One Reason

gifts

wrapping

decorations

parties

baking

concerts

lights

tree

One Reason:

Merry Christmas!

Holly Jolly Christmas

When my sister and her sweet one moved to Vancouver Island, there weren't many postives - for me.

They got to experience mild weather (although a bit cloudy!), island life, amazing scenery, fresh seafood, extended family and oh - did I mention the mild weather? We enjoy visiting them in the summer, but regret the goodbyes that always come.

After a year, though, the good island life is now sprinkling my way! And, yes, in the middle of winter! My sister phoned a while ago and asked if I wanted some fresh holly. HOLLY! And so, when Dad came back from visiting Grandpa and my sister on the island, he came bearing a gift of a HUGE box of holly. From a real holly farm.

So I googled 'decorating with holly'.


source



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bhg.com



Since I needed a centerpiece for my kitchen table, I decided to go that route.

Beautiful. How could you not like the colours red and green at this time of year?

My sister mentioned that the holly will 'shrink', so I saved some in case I needed to add more closer to Christmas.

Or, I'll make some kissing balls. Wink.

Christmas Movies

It's that time of year again! On Friday, we hunckered down and watched this:

So much fun! There really is no other movie like it! AND it takes place in Chicago, one of my favorite cities.

My sister even has a set of these:

Love the dickie!

This is my other favorite movie:

And...yes...it also takes place in Chicago!

Sandra Bullock is the best!

Peppermint White Chocolate Popcorn

This is the Best. Popcorn. Ever. I can't tell you how many requests I've had for the recipe in the last 2 years that I've been giving it away as a gift. To be honest, I think I've lost the original recipe and now I just go by memory. I mean, really, how can you mess up with chocolate and peppermint?

Step 1: Gather your ingredients...pretty easy since there are only 3.

Peppermint candy canes (I like the red and white)

White Chocolate Wafers

Popcorn

Step 2: Pop popcorn so you get approx. 24 cups.

Step 3: Crush package of candy canes into small pieces.

Step 4: In a microwave safe bowl, melt candy wafers (entire package) in microwave on low. Stir occasionally until smooth.

Step 5: Pour chocolate over popcorn. Stir. Sprinkle on candy canes. Stir. (I find it easier to stir if I separte the popcorn into 2 parts.)

Step 6: Spread on wax lined cookie sheet.

Notice that I forgot the wax paper?

Place in fridge until cool. I use the garage. Lately, it's been cold enough. When it's cool, bring inside and break apart. I found these cute bags at Michaels to put it in.

Yum!



4 Angels, 1 Sheep and a Stomach Flu

No, it's not a new song. Just my life at the moment. We just can't have a Christmas season without getting sick during some part of it! And hey - better now than Christmas Eve.

The costumes are for the Christmas program at our church. I don't mind doing it and it's something that I can help with. And considering my youngest just threw up at church yesterday, maybe this is a way I can make it up to them!

I'm off to get some Ginger Ale.