Of course, one could always put in a Christmas DVD and sit back to the sounds of fun classics such as Home Alone, ELF, A Christmas Story, Polar Express, or other favorites. Better yet, put in a Christmas CD and fall asleep to the sound of the holidays.

Christmas Movie Night

168 Days to Christmas, as of July 9.
So close, yet so far, and so hot! However, it is great to cool down with a Christmas movie over the summer, such as Home Alone.

Home Alone has become a Christmas movie icon, much like A Christmas Story, The Christmas Carol, or The Grinch. Home Aoone is so much fun to watch, and brings so many wonderful snow filled memories back (and wishes in this heat).

This is a wonderful movie to take in over the summer months. Especially while the kids are out of school. For those kids who can't get enough Christmas, watching a holiday movie once a week is a great time to bring the family together and enjoy a prelude to the holiday season.

SNOW!

4th of July in Hawaii 2009

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

175 Days till Christmas (July 2, 2012)

That crazy time of year is over halfway here.
Time to prepare for lots of holiday cheer.

On this July 4th
Enjoy some fireworks and grilling,
And get ready, cause soon you'll be chilling,

May 2010-awaiting husband's return from deployment (I'm not in the pic)

By the fireside, so snug and warm,
Sipping on a hot cup of homemade cocoa.
Dreaming of presents under the tree,
Listening to carolers as they sing,
"Deck the Halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la."
Buying the presents,
Wrapping them up,
Making Bows,
And Tying them up.
Finding a tree, decorating it neatly,
And standing in awe as it glows deeply.
So, take it easy,
This 4th of July,

Christmas in Monterey, CA 2010

And be thankful that Christmas is close by.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE!
THANKYOU ALL WHO SERVE, HAVE SERVED, and THOSE WHO ARE THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF THOSE SERVING IN AMERICA'S ARMED FORCES!
Happy 4th of July and God Bless you and keep you safe.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

July 4th, 2011-Beech Community Center

Monterey, CA 2010

“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered... deeply, ...finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”-George Washington