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