BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR

BHG DECEMBER STORAGE PROJECTS: ENTRY

ENTRY

Family Drop Spot. Use a tabletop serving set as a drop spot for keys, change, wallets, and personal devices. Give family members their own bowls or sections.
Stash Away Entry Rugs. Roll up extra rugs, mats, and towels and place in a wood-carrying basket near the door.
Hanging Outdoor Gear. Hang a multi-compartment canvas shoe or sweater shelf from a closet hang bar. Fill spaces with hats, gloves, pet gear, and purses.
Personalized Coat Rack. Hang a coat rack with enough hooks for each family member to have his or her own and label it with each family member's name.

ELF ON THE SHELF & CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Variation on Elf on the Shelf

I found this after the Christmas season, but think it would be neat to do next year.  
The Elf on the Shelf variation with an advent count down card with activities to do each day.  Downloads available at this link.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Greetings

and

Best Wishes

for the

Holidays

and the

New Year

CHRISTMAS EVE WISHES

Remembering all the excitement my children had on this day. Now I am grateful to be able to enjoy it through my grandchildren's eyes.

SNOWMAN PANCAKES

Snow Day Brunch

Here is a fun way to serve breakfast to your kids on Christmas morning! Using pancakes, bacon and marshmallows you’ll create a Mr. Snowman themed meal! Yummy and festive!

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN BUCKET

Christmas Countdown Bucket

I found this earlier, but didn't get it done before the end of November.  I definitely will do this for the grandkids next year!

Christmas Bucket Countdown {Christmas Countdown} Here is a clever way to make each day leading up to Christmas fun for your kids! Using a bucket and 24 wrapped gifts and/or activities you'll create a clever way to countdown the days until Christmas. The gifts can be a Christmas movie or even a box with a slip of paper with something fun to do! After all who doesn't love to open presents!  Check out her blog to get ideas for things to have in the countdown - they don't have to be new or expensive!

CHRISTMAS COOKIES

History of Christmas Cookies

The tradition of baking and serving Christmas cookies transcends cultures, from German springerle to Norwegian krumkake to Swedish papparkakor. Europeans have baked cookies at Christmas since the 1500s, but the tradition became widespread in the United States only after the introduction of inexpensive tin cookie cutters in the 1930s.

CHRISTMAS KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE

History of Kissing Ball

A Victorian invention that encouraged even the most modest of English ladies to kiss and be kissed in public, this lofty decoration is made up of mistletoe, holly, greens, and ribbons. Mistletoe is a parasitic plant believed by everyone from the Druids to the Greeks to possess healing and life-generating powers. According to the custom, anybody caught standing under the kissing ball has to give or receive a kiss or embrace. In France, smooching under the mistletoe is reserved for New Year's Day.

FROSTY THE SNOWMAN

History of Snowmen

Frosty the Snowman thumpety-thump-thumped into Christmas lore in 1950. He came to life from the pens of songwriters Jack Nelson and Steve Rollins. They sold the song to Gene Autry, who'd already topped the charts with "Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer." Autry's recording landed "Frosty" on Christmas playlists in perpetuity.

CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD HOUSES

History of Gingerbread Houses

The Brothers Grimm tale Hansel and Gretel created a gingerbread house craze in Germany in the early 1800s. In the story, the children find a witch's house made of bread, with a cake roof and sugar windows. As the tale became popular, German bakers started selling elaborate gingerbread houses decorated with icing and candies.

CHRISTMAS AMARYLLIS

History of Amaryllis

Amaryllis means "sparkling" in Greek, and that's an apt description for its vivid, dazzling blooms. The flower was discovered by a German physician in the Andes Mountains of Chile in 1828. Since then, the tall stems of this easy-to-force bulb have been regarded as a symbol of pride, and its brilliant blossoms in red, white, pink, or salmon are a favorite for brightening up winter.

CHRISTMAS HOLLY

History of Christmas Holly

Several ancient pagan religions used holly in their winter celebrations. Romans decorated their homes with it, and the Druids wore it in their hair. The early Christian church adopted holly as a symbol of Jesus Christ, its pointed leaves representing the crown of thorns and the red berries symbolizing Christ's blood.

CHRISTMAS NUTCRACKER

History of the Nutcracker

Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker ballet, first performed in the United States in 1944, did much to link the nutcracker to Christmas traditions. German toy makers fabricated nutcrackers from a single piece of hardwood, often fashioning them as unflattering versions of military officers, kings, police, and other unpopular figures. These carved pieces were used as toys as well as, of course, utensils for opening nutshells.

CHRISTMAS GREETING CARDS

History of Christmas Greeting Cards

In 1843, Sir Henry Cole, founder of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, wanted to remind his friends to help the poor during the holidays but didn't think it was possible to hand-write so many letters. Instead, he commissioned a card showing the feeding and clothing of the poor along with the message "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You." The card also had a place for the name of the recipient and the giver. One thousand lithograph copies of the card sold to the public for one shilling each.

CHRISTMAS WREATHS

History of Christmas Wreaths

Wreaths were first created in ancient cultures to adorn the heads of the rich and royal. Somewhere along the way, the wreath evolved to an interior and exterior decoration. The tradition of hanging one on the front door dates back to ancient Europe, when wreaths served as house numbers. The flowers and greenery that made up each wreath identified the family who lived in the house.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA

History of Poinsettia

The poinsettia is prized in its native Mexico as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem. Legend says an angel created the plant from a bouquet of weeds gathered by a poor girl so that the child would have a beautiful  gift to lay on the manger at church on Christmas Eve.

CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS

History of Christmas Stockings

Christmas stockings originate from the 16th-century Dutch Christmas Eve traditions of children. By the fireplace, they left their clogs full of straw and carrots for the donkeys they believed accompanied Sinterclass, an early version of Santa Claus. Sinterclass in turn would leave a treat in each clog. In the 1800s, Clement Clarke Moore's A Visit from St. Nicholas (also known as The Night Before Christmas) helped spread Americanized versions of the Santa Claus story, which include stockings hung with care.

CHRISTMAS TREE

History of Christmas Tree

Long before the spread of Christianity, pagans celebrated winter solstice by bringing evergreen trees into their homes as proof that life still existed in the dark of winter. Christian missionaries adapted the custom to represent the everlasting life of Jesus. Martin Luther is often given credit for first lighting a tree, adding  candles to show his children what forests of trees look like in starlight.

CHRISTMAS CANDY CANES

History of Candy Canes

In 1670, a German choirmaster gave his young singers white sugar sticks to keep them quiet during the long Nativity service. In honor of the occasion, he bent the sticks to resemble shepherd's crooks. It wasn't until the 20th century that candy makers added red stripes and peppermint flavoring. Christian legend claims the white symbolizes Christ's purity, the red stands for his blood, and the peppermint represents the gifts of spices brought by the wise men. The hardness is a reminder that Jesus is the rock and foundation of the church.

PAULA DEEN'S TOP TEN HOLIDAY SIDES

Apple - Cranberry Stuffing

If you haven't figured out what to serve with your turkey for Thanksgiving, here is a link to Paula Deen's top ten holiday sides.

THANKSGIVING TABLE CENTERPIECE

So many different ways

in which to decorate

 the

 Thanksgiving 

dinner table!

TABLE SEATING TIP

When setting the dining table for a sit-down dinner, allow at least 24 inches of table width per guest for comfortable seating in a side chair. If using armchairs, allow 30 inches.

HOW TO CARVE A TURKEY BY PAULA DEEN

Carving A Turkey

A lot of people celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas by roasting a turkey.  I always let the carving up to my husband since it was a chore.  After seeing Paula's step-by-step instructions, I think I will try it this year.  

CRANBERRY - WHITE CHOCOLATE COOKIES

Cranberry - White Chocolate Cookies

Fans of classic cookies will love the accents of sweet-tart cranberries and gooey white chocolate in these treats.  This is one of Southern Living's "70 Best Loved Cookies and Bars" recipes.

HOMEMADE SEAM ALLOWANCE SEWING TOOL

Seam Alowance Tool

by

Five Green Acres

It just so happens that, in their infinite wisdom, the creators of The Pencil engineered the distance between two pencil tips held side-by-side to equal 1/4.”  As they were no doubt good friends with the engineer of the standard sewing machine foot, the two parties concurred that 1/4″ was indeed the divine proportion, forever marrying the utility of pencils to the needs of sewing.

So you have a pattern that does not include a seam allowance?  Problem solved.  Two pencils and a few pieces of tape are all you need to add 1/4″ to the pattern before cutting your fabric.  Simply trace the innermost lead along the perimeter of the pattern and the other lead will add an adjacent line 1/4″ from the pattern’s edge.  You could trace directly on to the fabric or on to a larger sheet of paper, making a new pattern piece.

This is also useful for making your own patterns, as long as you roll with a 1/4″ seam allowance.  If not, dig deep into your school pencil bag and pull out the compass you haven’t used since geometry class and measure and mark your desired seam allowance width.

SALUTE TO VETERANS

ELECTION DAY

I hope everyone takes the opportunity to vote today. This is such an important election since it will determine what the next 4 years will be for fellow Americans. Personally, I am ready for a change.

BHG NOVEMBER STORAGE PROJECTS: DINING AREA

DINING AREA

Wrinkle-free Linens. Iron all table cloths and drape over padded hangers. Place coordinating napkins in gallon-size plastic bags and clip to hanger with clothes pins.
Hanging Glassware Storage. Install top-mount glassware racks in a cabinet or china hutch. Arrange glassware by type and size.
Corral Disposables. Fill one compartment of a serving buffet with paper party supplies. Use letter holders to organize plates by size and style and mugs to corral plastic cutlery.
Stash Platters. Place larger platters in oversize plastic bags and slip between appliances or behind a hutch.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS TODAY

I love waking up to the morning sunlight. Remember to turn your clocks back one hour since daylight saving time ended today at 2 A.M.

SIX DECORATIVE PIE CRUST EDGES

How To: Six Deocrative Pie Shell Edges

Six Decorative Pie Edge Techniques

By The Paula Deen Test Kitchen

Put your forks away! Instead of the usual “pressing of the tines” ritual around the perimeter of your holiday pies, let these six suggestions be your inspiration and get your creativity flowing. The possibilities and pies are endless. Check the link to see how the techniques to make braids, checkerboards, cutouts, points, scallops and spoon pressings pie edges.

LADY AND SON'S LASAGNA

Lady and Son's Lasagna

I want to try this recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
12 ounces cottage cheese, mixed with 1 beaten egg and 1/2 cup Parmesan
6 to 9   Long strips lasagna noodles
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
2   bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon Paula Deen’s Seasoned Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons Paula Deen's House Seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons Paula Deen’s Sweet Italian Herb Blend
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1/2 cup green bell peppers, diced
2   cloves garlic, diced
1/2 cup onions, diced
1 cup water
2 cups tomato sauce
2 cups canned, diced tomatoes
1 cup Swiss cheese, grated
2 cups cheddar, grated
1   (8-ounce) package cream cheese
1 cup mozzarella, grated

Directions

To make the sauce, combine the tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, onions, peppers, garlic, parsley, seasoning mixtures, sugar and bay leaves in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 1 hour. Crumble the ground beef in a saucepan. Cook until no pink remains, then drain off the fat. Add the ground beef to the stockpot. Simmer for another 20 minutes. While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package directions. (If sauce is too thin, for your taste, you can thicken it up at this time by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and a 1/4 of a cup of cold water. Bring sauce back to a boil. Stir in cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly.) Remove bay leaves.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

To assemble lasagna, place a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9 by 13 by 2-inch pan. Layer 1/3 of each, noodles, cottage cheese mixture, Gruyere, Swiss and cheddar cheeses. Pinch off small pieces of cream cheese and dot over other cheeses. Add another layer of sauce. Repeat layering 2 to 3 times, ending with sauce. This may be covered and refrigerated. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and top with mozzarella and continue to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. Note: If lasagna has been refrigerated, bake for 40 minutes total.

Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen

TRANSFORM YOUR HALLOWEEN PUMPKINS

If you have pumpkins left over from Halloween that you didn't use as jack-o-lanterns, turn them into a fall or Thanksgiving centerpiece.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

PUMPKIN TEMPLATES

Pumpkin Templates

9 Jack-O'Lantern Templates

Create a spooky jack-o'-lantern this Halloween with these free printable pumpkin carving templates from My Home Ideas.

DECORATING WITH PUMPKINS

Pumpkins in a Flower Box

Pint-Sized Pumpkin Blooms

Dress up window boxes and flower boxes with teeny-tiny jack-o’-lanterns mounted to plant dowels for the cutest Halloween display.

CANDY CORN GUESSING GAME FOR HALLOWEEN

Candy Corn Guessing Game

Candy Corn Guessing Game: 

For this sweet guessing game, fill a large clear bowl with candy corn, counting the pieces as you go. Download and print the sign provided and adhere it to a black paint stick using glue. Ask each kid to write his name and guess on a slip of paper. Award the kid who guesses closest to the amount with a special prize.

BHG "HOW TO MAKE FRESH LEMONADE" VIDEO

Lemonade Video

Check out this video by BHG on how to make fresh lemonade.  Nothing better than a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day, for a picnic or a party, or for a refreshing drink for the kids after school.

RICE KRISPIES FUNNY FACE TREATS FOR HALLOWEEN

RICE KRISPIES HALLOWEEN TREATS

INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows
     OR 4 cups miniature marshmallows
Food coloring (optional)
6 cups Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® cereal
Canned frosting or decorating gel
Assorted candies
 
DIRECTIONS

1. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. To turn the mixture a fun color, stir in a few drops of food coloring, if desired.

2. Add KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated.

3. Using 1/2 cup measuring cup coated with cooking spray divide warm cereal mixture into portions. Using buttered hands shape each portion into a circular shape. Decorate with frosting and/or candies. Best if served the same day.

Prep Time: 20 minutes • Total Time: 40 minutes • Servings: 12

ACORN NAPKIN RINGS

Acorn Napkin Rings

Acorn Place Setting

Acorns become table jewelry when they're wired together to make a napkin ring.  Bright red napkins stand out against a simple white plate. For a touch of texture to the table, lay down a burlap table runner.

To make this natural napkin ring, drill tiny holes through the sides of nine or 10 acorns. Wire the acorns together, alternating the acorns top-to-bottom so they nestle together tightly.

CIVIC DUTY

I performed my civic duty this morning by early voting. I wanted to view the last presidential debate before casting my ballot. One never knows when a bombshell will be dropped at the last minute. I didn't learn anything new from this "mild" debate, but how a president shouldn't act when worried about his standing in the polls.

CALLOWAY'S WINTERIZING TIPS

I planted some purple and yellow pansies today.  Love the touch of bright colors the pansies provide for the fall and winter seasons when all the other flowers are dormant.  Here are some garden tips from one of our local nurseries.

Callie's Garden Tip - 

Winterize Your Landscape

Prepare for the cold weather before it hits!  One of the best things you can do for your landscape plants is to provide a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch.  Mulching is necessary year-round but during the colder periods it provides a layer of insulation for the roots.  Secondly, water your landscape well before a cold spell.  A drought-stressed plant is more susceptible to freeze damage.  Thirdly, for more tender plants, purchase frost cloth or a plant protector bag for extra protection.  

HOMEMADE CANDY RECIPES

Check out the delicious looking 

homemake candies & recipes 

complied 

by 

Southern Living.

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES - PART 2

Last night's Presidential debate was remarkably different from the first debate. The main difference this time was President Obama's change in demeanor from being passive to being aggressive.   Sometimes I wonder why the debates have set questions, since both candidates usually don't address the questions with definitive answers. I find it laughable what parts of the debate are tweeted about - i.e. "binder full of women" - they completely miss the point of what that "binder full of women" represented.  We all have made grammatical errors in speech, but everyone hearing knows what is being conveyed.  I am pleased that President Obama didn't throw Hilary Clinton under the bus for the Libya debacle, but I am concerned he skirted the real issue regarding the question.  In my opinion, the best moderator so far has been Martha Raddatz in the vice-presidential debate. Too bad we can't have her back for next Monday's debate. Ultimately, this debate didn't change who I will vote for in November.

FREEZING COOKIES AND COOKIE DOUGH

VIDEO ON HOW TO FREEZE COOKIE DOUGH

What's better than a warm cookie and a glass of cold milk? Learn how to freeze cookie dough so you can have fresh-baked, homemade cookies whenever the mood strikes. I usually bake lots of cookies for teachers and neighborhood gifts for the Holiday Holiday season.  This year I plan to start in November by trying these methods. 

 

TIPS FOR FREEZING COOKIES AND DOUGH

1.  Freeze cookies in layers separated by a sheet of waxed paper.

2. Freeze cookies unfrosted because the frosting may cause the cookies to stick to one another. Also, cookies tend to absorb moisture from the frosting and lose their crispness.

3. Before baking bar cookies, line the baking pan with foil, leaving 2 inches extra at each end. Add the batter, bake, and cool the bars in the lined pan as directed. Lift the foil to remove the cooled bars. Wrap in foil, seal, and freeze. Frost and cut the bars after thawing.

4. To freeze cookie dough, pack it in freezer containers. (For sliced cookies, roll and wrap the dough as directed in the recipe.) Freeze cookie dough for up to six months. Before baking, thaw frozen dough in the container in the refrigerator. If the dough is too stiff to work with, let the dough stand at room temperature to soften.

BIDEN - RYAN DEBATE

I thought tonight's debate was much better than the 1st Presidential debate.  Both candidates were articulate and energetic in their views.  Voters need to decide if they are ready for a change or if they want to revisit the last 4 years again.

CUSTOM MEDIA CENTER

Custom Media Center

Undercover Media

If you're building a custom media center, like this one, make a list of all the things you'll want to store along with your TV, including stereo and gaming systems, DVD players, and the accessories and extras that go along with them. Once you have your list, you'll know how to plan your storage strategy. Also consider if you want your TV to be visible all the time. If you want the ability to hide it, plan for cabinet doors.