Wednesday, December 22, 2010

odds and ends....and a Christmas wish (at the very end..)

We're on our break from school and most of the big list items are checked off so I've been able to enjoy some of those little things that make the house and the holidays special.  We made this snack mix for Mckenzie's basketball teammates.  Lip gloss tied to each bag was the perfect teen gift. 
John Samuel and I finished his art project together.  We simply tied strips of fabric around a coat hanger circle and added a bow at the top.  His art teacher had the kids make these in class and that was the day that my guy was sick, so she saved him a set to work on at home.  He found the perfect hanging spot for his Christmas wreath. (my bedroom!)
I wasn't liking the veggies prints in my family room for Christmas.  The carrots sort of clashed with the pine and the angels, so I made a quick cover up! 
I printed out the letters to spell NOEL on some craft paper and cut them to the size that I needed.  I simply taped them to the glass right over the offending veggies....wa~la....Christmas art!  (After Christmas I'm planning to print the letters for SNOW- the veggies can re-appear in the spring)
I always like to take something homemade to our neighbors for Christmas. Some families are getting this snack mix.  It is always a hit with everyone and it mixes up very quickly.  I packaged it up in quart mason jars and added a tag and a bow.
and some of our neighbors are getting these cookies....
The nice thing about these cookies are that you make up the dough and roll it into logs.  I store the dough in my fridge and when I'm ready to bake cookies, I simply roll a log in some colored sugar, slice and bake.  I love that we can have freshly baked, homemade cookies at a moment's notice!  (note: I only baked mine for 10 minutes instead of the 12-16 that the recipe calls for....otherwise, they were way too crispy!)
I've found that these pretzel bags make great treat bags for cookies...the size holds just the right amount of cookies to bless singles and older couples!  The tags came from eighteen25...feel free to link up and print your own. 
Anyways....thanks for sticking around through such a long and rambly post....I'm going to take a break and finish up some secret Christmas knitting and enjoy the days leading up to Christmas. I'll be back after Christmas. 
I'm so thankful for each one of you who visit and take the time to comment and share.  I'm so very blessed by your friendship.   I want to wish each of you a blessed and peaceful Christmas.  I hope that your homes are places of joy and wonder as Christmas approaches.  May you find time to abide as the shepherds did many years ago and may the Christ Child change your life as He has changed mine.  Merry Christmas friends. 

11 comments:

This is My Life said...

Such festive ideas for the holidays. I love the idea of the gift of food. Such a warm tradition.

Green Acres in the City said...

What beautiful traditions. Cameron and I are baking today. I might use your sugar cookie idea!
Merry Christmas!

Leslie said...

The Christmas spirit is evident in all you are doing! I really like the "Noel" idea! It looks great. Merry Christmas to you! ~Leslie

Larissa said...

I just love edible gifts - they always fit and no one complains that they already have one. Your home looks so warm and festive. Love the Noel art idea! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Just wanted to let you know one more time i love my pencil case - which i'm using to hold small knitting notions that always get lost in my knitting bag - thank you so much friend!

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

We call your snack mix "Mud Mix" and my kids have consumed it by the fist-full this past week. It is really good.

Thanks so much for the wonderful mug mat....It fits in perfectly with my decor. You're such a sweetie.

Have a wonderful holiday!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post, thank you. A kind art teacher, a good cover-up for the out-of-season veg, and a great idea for quick and pretty cookies. It sounds like the spirit of Christmas is truly working through you! (And thanks for your kind comment too - it's always a treat to read your reactions!) Have a peaceful and joyful Christmas.

Kar said...

All the treats looks so yummy! A very Merry Christmas to you and your family. :)

Sewn With Grace said...

You have been busy. Everything looks wonderful. Celebrating the birth of our Savior with you! Merry Christmas!

Tracy said...

Your festive decorating is beautiful, Lisa! I like how it's a mix of traditional meets modern. :o) Such good idea... I will have to remember these for next year--Thank you! I love your sugar cookie idea--so simple, so pretty, so good! The holiday spirit is ALIVE at your house. Thanks for taking us in. And thank you for another year of inspiration, fun & friendship. Happy Holidays to you all! ((HUGS))

Kristyn Knits said...

looks like your activities leading up to the special day was full of special moments. love the slice and bakes- do you make your own colored sugar? I'm such a fan of homemade baked goods for gifts. thanks for sharing all your ideas! I hope your day was wonderful!! missing you...xoxo

Liz said...

Thanks for the link to the cookies. They look delicious!